The Philippines' humanitarian aid contingent is set to depart for Myanmar tomorrow, April 1 to assist in search and rescue efforts following the devastating earthquake in the region.
As per Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Administrator Ariel Nepomuceno, 90 rescuers will be transported by two C-130 aircraft from the Philippine Air Force.
Included in the team are personnel from the Philippine Army, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Department of Health (DOH), and the private sector.
Meanwhile, in a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo, Nepomuceno stated that one of the group's missions is to search for the four Filipinos who went missing after the 7.7-magnitude earthquake.
“Dalawa kasi doon ay talagang naandon mismo sa gumuhong gusali at ang dalawa naman ay unaccounted for. Sana ay ligtas pa sila or maililigtas pa natin," said Nepomuceno.
Related to this, the 525th Engineering Combat Battalion of the Army showcased the equipment that will be used in the search and retrieval operations.
The equipment comprises hydraulic cutters, rotary rescue saws, and specialized tools designed for extracting debris from collapsed buildings.
Moreover, the team’s assistance will extend until April 12, but the OCD assured that they are prepared to dispatch further teams as needed.
The group's deployment will also function as a training exercise to prepare the Philippine contingent in the event of a similar earthquake occurring in the country.
