Zamboanga , slowly picking up the pieces

By Jocelyn P. Avarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Now on its 11^th day, Zamboangueños continue to selflessly help one another in any way they can.  Small or big donations, little or huge efforts for the evacuees, everyone is trying to give the best that he can to somehow lighten the situation. Though physically exhausted, but the desire and willingness to help still reigns.

This crisis has brought the Zamboangueños closer to each other than ever. As mayor Beng Climaco said “Zamboanga is ours. Zamboanga is for our children. We shall not allow other forces to reign in our city. Let’s help each other.”

Myra, one Zamboangueña said “kansao ya yo tene miedo kanila, pirmi escondido na kasa. Nisisita yo sale kasa para kumpra kumida para mio pamilya (I’ve had enough. Am tired of being afraid of them (MNLF). I need to go out of the house to buy food for my family.)”

The locals here are starting to mend what was broken, starting to pick up the pieces with high hopes of continuous assistance and support from the local and national government.

Gaining ground, moving on

As AFP Spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala would repeatedly say in every press conference conducted daily- “We are gaining ground,” the locals also shout out: “we are moving on.” Yes it may be hard, because as of this writing, gunbattle can still be heard, coupled with another two separate fires in Sta. Catalina and Rio Hondo – the areas classified as danger zone.

Nonetheless, more establishments are now opening up; flights resume; more banks open; economic activities are being done beyond the conflict areas; and more passenger jeepneys and tricycles are seen on the city streets.

As Mayor Climaco said “Our city may not right away get back to normalcy, but we are trying to make steps to begin the work for people to get back to our toes.”

Joint efforts

Mayor Climaco said both the national and local governments continue to exhaust all means to be able to respond to all the needs of the people in the evacuation centers, in hospitals, in the nerve centers, and even in the funeral parlors.

Meals and family packs, medicines and other basic necessities are being provided to evacuees housed in over 30 evacuation centers, of which the largest center is the Joaquin F Enriquez (JFE) Memorial Sports Complex with over a hundred thousand evacuees sheltered.

Health Secretary Enrique Ona came to personally verify the health needs of the city and will open more operating facilities and make emergency rooms functional in the satellite hospital set up at the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) gymnasium to readily respond to the medical needs of the patients.

The lady mayor also announced “a team of volunteers and mental health professionals will provide debriefing to the hostages with social workers giving therapy and teachers conducting counseling sessions at the evacuation centers.”

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) headed by Secretary Corzaon “Dinky” Soliman is closely coordinating with the local government as to rehabilitation plans.

“Her instruction is to build back better, akel cosa antes sila tiene maga casa ay hace mas bueno pa (rebuild houses better than the houses they had before),” Mayor Climaco assured.

It can be recalled that over a thousand houses were razed to the ground as a result of the standoff between the military and the MNLF breakaway group of Nur Misuari.

Soliman has assured the city that services will continuously be available to include water, sanitation, women and children protection and food distribution among others.

“It will also make available support packages for small and micro enterprises for them to jumpstart livelihood activities. Cash for work schemes will be made available for a member of each household or family affected by the conflict,” Climaco announced.

On Sept. 18, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has pledged to make available some P4 million for emergency employment of displaced workers. Workers shall be utilized for upkeep and maintenance of evacuation centers, food distribution and the like.

“The City Social Welfare and Development Office through the PESO has been tasked to initiate ways on how to come up with a list of those that will be hired,” Climaco said.

The Zamboanga City Water District (ZCWD) ensures continuous supply of water for evacuees at JFE Sports Complex. Bottled water is also being provided.

Medical teams from both public and private entities selflessly offer their time to continuously give medical services to the displaced individuals.

To ensure sanitation, portable toilets or potalets were also provided.

Donations of assorted goods are continuously coming in at the Crisis Management Center (CMC) and there are more than enough volunteers helping in the packing and distribution of the goods donated.

Private groups, business sectors and many individuals are also doing their own share in helping not only the evacuees but also the government soldiers by providing foods and other provisions.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas, on the other hand, assured that “there are enough food and budget for our soldiers.”

The city will also open an account to cater to those individuals, groups or organization, here and abroad who wish to give cash assistance for the evacuees.

Children are being provided with supplemental feeding by the DSWD and “story-telling time” was also conducted for the day care kids at the JFE evacuation center.

Zamboangueños appreciate PNoy’s presence

President Aquino’s presence here in the city for six days now boosts morale not only of the government forces fighting for Zamboanga, but also of the Zamboangueños.

