Zambo also blames MNLF over deaths in evacuation camps

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines -  The city government is also blaming the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) renegade rebels that held hostage residents, triggering a standoff with military troops, for the growing number of deaths in the evacuation center.

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar blamed the followers of fugitive MNLF chairman Nur Misuari on the dire condition of thousands of residents who were forced to evacuate from at least five barangays during the September 9 MNLF attack, which was part of its attempt to declare independence.

“[These deaths] should also be...included in the listing of dead as a consequence of their attack in the city,” Salazar told newsmen in her briefing.

Over 120,000 people were evacuated during the 23-day period of standoff between the government forces and the MNLF rebels loyal to Misuari.

The City Health Office (CHO) reported that the death toll in the evacuation camp at Joaquin F. Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex (JFEMSC) has breached the 100 mark.

City Health Officer Dr. Rodelyn Agbulos said since September up to this month they have listed 101 mortalities in the evacuation camp.

He said around 41 percent of those who died  were  aged fived-year old and below,  and the rest were five years old and above. Most of the fatalities were females.

Agbulos said the major causes of death were pneumonia, acute respiratory infection, and hypertension. Cases of tuberculosis and dengue were also reported inside the camps.

The health officer said they are continueing the monitoring of cases of acute malnourishment and deworming.

Agbulos said they have also embarked on a  massive medical assistance to prevent diseases  in the evacuation camps. - Roel Pareño