‘Dead animals, smell of rotting flesh’ greet rescuers on Taal Volcano

Rescuers from an animal rights organization were greeted with the sight of dead animals and the smell of decaying flesh when they reached the Taal Volcano on Wednesday.

In a statement, Jana Sevilla, animal rescue manager from the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), said they found many dead animals on the island and the place was filled with "smells of rotting flesh."

“The situation is difficult. I was on Taal island today. It has many dead animals and smells of rotting flesh, but there are still animals there who need our help,” Sevilla said.

“We could only stay a short time but we left food and water,” she added.

To save the surviving animals from grave danger, she said PETA needs the military to help their rescue team and the residents access the island in large boats.

Sevilla said currently, they are conducting animal rescue efforts "at PETA’s expense and risk."

“As the Philippine military will not allow people to evacuate with their animal companions, we have been asking any willing vehicle-owners to help in this regard,” she added.

PETA earlier said they are awaiting permission from the government to enter the island and help the animals. — MDM, GMA News