The Philippine government will send a medical team to China to help the rescue and relief efforts after a strong earthquake hit China's Sichuan Province on Monday, said a presidential spokesman on Tuesday.

Spokesman Anthony Golez said President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has instructed the Department of Foreign Affairs, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Department of Health to coordinate immediately to form the team to be composed of 12 to 15 persons.

He said the medical team would bring relief goods that might be requested by the Chinese government.

(Xinhua News Agency May 13, 2008)