Philippine medical team on standby to assist quake-hit Myanmar, Thailand

MANILA -- The Philippines on Saturday said it has been ready to send emergency medical assistance teams to help Myanmar and Thailand after a powerful earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, killing over 1,000 people.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said the Philippines is ready to deploy three emergency medical assistance teams once international coordination protocols with the affected countries are complete and a request is received.

The Department of Health could send medical teams "should there be a need for humanitarian medical assistance in Myanmar and Thailand. We are ready," Herbosa said.

A few hours after the powerful earthquake on Friday, the Philippine embassies in Myanmar and in Thailand advised Filipinos there to remain calm and vigilant.

According to the official data, there are approximately 811 Filipinos in Myanmar and 32,950 Filipinos in Thailand.