ICRC asks Zambo combatants: Spare civilians

MANILA, Philippines - The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Thursday expressed concern for civilians trapped in the crisis in Zamboanga City and called on those involved in the armed standoff to ensure their safety.

“We are closely monitoring the evolving situation in Zamboanga. Fighting is taking place in an area of the city where many civilians may still be living," said Pascal Mauchle, head of the ICRC delegation in the Philippines.

“Therefore, we call on those involved in the fighting to act with extreme caution to ensure civilian life and property are spared at all times,” he added.

The ICRC said it is now working with the Philippine Red Cross to ensure that vital aid reaches thousands of displaced people inside evacuation centers.

The group has provided parcels containing enough food for 27,000 daily rations to the local Red Cross in Zamboanga. The rations consist of rice, oil, salt, sardines, soya sauce, sugar and coffee and will be distributed to evacuees.

The ICRC also delivered kitchen utensils and 50 tarpaulins to provide basic shelter for displaced families.

The Philippine Red Cross, for its part, has deployed two ambulances and about 45 volunteers to assist affected residents.

The ICRC has also provided medical supplies to a temporary hospital set up in the Western Mindanao State University. The medicines are sufficient to treat 50 injured people and to provide general care to 1,000 patients.

The local Red Cross also installed a water bladder in the Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex to provide displaced persons access to clean water.