In an act of extraordinary bravery during Typhoon Tino's wrath, a wing van driver and his two helpers risked their lives to save six people from raging floodwaters in Barangay Cotcot, Liloan City, Cebu, only to face termination from their jobs for their heroic actions.
The Rescue Operation That Saved Lives
On November 4, 2025, as Typhoon Tino battered Central Visayas, the three workers made a split-second decision that would change multiple lives. Witnessing people clinging to tree branches and being swept away by powerful flood currents, they strategically positioned their large wing van across the road to serve as a barrier against the strong floodwaters.
The viral social media video that later emerged showed how their quick thinking created a lifeline for those trapped by the rising waters. Among the six individuals rescued was Patrolman Niño Divinagracia from the Liloan Police Station, who had also been swept away and stranded by the devastating flood.
Dramatic Rescue and Unexpected Consequences
During the intense rescue operation, the situation turned precarious when Patrolman Divinagracia fell from the vehicle while assisting others. The two helpers immediately grabbed and saved him from being carried away by the powerful current. Despite his injuries from the fall, the police officer managed to help secure a woman who was being swept toward their improvised barrier van.
All six people, including the police officer, were successfully rescued thanks to the courageous actions of the three workers who put their own safety and livelihoods at risk.
Recognition and Retribution
The Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 extended heartfelt gratitude and recognition to the three modern-day heroes. Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan, the regional police chief, publicly praised their bravery and selflessness, stating: "PRO 7 extends its heartfelt gratitude to the wing van driver and his helpers, whose bravery and selflessness during Typhoon Tino saved lives, including our own personnel... We honor their heroism and are committed to supporting them in any way."
However, in a shocking turn of events, the company that employed the three workers terminated them from their jobs. The employer expressed anger over their decision to submerge the expensive vehicle in floodwaters to save lives, prioritizing property over human safety.
Community Support and Future Prospects
In response to the unjust termination, PRO 7 has initiated coordination with their stakeholders to help the driver and his two helpers secure new employment opportunities. The police force acknowledged these individuals as modern-day heroes and reaffirmed their commitment to partnering with government and community organizations to help communities recover from disasters.
The incident has sparked discussions about corporate responsibility and the value placed on human life versus property, while highlighting the extraordinary courage of ordinary Filipinos during times of crisis.
