Talisay SP to commend kagawad, four residents

CEBU, Philippines - A barangay kagawad and four residents in barangay Cansojong, including the Bantay Dagat Task Force, will receive a commendation and recognition from the Talisay City council for saving at least 13 passengers as the M/V St. Thomas Aquinas sank off the waters of Talisay City following its collision with M/V Sulcon Express 7 two weeks ago.

At around eight o’ clock that night, a certain Dennis Reyes, who was at the coastline of barangay Cansojong, saw flares go off in the territorial waters of the city and surmised ships were in distress and needed help.

He then informed Eddie Boy Reyes, Joel Rabago, Bryan Malacay, and barangay Kagawad Junjun Capala, the Philippine Navy, and fellow fishermen.

Reyes and his companions rushed to the ships and there saw and heard people calling for help.

“Mr. Reyes and companions did their voluntary and courageous act without consideration for the safety of their own lives to save the lives of the victims of this sea tradegy. It is most worthy for the City of Talisay to extend a token for the heroic act of Mr. Dennis C. Reyes,” said Talisay City Councilor Antonio D. Bacaltos, who sponsored the resolution.

Bacaltos also commended the “Fisherman’s Sea Ecological Care” (FISECA), otherwise known as Bantay Dagat Task Force for extending food and water and clothes to victims.

“The members of FISECA and the nearby residents of barangay Cansojong did this valiant effort with absolute voluntarism and this action must be considered a heroic act in their selfless act to help their fellowman,” Bacaltos said.