MILF, AFP: 'allow Red Cross in conflict areas'

MANILA, Philippines -- Let Philippine National Red Cross workers into conflict areas in Mindanao, the chairman of the PNRC has appealed.

Senator Richard Gordon said Tuesday there were reports that some of their volunteers were prevented from entering areas affected by the clashes between the MILF and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Mindanao.

Gordon reminded both sides that the Red Cross was a neutral agency mandated to help everyone.

"As this conflict continues both sides of the war, we need to realize that the Red Cross volunteers are in the area to help everyone -- whether they are families or fighters from the government side or the MILF,” he said.

“I am therefore appealing to the military and the MILF to respect the actions of the Red Cross and allow it to fulfill its humanitarian mission," Gordon said.

MILF, AFP told to allow Red Cross in conflict areas
By Kristine L. Alave
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 12:55:00 08/19/2008
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view/
20080819-155559/MILF-AFP-told-to-allow-Red-Cross-in-conflict-areas