Philippine Dragon Boat Team to help in flood rescue

The Philippine Dragon Boat Team. INQUIRER file photo

MANILA, Philippines–World Dragon Boat Racing champion will join the rescue missions in flooded areas of Bulacan and Pampanga for two days, a military officer said Saturday.

Army deputy spokesman and the lead officer for this mission, Major Harold Cabunoc, said that the team would use the actual dragon boat used during the Philippine competition. It can accommodate up to 20 people .

“We will employ eight paddlers in the boat so we can ferry 10 people at a time,” Cabunoc said quoting Sergeant Usman Anterola, team captain of the Dragon Warriors.

The contingent will depart Sunday morning from the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, he said.

The group is comprised of 10 Army, Air Force, Coast Guard personnel and civilians, Cabunoc said.

Army chief Lieutenant General Arturo Ortiz has specifically directed the Army athletes to help in the rescue efforts, he added.