Bomb-sniffing dogs show skills in AFP competition

MANILA, Philippines - Forty dogs from various K-9 units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Coast Guard and civilian K-9 outfits displayed their bomb-detection abilities in the first-ever AFP K-9 Competition recently.

The country’s first and biggest dog competition in the explosives detection category was held at the AFP General Headquarters parade ground at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

The competition focused on search settings patterned on situations that K-9 dogs and their handlers usually encounter on the job, such as vehicle search, baggage search, and open area search.

The AFP K-9 Company topped the military category, while the Manila International Airport Authority’s Airport Police Department K-9 was the best in the civilian category.

“This competition was conceptualized to provide a venue for different K-9 units in the country to showcase and improve their skills and capabilities, inform the general public about the important work of K-9 units, and foster camaraderie among participants,” said Maj. Gen. Carlos Holganza, AFP deputy chief of staff for operations (J3), whose office hosted the competition.

“For more than a decade now, the K-9 unit has been an integral part of the AFP in conducting internal security operations and accomplishing our mission of protecting and safeguarding the Republic,” said AFP chief Gen. Victor Ibrado.

“This competition is a measuring stick for all K-9 units in the country and an ideal opportunity to exchange information on K-9 training and development,” he said.

“We are privileged to support the first-ever AFP K-9 Competition and contribute to maintaining our country’s safety and security,” said Mon Abrenica, division manager of AmPro Pet Nutrition, maker of premium dog food brand Good Boy.

Established in 2000, AmPro Pet Nutrition is a professional pet food manufacturer based in the Philippines and a trusted name in the local pet food market.

AmPro’s manufacturing facilities use top-of-the-line European and American technology and equipment. Raw materials are bought directly from reliable meat rendering plants in Germany, Italy, Sweden and the United States to ensure quality and traceability.

All AmPro Pet Nutrition products are designed and formulated based on the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials. AmPro is an affiliate of the American Pet Product Association, the world’s biggest pet industry organization.

Good Boy premium dog food will hold the K-9 Good Manners Clinic on Sept. 26 at the San Juan Gym in San Juan City. Pre-registered dogs will receive free IQ tests and on-site behavior correction demo administered by respected K-9 behaviorist Fred Alimusa. For pre-registration and inquiries, e-mail at askgoodbo[email protected].