The Boholano member of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is slated to receive an international award for his exceptional bravery, according to a report from the Capitol media on Monday, Oct. 12, 2020.
Probationary Ensign (P/Ens.) Ralph Barajan will receive an award from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for exceptional bravery at sea.
The Boholano gets the recognition after he helped save 62 lives when the seacraft MV Siargao Princess capsized in the waters of Cebu province on November 7, 2019, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) have announced.
Barajan, who was among the seacraft’s passengers and off-duty at the time of the incident, quickly went into action to save the lives of other passengers of the ill-fated seacraft.
He is receiving the IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea is a yearly international recognition for those who performed exceptional acts of bravery to the point of risking their own lives to save others and ensure safety at sea, the same reports say.
PCG Commandant, Admiral George V Ursabia Jr commended the bravery exhibited by Barajan to ensure the safety of other passengers of the ill-fated seacraft.
“P/Ens Barajan’s display of courage, determination, and presence of mind which led to the successful rescue of 62 victims, including himself is indeed worthy of emulation and respect for him, his family, and for the PCG – as a perfect demonstration of the Coast Guard service,” Ursabia said.