Cebuano group stages relief, medical mission in Mindanao

CEBU, Philippines —  Several hundreds of earthquake victims were served and treated in the medical and relief mission conducted by the Cebu-based All-Terrain Medical Relief Organization (AMRO) in earthquake-hit areas in Mindanao from Nov. 10 to 12.

Dr. Wyben Briones, AMRO past president, said the 40-strong team composed of volunteer doctors, nurses and support staff led by AMRO president Dr. Ella Lim, conducted medical and relief operations in far-flung villages in Kidapawan City and Makilala town in North Cotabato and Magsaysay town in Davao del Sur.

Briones said Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Ahong Chan also sent a contingent from the city’s Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office (DRRMO) led by Nagiel Banacia.

The earthquake victims were treated of minor injuries, ailments and diseases prevalent in disaster-hit areas, he said. Hundreds of them also received relief goods donated by generous Cebuanos.

Briones thanked the team members, donors and Police Brigadier General Valeriano De Leon, Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 director, who provide security for the team and coordinated with security forces under PRO 10. Two police officers who are also AMRO members, Police Staff Sergeants Anthony Vallejos and Wilt Harris Almagro, escorted the team throughout the medical and relief mission.

Briones said the team was also assisted by Secretary Emmanuel “Manny” Pinol of the Mindanao Development Authority, while the Sandique family in Makilala provided shelter for the team members during the mission. LPM (FREEMAN)