When Marawi siege breaks out between the Philippine armies and Maute group, there was an

unsung hero who sacrificed his own safety to protect and guide more than 30 fellow Christians as they
struggled to survive in a basement during the height of the armed conflict in Marawi City.

Teodoro (Loloy) is a member of Protestant Christian Religion. In his young age, he loves to help
other people but due to influenced of his peers, he stops studying and learns to have vices but when he
became a member of the said group, his life changed. He went to Marawi to find a job and continue his
studies again until he met Grace, a teacher who became his wife and latter, they had an adopted son
named Brian. They have a simple and happy life. Not until after the tension in Marawi mounted.

As soon as the war broke out, Loloy (John Estrada) immediately brought his wife Grace (Lara
Quigaman) and son Brian (Zaijian Jaranilla) to safety and went straight to his Muslim employers’ house.

They were about to leave the city when more than 30 teachers and school staff, who also sought
refuge in the same residence, begged them to stay. Risking his family’s chance at survival, Loloy together
with Grace and Brian heeded their call and stayed with the group. For eleven days, Loloy did his best to
take care of everyone. But things started to become hard for all of them when their food and water
supplies depleted. A different challenge awaited them when they had to leave the house and run for
their lives to reach the military safe zone.

Loloy was very afraid for their lives but he continue to struggle and fight for them. When his son
suddenly wanted to give up, he didn't show his fear and continue to inspire and make others believe that
they can all survive. Loloy is so very brave to think and consider others situation despite of him and
family have the chance to escape and be safe. They sacrificed their freedom to help others and keep
them safe.

In Hotel Rwanda movie which is made based on the true story of Paul Rusesabagina who save
more than a thousand lives, Loloy on the other hand, saved thirty eight Christians here in the Philippines.
They are both considered as hero because of their courage to save and protect other people in an
impossible situation. In connection also to the Rwanda massacre, both issue rely on the tension between
two groups. Hotel Rwanda shows war between tribes which are the Hutus and Tutsis while in Marawi
seige here in the Philippines is between Armies and Rebels. Furthermore, there is a similarity in the
killings and genocides happened. The innocent people and also the children were included in the
horrible events which result them to die and lose people they love the most. In both sense, we can see
that there were no good effects in having anger and hatred feelings towards other people. We should
not only think for ourselves but also for the other people. Don't let agony and envy control our hearts for
us to think well and not do rebellious things. Let us be an advocate of peace and not war. We should
spread love and not hate. Be a good example to the youth and always think right for us to be progressive
and successful always.