BUTUAN CITY — A potentially life-threatening roadside emergency was averted after personnel of the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) swiftly responded to a bus driver who suddenly lost consciousness while repairing a flat tire along the national highway in Barangay Sumilihon on Wednesday morning, April 1.
According to authorities, the incident occurred at around 9:15 a.m. when the driver was attempting to fix a flat tire on the roadside. Members of the Regional Headquarters Special Operations Team (RHQ-SOT), who were deployed in the area as part of the SUMVAC 2026 police visibility operations, immediately noticed the driver collapse and rushed to provide assistance.
Demonstrating presence of mind and urgency, the responding officers quickly secured the scene and transported the unconscious driver to the Butuan Medical Center for immediate medical attention. The driver is currently undergoing treatment and remains under close monitoring by hospital personnel.
Police officials said the timely intervention of the HPG personnel was crucial in ensuring the driver received urgent care, potentially preventing a more serious outcome.
PBGEN Rommel S Batangan, Acting Director of the HPG, commended the swift action of the responding team, underscoring the vital role of police visibility and readiness in safeguarding lives.
“Our personnel are always prepared to respond not only to law enforcement duties but also to emergencies that require immediate action. Public safety includes extending timely assistance to those in need on our roads,” Batangan said.
He emphasized that beyond enforcing traffic laws, the HPG remains committed to humanitarian service—acting as first responders in critical situations along the country’s highways.
The PNP-HPG also took the opportunity to remind motorists to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before traveling and to exercise extra caution when conducting roadside repairs, particularly along busy national highways where risks are significantly higher.
Reaffirming its mandate as the nation’s “Guardians of the Highway,” the HPG continues to demonstrate discipline, vigilance, and a strong service-oriented approach—ensuring that public safety extends beyond enforcement to include life-saving interventions when it matters most.