Pinoys in Paris still wary of terror attacks

ROME – Some Filipino migrants in Paris and Rome still feel nervous when going to crowded places after the terrorist attacks in the French capital that left 130 people dead last month.

With Europe now on high alert due to the threat posed by the Islamic State (IS), a number of Filipinos have either become extra vigilant when in public places or have adjusted their routine.

Kris Tagupo, a videographer who lives in an area about 10 minutes from Saint-Denis, the suburb of Paris raided by the police five days after the Nov. 13 attacks, said he now tries to go home as early as possible. Two suspects, including alleged mastermind Abdelhamid Abaaoud, were killed during the operation. 

Tagupo, a Pangasinan native, also said they get nervous when they are still out by 11 p.m.

He added that even some of their social activities have been affected, as he pointed out that Filipino gatherings now end at around 6:30 p.m., when previously these would last until about 10 p.m.

Arlene Sebastian, who works as a baby sitter in the French capital, said she still feels anxious when visiting malls, although she believes that security personnel are doing their jobs well. 

“They are trying their best to secure you. What they do is they frisk you and open your jackets,” she said, noting that police have been very visible since the attacks. 

In a recent interview with Radio TV Malacañang, Philippine ambassador to France Maria Theresa Lazaro said no Filipino was harmed during the Nov. 13 incident.

“The Filipino community here in Paris and in the entire France are in the best situation,” she said. 

In Rome, more than 1,400 kilometers away from Paris, some Filipinos are getting concerned about their safety. 

“I do not feel safe. IS also poses a threat to Italy and the pope did not postpone the Jubilee celebration,” said Liza Bueno, referring to the Holy Year of the Catholic Church that will start on Dec. 8 with the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica.

“We are afraid to leave our houses on Dec. 8. We do not know what will happen to us,” said Bueno, a Batangas native who runs a consultation office for migrants. She qualified though that Filipinos, with extra vigilance, still gather on Thursdays or Sundays.

Rita Perez Landicho, who hails from Oriental Mindoro, said she still feels safe in Rome although she has also become more conscious about her surroundings.

She admitted that the Paris attacks temporarily changed her daily routine as she avoided taking the train on days immediately after the attacks.

Despite the terrorist threats in Europe, Fr. Gregory Gaston of the Collegio Filippino still feels confident about his safety, adding that one just needs to be observant when in crowded places like subway stations.

Paul Reyes, a Tarlac native who is in the cargo business, said that the recent terrorist attacks did not have any effect on his activities.