One radio announcer said he is happy that the President “stood” by the Zamboangueños in this trying time. He said he appreciates the President’s support to Zamboanga “kay nuway ele canatun deha, taki ele kanatun asta ara (he (President) did not leave us, he is still here with us up to this time).”

It can be recalled that President Aquino arrived here in Zamboanga on Sept. 13 to personally assess the ongoing situation , PNoy brought with him boxes of assorted goods that included  4,000 bottles of Gatorade (donated by Pepsi Philippines); 19 boxes or 4,000 strips of Enervon C; 5,000 tablets of Vitamin B Complex and Ascorbic Acid; 1,500 pieces of Globe Cell Cards; 1,500 pieces of Smart Cell Cards; 1,000 pieces of Sun Cell Cards; 440 cases of assorted candies and chocolates; and 4,000 boxes of Growers Nutribar. (PIA9)

PNoy is still in Zambo City; very much involved in decision-making - Sec. Roxas

By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Secretary of Interior and Local Government Mar Roxas said President Benigno Aquino III is still in Zamboanga City and is very much involved in the resolution of the crisis here. quash

Roxas quashed doubts on the whereabouts of the President saying, “May pagdududa ba ngayon kung nasaan ang Presidente? Limang araw nang naandito ang Presidente sa Zamboanga City (Is there any doubt about the whereabouts of the President? The President is now on his fifth day here in Zamboanga City.)”

Roxas stressed that Pres. Aquino is focused on what is happening and that his priority is delivery of assistance to the evacuees and the safety of the remaining hostages and the city in general.

“Nakatutok ang gating pangulo sa problemang ito. (The President is focused on the problem). He is very much involved in the decision-making on how to resolve the problem,” Roxas said.

He added that the decision not to be visible to the public is to make sure that government forces stay focused on their operation against the MNLF rebels.

“The President is not roaming around, going to evacuation centers and other areas because he wants our troops not to be divided and to concentrate on their operations. If the President would go out, troops will also be assigned to make sure of his safety. This will lessen our troops on the ground,” Roxas explained.

Meanwhile, Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Dinky Soliman said everything is being done to make sure that the needs of the evacuees are met, especially on the rehabilitation of the affected areas.

“Suffice it to say, the President has ordered us to help in the rehabilitation of the houses burned as a result of this crisis. We are now asking Mayor Beng Climaco to help us in preparing the necessary data for the rehabilitation,” Sec. Soliman said.

She also emotionally appealed to the media to be more balanced in their reporting.

“If there are 100 evacuees whom you have interviewed that are hungry, please remember that we are also feeding 65,000 evacuees. If you have interviewed 100 persons that are hungry, then report it by saying ‘100 evacuees are hungry.’ Do not generalize by saying the evacuees are experiencing hunger. It’s unfair to our social workers, other government employees and the many volunteers who have been working really hard just to make sure that the foods are delivered to our evacuees,” she said in a cracking voice. (PIA9)

Zambo standoff paralyzes Basilan economy

By Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – The world stood still as economic activities in Isabela City and its neighboring city and municipalities in the province of Basilan were paralyzed with the ongoing standoff in Zamboanga City.

Basic goods and commodities started running out in the capital city of Isabela since the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF)-Misuari faction attacked some barangays in Zamboanga City. The crisis forced all public ferries and sea vessels to suspend regular trips to and from Isabela City and Zamboanga.

Local businessmen said most basic goods such as vegetables, chicken, and flour are sourced from Zamboanga City.

The Provincial Crisis Management Council (PCMC) said locally produced goods could not meet the local demand, requiring goods from neighboring cities and provinces.

PCMC also reported that “local produce/goods are also exhausted.”

Prizes of commodities also began to increase. Prizes of chicken rose from P120.00 per kilo to P160.00 per kilo. Chinese cabbage (pechay) reached P30.00 per bunch from the usual P5.00. Some bakeries began to close shop as stocks of flour ran out.

Tricycle drivers are also hard hit by the crisis as schools suspended classes since Sept. 9 until today.

Manong Lito, a tricycle driver said that he barely raise P100.00 in a day. This amount, he said is not enough for the boundary (rental) of his tricycle which costs P120.00.

Public and private offices and establishments also suspended work. Workers also opted not to report to work for fear of being caught in any eventualities.

