MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines is prepared to deploy a second humanitarian team to Myanmar in the wake of the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck the Southeast Asian nation on March 28, 2025, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD). The earthquake has left thousands dead and caused widespread devastation, prompting international aid efforts. This commitment underscores the Philippines’ dedication to providing humanitarian assistance in times of crisis, a principle deeply embedded in the nation’s foreign policy and disaster response protocols.

OCD Administrator Ariel Nepomuceno announced the potential deployment during the agency’s “Civil Defense in Action” newscast on Facebook. The proclamation highlights the Philippines’ proactive approach to disaster relief, emphasizing readiness and adaptability in the face of ongoing needs.

The earthquake in Myanmar was felt as far away as Bangkok. #earthquake #Myanmar pic.twitter.com/4r5fEO1LmF

— Dr. Karima Kamal (@Karima04Kamal) March 28, 2025

If ever Myanmar still needs help beyond the April 1–12 humanitarian plan, we could send a new group to replace the 89-member team to avoid fatigue or trauma of its members, Nepomuceno said. This statement reflects an understanding of the psychological toll that disaster relief can take on personnel, a factor increasingly recognized in emergency management best practices.

this potential second deployment would follow the initial 89-member team sent to Myanmar to assist with rescue and relief efforts. The decision to consider a replacement team demonstrates a commitment to the well-being of the aid workers and the sustainability of the humanitarian mission. This is notably relevant as studies have shown that prolonged exposure to traumatic events can lead to burnout and decreased effectiveness among first responders.

Repatriation Assistance Offered to Filipinos in Myanmar

Beyond direct aid, the Philippine government is also focusing on the welfare of its citizens residing in Myanmar. With a significant Filipino expatriate community in the country, ensuring their safety and well-being is a priority.

The Philippine Air Force has a C-130 ready to accommodate Filipinos who want to be repatriated, Nepomuceno added.The Philippine humanitarian team could also help transfer the 80 Filipinos reportedly in critical quake-hit areas to a safer location, if they request assistance.

This readiness to repatriate Filipinos mirrors similar efforts undertaken by the U.S. State Department during international crises, where the safety and security of American citizens abroad are paramount.The availability of a C-130 aircraft underscores the Philippines’ logistical capacity to respond swiftly to the needs of its citizens in distress.

The offer to assist in relocating Filipinos from quake-hit areas highlights the Philippine team’s willingness to go beyond traditional disaster relief and provide direct support to vulnerable populations. This proactive approach can significantly reduce the risks faced by Filipinos in Myanmar, ensuring their access to essential resources and safe passage home if desired.

Search Continues for Missing Filipinos

despite the ongoing relief efforts, the fate of four Filipinos missing since the earthquake remains a concern. The OCD expressed hope that they would be found alive, but acknowledged the challenges faced by search and rescue teams.

We wish for our humanitarian contingent in Myanmar to locate our kababayan,who are believed to be trapped in the rubble of the Sky Villa. However, we must adhere to the directives of Myanmar authorities and follow their operational plans. Urban search and rescue teams from Myanmar, Vietnam, Russia, and China are currently assigned to the Sky villa area, the OCD said in a statement.

The involvement of multiple international teams highlights the scale of the disaster and the collaborative nature of international humanitarian assistance. The philippines’ commitment to respecting the authority of Myanmar officials reflects a commitment to working effectively within the established framework for disaster response.

Recovery Efforts and International Cooperation

On April 3, the Philippine Inter-Agency Humanitarian Contingent recovered the body of a deceased individual from the collapsed Jade City Hotel and Entertainment Complex in Nay Pyi Taw. The victim,identified as the head waiter of Jade City,was handed over to Myanmar authorities.

This recovery underscores the risky conditions faced by search and rescue teams and the grim reality of the earthquake’s impact. The prompt transfer of the victim’s remains to Myanmar authorities demonstrates respect for local customs and procedures.

We ask for the public’s prayers for our missing kababayan. The Department of Foreign Affairs, the defense attaché in the area, the Department of Migrant Workers, and our rescue teams are working closely with Myanmar authorities to locate our countrymen. We also appreciate your prayers for the success of our humanitarian mission to alleviate the suffering in Myanmar, Nepomuceno said.

The collaborative effort involving multiple Philippine government agencies and Myanmar authorities underscores the importance of coordination in international disaster response. The appeal for public support highlights the role of citizen engagement in humanitarian efforts.