A police officer had a narrow escape early Sunday morning after his vehicle was swept off the rain-slicked Transcentral Highway (TCH) in Balamban, Cebu, plunging down a steep embankment.
Vehicle Swept Away by Powerful Water Surge
The incident occurred at around 5:30 AM on Sunday, December 7, 2025, along the highway in Barangay Cansomoroy. The driver, identified as Police Master Staff Sergeant Mohaliden Kamsang Samod, 44, was behind the wheel of his black Hyundai Eon.
Samod, a resident of Tubigagmanok, Asturias, and assigned to the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company, was traveling from Balamban towards Cebu City. Upon reaching the area, he encountered a powerful surge of water and mud flowing directly across the roadway, a common hazard on the TCH during periods of heavy rainfall.
Failed U-Turn Leads to Dangerous Plunge
Faced with the impassable torrent, the officer decided to turn back. However, as he attempted a U-turn, the force of the water current proved too strong. The vehicle lost traction, was swept sideways, and was pushed over the edge of the road.
The car tumbled down a ravine estimated to be between 20 to 30 feet deep. The impact of the fall left the vehicle severely crumpled. Authorities from the Balamban Municipal Police Station are leading the investigation into the accident.
Miraculous Escape Amidst Ongoing Dangers
Miraculously, PMSg Samod did not sustain serious injuries from the harrowing ordeal. His survival stands in stark contrast to the total wreckage of his vehicle, which, as of the latest reports, had not yet been recovered from the ravine.
This incident underscores the persistent and well-known dangers of the Transcentral Highway, particularly during inclement weather. The route is notoriously prone to landslides and sudden water runoff from higher elevations, creating deadly conditions for motorists. Local officials and frequent travelers have repeatedly flagged these sections as critical hazards that require urgent and sustained attention.