Schools remain empty despite Isabela City Mayor Cherrylyn Santos-Akbar’s announcement on Tuesday that “classes at all levels may resume on Sept. 18 (Wednesday).

Since the start of the conflict in Zamboanga, the PCMC has chartered a private vessel to ferry stranded Basilan-bound passengers from Zamboanga. It also resolved to use the vessel to bring in goods and basic commodities from Zamboanga subject to the clearance of the Zamboanga CMC.

In a statement Wednesday, Isabela City Mayor Akbar said that “there is no scheduled ferry yet due to security concerns.” She said that the army’s 4^th Special Forces battalion is assisting the local government unit in transporting passengers to and from Zamboanga City, but only for those with urgent concern and or patients needing special medical attention in Zamboanga City.

“The peace and order in the city is relatively normal but we still have to be extra vigilant and [be] more careful especially with bombing and kidnapping [threats], aside from MNLF attack in the city,” Mayor Akbar said as she called on the public to stay united and supportive of one another. (PIA9)

Soldiers, policemen die to fulfill their mission in Zambo

By Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - As of this morning, twelve policemen and soldiers have perished while protecting the lives of the residents of Zamboanga City.

Still, the men of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police are at the frontline risking their lives and enduring physical and mental stress. Most are hungry; many more have been deprived of sleep for days. Yet they still man their positions to repel any more possible attacks and to prevent innocent civilians from once again being held hostage.

Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, AFP Spokesperson in a phone interview this morning said that aside from the deaths, 115 more were wounded in action.

There is no let-up until the mission is accomplished.

The shootouts started ten days ago on September 9, when members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) were reported to have held several people hostage in barangays Sta. Barbara, Rio Hondo, Talon-Talon, and Sta. Catalina. Gunfire exchange has been intermittent. There were only countable lull moments, but then the shots and explosions would continue throughout night time and in the early morning.

Members of the media who were covering the scene have reported the heroism and persistence of the government troops.

Photos of the wounded soldiers have gone viral on the web.

There is a picture of several soldiers huddled together, eating from a banana leaf, obviously very hungry.

Eylin Tom Bulahan who was one of the residents situated near the areas guarded by the soldiers, was witness to their difficulty. “The soldiers were very hungry. They were asking to buy food, but our store was closed.” Bulahan told Yahoo News. Bulahan shared some rice and dried fish to the soldiers. “They have been deprived of sleep, yet they keep on fighting.”

PIA information officer Jocelyn Alvarez shared a photo on Facebook of a certain Sgt. Ramos, assigned to protect a gasoline station in barangay Talon-Talon, whose leg was shot.

Noning Antonio from Dateline Teleradyo also shared a photo of an unidentified soldier who was rescuing several people from being caught between the crossfire in Lustre Drive; he was helping a weeping woman, while he himself was apparently almost in tears.

Yet, in addition to bullets, mortar shells and shrapnel, our soldiers have constantly been shot by heavy criticism. Many netizens ridicule the government troops for not being able to resolve the situation hastily.

In spite of that, our soldiers remain in their positions. The AFP has been maintaining a non-aggressive, defensive strategy in addressing the situation.

Positive developments have been reported constantly by the media and by the netizens.

As of today, 149 hostages are already free.

Last night (September 17), 23 MNLF men have surrendered to the authorities, through the negotiations of Zamboanga City Police Director Col. Chiquito Malayo, who was earlier thought of as abducted by the insurgents.

Lt. Col. Zagala shares that now the government troops are “gradually constricting and clearing the areas”. There is still no clear indication that the hostilities have finally stopped. He reiterated that the mission remains the same from day one. The soldiers, he emphasized, will fulfill the mission.

“The mission is to save lives,” he said.

Darwin Fernandez, a resident of Zamboanga posted this on Facebook: “We pay them by our taxes and they repay us with their lives… LONG LIVE BRAVE SOLDIERS!” (PIA9)

Flights to resume in Zamboanga

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The city will have its flight back on Thursday, Sept. 19, according to Secretary of Interior and Local Government (SILG) Mar Roxas.

This was also confirmed Tuesday by Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Manila.

Roxas said “it was assessed that it is already safe to conduct flight in and out of Zamboanga. However, flights will be limited to one trip a day both for Cebu Pacific (CebPac) and Philippine Airlines (PAL).”

After more than a week of flight suspension, “We will have our first flight on Thursday,” Roxas said.

He said, CebPac will have its regular airbus which will carry 180 passengers.

