The country has sent two batches of contingents.
In its release, the Department of National Defense shared that the Philippine Inter-Agency Humanitarian Contingent (PIAHC) departed from Villamor Air Base to provide humanitarian assistance to earthquake-sticken communities in Myanmar.
Two C-130 aircraft transported the first batch of responders that left the country on Tuesday April 1, while the second batch was deployed on Wednesday, April 2.
Led by LtCol Erwen S. Diploma, PAF, the group is composed of multiple units, such as the Urban Search and Rescue Teams – Philippine Army (PA), Philippine Air Force (PAF), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Also included are medical professionals from the Department of Health’s Philippine Medical Assistance Team, private sector partners from EDC and APEX Mining, and the logistics and coordination support provided by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).
“Bringing life-saving equipment and medical supplies, the contingent is ready to assist in search and rescue operations, medical aid, and relief efforts,” the DND described the purpose of this mission.
Myanmar was hit by a major Magnitude 7.7 quake last Friday, March 28, which resulted to widespread damage in the war-torn country, with the tremors also hitting neighboring countries like China, India, Bangladesh, and Thailand.