The Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 has commended policemen and other community heroes who saved individuals swept away by raging floodwater on November 4, 2025 when Typhoon Tino unleashed its fury in Cebu.
Among the honorees are the driver of the wing van and his “pahinante” (assistant) who were both fired from their jobs for using the vehicle in the rescue operation.
The rescue operation happened in Barangay Cotcot, Liloan, Cebu.
Liloan is one of worst-hit municipalities in Cebu. Death toll reached 36.
The wing van driver identified as Francis Anthony Narvasa along with his “pahinante,” Ric Vincent Arañez, rescued at least six individuals.
A policeman, identified as Patrolman Niño Divinagracia, sustained injury after he fell from the wing van during the rescue operation. Divinagracia said that he was in pain at that moment but tried to save a woman who was swept away. He tried to swim to catch up with the woman.
Divinagracia is among honorees.
Meanwhile, Police Lt. Col. Dindo Alaras, chief of the Liloan Municipal Police Station along with his driver, Joel Allare, rescued at least eight individuals. Alaras and Allare are also among individuals commended by PRO 7.
Further, Police Captain Wilmer Castillo, PEMS Fernando Tanquino, PSSG Aldrin Matin-ao, Patrolman Joshua Bustamante, and Patrolman Rai Estrella received the Medalya ng Kadakilaan (Philippine National Police Distinguished Conduct Medal for acts of heroism).
Narvasa and his assistant were earlier dismissed from work. Their employer did not approve reportedly of the vehicle used as a life-saving device.
Narvasa pointed out that he called up the owner of the vehicle to ask permission on November 4. However, he said that because the employer could not be reached, he decided to go ahead and help save lives.
Narvasa said that despite the dismissal, he has no regrets over his decision as it was the most appropriate thing to do at that moment.
Though Narvasa and his assistant lost their jobs, the Cebu Provincial Government has opened for them a bigger opportunity. Governor Pamela Baricuatro hired Narvasa as a driver at Capitol.
On the other hand, PRO 7, led by Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan, vowed to assist Arañez finish school while on a new job.
Further, Narvasa will be commended by the Department of Labor and Employment in December 2025 in time for the agency’s anniversary not just for being a community hero but, more so, for being a laborer who demonstrated exemplary decisiveness in prioritizing the safety of others amid natural disaster.
