Captain Bok, Hero behind Cebu Pacific mishap in Davao Airport
Lt. Marlon Bo a.k.a Captain Bok, a Navy reservist and graduate of Philippine Merchant Marine Academy in 2003, was a hero who stood out in the 15 minutes of chaos as the Cebu Pacific airbus went off the runway at the Davao International Airport and landed on its nose.
Captain Bok managed to calm everyone down. Many passengers followed Captain Bok during those minutes of panic, and many thanked him after all passengers had moved out from the plane. Even Cebu Pacific officials thanked Captain Bok for all his help.
According to passenger Nino Ruel Alinsub:
“It took the courage of one person, whom we only know as Captain Bok from the Philippine Navy, to calm everyone down. He knew what he was doing and he was in control when even the cabin crew looked like they were really [at a loss] on what to do. Capt. Bok gave clear instructions for everyone to sit down, so that we can leave row by row [and] prevent the plane from tilting over. He was the clear definition of a 'guiding voice.'"
In an interview in Davao, Bo said:
“Noong napakalma ko po sila…That's the moment I was able to give them further crisis instructions…[Everybody] nagmamadali dun sa exit, so I tried to give instructions dun sa dalawang stewards: We should first unload yung mga bata, mga babies, plus yung mga matatanda.”
According reports, the Philippine Navy is now gathering all the details of Bo’s heroic deeds. Honors will also be given to him.
"We are formally documenting his heroic deeds so the Navy, as Vice Adm. Jose Luis Alano the flag-officer-in-command of the Philippine Navy also desires, can honor the hero of that Cebu Pacific Flight 5J 971," said Arevalo.
"To Lt. Marlon Bo, Uwah! Hooyah! Mabuhay ka! We are proud of you," added Arevalo.
Uwah is the battle cry of the Philippine Marines, while Hooyah is of the Philippine Navy. - ABS-CBN news