PCG bolsters rescue ops with US- provided dive equipment, emergency medical supplies
The United States has given the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) sets of dive equipment and emergency medical supplies for the latter's search and rescue operations.

The US Embassy in Manila said the US Embassy Civil Affairs Team (CAT) donated the equipment during the conduct of training for the PCG "to support search and rescue and maritime law enforcement operations in Palawan."
Twelve sets of dive equipment and emergency medical supplies were handed over to the PCG aboard the MRRV-9701 Teresa Magbanua—the largest vessel in the PCG fleet.
“The U.S. Embassy CAT is honored to continue its work with the PCG in Palawan to ensure that all crew members are prepared to respond to various maritime situations,” U.S. Embassy CAT Leader Capt. Stephen Coleman said during the turnover ceremony on Nov. 5.
The equipment turnover took place during the culmination of a five-day medical training led by the US Embassy CAT to enhance the PCG’s trauma care and lifesaving capabilities during maritime security operations.
The training was based on US military guidelines for trauma life support in prehospital combat medicine.
“This medical first responder training is useful to our personnel here in the PCG district in Palawan. This is especially important for the members of the Special Operations Group who are the first responders during emergencies, including humanitarian response and disaster relief operations,” PCG District Palawan commander Commodore Rommel Supangan said in Filipino.
“This training gives them more knowledge to enable them to fulfill their missions,” he added.
US Embassy CAT is a part of the foreign country's efforts to build shared capabilities with partner nations around the world.
In the Philippines, they have collaborated with local government units, provincial disaster risk reduction and management offices, and the PCG on several initiatives, including disaster preparedness, medical first responder training, and support to local Covid-19 response.