Four Filipinos remain missing in the aftermath of the devastating magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed Sunday.
DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Eduardo de Vega said two of the missing are a married couple whose residence was inside a collapsed building.
“All four are professionals, either teachers or office workers,” he told Super Radyo dzBB.
De Vega added that Myanmar has been seeking international assistance as the disaster’s death toll has surpassed 1,600. He called on the public to keep the missing Filipinos and all victims in their prayers.
While nearby Thailand also felt the quake, no Filipino casualties have been reported there. “The situation in Thailand is stabilizing, with no reported building collapses,” De Vega said.
Philippine Aid on the Way
The Philippine government is preparing to send humanitarian assistance. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said inter-agency coordination is underway to provide emergency support to Myanmar.
“We are mobilizing resources to assist our neighbors in need,” he said, noting that the Philippines stands in solidarity with Myanmar during this tragedy.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa has placed three Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Teams (PEMAT) on standby for possible deployment. These teams previously aided victims of the 2023 Turkey earthquake.
Approximately 10 Filipino responders will be sent to assist with rescue operations, De Vega added.
Filipinos in need of help can contact the Philippine Embassy in Thailand at +66 81 989 7116 or the Embassy in Yangon at +95 998 521 0991.