Communist Party to donate P4M to Sendong victims

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The Communist Party of the Philippines on Monday deferred celebrations for its 43rd founding anniversary and will instead donate millions worth of cash and goods to the victims of tropical storm Sendong in Northern Mindanao.

Jorge Madlos, alias Ka Oris, spokesman of the National Democratic Front (the political arm of the rebel group) in Mindanao, said they would donate nearly P4 million in cash and goods, channeled through several foundations, including the clergy, media outfits and local government offices that are involved in relief operations for the thousands of displaced people.

“This time we decided to forgo the festivity because we want to help the victims of the calamity,” he told the Philippine Daily Inquirer by phone.

“It is a national call and we encourage the masa (masses) to donate whatever they can,” he added.

Madlos also said they would “obligate mining and logging companies to give donations because it is they who committed sins to the environment.”

On directly donating goods, Madlos said they would “find a way how we will gather and transport it.”

Told that the military’s Eastern Mindanao Command has done its own relief collection and distribution, Madlos said,“That is good.”

On the eve of Christmas, the Eastmincom sent 25 trucks loaded with relief goods to the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan.