For Zamboanga City Rama to help civilians displaced by hostilities

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City government will be extending help to more than 10,000 families displaced in Zamboanga City after their houses were razed because of hostilities between the government forces and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels.

Mayor Michael Rama, however, said he will check first the availability of funds from the Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council.

“There’s a need to help them… Tabangan nato sila and let’s not think about first too much of us,” Rama said.

Rama did not disclose yet what help the City would extend to the victims of the Zamboanga City conflict.

Earlier, Data released by the military were 11 civilians have been killed and 60 were wounded during the series of encounters while the government forces suffered 14 fatalities and 143 wounded. The rebels suffered 95 dead and 144 were either arrested or surrendered.

Yesterday, Rama was emotional when he shared to the City Hall reporters the news in the National paper about the 10,160  houses razed in Zamboanga City.

“It’s hurting to see. Maglabad man gani ta kun bisan 12 or 14 kabuok balay ang masunog kana ba namong kapin 10,000. I mean makapalimbawot og balhibo,” Rama added.

The US government also extended financial help to those displaced by the fighting. P26.4 million has been allocated by the US government for the relief and emergency assistance for all the affected residents in Zamboanga City.  (FREEMAN)