DSWD chief assures enough relief supply for Zambo

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman on Thursday assured that they have enough relief supply for the families affected by the standoff betweeen government troops and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels allied with Nur Misuari.

Soliman said the number of evacuees in the grandstand of the Joaquin F. Enriquez Sports Complex swelled to more than 10,000 individuals while the other centers were also holding close to 5,000 more evacuees.

Soliman and Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, who made rounds on the evacuation centers, said all the needs of the affected residents were being provided, including food and toiletries.

“They have their meals three times a day and portalets and tents were also provided,” Soliman said.

“Hindi kami nagkukulang ng bigas and relief assistance for the evacuees,” Soliman said citing that the World for Food Program (WFP) and various non-government organizations were also extending the relief assistance.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said in a phone teleconference with the media here said rice supplies were also provided in Basilan, sulu and Tawi-Tawi in anticipation of possible spillover of the MNLF's hostilities in the city.

Alcala said the city has the biggest rice supply allocation of 300,000 bags.