Red Cross appeals to AFP, MNLF: Spare civilians

Rappler.com

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

Aid arrives in Zamboanga City for the evacuees

CRAMMED. Evacuees fleeing the fighting between tghe military and rebels cram the stands of the Zamboanga City sports complex, September 11, 2013. Photo by Regine Mendoza/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – Aid continued to arrive in Zamboanga City for residents displaced by fighting between government forces and followers of Nur Misuari, which entered its 4th day on Thursday, September 12.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said they are concerned for civilians caught in the ongoing conflict in the city, adding they are ensuring vital aid reaches those who need it.

The ICRC provided the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) in Zamboanga, Wednesday, September 11, with basic food items – rice, oil, salt, sardines, soy sauce, sugar, and coffee – enough for 27,000 daily rations, the organization said in a statement.

Aside from this, the ICRC also provided utensils and tarpaulins for basic shelter for the displaced families, and has set up a temporary hospital at the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) campus.

Two PRC ambulances and around 45 volunteers have also been deployed to the besieged port city.

The ICRC is also appealing to both the military and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) to “act with extreme caution” to prevent civilian casualties.

“We call on those involved in the fighting to act with extreme caution to ensure civilian life and property are spared at all times,” said Pascal Mauchle, head of the ICRC delegation in the Philippines.

This is in addition to the efforts done by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, as well as by local groups in the city.

READ: 14,300 displaced in Zamboanga siege

Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman on Wednesday said over P2 million worth of aid has been donated to the evacuees.

The department has set up 3 community kitchens to provide hot meals to families at the city’s grandstand while the City Health Office and private hospitals established a makeshift hospital at the same venue.

The DSWD in Region 9 said a total of 14,322 evacuees have fled the villages occupied by the MNLF gunmen. Of this number, around 1,226 families composed of 5,632 persons are staying in 15 evacuation centers.

The standoff between the MNLF rebels and government forces entered its 4th day Thursday. The conflict started Monday, September 9, when a group of around 200 MNLF members stormed several Zamboanga villages and took at least 200 hostages, mostly residents of the area. – Rappler.com

Add a comment

Sort by

There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.

Summarize this article with AI

How does this make you feel?

Loading
Download the Rappler App!