MANILA, Philippines - The Office of the Vice President on Wednesday started calling for donations for the relief efforts intended for victims of the attacks in Marawi City.
"Let's help our fellow Filipinos who have been affected by the crossfires in Marawi City," the OVP said of its Stand with Marawi efforts.
This directive came after Robredo on Tuesday evening said she ordered her office to conduct immediate relief operations.
"Inaasahan nating matatapos agad ang kaguluhang ito at kakailanganin ng ating mga kababayan ang agarang tulong. Dahil dito, nagbigay tayo ng derektiba sa ating opisina na maghanda ng relief operations para sa mga naapektuhan," Robredo said in a statement.
"Hinihikayat natin ang lahat ng sektor na may kakayahan na magbigay ng anumang tulong na tumugon sa lalong madaling panahon," she added.
Those who want to help are encouraged to give donations in kind and cash.
Interested parties can send food packs, hygiene kits, medicines and batteries at Kaya Natin! Office along Kaliraya Street, Doña Josefa, Quezon City. The can also contact the following numbers: (02) 711-9302 and (02) 256-1446.
On the other hand, those who wish to send money donations may deposit cash to KN MOVEMENT FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE AND ETHICAL LEADERSHIP INC.'s Bank of the Philippine Islands account with number 3081 1163 84.
On Tuesday evening, Robredo said her office is continuously monitoring the situation in Marawi City and has coordinated with the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Let's help our fellow Filipinos who have been affected by the crossfire in Marawi City. #StandWithMarawi pic.twitter.com/b7l7LNrfxe
— Vice President Leni (@VPPilipinas) May 24, 2017
"Buo ang ating loob sa kakayahan ng ating sandatahang lakas na maresolba ang sitwasyong ito. Sa ating pakikipag-ugnayan sa liderato ng AFP, tinitiyak nila na kontrolado nila ang sitwasyon at malulutas ito sa lalong madaling panahon," Robredo said.
The vice president called for prayer and calm amid the threats on residents and enforcement forces in Marawi City.
"Sama sama nating ipagdasal ang ating mga sundalo na ipinaglalaban ang ating mga kababayan sa Marawi. Ipinagdarasal din natin ang ating mga kapwa Pilipinong nasa gitna ng bakbakan," Robredo said.
"Huwag tayong matakot. Manindigan tayo. At magtiwala tayong mananaig ang kapayapaan," she concluded.
Robredo on Wednesday arrived at Camp Aguinaldo to receive security briefing from the AFP regarding the situation in Marawi City.
For his part, President Rodrigo Duterte who was in Moscow, Russia to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, cut short his trip to to fly back to Manila and attend to the emergency in Marawi City. He also declared martial law in Mindanao.
The Presidential Communications Office said the attacks in Marawi City that left some buildings on fire and a number of people killed are "perpetrated by ISIS-backed Maute Group."