Red Cross sends team to aid Cavite blast victims

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) on Thursday noon sent a rescue team to provide aid to the victims in the firecrackers factory blast in Trece Martires City in Cavite province. In a press statement, the PNRC said some 22 volunteers were sent to perform critical incident stress management and brief firefighters on first aid. The PNRC Cavite City chapter has likewise requested a disaster response and rescue van from the organization’s headquarters to assist victims. Luz Asencio, PNRC Cavite City chapter administrator also requested the organization’s chair, Senator Richard Gordon, for cadaver bags for the fatalities in the incident. At least five people have been confirmed dead in the blast, nine were still missing, and about three dozens injured. Three of the fatalities have identified as Christian Panganiban, Rodelio Iso, and Marlon Rodrim. Earlier reports quoted Vilma Diez of the Cavite provincial office as saying that 32 victims were rushed to the Emilio Aguinaldo Memorial Hospital but three were already sent home. The PNRC statement said approximately 50 employees from Starmaker and 100 employees from Yoshita electronics were inside the premises when the explosion occurred. As of this posting, the area is unstable due to some explosions and fumes, the statement said. The statement invited those who wish to inquire on the incident to call the PNRC chapter service representative on site at 0905-474-4905 or the Cavite City chapter at 045-4310562. For Disaster Operation Center concerns, the PNRC may be reached at 666-5034 or 666-5038. Sophia M. Dedace, GMANews.TV