WE SURVIVED Day 21 of the Zamboanga Crisis with reports about minor skirmishes with what the military termed as “isolated” stragglers who are the subjects of the 2nd phase of the security operations. But most parts of the critical areas have been silent today, as our authorities intensify mopping up operations to pave the way for normalcy.
The Crisis Management Committee (CMC) met this morning and based on briefings given by the military and the police, the following consensus were arrived at:
Curfew hours outside the critical areas and areas of concern will be from 10pm to 4am starting today Sept. 29.
The following are declared as critical areas: Zone 4, Sta. Catalina, Sta. Barbara, Rio Hondo, Mariki, Kasanyangan, Talon-talon, Mampang, Arena Blanco and Tugbungan where curfew will remain from 8pm to 5am. Areas of concern are those adjacent to critical areas with high possibility of threat spillover.
The authorities have not issued clearance for evacuees to return to their residences located in critical areas.
City government offices located at the City Hall main and City Hall annex and those outside the critical areas will be opened for transaction starting tomorrow September 30. City employees from offices in Pettit Barracks and Villalobos are urged to contact their heads of office for work assignments.
Classes in schools outside the critical areas (5-7km radius from critical areas) will continue tomorrow, Sept. 30. The DEPED is tasked to campaign for classes and to coordinate with barangays and force multipliers for strengthening of security measures. CHED Director Dr. Emylou Yanga is set to meet with officials of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) tomorrow, Monday for the finalization of class schedules and other alternatives.
National government offices including private establishments and companies outside the critical areas are encouraged to continue business operations tomorrow. The opening of business establishiments in the Central Business District will be on status quo.
All private wharves in the city are strictly not allowed to service passengers per directive from the Coast Guard-PPA. Transport of cargoes to and from Zamboanga through the private wharves will be regulated.
The CMC also requested our police and military authorities to tighten security in all vital installations while a task force is mandated to work on the Rehabilitation. Relief operations are still on going while we campaign for donations. Gun bun exemption is still being requested in the COIMELEC, coordination with Task Force and PNP is done for the barangays.
Querido compoblanos de Zamboanga, el gobierno local hunto con el maga agencia nacional ta continua todo esfuerzo para atende todo el necesidades del maga afectao familia y individual. The LGU in collaboration with national government agencies continues to exert extra efforts to address the needs of the affected families and individuals.
Ta recivi el CMC maga conciernes del maga evacuees, el seguridad tambien de casa y propiedad, to the best we can we refer for investigation and verification. Ta pidi came de ustedes intendimeiento y largo pasensya as we have just began our first step to recovery. We remain grateful to all those who voluntarily assist the city to ease the sufferings of our people.
Christians, Muslims and Lumands—let us remain united and strong, as we together confront this unfortunate incident that befell on our city. Let us together rise from the ashes and rebuild a better Zamboanga City and a brighter future for our children.
As always let us remain, under one flag, one Philippines, one Zamboanga! Vaya con Dios!
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