Philippine Coast Guard conducts search, rescue exercise at Lipata terminal
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) - District of Northeastern Mindanao staged a comprehensive search and rescue exercise simulating response procedures for a major maritime emergency on April 28 at the Lipata Ferry Terminal, Surigao City.
In collaboration with the Terminal Management Office (TMO) of Lipata, the drill was designed to test emergency protocols under realistic conditions, following a preparatory Table-Top Exercise (TTEX) held at the Provincial Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) of Surigao del Norte on April 25.
The exercise meticulously recreated the 2014 MV Maharlika II disaster, when the vessel encountered severe weather while crossing the Surigao Strait. During that real-life incident, which occurred on September 13, 2014, the ferry suffered partial flooding and listed dramatically at 40 to 45 degrees, forcing the captain to declare "Abandon Ship" and issue distress calls with 121 souls on board—90 passengers and 31 crew members.
During the preceding tabletop exercise, participants from multiple agencies reviewed inter-organizational coordination, evaluated response procedures, and analyzed decision-making processes under simulated emergency conditions.
The full-scale live drill mobilized vessels, emergency response teams, and communication systems to test the region's maritime rescue capabilities under pressure, with observers evaluating performance against established safety protocols.
This training initiative came amid the Philippines' ongoing efforts to enhance maritime safety in an archipelago where sea transport remains a crucial lifeline for millions of citizens traveling between islands. (PPA- PMO Surigao/PIA Surigao del Norte)