MANILA, April 1 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines sent the first batch of a 91-man team to earthquake-ravaged Myanmar to help in search and rescue operations early on Tuesday.
"Two C-130 aircraft transported the initial 58 contingent members for their two-week deployment to Myanmar, with the remaining 33 members scheduled for transport by a single C-130 aircraft on April 2," the Philippine Air Force (PAF) said in a statement.
The PAF said the team brought essential search and rescue equipment and medical supplies.
"These personnel are ready to perform life-saving operations, provide medical assistance, and deliver critical aid throughout the mission," the statement read.
It added that 40 Air Force personnel are part of the mission, including C-130 aircrew, aeromedical personnel, and aircraft security.
Myanmar authorities said Monday that the death toll from the 7.9-magnitude earthquake rose to 2,056, with approximately 3,900 people injured and nearly 270 reported missing. ■
