Coast Guard officer who rescued MV Siargao Princess passengers, crew gets promotion

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) commandant Vice Admiral Joel Garcia on Tuesday announced that the officer who rescued all passengers and crew of the capsized MV Siargao Princess last week would be promoted.

According to Garcia, Petty Officer Third Class (PO3) Ralph Barajan will be promoted to Petty Officer Second Class (PO2).

“Petty Officer Third Class Barajan will be promoted to Petty Officer Second Class and will be eligible for commissionship to become a Coast Guard officer as a recognition for his exemplary attitude and courageous act to ensure the safety of lives despite being off-duty when the maritime incident occurred,” Garcia said.

Garcia underscored that Barajan has depicted PCG’s core values of professionalism, commitment and gallantry.

According to the PCG, Barajan was on-board MV Siargao Princess when he noticed the “worsening” condition of the boat due to the strong waves it had encountered.

Barajan then informed the ship captain and he took the initiative to gather the ship passengers and crew.

After securing life jackets for the children, Barajan accounted everyone and initiated the group to jump off the troubled vessel.

Barajan noted that his training at the PCG prepared him to save people’s lives.

The PCG had said MV Siargao Princess was approximately three to five nautical miles to Sibonga, Cebu when it had encountered strong waves last Thursday.

Authorities immediately responded to the distress call of the sinking vessel.

All 63 passengers and crew of the MV Siargao Princess had been rescued, the PCG had said. —KBK, GMA News