Personnel from the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Department are helping make Tuvalu safer through their contribution to Operation RENDER SAFE, supporting efforts to identify, document and assess the threat posed by unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Nanumea Lagoon.
RSIPF EOD operators Sergeant Patterson Filiga and Constable Barnabas Talo recently visited the Nanumea community and met with the Tuvalu Police Service as part of ongoing reconnaissance activities focused on locating and documenting UXO remaining from the Second World War.
As a result of World War Two, numerous UXO remain within the lagoon and surrounding areas. These explosive remnants of war continue to pose a potential threat to local communities, fishers and visitors.
Working alongside their Australian Defence Force (ADF) colleagues, Sergeant Filiga and Constable Talo supported reconnaissance activities to identify and record the location of UXO, contributing specialist advice to determine the nature of hazards and inform planning for future disposal.
In addition to their technical EOD responsibilities, the officers engaged with members of the Nanumea community to raise awareness of the dangers posed by UXO and provide practical guidance on how to recognise potential hazards and respond safely if suspicious items are discovered.
The community engagement activities complemented the broader mission by helping ensure local residents understand the risks associated with explosive remnants of war and the importance of reporting discoveries to authorities.
Australian Defence Adviser to Solomon Islands, Captain Emma Griffiths said the contribution of RSIPF personnel had been vital to the success of the operation.
“The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force brings extensive experience and expertise in dealing with UXO from World War Two, making them an invaluable partner in Operation RENDER SAFE,” CAPT Griffiths said.
“Sergeant Filiga and Constable Talo have played an important role in the mission, demonstrating the Solomon Islands’ status as a regional leader in this space.
“They have also demonstrated exceptional skill in engaging with the local community, building awareness of UXO risks and promoting safe behaviours when suspicious items are encountered.”
Operation RENDER SAFE is the ADF-led multinational commitment to removing the danger posed by World War II-era explosive remnants of war (ERW) in Pacific countries.
