Philippine Red Cross assists Mindanao victims amid severe weather
Individuals and families in Mindanao affected by weather disturbances were assisted and rescued by Philippine Red Cross (PRC) volunteers.

In a statement issued Tuesday, July 16, the PRC said it conducted rescue operations and extended assistance to those affected by the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), Easterlies (winds blowing from the east), and southwest monsoon over the weekend.
“Our staff and volunteers have been working tirelessly even on weekends to help people in distress due to bad weather,” said PRC Secretary General Gwen Pang.
At 2 a.m. on July 13, the Red Cross mobilized its VERV (volunteer emergency response vehicle) team to rescue three children (two females, one male) in Barangay San Jose Gusu, Zamboanga City from flooding and landslides due to continuous rain.
The Red Cross Operations Center on July 16 released a summary report detailing various forms of assistance extended by the following service units.
The Emergency Response Unit rescued eight persons in Zamboanga City while the Welfare Services provided psychosocial first aid to 40 individuals in Sultan Kudarat; 141 in Zamboanga City; 21 in General Santos; and four in Cotabato.
PRC said hot meals were given to 564 persons in Zamboanga City and 450 in Cotabato while the Disaster Management Services (DMS) supplied food items to 58 families in Sultan Kudarat, and four body bags in Cotabato City.
Safety Services also dispensed treatment to one person in Zamboanga City while Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Services imparted hygiene promotion to 450 individuals in Cotabato and 364 in Zamboanga City.
PRC said the Health Services administered antibiotic treatment to 896 persons and anti-tetanus vaccines to 90 individuals, and issued information, education, and communication materials to 890 people—all in Zamboanga City.
“Work never stops at the Red Cross.,” said Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon. “We’re just being true to our mission to alleviate human suffering and uplift the dignity of the most vulnerable,” he added.