UNHCR relief goods for storm victims arrive

MANILA, Philippines—The United Nations High Commission for Refugees on Friday sent a planeload of relief goods for the flood-stricken cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan in northern Mindanao.

The relief goods arrived from Dubai aboard Emirates Air flight EK 334, which landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at around 6 p.m.

The shipment, which was received by UNHCR honorary patron for the Philippines Kris Aquino in behalf of the government, includes blankets, jerrycans for water, and kitchen utensils.

According to Bernard Kerblat, UNHCR’s representative in the Philippines, the UN refugee agency is also rushing plastic tarpaulin and other essential household items to provide emergency shelter for affected families.

“We have been working with communities in Mindanao already affected by the conflict,” he said. “So it is natural that we want to help them now that they have suffered this additional blow.”

It was learned that the relief goods from the UNHCR will arrive in batches from Dec. 23-26.

“It’s now my first official duty as patron of the UNHCR so I am grateful to them for gathering rebuilding materials and primary non-perishable needs for the family,” Aquino said.

“In UNHCR, we believe one refugee without hope is too many,” Aquino added.