By Jocelyn P. Alvarez
ZAMBOANGA CITY - President Aquino has instructed the Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD) to coordinate closely with the Zamboanga City local
government for the rehabilitation component of the Zamboanga crisis.
Social Welfare Secretary Dinky
Soliman said the President had instructed her to look into matters or ways on
how to help the victims specially those whose houses were razed to the ground.
“Tinitingnan po natin kung
papano matulungan ang mga kababayan natin na wala ng bahay na mauuwian gawa ng
pagsunog na naganap (We are looking into ways on how to help our people who no
longer have houses to go back to due to fire),”
Soliman said.
She said PNoy instructed her
that DSWD assist in the rebuilding of houses for the victims.
Sec. Soliman said the President
is putting into consideration the victims who have lost their homes in the fire
and who do not have the capacity to rebuild their houses.
“We have enough funds not only for the
immediate response but we also have funds for rehabilitation,” Soliman assured.
Secretary of Interior and Local
Government (SILG) Mar Roxas, on the other hand, said during yesterday’s press
briefing, an estimated 850 houses in the areas of Sta Catalina, Sta Barbara,
Rio Hondo and Mariki were totally went in smoke in the course of gun fight
between government forces and the MNLF-breakaway group of Nur Misuari.
Roxas said the President was
here in the city since Friday (Sept. 13) to personally assess the situation. (PIA9)