When footage of a wing van braving violent floodwaters in Liloan, Cebu went viral, many viewers hailed the man behind the wheel as a hero. Days later, that same driver — Francis Anthony Narvasa of Villaba, Leyte — found himself out of a job for the very act that drew public admiration.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Central Visayas confirmed that Narvasa will receive special recognition during its anniversary rites in December 2025, describing his conduct during Typhoon Tino as an example of public service in a moment of danger. The agency learned that Narvasa, assisted by two helpers, pulled at least six residents to safety after a policeman asked him to use the wing van to reach those caught in the flood on November 4.
Narvasa, however, was dismissed soon after the incident. According to DOLE 7, the termination raised red flags. Regional Director Atty. Roy Buenafe said the handling of the case lacked the basic safeguards required in labor proceedings. “Narvasa was not accorded due process,” he said. Buenafe also stressed that the driver “should have been given the chance to explain his side to the incident prior to the dismissal.”
The official noted that the agency has opened a fact-finding probe to assess the employer’s liability, adding that the courageous response shown during the rescue should never have resulted in loss of livelihood. Buenafe pointed out that the act “should have been commended and rewarded, not slapped with drastic dismissal.”
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro earlier lauded the rescue and, upon learning of Narvasa’s dismissal, promptly instructed that he be hired as a driver for the Cebu Provincial Capitol.
With confirmation that both Narvasa and the vehicle owner hail from Leyte, DOLE 7 has coordinated with DOLE Eastern Visayas as part of the ongoing investigation.
