Navy fetes captain who aided CebuPac passengers

MANILA, Philippines – The Navy reservist who assisted passengers of the Cebu Pacific plane that overshot the runway at the Davao Airport on June 2 was given commendation by the Philippine Navy leadership.

Cited for his bravery and heroism, Ensign Marlon Bo was awarded the Military Commendation Medal by Captain Promitivo Gopo, commander of the Naval Reserve Command at the Navrescom headquarters in Manila during flag retreat ceremonies on Friday, June 14.

Bo was recognized for his exceptional acts in assisting passengers of the ill-fated plane by maintaining his composure amid the commotion inside the plane. 

His act was first written about by a Rappler reader, who was also on that flight and remembered him as “Captain Bok.”

Read: My Cebu Pacific near-death experience

“It took the courage of one person, whom we only know as Captain Bok from the Philippine Navy, to stand up and calm everyone down. He knew what he was doing, and he was in control when even the cabin crew looked like they were really at a loss on what to do,” wrote Nino Ruel Alinsub.

“Capt Bok gave clear instructions for everyone to sit down, so that we could leave row by row to prevent the plane from tilting over. He was the clear definition of a ‘guiding voice,’” he continued.

Bo was able to apply skills he learned as a Navy reservist and managed to avert a stampede and prevent passengers from further hurting themselves. 

Bo was the last person to leave the plane, making sure that everyone had been evacuated. 

“Ensign Bo earned the admiration of the Filipino people which is worthy of emulation by all,” the Philippine Navy said. – Rappler.com