Philippine Humanitarian Team continues critical mission in Myanmar; DOH ready to deploy more
Metro Manila, Philippines - The Philippine Inter-Agency Humanitarian Contingent (PIAHC) is continuing its vital mission in Myanmar, providing essential search, rescue, and medical assistance to those affected by the ongoing crisis.
In a statement released by the Office of Civil Defense on Sunday, the PIAHC Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team resumed operations at the Jade City Hotel, led by Lt. Col. Erwen Diploma, PAF, the Contingent Commander, after a briefing.
“The operational area has been organized into designated worksites, with collaborative efforts from Search and Rescue teams representing the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Singapore, alongside local Myanmar personnel,” the OCD said.
The team focused on retrieving victims from the Entertainment building basement. However, an assessment of the building's stability led the INSARAG-Classified teams from Indonesia and Singapore to suspend operations due to safety concerns.
Meanwhile, the DFA, Contingent Commander, and Liaison Officer traveled to Mandalay to assist embassy officials and the National Bureau of Investigation team. After receiving approval, 25 members of the PIAHC USAR team departed for Mandalay, arriving at the ILBC International School.
The Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Team (PEMAT) Type 1 Fixed Hospital, located near Bomingaung Temple, has played a critical role in treating patients. On April 5, the hospital treated 140 patients, including 4 Filipinos. Among the cases treated, 117 were in general medicine, 15 were surgical, 4 were pediatric, 3 were orthopedic, and 1 was an OB-GYN case. Common conditions treated included hypertension, type II diabetes, muscle disorders, and pneumonia.
The PEMAT team also handled 21 event-related cases, with 15 direct and 10 indirect cases, along with 109 unrelated medical cases. Most patients rated the services as “Excellent.” A Post-Incident Evaluation was conducted to assess operational challenges and identify areas for improvement.
Dr. Ma. Ivy Lozada, PEMAT Team Lead, stressed the importance of completing the patient census and setting up hydration stations. On the same day, Dr. Elena Vuolo and Dr. Roy Cosico from the World Health Organization (WHO) visited the facility, offering their support for the ongoing operations.
Additionally, Tom Fletcher, UN OCHA’s Undersecretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, visited the PEMAT team and praised their critical work in providing healthcare to those in need.
Following these efforts, the Department of Health (DOH) is prepared to send additional medical teams to Myanmar if requested. DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo confirmed that the department is ready to deploy personnel as needed, in accordance with international protocols.
“We continue to be on call and will respond as directed by the President,” Domingo said. “Since the earthquake in Myanmar occurred, the DOH has always been ready to assist.”
Almost a week ago, the Health Department deployed the PEMAT from Eastern Visayas Medical Center to Myanmar to aid earthquake victims and their families.
The PEMAT will stay in Myanmar for 18 days, providing critical health services such as acute medical care, life support, trauma management, pharmaceuticals, isolation facilities, and referrals. The team is part of the Philippine Inter-Agency Humanitarian Contingent sent to assist in the ongoing relief efforts.
“We continue to be on call and will respond as directed by the President,” said Domingo.
