MANILA, Philippines— The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) conducted Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) 2026 on Friday at Manila's Dolomite Beach to boost emergency readiness.
Executed through the Philippine Aeronautics Rescue Coordination Center (PARCC), the exercise simulated an aircraft ditching incident in Manila Bay. The drill required highly coordinated air, sea and medical rescue operations.
CAAP mobilized key responders for the event. The Philippine Air Force managed air operations, while the Philippine Coast Guard handled maritime response. Partner hospitals executed medical evacuations, supported by disaster management agencies.
Officials said the exercise validates the national Search and Rescue (SAR) system. It evaluates unified commands, communication systems, and identify operational gaps that may require procedural improvements.
"What we are looking at here is the overall operational structure, from the organization and the involved agencies to seamless inter-agency coordination. We want to demonstrate to the riding public that we have the capability and readiness to respond in times of accidents or incidents, and that our responders are prepared for any situation," CAAP Director General Raul del Rosario said.
Mandated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the exercise forms part of the Philippines' continuing compliance with international standards.