The Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD) K-9 Unit in Bohol is a specialized team of police officers and dogs that are trained to detect and dispose of explosives. They are also known as the Bomb Squad, and they have been serving the province since 1999.In an interview with Ardy Araneta Batoy, the host of DYTR’s Open Forum program, PLT Franklin Rosario, the OIC of the Provincial EOD K-9 Unit, shared some insights about the PNP group’s function, mandate, and achievements. He was joined by PEMS Francis Briones, one of his seniors and mentors, and PSSG Jerome D. Concon, one of his colleagues and team members.Rosario explained that EOD is the primary unit responsible for the management, deployment, utilization, and development of all EOD units of the PNP. He said that EOD technicians undergo rigorous training for four to five months to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to handle explosives. He added that he belongs to Batch 5 of the EOD Basic Course, which was held in Camp Crame in 2004. Since then, he has been assigned to various regions, including Region 7 in Cebu City and Manila. He said that his first deployment was in Bohol, where he became familiar with the province.Rosario also talked about the K-9 dogs that work with them as partners. He said that K-9 dogs are trained in different skills, such as drugs or explosives detection. Rosario said that their K-9 dogs are specialized in explosives detection, and they have been imprinted with the smell of explosives since they were puppies. He said that K-9 dogs and their handlers train together as a team, and they develop a strong bond with each other. Rosario said that K-9 dogs are expensive to maintain, and they eat differently from ordinary dogs. He bared that the handler himself is responsible for taking care of his K-9 dog.Briones expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to inform the public about their accomplishments and programs. He said that through the Open Forum program, they can reach out to the people and let them know that they have personnel in EOD K-9 who are ready to serve and protect them from any threat of explosives. He also thanked their superiors for their support and guidance.Concon introduced himself as a member of the EOD Team who graduated from the EOD Course in 2021. He said that he also underwent SWAT training in 2016 in Bohol, where he learned how to be accurate with his issued firearms. Concon said that he always wears a bulletproof vest for safety reasons. He also announced that their EOD K-9 Unit will conduct a project called ABACADA (Awareness of Bombs That Kill And Destroy Properties) all over Bohol for LGUs, NGOs, private or any establishment. He said that this project is free of charge and aims to educate the people on what to do in case of bombs and explosives.Rosario also addressed the challenge posed by the left-wing group of rebels in Bohol, who recently clashed with some PNP members in Bilar. He appealed to them to stop fighting against the government and to avail of the amnesty offer that will provide them with livelihood opportunities. He said that the government is willing to accept them back into the fold of the law and to help them live a peaceful life.The interview ended with a message of gratitude from Rosario to the people of Bohol for their trust and cooperation. He said that they will continue to do their best to fulfill their duty as EOD K-9 officers. He also encouraged anyone who is interested in joining their unit to apply and undergo the training. He said that EOD K-9 is a challenging but rewarding career that requires dedication and passion.