TONDO, MANILA – Amidst the ongoing response to the recent fire incident in Cavite, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) under the leadership of its Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon swiftly responded to another blaze that engulfed a residential area in Vitas, Tondo, Manila before noon on Saturday, September 14. 

Chairman Gordon deployed 17 PRC staff and volunteers, two fire trucks, and two ambulance units in the fire incident that was raised to the fifth alarm and severely affected roughly 1,600 families or 5,000 individuals. 

During the fire response, the PRC medical team was able to help a 41-year-old laboring woman give birth to a baby girl. In a Facebook post, Chairman Gordon commended the PRC medical team led by Jefferson Dacut and Joshua Poquiz. 

“During the fire response in Tondo, the PRC medical team was called to help a wounded child, however, they chanced upon a mother about to give birth and ended up endorsing the first patient to another crew. The team was able to assist a 41-year-old mother as she gave birth to her 4th child, a baby girl in the middle of a fire. This is a testament to the courage and swift action of our responders, ensuring that life prevails, even in the face of danger. Good work Jefferson Dacut, Joshua Poquiz, and all our staff and volunteers! Proud of you!,” said Chairman Gordon. 

Meanwhile, PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang encourages more people to donate to the PRC to intensify the organization’s relief and recovery efforts as it continuously provides humanitarian aid for vulnerable communities affected by the massive blazes. 

The PRC said it will set up welfare desks and first aid stations in evacuation centers. The provision of hot meals using PRC’s food trucks and the mobilization of the Red Cross 143 volunteers on the ground will continue in the coming days until the situation gets better.