MANILA, Philippines. (31 October 2019) - With the recent earthquakes in Mindanao part of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard Commandant, Vice Admiral Joel S Garcia PCG Ph.D. H.D., Al-haj has directed all PCG assets and K9 search and rescue teams to be deployed to Davao City;  Bansalan, Magsaysay, and Matanao, Davao del Sur; Tulunan and Makilala, Cotabato; and other affected areas as instructed by Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur P Tugade.

Vice Admiral Garcia has also directed all K9 search and rescue dogs nationwide to help in the search for the missing persons affected by the earthquake. 

PCG Islander 251 will fly to Davao onboard with K9 dogs and 500 handheld radio equipment.  

Moreover,  Vice Admiral Garcia is asking for relief goods including food packs, rice, tents, sleeping mats, mosquito nets, drinking water, pipes for water, laminated sacks or trapal, medicines, and water purifiers which will be transported by all PCG vessels stationed nationwide.

"I am seeking assistance to all non-government organizations and private sectors for relief goods  as soon as possible in order to augment to the needs of the victims.  You can directly coordinate to all PCG districts nationwide for the shipment," Vice Adm Garcia stated.

Likewise, medical doctors and nurses both of PCG and PCG Auxiliary nationwide will augment in providing medical assistance to all injured and affected victims of the earthquake.  

Two PCG rescue teams with six K9 dogs were already sent to Ecoland 4000 helping in the search and rescue operations while additional vehicles and other assets will also be provided to be utilized for all operations within the areas.