Mother finds strength in faith after son's tragic death

In a heart-wrenching story of loss and hope, a Filipina mother, Maria Teresa Batistis, holds steadfast to her faith after the unexpected death of her eldest son, Fhilton John Batistis.

The 19-year-old drowned in floodwaters caused by the southwest monsoon, intensified by Tropical Storm Crising, which ravaged parts of the Philippines.

Despite the unimaginable grief, Maria’s trust in God remains unwavering. Speaking to Radio Veritas Philippines, she shared how her faith has been her anchor during this painful time.

“I’ve accepted all the trials given to me with an open heart,” she said. “It is in the Lord that I find hope. I pray He gives me and my husband the strength to carry on for our two remaining children.”

Maria and her husband, Edwin, had prayed for nearly a decade before welcoming Fhilton into their lives. They were later blessed with two more children. On July 21, Fhilton left home but was tragically caught in the rising floodwaters in the Calvary area of Quezon City. Swept away by the current, he went missing. In desperation, Maria turned to prayer. Kneeling before the image of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, she pleaded for divine help in finding her son. Nearly 24 hours later, Fhilton’s body was discovered along the shoreline in Navotas City almost 18 kilometers away.

The outpouring of community support has brought some comfort to the grieving family. “Even though what happened to our family was painful, I still thank God,” Maria said. “In these moments, I see how much people love us and love our son. We are not alone they are helping us.”

Fhilton was a scholar at the Minor Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and worked part-time to help support his family. In a show of solidarity, Bishop Elias Ayuban Jr., CMF, of the Diocese of Cubao personally visited the family to offer his condolences.

“We are one family. When any of our brothers or sisters are in need, we must be ready to stand with them, to grieve with them, and to offer whatever we can to help ease their suffering,” the bishop said in an interview.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has reported seven deaths related to the monsoon rains. Amid the statistics, the Batistis family’s story stands out as a powerful testament to faith, resilience, and the strength found in community.

The Philippines faces an average of 20 typhoons every year. The world often admires the resilience of the Filipino people but shouldn’t they also be guaranteed effective public services, like proper flood control? Must our stories always end in tragedy, hope, and heroism?