BATANGAS, Philippines – Aside from fishing, residents in the municipality of Balete in this province make a living from raising livestock especially horses which they use to tour visitors around Taal Volcano’s crater.
When the volcano started erupting, residents were forced to evacuate but they couldn’t just leave their beloved animals.
Resident Sonny Rivas shared on Facebook moving pictures of residents who braved the risk of going back to the volcano island just to rescue the animals left behind by their owners.
“Sabi po noong mga nagdala, marami pa raw pong naiwan doon. Hindi lang daw po nila madala lahat (They said a number of animals remain on the island. They just couldn’t rescue all of them),” he told UNTV.
Alert Level 4 remains over Taal Volcano and Sonny said only a few residents remain in their town.
His entire family is also about to leave once they have packed everything they need as they head to safety.
He calls on other residents to also evacuate before a major eruption occurs.
“Pumunta muna po sila sa safe zone. Iba na po ang nagsisigurado (They should leave for safer zones. It is still important to be safe),” he said.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) warned of a possible explosive eruption of Taal volcano anytime within hours or days.
PHIVOLCS OIC Renato Solidum in a series of press briefings has been calling for cooperation from surrounding communities to heed to evacuation orders.
“We need the cooperation of everyone. The scenario of hazardous eruption is a real scenario that has been exhibited by Taal volcano. If we look at those scenarios, the impact is quite significant,” he said Tuesday (January 14).
READ: Intense earthquakes in Taal indicate possible ‘explosive eruption’ — PHIVOLCS
For now, Sonny said, they appeal for government support not only short-term aid but all the help for them to recover as Taal’s wrath already destroyed their source of living.
“Sana naman po ay matulungan po lalo na po sa pangkabuhayan (We ask for assistance especially livelihood),” he concluded.
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