GORDON ORDERS QUICK REPONSE FROM PNRC TO LANAO CONFLICT; REMINDS AFP, MILF TO FOLLOW INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW

Philippine National Red Cross Chairman and Senator Richard Gordon ordered PNRC officials and staff to quickly mobilize and give aid to all those affected by the ongoing conflict between government forces and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Gordon said that the Red Cross was founded in the 19th century to help those affected by war�from injured soldiers to affected civilians.

"The Red Cross has a duty to give first aid, comfort, relief and protection to all victims of war. The Red Cross does not take sides in any conflict�its' commitment is to help all of humanity regardless of race, gender religion, political creed or financial status in life," he said.

The PNRC Iligan Chapter under Gordon's leadership has already:

Deployed volunteers in Ozamis City in the coastal area to meet evacuees from the municipalities of Linamon, Kauswagan and Kolambugan of Lanao del Norte.

Made arrangements to withdraw rice from the National Food Authority for relief operations

Placed all PNRC Chapter Administrators to be on alert and report all incidents in their area to OpCen.

Provided blood surgical supplies and set aside fuel for the boats used to transport evacuees and to deploy volunteers

An estimated 76 barangays from 5 municipalities are reported affected by the conflict. It is also reported that residents in the coastal areas of Kolambugan are evacuating to Ozamis City by pumpboat or bangka for safety. Some houses in Barangay Tacub and Libertad in Minicipality of Kauswagan were also reported burned.

"As this conflict continues both sides of the war need to realize that the Red Cross volunteers are in the area to help everyone�whether they are families or fighters from the government side or the MILF. I am therefore appealing to the military and the MILF to respect the actions of the Red Cross and allow it to fulfill its humanitarian mission. I am also appealing to both sides to remember the provisions of the International Humanitarian Law that governs areas torn by armed conflicts," said Gordon.