The Philippines has sent a rescue and relief team to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to communities affected by the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that hit Myanmar last March 28.
The massive earthquake, with its epicenter recorded in the city of Mandalay, has left more than 2,000 dead and damaged the airport, road networks, and flattened buildings.
The Philippine contingent, composed of 91 members and headed by Lt. Col. Erwen Diploma, comprises Urban Search and Rescue Teams from the Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force, Bureau of Fire Protection, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources/Private Sector (EDC and APEX Mining); the Philippine Medical Assistance Team from the Department of Health; and coordinators from the Office of Civil Defense.
The team is composed of highly trained personnel ready to perform life-saving operations, provide medical assistance, and deliver critical aid throughout the mission, bringing with them essential search and rescue equipment and medical supplies.
Additionally, 40 PAF personnel joined the mission as C-130 aircrew, aeromedical personnel, and aircraft security.
The first batch of the team, composed of 58 members, left for Myanmar today aboard two PAF C-130 aircraft, while the second batch is scheduled to fly on April 2.
