PCG forms all-female search and rescue team

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has formed its first all-female search and rescue (SAR) team. Lieutenant Commander Marco Antonio Gines, head of the PSG-Special Operations Group, said the seven-member team will be joining their male counterparts in SAR missions on heavy flooding and ship-related incidents. “Before only male divers are on the front line of saving lives. Now we will see female divers doing SAR mission in times of heavy flooding and ship-related incidents," Gines said. He said this is the first time the PCG will be incorporating females in their all-male elite divers group to provide equal opportunity to women. Gines stressed the need for female divers so that the female victims would not be uncomfortable during the SAR operations. “We need to be gender sensitive. There were instances wherein we had to rescue women who are wearing wet clothes. We think that it would be better if the women from SOG would be the ones to assist them," he said. He added the team could also help victims are experiencing trauma. “We would also rely on their patience which would increase their tolerance level." He also said they are aware of the physical limits of the females. “We know that they cannot be as physically strong as the men. We would not focus on the development of their muscles, but would concentrate on their skills on diving, swimming and in the performance of the rescue missions," he said. The seven women -- five enlisted personnel and two medical personnel aged 24 to 30 years old -- volunteered for the position. The seven women would join the 37 male PCG personnel who will undergo the Basic Underwater Special Operations Course (Busoc) class 22-10. The course would take two months to complete. Gines said the PCG would be adopting a slightly different training system for the women, noting that they would be given two weeks to condition themselves for the difficult training ahead. - KBK, GMANews.TV