From termination to triumph: Cebu driver gets new capitol job after Typhoon Tino heroic deed
· Francis Anthony Narvasa, a wing van driver, was fired after using his company vehicle to save six people from the raging floodwaters of Typhoon Tino in Liloan, Cebu
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· Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro offered Narvasa a new job as a driver at the Cebu Provincial Capitol in recognition of his heroism
· Narvasa and his assistant intentionally used the wing van to block the strong flood current, allowing rescuers to reach those swept away
· The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced it will investigate the dismissal for lack of due process and assist the crew in claiming their benefits
The story of Francis Anthony Narvasa, the wing van driver who lost his job after choosing human lives over company policy during the onslaught of Typhoon Tino (international name: Kalmaegi), has taken a turn toward justice and redemption.
Source: Facebook
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Following his controversial termination, the Cebu Provincial Government swiftly intervened, offering the now-famous driver a position at the Provincial Capitol, turning a story of corporate coldness into a heartwarming example of public support for true heroism.
Narvasa, along with his assistant Ric Vincent Arañez, risked everything in the devastating flash floods that hit Liloan, Cebu, on November 4.
As the rushing waters of a creek in Barangay Cotcot swept away several individuals—including a police officer—the two were approached by local law enforcement for help.
They made a split-second decision that defied their employment rules: they deliberately maneuvered the massive wing van to act as a temporary barrier, breaking the powerful current and creating a safe corridor for responders.
The heroic effort, which saved an estimated six people, was captured on video and quickly went viral, earning widespread praise from Filipinos online.
However, the subsequent consequence was brutal and immediate. Narvasa and Arañez were reportedly dismissed from their jobs, told to return the keys and the vehicle, and instructed not to report back to work.
Their employer, allegedly angered by the unauthorized use of the company asset, essentially fired them for their act of compassion.
This punitive reaction ignited a firestorm on social media platforms like Reddit, where users overwhelmingly condemned the company's decision.
One Redditor articulated the public sentiment, writing, "This is an act that holds value and meaning, unlike those who use company vehicles for mere joyrides. It’s easy to repair a vehicle, but a human life is not."
Fortunately, the viral video and the public outcry reached the right ears. On November 22, Cebu Governor Pamela “Pam” Baricuatro publicly extended a job offer to Narvasa, welcoming him as a driver at the Cebu Provincial Capitol. This move was a deliberate acknowledgment of the risk Narvasa took and a clear statement that the Cebu government prioritizes selfless courage. Narvasa, expressing deep gratitude, accepted the offer, seeing it as a fresh start after a tumultuous period.
Beyond the job offer, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 7 has pledged to investigate the termination of Narvasa and Arañez.
DOLE Regional Director Roy Buenafe asserted that the dismissal lacked proper due process, noting that the driver was not given a fair chance to explain his side before being terminated.
DOLE has also committed to assisting both men in claiming any separation benefits they are owed.
This entire sequence of events—from the tragic flooding caused by Typhoon Tino, which has been identified as one of the deadliest tropical cyclones in the region this year, to a regular worker losing his livelihood for saving lives, and finally, the decisive intervention of the provincial government—highlights the importance of empathy and the collective power of social media to demand accountability and reward genuine valor.
In other news, a 74-year-old grandfather tragically died in Davao City after being fatally stabbed by his own grandson. Relatives reported that the perpetrator had a history of threatening behavior directed toward the elderly victim. The 27-year-old grandson had been admitted to a mental health facility on multiple occasions prior to the incident. The family has opted not to file criminal charges, instead choosing to have the suspect committed to a mental hospital for treatment.
Still in other news, an 18-year-old student ended her life after unauthorized CCTV footage showing her allegedly shoplifting ice cream was shared widely among local teenagers. Her grieving family stated that the circulation of the images led to the teen experiencing extreme feelings of anxiety, shame, and intense fear. The owner of the establishment and the head of the study room are now facing legal complaints for the potential violation of privacy protection laws. This painful case has sparked a significant national discussion regarding digital cruelty and the moral responsibility of sharing sensitive information about minors.
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