The Philippine House of Representatives on Wednesday adopted House Resolution 2473 honoring Filipina domestic helper Alma Bella Guiao, who emerged as an unexpected hero by escorting 25 fellow Filipinos out of harm’s way in strife-torn Syria.
Guiao, 35, left her home in Cebu in 2009 to take care of an old woman in the city of Homs. Little did she know that she will become the lifeline of her kababayans who were trapped inside the city, known to be the capital of the revolution by civilians and military defectors against the Syrian government.
Akbayan party-list Rep. Walden Bello, chairperson of the House committee on overseas workers’ affairs, described Guiao as a “brave soul.”
“Bayani talaga si Alma. Samantalang ang lahat nag-alisan na, nagpabalik-balik siya sa Homs para tulungan ang ating mga kababayan,” he said in a statement.
He added that Guia’s courage is “the stuff of Filipino pride” and “an inspiration for the nation.”
“Guiao is a one-woman rescue mission who risked her own life in order to save others. At a time when real-life heroes are rare, Alma's courage and selflessness is definitely the stuff of Filipino pride," the lawmaker said.
Guiao, 35, left her home in Cebu in 2009 to take care of an old woman in the city of Homs. Little did she know that she will become the lifeline of her kababayans who were trapped inside the city, known to be the capital of the revolution by civilians and military defectors against the Syrian government.
“Tumatawag sila sa cellphone ko. Tulungan ko raw sila. Pinapasend ko ‘yung address para matunton namin, tapos tinawagan ko ‘yung kakilala kong taxi driver para madala sila sa embassy,” she said.
Guiao embarked on 25 dangerous two-hour trips in and out Homs to accompany her fellow Filipinos to the Philippine Embassy in Damascus.
To avoid government checkpoints, she relied on her proficiency in the Arabic language, as well as her knowledge of alternate routes.
To avoid government checkpoints, she relied on her proficiency in the Arabic language, as well as her knowledge of alternate routes.
“Humahanap kami ng ibang daan sa disyerto. Doon kami dumadaan para walang military checkpoints. Maaga rin ang aming pagrescue para natutulog pa ‘yung mga bantay,” she said.
Motivation to help
Asked if she was aware of the dangers that came with every trip, Guiao said with a laugh, “Alam kong puwede akong mamatay. Pero awa ng Diyos, hindi naman ako namatay.”
The Filipina domestic helper said her only motivation was bringing her compatriots to safety.
“Kawawa naman sila kung hindi sila makalabas… Naisip ko po alang-alang ito sa kapwa Pilipino. Nangangailangan sila ng tulong,” she said.
Last March, Guiao was one of the overseas Filipino workers brought home by the Philippine government from Syria.
Over 1,600 Filipinos have already been repatriated since the government declared crisis alert level 4 over the strife-torn country.
Over 1,600 Filipinos have already been repatriated since the government declared crisis alert level 4 over the strife-torn country.
The United Nations pegs the number of civilian deaths due to the uprising in Syria to 9,000. At least 14,000, meanwhile, are being held in detention by government forces. - VVP, GMA News
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