O.C. Filipino Priest Recalls ‘60s Eruption

ANAHEIM — The Mt. Pinatubo volcano that sent tens of thousands of Filipinos scurrying for safety this week brought back vivid memories to Father Marito Rebamontan of Anaheim.

Rebamontan, a seminary student in the 1960s, was visiting some classmates on the island of Luzon when the Taal volcano erupted in September, 1965.

“We had to use our clerical robes to shield us from the ash,” Rebamontan recalled Thursday. “It was total confusion. Dozens of people were trying to climb on small jitneys, and people were doing almost anything to get out of the area.”

Rebamontan, who fled the Philippines 15 years ago when then-President Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law, said he cringed when he heard about the clouds of snow-like ash dusting residents of the Pam Panga province.

“I felt suffocated myself,” Rebamontan said. “I could hardly breathe. We know that a volcano can be very devastating, but seeing it is a very scary experience. You never, ever forget.”

Rebamontan is among 30,356 Filipinos who now live in Orange County, according to the 1990 Census. The figure represents a 178% increase over the past decade.

Like other Filipinos, Rebamontan said Thursday that he felt helpless in his effort to help the 50,000 refugees of Mt. Pinatubo.

Ernie Delfin, president of the Filipino-American Assn. of Orange County, said the group will meet this weekend to discuss how members can aid relief efforts.

Delfin said that well-wishers should contact the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles.

Rebamontan said he would campaign in his parish for relief help.

“We’re all wondering how we can work at this,” he said.