PH Army Aids Myanmar Quake Survivors

Philippine Army Joins International effort to Find Survivors in Myanmar Earthquake

By Archyde News – Published April 5, 2025

A collapsed structure in Myanmar (Courtesy of office of Civil Defense)

NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar – In a race against time, the Philippine Army (PA) announced Saturday, April 5, the commencement of search adn rescue operations in Myanmar following a devastating magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck the region on March 28. Despite the elapsed time, the troops remain hopeful for finding survivors trapped beneath the debris of collapsed buildings and structures.

The deployment highlights the critical role international collaboration plays in disaster response,a concept familiar to Americans who have witnessed similar joint efforts following events like Hurricane Katrina or more recently,the Surfside condo collapse in Florida. Consider the immediate aftermath of the Surfside collapse; teams from Israel and Mexico,among others,joined local first responders,bringing specialized skills and equipment. This mirrors the current situation in myanmar, where international teams are pooling resources and expertise.

Col. Louie Dema-ala, PA spokesperson, stated that the Army search and rescue team consists of 10 soldiers from the 525th combat Engineer Battalion under the Combat Engineer Regiment. The team arrived at the Nay Pyi Taw Military Air Base in Myanmar on april 1 and instantly began participating in the inter-agency humanitarian mission.

“The team integrated to perform specific designations along wiht other contingents. The team emphasized the adherence to specific security measures to mitigate the risks of petty crimes and the safety protocols to be observed in case of aftershocks,”

Col. Louie Dema-ala, PA spokesperson

Initial Search Efforts and Challenges

The Philippine Inter-Agency Humanitarian Committee’s (PIAHC) urban search and rescue (USAR) team, integrating personnel from various government agencies and volunteers, focused its initial efforts on the collapsed Jade Hotel and Entertainment Complex in Nay Pyi Taw. This approach mirrors the strategies used by FEMA’s Urban Search and Rescue Task forces across the U.S., where initial assessments prioritize areas with the highest probability of finding survivors.

Unluckily,after four hours of intensive searching,the USAR team found no signs of life. Two bodies were recovered from the rubble and handed over to local authorities. the operation was temporarily suspended due to safety concerns, as the area remains unstable. Local authorities in Myanmar need to conduct a thorough assessment before clearing the site for further search and rescue operations.

The challenges faced by the search and rescue teams in Myanmar are similar to those encountered in other major earthquake zones, including the need for specialized equipment, coordination between international and local teams, and the psychological toll on rescuers. The unstable ground conditions also pose significant risks, requiring constant vigilance and adherence to strict safety protocols.

Experience from Past Missions: The Turkiye Earthquake

The 525th Combat Engineer Battalion brings valuable experience to the mission, having played a crucial role in recovery efforts following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Turkiye in February 2023.This experience is invaluable, as it provides the team with a practical understanding of the challenges involved in urban search and rescue operations in earthquake-affected areas. This mirrors the lessons learned after 9/11, where the experiences of first responders shaped subsequent training and protocols.

The Turkiye earthquake, which claimed the lives of over 50,000 people, highlighted the importance of rapid response and effective coordination in disaster relief efforts. The 525th’s participation in that mission provided them with firsthand experience in navigating complex logistical challenges,working with diverse teams,and dealing with the emotional toll of such events.

Here’s a brief comparison of the two missions:

Mission	earthquake Magnitude	525th CEB Role	Key Challenges
Turkiye (Feb 2023)	7.8	Search and Rescue	Extreme weather, widespread devastation
Myanmar (Mar 2025)	7.7	Search and Rescue	Unstable ground,security concerns

Additional Insights and Analysis

The situation in Myanmar underscores the importance of international cooperation in disaster relief. Earthquakes don’t respect borders, and the scale of devastation often requires a coordinated response from multiple countries.The U.S. military, for example, often provides logistical support and specialized equipment in such situations, even when not directly involved in search and rescue efforts.

One potential counterargument to international aid is that resources could be better spent addressing domestic needs. Though, humanitarian assistance is not only a moral imperative, but it also serves U.S. interests by promoting stability and goodwill in the affected regions. Moreover, the skills and experience gained in international disaster relief operations can be directly applied to domestic emergencies.

dema-ala expressed hope that the troops would find signs of life as they continue their operation in the coming days. while the chances of finding survivors diminish with each passing day, the dedication and expertise of the 525th Combat Engineer Battalion offer a glimmer of hope to those still waiting for news of their loved ones.

