3 retiring Aspin dogs in Cordillera honored by police

Baguio City, Philippines – Cordillera police honored on Friday, August 26 three Asong Pinoy (Aspin) that served as Combat Tracking Dogs (CTD) and Search and Rescue Dog (SARD) of the agency for years.

Dogs serving the agency have important roles, especially in high-risk situations. Most of these canines are on the front line.

Through the "Salamat Kapatid and Kaibigan Program" held at Camp Major Bado Dangwa, La Trinidad Benguet, certificates of recognition and treats were awarded to the dogs - Gordon, Wanda, and Bullet.

Accomplishments

Police Regional Office-Cordillera (PROCOR) reported that Gordon and Wanda, who served as CTD for more than seven years, helped locate a missing Korean in Barlig, Mt. Province in 2017.

In addition, both dogs likewise aided the Search, Rescue, and Retrieval (SRR) operations during the landslide in Sitio Sakrang, Banawel, Natonin, Mt. Province in 2018.

They were further dispatched during the encounter in Tadian, Mt. Province, which led to the discovery of harboring areas and escape routes of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG).

Bullet, on the other hand, served as Search And Rescue Dog (SARD) in the agency for more than six years.

In the aftermath of Typhoon “Ompong” in 2018, he located four casualties in Barangay Ucab, Itogon, Benguet and was awarded with “Medalya ng Kadakilaan” by former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

In 2019, the search and rescue dog was tapped to locate two missing teenagers who were swept away by raging waters in a creek in Lower Wangal.

In 2021, he was tasked to locate three missing persons who were buried in a landslide in Dominican-Mirador, Baguio City during the onslaught of Typhoon “Maring.”

Dog handlers awarded

In recognition of their efforts in guiding and training the three canines, Police Colonel Elmer Ragay, the chief of staff of PROCOR awarded Medalya ng Kasanayan (PNP Efficiency Medal) to Police Staff Sergeant (PSSg.) Elizer Pe, Gordon’s handler; PSSg. Arthur Bayangan, Wanda’s handler; and Police Master Sergeant Arman Acangan, Bullet’s handler.

According to the regional police office, the three Aspin who retired are now set for new homes and are ready for adoption.

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