PH contingent to return from Myanmar on April 13, 2025

The Philippine Inter-Agency Humanitarian Contingent (PIAHC) deployed to earthquake-hit Myanmar is set to return to the Philippines on April 13, 2025 after completing its mission.

In a Facebook post, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said the contingent’s 89 members will arrive at Villamor Air Base aboard a Philippine Air Force C-130 cargo aircraft on Sunday evening.  

The PIAHC includes members from the OCD, Philippine Air Force, Philippine Army, Department of Health - Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Team (PEMAT), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Bureau of Fire Protection, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Emergency Response Team, Energy Development Corporation, and Apex Mining Co., Inc.

As of April 12, the contingent has concluded its operations, with all teams accounted for and preparations for demobilization underway.

“With deep gratitude, I humbly receive the message of appreciation from the President and the Secretary of National Defense. It is a great honor for me as the Contingent Commander and my team to serve in the name of our country,” PIAHC contingent commander Lieutenant Erwen Diploma said.

OCD also said PEMAT conducted final medical consultations and delivered essential supplies to the Myanmar Ministry of Health.

On Saturday, a C-130 delivered a cargo consisting of hygiene kits and tarpaulin sheets to Myanmar. It was donated by the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management.

The March 28 Myanmar earthquake caused at least 3,000 fatalities, with hundreds more missing, including four Filipinos.  

Earlier this week, the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed the two Filipino fatalities in the Myanmar earthquake.—Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News