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)