Manila, April 14 -- Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. hailed the returning Philippine Inter-Agency Humanitarian Contingent (PIAHC) for their rescue and relief efforts, saying their actions in quake-battered Myanmar highlights the Filipinos' willingness to help people in need.

"Naipamalas po ninyo ang espiritu ng Pilipino na tumutulong sa kapwa at tumutulong lalong lalo na sa panahon ng pangangailangan (by your actions, you have demonstrated the spirit and willingness of Filipinos to help their fellow men, especially during times of dire need)," he told the PIAHC shortly after their arrival at Villamor Air Base, Pasay City past 11 p.m. Sunday.

"The selflessness that you've shown, the professionalism that...