PCG: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will train a total of 20 working dogs in search and rescue as well as narcotics and explosive detection at its new search and rescue (SAR) base in Romblon.

The dogs are composed of different breeds including Belgian Malinois, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Jack Russell Terrier.

The PCG will send BRP San Juan (SARV-001) to ferry the dogs, together with their handlers, from Manila to Romblon where the newest Coast Guard K-9 training facility is also established.

Also, the PCG K-9 will have a blessing ceremony of its barracks and breeding facility. Said unit is scheduled to convene the Coast Guard K-9 Explosive Detection Dog Specialization Course Class 03-15 composed of 10 handlers with rescue dogs, and the Coast Guard K-9 Search and Rescue Dog and Handler’s Specialization Course Class 03-15 which will also have 10 handlers and dogs. 

The courses, which will last for three months, are designed to produce explosive detector dogs and SAR dogs which will deter terrorist activities and respond well in the event of inevitable natural disasters.

 The new batch of detection dogs and handlers will be deployed in high risk areas in the country where terrorism threats and other unlawful acts are prevalent.

At present, Coast Guard K-9 Group boosts a total of 193 personnel and 142 detection dogs that are strategically deployed in 51 major seaports and choke points along the Strong Republic Nautical Highway of the country.