Zamboanga City: Clearing completed in 2 of 4 conflict-affected villages

Two of four villages in Zamboanga City affected in last month's fighting between government and Moro National Liberation Front forces have finally been cleared, the city government said Wednesday.

 

Citing information from government forces under Task Force Suyud, the city government said Rio Hondo and Zone IV were cleared for unexploded ordnances, booby traps, debris, firearms and possible MNLF stragglers.

 

"With this development, efforts will now focus on clearing the areas of Sta. Barbara (20 to 30 percent cleared) and Sta. Catalina (70 to 80 percent cleared)," it said.

 

It noted the four villages had been directly and indirectly affected by the armed conflict that started Sept. 9 and ended Sept. 28.

 

The city government said that while the MNLF followers of founding chairman Nur Misuari did not make it to Zone IV, the village was closed off since it was close to the critical zone.

 

Also, it said government establishments, including City Hall, are located in the area.

 

Phase 2

 

The city government said the second phase of clearing operations started last Sept. 29, and prioritized government offices and other vital installations.

 

It said the sweep started with the Zamboanga City Medical Center and then spread to establishments in Sta. Barbara, Lustre Street, Martha Drive, Rio Hondo, Sitio Aplaya and Campo Muslim.

 

"Since then, 2,006 establishments – classified as burned, slightly damaged and totally damaged – were subjected to clearing," it said.

 

Clearing operations also yielded 396 unexploded ordnances, 19 firearms, and 53 bodies.

 

Also, 299 cases had been filed against the MNLF-Misuari faction members who are now detained at the San Ramon Penal Colony.

 

The city government said residents of Sta. Catalina are still prohibited from entering the area while clearing operations are ongoing.

 

It said the crisis management committee appealed to residents to abide by the guidelines, for their own safety and protection.  — ELR, GMA News