BUILT ON COURAGE AND SELFLESSNESS: Contemplating on the 2009 Kidnapping of the ICRC Workers

By: Philippine Red Cross Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang

Last January 15, 2009, the Islamist separatist group, Abu Sayyaf, breached an international norm upon abducting and capturing volunteers of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)—Swiss national Andreas Notter, Italian Eugenio Vagni and Filipino Mary Jean Lacaba. It is instilled in nations all over the world that Red Cross workers must not be harmed or involved in any conflict, as they are considered to be impartial and neutral, never taking sides. Their interest lies only in rendering assistance to those who are in distress, whether in the midst of war or calamity.  

The aforementioned workers volunteered to work on water sanitation projects so that safe drinking water could be provided to the inmates of the Jolo Provincial Jail and to other areas in Mindanao. While in the process of accomplishing their mission, the volunteers were abducted in Patikul, Sulu by the Abu Sayyaf.

The abduction of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) workers is a significant event not only for the Philippine Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross, but also for the whole world. Upon the kidnapping of Lacaba, Notter and Vagni, the Abu Sayyaf roused the people from a false sense of security as it became threateningly evident that even Red Cross workers, protected by a universal consensus, could be jeopardized.

Had the organization succumbed to the payment of ransom, the sordid crime of the Abu Sayyaf would certainly be boldly imitated in the future, and volunteers from all over the globe would be penalized.  Conditional release would threaten the future of humanitarian volunteers and the lives and dignity of the many vulnerable and least privileged who would need their aid in inevitable times of woes and disasters.

In a bizarre way, the conflict between the government and the armed group induced the spirit of unity among the Muslims and the Christians, despite differences in religion and culture. The Red Cross principle of unity was manifested in the interfaith rallies and vigils, which the different sectors conducted in the name of humanity. The different religious groups joined forces to address the armed group’s attack against humanity. Even soldiers and policemen died in the attempt to retrieve the captives. Incumbent Philippine Red Cross Chairman Senator Richard J. Gordon did his part in dealing with the kidnappers for the volunteers’ safe and unconditional release.

The sense of unity was evoked by the natural ability of human beings to recognize the value of human life, human dignity and the forces, which protect them. The principle of putting prime importance on humanity was illustrated in the efforts to regain the safety of the workers.

Furthermore, the incident conveyed the significance of volunteerism. The message was clear: to be a genuine volunteer requires an immense degree of selflessness and courage. Lacaba, Notter and Vagni bravely trod the remote parts of Mindanao despite its perils. Strength of commitment and unwavering advocacy of the welfare of humanity presuppose such willingness to take on an endeavor. 

Amidst the turmoil of abduction, Philippine Red Cross Sulu Chapter was not deterred from undertaking its mission; volunteer turnout did not diminish and trainings were ongoing. Although a bomb explosion in the police department located near the Sulu Chapter posed another threat to humanity, the Philippine Red Cross was still unhindered from fulfilling its commitment of serving the people.

Finally, with the concerted efforts of different religious sectors and Philippine Red Cross, Lacaba was released on April 2 after 77 days of captivity; Notter was freed on April 18, while Vagni was liberated on July 12. Ironically, the incident strengthened the Red Cross vision, summarized by its principles. Through the workers’ proper release, the seven principles prevailed.

Upon reflection, I realize that the tenets of the humanitarian organization—humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality—are all linked by the prime principle of humanity. With the abduction and release of the Red Cross volunteers for example, we perceive that unity and volunteerism are natural consequences of the people’s capability to see the importance in protecting and upholding human life and dignity. It is a universal sentiment.

This January 15, 2010, the Philippine Red Cross reflects on the abduction of the ICRC workers, which fortunately and in an awry way, affirms the value of life. The safe release, which had ensued, also asserts the truth that the bad forces can only prevail when the good ones do not do anything about them. It is also a time to ruminate on the indispensable service that volunteers all over the world render to the people. With little or no gain, they help ignite the flare of hope for humanity. Red Cross was built on this strong urge to protect life against anything that disfigures it, and as human beings, we must see the worth in this.

Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang in action (Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng)

It feels great to be a blood donor because we become a hero in our own special way.

To quote the great humanitarian and educator Arthur Ashe, “True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.

Our serious yet calm and thoughtful yearning to help save one’s life is what this kind of heroism we have been cultivating in the hearts and minds of the young people since I thought of the blood donation campaign for the youth which we call Pledge 25.

Pledge 25 encourages the youth to become volunteer blood donors.  I am happy to say that through immense dedication to this advocacy, the program made a great impact in the National Blood Services.

I was also a young, idealistic, vibrant and energetic blood donor and Red Cross Youth volunteer when we saw the need to get the youth to be a blood donor and unleash the hero with pure intentions in them. 

Now, after more than 10 years in the PNRC and at this hour as PNRC Secretary General, I can say that I am still young, idealistic, vibrant and energetic blood donor --- thanks to Pledge 25 young blood drive and thanks to the “contagious and widespread” blood donation program  of the PNRC which draws inspiration to a great lady and icon of the PNRC, Gov. Rosa Rosal and the hardworking men and women of the PNRC Blood Services.

