Philippine humanitarian team deploys to Myanmar after earthquake

The situation on the ground in Myanmar remains challenging as a Philippine humanitarian contingent arrived there on Tuesday following an earthquake.

DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega told GMA News Online that relatives of missing and affected Filipinos were not allowed to join the rescue team due to conditions in Myanmar.

As of April 1, the death toll from the magnitude 7.7 earthquake has surpassed 2,000, with over 3,900 injured and more than 270 missing.

The Philippine humanitarian contingent consists of 58 members on a two-week deployment, while another 33 are scheduled to arrive on April 2.

DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac stated that the government is actively searching for four unaccounted-for Filipinos, including Filipino teachers who were inside a building during the disaster.

The President has instructed the DMW and DFA to coordinate effectively with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), which leads a 92-member team dispatched to Myanmar.

The contingent includes medical experts ready to offer support to any OFWs in need while search efforts continue.