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Another PCG trainee dies during SAR training in Cavite

Philippines | National

Another PCG trainee dies during SAR training in Cavite

By Martin Sadongdong

PCG WASAR.jpg — Personnel of Philippine Coast Guard District Palawan hold a water search and rescue (WASAR) training on Nov. 14, 2023. The PCG suspended all of its WASAR trainings after two of its trainees died. (Photo courtesy of PCG)

Another Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) trainee died during a water search and rescue (WASAR) training in Sangley Point, Cavite -- the second fatality in less than a week.

The PCG identified the fatality as Apprentice Seaman (ASN) Mori Caguay. He died on Nov. 20 after being observed at a hospital in Cavite for four days.

According to PCG spokesperson Rear Adm. Armando Balilo, Caguay was undergoing a WASAR training on lifesaving scenarios with his fellow trainees on Nov. 16 when the apparent drowning incident happened.

"ASN Caguay was swimming towards a rubber boat, but after a minute, the training staff noticed he was unresponsive. Two Coast Guard medical personnel conducted a rescue operation and basic life support (BLS)," PCG spokesperson Armando Balilo said on Wednesday, Nov. 22.

Despite efforts to resuscitate him, Caguay "remained unresponsive after three minutes of continuous BLS" so he was rushed to a nearby hospital.

"However, the attending physical declared his death on Monday, 20 November 2023," Balilo said.

Caguay's death followed the drowning of another Coast Guard apprentice seaman in Palawan on Nov. 15.

PCG Commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan earlier ordered the suspension of all WASAR trainings nationwide due to the death of the Palawan trainee.

Meanwhile, Balilo assured that an impartial investigation will be launched to "to identify the aspects of the WASAR training that need to be improved."

Part of investigation will determine whether there was a lapse on the part of PCG trainers.

"If proven guilty, concerned PCG personnel will also be given appropriate punishment and penalties following the Coast Guard's prevailing laws and regulations," Balilo said.

He also denied accusations that the trainees died due to hazing, saying there was no culture of initiation in the PCG.

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