Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 16) – The body of a man missing since Taal Volcano’s eruption last month was finally found on the island Saturday afternoon.
He was identified by his family and authorities as Marlon Deteral, buried beneath ash and mud near a boat.
Deteral’s body was found on the day of his birthday. He was supposed to turn 26 on February 15.
Deteral’s step father Christopher was with his companions when they found the body in their hometown San Nicolas.
“Nung hinukay ko tiningnan ko na nakita ko ang kwintas, nakita ko yung tattoo niya sa kaliwa, nung hinukay ko pa nakita ko na yung mukha niya na siya talaga ‘yon,” he said.
[Translation: When I dug out the body, I saw a familiar necklace and a tattoo, then when I dug it out further, I recognized his face and knew it was him.]
Deteral’s family said he was out attending a wedding on the morning of January 12, the day Taal erupted. He, however, stayed behind during the evacuation to check on his family.
“Siya po yung nagpaiwan kasi gusto pa niya puntahan sila mama sa bahay. Gusto niya pa matingnan yung pamilya ko at baka nga nandon pa,” said Bernadette Valenzuela, Deteral’s sister.
Disaster officials said they have yet to confirm with police and other local governments if there are still missing individuals in Taal.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has downgraded Taal’s alert level to 2 last Friday.
State volcaonologists continue to prohibit entry to Taal Island as it continues to be classified as a permanent danger zone.
[Translation: He wanted to get left behind because he wanted to go to mom’s house. He even wanted to check on my family.]
