CAAP Strengthens National Search and Rescue Readiness with SAREX 2026

CAAP Strengthens National Search and Rescue Readiness with SAREX 2026

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | May 15, 2026

PASAY CITY – The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), through the Philippine Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Center (PARCC), executed the Philippine Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) 2026 on Friday, May 15, at Dolomite Beach in Manila.

SAREX 2026 simulated an aircraft ditching in Manila Bay, orchestrating a comprehensive response that integrated air, sea, and medical rescue operations. The exercise mobilized key responders, including the Philippine Air Force for aerial operations, the Philippine Coast Guard for maritime response, partner hospitals for medical evacuation and treatment, and other government agencies critical to emergency and disaster management.

This rigorous exercise served to validate the national Search and Rescue (SAR) system’s efficacy, assess unified command structures, evaluate response times and communication protocols, and pinpoint operational deficiencies requiring procedural enhancement.

CAAP Director General Retired Lt. Gen. Raul del Rosario emphasized the exercise’s critical objectives to the media: “We are meticulously examining the entire operational structure – from organization and involved agencies to seamless inter-agency coordination. Our aim is to assure the traveling public of our robust capability and preparedness to respond effectively during accidents or incidents, and that our responders are ready for any situation.”

Mandated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), SAREX 2026 underscores the Philippines’ continuous adherence to international standards, aligning with the directives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez.