Korean consul awards three men who helped save divers

CEBU, Philippines - The Consulate of the Republic of Korea, through Consul General Lee Ki-Seog, recognized in a ceremony three Filipinos who helped in the search and rescue of Korean divers who went missing in seawaters off Lapu-Lapu City.

The consulate awarded Samson Sumile, a farmer and fisherman in Camotes Island; Sandy Martin Berame, head of the Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office of Lapu-Lapu City; and Lt. James Reyes of Naval Forces Central-Philippine Navy.

In July, Korean technical divers Baek Seung Kyoon, 34; Heo Seung Yung, 45; and  Kim Eun, 31, went missing after they left the New Grand Bleu Dive Resort in Lapu-Lapu City to go diving amid the bad weather. 

Search and rescue operations for the three divers went on for three days before Kyoon and Eun were found alive in Camotes Island, 40 kilometers away from Punta Engaño. However, Yung did not make it.

Sumile was the one who found Eun. Yesterday, he was given a plaque of appreciation, a gift and P50,000 from the parents of Eun.

"Without your presence and help at that time, we really don't know what would happen to her. You saved her life," Consul Seog said in his speech.

Sumile said that he did not expect that his good deeds will one day be recognized. "Wa gyud ko magdahum ani nga hatagan ko og award. Pobre gud tawon ko. Igo ra ko nitabang. Pasalamat ra sad ko," said Sumile.

Sumile was joined by his family during the ceremony. He said that the P50,000 will be used to buy a pump boat and for the education of his six children.

Consul General Seog also extended an award to Berame for his role in the search and rescue of the Korean divers.

"You served beyond your responsibilities. You served with dedication and commitment as the core contact person to all of the organizations, especially local government unit just to make the operation efficient and fast as we could. You were the main and significant person during the search and rescue operation. Thank you for your significant and incomparable efforts and time," Consul Seog said.

Berame expressed his gratitude for the award.

He said the dive shop's operation is still suspended and may be closed for good after another Korean national, who reportedly went diving barely two days after the incident of the three Koreans, died. 

But Berame said that everything is still under investigation.

As for Lt. Reyes, Seog said that it was the latter who led the Philippine Navy team in the transfer of the two survivors from Camotes Island to Lapu-Lapu City.

"He had been very dedicated. He served with countless and timeless efforts. Thank you for all of his unparalleled and countless efforts and time," said Seog to Reyes.

Seog further thanked all the people and organizations who took part in the search and rescue operations. — (FREEMAN)