MANILA, Philippines?The Philippine National Police on Monday honored a young policeman who helped in the rescue of passengers of the ill-fated MV Baleno 9, which sunk off Batangas City on December 26.

Police Officer 2 Mark Valliant Rey of the 405th regional mobile group was awarded the Medalya ng Kadakilaan (PNP Heroism Medal) during the flag-raising ceremony at Camp Crame for saving the lives of dozens of passengers of the ill-fated ferry.

Rey was also on board the ill-fated ferry when it sank off Isla Verda in Batangas City Saturday night.

Immediately, Rey assisted passengers in wearing life vests and boarding life craft.

After waiting for almost an hour at sea, stranded passengers spotted the MV Baleno 5 a mile away from the site.

?PO2 Rey fired his issued 9-millimeter pistol in the air that caught the attention of the crew of MV Baleno 5, which immediately rescued and ferried them back to Calapan Port,? the citation read.

?His initiative and conspicuous courage, unmindful of his personal safety that had significantly saved more lives and lessened further casualties on this traffic incident,? the citation added.

PNP Director General Jesus Verzosa said that Rey would be promoted for his acts.

At least six people died in the sinking of MV Baleno 9.