“Ang airline po ang magbibigay ng manifesto kung sino sino ang mapapasama sa 180 passengers (it will be the airline who shall give the manifesto of who shall be accommodated in the flight),” Roxas informed.

“Sa mga outgoing passengers, kung maaari, walang maghahatid, drop off lang sa gate ng airport for security reason (for the outgoing passengers, if it’s possible, don’t let anyone bring you in,  just have your companion drop you off the gate,  for security reason),” said Roxas.

“Ang pasahero lng po na nasa manifesto ang makakapasok . Magdala po sila ng ID para malaman na ang tao at ang pangalan na nasa manifesto ay nagtutugma (only the passengers listed in the manifesto will be allowed to get in. Just bring your ID for proper identification),” he advised.

Roxas also advised the public who will have arriving passengers not to fetch their passengers at the airport. “Hindi po kayo papapasukin. Doon po kayo mag antay sa Baliwasan Central School (You will not be allowed entrance. Just wait for them at the Baliwasan Centeral School),” Roxas disclosed.

Secretary Roxas explained that arriving passengers will be shuttled from airport to Baliwasan Central School, an area estimated to be more than just a kilometer away from the airport. (PIA9)

DOH-CHD offers medical services inside evacuation center

By Claro A.Lanipa

ZAMBOANGA CITY – In response to the atrocities in the city, the Department of Health – Center for Health and Development (DOH-CHD) Zamboanga Peninsula has established a makeshift hospital inside the Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports complex.

DOH-CHD 9 officer in-charge Dr. Nimfa B. Torrizo said medical services, water and sanitation, nutrition as well as psycho-social debriefing are the immediate and available services being offered for the displaced families right at their doorsteps.

Five emergency operating theaters were also established inside the satellite hospital at the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) gymnasium to serve traumatic patients in the aftermath of the armed conflict.

“As of today other regions’ support and assistance are coming particularly those from regions 10, 11, 12, 13 and CARAGA to augment human resources, logistics, medicines and other medical supplies for the evacuees,” Dr. Torrizo said.

“Earlier, medical and Red Cross teams from other cities and provinces in the region are presently in the city to assist us,” Torrizo disclosed.

“We are working together for the period in order to provide quality services to the victims amid this hurting event,” she added.

Meanwhile, Health Secretary Enrique T. Ona arrived yesterday afternoon to personally assess the situation particularly the medical services being given to the victims and to see to it that medical facilities, logistics and medicines among others are made available to the victims.

After visiting the evacuation center inside the sports complex, Secretary Ona assured local officials that more tents and beds are expected to arrive soon. (PIA9)

DOLE allocates P4-M for emergency employment of displaced workers in Zamboanga

By Claro A. Lanipa

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has pledged to make available some P4 million for emergency employment of the displaced workers in the city, Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar disclosed.

She said displaced workers will be utilized for the upkeep and maintenance of the evacuations centers, food distribution and the like.

The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) through the Public Employment Services Office (PESO) has been tasked to initiate ways on how to come up with the list of those that will be hired.

Meanwhile, Social Welfare Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman assured the city government that the support services would continuously be available to include water and sanitation, women and children protection and food distribution among others. “Support packages will also be made available for the small and medium enterprises (SME) for them to engage in livelihood activities,” Soliman added.

Cash for work scheme will be made available for members of each household or family affected by the conflict, she concluded. (PIA9)

Handog Titulo caps Zambo. Sur’s 61st founding anniversary

By Alma L. Tingcang

PAGADIAN CITY - It was one momentous occasion in the life of the recipients.

On the 61^st founding anniversary of the province of Zamboanga del Sur, 154 beneficiaries received their residential land titles through Republic Act (RA) 10023 or the Free Patent Act which was held on Sept. 16 at the Megayon Stage, Provincial Government Center, Dao, this city.

The beneficiaries come from Pagadian City and the municipalities of Bayog, Guipos, Mahayag, Molave, Pitogo, Ramon Magsaysay, San Pablo and Vincenzo Sagun.

During the awarding ceremony, Dumalinao town mayor and Zamboanga del Sur League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) President Ace William E. Cerilles, said his father, then congressman and now governor of the province, Antonio H. Cerilles had authored RA 10023.

“RA 10023 is a law that authorizes administrative issuance of free patents on residential lands to every qualified Filipino with no land title,” the young mayor said.

This means that claimants do not need to go through lengthy, tedious and other demanding court processes to gain access to residential lots that they have been occupying and cultivating for a minimum of 10 years.

