ZAMBOANGA CITY – The local government has started cleaning up the Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex which served as the biggest temporary shelter for more than 120,000 people displaced by rebel attacks in 2013.
Mayor Beng Climaco said the cost of the rehabilitation of the sports complex could reach P335 million, but the funding – according to Post Conflict and Needs Assessment (PCNA) is only P241 million.
Climaco said the City Government will make a representation to the Office of the President for the additional amount needed for the rehabilitation project.
“From a sports complex to a haven for displaced families, the Grandstand begins its road to recovery after serving as one of the largest evacuation centers for internally displaced people during and after 2013 rebel siege. Clearing operations are now paving the way for its rehabilitation,” Climaco said.
Rebel forces from Basilan and Sulu provinces under the command of Habier Malik, an aide of Moro National Liberation Front chieftain Nur Misuari, stormed Zamboanga on September 9, 2013 and took over 200 people hostage and used them as shield against government soldiers and policemen. More than 400 people were killed and wounded in the fighting that lasted three weeks.
Misuari, who signed a peace accord with Manila in 1996, accused the Aquino government of reneging on the peal deal and launched a new rebellion, the second in more than a decade.
In 2001, loyal forces of Misuari also attacked military bases in Zamboanga City and Jolo town in Sulu province and the clashes killed over 100 people.
Misuari, who fled to Malaysia after the failed siege, was arrested and jailed, but eventually released by then President Gloria Arroyo after he pledged loyalty and support to the politician. He is now at large and hiding in Sulu, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region in Mindanao. (Stephanie P. Gonida)
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