None of it was planned, but all six sisters of the Guelos family from the small town of Zarraga in Iloilo province became police officers.
But for Police Executive Master Sergeant (PEMS) Maria Cherry Guelos-Demarana, it was the unplanned that gave birth to the ripple effect of family members entering the Philippine National (PNP).
“It was probably instinct they all followed us and became police officers,” said the 48-year-old Maria Cherry, the eldest among the six sisters.
Maria Cherry and her 45-year-old sister, PEMS Ma. Irene Guelos-Habuyo initially joined the PNP in October 1999. Irene had a degree in psychology and management.
“At that time, we were just looking for stable jobs. It was also after I gave birth to my second child,” Maria Cherry told Manila Bulletin.
Maria Cherry recalled that it was only in 1996 when she graduated from college with a degree in electrical engineering, but would marry at an early age.
“I didn’t want to burden my parents. We were poor,” Maria Cherry explained.
Their father Crispin Guyos Guelos Jr. and Clemencia Panes Guelos worked odd jobs including farming, construction, or selling items just to be able to send her and Irene to college.
Third to enter the PNP is Police Senior Master Sergeant (PSMS) Sharon Guelos Dalitm the 41-year-old commerce graduate.
The fourth to join is Police Staff Sergeant (PSSG) Nerissa Guelos Federizo, a 34-year-old who has a degree in medical technology.
Fifth to join the PNP is Patrol Woman Era Dawn Guelos-Buot, the 31-year-old who has a degree in hospitality management.
Police Corporal (PCpl) Merry Cris Guelos-Asturias, the 27-year-old who has a degree in tourism was the last of the sisters to complete the family’s rare accomplishment.
Ironically, the sisters have three brothers. None of the brothers became cops.
But the Guelos sisters have had a ripple effect on other family members. Maria Cherry’s two children are also cops. One of their in-laws is also a cop while a cousin joined the PNP as a non-uniformed personnel (NUP).
"We have not only improved our personal lives, but we have also served our own communities," added Maria Cherry.