By Betheena Kae Unite
Six K9 dogs, including three that helped in the retrieval operations in Bohol during the 2013 earthquake, will be sent by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to Itogon, Benguet for another search mission.
(Photo courtesy PCG/ MANILA BULLETIN)
Capt. Armand Balilo, PCG spokesman, said Monday they are sending K9 dogs to Itogon, Benguet “to help in finding missing miners who may have been buried during the onslaught of typhoon Ompong.”
Initially, the PCG will only send three search and rescue dogs with six handlers, however, three more K9 dogs are being recalled from other units in Luzon to join the rescue team, according to Balilo.
The search and rescue dogs will be brought by PCG Islander plane to Poro Point La Union and will be transferred to Air Force helicopter going to Itogon Benguet.
Around 40 to 50 people are feared to be trapped in a landslide site in Itogon, Benguet. Retrieval operations are ongoing.