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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Hero dog Appa, three other canines get commendation for Davao rescue mission

Hero dog Appa, three other canines get commendation for Davao rescue mission

Published Feb 21, 2024 11:03 am

Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday, Feb. 21, recognized the contributions of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and K9 working dogs in the search-and-rescue (SAR) operations during the recent landslide in Davao de Oro.

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Vice President Sara Duterte awards the Coast Guard Bronze Cross Medal to Coast Guard Petty Officer 2 Alfie Baba and search and rescue dog Appa on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024 in Davao City. (Keith Bacongco/MANILA BULLETIN)

 

The official was in Davao City to attend the awarding ceremony at Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM) headquarters to award the Coast Guard Bronze Cross Medal to Coast Guard Petty Officer 2 Alfie Baba and search and rescue dog Appa who helped in the SAR operations during the recent landslide incident in Brgy. Masara, Maco, Davao de Oro.
 

“Appa teaches us that anyone, regardless of labels, can make a difference. His courage reminds us to cherish our animal companions more,” Duterte said.
 

Appa is a mix breed of Aspin and Golden Retriever that was instrumental in the rescue of a three-year-old child survivor Sheila Malacaste in the Masara landslide on Feb. 10.
 

The child was trapped under the ruins for three days.
 

The dog was also commended for its heroic skills in locating more than 10 cadavers.
 

Aside from Appa, three other SAR dogs—Britney, Ivy and Tiffa—and their handlers received recognition for their crucial contributions to the search, rescue, and retrieval operations in the aftermath of the landslide.
 

The Vice President honored the responders for their bravery during times of disasters, saying that their “act of courage and kindness” helped the community by providing hope.
 

She presided over the ceremony with District Commander, Coast Guard Commodore Rejard V. Marfe.
 

The recognition aimed to highlight the extraordinary efforts of Appa, alongside its handler, and Coast Guard Station Davao de Oro personnel.
 

In a statement, the CGDSEM congratulated all those involved in the SAR and retrieval operations.
 

“The community now sees canines as crucial assets, especially in vital search and rescue operations aimed at saving lives. As long as natural disasters persist, the efforts of PCG SAR Personnel remain ceaseless,” it said.

Related Tags

VP Sara Duterte Appa Davao landslides PCG
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