The United States (US) and the Philippines recently concluded two separate sessions of tactical combat casualty care and medical first responder training in Palawan and Zambales, the US Embassy in the Philippines said Tuesday, Jan. 4.
US Civil-Military Support Element-Philippines (CMSE-PHL) led the twin exercises with the Philippine Coast Guard-Special Operations Group (PCG-SOG) in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and the Philippine National Police-Maritime Group (PNP-MG) and Bantay Dagat in Iba, Zambales.
It was disclosed that a total of 55 uniformed and volunteer personnel in the Philippines participated in the drills held between Nov. 22 to 27 and Dec. 12 to 16, 2021.
The drills aim to support their maritime search and rescue and law enforcement missions and enhanced the PCG-SOG and PNP-MG’s ability to respond to and treat both trauma and drowning injuries they could encounter in the line of duty.
“Our team is proud to train with the PCG and PNP-MG and support them in their missions in the West Philippine Sea,” Capt. Richard Hinman, CMSE-PHL team leader, said. “We have been continuously impressed by their professionalism, dedication, and capability, and hope to continue our strong partnerships in Palawan and Zambales.”
According to PCG-Palawan District Commander Capt. Angel Vellar, the training “exemplifies the continued close relations between the U.S. and the Philippines.”
“The medical training provided by CMSE-PHL will be of great aid to the community we serve and is a prime example of how our partnership can benefit the people of the Philippines,” said Iba PNP-MG Station Chief PLTC Rommel DG Sobrido.
In Puerto Princesa, the US military led the five-day medical instruction that culminated in a simulated injury exercise.
In Iba, the training directly supported PNP-MG’s coastal policing mission, while the basic life-saving techniques introduced to Bantay Dagat provided the volunteer organization the ability to better respond to medical emergencies, including assisting Iba residents who earn their living fishing in the West Philippine Sea.
The US Embassy, on the other hand, said the training partnership "exemplifies the close relationship between US and Philippine friends, partners, and allies in promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region by strengthening maritime law enforcement and maritime search and rescue."