Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippine government is moving swiftly to send humanitarian aid to Myanmar after a massive 7.7-magnitude earthquake left over 1,000 dead and caused widespread devastation.
The tremors were felt as far as China and Thailand, where Bangkok reported six deaths, 26 injuries, and 47 people missing.
Defense Secretary and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Chairman Gilberto Teodoro Jr. vowed immediate support.
“We stand in solidarity with Myanmar during this difficult time. The Philippines is ready to respond to the urgent needs of our neighbors, and we are mobilizing resources to provide assistance as quickly as possible.”
Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Administrator Undersecretary Ariel F. Nepomuceno echoed this, adding, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Myanmar.”
“The Office of Civil Defense, along with other government agencies, is committed to assisting Myanmar, drawing from our experience in providing immediate aid during the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.”
Myanmar has requested emergency search and rescue teams with K9 units, medical personnel, medicines, first aid kits, mobile generators, water sanitation kits, solar-powered lights, and temporary shelters.
The Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Team from the Department of Health is on standby with 31 personnel, while light Urban Search and Rescue teams from the Bureau of Fire Protection, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and Apex Mining Corporation/First Gen-Energy Development Corporation will send a total of 80 responders.
In addition, two representatives from the OCD and Contingent Commander Lt. Col. Erwin Diploma of the Philippine Air Force will be part of the mission.
Meanwhile, the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance has also requested three ASEAN Emergency Response and Assessment Team members to deploy by March 30, 2025.
The Philippine team is expected to leave on April 1, Tuesday, for an initial two-week mission. The government remains committed to providing urgent relief and support to Myanmar as it reels from one of the deadliest disasters in recent years.
