PROTOCOLS FOR

EXPLOSIVES RELATED
INCIDENTS INVESTIGATION
 LESSON OBJECTIVES
At the end of the lesson, the participants will be
able to:
LO 1. To brief on the history of the Inter -
agency Protocol on Explosive-Related
Incidents Investigation;
LO 2. To appreciate the purpose and
conduct of investigation of Explosive-
Related Incidents;
LO 3. To define the important terms used in
the protocol;
 LESSON OBJECTIVES
LO 4. To state the principles, concepts of
operations and coordinating instructions;
LO 5. To appreciate the CPNP Operational
Directive on the Inter – agency Protocol
for Explosives – Related Incident
Investigation; and
LO 6. To know how to fill-up the different ERI
reporting forms/formats.
Sequence of Presentation
 History
 Purpose
 Conduct of Investigation
 Definition of Terms
 General Principles
 Concept of Operations
 Coordinating Instructions
 CPNP Operational Directive on the Protocol for
Explosives-Related Incident Investigation
 ERI Reporting Requirements
 Summary
T
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P
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 HISTORY
 On July 27, 2007, initial draft by PBDC was presented to ATC
Coordinating Center at a meeting ICOW 2006 bombings.

 Protocol was re-drafted by TWG composed of PNP & AFP on

order of ASEC, ATC Coordinating Center

 Protocol was withheld for inclusion of NBI, PCG & BFP in the
TWG.

 On November 26, 2009, the Protocol was approved by ATC.

 Purpose
 To lay down procedures and ethics that will
govern the investigation of explosives-related
incidents, enhancing the:

 Handling of investigation.
 Processing & documentation of Crime Scene.

 Preservation of explosives/materials and other

evidence.
 Prosecution & conviction of perpetrator/s.
 Purpose (cont)
 Provide guidelines for
.
AFP/PNP/NBI/PCG/BFP during the
investigation of bombing incidents and other
incidents involving explosive devices and
materials. Prescribed the role of:

First responders
EOD/Bomb technicians
Investigators
SOCO personnel/Forensic experts
 Conduct of Investigation
Definition of Terms:

 PNP & NBI jointly investigates ERIs. PNP takes the

lead role.

 NBI, AFP, BFP and PCG render active support

technical and legal assistance.

 PBDC is main repository of information, data and

photographs related to illegal use of explosives &
explosive ingredients – Explosive Related Incident
(ERI) Form.
 Definition of Terms
ATTEMPTED BOMBING - Incidents in which a
device designed or purposely made to
detonate/ignite fails to function.

BOMB THREAT – An information or warning, written

or oral, claiming knowledge that a dangerous device,
such as a bomb or similar type of explosives, has
been or will be placed in a building, aircraft, sea craft
or other facilities with the intent to harm people and
destroy properties.
 Definition of Terms
BOMBING - Any incident which uses a device constructed
with criminal intent and using high explosives, low
explosives, or blasting agents explodes.

CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION - Comprehensive

inquiry of a crime incident by conducting systematic
procedure of various investigative methodologies which
involves recovery of physical and testimonial evidence for
the purpose of identifying the witnesses, and arrest of
perpetrator(s) for prosecution.
Definition of Terms (cont)
EVIDENCE - The means sanctioned by the
Rules of Court, of ascertaining in a judicial
proceeding the truth respecting a matter of fact.

EXPLOSIVE INCIDENTS - Any explosives-

involved situation that encompasses bombings,
incendiary bombings, attempted bombings,
stolen and recovered explosives, threats to
government facilities involving explosives, hoax
devices and bomb threats.
 Definition of Terms (cont)
EXPLOSIVES - Any chemical compound,
mixture or device, the primary or common
purpose of which is to function by explosion. The
term includes, but it is not limited to, high
explosives, black powder, pellet powder,
initiating' explosives, detonators, safety fuses,
squibs, detonating cord, igniter cord and igniter.

.
Definition of Terms (cont)

FIRST RESPONDERS – any person or unit

who first arrived at the scene and shall
endeavor and render assistance to the
victim and to protect and secure the
incident scene.
 Definition of Terms (cont)
HIGH EXPLOSIVES - Explosives that when
subjected to heat, shock or friction will detonate
by means of a blasting cap when unconfined at a
speed of more than 5,000 feet per second.

IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICE - A

homemade device consisting of an
explosives/incendiary and firing components
necessary to initiate explosion.
Definition of Terms (cont)
LOW EXPLOSIVES - Explosives that when
subjected to heat, shock or friction will
deflagrate rather than detonate at a speed
of 5,000 feet per second or less. (e.g. black
powder, safety fuses, and "special
fireworks" defined as Class B explosives)

.
Definition of Terms (cont)

PHYSICAL EVIDENCE - Encompasses

any or all of objects that can be addressed
to the senses of the court that is capable of
being exhibited, examined, or viewed by
the court.
Definition of Terms (cont)
POST BLAST INVESTIGATION - Comprehensive
forensic inquiry specifically on a bombing incident
through conduct of various investigative techniques
which involves recovery of physical evidence mainly for
reconstruction of explosive fragments recovered to
determine the device components, the modus operandi
and subsequently to identify the perpetrator(s).
Definition of Terms (cont)
RECOVERED EXPLOSIVES & EXPLOSIVE
COMPONENTS –
Any seized, found/discovered, abandoned, or
illegally purchased (undercover) explosive
materials taken into custody by AFP/PNP/PCG
and NBI including those turned-in by civilian or
private entity.

.
Definition of Terms (cont)
SCENE OF CRIME OPERATION (SOCO) – Is a
forensic procedure performed by the trained
personnel of the PNP Crime Laboratory and NBI
Forensic Laboratory Experts through scientific
methods of investigation for the purpose of
preserving the crime scene, gathering information,
documentation, collection and examination of all
physical evidence.
 General Principles
4.1 PNP or jointly w/ NBI will conduct
investigation of explosive incident with the PNP
as the lead agency.

4.2 AFP/PCG shall make available to PNP &

NBI all investigative, legal and technical
assistance in investigation & prosecution of
explosives-related incidents.
 General Principles
4.3 AFP/PCG EOD Teams & BFP shall extend
technical assistance & other necessary support
to PNP & NBI to ensure effective & efficient
investigation & prosecution of cases.

4.4 RSP and recovery will be sole discretion of

the AFP/PNP/NBI/PCG EOD team that already
taken cognizance of the IED.
 General Principles
4.5 Security/Protection of crime scene shall
be responsibility of local police units or military units
in the area.

 Police line must be established.

 In case of bombing/ explosion incident, the
police line should be extended at a distance of
50% of distance from SOE to the farthest
fragment.
 General Principles

 Functional units must identify the area

designated for the command post, media
area, etc. outside the police line.
 Only authorized persons are allowed to enter
the scene.
 General Principles
4.6. When PNP & NBI are unable to conduct
higher level technical exploitation of
evidence, like
 DNA,
 radio frequency,
 cell phone
 latent fingerprints

Note: the use of allied foreign partners and laboratory

residents in the region is encouraged subject to existing
procedures.
 Concept of Operations
5.1 General Consideration/Rule

[Link] responders shall cordon the area to

preserve and secure crime scene. Cause the
immediate evacuation of the injured, maintain
order, and control the crowd.
Concept of Operations
5.1 General Consideration/Rule

2. The PNP/AFP/NBI/PCG EOD and Bomb

Technicians shall conduct RSP of primary or
secondary devices found in the area. Prior
entry into the crime scene, they should allow
themselves to be swabbed by PNP Crime
Laboratory personnel/NBI Forensic Experts.
Concept of Operations
3. DO NOT TOUCH, REMOVE, OR ALTER
ANY PIECE OF EVIDENCE. SOCO
personnel and NBI Forensic Experts are
the only authorized persons to process,
document, and conduct laboratory
examination of gathered physical evidence.
 Concept of Operations

4. In the absence or non-availability of PNP

SOCO, the local police with the assistance of the
responding AFP/PNP/NBI/PCG EOD can process
possible pieces of evidence in a blast site.

All documented pieces of evidence will be transmitted to the PNP

Crime Laboratory or NBI Forensic Laboratory for laboratory
tests and analysis and maintain chain of custody.
 Concept of Operations
5. Only authorized personnel can enter the crime
scene and avoid touching any piece of evidence
thereat

6. AFP/NBI/PCG EOD will provide the PNP and

NBI with Technical Evaluation Report or Post
Blast Investigation and other reports. AFP
personnel should not be included as court
witnesses unless otherwise compelled by court .
 Concept of Operations
7. If “Hand Entry” procedure was used in
rendering safe an IED, EOD personnel be
subjected to fingerprint for suspect
elimination.

