GORDON OVERSEES RELIEF OPERATION IN JOLO, BASILAN

A team of Philippine National Red Cross is on a two-day visit to Jolo and Basilan to look into our relief effort in the areas affected by the recent fighting, and to assess the situation so the agency will be prepared for all contingencies.

In providing relief for the injured and displaced, we can only know whether our efforts are adequate if we have numbers and a clear picture of the situation.

Since the first report of heavy fighting in Jolo, we have moved 50 bags of blood for government troops and all those injured.

From our first-hand look at the situation here and the cessation of fighting over the past few days, it looks like that will do for now.

With respect to the flow of relief for the people who have been displaced, we see the needs to increase the level of relief.

We are glad to note-based on what we see here and from our talks with people here-that there has been no fighting of late. A sense of calm now prevails in Jolo.

The resumption of peace talks should help ease the situation even further. The works of our local chapter here in Jolo has been commendable.

With additional supplies and manpower, they can cope with any contingency. Today, we will be flying to Basilan for a similar first-hand look and assessment of the situation there.