Metro Manila Dogs Association K-9 Corps recharge in Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown
before heading to ground zero
On the evening of September 30, 2025, Cebu was rocked by a 6.9-magnitude earthquake that claimed lives, destroyed homes, and caused billions in damages. Amid the devastation, countless heroes have risen — from first responders and volunteers to the four-legged rescuers of the Metro Manila Dogs Association (MMDA) K-9 Corps.
These highly trained dogs and their handlers traveled to Bogo City to assist in search and rescue operations, offering not just their skills but a much-needed source of hope.
At the forefront is Ghost, a German Shepherd who has already proven her courage in multiple missions. With her handler, Ms. Sheryl Impacis, Ghost first served in Batangas during a landslide, then in Tagaytay, and now in Cebu — searching tirelessly through the rubble, standing as a quiet yet powerful symbol of service and resilience.
Before heading to ground zero, the team made a brief stop at Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown, a pet-inclusive hotel that extended extraordinary hospitality. Though its policy normally allows only small and medium dogs, the hotel opened its doors to Ghost and her fellow K-9s — giving them a safe place to rest and recharge before continuing their mission.
“While our pet policy usually welcomes only small and medium dogs, we made an exception for Ghost and the MMDA K-9 Corps because of the extraordinary circumstances. It was a small way for us to help, and we are grateful to provide them with a place to rest before they continued their important work in the community,” said Josef Chiongbian, General Manager of Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown.
Since 2016, the MMDA K-9 Corps has trained and deployed hundreds of dogs to respond in times of disaster. Time and again, these brave canines and their handlers have volunteered in life-saving missions, answering the call whenever communities are in need.
Now that Cebu’s search and rescue operations have ended, the story of Ghost reminds us that courage takes many forms. Sometimes it shines in the bravery of first responders, sometimes in the resilience of survivors, and sometimes, in the unwavering loyalty of a dog’s helping paw.