8. EOD personnel may swab themselves in the

absence of PNP CL and NBI forensic
experts.
 Concept of Operations
9. Chemical examination/analysis of collected
evidence - joint responsibility of the PNP Crime
Laboratory and the NBI Forensic Laboratory
experts.

10. All information pertaining to the illegal use of

explosives to be reported to the PBDC
 Bomb Threat
1. Duties/responsibilities in responding bomb threat,
found/discovered suspected device or explosives
 Upon receipt of information
Upon arrival at the scene
 Do not touch, tamper with disarm any suspected
device, explosives or ordnance
 In case the device is found, minimum evacuation
of evacuation 300 meters
 Bomb Threat
 Isolate the suspected device
Report discovery of suspected device
No radio Transmission
Turnoff all electricity and gas unit of the
premises/building
 Secure the area an prevent the people from approaching/
establish traffic control
 Summon the assistance of Emergency Response Team
(ERT)/Wait for the arrival of Bomb Squad (EODT)
 Bomb Threat
Conduct Immediate investigation if the
threat/crisis is over. Determine the
following:
Assist in the conduct of investigation by
responding units when requested to do so
Report incident to higher headquarters
 Bomb Threat

2. AFP/NBI/PCG and PNP EOD are

available in the same area, first
cognizance of threat shall respond and
summon technical assistance when
needed
3. K-9 units utilized during search and apply
general consideration
 Attempted Bombing
 AFP/PNP/NBI/PCGEOD/bomb technician
personnel responding to an attempted
bombing must notify PNP Crime Laboratory
or NBI Forensic Laboratory as the case
maybe, for SOCO to process the scene for
trace evidence. Applicable general
considerations must be considered.
 Discovery of Explosive/IED &
Components as a Result of
AFP/PNP/PCG/BFP Operation
1. On discovery, concerned EOD team shall inform local
police unit after making necessary security
measures.
2. After RSP shall call the assistance of SOCO team
3. In critical areas where local police & SOCO are not
available, EOD team shall inform PD or RD,
then conduct the documentation, collection, markings
and preservation of explosive items.
 Discovery of Explosive/IED &
Components as a Result of
AFP/PNP/PCG/BFP Operation
4. Spot, TER & PBI reports shall be submitted to
PBDC at pbdcmain@[Link]
5. Local police verify the report incident, conduct
investigation and evaluate evidence. SOCO
assistance for explosive residue
6. In case suspects were immediately identified and
charged in court, PBDC personnel shall be
dispatched to the area to conduct TECHNICAL
ANALYSIS on the materials
 Discovery of Explosive/IED &
Components as a Result of
AFP/PNP/PCG/BFP Operation
7. When no suspect was identified and no case was
filed, all turned-over explosive device/s and related
materials (after CL processing) shall be forwarded
ASAP for TECHNICAL ANALYSIS to:
PBDC Crame – Luzon and Visayas
PBDC Davao, Zambo and Gensan SatOs – Min
 Discovery of Explosive/IED &
Components as a Result of
AFP/PNP/PCG/BFP Operation
8. PNP Bomb Squad is not available the AFP
EOD shall take the Explosive evidence, Chain of
Custody must follow

