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Filipino and American troops have disposed of more than 2,000 pounds of unexploded ordnance that had reached potentially hazardous levels, U.S. and Filipino military officials said Tuesday.

The Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians from the 3rd EOD detachment in Camp Gen. Arturo Enrile worked earlier this month with the Naval Special Operations Unit (NAVSOU) sixth EOD technicians in the Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte and disposed the unexploded ordnance.

During the day-long event, sailors from Joint Special Operations Task Forceâ€"Philippines (JSOTF-P) provided technical support and subject matter expertise.

“We have a good working relationship with our counterparts in NAVSOU EOD,” Maj. Michael Duquez, commanding officer of 3rd EOD Detachment, said.

“When we conduct an operation near the area of water, we coordinate with them and if they have an activity on the ground they coordinate with us to accomplish the mission safely,” Duquez said. - pna

The disposal operation removed a significant portion of potentially hazardous ordnance items that had been stockpiled.