Aquino proceeded immediately to the Edwin Andrews Air Base from the local airport. He was accompanied by Defense chief Voltaire Gazmin, Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman and Budget Secretary Florencio Abad and was met by Mayor Maria Isabelle Salazar and other senior military and police commanders.
After the closed-door briefing, Aquino inspected the village of Guiwan where the January 23 bombing occurred. He also visited victims of the blast at the hospitals here and offered them financial assistance.
He also met with the families of those killed in the car bombing – Reynaldo Tan and Dante Valente – and also offered money to their kin.
Salazar has appealed to Aquino to order the immediate transfer of 57 Abu Sayyaf prisoners following a recent attempt by the rebel group to rescue them.
While in Zamboanga City, Aquino also had a meeting with Rep. Lilia Nuño and other officials about the ongoing recovery and rehabilitation efforts for the victims of 2013 rebel attacks here.
Aquino’s sudden visit here also coincided with the arrival of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte who is advocating federal form of government. Duterte is being pushed by many Filipinos to run for president in next year’s general elections.
Salazar also welcomed Duterte and his entourage in Zamboanga.
Aquino is said to be eyeing Roxas as the government’s presidential bet. Aside from Duterte and Roxas, Vice President Jejomar Binay is also eyeing the presidency. (Mindanao Examiner)
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