AT LEAST 42,300 cubic centimeters of blood were collected in the emergency bloodletting activity Tuesday, July 23, initiated by the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) for the benefit of dengue patients.

Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, Westmincom chief, said they initiated the activity in partnership with other organizations and agencies as the local health office has recorded high cases of dengue and there is shortage of blood supply.

The Department of Health (DOH) regional office reported 8,076 cases of dengue with 48 deaths recorded as of July 6.

The DOH data showed that Zamboanga City registered 2,6632 cases of dengue, the highest compared to other areas in the region.

The cases recorded as of July 6 is 285 percent higher than the 2,067 cases registered in the same period last year, the DOH regional office added.

Sobejana said he is thankful that several people responded to their call to voluntarily donate blood despite the short notice.

“This is a manifestation that the whole of a nation approach is working to address whatever problem we confront,” said Sobejana, who also donated blood.

The bloodletting activity was held at the La Solidaridad Hall of Westmincom in partnership with the Westmincom Defense Press Corps; Zamboanga Press Club, Inc.; Zamboanga City Medical Center; City Health Office; police; Coast Guard; Navy; and, Fraternal Order of the Eagles.

The bloodletting activity is anchored on the theme “Sama-Sama kontra Dengue.” (Bong Garcia/SunStar Philippines)