Monday, October 13, 2008 US donates bomb detection gadgets
GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The United States government has donated bomb detection equipment to the Philippine National Police in Central Mindanao in line with the fight against terrorism.
Jacob M. Wohlman, regional security officer of the diplomatic service office of the US embassy in Manila, handed over the equipment worth at least P1 million.
The gadgets include a bomb suit kit, detector, x-ray machine, and other post blast investigation tools, said Chief Supt. Felizardo M. Serapio Jr., Central Mindanao police director.
He thanked the US government for donating the equipment which he said will improve the capability of the regional police office to help in the fight against terrorism and maintain peace and order in the bomb-wracked region.
Central Mindanao is considered as the bombing capital of the country, with the more than 40 bomb attacks that hit the region in the last five years.
The bomb attacks gave the region a negative image among prospective investors, various business leaders have lamented.
Last January, a blast occurred outside the tuna factory of Philbest Canning Corp here, killing four people and wounding 27 others. (BSS)
