Mindanao: A New Operational Centre Enabling a Rapid Response to Explosive Risks

6 January 2026 / Orlane Lagarde

In the south of the Philippines, the island of Mindanao remains heavily contaminated by unexploded and abandoned ordnance, a legacy of decades of armed conflict. Found in fields, near homes, or along paths used by children, these devices pose a constant threat to communities.

Until recently, many residents were reluctant to report the presence of these items, due to fear, mistrust, or a lack of information. As a result, munitions often remained in place for months, or even years, exposing to the risk of serious, sometimes fatal, accidents.

Without realising the danger of their actions, some people collect unexploded ordnance and turn it into everyday objects, such as school bells.

Today, the situation has changed. On 28th November 2025, an Operational Centre dedicated to managing the response to explosive hazards was inaugurated in Mindanao. Established in collaboration with FSD and the parties involved in the peace process, and bringing together the Philippine police and armed forces, this centre now enables a rapid, coordinated and effective deployment of assets to any alert.

Before the Centre existed, the discovery of unexploded ordnance caused paralysing fear and disrupted the local economy,” explains Cristian Miko Lim, from the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities.

“Now that the Centre is fully operational, any call about a suspected explosive triggers a rapid response within 48 hours.” explains police officer Shahanie D. Information is centralised, responsibilities are clearly defined, and teams know exactly how to act to prevent accidents. “When we receive a call about explosive(s), we can immediately gather all necessary information and provide a coordinated and response through the operational Centre”, adds her colleague Edna L.

FSD provided a five-day training course for the Centre’s staff, providing essential guidance to enable them to respond more quickly and safely in the event of the discovery of explosive devices.

Beyond the immediate reduction of risk, the opening of this Centre plays a key role in peacebuilding. By bringing together actors who were previously opposed around a common objective which reduces the risk to all community members, it helps to restore trust between the different parties to the conflict. This concrete cooperation, grounded in the peace agreement, represents an essential step towards lasting security for communities and towards a peace that is built day by day.

This programme is supported by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

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