Marcos says PH to send 85-man team to help quake-rattled Turkey

FILE PHOTO: People search for survivors through the rubble in Diyarbakir, on February 6, 2023, after a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the country’s south-east. – At least 284 people died in Turkey and more than 2,300 people were injured in one of Turkey’s biggest quakes in at least a century, as search and rescue work continue in several major cities. (Photo by ILYAS AKENGIN / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said the Philippine government will send about 85 personnel to Turkey to help in earthquake-hit areas.

The government will also provide aid to quake victims, including blankets and winter clothing, he added.

“We organized a group of about 85 personnel, together with some goods. Ang hinahanap sa atin mga blanket, mga winter clothing dahil siyempre ‘yung mga nasiraan ng bahay sa Turkey ay wala na silang tirahan, they are exposed, so they need all of these things,” Marcos said in a chance interview in Pasay City.

(We organized a group of about 85 personnel that we will send to Turkey along with some goods. What they are asking from us are blankets and winter clothing because victims there had their houses destroyed so they are exposed and they need these things.)

Among the personnel to be deployed will be engineers and health workers, he said.

The President also said the Philippine government will bring the personnel, equipment, and goods to Ankara, and that aid will be “distributed properly” across affected areas in Turkey.

He added that they are aiming to send the group of personnel and the aid by Wednesday night (February 8) considering that there is still danger in the area due to aftershocks.

A magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Turkey and Syria on Monday, February 6, leaving more than 4,800 people dead and thousands others injured to date.

READ: Turkey, Syria earthquake: Death toll rises to more than 4,800

The major and deadly temblor toppled entire apartment blocks and wrecked hospitals.

READ: In Turkey, night fills with screams and crying as earthquake rescues go on

Marcos earlier said the Philippines is ready to extend help to Turkey and Syria after they were hit by the strong quake.

KGA