It could just be a regular part of the job for SPO3 Loreto Justo as a sea marshal, but for hundreds of SuperFerry 9 passengers, they owe him a lot for escorting them to safety before the vessel was about to capsize early this month.

And what else could be more fitting to reward his service as far as the management of the WG&A, owners of Superferry, is concerned than to give him and his family a lifetime free ride as a way of at least paying a debt of gratitude for preventing the September 6 incident from becoming another devastating sea disaster in the Philippines.

“The management of WG&A, owners of Super Ferry, through its Vice President, Joel Supan, also presented a certificate for free accommodation to Justo and his immediate family to any interisland travel of WG&A carriers,” said Senior Supt. Leonardo Espina, spokesman of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The free ride reward is apart from the Medalya ng Kadakilaan (PNP Heroism Medal) that was personally given him yesterday morning by no less than the PNP Chief, Director General Jesus Verzosa.

Justo received the award along with 18 members of the Maritime Section 9 of the PNP Maritime Group led by Senior Supt. Sonny David, who received the Medalya ng Pagtulong sa Nasalanta (PNP Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation Medal) for the swift and timely response to the distress call of SuperFerry 9.

“The Maritime Station 9 of the PNP Maritime Group was cited for skillfully assisting in rescue, recovery and retrieval operation for passengers of the ill-fated SuperFerry 9, and the orderly transfer of survivors from rescue vessels and attending to the needs of the survivors especially the injured,” said Espina. Justo, Espina said, was on board the SuperFerry 9 when it sank off Zamboanga peninsula last September 6. It resulted in the death of only 10 people with at least 968 passengers and crew rescued.

“He is recognized for his achievement in saving hundreds of lives of passengers and crew of the distressed vessel,” said Espina.

“He was cited for heroic action and stability under pressure when he skillfully responded to the situation by leading passengers of the sinking ship to safety,” he added.