PHILIPPINE Coast Guard (PCG) Deputy Commandant for Operations, Vice Admiral Edgar Ybañez PCG, spearheaded the Graduation Ceremony of Coast Guard K9 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Course (EODC) Class 02-2024 held at Coast Guard Base, Taguig yesterday, 25 March 2025.
This course is composed of 35 students: 30 personnel from PCG, three personnel from Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF), and two personnel from Regional EOD K9 Unit (RECU) Regional Administrative Region.
Said students hurdled almost 6 months training specializing in detecting, disarming and disposing explosive threats.
Commander, Maritime Security Law Enforcement Command, Commander Diomedes Gemino PCG, graduated with the highest over-all grade in academic modules and obtained an average grade of 94.39%.
The Executive Director, PCG K9 Academy, Lieutenant Commander Crisanto Barcelon PCG, graduated with the highest over-all grade in Non-Academic modules obtaining an average grade of 99.79 %.
Moreover, certificates of recognition were given to the following students under Team 5 for being adjudged as the best performing team during the conduct of practical exercises of said course:
– ENS Mark Daniel Rodriguez PCG
– Tsg Bernard Presado PCG
– PO3 Herbert Sabroso PCG
– SN1 Argie Salando PCG
– SN1 Jerold Galay PCG
– SN2 Jefriel Bautista PCG
– Pat Mary Rose Escarton PCG
“The path to this moment has not been easy. The training you have undergone was designed to push you beyond your limits-physically, mentally and emotionally. You have mastered the delicate and dangerous art of identifying, disarming and neutralizing explosive threats. Every lesson learned reinforce the gravity of your mission. It has prepared you for what lies ahead. You have trained not just to face danger, but to run towards it when others step back,” Vice Admiral Ybañez emphasized.
“To our instructors, thank you for shaping these warriors. Your experience, patience and dedication have ensured that each graduate before us today is prepared for the challenges ahead. You have passed down not only technical knowledge, but also the wisdom that will guide them through their careers,” he furthered.
Editor’s Note: This article has been sourced from the Philippine Coast Guard – Philippines Facebook Page.
