Former Pinoy Big Brother housemate-turned-actor Gerald Anderson is now an auxiliary officer of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) with the rank of lieutenant, thus becoming officially part of the agency’s K9 Special Support Squadron.
According to Inquirer, Gerald recently put up a K9 search and rescue unit under his Gerald Anderson Foundation (GAF), but stressed that “ours is not a rescue foundation for abandoned dogs.”
Gerald’s team, which also includes his dad Randy, brother Ken and sister Jeanifer as members, assists in the recovery of missing persons through the help of trained dogs, skilled personnel and specialized equipment that can also be used during calamities and other emergencies.
His father and brother Ken likewise became auxiliary officers of the PCG in July this year with the ranks of commander and lieutenant, respectively.
Gerald’s team has accomplished a lot since it was launched in March. “We currently have five dog teams under training to be ready to respond to any disaster that may hit the country,” Gerald told the Inquirer.
The GAF will let the PCG use its K9 units for search and rescue operations, Gerald reported. The squadron aims to assist in enhancing maritime community relations, as well as promote animal welfare.
“Anyone can be an auxiliary officer, but one has to pass stringent screening and application procedures,” Gerald said of his membership in the PCG.