He said the process has been made easier and more accessible for claimants to own the land. “Aside from that, you did not spend much because the services of a lawyer are not required,” Mayor Cerilles told the beneficiaries.

“In fact, this is the only law in the Philippines giving a chance to residents to own the land that they have been occupying for a minimum of 10 years. This is just a formalization of your ownership, a form of security for your property,” the mayor happily announced.

 “We all know that land titles are very important especially for those who are living in the countryside. Because of these land titles that you now possess, you can have a sound sleep. And your great grandparents will never need to be afraid that the land where your house stands will be taken away from you,” he assured.

Mayor Cerilles congratulated the certified new landowners and said, “seeing your smiles make me proud of my father who is the author of this act. Not only Zambosurians were able to benefit and own a parcel of land because of this law, but millions of Filipinos are now certified land title holders,” he added.

Mayor Cerilles, together with Pagadian City Mayor Romeo P. Pulmones and DENR Regional Executive Director Atty. Arleigh J. Adorable distributed the residential land titles with the assistance of PENRO Dr. Adelaida Borja, Provincial Register of Deeds Atty. Ricardo Z. Dioso and City Register of Deeds Atty. Samrollah M. Dekire. (PIA9)

MNLF rebels flee; 78 hostages rescued as government wage calibrated offensive response

By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Military forces are on clearing operations on the ninth day of the armed conflict here as Moro National Liberation Front-Misuari faction flee, reports say.

Military data said at least 60 MNLF members, including female combatants, were either arrested or have surrendered to the government forces as of Sept. 16. Casualty, according to military report also rose to 87 and 71 of them are MNLF rebels.

DILG Sec. Mar Roxas revealed that about 70 percent of the areas controlled by the MNLF are now under control of the AFP since it waged a calibrated offensive response to address the crisis. Roxas said President Noynoy Aquino, who is still in the city, is closely monitoring the situation.

Pres. Aquino recently visited the main evacuation center to personally see the needs of the evacuees. The President also distributed foods to his troops here and visited the wounded soldiers and policemen. Aquino assured Zamboangueños that the city has the government support and that all assistance will be given to the city.

78  hostages were recorded to have been rescued, released, or have escaped. They are now being attended to at Camp Batalla of the PNP for medical check-up and stress debriefing.

One of the hostages said some MNLF rebels let their captives escape as the military continue to press into their lair. (PIA9)

“Bayanihan spirit” still alive among modern day “Samaritans”

By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Perhaps the most famous story about helping others is the story of The Good Samaritan found in the Holy Bible.

Bible accounts tell us that Samaritans were detested by the Jews being products of Jewish and gentile union, calling them “unclean.”

In the story, a Jew was waylaid on his way to his business, leaving him half dead. A Jew saw the man but did not help him. Another Jew saw and passed the man as if he saw nothing. Unexpectedly, a Samaritan saw the dying man and immediately brought him to his house to cure and feed him.

The moral of the story is that help comes in all forms, oftentimes, unexpected.

In this present time, good Samaritans still abound, waiting for opportunities to extend help without expecting anything in return, except for the joy of helping others in their most simple ways.

City under siege

The city has been under crisis for the last eight days as firefight between the government forces and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF)-Misuari faction only becoming worse as days go by.

As in every armed conflict, civilians are always at the losing end. Displacement, loss of properties, and worst of all, the loss and destruction of lives, are all synonymous to the word war.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said that as of Sunday, over 64,000 individuals have been evacuated as firefight continues.

The government is now faced with a gargantuan task of delivering the basic needs of these people. Although the government has enough logistics to address the problem, it may not be long that help will be needed.

Bayanihan Spirit

Then again, just when everything is in shamble, good Samaritans again rise to the occasion, silently giving whatever they can away from the spotlight. Zamboangueños and even those from neighboring provinces from all walks of life, rich or poor, showed that the “Bayanihan Spirit,” a famous trait of Filipinos, is still alive and burning.

As DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman said, “We are very impressed and grateful to the overwhelming support from all sectors to help meet the needs of the evacuees.”

Many groups and organizations stepped up volunteering to assist in whatever way they can for the affected families. Individuals also came to the Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council Office) to volunteer.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC), as always, has been in the forefront in making sure that all needs are addressed, even putting their lives in danger as what the whole world witnessed in the news where a couple of their personnel were injured during an encounter. The risk of helping is there, but it’s outweighed by their desire to help in times of need. They still chose to stay away from recognition and do their job unmindful of everything but the delivery of their service.

