Over 82,000 persons displaced in Zamboanga conflict

As of September 16, 2013, a total of 16,553 families or 82,106 persons from 14 barangays in Zamboanga City and 1 barangay in Zamboanga Sibugay have been affected by the on-going armed conflict between government troops and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said.

 

The fighting started last September 9 in the coastal villages of Zamboanga City between a splinter group of the MNLF and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). The clashes initially displaced 4,000 people, and more than 100 civilians were taken hostage. The week-long conflict has left over 87 people dead, more than 165 wounded, and 20 houses burned.

 

The number of displaced persons has increased in the past four days as fighting intensified and after government officials issued a forced evacuation order. The government has established 24 evacuation centers where 13,028 families or 67,845 persons are currently housed.

 

Spontaneous displacement sites were also set-up by families who could not reach the evacuation centers. A number of civilians were also reportedly trapped in affected coastal villages and are now experiencing food shortage.

 

The fighting has also spilled-over to Basilan province where 13,500 people were also reported displaced from Lamitan City and the municipalities of Tipo-Tipo, Tuburan and Akbar.

 

The exponential increase in the number of families at the evacuation centers is also posing serious challenges to food distribution, health and sanitation. The Jose Enriquez Sports Complex (Grandstand) in Zamboanga City alone is housing over 50,000 people. Many evacuation centers are overcrowded, lack water, health and sanitation facilities.

 

Appeal for Support

Affected families are in need of food, water, sleeping kits, and hygiene kits. Drop your donations at the CDRC Office, 72-A Times St., West Triangle Homes, Quezon City.

 

For cash donations:

 

Peso Account:

Account Name: Citizens’ Disaster Response Center

Bank: Metrobank, Examiner Branch, Quezon City, Philippines

Account No. 636-3-63600741-3

Dollar Account:

Account Name: Citizens’ Disaster Response Center

Bank: Metrobank, Examiner Branch, Quezon City, Philippines

Account No. 636-2-63600158-3

Swift Code: MBTCPHMM

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