Account for Filipinos in quake areas, gov’t asked
AMID the aftermath of the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar, Senators Sherwin Gatchalian and Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero have both called on the government to step up efforts in accounting for Filipinos in the affected areas and to provide all necessary support to those impacted by the disaster.
Gatchalian, in a statement issued on March 31, emphasized the importance of swift and coordinated action by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Philippine Consulate in Myanmar.
“I urge the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Consulate in Myanmar to intensify efforts in locating Filipinos who have yet to be accounted for in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake,” he said.
While there have been no confirmed Filipino casualties in nearby Thailand, Gatchalian urged the DFA to maintain close coordination with the Philippine Embassy and continue monitoring the situation.
“The DFA, in coordination with the Philippine Embassy, should mobilize all resources to assist those who have been adversely affected and ensure that those in need of assistance are attended to,” he added.
Gatchalian also supported the government’s move to deploy a humanitarian team to Myanmar.
“Ang tulong natin, hindi lang sa kababayan, kundi para sa lahat ng apektado ng lindol,” he stated, affirming the Philippines’ commitment to its ASEAN neighbors.
Meanwhile, Senate President Francis Chiz pEscudero echoed the call for urgent action and emphasized the need for a complete accounting of all Filipinos in Myanmar and Thailand.
“We still have Filipinos unaccounted for up to now and as such we should exert greater efforts to locate them at the soonest possible time,” Escudero said.
“Once the dust has settled and the rescue operations have concluded, we must have a full accounting of the Filipinos who may have been affected by the earthquake and extend every possible assistance as necessary, including psychosocial support for the survivors.”
Escudero expressed sympathy for the victims and acknowledged the long-standing hospitality extended by Myanmar and Thailand to Filipino workers.
“Both countries have been gracious hosts to our OFWs over a long period of time and as fellow members of the ASEAN, we consider them as more than just neighbors, but part of our community of nations,” he added.
The Senate President also underscored the need to re-evaluate the structural safety of Philippine buildings. Citing similarities in infrastructure vulnerabilities across Southeast Asia, he called for renewed inspections of both public and private structures, especially in light of the country’s location within the Pacific Ring of Fire.
Escudero referenced pending Senate measures—including his own Senate Bill No. 289—to strengthen the National Building Code and require regular inspections and certifications for structural safety.
The March 28 earthquake, with its epicenter near Mandalay in central Myanmar, has resulted in over 1,700 deaths, with thousands more injured or missing, according to international agencies. The tremors were also felt in parts of Thailand, where damage and fatalities were also reported.
