Second batch of PH team flies for Myanmar quake response, relief mission

The second batch of the Philippine contingent that will provide disaster response and humanitarian assistance in earthquake-hit Myanmar has departed the country on Wednesday morning, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) said.

Air Force spokesperson Colonel Ma. Consuelo Castillo told GMA News Online that a C-130 aircraft carrying 33 members of the contingent left Villamor Air Base in Pasay City around 6 a.m.

On Tuesday, the first batch of the Philippine contingent with 58 members arrived in Myanmar.

The contingent, headed by Lieutenant Colonel Erwen S. Diploma, consists of urban search and rescue teams from the following groups:

• Philippine Army
• Philippine Air Force
• Bureau of Fire Protection
• Metropolitan Manila Development Authority
• Department of Environment and Natural Resources
• Private Sector (EDC and APEX Mining)

A medical assistance team from the Department of Health (DOH) and OCD coordinators were also part of the Philippine contingent.

"Bringing with them essential search and rescue equipment and medical supplies, these personnel are ready to perform life-saving operations, provide medical assistance, and deliver critical aid throughout the mission," PAF said.

Further, 40 PAF personnel are also part of the mission as C-130 air crew, aeromedical personnel, and aircraft security.

As of Wednesday, Reuters reported that the death toll due to the magnitude-7.7 earthquake in Myanmar on March 28 was at 2,719 and expected to surpass 3,000.

Four Filipinos remain unaccounted for. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA Integrated News