Manila, Oct. 1 -- 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 ve...