Other groups have also been contributing greatly for the cause of the thousands of victims of this senseless armed conflict.

Touching lives in need

As this writer tried to interview the heads of some of these groups, they politely declined any interview. One of them said, “we appreciate the recognition of what we are doing, but knowing that we have touched the lives of those in need is more than enough for us to keep moving and continue helping them”.

This statement gave a concrete picture of the story of the Good Samaritan, ever so ready to extend their help without expecting anything in return. For them, no amount of praise and exposure can compare to the fulfillment of sharing God’s love to those who need it.

Everywhere you go, you can see them quietly exerting efforts to help showing the victims that they are one with them in this most trying time.

Secretary Soliman, during a press briefing earlier, said that with the kind of attitude shown by people from and outside Zamboanga, the city will immediately stand on its feet and get through with this crisis.

The business sector has also been silently heeding the call for help as reported by

Soliman.

“We also laud the business sector, specifically the restaurant owners for continuously providing cooked foods for our evacuees,” she said.

The manufacturing sector in the city has also donated ready-to-eat foods like sardines for the evacuees.

Mr. Edwin Toh of the Rotary Group, himself a member of the business sector, called on all businessmen whose stores are far from critical areas to open their stores for the public to secure their daily provisions. He has called also on his colleagues to refrain from spreading rumors of food shortage to avoid panic buying.

Even private individuals have come up with their own relief donation activities to contribute to the ongoing initiatives that the government is doing, going from one evacuation center to another to reach out to the displaced people.

Overwhelming support

A staff of a private school in the city who has been conducting relief operations since day one said her group has been receiving overwhelming support even from those outside Zamboanga.

“We are in constant communication with the Crisis Management Council (CMC) for the delivery of relief goods to the victims, from clothing to food items coming from as far as Manila. There was even one child not more than three years old who has personally handed to us some diapers. The child would cry if the parents try to get the item from him. This kind of support has inspired us to go on and help in whatever way we can,” she said.

Foreign donors

Aids coming from international funding agencies have also provided a huge lift in addressing the needs of the victims. Secretary Soliman said the USAID donated P27 million worth of assistance in the form of mats, water jugs, and portalets (portable toilets).

The city government of Zamboanga is indeed grateful for the overwhelming support given to the victims, a manifestation that “bayanihan” amongst us is still alive.

There are still many groups and individuals out there who are doing everything to help in the situation, groups and individuals whose only desire is to reach out to those in need without expecting anything in return.  Hats off to all of you! You are the unsung heroes worth emulating. (PIA9) 

PNoy assures help for Zambo evacuees who lost homes in fire

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)

IFSP condemns terror acts in Zamboanga

By Gideon C. Corgue                              

PAGADIAN CITY – We strongly condemn the acts of individuals and groups responsible for the Zamboanga City crisis.

This was declared by the Interfaith Forum for Solidarity and Peace (IFSP) in its official statement released on Monday.

The IFSP is a movement of religious and civil society leaders of Christians, Muslims and Subanens in Zamboanga del Sur and Pagadian City organized in 1996.

“We do not only abhor the bloodshed that happened in Zamboanga City but strongly condemn the acts of individuals and groups that had caused this tragic event,” said the statement.

“The crisis in Zamboanga City caused by the standoff between elements of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) loyal to Nur Misuari and government forces, which is now on its eight day, has clearly terrorized and paralyzed a city of nearly one million people,” the statement added.

“The skirmishes between the MNLF armed men and government troops continue for more than a week now did not only cause displacement of nearly 70,000 residents but also the loss of lives and properties.”

The IFSP statement also said the crisis has threatened the long improved relations among peoples of Mindanao.

The group reminded that the innocent civilians – Muslims and Christians – are not party to the conflict.

“In solidarity with the people of Zamboanga City and Basilan, and the entire Mindanao, we join others in prayer for the early resolution to the conflict through peaceful means and for the safety of the residents of the affected villages. We also appeal for a thorough investigation of the incident to ferret out the truth and demand justice for the victims of this unfortunate incident,” the statement concluded.

The IFSP statement was signed by the head convener, Bishop Emmanuel Cabajar, Muslim convener Sultan Abdul Maguid Maruhom, Subanen convener Timuay Joe Marcial, Roman Catholic Church convener Rev. Father Felix Tigoy, and UCCP convener Pastor Diosdado Marquez, UCCP. (PIA9)