A policeman who was off duty was quick to respond to an accident in Cordova, Cebu and saved the driver of a car from possible drowning.
P/SSgt. Roel Paderes was spending time with family at the Centennial Road when a car passed by them and, while navigating a curved portion of the road, overshot and plunged into a mangrove area.
Paderes said it was high tide at that time so he was worried the driver might drown.
“Akong gidagan kay simbako lang unsay nahitabo, at least, masalbar pud nato,” he said.
He entered the water immediately and pulled the driver out of the vehicle.
The driver sustained minor injuries.
Paderes also helped the driver contact his wife and called the Cordova Police for assistance.
Paderes said the air bag in the vehicle helped save the driver’s life.
Based on investigation, the driver appeared to have been intoxicated at that time and was reportedly inconsistent with his statements.
He reportedly introduced himself as a member of the army in another country.
Paderes also said the driver could not respond clearly to his questions but said he had come from island hopping before the accident.
“Gipangutana nako siya, di man sya ka-istorya… mao lagi na, mura’g nakainom gyud kay gikan man gud sya nag-island hopping daw,” Paderes said.
Paderes is a member of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office.
The incident was the second time a vehicle overshot while navigating the curved portion of the Centennial Road.
The first incident happened on December 22, 2025 when an SUV hit an e-bike before plunging into the mangrove area.
