The Bureau of Fire Protection’s (BFP) Special Rescue Force completed the Rope Rescue Training (technician level) in Malaysia as part of its preparations for the upcoming GRIMP 2025 International Rescue Competition in Taiwan in October this year. 

During the five-day program hosted by the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (FRDM), the Philippine team underwent a series of rigorous exercises designed to sharpen their technical rescue skills. 

The GRIMP is a premier firefighting competition tha brings together firefighters from various countries to compete in rope rescue, techniques and teamwork.

In the assessment phase of the activity, the participants were evaluated in critical rope rescue competencies, including knot tying techniques, anchor set-up (fixed and self-equalizing), set-up of lowering and raising systems, traverse pick-off set-up and litter rigging.

The BFP stressed that the training program provided an opportunity for its team to immerse in internationally recognized standards of rope rescue operations, ensuring both precision and efficiency under high-pressure scenarios.

Following the five-day training, the BFP said a graduation ceremony was held to formally recognize the completion of the course, highlighting the strengthened partnership between the BFP and Malaysian Fire Dept.

“This specialized training not only strengthens the team’s readiness for the GRIMP 2025 Challenge, but also aligns with BFP’s broader objective of attaining INSARAG accreditation, which will elevate the Philippines’ search and rescue capabilities to global standards,’’ the BFP noted.

The Philippine contingent composed of 7 members of the BFP's Special Rescue Force-Rope Rescue team are Senior Insp. Cesar Morfe, Jr, Senior Fire Officer 1 (SFO1) Kennedy Dimaano, SFO1 Nin̈o Jose Lagasca, SFO1 Bien Kristian T Eulin, Fire Officer 3 (FO3) Charold M Navarro, FO2 Darwin De Leon and FO1 John Riener Hernandez.

Prior to the training, BFP Deputy Chief for Operations Chief Supt. Wilbert Rico Neil A. Kwan Tiu and his team paid a courtesy visit to Dato Ts Nor Hisham Bin Mohammad, Director General of the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia.

During the meeting, both parties discussed various areas of cooperation including the ongoing rope rescue training and the possibility of sending more trainees to Malaysia, as well as INSARAG Certification and Accreditation. 

The INSARAG, or the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group is a global network that focuses on urban search and rescue (USAR) operations. 

Both parties also explored future engagements with the National Agency for Disaster Management (NADMA), air capabilities such as helicopter operations, and other benefits for both fire services including insurance.

“The Director General warmly welcomed the Philippine delegates and generously shared the innovations of the Malaysian Fire Service, opening the door to more collaborations and exchanges between the two countries,’’ Kwan Tiu said.

“An exchange of tokens between the Philippines and Malaysia symbolized this partnership. The Philippine delegation also visited the Emergency Operations Center of Malaysia, where they were given an overview of its systems and capabilities,’’ he continued.