Traffic jams returning to Zambo

MANILA, Philippines - Traffic jams and accidents are again being experienced in Zamboanga City, an indication that life there is returning to normal, Interior Secretary Mar Roxas said yesterday.

A group of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels belonging to Nur Misuari’s faction launched attacks in the city’s three barangays – Sta. Barbara, Sta. Catalina and Rio Hondo – last Sept. 9, terrorizing the entire Mindanao region.

The rebels have since occupied certain areas for 19 days.

But Roxas said the situation is improving with the arrest of some MNLF leaders.

“There were traffic jams, and the PNP (Philippine National Police) has recorded traffic accidents too, which is a very good indication of normalcy in the lives of the people in Zamboanga City,” Roxas said in an interview over radio dzMM.

He said 145 schools in Zamboanga have opened since Monday and some pupils have returned to school.

He admitted though that tension is still felt in barangays Sta. Barbara, Sta. Catalina and Rio Hondo.

Roxas said the police and military are making sure that areas are cleared of MNLF rebels.

“This is a huge crisis but we assure our fellow Filipinos that we will respond to their needs, whether it be on the security side or the humanitarian side,” he said.

P19-million calamity loans

Meanwhile, the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG) has released P19 million in calamity loans for families whose homes were destroyed in the conflict in Zamboanga, Vice President Jejomar Binay said yesterday.

Binay, chairman of Pag-IBIG, noted that as of Wednesday, their Zamboanga office has completed the processing of 933 loan applications amounting to P19,030,577.

He said around 2,500 more are still being processed.

“We at the housing sector intend to help our kababayans in Zamboanga rise up from this tragedy,” Binay said.

He added that the calamity assistance program is open to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who are Pag-IBIG members and whose families have been affected by the crisis.

He said the OFWs may execute a special power of attorney to authorize their relatives in Zamboanga to transact with Pag-IBIG on their behalf.

While members may also apply directly at Pag-IBIG’s overseas desks, the checks will be released in the Philippines and may be claimed by a relative with a special power of attorney.  – With Jose Rodel Clapano