Bomb (Air Delivered) event in Albay, Camalig area, Philippines on Tue 21st July 2026

LEGAZPI CITY — A World War II bomb capable of wiping out a big area or community was uncovered near the Japanese tunnel in the heritage town of Camalig in Albay on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.

Maj. Mark Moses Dave, officer-in-charge of the Regional Explosives and Canine Unit (RECU), said that the 1,000-pound aircraft vintage bomb was found in Purok 5, Sitio Sogong, Barangay Ilaod, Camalig, while a backhoe was digging in the area of a Japanese tunnel.

The area where the bomb was found is mountainous and is believed to have been used by the Japanese soldiers as a stronghold.

PSMS Reynold Miraflor of Albay Provincial Police Office EOD Unit and Canine Unit (Apecu) said that the device is a type of aircraft bomb dropped during the Japanese occupation.

He said that the bomb is still active and possible to explode if the warhead is detonated.

“Fortunately, the backhoe did not hit the warhead, which could have resulted in an explosion causing serious damage to the area,” Miraflor said.

Apecu personnel responded immediately to retrieve the bomb for safety. The operation was completed safely without any incident.

According to Apecu, they will coordinate with the Regional Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Unit 5 (RECU 5) to turn over the bomb for proper and safe disposal.

Barangay Captain Edsel Garcia said they immediately reported the bomb to the authorities for proper assessment.

The local government of Camalig reminded the public that in case they uncover a bomb, grenades, or any suspected vintage equipment during WW II, they should not throw them away.

Instead, they were told to stay away from the area and call or report it to the authorities so that experts can check it for safety.

The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team retrieved the bomb and transported it to Camp Simeon Ola for proper disposal.