Two Royal Solomon Islands Police Force explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) specialists have bolstered a multinational operation to safely remove the danger posed by World War II-era explosives in Pacific Island countries. 

They embarked on Pacific Support Vessel ADV Reliant in Honiara on June 25, bound for Tuvalu to assist with the technical reconnaissance of Nanumea Lagoon. 

Under Operation Render Safe, Sergeant Patterson Filiga and Police Constable Barnabas Talo are assisting Royal Australian Navy clearance divers with an underwater survey to inform the Government of Tuvalu of the extent of unexploded munitions within the lagoon.

This operation expands on previous survey efforts from 2022. 

“This mission is important because it helps protect the people and the environment,” Sergeant Filiga said.

“We have experienced situations where people have been injured and lives have been lost. It’s a good thing to be a part of Render Safe so we can contribute to the safety of the Pacific and take care of the same problems back home.”

Sergeant Filiga and Police Constable Talo have disposed of tens of thousands of munitions over their decades-long careers. 

Royal Solomon Islands Police Force department technicians respond to requests to dispose of found munitions 24 hours a day and plan operations in remote communities. 

The team will safely dispose of 3000 to 4000 items a year. 

Royal Australian Navy Chief Petty Officer Thomas Buchanan is the ADF EOD liaison officer embedded with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force EOD department. 

“They get at least three callouts to dispose of unexploded ordnance a week. When they are not responding to requests they are planning remote missions to the outer provinces,” Chief Petty Officer Buchanan said. 

“It’s a day in and day out operation for these guys and we’re very fortunate to have them along sharing their breadth of experience with the team.” 

The ADF has been working with Pacific partners to build regional collective EOD capability through Operation Render Safe for more than 20 years.