CEBU CITY – Very dependable.
This was how Edd Mac, a male Belgian Malinois, was described during his stint with the Regional Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Unit of the Regional Police Office-Central Visayas (PRO-7).
POLICE Master Sgt. Victor Lark Blancas escorts Edd Mac, a nine-year-old Belgian Malinois, during his retirement honors. Edd Mac served six years in the Regional Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Unit of the Regional Police Office-Central Visayas. (PRO-7)
Retirement honors were given recently to Edd Mac, a nine-year-old bomb-sniffing dog, who received due recognition after six years in service.
Edd Mac was deployed in Carcar City as part of the canine unit tasked to secure big events in southern Cebu.
His trainer Police Master Sgt. Victor Lark Blancas said having him in the team was critical.
“When there are big events, especially those that will be attended by VIPs, we are tasked to secure the place to make sure that it is safe from any explosive,” said Blancas.
Blancas added that Edd Mac would also be deployed when they respond to bomb threats.
Edd Mac and Blancas were given certificates of recognition during the ceremony spearheaded by Police Brig. Gen. Roy Parena, officer-in-charge of PRO-7.
Plaques of appreciation were also given to Dr. Ryan Abelardo Yandog III of the Yandog Animal Care and Dr. Mary Ann Gabona for taking care of Edd Mac’s health.
Edd Mac came from Camp Crame in Quezon City and was sent to Region 7 in 2017. Blancas trained Edd Mac ever since he arrived in PRO-7.
Blancas will miss Edd Mac at work but they not separating.
“As handlers, we are given priority to adopt police dogs that are retiring from service. I am already processing the papers to adopt Edd Mac. It’s important that these dogs stay with their handlers so they don’t have to adjust when given to new owners,” said Blancas.