PCG-6 deploys sniffing dogs at seaports
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) 6 has deployed K-9 dogs at the seaports to help detect the possible entry of illegal drugs and explosives in Western Visayas.
The PCG-6 has ten K-9 or bomb sniffing dogs scattered all over the region.
In Iloilo City, there are three standby K-9 dogs in areas of Muelle Loney and Fort San Pedro, another three in Boracay, and two each for Bacolod City and Dumangas, Iloilo.
According to Commodore William Melad of PCG-6, the regular task of the K-9 is to conduct regular inspection, paneling and sanitation of all port facilities, vessels, baggage and cargoes prior to departure.
“This is to ensure the safe trip of our maritime stakeholders,” he said.
As a basic procedure, Melad said the K-9 dog will check the passengers’ baggage by sniffing it and if the dog will keep coming back to the baggage, the dog’s handler will request the passenger to open the bag for rechecking.
However, Melad said there is no need to alarm the public because this is for their safety.
“Madali lang ito and this really works,” he said.
The commander added that K-9 dogs are well-trained and equipped with expertise in sniffing bomb and narcotic substances.
The same with the dogs’ handlers, these PCG personnel are also expert in so many trainings particularly in addressing the needs of the dogs.
Melad said handlers are equipped with complete uniform either camouflage or black shirt bearing the name of the Coast Guard at the back.
The commander also said the PCG is always observing the 4 Ps which means Presence, Preparedness, Professionalism, and Partnership.
Meanwhile, Paul Ledesma, officer-in-charge of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 6 (PDEA-6) noted the great importance of K-9 dogs in detecting narcotics and other drug-related crimes.
Recently, utilizing a Narcotic Detection Dog (NDD) named as “Tolits”, a raid was successfully conducted which resulted to the arrest of four suspects including recovery of all paraphernalia’s, substances and residues.
