Tags: Typhoons and Natural Disasters
By Marjorie Gorospe
QUEZON CITY, METRO MANILA–Aside from being physically fit, one needs to be courageous and patient to become part of the Philippine Air Force 505 Search and Rescue Auxiliary Group.
505 Search and Rescue Director for Civil Military Operations 1st Lt. Abraham Pasion says this military division is one of the busiest due to the numerous typhoons and disasters hitting the country.
Pasion adds that this is the reason the division uses different equipment and conducts rigorous trainings among members.
“Our job is always to be on call and so we continuously conduct training on water survival, basic life support, and rescue diving so that we can always be ready during the times of disaster,” Pasion says.
505 Search and Rescue had been tested during the time of Typhoon Ondoy in 2009.
“During that time, all the para rescuers were deployed in many cities. It was one of the challenging times for all of us but it also helped us to be more capable in our service,” Airman 2nd Class para rescuer Albert Nuñez shares.
Nuñez adds that some of the characteristics that a para rescuer must always have is the right attitude and must be able to cooperate with members and work as a team.
“Being patient is a must because there are some who even gets mad at you despite the help that you are offering,” Nuñez said.
Although they are aware of the risks in saving others’ lives, Pasion says that a simple “thank you” makes them easily forget the physical fatigue and dangers they’ve gone through.
“It is a personal satisfaction when you successfully helped someone at the end of the day. Everything just fades away the moment that person says thank you or they get to remember us and that’s something priceless,” Pasion says, noting that they cannot even recall how many times they have been deployed for this year alone.
As of the moment, 505 Search and Rescue Auxiliary continues to live by their motto, “that others may live..,” Pasion also hopes that the public will also be prepared in times of disaster.
“The best way is to stay calm and they should try to contact the closest local authority for help,” adds Pasion.
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