PNP PRO 8 starts inventory of dud grenades

By RPCRD, Police Regional Office 8
May 13, 2015

CAMP KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte – PCSupt. Asher Abanilla Dolina, Acting Regional Director disclosed that Police Regional Office 8 has complied with the directive of the National Headquarters to conduct inventory and inspection as the PNP starts the recall of M203 grenades after the incident in Mamasapano, Maguindanao wherein some of the grenades have malfunctioned during the operation of the Special Action Force (SAF).

It was noted that one of the findings of the PNP Board of Inquiry on the Mamasapano incident was that some of the ordnance for M203 were defective. With these findings, PNP OIC, PDDG Leonardo Espina ordered an inquiry into the quality of the explosives. All M203 grenades were being recalled for decommissioning and at the same time for analysis for future procurement.

PCSupt. Dolina, immediately ordered the inspection and inventory of M203 grenades and other ammunition in the AOR to account those which are still effective. He said, this is to prevent tragedy in future police operations.

On March 16-27, 2015, a joint team from the Office of the Regional Logistics Division and Explosive and Ordnance Disposal conducted Ammunition and Explosive Surveillance and Inspection of ISO Equipment and Ordnance Items to all units within AOR. Based on the inventory, it was found that there are numbers of unserviceable ammunition and explosives due to wear and tear and damaged brought by Typhoon Yolanda. The Inspection Team however advised all units not to utilize defective ammunition and explosives, and to turn-over the ordnance items for proper disposition. Further, the team submitted report to the Directorate for Logistics as basis for appropriate action.

The PNP assures the public that the police force is ready to secure the public’s safety. As the primary law enforcers in the country, the PNP will remain relentless on its mandate of serving and protecting the people.