MANILA, Philippines -- Seventeen policeman who took part in the search and rescue operations in the ill-fated MV Princess of the Stars have been conferred the Medalya ng Kasanayan (PNP Efficiency medal), said Philippine National Police Director General Avelino Razon.

The awards were given in simple rites at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Medical Center, where the 17 policemen -- who were part of the PNP dive team that took part in the retrieval operations off Romblon -- were brought following the discovery of endosulphan, a toxic material, inside the sunken ship.

"Imbued with high sense of responsibility, professionalism, competence and efficiency in the performance of their duties, they went underwater and risked their lives in search of the victims inside the sunken MV Princess of the Stars," according to a general order document.

The 17 policemen are:

1. Superintendent Ben Gabion
2. SPO2 Luisito Belatico
3. SPO1 Jesus Miralles
4. PO2 Edison Manuel
5. PO1 Jefferson Libuen
6. PO1 Charlito Banal
7. PO1 Joel Guarino
8. PO1 Elvnick Camarao
9. PCInsp Rhoderick Maniego
10. PSInsp Romeldo Flores
11. PO2 Joseph Urbina
12. PO1 Filadelfo Pascua
13. PO1 Eurem Jay Macasil
14. PO1 Ferdinand Domingo
15. PO1 Eliseo Celiz
16. PO1 Frances Frogosa
17. PO1 Eduardo Leona.