Thirteen firefighters from Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Special Rescue Unit (SRU) of Region 5 were lauded at the weekly flag raising ceremony held at the National Headquarters located at Agham St. in Quezon City .

BFP Officer-in-Charge C/Supt. Ruben F. Bearis, Jr. bestowed Medalya ng Kadakilaan to rescuers who assisted in the Search and Rescue Operations for the passengers of the ill-fated plane that crashed off Masbate Bay carryng Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse M. Robredo, Sr. Inspector June Abrazado, and 2 others.

Bearis said the Medalya ng Kadakilaan is awarded to Insp. Glenn R. Rodrigueza, FO3 Miguel D Jaucian, FO1 Erwin O Tongco, FO1 Mark John V Conejero, FO1 Kenneth V Nieva, FO1 Jay-ar F. Santos, for their exemplary performance on the conduct of the search and rescue operation for the wreckage of the plane of the missing persons including that of Silg Robredo on August 20, 2012. The team detected the fuselage of the plane in the sonar scanner equipment at about 3:45 pm of the same day and due to rough water and poor visibility and nearing night time, they placed a marker for divers verification on the next mission day. Their immediate response and exemplary performance led to the success of the search, rescue and retrieval operation.

He added that the fire bureau also lauded FO2 Warren M Orendain, FO1 Nick Anthony L Llarena, FO1 Honesto M Nocete, FO1 Louise Mark Cirunay, FO1 Edward Simon E Gandul, FO1 Yasser M Orogo for their courageous act they displayed during the onslaught of southwest monsoon or habagat that caused flash floods in almost all areas in Metro Manila. The team, equipped with 1 fire truck and 1 rubber boat, rescued more than 100 persons including unconscious victim and 3 pregnant women in the flooded areas along Araneta Avenue, Quezon Avenue, Barangays Sto Domingo, Maria Clara st., Talayan Village and riverbank.

“Their exceptional display of heroism and bravery despite probable threat is truly commendable and worthy of emulation by others in the service.’ Bearis added.

He further said that medalya ng kadakilaan is awarded to FO1 Marvin S Veluz of the BFP-NCR who swam the raging flood water to tie a rope and together with Fire Aide Tiempo, rescued Mr. Marius Manalo of Brgy Sta Lucia, Novaliches, Quezon City on August 7, 2012. Their rescue operations was telecast lived on tv during the onslaught of habagat.

Bearis added,”Their exceptional display of heroism and bravery despite probable danger is truly commendable and worthy of emulation by others in the service.”

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