Medical team from Israel starts mission in Cebu

MANILA, Philippines - A medical team from Israel has set up a base camp in Bogo City, Cebu to conduct relief mission for the victims of super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

Bogo city was one of the localities in northern Cebu badly hit by super typhoon Yolanda last November 8.

The team, composed of 150 doctors and medical and disaster management personnel, arrived Thursday aboard a Boeing 747 jet, a freighter aircraft which also landed with relief goods, medical supplies and equipment.

Cebu Gov. Hillario Davide III and Israel's Ambassador to the Philippines Menashe Bar-on welcomed the Israeli team.

"We always remember the gesture of the Filipino people who first opened their doors (to Jews) during the holocaust," the envoy said.

"We express our sympathies to the Filipino people and to the affected families. Our team is here to give what we have during your difficult times," he added.

After their mission in Cebu, the team will be deployed to other areas in Eastern Visayas.

"Thank you, Mr. Ambassador. This is a big help for our brothers and sisters in northern Cebu," Davide told the Israeli envoy.