Retired bomb-sniffing dogs up for adoption

Some of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force's hard-working explosive detection dogs are now ready for their much-deserved retirement.

According to Mark Salazar's report on "24 Oras," Thursday, trained dogs Nick, Casper, and Snow are about to bid goodbye to their PNP handlers as they are about to get adopted.

"Kasi ikaw pagka matagal mo akong di nakikita, nase-stress ka eh. Wag mo hanapin 'yung pag-aalaga ko sa 'yo sa iba," P/Msgt. Rogelio Daculan told his partner dog, Nick.

During Nick's younger days, they were assigned to watch over APEC in 2015, Plebiscite of Bangsamoro in 2017.

Rogelio and Nick stayed in Zamboanga City and Jolo Sulu for a year.

"Lalo sa atin, malayo tayo sa pamilya natin, kalaro mo pagka walang trabaho, duyan-duyan lang katabi ko si Nick. Mami-miss ko sir kasi siya 'yung unang K9 na aso ko sa pagiging K9 handler ko. Parang anak din 'yung trato ko sa kanya," Rogelio said.

Rogelio's most unforgettable moment with Nick was when their spot was bombed in Jolo in 2019.

"Nagkasakit 'yan si Nick that time, eh mahirap naman 'yung vet kaya tinawid ko siya ng Zamboanga. Blessing in disguise kasi pagkatawid namin ng Zamboanga, nangyari 'yung insidente doon sa Jolo," he said.

Twelve-year-old Labrador retriever Casper is also about to leave his handler.

"Casper, pakabait ka ha pag may kukuha sa 'yo," P/Smsgt. Bonie Mustaro told his partner dog.

"Malungkot ako aalis siya dito, hindi ko siya makikita lagi pero masaya ako kasi mapupunta siya sa magandang lugar na hindi tulad dito na congested," he said.

Meanwhile, 13-year-old labrador Snow, who was a veteran of the 2013 Zamboanga siege, lost its handler after he passed away due to illness.

Snow went through a rough time following the unfortunate scenario.

"S'yempre matagal silang nagkasama ng original handler nya. Ang tawag nya nga kay Snow ay Inday. Para niyang daughter ba. Sobra talaga si late Talledo mag-alaga, 'yung parang anak na babae ganun siya magtrato kay Snow kaya naging ano na namin sa mga handler, 'Uy si Inday Snow!'" P/Msgt. Rommel Aclan said.

Because they are now getting old, Nick, Casper, and Snow are ready to be adopted.

About 200 applicants are now in line to adopt them, but SAF will thoroughly decide who is best for them.

Unfortunately, the handlers themselves cannot adopt the dogs because of their busy schedules and because they are also set to handle the new generation of 15 explosive detection dogs.

"Meron po kaming kakayahan pero nasa trabaho kami lagi. Kami nga na halos 'yung family namin hindi namin maalagaan," P/Maj. Joy Cabusi said.

Thank you for your service, Nick, Casper, and Snow!

—Carby Basina/MGP, GMA Integrated News