UPM-SAR Training at ROX

Last night's quick but heavy downpour nearly put Metro Manila into a standstill. Lucky for us, the stretch of C5 on the way to ROX High Street was surprisingly clear of vehicles, so I made it to the UPM-Search and Rescue (UPM-SAR) training (I found out that Katipunan was knee-deep in flood so very few cars could pass all the way to C5).

Rainy season is upon us, and what happened last night is a clear sign that Metro Manila is f**ked once a major disaster happens. If a brief rain shower like that could cause chaos, what more a massive typhoon or worse, a major earthquake? Which is why the SAR training is even more relevant than ever.

new recruits for the UPM-SAR Team (photo: Ninoy Leyran)

UPM-SAR has been beefing up its capabilities as a quick response team in the past couple of years with continuous training of new members and adding more gear through private partners (thanks, guys!). The team has proven its mettle up the mountains and through the flooded streets of Metro Manila time and again. With the news of climbers/hikers getting lost or injured appearing more and more frequently, the timing couldn't be better.

The new recruits were taught the basics of abseiling, or rappelling; from getting to know the gear to the safety rules. ROX was the perfect venue since Power Up already had a rappel setup there. Natnat and Jonas took the lead in training, while the other team members helped out during the abseil proper.

Natnat and Jonas teaching them the ropes

Abseiling is very popular with the local outdoor community. The thrill of going down a steep terrain with only a thin line of cord separating you from certain death. Unfortunately, a lot of people forget that a lot of things can go wrong if you are not paying attention. I'm guilty of this as well during my early days with UPM; zipping down a tattered static rope with second-hand rappel rings. We didn't know any better. So we realized that this was a basic skill, and ten years ago, we made this part of the teaching module for new members. 

(photo: Ninoy Leyra)

Going back to last night. So the new recruits had to quickly learn the safety protocols in using the equipment. Even before stepping into the ledge, they had to set up a safety line (slings with carabiners) which they need to clip on to the fixed line, a la via ferrata. At four stories up, one slip and you could break your neck. 

always be connected by at least two safety lines

Once they were safely connected to the fixed line, they can now set up their abseil system. I re-learned last night the technique in avoiding dropping your 8-ring while connecting it to the rope. Then after the signal is given to and acknowledged by the rope-man, down they go. 

Kiko Rustia getting the hang of it

Some first-timers were a bit apprehensive at the start; muscles tensing as they hold the rope, afraid it would somehow betray them. We had to reassure them a few times to trust the equipment. After all, keeping calm during emergency response is a necessary quality of any rescuer.

Miko Santos of phmountains giving it a go

I couldn't resist the chance. After all the recruits successfully rapped to safety, I clipped on to the rope and went down. Hey, it's always a good idea to work on your technique, right?

The session was unfortunately short. ROX had to close down for the night. We quickly headed to our favorite watering hole to pass time and drink the traffic away. 

Despite the brief time we had, I think the guys learned a lot. I wish them luck and hope they all finish the course. This is just the beginning. 

Our thanks to Power Up and Recreational Outdoor Exchange (ROX) for letting us use their facilities.