Forward bases to be constructed in Zamboanga City

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Forward bases of the naval and marines will be constructed anytime soon in the coastal villages in Zamboanga City formerly sieged by the rebels, a local official said. 

Acting city administrator and disaster chief Dr. Elmeir Apolinario said the plans and budget have been approved by the Department of National Defense for the acquisition of the private properties and the construction of the military installation.

The budget of about P154 million under the Special Allotment Release Order was already forwarded to the Department of Budget Management.

Apolinario said that from the total budget, some P74 million will be used for the construction of the naval base in Rio Hondo and three forward bases for the marines and Philippine National Police (PNP) in the Sumariki, Leha-leha and Layag-Layag.

The three areas that will be utilized for the forward bases are islets which were known to be landing point of various criminal groups in staging criminal activities.

It was also used as staging ground by the faction of the Moro National Liberation Front led by Ustadz Habier Malik during the September 2013 siege.

“All areas were declared as no build zone and no return zone. It will be managed by the PNP and the military to prevent entry of the law elements,” said Apolinario.