EI Mei Lee Maningo escapes from a burning building in Mandaue City, Cebu province on Wednesday, Dec. 10. (Screenshot from a viral video)
CEBU CITY – A woman who “chose love over fear” went viral online following a dramatic rescue operation during a fire in Mandaue City, Cebu province on Wednesday, Dec. 10.
Ei Mei Lee Maningo drew immense praise after ensuring the safety of two pet dogs before escaping a burning building in Barangay Guizo.
A three-story building occupied by H & E Industrial Inc. caught fire past 7 a.m.
The fire started on the first floor of the building. The second floor was used as a stockroom while stay-in workers, including Maningo, occupied the third floor.
Thick smoke billowed from the building but Maningo was seen from the edifice’s balcony calmly taking instructions from firefighters.
People on the ground egged on Maningo to hurry going down but instead of saving herself right away, she saved two dogs first.
Maningo lobbed the dogs one after another.
As the thick black smoke continued to grow bigger, Maningo disappeared from the balcony, causing people on the ground to panic.
Maningo later resurfaced, and in a very calm manner, climbed over the railings and escaped through the ladder that firefighters set up.
The fire was put out at 8:22 a.m. with no fatalities or injuries reported, but damage to property was estimated at P2 million.
Maningo earned praise not just for displaying commendable composure during the tense moment but also for her heroic act of saving the two dogs.
“She chose love over fear. When the fire broke out, she refused to leave her dogs behind, proving that family isn’t just who we live with, but who we fight for,” the Animal Kingdom Foundation said.