On May 23, 2022, the Philippine Red Cross responded to Mercraft 2, a RORO vessel that caught fire in Real, Quezon around 5:00 AM. The vessel was en route from Polillo Island to Quezon. More than 120 passengers were affected. 

Immediately upon receipt of the report, the Philippine Red Cross Operations Center dispatched two ambulance units, one from Laguna and one from Quezon. Philippine Red Cross Welfare Services Teams from Laguna and Quezon also visited the 22 passengers transported to the hospital. A total of 16 Red Cross personnel were deployed. Red Cross 143 volunteers in the area assisted with the response, including the provision of hot meals to the affected passengers.

Red Cross 143 aims to promote a culture of self-help in communities, schools, and workplaces by developing a network of Red Cross volunteers who will prepare for disasters and respond rapidly to emergencies.

“Sa oras ng sakuna, maaasahan ang Red Cross 143 volunteers para tumulong. Hinihikayat natin ang ating mga kababayan na sumali sa Red Cross 143 para makakuha ng pagsasanay na rumesponde sa pangangailangan ng kanilang kababayan kapag may emergency,” Philippine Red Cross Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon said.