PNP rescue squad of 53 awaits dispatch to earthquake-ravaged Turkey, Syria
Rescuers carry 20-year-old survivor Ibrahim Kantrji, in the aftermath of a deadly earthquake, in Kahramanmaras, Turkey, February 10, 2023. (REUTERS)
MANILA, Philippines — A 53-member team from the Philippine National Police is ready to be airlifted to earthquake-hit Turkey and Syria, PNP chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. on Monday.
“We are preparing, and we have about 53 PNP personnel ready to be deployed to join the rescue mission. But up to now, we have yet to wait for the final word of the OCD and DND,” he said in a press briefing.
In response to the President’s proposal to deploy a Philippine contingent to help in the earthquake-ravaged areas, Azurin said 53 PNP personnel, many of whom, he added, have experience conducting search and rescue operations, had volunteered to go.
Azurin said that they are still seeking approval from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the Department of National Defense (DND), which had previously sent an 83-man Philippine rescue team to Istanbul.
A deadly 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck northern Syria and Turkey on Monday, February 6, leaving at least 33,000 people–including two Filipinos–dead. — Mae Anne F. Bilolo, INQUIRER.net intern
