Some LGUs willing to help Turkey quake victims — OCD

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Friday said several local government units have expressed interest in providing aid for the victims of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Turkey.

At a press conference, OCD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV said these assistance from LGUs is still subject for the approval of the Office of the President and the Turkish government.

“Yung City of Davao and Pasig, it's a 14-man team. [Urban search and rescue] ito. It was organized by [disaster risk reduction and management] officers. Sa Pasig, ganun din,” he said.

The Bangsamoro government also expressed willingness help to Turkey but there are no details yet, according to Alejandro.

An Agence France-Presse report said the death toll from the massive earthquake has topped 21,000.

Two Filipinos have been confirmed killed in the quake. 

On Friday, the Philippine rescue team started their rescue operations in Turkey. They are also set to establish their base camp in the quake-hit country.

The contingent is composed of personnel from the Army, Air Force, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, the Department of Health, and the OCD. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News