PCG honors ship crew blasted with China water cannon

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has recognized the captain and 38 crewmembers of BRP Bagacay who successfully carried out their humanitarian mission to Panatag Shoal last Tuesday despite attempts by the Chinese coast guard to stop them using powerful water cannons.

- GHIO ONG

PCG officer-in-charge Vice Admiral Rolando Lizor Punzalan Jr. recognized Capt. Jane Gesulgon, the captain of BRP Bagacay, for ensuring the success of the mission as well as the safety of his crew.

Awarded the “Coast Guard Merit Medal and Ribbon” for their courage were the 38 crewmembers of the 44-meter multirole response vessel.

The recognition is given to PCG officers and personnel who take part in “major” Coast Guard missions, according to the PCG.

Punzalan, PCG spokesman and Civil Relations Service commander Rear Admiral Armando Balilo, and PCG’s Metro Manila and Central Luzon district commander Commodore Arnaldo Lim led the awarding of the medals and the inspection of BRP Bagacay docked at Pier 13 of the Manila South Harbor last Thursday.