PH to send rescue team to Turkey

The Philippines will send a rescue team to quake-devastated Turkey, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said Monday.

The agency said it was coordinating with concerned agencies and preparing manpower and equipment for deployment to Turkey following the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit the southern part of that country on Monday.

The Turkish Embassy in Manila sought assistance in the form of emergency medical and urban search and rescue teams.

“The Republic of the Philippines through the OCD and the other member agencies of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council are prepared to extend necessary assistance to the earthquake hit country,” Civil Defense Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno said in a statement.

The OCD also expressed its condolences to Turkey.

“Our prayers are with those who are still missing as a result of this tragic event,” Nepomuceno said.