MANILA, Philippines - Do you have a dog you want to put up for adoption? The Philippine Coast Guard is looking to adopt 200 dogs, whether pedigreed or askal (native), to be trained as part of the K-9 unit.

There's a job waiting for man's best friend at the Philippine Coast Guard. Credit: ABS-CBN News

Such was what Rachel Ilustre did. She had Bullet, a Belgian malinois, for three years but she could no longer take care of him due to her work schedule. She then thought of donating Bullet to the Philippine Coast Guard so he can be properly cared for.

"At least, alam ko magkakaroon pa ng purpose ang aso ko," said Ilustre.

Azumi and Tiger, on the other hand, both "asong kalye" or "askal"--the colloquial term for Philippine native dogs--were left by their owners at the pier. Now, they are in the care of the Philippine Coast Guard K-9 unit and will be trained to become narcotics- and bomb-sniffing dogs.

The Philippine Coast Guard trains dogs to sniff for narcotics and bombs. Credit: ABS-CBN News

"Susubukan natin ang askal na aso. Low maintenance. Kaya rin ng native 'yan," said Commander Allen Dalangin, head of the Coast Guard K-9 Unit.

To date, there are 70 dogs with the 12 Coast Guard detachments scattered throughout the country. They are being used to check for drugs and bombs in piers and ships.

More dogs needed

"Kulang tayo sa aso," said Dalangin.

It would cost P300,000 to P1 million to buy a trained dog.

This is why the Coast Guard is appealing to dog owners to donate their dogs to the Coast Guard.

The agency is accepting pedigreed dogs, 6 months to 3 years old. Askals aged 3 to 6 months are also welcome. Dogs have to be healthy.

Donors will have to sign a deed of donation when they give their dogs over.

The Coast Guard said dog owners need not be sad to part with their dogs because they are welcome to visit their dogs anytime.

Those interested to put their dogs up for donation to the Coast Guard may call 328-1098. -- Report from Maan Macapagal, ABS-CBN News