With the increasing military presence in Basilan and Sulu, two provinces in the Mindanao region suffering from the most number of armed conflicts, the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) Chairman and CEO, Richard J. Gordon, has deployed staff and volunteers to help with the increasingly volatile situation in Mindanao. As the ceaseless clashes between the government and the insurgents have become more commonplace, the number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) has been steadily increasing. The Red Cross has deployed a team from the Disaster Management Services and the International Humanitarian Law office to monitor the activities in the affected areas. In anticipation of future clashes, these people will augment the number of staff and volunteers. Even in the midst of increasing military presence, the Red Cross has assured unbiased quality services to the affected families. Contingency plans have also been put in place once impending humanitarian crises start to happen.
The staff deployed to the area also conducted dissemination activities to the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Units (CAFGUs) in Barangay Lumbang, West Isabela. The military is presently conducting clearing operations in several barangays in the municipalities of Al-Barka and Ungkayapukan. At this point, no families have been reportedly affected. Some non-food items have been turned over by the Red Cross to the local Chapter in preparation of possible emergencies, these items include: 200 pcs. Of tarpaulin, 8 boxes of assorted medical supplies, 40 ampoules of Tetavax(for tetanus toxoid), 10 ampoules of Tetagam (for tetanus). These items will be distributed to the identified beneficiaries.
In Sulu, from April 12 to May 06, the PNRC extended humanitarian response to the battle casualties by providing blood and medical assistance. The PNRC also assisted the medical personnel in the military hospital. Aside from this, the local Chapter of the Red Cross, with the help of the National Headquarters also gave medical assistance to the IDPs. Distribution of relief to the aforementioned has been made. The local Chapter of the Red Cross also arranged a meeting with the ICRC to discuss humanitarian issues, concerns, and recommendations in relation to the continuing conflict. The discussions will lead to plans on how to decrease IDPs. The residents of the Basilan area have expressed their sentiments regarding the insurgency problems that they have encountered; they feel that it has extended to the point where they feel already battle-worn.
Nevertheless, the PNRC Chapter is instantly recognizable and respected as they continuously provide quality service to their constituents in the face of adverse situations.