9. Upon evaluation of EOD unit the explosive

items, determine poses of hazard informed the
investigator –on-case or court for immediate
disposal
 Discovery of Explosive/IED &
Components as a Result of
AFP/PNP/PCG/BFP Operation
10. Upon disposal of explosives items in the
presence of IOC and Crime lab, submit
the After Activity Report copy furnished
the PNP CL
11. During operation by NBI seized bomb,
explosives and IED’s. NBI shall notified
the PNP status of the case
 Bombing Incident
1. Conduct of a preliminary evaluation of the crime
scene
First responder quickly access the scene and
make thorough assessment
Bombing incident while vessel is underway, PBI to
be conducted by PNP Maritime Group or
designated investigating police unit to be assisted
by SOCO personnel shall furnish a copy of their
findings to the HPCG as legal reference during
Board Marine Inquiry (BMI)
 Bombing Incident
Bomb Blast Response in aircraft or other air
transportation facilities, PBI to be jointly
conducted by PNP and NBI assisted by
SOCO and NBI Forensic Experts.
Designated Investigator shall furnish report
to PNP AVSEGROUP
Beware of Secondary Device
 Bombing Incident
Upon receipt of the report, first responder role
•Identify exact location of the incident
•Alert EOD team and Fire Department
•Notify HQs and request assistance of medical
personnel
•Proceed to the scene immediately
 Bombing Incident
Upon arrival at the scene
• Cause immediate evacuation of the injured
• Direct occupants of building/establishment to
evacuate the area
• Maintain order and control crowd
 Bombing Incident
 Notify the higher Headquarters
Seal off location until EOD Team determine if a
secondary device exist
Arrest the suspect/s, if any
Conduct rescue operation at the scene when
necessary
Initiate immediate investigation (when
investigator have not arrived yet)
 Bombing Incident
Determine the following:
• Time of detonation/explosion
•Time call (bomb threat) was received
•Type of Device

Turn over the case to responding investigator and

be prepared to assist in the investigation
Submit incident report immediately
 Bombing Incident (cont)
 Avoid “speculative” press release. It is the job
of the Incident Commander or his designated
spokesperson

2. Exercise Scene Safety

3. Administer Lifesaving Effort
4. Establish Security and Control
 Bombing Incident (cont)
5. Define investigator Role
Upon confirmation of bombing incident, take
the necessary documentation in scene area
Only AFP/PNP/NBI/PCG EOD handle
suspected device and the investigator take for
documentation
Upon arrival at the scene immediately
coordinate to Incident Commander and first
responder and assess the crime
 Bombing Incident (cont)
6. Ensure Scene Integrity
7. Secure Necessary Recourses
8. Locate and Interview Victim and Witnesses
Identify & locate & prioritize interview
Obtain written statements
 Correlate their positions at the time of explosion.
 Bombing Incident (cont)
 Interview attending medical examiner/physician
regarding victim’s extent & cause of injuries
 Request the assistance of SOCO team.
 Ensure that All Investigative Steps are
Documented.
 Turn-over of Crime Scene by Investigator-on-
case to authorized person
 Bombing Incident (cont)
9. Organize the evidence Processing by the
SOCO Team
10. Security and Control Contamination
11. Conduct Scene walkthrough
12. Develop Written Documentation
13. Photograph/Videotape the scene
 Bombing Incident (cont)
14. Collect, preserve, inventory, package and
transport of evidence by the SOCO Team
15. Ensure that Scene Processing is Completed
16. Ensure that all Step are Documented
17. Turn-over of Crime Scene by Investigator-on-
case to Authorized Person
 Bombing Incident (cont)
19. Reconstruction of Bomb Components

 EOD & SOCO together with investigator will

reconstruct the bomb at CL facility.
 PNPCL/NBI will take custody of non-explosive
pieces of evidence.
 Explosive materials shall be in the custody of EOD
team.
 EOD Team shall accomplish the Explosive-Related
Incident (ERI) report & submit same to PBDC.
 Coordinating Instructions
1. Exchange of Information Between PNP, AFP, NBI,
& PCG
Concerned Agency must submit report thru its
liaison officer and follow – up ERI report
requirement
All information related to the use of explosive
collected from PNP, AFP, NBI, & PCG
disseminated thru its designated liaison
 Coordinating Instructions
2. In Cases wherein an Explosion Caused
Subsequent Conflagration
3. On Jurisdictional Issues
Existing Policies, Memorandum of Agreement or
Circulars pertaining to jurisdiction issues shall be
adopted in this protocol
 PNP/AFP/NBI/PCG EOD coordination is highly
advice
 Coordinating Instructions
 Lateral coordination PNP/AFP/NBI/PCG EOD
highly encouraged
 Similar to all heads/chief of other responding unit
including volunteers coordination is highly advice
 Bureau of Fire Protection point of investigation is
arson as the motive for the bombing has authority
for investigation and prosecution of suspect
 Coordinating Instructions
4. On the Prosecution of Cases
 PNP and NBI processing of explosive incident
shall make them available as witness court
proceeding
5. On Information to Dissemination to the Media and
Public
 SOP, policies and protocols on information
dissemination to the media and public shall be
adopted in this protocol
 Coordinating Instructions
6. Disposition of Explosive Evidence
Explosive evidence, materials should be
subjected for immediate disposal if hazardous
to public safety & not be used as physical
evidence in court. If case is filed in
court/prosecutor office, an order to that effect
is necessary
 Coordinating Instructions
7. Explosive Related Incident Report
Explosive evidence, materials should be
subjected for immediate disposal if hazardous
to public safety & not be used as physical
evidence in court. If case is filed in
court/prosecutor office, an order to that effect
is necessary
 PNP, AFP or PCG
Patrol-First