Young blood is what we need. We need a new breed of heroes. That’s why we say a blood donor is a hero. It’s so nice to see young people giving blood as it is a testament of the hope and future of our National Blood Program and a reflection of the kind of society we have today given the challenges we face. We are still a country of good-hearted, volunteer blood donors.

Blood donation is not dramatic and requires no grandstanding. It is plain and simple but with a great desire to lend a helping hand to someone without the lights and the camera. In blood donation, you never outdo, outwit and outlast anybody to become the hero you wanted to be. It’s only true when you want to be the sole survivor in the world!

Every second, someone in the world needs blood. Majority of the world’s population do not have access to safe blood and it can only be provided by blood donors who will voluntary and willingly donate their precious blood to save a life --- a life of a mother giving birth, a victim of certain accident, a boy who is suffering  from leukemia, a child with dengue or a father who is undergoing open heart surgery.

Millions of people owe their lives to people who are not personally acquainted to them in one way or another – these are the people who give their blood freely and without hesitation, without asking anything in return.

In the Philippines, 9 out of 10 Filipinos will need blood sometime in their lives. With the demand for blood increasing every day and with its shelf life of 35 days, it is important that blood donation becomes a regular custom in the Philippines especially among the youth.

This is where the PNRC National Blood Program comes into play. To achieve 100% Voluntary Blood Donation, we have to constantly campaign and advocate for blood donation in every nook and cranny of the country.

To complement this intensified blood donation drive, we already have 69 blood services facilities and will add 27 more so that every Filipino in need of safe blood will have access to it immediately whenever and wherever needed. Moving forward, our goal is to add 5 more blood service facilities to the existing 10 BSF with apheresis machines that will provide more patients apheresis-derived blood products.

It is in this light that as our country observes World Blood Donor Month this July.

I should take this unique opportunity to thank you all who give your blood voluntarily. Evidence from around the world demonstrates that voluntary, unpaid donors are the foundation of a safe blood supply because they are least likely to transmit potentially life-threatening infections such as HIV and hepatitis through their blood.

They are also more likely to give blood regularly, enabling safe blood to be made available to all patients requiring transfusion. It is to these unsung heroes that the Blood Donors Month Recognition Ceremony is dedicated.

Today, I am commending the efforts of our PNRC Blood Heroes. This event offers back gratitude to people who are able to help patients in need of blood. It is also this time that, awareness on voluntary blood donation should be promoted so that more people will be inspired to give a part of them to help those in need of blood and its component and extend life as we lead towards 100% voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation.

Each one of us is responsible for the advocacy and promotion of voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation.

 “Safe Blood” comes from voluntary blood donors and PNRC plays a vital role in creating wider awareness on the importance of voluntary blood donation and in encouraging more people to become regular donors. This can be achieved through the successful implementation of Red Cross 143 blood donors, partnership and support from agencies and stakeholders such as BLEED Foundation and other NGO’s.

With the closure of commercial blood banks, the PNRC is tasked to cover the gap of 35,000 blood units annually on top of the total number of units collected yearly. Because of this great need,  the DOH and the Philippine Blood Coordinating Council have strengthened and intensified partnership with the PNRC.

As the National Blood Program moves towards the goal of total voluntary donation by 2010, there is an increasing appreciation of blood donors and their pivotal role in ensuring adequacy of safe blood. It is important that their contribution be recognized and valued by the community. To our dear blood donors, we thank you for your unselfish gesture and support to the cause of the organization in saving lives.

Many factors deter people who may be motivated by altruistic desire to help others: be it fear of needles, insufficient time, lack of knowledge about blood donation, or a previously unhappy blood donation experience. But should it hinder us from saving lives?

As Joseph Campbell said, "A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself."

And with this, through voluntary blood donation you are giving a lot of yourself, you are giving life, you are saving life. Let this be an inspiration to all, that we should at least be advocates of voluntary blood donation through our own simple means of supporting the National Blood Program of the PNRC.

Hence, blood services must therefore learn to improve the quality of their relationship and interaction with the blood donors. We must learn to build and maintain lasting and mutually beneficial relationships with altruistic, well-motivated and committed blood donors.

We can do this by providing the highest quality donor care as possible to every blood donor that is available. Quality donor care means that the blood donor must be able to receive good standards of medical and nursing care to protect his health and safety during the donation. More than that, quality donor care also means treating every blood donor as an important customer.

We must talk to our donors so that they understand the importance of donating safe blood, and to make them feel that they are valued for their community service. In turn, donors will know they are making an important contribution to the community to provide safe blood and will take the responsibility upon themselves to ensure that their blood is safe.

I would like to take this opportunity to appeal to every Filipino to be one with us in working together, by being mutually cooperative and supportive of each other, for the betterment of the National Blood Program.

Again, I congratulate and salute all the awardees, our heroes for this year’s recognition and may this not be the end of your unrelenting support to the National Blood Program of the PNRC.

Let us always remember that every blood donation counts and it takes a hero to save one’s life. You are a blood donor and you are a hero!