PH Army contingent starts search, rescue in earthquake-hit Myanmar

The Philippine Army said Friday its contingent in Myanmar has started participating in the search and rescue mission for individuals in the country devastated by last week's magnitude-7.7 earthquake.

In a statement, the Philippine Army said its 10-man Search and Rescue (SAR) team from 525th Combat Engineer Battalion of Combat Engineer Regiment integrated to perform specific designations along with other contingents.

"The team emphasized the adherence to specific security measures to mitigate the risks of petty crimes and the safety protocols to be observed in case of aftershocks," the Philippine Army said.

According to the Philippine Army, its SAR team also played a pivotal role in the humanitarian assistance and disaster response after the massive earthquake in Turkiye in February 2023.

The first batch of the Philippine contingent with 58 members arrived in Myanmar on April 1, while the second batch with 33 members on April 2.

Headed by Lieutenant Colonel Erwen S. Diploma, the Philippine contingent 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 coordinators from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) are also part of the Philippine contingent.

On Thursday, Reuters reported that the death toll in Myanmar following the magnitude-7.7 earthquake on March 28 has surpassed 3,000 with hundreds more missing.

Forecasts of unseasonal rain posed a new challenge for rescue and aid workers trying to reach people in the country split by civil war, Reuters reported.

Four Filipinos in Myanmar remain unaccounted. — VDV, GMA Integrated News