Prayers outpour on social media from UAE-based OFWs with families in Batangas

Thousands of residents are currently being evacuated from the ‘danger zone’ of the Taal Volcano as residents witnessed sightings of lava fountains and thick ash fall particularly in the areas of Tagaytay and Batangas, both of which have experienced more than 75 earthquakes as of 5:00 am (1:00 am UAE time).
In the social media page of The Filipino Times, netizens have shared their simple thoughts of sending prayers for affected families who have since been evacuated by local authorities as they closely monitor updates and reach out to their loved ones to ensure that their families are safe.

Ana Maria Paler, a banker based in Abu Dhabi for over 15 years, shared that she was alarmed when the news broke out yesterday that she had to check in with her kids in Lipa.
“Na alarm ako kasi there is no indication or news about that for the past days. Even my kids are not mentioning anything about it,” said Paler.
Fortunately, their area is barely outside the 14km danger zone which was why they didn’t have to flee their home: “Ang nandun are my entire family, my children, siblings, nephews and nieces and grandchildren. Nasa Lipa kami. 19km away from Taal Volcano. 14km radius ung mga pinapa evacuate kay Hindi naman lumikas ang mga anak ko and my entire family kasi hindi direct ang effect.”

Merlita Condat, a resident of Balete, Batangas working for five years in Abu Dhabi said that she was also shocked to have heard the news but shared that her husband and the rest of her family are also safe and away from imminent danger.
“Syempre nabigla ako. Hindi man lang nila napaghandaan ang ganitong pangyayari na sasabog ang bulkan. Ngayon, nililinis nila yung putik. Maigi at ash fall lang ang nangyari,” said Condat.
‘Joan’, a Dubai-based OFW for more than 10 years shared that she immediately called up her parents to check up on them: “My parents were very calm when I called them up. But since I am outside the country, I cannot check them personally. I’m very very worried for them because power cuts might soon reach their area which would impact our communication.”
Paler hopes that no one would get hurt as the government continues to aid residents to evacuate from the area. “My prayers for everyone especially ung mga directly affected to KEEP THEIR FAITH STRONG. God is in control. Keep on Praying.”

Alert level 4 remains in place for Taal Volcano as the Philippine Institute for Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) continues to monitor updates.