What steps do you believe can improve international cooperation in disaster response?

Interview: Disaster Response and the Philippine Army’s Role in the Myanmar Earthquake

Archyde news – April 6, 2025

Interview with Dr. Eleanor Reyes, Humanitarian Aid Specialist

Archyde News sat down with Dr. Eleanor Reyes, a leading Humanitarian Aid Specialist, to discuss the Philippine Army’s response to the Myanmar earthquake, the challenges faced, and the importance of international cooperation in disaster relief.

The Interview

Archyde News:

Dr. Reyes,thank you for joining us. Can you provide an overview of the current situation in Myanmar following the recent earthquake and the role of the Philippine Army’s search and rescue team?

Dr. Reyes:

thank you for having me. The situation in Myanmar is dire. The 7.7 magnitude earthquake caused notable devastation,and every moment is crucial for finding survivors. The Philippine Army’s deployment, specifically the 525th Combat Engineer Battalion, is playing a vital role by integrating with the international teams to search for survivors in collapsed structures, focusing on the Jade Hotel and Entertainment Complex, which has become a primary search area.

Archyde News:

The article mentions parallels to international efforts seen in the Surfside condo collapse and after Hurricane Katrina. Can you elaborate on the significance of international collaboration in this type of disaster?

Dr. Reyes:

International collaboration is absolutely critical. Disasters like this exceed the capacity of any single nation. Sharing resources, equipment, and specialized expertise, as we’ve seen with teams from various countries assisting in Myanmar, significantly increases the chances of finding survivors. It also streamlines the recovery process by providing diverse perspectives and training.

Archyde News:

The article highlights that the team has experience from the 2023 Turkiye earthquake. How does this past experience in Turkiye aid thier current mission,and what unique challenges does Myanmar present?

Dr.Reyes:

experience is invaluable. The Turkiye earthquake taught the 525th Combat Engineer Battalion about the logistical complexities, the emotional toll, and the importance of rapid response in urban search and rescue operations. Myanmar adds unique challenges: the unstable ground, security concerns, and coordination with local authorities, all of which demand flexibility and a high degree of professionalism from the Philippine Army team.

Archyde News:

Security and the potential for aftershocks seem to be crucial factors in the ongoing situation in Myanmar. How is the PA addressing these safety concerns?

dr. Reyes:

Adhering to strict protocols is paramount. Teams will be implementing detailed safety plans, including constant ground assessments and reinforcement strategies as they advance through the area. Coordination with local authorities for localized updates is essential. By focusing on these measures, the PA increases its chances of maintaining safety while continuing search efforts.

Archyde News:

Beyond the search and rescue efforts, what are some of the longer-term implications and considerations for Myanmar’s recovery?

Dr. Reyes:

Beyond the immediate search,there’s the challenge of providing shelter,medical care,and essential resources. A coordinated international effort will be needed, including damage assessment, the delivery of aid, and the long-term rehabilitation of infrastructure.the Philippines will use this time to reflect on the progress and develop more strategic plans.

Archyde News:

Do you feel that the international aid and help is more critically important now than ever?

Dr. Reyes:

International aid is not simply a moral requirement but an investment in stability in affected regions. It showcases the commitment and collaborative approach needed during moments such as these and contributes to the betterment of all.

Archyde News:

do you think the Philippine Army’s expertise in search and rescue can improve overall international disaster response?

Dr. Reyes:

Absolutely. Sharing their experiences,best practices,and lessons learned from missions,will contribute to the global knowledge base on disaster response.The dedication and expertise of the 525th and other international teams offer hope for a positive impact in Myanmar and in future disaster efforts. This collaborative spirit is essential during these times.

Archyde News:

Dr. Reyes, thank you for your insightful perspective.

Dr. Reyes:

My pleasure. Thank you for the prospect to discuss such a critical issue. This is a tough moment for the population in Myanmar, and I encourage people to assist and help in whichever way they are able.

What steps do you believe can improve international cooperation in disaster response? Share your thoughts in the comments below.