'Captain Bo', hero of Cebu Pacific flight 5J971

The hero of a Manila, Philippines air accident has been 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 14th.'

http://www.rappler.com/nation/31345-navy-captain-aided-cebu-pacific-passengers

In wet weather and darkness June 2nd, Cebu Pacific flight 5J971 carrying 165 passengers, skidded off the runway at Davao International Airport., Manila. It landed nose first, breaking a wing, and then began to tilt sideways while leaking fuel.

Panic ensued. Footage shot by a passenger revealed darkness inside the plane, and frightened cries of 'smoke' and 'fuel' accompanied by the sound of a baby crying. Passengers, as has sadly happened before, rushed to grab luggage from overhead lockers instead of preparing to evacuate, blocking the aisle. A steward issued emergency instructions, but forgot to switch the microphone on. Asked what the plan was, the pilot said he didn't have one.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/stor...-likely-in-cebu-pacific-plane-mishap-in-davao

At which point, up stepped Marlon Bok, shipping consultant and navy reservist.

'Lieutenant Bok of the Philippine Navy here,' Bok announced, and called for doctors and nurses, and told passengers to remain calm. He gave instructions on evacuation. Passengers immediately named him Captain Bo. They didn't even mind when he kept referring to the plane as a ship. One recollected:

"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."

http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/31910-cebu-pacific-altered-lives

Although no-one was hurt in the accident, 37 passengers are bringing a class action against the airline for emotional distress. After being suspended, the pilots, in turn, are also bringing action against the airline for negligence.

'Flight 5J971's pilot, Roehl Oropesa, has been suspended for six months and has been demoted for a year, while his co-pilot, Edwin Perello, has been suspended for three months upon the recommendation of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap), which looked into the accident.'

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-...engers-seek-damages-over-runway-mishap-289333

Photo link: Plane http://avherald.com/h?article=46336de8
Photo link: 'Captain Bo' http://www.rappler.com/nation/31345-navy-captain-aided-cebu-pacific-passengers

pretty impressive that ONE person can make the difference....bless that man

Whoops, forgot to add that although Capt. Bo received his award this June, it was June 2013 when the Davao accident occurred. I wouldn't want people to think there's been another one....