Army assures proper handling, storing of explosives

FILE: Army commander Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana (PNA Photo)

MANILA – An official of the Philippine Army (PA) on Sunday assured that the stockpile of explosives and ordnance are properly handled and stored.

Army commander Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana made this statement in the wake of the twin blasts in Lebanon’s capital Beirut after some 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate had been detonated last Tuesday that killed about 154 people, wounded thousands, and displaced local residents.

“The Philippine Army values the safety not only of its personnel but also of the people, and as such, we ensure the proper handling and stockpiling of all our explosives and ordnance capabilities,” he said in a statement to reporters.

The military does not store nor use ammonium nitrate since its primary use is for agriculture, he added.

“We nonetheless guarantee the public that we employ measures to avoid such incidents from happening,” he added.