Members of the Philippine contingent departed from Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base, Pasay City on April 1, 2025, to provide humanitarian assistance to earthquake-affected communities in Myanmar. Prior to the departure, Secretary of the Department of Health Teodoro Herbosa, alongside Undersecretary Ariel F. Nepomuceno, Civil Defense Administrator (OCD), and Lieutenant General Arthur M. Cordura PAF, Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force, led the send-off ceremony.
The Philippine contingent, comprising 91 members and headed by LtCol Erwen S. Diploma PAF, includes Urban Search and Rescue Teams from the Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force, Bureau of Fire Protection, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources/Private Sector (EDC and APEX Mining); the Philippine Medical Assistance Team from the Department of Health; and coordinators from the Office of Civil Defense. Two C-130 aircraft transported the initial 58 contingent members for their two-week deployment to Myanmar, with the remaining 33 members scheduled for transport by a single C-130 aircraft on April 2, 2025. Bringing with them essential search and rescue equipment and medical supplies, these personnel are ready to perform life-saving operations, provide medical assistance, and deliver critical aid throughout the mission.
Additionally, 40 Philippine Air Force personnel are part of the mission as C-130 aircrew, aeromedical personnel, and aircraft security.
This mission affirms the Philippine government’s dedication to humanitarian assistance, reinforcing our nation’s commitment to swift disaster response and regional cooperation.
