MANILA, Philippines — Various maritime groups have commended the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) for its dedication and rendering assistance to both local and international distressed seafarers in the past.

Lieutenant Commander Armando Balilo, Coast Guard Public Affairs chief, said the country’s maritime enforcement agency was awarded by Tsakos Columbia Ship Management S.A and Wallem Maritime Services for their effort in keeping the seafarers passing through the Philippine waters safe most of the time.

Last January 12 the Coast Guard airlifted to a hospital Alfredo Macuha Jr., a Filipino crew member of the M/V Beijing 2008 who was reportedly suffering from appendicitis.

The plaque of appreciation was received by Coast Guard aviator and the chief of Coast Guard staff Commodore Enrico Efren Evangelista.

The aerial evacuation took place 20 nautical miles northwest of Fortune Island in Nasugbu, Batangas.

Macuha was brought to the Adventist Medical Center in Pasay City. (John Carlo M. Cahinhinan)