PCG: The Philippine Coast Guard has convened a total of 30 Coast Guard K9 (CGK9) candidate handlers and 30 training dogs at the Coast Guard Base Taguig on 21 October.

Acting Commander of Coast Guard Fleet, Commodore Joselito F Dela Cruz graced the event as Guest of Honor during the convening ceremony of Coast Guard K9 Basic Handler’s Course Class 02-14.

The said course aims to train dogs’ basic control and drive development and to enhance handlers’ basic knowledge and skills in handling training dogs.

One of the highlights of the said activity was the presentation of Meritorious Medal to Petty Officer First Class (PO1) Edgar Luna PCG for his exemplary service in conducting search and retrieval operations during the landslide in Compostella Valley Province, retrieval of victims buried during the earthquake in Bohol and his contributions in the improvement of the unit’s facility.

Certificates of Appreciation were also given to the first Officer-in-Charge of CGK9, LT LARRY P ESTONANTO PCG (Ret); and dog food providers of CGK9, Vitality and East Innovation.

Certificates were likewise given to the following Coast Guard Auxiliarists: RADM JAMES DY PCGA; RADM VALENTIN B PRIETO PCGA, Director of CGADNCR-CL; CAPT EDMUNDO SISON PCGA, Chief of Staff of CGADNCR-CL; CAPT JOSE I PEREZ PCGA, CAPT ALBERT V RANO PCGA, and CAPT WARREN SO PCGA.