A rescuer carries equipment as a team searches through the rubble of a destroyed building looking for survivors in Mandalay on March 29, 2025, a day after an earthquake struck central Myanmar. Sai Aung Main, AFP

MANILA -- The Philippine government is mobilizing humanitarian aid in response to the devastating earthquake that hit Myanmar and Thailand.

Defense Secretary and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Chairman, Gilberto Teodoro, Jr., conveyed his condolences to those affected by the 7.7-magnitude earthquake. 

"We stand in solidarity with Myanmar during this difficult time. The Philippines is ready to respond to the urgent needs of our neighbors, and we are mobilizing resources to provide assistance as quickly as possible," he said in a statement. 

The quake that was felt as far away as China and Thailand resulted in over 1,000 confirmed deaths and widespread destruction in Myanmar. Bangkok has reported six fatalities, 26 injuries, and 47 people missing. 

READ: Myanmar quake toll passes 1,000 as rescuers dig for survivors

READ: Global aid effort begins for Myanmar quake relief

Office of Civil Defense Administrator Undersecretary Ariel F. Nepomuceno echoed Teodoro’s sentiments. 

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Myanmar. The Office of Civil Defense, along with other government agencies, is committed to assisting Myanmar, drawing from our experience in providing immediate aid during the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria," he said. 

The Myanmar government has requested urgent assistance, including emergency search and rescue teams (with K9 or SAR dogs), medical assistance teams, medicines, medical equipment, emergency first aid kits, mobile generators, water sanitation kits, solar-powered lights, and temporary shelters such as tents and tarpaulin sheets.  

For Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, Nay Pyi Taw Airport will serve as the primary entry point, while Yangon Airport may be utilized as a refueling site for aircraft. 

The Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Team (PEMAT) from the Department of Health is on standby, consisting of 31 personnel. 

In addition, one light Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team each from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and Apex Mining Corporation/First Gen-Energy Development Corporation (EDC) SRR Teams will total 80 personnel. 

This brings the grand total to 114 personnel, which includes two personnel from the Office of Civil Defense and Contingent Commander LTC Erwin Diploma of the Philippine Air Force. This number also includes three members of the ASEAN Emergency Response and Assessment Team (ASEAN-ERAT) requested by the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA) to travel to Myanmar by March 30, 2025. 

The tentative travel date for the deployment is set for April 1, 2025, with a duration of two weeks, said the OCD.