Navotas honors SuperFerry heroes

Some 34 fishermen who helped rescue 28 passengers of an inter-island passenger vessel that burned off Corregidor Island over two weeks ago, were conferred awards for heroism and exemplary conduct in simple rites Monday at the spanking Navotas Municipal Hall.

The awarding rites became a fitting highlight ending the weeklong celebration of "Araw ng Mangingisda" in this progressive town, now eyeing cityhood.

Mayor Toby Tiangco and the local Sangguniang Bayan led by Vice Mayor Lutgardo "Gardy" Cruz conferred the award to Francisco Trangia, Roberto Alfonso, Alfredo Castro, Carlos Loreto, George Cahilig, Leopoldo Cahilig, Arnold Villanueva, Manny Varela, Larry Fernandez, Nilo Bardos, Eduardo Gutierrez, Albert de Luna, Jeffrey Feliciano, Roque Cahilig, Roy Santos, Edwin Dizon, Enrico Dino, Edmundo Millado, Edgardo Quijano, Melvin Feliciano, Louie Javier MJ Marasigan, Ryan Singson, Towie Singson, Alex de Omania, Marcelo Castro, Ronnie Cahilig, Richard Carasig, Anthony Santiago, Dennis de Jesus, Armando Dizon, Roberto Tondera, Alvin Montinella and Bernardo Alfonso.

"This kind of heroism, one that expresses a great respect for human life, is an inspiration for all self-respecting human beings. Itong kabayanihan ay nararapat lang na ipagmalaki natin at tularan ng lahat hindi lang sa ngayon kundi pati ng mga susunod na henerasyon," Tiangco said.

Earlier, the Navotas Municipal Council bestowed on the fishermen the Outstanding Award and Recognition For Heroism in a one-page resolution signed and approved unanimously.

The awardee-heroes were all hands of the F/B Princess Ivy, a Navotas-based fishing boat that rescued some 28 passengers of WG&A’s SuperFerry 14 that burned last Feb. 27 off Corregidor Island. They were on their way to fish in deeper waters than they saw the fire-stricken ship. They wasted no time and headed for it resulting in the safe rescue in the ship’s hold in Mariveles, Bataan where the ship was towed and investigation on the tragic accident continues to this day.