30% of Marawi battle zone cleared of bombs

MANILA, Philippines — Around 30 percent of the main battle area in Marawi has been cleared of unexploded ordnance and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). 

 “As of Dec. 15, a total of 2,853 assorted unexploded ordnance and 415 IEDs were recovered by personnel of the Joint Engineer Task Group (JETG) headed by Maj. Gen. Arnold Rafael Depakakibo,” Col. Romeo Brawner, Joint Task Force Marawi deputy commander, said. 

The unexploded bombs were either dropped by military planes or planted by Maute militants and their supporters during the fighting with government troops. 

Explosives and Ordnance  Disposal Company operatives  as well as Army and Air Force K-9 units are assisting JETG personnel in clearing operations. 

Brawner said military engineers also finished clearing operations on 20 kilometers of primary and secondary roads, three bridges, a school and three places of worships, allowing the conduct of post-conflict needs assessment by the Department of Public Works and Highways. 

Military engineers are likewise assisting the Housing and Urban Coordinating Council in the construction of temporary shelters for Marawi evacuees. 

At least 250 temporary shelters were turned over to families whose houses were destroyed in the fighting. 

Brawner said another 250 units are expected to be turned over to another 250 families next month. 

“More than 500 military engineers are deployed in Marawi as part of the JETG. The task group is supporting the recovery, reconstruction and rehabilitation operations of Task Force Bangon Marawi,” he said. 

JETG personnel are also involved in reconnaissance and surveys, road and site clearing, wall breaching and timber cutting operations as well as construction of ramps and platforms for mechanized assets.