MANDALUYONG CITY — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has mobilized its teams across Metro Manila to support the Rally for Transparency and a Better Democracy organized by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) on November 16-17 at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila and the EDSA Shrine in Quezon City.

Ahead of the gathering, the PRC placed all ambulance units in the National Capital Region (NCR) on high alert and set up multiple first aid stations and welfare desks to help ensure that participants could take part in the event safely. 

A total of nine (9) ambulance units, six (6) first aid stations, two (2) welfare desks, and forty seven (47) staff and volunteers were deployed across both venues on November 16-17. 

Throughout the rally, PRC staff and volunteers worked across both sites under warm conditions and steadily growing crowds. By 10:00PM of November 17, PH Red Cross teams had already assisted 402 individuals. Most sought help for vital signs monitoring, dizziness, headaches, abdominal discomfort, and other minor ailments commonly seen in large public events. During the event, a total of four (4) major cases were reported, with people experiencing severe dizziness or lacerations. Four (4) individuals were also transported to medical posts or hospitals for cases such as shortness of breath, severe chest pain, inguinal pain, and an avulsion at the head.

At the Quirino Grandstand, the crowd swelled to an estimated 550,000 by the late evening of November 17. PRC responders operated four (4) first aid stations and four (4) ambulance units. Eighteen (18) responders from the Manila, Pasay, and NHQ-Port teams worked continuously to support the flow of people entering and leaving the grounds. By 10:00PM of the same day, they assisted a total of 242 individuals, most of whom presented with minor concerns or needing vital signs checks.

In Quezon City, an estimated 4,200 individuals showed up near the EDSA Shrine by the evening of November 17. At the height of the rally, PRC teams from Quezon City Chapter, NHQ Tower, and Rizal – San Juan staffed two (2) first aid stations and two (2) welfare desks, supported by five (5) ambulances on standby. They assisted a total of 160 people including seven with minor cases and three major cases.

PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon praised the commitment of the responders on the ground, noting that their work reflects the organization’s mandate to protect health and uphold humanitarian needs in crowded, high-risk environments. “Our Red Cross volunteers and staff are there to make sure people are safe, cared for, and are treated with humanity. We will continue to provide support to the people in need for as long as needed,” said Chairman Gordon. 

The Philippine Red Cross remains committed to being Always First, Always Ready, and Always There for the people in need. For any emergencies, call the PRC Hotline #143.