Philippines deploys 58-person aid team to Myanmar quake zone

In response to the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday, March 28, killing over 2,000 people, the Philippine government has launched humanitarian aid efforts.

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. directed all concerned agencies to assist those affected, and an interagency meeting was held to mobilize resources in quake-affected areas.

On Tuesday, a first batch of 58 members from the humanitarian aid team, including army and air force soldiers and personnel from various government departments, left Manila aboard two C-130 transport planes.

The deployment includes search and rescue equipment and medical supplies, with additional teams set to follow on April 2, as part of the Philippine Inter-Agency Humanitarian Contingent (PIAHC) led by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

These personnel are ready to perform life-saving operations, provide medical assistance, and deliver critical aid throughout their two-week mission in Myanmar.

Human Rights Watch has called on Myanmar's military junta to ensure that humanitarian aid flows unimpeded into earthquake-affected areas, emphasizing the urgent need for all sides to allow space for relief efforts.