The Philippines is ready to send the Philippine Inter-Agency Humanitarian Contingent (PIAHC) that will assists the ongoing response operation of Morroco, which was jolted by the powerful magnitude 6.8 earthquake, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Saturday, Sept. 16.
In a press statement, Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) Administrator Ariel Nepomuceo said the arrangements for the possible deployment are in the work as instructed by President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr.
"We are deeply saddened by the aftermath of the earthquake that hit Morroco. We want to assure Morroco that the Philippines is more than willing to extend assistance to support the ongoing response operations," he said.
The PIAHC is said to be composed of personnel from the NDRRMC, OCD, Philippine Army (PA) - 525th Engineering Combat Battalion, Philippine Air Force (PAF) - 505th Search and rescue group, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) special rescue unit, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Davao rescue 911, and the Department of Health (DOH).
Marcos Jr. earlier pronounced that the Philippines is ready to offer assistance and support to the quake-stricken country for its quick recovery from the tragedy that killed thousands of people.
The latest report from Reuters showed that the death toll due to the destructive 6.8 magnitude quake in the High Atlas Mountains reached 2,946 as of Sept. 15.
The deadly quake also left 5,674 individuals injured and damaged more than 50,000 houses.
No Filipinos were reportedly affected by the 6.8 magnitude earthquake, according to Philippine Ambassador to Morocco Leslie Baja.
Baja also earlier confirmed that they have not received any request for repatriation from Filipinos living and working in Morocco.
