Army, Davao City Masons conduct bloodletting
by 1Lt Lakschmi R. Talidano
Camp Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City (18 May) -- A total of 30,150cc of blood was collected in a half-day bloodletting conducted by the Army's 10th Infantry Division (10ID) in partnership with Lodge No. 208 of the Free and Accepted Masons and in coordination with the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) from 8:00 AM to 12:00 Noon Sunday at Camp Felix Apolinario, Panacan Davao City.
A total of 67 donors composed of soldiers, civilian volunteers and Freemasons donated their blood to PNRC.
Red Cross volunteers said the blood would be of great help as the demand for it is huge due to numerous emergency and medical situations in Davao City.
Freemasons said bloodletting is one of the many public service and community relations activities which they are conducting in partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) not only in Davao City but nationwide.
"This is one way of serving our people and saving the lives of patients who are in dire need of blood. Soldiers often bleed in battle protecting our people just like the recent election where our troops made sure the ballots, election officials and our people are protected against saboteurs. This time our soldiers bleed to prolong the lives of others." Maj. Gen. Carlos Holganza, commander of 10ID said.
Last year soldiers of 10ID donated a total of 120,000cc of blood in four bloodletting activities. Its soldiers often donate blood directly to patients confined in different hospitals in the region.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines thru its line unite regularly conduct bloodlettings, medical and dental missions; and other public service and community relations activities as part of the government's peace and development efforts. (Public Affairs Officer 10th Civil-Military Operations Battalion) [top]
