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Wednesday, September 11, 2013

CMC urges business establishments to open

By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Crisis Management Council (CMC) Chair Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said they requested some business establishments to open so the public could buy foods and basic necessities.

“We’re requesting business establishments to include groceries, pharmacies, and gasoline stations away from the so-called areas of concern to open this afternoon to allow the people to purchase their daily provisions”, Mayor Climaco said during the media briefing yesterday.

Businesses closed shops since Monday after a gun battle between the government troops and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) men under Nur Misuari broke early dawn in barangays Sta. Barbara, Sta. Catalina, and Talon-Talon.

People rushed to Guiwan and Sta. Cruz public markets, considerably far from the areas of concern, bringing with them vehicles to buy a good amount of provisions that they hope would last until the crisis would be over.

People were also seen lining up outside two local pharmacies with convenience stores along Guiwan highway as early as 7:30 a.m. as almost all stores were closed.

Motorists also flocked to some gasoline stations here to make sure that they have fuel to use during emergencies.

Meanwhile, the Bankers Association of Zamboanga also suspended bank transactions since Monday. However, customers can still access some ATM machines. People have also been lining at ATM machines to withdraw cash.

Mayor Climaco-Salazar expressed optimism that the business sector would take heed of her appeal for the sake of the general public.


Although all business establishments located in the heart of the city are closed, a few which are located away from the areas of concern are open. “But a problem may arise if people resort to panic buying, thus, the CMC is requesting them (store owners) to open shops,” said the CMC chair. (PIA9)