Rescue of 88 M/V Baleno passengers

A survivor of a ferry that sunk in central Philippines is consoled by Philippine National Red Cross Chairman and Senator Gordon at Batangas port (photo source: www.reuters.com)

True to his promise of saving Filipino lives from disaster and poverty, Sen. Richard Gordon was first to arrive in Batangas City last Sunday to direct the Red Cross search and rescue for 88 passengers of the sunken MV Baleno 9.

 

Gordon, chairman of the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC), arrived at the Batangas City port shortly after midnight on Sunday, less than three hours after MV Baleno sunk with 88 passengers onboard from Calapan City to Batangas City.

A few hours after its sinking, Gordon organized the PNRC's rescue mission with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), rescuing 63 people from the mishap.

The PNRC has deployed four rubber boat teams to help in the search for 22 passengers still missing from the sinking of the ferry boat. The PNRC also has five ambulances at the Batangas Port where the search and rescue operations are based.

Gordon's speedy response to the sinking of MV Baleno is understandable, him being the chairman of PNRC and having access to its army of volunteers and equipment.

He is running for President under a platform of transforming the nation and saving the people not only from natural disasters, but also from hunger and poverty.

But regardless of whether he is running or not, Gordon has consistently delivered his work to save lives and turn adversity into opportunities. During the onslaught of "Ondoy" and "Pepeng" this year, Gordon led the PNRC in giving relief to thousands of families that lost their homes and displaced by floods.

Gordon helps rescue victims of sunken ship

By DAVID CAGAHASTIAN

December 29, 2009, 3:33pm

Manila Bulletin

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/236107/gordon-helps-rescue-victims-sunken-ship