PH Red Cross extends condolences to families of Int'l Red Cross, Red Crescent workers
The country's foremost humanitarian organization, led by its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Richard Gordon, extended its deepest condolences to the families and friends of fellow workers from the International Red Cross and Red Crescent (RCRC) Movement – who tragically lost their lives while carrying out their duties amid the ongoing armed conflict in Israel.

In a statement issued Friday, Oct. 13, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) mourned the deaths of five dedicated professionals from the RCRC, including an ambulance driver from Magen David Adom (MDA) in Israel and four paramedics from the Palestinian Red Crescent Society.
"We express our sympathy to our colleagues at Magen David Adom and the Palestinian Red Crescent Society," Gordon said.
The PRC highlighted the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law (IHL), which emphasize the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure during armed conflict.
The IHL, Gordon said, strictly prohibits actions such as pillaging, reprisals, indiscriminate property destruction, and taking hostages.
The organization also noted that healthcare services must not be disrupted or put in danger, even amid emergencies – it means that all healthcare providers, including emergency medical responders from organizations like Magen David Adom in Israel and the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, must be protected and to carry out their duties.
Meanwhile, the PRC also expressed its appreciation for their colleagues working on the frontlines.
"We therefore salute our folks – our brothers and sisters at the frontlines – who are responding to the wounded, ensuring they get medical and psychosocial relief during these times," Gordon said. "We call on all nations to respect IHL to the utmost," he added.