Turn-over
explosive parts
Responders
Technical
analysis
Reports/Evidence
Explosion Request Form; Chain of Custody;
Spot Report; TER or PBI Report;
Forensic Exam Reports;
Investigation Reports

Crime
Turn-over non-
explosive parts

Investigators PNP and/or NBI

CPNP Operational Directive on the
Inter – agency Protocol for ERI
Guidelines:
a. All PROs and corned NSUs to regularly
cascade the Protocol to their respective
personnel thru the Saturday Police Information
and Continuing Education;
CPNP Operational Directive on the
Inter – agency Protocol for ERI
Guidelines:
b. All PROs to organize and equip Post Blast
Investigation Teams (describe as SOCO Team in the
Protocol) at the CPS/CPO/PPO or Police Districts
(NCR) level to respond and investigate ERIs with the
attached composition and their respective roles.
AVSEG and MG to also organize their PBI Teams in
coordination with CL to respond and investigate ERIs in
airports/aircraft and seaports/seacrafts, respectively;
 CPNP Operational Directive on the
Inter – agency Protocol for ERI
Guidelines:
c. All recovered pieces of evidence collected in an
ERI crime scene should be submitted to the PNP CL
for forensic processing. For explosives materials, a
sample of one vial or two tablespoons or 80 grams is
enough and the rest of the explosives materials
should be safe kept by concerned EOD Unit;

d. All units involved in ERI investigation to strictly

observe the Chain of Custody;
 CPNP Operational Directive on the
Inter – agency Protocol for ERI
Guidelines:
e. The MPS/CPS/CPO/PPO which takes cognizance of an
ERI case shall take custody of all recovered pieces of
evidence;

f. On incident responded by EOD of the AFP, the

MPS/CPS/CPO/PPO who has jurisdiction on the area has
to closely coordinate with the AFP for the proper
processing of pieces of evidence and subsequently filling
of cases against suspects;
 CPNP Operational Directive on the
Inter – agency Protocol for ERI
Guidelines:
g. For recovered and processed pieces of evidence
in Luzon and Visayas, these must be submitted to the
PBDC, Camp Crame, for technical analysis while
those in Mindanao areas, these shall be submitted to
the PBDC Satellite Offices in Zamboanga City or
Davao City or General Santos City depending on the
proximity of the ERI site; and
CPNP Operational Directive on the
Inter – agency Protocol for ERI
Guidelines:
h. All recovered electronic gadgets/components
like cellular phones, laptops, computer or any
electronic items used as data storage shall be
submitted to Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) for
technical exploitation. Results shall be forwarded
to the requesting party for intelligence,
investigation and prosecution purposes.
 Composition of Post Blast
Investigation Team
• Team Leader
• Asst. Team Leader
• Photographer Schematic Artist
• Evidence Technician/Custodian
• Incident Investigator (Immediate Area)
• Incident Investigator (General Area)
• Evidence Searchers (Immediate Area)
• Evidence Searchers (General Area)
• Bomb Technician
• Specialist
 ERI Reporting Formats
 Procedures on how to fill-up the ERI Report
Form, SMS Reporting Format, Post Blast
Investigation (PBI) Report for exploded IEDs
and the Technical Evaluation Report (TER) for
recovered IEDs
Submitted Report upon Explosion Occur
Submitted Report Upon Recovered IED
 SUMMARY
At the end of the lesson, we learned the following:
[Link] the history and purpose of the ERI Protocol;
[Link] how to conduct investigation involving
explosive-related incident (ERI), define necessary terms;
describe the general principles on how to handle ERI
investigation; and describe the concept of operations;
[Link] the necessary coordinating instructions and the
guidelines issued by the CPNP relating to the Protocol;
and
[Link]-up the ERI reporting formats.
THANK YOU!