• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod Wednesday thanked and commended the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Red Cross, and other rescue groups and volunteers for swiftly responding to the distress call of a fast craft vessel and ensuring that all its 172 passengers safely disembarked Nov 21.
The resolution of commendation, authored by Councilor Em Ang and approved during the SP session this afternoon, Nov. 22, said all 172 passengers of Weesam Express 6 were able to safely dock back to Bredco Port in Bacolod at around 3:30 p.m. “due to the unwavering dedication, professionalism, zeal for public service, and compassion of the quick response teams and staff in attending to the needs of the travelers”.
The resolution specifically mentioned the PCG, Red Cross, the 618th Squadron of the Philippine Coastguard Auxiliary, Amity Volunteer Fire Brigade, Chamber Volunteer Fire Brigade, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bacolod City Mountain Tigers Rescue Team, and the Bacolod City DRRMO quick response teams.
The vessel, bound for Iloilo, was rescued after experiencing engine trouble between the territorial waters of Bacolod and Iloilo cities Tuesday afternoon.
Commander Joe Luviz Mercurio, chief of PCG-Northern Negros Occidental, had said that some passengers complained of not feeling well, or experienced motion sickness.
Various quick response, rescue groups, and volunteers immediately mobilized to check the condition of the passengers. | CGC
