Filipinos in Paris fear possible further attacks by IS terrorists

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Filipinos residing in France feared possible further attacks by Islamic State (IS) terrorists, following Friday’s killing on six sites in Paris which claimed the lives of at least 129 persons.

Fashion designer Marc Rancy recalled what happened in the deadly attacks. He has been staying at Rue de Turenne, near Bd Beaumarchais and Le Bataclan where the worst attacks took place.

“I hear non-stop sirens and my friends were in the area going to my apartment. On their way to me, they ran into people screaming and running, with blood. Some women took off their heels and ran on foot,” Rancy said in a Manila Bulletin report.

Business owner and makeup artist Kyrah Abad had just finished a photoshoot at Charonne hours prior the attack.

“I could not go home because it is not safe. We don’t feel safe… We don’t know when and where they will attack next. We are afraid that they might even attack outside Paris,” Abad said in the same report, adding that she opted to stay at a church member’s house in Rueil Malmaison for a few days.

Filipino students living at the 6th and 10th district of the area were spared from the attacks but also took safety precautions.

“Currently it’s a state of emergency in France, and residents in Paris and the immediate suburbs are asked to stay in our homes,” Student Association of the Philippines head Andre Confiado said.

Even with fear, the Filipinos in France remained confident that the French government will take all necessary actions to keep such deadly attacks from recurring. They also asked for prayers from friends and families back home in the Philippines.