'Bigyan ng medal!' 43-member crew of BRP Suluan commended for excellent seamanship during WPS duty
Published Aug 12, 2025 09:41 am
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan pins the Coast Guard Bronze Cross Medal and Ribbon to a crew member of BRP Suluan during an awarding ceremony in Port Area, Manila on Aug. 12, 2025. The 43-member crew of BRP Suluan performed excellent seamanship when it evaded speeding Chinese coast guard and navy ships that appeared to intentionally ram them during a humanitarian mission near Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea on Aug. 11, 2025. (Photo: PCG)
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) hailed the 43-member crew of BRP Suluan on Tuesday, Aug. 12, after they skillfully evaded speeding Chinese coast guard and navy warships that appeared to intentionally ram them during a humanitarian mission near Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan pinned the Coast Guard Bronze Cross Medal and Ribbon to the crew members while Captain Jomark Angue, commanding officer of BRP Suluan, received the Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal and Ribbon during an awarding ceremony at the PCG headquarters in Port Area, Manila.
The Coast Guard Bronze Cross Medal and Ribbon is awarded to personnel who performed acts of heroism involving risk of life, but outside of combat situations. Meanwhile, the Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal and Ribbon is given to personnel who demonstrated outstanding and exemplary service in support of the PCG's mission and functions and in recognition of exceptionally meritorious service in a position of great responsibility.
In his speech, Gavan commended the bravery, selfless dedication, and sacrifices of PCG personnel in upholding safety and security within the Philippine territory.
He also recognized the efforts of the West Philippines Sea Group in handling the information operation and coordination during the maritime patrol.
“You have proven that indeed we are the most durable point man in keeping the peace at sea,” Gavan said.
"Bravo Zulu, everyone. There are lots of things to do, but always keep in mind that what you've done, you should always remain calm, you should always remain professional yet unyielding in the face of whoever they are,” he added.
The crew of BRP Suluan was distributing fuel and other supplies to fishermen in Bajo de Masinloc on Aug. 11 when they were chased by a China Coast Guard (CCG) and People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) warship with bow numbers “3104” and “164”.
CCG-3104 made a dangerous maneuver while PLA-N 164 crossed the stern of BRP Suluan but the PCG vessel successfully evaded them. However, as a result of BRP Suluan’s escape, PLA-N 164 collided with CCG-3104.
The PCG immediately contacted the crew of CCG-3104 and offered to assist any injured Chinese personnel but the other party did not respond.
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan pins the Coast Guard Bronze Cross Medal and Ribbon to a crew member of BRP Suluan during an awarding ceremony in Port Area, Manila on Aug. 12, 2025. The 43-member crew of BRP Suluan performed excellent seamanship when it evaded speeding Chinese coast guard and navy ships that appeared to intentionally ram them during a humanitarian mission near Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea on Aug. 11, 2025. (Photo: PCG)
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan pins the Coast Guard Bronze Cross Medal and Ribbon to a crew member of BRP Suluan during an awarding ceremony in Port Area, Manila on Aug. 12, 2025. The 43-member crew of BRP Suluan performed excellent seamanship when it evaded speeding Chinese coast guard and navy ships that appeared to intentionally ram them during a humanitarian mission near Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea on Aug. 11, 2025. (Photo: PCG)
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan pins the Coast Guard Bronze Cross Medal and Ribbon to a crew member of BRP Suluan during an awarding ceremony in Port Area, Manila on Aug. 12, 2025. The 43-member crew of BRP Suluan performed excellent seamanship when it evaded speeding Chinese coast guard and navy ships that appeared to intentionally ram them during a humanitarian mission near Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea on Aug. 11, 2025. (Photo: PCG)
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan pins the Coast Guard Bronze Cross Medal and Ribbon to a crew member of BRP Suluan during an awarding ceremony in Port Area, Manila on Aug. 12, 2025. The 43-member crew of BRP Suluan performed excellent seamanship when it evaded speeding Chinese coast guard and navy ships that appeared to intentionally ram them during a humanitarian mission near Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea on Aug. 11, 2025. (Photo: PCG)
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan pins the Coast Guard Bronze Cross Medal and Ribbon to a crew member of BRP Suluan during an awarding ceremony in Port Area, Manila on Aug. 12, 2025. The 43-member crew of BRP Suluan performed excellent seamanship when it evaded speeding Chinese coast guard and navy ships that appeared to intentionally ram them during a humanitarian mission near Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea on Aug. 11, 2025. (Photo: PCG)
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan pins the Coast Guard Bronze Cross Medal and Ribbon to a crew member of BRP Suluan during an awarding ceremony in Port Area, Manila on Aug. 12, 2025. The 43-member crew of BRP Suluan performed excellent seamanship when it evaded speeding Chinese coast guard and navy ships that appeared to intentionally ram them during a humanitarian mission near Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea on Aug. 11, 2025. (Photo: PCG)
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan pins the Coast Guard Bronze Cross Medal and Ribbon to a crew member of BRP Suluan during an awarding ceremony in Port Area, Manila on Aug. 12, 2025. The 43-member crew of BRP Suluan performed excellent seamanship when it evaded speeding Chinese coast guard and navy ships that appeared to intentionally ram them during a humanitarian mission near Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea on Aug. 11, 2025. (Photo: PCG)