PNoy to stay in Zamboanga until crisis is over

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III will stay in Zamboanga City until the immediate crisis is over and vowed that the government is ready to respond with a P3.28-billion rehabilitation plan to rebuild the city from destruction brought by the standoff between government forces and the Misuari-led faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

“Pipilitin ko na matapos ang immediate na crisis na ito,” Aquino said.

The president said he would only go back to Manila after operational and rehabilitation plans have been discussed.

Aquino issued this statement after meeting in-bound passengers at the Zamboanga International Airport, which was closed until today. He said the government has prepared P6.1 billion in calamity and contingency fund.

The chief executive said for the rehabilitation plan, the figure is roughly about P3.89 billion to be used in the rehabilitation phase of the affected victims, including the construction of houses for those who have lost their homes. 

Aquino said part of the rehabilitation is the establishment of houses, continuing relief assistance, educational assistance for the students who have lost their parents, cash for work, supplementary feeding program, temporary bunk houses while the permanent site for settlement is being established, and livelihood assistance. 

“The P6.1-billion contingency fund is more than enough. What I like to assure the people is that we have the necessary funds on hand and we ready to take care of that,” Aquino said. 

Aquino also lauded the local government and government agencies for their efforts in addressing the needs of the displaced civilians.

And for the remaining rebels, the president said it is not too late yet for the group to surrender. 

“Hindi pa huli ang lahat doon sa natirang puwersa ng kalaban. Sa akin mahalaga ang buhay... mahalaga din ang buhay n'yo at hindi pa huli ang lahat para tapusin ito, na bawasan 'yyng namamatay o nasusugatan,” Aquino said.