Privately owned bomb sniffing dogs to help secure SEA Games

Bomb-sniffing or K-9 dogs were at the forefront of the country’s security preparations for the staging of the 23rd Southeast Asian Games, which formally opened yesterday at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila

As early as 5 a.m., some 12 K-9 dogs and their police and civilian handlers started "panelling" the facade of the Quirino Grandstand for hidden bombs which might disrupt the grand opening.

"Panelling" means securing a site from hidden explosives through specially trained dogs.

Curiously enough, the services of the five dogs were given free by the owner who said he wants to contribute even in a small way to the successful staging of this biennial sports event.

"When there was a call for volunteerism, I did not hesitate to respond positively. (It is) one of my chances to help the country; one of the rarest opportunities to show our patriotism," Michael Tan, owner of the five K-9 dogs, told The STAR.

Tan’s K-9 squad, composed of a Rotweiller, a German Shepherd, a Belgian Mallinois and two Labradors, was accredited by the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Central Operations Center head Chief Superintendent Antonio Nañas.

The dogs will be busy during the entire duration of the SEA Games, since they will constantly do "panelling" jobs in several sports venues in Metro Manila until the duration of the 10-day Games.

Tan said the special breed of bomb-sniffing dogs commands a high price in the market, with some dogs priced as high as P1 million. He revealed that most of his dogs were purchased at $2,500 while still puppies. He now has 15 K-9 dogs, 10 of which are housed in his farm in Palawan. "If needed, I’m willing to bring the rest of my dogs to Manila for security operations," he said.

Tan, who once served as Palawan city councilor, ventured into the security business two years ago and established the Mirsa-7 Security Agency, which specializes in K-9 services.

Senior Inspector Alfredo Estudillo, chief of the Regional Special Action Unit K-9 and Explosives and Ordnance Division, is optimistic that the K-9 can help make the SEA Games orderly and peaceful.

"Aside from the human component, these dogs shall play a vital part in the security aspect of SEA Games," Tan said.

The formal opening of the games took place yesterday without a hitch and the PNP is determined to keep it that way.

Deputy Director General Avelino Razon Jr., chief of Task Force SEA Games, said police deployment will remain even after the end of the games on Dec. 5 to ensure the safety of athletes and their companions who will opt to stay in the country after the sports events.

Last Friday, PNP chief Director General Arturo Lomibao placed Metro Manila and other four key regions in the country on red alert status to ensure a trouble-free events.

Although there is no specific terror threat, Lomibao said the PNP is not taking any chances.

"The SEA Games is an international event and we cannot afford to allow terrorists to carry out criminal activities," Lomibao said.

"We have to follow through until the closing ceremonies," said Metro Police chief Vidal Querol.

The PNP will also strictly enforce the no-smoking policy on all sports venues.

Razon, who is also SEAG security task force commander, said they would arrest anybody found violating the smoking ban on all venues all over the country.

"They will be jailed for violating the smoking ordinance," Razon told The STAR in an interview.

Razon urged cigarette addicts to use the designated smoking zones instead. — With Cecille Suerte Felipe, Non Alquitran