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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PCG produces first female paratroopers, counter-hijacking graduates

PCG produces first female paratroopers, counter-hijacking graduates

Published Dec 12, 2025 02:53 pm
(L-R) Seawoman First Honey Beverly Seblos, Lieutenant Junior Grade Deborah Magannon, and Apprentice Seawoman Sahada Sakib are hailed as the Philippine Coast Guard's (PCG) first female paratroopers. (Photo: Coast Guard Special Operations Force)
(L-R) Seawoman First Honey Beverly Seblos, Lieutenant Junior Grade Deborah Magannon, and Apprentice Seawoman Sahada Sakib are hailed as the Philippine Coast Guard's (PCG) first female paratroopers. (Photo: Coast Guard Special Operations Force)
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) set new benchmarks in operational readiness and gender inclusion after marking a milestone with the introduction of its first female paratroopers and aircraft counter-hijacking graduates on Friday, Dec. 12.
In a historic first for the organization, the PCG hailed Lieutenant Junior Grade Deborah Magannon, Seawoman First Honey Beverly Seblos, and Apprentice Seawoman Sahada Sakib, all from the Coast Guard Special Operations Force (CGSOF), as the agency’s inaugural batch of female paratroopers.
The trio broke barriers in one of the country’s most demanding training programs after completing the Basic Airborne Course (BAC) Class 145-2025 and Jumpmaster Course (JMC) Class 96-2025 administered by the Special Forces School (SFS), Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) of the Philippine Army (PA).
The training was conducted from Sept. 25 to Dec. 4 at the headquarters of the Special Operations Command (SOCOM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at Fort Ramon Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija.
The BAC and JMC are foundational military programs that train personnel to become qualified paratroopers or personnel capable of jumping from aircraft and conducting operations after landing. The courses involve a combination of ground training and live parachute jumps.
The newly acquired airborne qualification enables the CGSOF personnel to rapidly deploy to geographically isolated or disaster-stricken areas, expanding the operational reach and readiness of the PCG.
The enhanced capability also directly supports the PCG’s mandate to protect life and property at sea, ensure maritime safety and security, and deliver effective humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) when and where it is most needed.
Furthermore, it reinforces interoperability with elite AFP units and other government agencies to ensure synchronized, efficient, and mission-ready responses to both national security contingencies and humanitarian operations.
After successfully meeting all course requirements, the trio were formally recognized as paratroopers, earning their wings and the distinction of being the first women in PCG history to achieve the milestone.
“Their achievement is more than a badge; it’s a breakthrough for every woman in uniform and every young Filipina who dreams of serving the nation,” PCG Commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan said.
Aviation security specialists
Meanwhile, PCG Lieutenant Cyril Pearl Castroverde, Lt. Junior Grade Roland Addam Blanza Jr., and PO3 Christopher Lee Bien also made history after completing the Aircraft Counter-Hijacking Course Class 02-2025, becoming the first coast guardians to graduate from the intensive tactical program.
(L-R) Lt. Junior Grade Roland Addam Blanza Jr., Lieutenant Cyril Pearl Castroverde, and PO3 Christopher Lee Bien complete the Aircraft Counter-Hijacking Course Class 02-2025, becoming the first Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel to graduate from the intensive tactical program offered by the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group. (Photo: PCG)
(L-R) Lt. Junior Grade Roland Addam Blanza Jr., Lieutenant Cyril Pearl Castroverde, and PO3 Christopher Lee Bien complete the Aircraft Counter-Hijacking Course Class 02-2025, becoming the first Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel to graduate from the intensive tactical program offered by the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group. (Photo: PCG)
The specialized training program was conducted by the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group (PNP-AVSEG) and is designed to equip participants with advanced tactical skills to respond to threats in aviation including chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) incidents.
Castroverde’s team also received the Best Team award for their performance in the course.
The graduates, who finished the course last Dec. 9, said their achievement underscored the PCG’s growing role in national security and inter-agency coordination. The course began on Oct. 7 and was attended by 107 trainees.
“The training provided by the PNP Aviation Security Group not only enhanced our tactical skills but also reinforced the importance of strong inter-agency cooperation in safeguarding national security,” Castroverde said.

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PCG female paratrooper Aviation Counter-Hijacking Course
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