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Friday, March 29, 2024

‘Hero’ Coast Guard member gets promoted

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Cebu City—Apart from being promoted to the next higher rank, the Philippine Coast Guard member hailed for his heroic acts amid the sea tragedy off Sibonga, Cebu is being considered for commissionship starting with the initial rank of Ensign.

Ralph Barajan is now a full-fledged Petty Officer 2nd Class after the Coast Guard promoted him for his “exemplary act” during the sinking of M/V Siargao Princess on Nov. 7.

PCG Staff Chief Commodore William Isaga announced Barajan’s promotion during the 52nd founding anniversary of the Coast Guard at its Central Visayas station here Wednesday afternoon.

Isaga said Barajan, who is a registered nurse, only needs to submit the required documents and undergo an almost one-year training before the PCG would confer him the Ensign rank.

“Really, a hero is not just a six-foot-tall masculine figure. A hero is an ordinary person, doing an extraordinary job in an extraordinary situation, and I think that definition fits the newly promoted PO 2nd class officer Barajan. I am so happy that of all the people inside the unfortunate ship, there was a Coast Guard. It made me so proud to be a Coast Guard,” Isaga said. 

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Isaga said the PCG Legal Department is now working on the requirements for the highest award – the Medal of Valor – to be given to Barajan.

Barajan guided the 62 passengers and crew of MV Siargao Princess to safety while the vessel was sinking.

“We just have to continue to perform our functions and always do your best in everything you are asked to do and in whatever situation, and continue to save lives,” Barajan said. 

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