PH Humanitarian Team Returns to the country on Monday after completing their deployment in Myanmar following the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake on March 28.
The Philippine Inter-Agency Humanitarian Contingent, composed of 89 personnel from various government agencies and private organizations, arrived at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.
The contingent included members from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Philippine Air Force, Philippine Army, Department of Health, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Bureau of Fire Protection, DENR Emergency Response Team, Energy Development Corporation, and Apex Mining Co., Inc.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. conveyed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s praise for the group’s service and dedication during the mission.
OCD Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, who led the send-off on April 1, was also expected to head the welcome reception.
The Philippine humanitarian mission concluded on April 12, with Philippine Embassy in Myanmar Charge d’Affaires Angelito Nayan expressing gratitude for their exceptional service.
To date, the Philippines has sent 19,458 pounds of humanitarian aid, including hygiene kits and tarpaulins, through the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance.
Meanwhile, the earthquake in Myanmar has claimed over 3,600 lives, according to recent reports.