Senate lauds PH contingent for rescue, recovery ops in Turkey-Syria quake

The Senate commends the 82-man Philippine contingent on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 for their valor and acts of service in the rescue and recovery operations conducted after the magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Turkey and Syria. Screengrab from Senate of the Philippines YouTube

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate lauded the Philippine government contingent on Wednesday for their rescue and recovery assistance in the Turkey-Syria earthquake.

During the plenary session, Senator JV Ejercito sponsored Senate Resolution No. 535, commending the Philippine government contingent for their valor and acts of service in the rescue and recovery operations following the tremor.

“Ang atin pong bansa ay madalas dalawin ng mga sakuna, hagupit ng mga bagyo, at mga pagyanig dulot ng lindol. Sa mga panahon pong tayo ang nasalanta, hindi po tayo pinabayaan ng ibang mga bansa,” Ejercito said in his sponsorship speech.

(Our country is mostly hit by calamities, the whip of typhoons, and tremors brought by earthquakes. In our times of need, other countries did not neglect us.)

“It was our turn to give back to those who have extended their kindness during our moments of need,” he added.

All senators were made co-authors of the approved resolution.

On February 6, Turkey and Syria were jolted by a magnitude 7.8 earthquake, causing devastation to properties and infrastructures.

To help amid the catastrophe, the Philippines sent an 82-personnel contingent composed of members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Department of Health, the Office of Civil Defense, the Metro Manila Development Authority, and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

The contingent handed out clothing, sleeping kits, and hygiene and sanitary kits, among other goods, to the victims.

The death toll of the Turkey-Syria quake exceeded 46,000 as of February 19.

READ: Document: Senate Resolution No. 535 

JPV