Manila, February 2, 2021 — From January 28 to 31, members of the U.S. Civilian Military Support Element – Philippines (CMSE PHL) conducted Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) Training for Philippine Coast Guard District Palawan (CGDPAL) personnel and the crews of PCG vessels across Palawan as part of the Coast Guard’s Surface Support Force (CGSSF) Boarding Officer Course.

Through training scenarios designed to simulate emergencies during maritime law enforcement, maritime security, and maritime search and rescue operations, 21 students were trained on skills to address and manage an injury on the spot. Progressing through the three phases of TCCC and integrated into CGSSF’s Boarding Officer’s Course, this training strengthened the medical capabilities of the participants who work in a wide range of environments during maritime and land-based operations.

“Our personnel, specifically our boarding team members, had the opportunity to level up and enhance their skill and capability in responding to emergency situations that they might encounter while performing our functions at sea. The training boosted their confidence, knowing that they can depend on each other’s capabilities when situations such as those they have encountered during the training might suddenly arise. The training provided by our partners from CMSE PHL will definitely help us in providing better services to our stakeholders and the people of Palawan,” said BRP Cabra Commanding Officer Cdr. Erwin Tolentino.

“With our PCG partners, we created challenging and realistic training that simulated scenarios the participants will encounter in emergencies. Their enthusiasm to train and professionalism was invaluable to the execution of this training. I am confident that the competencies learned during this event will benefit these boarding officers in any situation where life-saving skills are needed,” added CMSE PHL Medic Zachary Shimley.

This training partnership exemplifies the close relationship between American and Philippine friends, partners, and allies in strengthening maritime law enforcement and maritime search and rescue, and promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region.