Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. welcomed the Philippine contingent deployed to aid earthquake victims in Myanmar during their arrival at Villamor Airbase on Sunday night.

The 89 members of the Philippine contingents to Myanmar were also welcomed by Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa; Civil Defense Administrator and Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno; Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Arthur Coduera, Air Force chief and representatives from various partner agencies.

Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo, Philippine Air Force public affairs office head, said the Philippine Inter-Agency Humanitarian Contingent (PIAHC), led by Lt. Colonel Erwen Diploma, returned home following a two-week deployment to Myanmar in response to the magnitude 7.7 earthquake.

Two Filipinos were reported dead in Myanmar while two other remain missing.

Castillo said in his message, Teodoro conveyed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s congratulations, commending the team's courage and commitment.

Herbosa also lauded the contingent's selflessness, compassion, and unwavering spirit in delivering life-saving aid in the wake of the disaster.

"This mission underscores the Philippine's readiness to extend humanitarian assistance beyond its borders and strengthens regional cooperation through unified, inter-agency efforts," said Castillo.

The contingent, composed of 89 personnel from various government agencies including the Philippine Air Force, Philippine Army, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and Philippine Medical Assistance Team from the Department of Health (DOH) departed in two batches on April 1 and 2, 2025. Robina Asido/DMS