On Tuesday afternoon, a Filipino response team landed in Myanmar to assist in disaster reaction programs after a quake struck the nation. The team will bring medical aid and rescue support to devastated communities and immediately go to the capital city of Naypyidaw.
According to the Office of Civil Defense, the team rode via two C-130 aircraft that refueled briefly at Phitsanulok Airport before proceeding to Myanmar. Search, rescue, and medical missions are among the operations of the Philippine Inter-agency Humanitarian Contingent in giving help to those affected by the 7.7-magnitude earthquake.
The contingent comprises of 91 members, who left Villamor Air Base in Pasay City early in the morning. The team is under the command of Lt. Colonel Erwen S. Diploma and specialized personnel from the following agencies:
- Philippine Army
- Philippine Air Force
- Bureau of Fire Protection
- Metropolitan Manila Development Authority
- Department of Environment and Natural Resources
- Private Sector Representatives (EDC and APEX Mining)
The same applies to the medical group of the Department of Health (DOH) brought to the site by OCD officials in relief. To support the mission, the Philippine Air Force deployed 40 personnel, including the C-130 aircrew, aeromedical specialists, and security personnel.
Myanmar has yet to shake off the impact of a strong tremor that occurred on March 28, killing more than 2,000 people according to local reports. In addition, more than 3,900 others were injured, and around 270 were missing.
Among those unaccounted for are four Filipinos, who were last reported untraceable as of this writing.
Sending the Philippine contingent emphasizes the country’s commitment to humanitarian assistance, tied to solidarity with Myanmar during this crisis.
