Transcentral Highway: From Scenic Route to Deadly Playground
Beyond the breathtaking views and cool mountain breezes of the Transcentral Highway (TCH) lies a grim reality. This vital roadway has transformed into a dangerous playground for irresponsible motorists and content creators desperate for online likes and views. Despite tragic losses of life, some individuals remain undeterred, turning a public thoroughfare into a stage for deadly exhibitions.
A Superman Stunt Ends in Disaster
Recently, social media was abuzz with footage of a young man attempting a Superman-style stunt on the TCH. While the video may provide fleeting entertainment on a screen, the real-world consequences were severe traffic disruption and a significant risk of catastrophic accident. His moment of fame ended abruptly when he was struck by a vehicle while executing a U-turn following his reckless display.
This individual now faces an alarm and scandal case from the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) 7. Additionally, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has filed charges for reckless driving. The LTO-7 has imposed a preventive 90-day suspension of his driver's license, with revocation a real possibility pending the investigation's outcome.
Inherent Dangers and a Fatal History
The TCH is fundamentally unsuited for such antics due to its perilous design. The road is not just a passageway; it features sudden twists, steep descents, and very few straight, level sections. This dangerous topography has claimed lives before.
In a sobering reminder, a rider from Ormoc City lost his life in May 2025 after losing control during a banking maneuver near Cansomoroy, Balamban. His expensive Yamaha R3 motorcycle became a silent witness to his sudden death. If experienced riders can perish on this road, what fate awaits young, unskilled individuals performing stunts on a public highway?
Enforcement and the Need for Personal Discipline
The deployment of personnel to the TCH by Police Lt. Col. Wildemar Tiu of HPG 7 is a positive step toward increased monitoring. However, we must acknowledge that true safety solutions extend beyond arrests or new ordinances. The ultimate protection lies in the personal discipline of every road user.
A highway is not a racetrack. The TCH was engineered to connect communities, facilitate commerce, and boost tourism—not to serve as a venue for speed trials or viral video backdrops.
It is time for all riders to take their responsibility seriously. The fleeting pride of a viral post is never worth trading for a life that can never be reclaimed. Safety on the Transcentral Highway must become a shared, non-negotiable priority.
