FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – A 21-man urban search and rescue (USAR) team from the 525th Engineer Combat Battalion, 51st Engineer Brigade that is part of the Philippine government’s multi-agency earthquake response team departed Ninoy Aquino International Airport the other night for their flight to quake-hit Türkiye.
The personnel are highly trained in search and rescue operations and have the necessary equipment for the special task, according to Philippine Army Commanding General Ltgen Romeo Brawner
Their deployment came after the Turkish government appealed for help from the international community following the destructive 7.8-magnitude tremor that struck the country on February 6, 2023 killing atleast 11,000 people.
The team will be deployed to Türkiye for at least two weeks. They will also bring essential items that will be distributed to quake victims in their host country. (VICTOR BALDEMOR RUIZ)
