US, PH troops simulate combat casualty handling in Palawan training

Philippine and US troops take part in training for maritime operations in Palawan province, which is closest to Philippine claims in the Spratly Islands in the West Philippine Sea. US EMBASSY

MANILA, Philippines—Philippine and US troops took part in training for maritime operations in Palawan province, which is closest to Philippine claims in the Spratly Islands in the West Philippine Sea.

The US Embassy in Manila, in a statement, said the US Civilian Military Support Element (CSME)—Philippines conducted training for combat casualties for men and officers of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) district in Palawan and crewmen of PCG vessels in the province.

It was part of the PCG’s Surface Support Force Boarding Officer Course, the embassy said in its statement released on Tuesday (Feb. 2).The training was held from Jan 28 to 31.

Part of the training simulated emergency cases during maritime law enforcement, maritime security and maritime search and rescue operations.

The US Embassy said the training strengthened the capability of participants to respond to medical needs during combat and other maritime and land-based operations.

Commander Erwin Tolentino, commanding officer of PCG vessel BRP Cabra, said the training was valuable “in responding to emergency situations” that troops may encounter in “performing our functions at sea.”

The training simulated “challenging and realistic” scenarios that the participants will encounter in emergencies and which would be useful in “any situation where life-saving skills are needed,” said Zachary Shimley, CMSE Philippines medic.

TSB