Red Cross honors 9/9 staff, volunteers wounded in war

Red Cross honors 9/9 staff,

volunteers wounded in war

ZAMBOANGA CITY (ZNS) – Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has marked the first anniversary of the 20-day September 2013 standoff by presenting honors to its volunteers who were wounded while rendering duty during that incident.

The standoff started September 9, 2013 when hundreds of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members loyal to MNLF founding-chair Nur Misuari infiltrated at least four coastal barangays in this city.

PRC Chairman Richard Gordon disclosed Tuesday that 13 of the PRC staff and volunteers were wounded by a grenade blast while transporting patients to medical stations for treatment.

Gordon identified them as the following: Dr. Kelly Geronimo; Gabriel Sison; Jeremy Balbon; Michael Jan Yucor; Ma. Karbee Alvedia; Nelil Sapal; Benrauf Jilluh; Michael Angelo Guiroy; Michael Miranda; Karen Gayle Ganza; Abdul Khafidzalbnohassan; Aibsar Hamin; and, Jay Jayson Agustin.

Gordon said it is important to highlight and recognize “the courage and heroism displayed by our staff and volunteers who did their duty even while bullets were flying all around them.”

“Some of them got wounded because of it, but they deserve our admiration and respect for being exemplary members of the Red Cross movement,” Gordon said.

“I created a special certificate of wounded volunteers and wounded staff. We don’t expect any reward but I want their families to see that they were able to assist during times of emergency, they are so dedicated, and they are ready to serve their fellowmen. That’s what the PRC is all about alleviating human suffering and uplifting human dignity.” Gordon added.

Meanwhile, he said the PRC and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) remain actively engaged in providing assistance to families displaced during the 20-day September 2013 standoff. (PNA) (091214)