The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Wednesday deployed BRP Teresa Magbanua, carrying medical personnel and equipment, as well as search and rescue (SAR) personnel, to earthquake-affected areas in Cebu province.

In a statement, the PCG said the vessel is carrying a total of 36 doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel and is headed to Bogo City, which was rattled by Tuesday night’s magnitude 6.9 earthquake.

The mission is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to augment humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

To date, PCG District Southwestern Mindanao has dispatched two 44-meter vessels, while PCG Northeastern Mindanao and PCG District Central Visayas have each dispatched one 44-meter vessel to augment humanitarian support in the calamity-stricken province.

On the other hand, the PCG has also deployed nine SAR teams with K9 units to support ongoing search, rescue, and retrieval efforts.

PCG Commandant, Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan, has also ordered the deployment of two portable water desalination units to Northern Cebu to ensure the supply of potable water to hospitals and evacuation centers in the area.

Each desalinator can produce 10,000 liters of potable water daily.

“To our fellow Filipinos, rest assured that the PCG will respond fast and right in support of the whole-of-nation action for the recovery of the affected communities,” Gavan said.

Following the massive earthquake, the PCG reported three casualties among its ranks—Seaman Second Class Lawrence Palomo, Apprentice Seaman Jujay Mahusay, and Apprentice Seaman Er Cart Dacunes.

The three died when the San Remigio Sports Complex collapsed during the earthquake.

“Support teams have been dispatched to assist their bereaved families and ensure their immediate needs are provided,” it said. (PNA)