The Philippine government mobilized on Wednesday, April 2, the second batch of a humanitarian team that would provide immediate assistance to victims of a magnitude 7.7 earthquake in Myanmar.
The second unit of the Philippine Inter-Agency Humanitarian Contingent (PIAHC) departed at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City for Myanmar to assist in the recovery efforts after the devastating temblor that struck the country last March 28, killing at least 2,700 people and injuring over 4,000 others while hundreds remained missing.
The latest batch is comprised of 47 personnel from the Philippine Air Force (PAF), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and Office of Civil Defense (OCD).
The contingent boarded a C-130 aircraft bound for Myanmar’s capital city of Naypyidaw, bringing with them essential search and rescue tools and medical supplies.
“This mission underscores the Philippine government's unwavering commitment to swift and efficient disaster response, providing much-needed support to the people of Myanmar during this challenging time,” PAF spokesperson Col. Ma Consuelo Castillo said.
“It also highlights the Philippines’ active role in regional and global humanitarian efforts, demonstrating the country’s steadfast dedication to helping those in crisis,” she added.
The deployment followed the arrival of the first batch of highly-trained Filipino rescuers, medical personnel, and humanitarian aid teams in Myanmar on April 1. The team consisted of 58 members.
The two batches will stay in Myanmar for two weeks to perform life-saving operations, provide medical assistance to the victims, and deliver critical aid throughout the mission.
The PIAHC is being led by PAF’s Lt. Col. Erwin S. Diploma, who also headed the Philippine contingent sent to Turkey in 2023 when it was struck by a magnitude 7.8 earthquake.
“We have the capability and technical equipment, alongside our experienced rescuers. We ask for our fellow countrymen’s prayers for our success in Myanmar,” Diploma said.