Coast Guard commends 12-year-old girl who swam 5 hours to save family

A 12-year-old girl was recognized by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) for her courage to swim six kilometers for five hours to look for help for her family after the motorbanca they were riding capsized.

Coast Guard District Western Visayas Commodore Ludovico Librilla Jr. led a tribute to Cherry Ann Mateo and two rescuers on Monday, May 11, 2026 at CGDWV headquarters in Lapuz, Iloilo City.

"Ms. Mateo, a 12-year-old resident of Sitio Tigbao, Batbatan Island, Culasi, Antique, demonstrated remarkable courage after swimming nearly six kilometers for about five hours to seek help for her family after motorbanca capsized at sea," the PCG said in a statement.

The two other recsuers were Edgar Antonio and Johnny Patricio, who were recognized "for their significant contribution to the successful rescue operation."

"The PCG commended the heroism, courage, and selflessness displayed by the awardees, highlighting their actions as an inspiration to the community and a testament to the bayanihan spirit in times of emergency." — BAP, GMA News