Spa-goers panic after discovering bats in Tagaytay parking area

A group of spa-goers in Tagaytay were startled after discovering a swarm of bats roosting above their parked car in a basement parking lot.

In Kuya Kim's report on "24 Oras," Tuesday, Rexson Bernal said they were advised by a security guard to park in the basement due to lack of space outside.

"Pagbalik po namin, mga around 6:30, medyo madilim tapos na-distract kami noong may mga naririnig na kaming mga paniki. Tapos noong tinutok ko na po 'yung camera sa kotse, nandon na po sa ibabaw ng ceiling 'yung swarm ng paniki. Tapos doon na po kami nag-panic kasi nakakatakot. Thankfully wala naman po nangyari sa amin. Wala naman pong nilagnat," Rexson said.

Bat droppings had dirtied the hood of their car, which they cleaned immediately.

"Nilinis agad po namin 'yung sasakyan kasi baka daw po mag-cause din siya ng mga marks doon sa pintura," Rexson said.

According to wildlife biologist Jay Fidelino, the animals were possibly insectivorous bats, which feed on insects such as mosquitoes, moths, beetles, and grasshoppers.

"Hindi naman unusual na nakatira sila doon sa parking lot na 'yun, especially kasi open siya tapos madilim sa loob but at the same time, accessible siya from the outside. Tapos 'yun nga, given na sa Tagaytay siya, medyo malapit din siya sa mga relatively forested na areas. 'Yung rabies naman, ang transmission niya talaga ay sa mga bodily fluids," he said.

He also clarified that bat droppings on vehicles do not pose a direct health threat.

"Kung nalaglagan lang naman ng poop ng paniki 'yung sasakyan, wala naman 'yong direct threat sa kanila. And at the same time, 'yung rabies naman sa bats, hindi siya documented sa mga paniki sa Pilipinas so far," Fidelino said.

He also explained that the bats would not do anything if left alone.

"Especially, 'yun nga, nakasabit lang naman sila doon. For sure, madi-disturb sila if you make a lot of noise, syempre, or ilawan sila. Pero hindi naman behavior ng mga gano'ng klaseng paniki na umatake talaga," he said. —Carby Rose Basina/MGP, GMA Integrated News