This is an edited version of an email message I received from Rollie Sensei:

50 Zamboanga residents have have taken refuge in the Spinola Sisters compound in Tetuan, Zamboanga because of the fighting in the city.

They are staying in the area where several sesshin(s) have been held with Sr. Angeles Sensei and are in need of basic necessities such as food, clothing, medicine and items for personal hygiene.

We are collecting donations in cash and kind for these refugees.

Last Sunday, we were able to collect a small amount and this has been turned over to Sr. Angeles who is in Manila to train one of their novices.

[The Marikina Zendo] will be collecting donations in kind until mid-October.

The goods will be marshaled at the Marikina zendo until they are ready for shipping.

[Please email me or post a comment below if you wish to donate goods.]

The goods will be shipped to Zamboanga pro bono through the kindness of Mr. Benjie Baluyot of Bahay Dalangin.

Further cash donations are also most welcome. You may deposit the money directly into the Spinola Sisters’ account below or entrust it to me.

Bank of the Philippine Islands

Peso Savings Account No. 2113-4490-82

Account Name: Spinola Sisters Inc.

If you donate directly to the Spinola account, kindly let Sr. Angeles and me know the amount since this is the account of the general fund of her community. Her contact details are:

Mobile: 0927-847-9292

Manila land line: (02) 426-5742

Zamboanga land line: (062) 991-5899

E-mail: [email protected]