Press Release
August 12, 2008

GORDON REITERATES PROPER USE OF RED CROSS, RED CRESCENT AND RED CRYSTAL EMBLEMS

Stating that the Red Cross, Red Crescent and Red Crystal emblems are used as a visible sign of protection conferred on medical personnel and medical units and transports in time of armed conflicts, Senator Richard Gordon, Philippine National Red Cross Chairman, reiterated that these emblems shall only be used for their proper purposes.

"The Red Cross emblem is an internationally-recognized emblem purposely used to protect humanitarian workers, vehicles and medical facilities in times of armed conflict and violence, and to identify the members of the Red Cross Movement," Gordon said.

Last June, Gordon filed Senate Bill 2370, An Act Defining the Use and Protection of the Red Cross, Red Crescent and Red Crystal Emblems.

Gordon said a particular section of the bill states the protective use of the emblem by the Medical Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). It says that under the control of the Department of National Defense (DND), the medical service of the AFP shall, both in peacetime and during armed conflict, use the Red Cross emblem to identify its medical personnel, medical units and transports on the ground, sea and air.

The bill calls for medical personnel to wear armlets and carry identity cards displaying the Red Cross emblem. These armlets and identity cards shall be issued exclusively by the DND.

Gordon said any misuse of these emblems and of the words "Red Cross", "Red Crescent" or "Red Crystal" or their translation in any official language and dialect shall not go unpunished.

"This bill is a result of collaboration between the PNRC National IHL Committee led by Justice Leonor Ines Luciano, with the technical assistance of the International Committee of the Red Cross. In view of the Philippines' obligation to take measures to prevent and repress at all times any misuse of the emblem, a stricter and broader national legislative regime shall be put in place," Gordon said.

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