Undocumented Pinoys in Paris more careful amid strict security checks

Filipinos in Paris — particularly those who are undocumented — are extra cautious about their movements in the city, which is implementing stricter security measures following last week's terror attacks that left over 120 people dead, a TV report said Monday.
 
In his report, Dick Villanueva, GMA News' stringer in Paris, said there are Filipinos living near the areas where the coordinated attacks happened on Friday (early Saturday in Manila).
 
"Merong mga kababayan tayo na nakatira lang sa tabi [ng pinangyarihan ng attacks], pero pinili na lang nila na manatili sa kanilang bahay," Villanueva said in a his report on News To Go.
 
The main concern among undocumented Filipinos, however, is being caught in the security checks due to the high alert raised in the city.
 
"Ang pinag-aalala nila ngayon ay nagkaroon ng massive control, 'yung pagche-check ng identity ng iba't ibang lahi -- local man o ibang lahi... [Hindi naman] lingid sa ating kaalaman na marami tayong kababayan dito na undocumented," Villanueva said.
 
Villanueva added: "Kapag undocumented ka at wala kang maipakitang legal papers mo dito, bibitbitin ka nila at ikukulong ka. At ang iba, kapag sinamang-palad pa, ide-deport pa nila."
 
Because of this, Filipinos in Paris have avoided taking the subway, where check is most strict, he said.
 
"Ang ginagamit ng mga kababayan natin -- kasi ang matinding check dito ay sa subway -- ang ginagamit nila ay bus. Pero sa bus rin ay naninita na, kaya ang alternatibo nilang sasakyan ay bisikleta," Villanueva said. 
 
Data from the Commission on Filipinos Overseas in 2013 said there are around 48,000 Filipinos in France.
 
 
Philippine Ambassador to France Ma. Theresa Lazaro said that none of at least 10,000 Filipinos in Paris were reported hurt in the attacks. 
 
She advised Filipinos in Paris to stay put and keep in touch with the Embassy through +33-620-5925-15 and +33144145700.
 
French President Francois Hollande order all borders in France, and declared a state of emergency. - Rose-An Jessica Dioquino/KBK, GMA News

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