INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Colts free safety Cam Bynum plans to travel to the Philippines to assist in relief efforts after a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the country this week. Colts minicamp concluded Thursday, and Bynum, who is half-Filipino and spends his offseason in the Philippines, said he will head there soon.
The earthquake killed at least 37 people and displaced tens of thousands, according to The Associated Press. Bynum said he was grateful to have time away from team activities to go help and try to make a difference.
Through his Bynum Faith Foundation, he intends to focus on immediate needs such as restoring access to clean water where broken pipes have left communities without safe supplies. Bynum added that none of his family members were harmed in the quake.
Bynum noted the disaster has been personal as well; he is friends with boxer Manny Pacquiao, whose hometown of General Santos City was heavily affected. Pacquiao has launched a fundraising campaign to assist those impacted by the disaster.
Bynum said his goal is to join relief efforts already underway and to support the community response. He described a strong communal effort in the Philippines, with people coming together to help neighbors and rebuild after the event.
