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MANDALUYONG CITY — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC), led by Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon, has responded to a request for blood support from the Datu Halun Sakilan Memorial Hospital in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, as health authorities strengthen emergency preparedness ahead of the upcoming elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Coursed through the Integrated Provincial Health Office of Tawi-Tawi, the request seeks to ensure that blood is readily available for patients who may require urgent transfusion due to election-related injuries, trauma, and other medical emergencies.
Upon receiving the request, Gordon directed the PRC Blood Services to immediately coordinate the necessary assistance, with strict observance of proper blood handling, storage, and transport protocols.
As part of its wider election preparedness, the PRC has also prepositioned and banked blood supplies in other areas across BARMM, ensuring that blood can be readily mobilized should emergencies arise during the election period. PRC chapters and blood facilities in the region remain on alert and ready to augment areas where additional blood supply may be needed.
“We prepare because we cannot afford to be unprepared. We have made sure that blood is available not only in Tawi-Tawi but in other areas of BARMM as well. Blood must be there before an emergency happens. When lives are at stake, the Philippine Red Cross is ready to respond — 24/7,” Gordon said.
The PRC chairman stressed that the PRC remains neutral, impartial, and independent throughout the election period, providing humanitarian assistance solely on the basis of need.
“The Red Cross does not take sides. Ang panig natin ay buhay (Our side is with life). Our job is to save lives. Wherever we are needed — from Batanes to Tawi-Tawi — we will be there,” Gordon added.
Beyond the immediate request, Gordon also directed PRC Blood Services to explore with local health authorities the possibility of strengthening blood storage capacity in Tawi-Tawi, helping ensure faster access to safe blood not only during elections but also for the regular and emergency needs of patients in the province.
The Philippine Red Cross maintains a nationwide network of blood facilities and continues to mobilize its chapters, staff, volunteers, and blood donors to ensure that safe blood is available wherever and whenever it is needed. (/)