Over a week after a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, the Philippine Inter-Agency Humanitarian Contingent (PIAHC) remains actively engaged in rescue and medical operations across affected areas, demonstrating the Philippines’ strong commitment to global humanitarian response.
The 89-member contingent, which arrived in Myanmar on April 1 and 2, is working closely with international partners to support local communities in dire need of assistance, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported on Saturday.
On April 4, PIAHC Contingent Commander Lt. Col. Erwen Diploma of the Philippine Air Force visited ongoing Urban Search and Rescue operations at the collapsed Jade City Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw. Filipino responders are collaborating with teams from Myanmar, Vietnam, and Indonesia in the search for possible survivors trapped beneath the rubble.
Meanwhile, Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Teams (PEMAT) have deployed mobile hospitals in the region to offer free medical services to affected residents.
The PEMAT Type 1 Fixed Hospital near Bomingaung Temple officially began operations on April 4, while a second team had earlier conducted 17 medical consultations on April 3 at Lewe Township Hospital, covering areas such as general medicine, surgery, orthopedics, and obstetrics.
In Pyinmana, another PEMAT hospital opened on April 3 and has already treated 94 patients—68 for general medical care and 20 for surgical needs.
According to the latest report by China’s Xinhua News Agency, the death toll from the March 28 earthquake has risen to 3,145, with 4,589 people injured and 221 still missing. Mandalay remains the most heavily affected area, recording 2,053 deaths and 2,691 injuries.
The PIAHC’s continued presence and efforts in Myanmar reinforce the Philippines’ role in international disaster response and reflect the spirit of solidarity with communities in crisis.