A dramatic rescue captured in a viral video has won hearts around the world, showing the bravery of a Filipino pet owner who risked her own life to save her two dogs from a raging fire in Mandaue City, Cebu.
The incident occurred early on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, when a massive blaze broke out in a three‑storey building in Barangay Guizo, rapidly filling the structure with thick, black smoke that made escape difficult.
Heroic rescue captured on video
In the now‑viral footage posted on social media by a local resident, Eimeilee Maningo — identified as a resident and relative of the building’s owner — is seen on a smoke‑choked balcony clutching her two small dogs as flames engulf the upper floors.
Rather than fleeing immediately, Maningo chose to rescue her pets first: she lifted each dog one at a time and lowered them to safety — gently tossing them down to waiting bystanders and firefighters below, who caught them safely.
Only after ensuring both pups were out of danger did she attempt to escape herself. With the fire truck’s ladder not quite long enough to reach her height, she had to briefly hang from the railing before being assisted by firefighters to make her own descent to safety.
No serious injuries, praise online
Thankfully, no fatalities or serious injuries were reported from the incident. Maningo and her pets were all reported safe, though shaken by the ordeal.
The dramatic footage has spread rapidly across social media platforms, with many online users lauding her bravery and devotion to her animals. Comments on posts shared widely expressed admiration for her calmness under extreme danger, with many fans labeling her a “fur‑mom hero” who put love over fear in a life‑threatening situation.
The blaze itself was reported to have caused extensive property damage but was brought under control by the Mandaue Bureau of Fire Protection. Fire officials continue investigating the exact cause of the fire.