Taxi driver from Bauko saves three students amid heavy rain and flood

Baguio City, Philippines - In a selfless act of bravery, a taxi driver from Bauko, Mt. Province became an unexpected hero after rescuing three stranded students amid heavy rain and rising floodwaters — proving once again that not all heroes wear capes; some simply drive taxis.

A man in his thirties named Michael Aliping, currently residing in Buyagan, La Trinidad and a Soyeon taxi driver acted swiftly to aid not just one but three students caught in flood waters.

In a chat interview with GURU Press Cordillera, Aliping recounted that while en route to drop off a passenger, he noticed a young girl alone on a parapet near Puguis Elementary School. With floodwaters rising and rain pouring, he made the quick decision to carry her to safety.

“I couldn’t bear the thought of leaving her behind. So, I removed my shoes and shirt, carried her back to the car, and drove her to the school,” he said in the chat.

But that was just the beginning of the heroic story of Aliping—a young boy, unaware of the danger ahead, fell into the canal despite Aliping’s attempt of warning him through honking. In a quick action, Aliping dove in the rushing waters and safely carried the young boy to Buyagan.

“…he didn’t hear me. I jumped out of the vehicle and ran toward him just as he fell into the canal. Without thinking twice, I leapt in after him. The current was swift and unforgiving, but by God’s mercy, I managed to hold onto a cemented part of the walkway and lift us both out. I carried him to safety in Buyagan, near CCDC,” he recounted.

Along the route, he saw another student stranded at the fort. After dropping his passenger, Aliping quickly went back to rescue the child and safely brought him to Upper Wangal.

When asked about his thoughts of his heroic bravery amid the clear danger of rising water and heavy rains, Aliping simply said that those moments called for courage, and his decisions were made with compassion.

“These experiences reminded me of presence… showing up when others are in danger, stepping in when no one else will, and lifting others when they need it most. In every flood, literal or figurative; may we be the hands that carry, the eyes that see, and the hearts that act,” he concluded.