CAAP conducts search, rescue drill

MANILA, Philippines — To strengthen national readiness in search and rescue operations, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) conducted a search and rescue exercise or SAREX at the dolomite beach along Roxas Boulevard in Manila yesterday.

The exercise aims to validate the effectiveness of the national search and rescue system, assess unified command mechanisms, evaluate response time and communication systems and identify operational gaps that may require procedural improvements, the CAAP said.

The SAREX simulated an aircraft ditching incident in Manila Bay that involved coordinated air, sea and medical rescue operations participated in by the Philippine Air Force, Philippine Coast Guard, medical rescue teams and the Manila city government.

According to the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department, the local government’s role focused on the transfer of patients from the coastline to the nearest medical facility.

“This has nothing to do with the disturbance around Pasay City. This is just an exercise,” the city government said as it advised the public not to be alarmed over the presence of helicopters and fast seacraft in the area.

Mandated by the International Civil Aviation Organization, the SAREX forms part of the country’s continuing compliance with international standards.