BACOLOD City – The Explosive and Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) is planning a controlled disposal of World War 2 vintage 1,000 lbs. M65 general-purpose bomb.
It was unearthed at a quarry site in Purok Lambunao, Barangay Magsaysay, Cadiz City last week.
Police Lieutenant Jester Minguez, NOCPPO-EOD team leader, said residents in the area will be informed a week before the disposal.
Minguez said they have already coordinated with the landowner where the bomb was found that they will detonate it on the premises instead. It could be too dangerous to move it someplace else, he added.
Locals were told to stay away as the bomb could still be live.
According to the National Museum of the United States Air Force website, the M65 is typically used against reinforced targets such as dams and concrete or steel railroad bridges.
The bomb could also be used to target ammunition dumps, aircraft on the ground, and some warships.
Previously, NOCPPO spokesperson Police Captain Judesses Catalogo said the Imperial Japanese forces operated an airfield in the area, likely targeted by the Allied forces during the war.
A backhoe operator unearthed the bomb on July 24. (Watchmen Daily Journal)
