Navy seeks Coast Guard's help on disaster operations

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Navy (PN) has sought the help of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to train Navy officers in search and rescue operations in times of natural disasters like floods.                                                                                 

“We believe that your valuable assistance will give us the opportunity to work together in facing challenges in disaster response and preparedness,” Commodore Miguel Jose Rodriguez of the Navy said in his request letter.

PCG spokesman Lt. Commander Arman Balilo explained that even if the Navy is also a maritime agency, the Coast Guard has expertise in search and rescue operations. 

“Our mission is oriented toward rescue and saving lives. We are not trained in combat,” he said.

The Navy, on the other hand, is engaged in internal security operations.

The PCG also dispatches sea marshals on passenger ships and has its own anti-terrorism unit, but Balilo explains that these are for security purposes.

The Coast Guard would send divers from their Special Operations Group (SOG) and a team from the Special Medical Advance Rescue Team (SMART).

The PCG previously trained units of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and even communities in Parañaque.