2 Pinoy soldiers cited for saving Aussie sailor

MANILA, Philippines - Two Filipino soldiers were cited yesterday for braving crocodile-infested waters in Darwin, Australia to save a Navy man who fell overboard.

In the wee hours of the morning of Aug. 31, Marine S/Sgt. Romeo Layag and Navy Electronic Technician 3rd Class Wilfredo Doce Jr., both on board the Philippine Navy (PN)’s BRP Ramon Alcaraz, jumped into the sea to save an Australian sailor.

BRP Alcaraz, with a 180-strong force on board, is participating in the multilateral naval exercise dubbed as KAKADU 2014 that is being held in Australia.

“During the course of Exercise KAKADU 2014, a meritorious act of courage and heroism was shown by two of our men by rescuing an Australian Navy (man) who accidentally fell overboard,” Navy spokesman Marine Col. Edgard Arevalo said.

The saved Australian sailor was to go on board Royal Australian Navy (RAN) HMAS Newcastle when he fell into the water.