Manila: Malaca±ang commended members of the Philippine Inter-Agency Humanitarian Contingent (PIAHC) who returned Sunday evening from a mission in the quake-hit Myanmar, praising their courage and commitment to duty amid challenging conditions.

According to Philippines News Agency, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro, speaking at a Palace press briefing Monday, said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. extended his commendation to the humanitarian team for the successful completion of their deployment. The Palace expressed gratitude for the exemplary service of the PIAHC.

The humanitarian team returned to the country following a two-week deployment in Myanmar, which has been reeling from a devastating magnitude 7.7 earthquake that occurred on March 28. The contingent, composed of 89 personnel from various government agencies, departed in two batches on April 1 and 2.

The team included personnel from the Office of Civil Defense, Philippine Air Force, Philippine Army, Department of Health, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Bureau of Fire Protection, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Emergency Response Team, Energy Development Corporation, and Apex Mining Co., Inc. The mission is part of the 'One ASEAN, One Response' initiative aimed at strengthening regional disaster response and solidarity.

So far, over 3,600 people have been confirmed dead, including two Filipinos.