Unexploded World War II bomb may delay Legazpi City dredging project

An unexploded World War II-era bomb unearthed at the pier in Legazpi City,  Albay last week now threatens to delay dredging work in the area.

The bomb was unearthed during a dredging project of the Philippine Ports Authority, GMA Bicol's Maila Aycocho reported Monday.

Bomb technician SPO2 Ramon Frades said they are not discounting the possibility there may be similar bombs buried in the area.

"Sa ngayon, pinapatigil ko muna hangga't wala tayong expert assessment from the divers o kaya kung may makukuha tayong magda-dive o yung assessment from (the Philippine National Police)," PPA Bicol regional director Nene Sumagaysay said.

Police Explosives and Ordnance Division experts said their initial findings indicate the bomb is a general purpose bomb that may have been buried in the area in World War II.

Had the bomb exploded, it could have caused damage within a 500-meter radius.

The report said the discovery of the bomb could affect the PPA dredging deadline of September 7.

The PPA may also seek help from divers from the Philippine Coast Guard to check under the pier to see if there are more bombs.

Last Saturday, the PPA, Coast Guard, Navy and local government unit of Legazpi City met to draw up safety measures to address the possibility of similar bombs being buried in the area. — Joel Locsin/JDS, GMA News