PCG deploys 150 responders, K9 units to quake-hit GenSan
MANILA – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is intensifying search and rescue (SAR) operations in General Santos City, so far deploying 150 responders and two additional K9 units to support humanitarian operations following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake on Monday.
In a statement on Tuesday, the PCG said three deployable response groups (DRGs) and two SAR dogs were dispatched to a collapsed commercial building in Barangay Calumpang to rescue possible trapped survivors.
“Anchored on the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the iCARE campaign, the PCG remains fully committed to supporting humanitarian response operations in affected communities and continues to work closely with partner agencies to assist those impacted by the earthquake,” it said.
Meanwhile, a team from PCG Sub-Station Bawing responded to a drowning incident in Barangay Bawing, General Santos City on Monday.
A security guard in the area reported a drowning incident, with the responding team discovering that seven persons were swept away by strong waves while swimming. All victims were residents of Poblacion, Baluan, Maguindanao del Sur.
The PCG successfully rescued three individuals, while one managed to swim ashore —all of whom were found in good condition.
One person was found dead in the vicinity of Badjao Village and has been turned over to the family.
Two DRGs and a high-speed response boat were deployed to Barangay Bawing to search for the two missing individuals.