ICRC leaders say invisible scars in PH remain in conflict areas

AS the Philippines and other countries around the world endorse a new political declaration calling for greater protection against explosive weapons in populated areas, the leadership of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) visited the country.

They witnessed the long-lasting impact of urban warfare and engaged authorities in steps to reduce civilian harm.

They also addressed relevant International Humanitarian Laws and humanitarian issues in conjunction with geopolitical dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region.

ICRC Vice President Gilles Carbonnier and Regional Director for Asia-Pacific Christine Cipolla paid an official visit to the country from Nov. 11 to 19, 2022 to reaffirm the organization’s neutral, impartial, and independent humanitarian action in the country, in strong partnership with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC).

They visited Marawi City in Mindanao, where rehabilitation efforts continue after it was heavily damaged by armed conflict in 2017.

“War in cities inflicts deep scars, both visible and invisible. In Marawi, the most affected area has been reduced to rubble, and livelihoods were destroyed. Families continue to search for their loved ones who have gone missing for more than five years,” Carbonnier said.

The two leaders appreciated the humanitarian response of the PRC in Mindanao, including in areas that were recently hit by Tropical Storm “Nalgae” (“Paeng”).

With PRC Chairman Richard Gordon and Secretary-General Gwendolyn Pang, they visited a PRC Bakuna Bus (“vaccine bus”) in General Santos City.

Chairman Gordon said: “The ICRC has always been supportive of the PRC’s Covid-19 interventions. They donated buses equipped with a vaccine administration area and supplies, while we provided a cadre of volunteers to perform the task. In the PRC, we cannot deny opportunities to help because it’s our aim to uplift people … we do not give dole-outs, we uplift people.”