Filipinos in Paris, Rome adjust lives after terror attacks

PARIS/ROME — Some Filipino migrants in these two cities still feel nervous when going to crowded places due to the terrorist attacks in the French capital that left more than 120 people dead last month.

With Europe now on high alert due to the threat posed by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), some Filipinos have been extra vigilant when in public places or have decided to adjust some of their routines.

Kris Tagupo, a videographer, lives in an area about 10 minutes away from Saint-Denis, the suburb in Paris raided by the police five days after the November 13 attacks. Two suspects, including the alleged mastermind Abdelhamid Abaaoud, were killed during the operation.

Tagupo used to go home at dawn but after the Paris attacks, he tries his best to leave the work place as early as possible.

"Before, even if we go home at around 12:30 a.m. or 1 a.m., it was okay. Now, we get nervous at 11 p.m." the Pangasinan native said in a recent interview.

Even some of the social activities of Filipinos have been affected.

Tagupo said before, Filipino gatherings would last until about 10 p.m. but now, they are finished at around 6:30 p.m.

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

"They are trying their best to secure you. What they do is they frisk you and open your jackets," she said.

Sebastian noted that policemen 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 in the attacks.

READ: 120 dead in Paris attacks, worst since WWII

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

Even some Filipinos in Rome, which is more than 1,400 kilometers away from Paris, are concerned about their safety.

"I do not feel safe. ISIS also poses a threat to Italy and the pope did not postpone the Jubilee celebration," said Liza Bueno, a Batangas native who run a consultation office for migrants in the Italian capital.

Bueno was referring to the Holy Year of the Catholic Church that will start on December 8 with the opening of the Holy Door at Saint Peter's Basilica.

"We are afraid to leave our houses on December 8. We do not know what will happen to us," she added.

Bueno said she now avoids going out at night. She said Filipinos still gather Thursdays or Sundays but are more vigilant.

Rita Perez Landicho said she still feels safe in Rome but is now more conscious about her surroundings.

"I feel safe. The policemen are there. We are not afraid," Landicho said.

"I now listen to the news," she added. 

Landicho, a native of Oriental Mindoro, admitted that the Paris attacks temporarily changed her daily routine.

"Immediately after the Paris incident, I did not ride the train. But after a few days, it was okay," she said.

Fr. Gregory Gaston of the Collegio Filippino said he is still confident about his safety despite reports about the terrorist threats in Europe.

"Italy is good in terms of security," Gaston said, 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, claimed recent terrorist attacks did not have any effect on his activities.

"Here (in Rome), you can go home at dawn. You can't do that in the Philippines," he said.