Meet Appa, the country’s newest hero. He doesn’t have a surname but he has sniffing superpowers.
Appa, along with his squad of rescue canines—Ivy, Tiffa and Britney—belong to the Philippine Coast Guard who helped in the search and rescue mission following the deadly landslide in Zone 1 Barangay Masara, Maco, Davao de Oro.
Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte awarded Appa and the three other PCG “hero dogs” with Coast Guard Bronze Cross medals for their exemplary contributions in the search and rescue mission following the deadly landslide during the awarding ceremony of search and rescue responders at the Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao Headquarters in Km.10, Sasa Wharf, Brgy. Sasa, Davao City on Wednesday.
Appa, a mix-breed of “aspin” (asong pinoy) and golden retriever, helped rescue three-year-old Chin-Chin Malacaste after she was trapped underground for 60 hours when a landslide hit a community in Brgy. Masara, Maco, Davao de Oro on February 6, 2024.
Appa has been able to find Malacaste through its exceptional tracking abilities.
Duterte also bestowed medals to Appa’s handler, Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Alfie B. Baba and to Ivy, Tiffa, Britney’s respective handlers.
“We are very happy because pagsugod pa lang namo aning coast guard search and rescue, karon lang nahatagan ug appreciation si Appa mula sa aming mga missions from 2017 until now,” Baba said.
In her message, Duterte said Appa teaches anyone that regardless of labels, can make a difference. She also said that Appa’s courage reminds the people to cherish their animal companions more.
“We are especially moved by the story of Appa, our brave K-9 Search and Rescue Dog, who played a crucial role in saving a 3-year-old girl trapped underground for 60 hours. Appa teaches us that anyone, regardless of labels, can make a difference. Its courage reminds us to cherish our animal companions more,” Duterte said in her message.
“My deepest gratitude goes out to all our honorees, volunteers, fellow citizens, and especially to our beloved hero, Appa, who faced the challenges brought by the devastating landslide in Davao de Oro. During tough times like these, instead of being disheartened or fearful, you were brave, compassionate, and fearless. Your acts of courage and kindness helped the community survive those dark hours and kept their spirits alive providing much-needed hope,” Duterte said.
The vice president also recognized the efforts of the local leaders, volunteers, firefighters, paramedics, and Coast Guard members.
“Your teamwork embodies the spirit of bayanihan and malasakit. Your actions in Davao de Oro not only saved lives but also inspired many, especially the young ones who look up to you,” Duterte said.
Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao Commodore Rejard Marfe vowed its unwavering commitment to the safety, security, and welfare of the communities in the Davao Region.
“Our demonstration of exceptional courage was made more evident in our swift response to the recent tragic landslide in Barangay Masara. The Coast Guard personnel and K9 teams demonstrated our extraordinary courage and skill in responding to that landslide incident,” Marfe said.
