Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman and CEO Sen. Dick Gordon immediately mobilized the Red Cross for relief for evacuees after the forces lay siege to Marawi, late into the night of May 23, 2017.
PRC sets up a war room at the National Headquarters, together with its executives, While Sen. Dick Gordon contacted officials of Marawi, his Mindanao-based Senate staff, and Red Cross administrators for the area to get real-time updates of the situation.
In response, Chairman Gordon deployed a Humanitarian Caravan to provide clearing operations, water, and health services to the war-torn area.
Gordon flew into the city to assess the situation. He oversaw operations for first aid, medical tents, psychosocial support, and relief goods for women who were the most vulnerable demographic during the armed conflict.
As the war ensued, many of our noble servicemen were wounded or died. Once such was First Lieutenant Kent Fagyan who was deployed to defend the area, and together with two other colleagues, was injured in a close encounter. On July 25, 2017, at the Senate floor, an emotionally-touched Sen. Gordon saluted the 1Lt. Fagyan for his selfless duty to defend the republic.
By August 2018, Sen. Gordon toured the area with Lanao Del Sur Governor Mamintal A. Adiong Jr. to assess the current situation. PRC also distributed PHP 10,000 cash assistance to the most vulnerable in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross.
A year later, ICRC President Peter Maurer joined Sen. Gordon for a follow-up visit to Marawi to further assess the additional needs of the community.
As a result, the PRC continues to assist Marawi’s residents, including the latest distribution during Ramadan of sacks of rice, Halal groceries, and other goods on May 25, 2021, with a grant of P25million from the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center.
“The Philippine Red Cross and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will help our brothers and sisters in Marawi to rise and restart their lives with healthy bodies and healthy minds. We are with you every step of the way,” Gordon said.
