PCG set to deploy assets to help quake victims

November 1, 2019

Following the strong earthquakes in Mindanao, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is set to deploy its assets and personnel to help the victims.

"Philippine Coast Guard Commandant, Vice Admiral Joel Garcia has directed all PCG assets and K9 search and rescue teams to be deployed to Davao City; Bansalan, Magsaysay, and Matanao, Davao del Sur; Tulunan and Makilala, Cotabato; and other affected areas as instructed by Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade," said Capt. Armand Balilo, PCG spokesman.

"PCG Islander 251 will fly to Davao onboard with K9 dogs and 500 handheld radio equipment," he added.

Balilo said Garcia is also asking for relief goods to be transported by all PCG vessels nationwide.

"I am seeking assistance (from) all non-government organizations and private sectors for relief goods as soon as possible in order to augment to the needs of the victims. You can directly coordinate to all PCG vessels deployed nationwide for the shipment," Garcia said.

Balilo sais relief items may include "food packs, rice, tents, sleeping mats, mosquito nets, drinking water, pipes for water, laminated sacks or trapal, medicines, and water purifiers"

He said the medical doctors and nurses. both of the PCG and PCG Auxiliary nationwide, will also augment in providing medical assistance to all injured and affected victims.

"Two PCG rescue teams with six K9 dogs were sent to Ecoland 4000 helping in the search and rescue operations while additional vehicles and other assets will also be provided to be utilized for all operations within the areas," Balilo added.

He said the ten newly-acquired trucks of PCG were used to transport 15,000 food packs and 1,500 tents for quake victims. Robina Asido/DMS