Red Cross seeks more donations for Marawi evacuees

Displaced residents ride a mini-truck with their belongings while fleeing to safer areas as government troops battle with Muslim militants Monday, May 29, 2017 in Marawi, southern Philippines. Philippine forces say they now control most of the southern city where militants linked to the Islamic State group launched a bloody siege nearly a week ago. Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said Monday that only small areas of Marawi are under militants’ control. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)

MANILA — The Philippine Red Cross is asking for more donations to aid families affected by the ongoing armed clashes in Marawi City.

As of Tuesday, the PRC’s Operation Center reported that around 96 barangays (villages) or around 29,000 individuals have been affected and displaced by the tensions in Marawi.

Infrastructures, including houses, schools and jails, were also damaged, the humanitarian agency said Tuesday.

The PRC said they would accept any form of donations to cover the cost of food items such as rice, noodles, assorted canned goods, and hot meals, as well as non-food items such as blankets, plastic mats, mosquito nets, hygiene kits and jerry can containers.

“Filipinos always rise to help selflessly. Our brothers and sisters in Mindanao need you to help extend their lives while facing ongoing clashes. Let us help the most vulnerable by making a difference,” PRC
Chair Richard Gordon said in a statement.

PRC cited for instance that for every donation of P850, a family will receive rice, noodles, assorted canned goods, and coffee for three days. For just over P1,000, a family will be given comfort in the form of blankets, sleeping mats, and clean water.

PRC said 700 individuals have received hot meals, 725 individuals have been provided psycho-social support, while more than 8,400 individuals were given access to clean and potable water.

More than 200 blood units, meanwhile, are available at the PRC-Iligan Chapter for individuals who need blood transfusion.

“Help must reach out to people in Mindanao. Help us extend our humanitarian work to those in need by anticipating their needs,” PRC Secretary General Oscar Palabyab said in a statement.

Donors may deposit cash donations through any of the following Philippine Red Cross bank accounts:

Account name: Philippine Red Cross
BDO Peso Account – 00-453-0190938
BDO Dollar Account – 10-453-0039482
Metrobank Peso Account – 151-7-15152434-2
Metrobank Dollar Account – 151-2-15100218-2

Donors may also personally send their donations to the PRC’s office at the PRC Tower, 37 EDSA corner Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong City. Call 790-2410 or 0917-834-8378 and look for Ma. Rizza Genil or Shervi Corpuz for more details.  SFM