Gov't ops in Zambo cost P150M

MANILA, Philippines - The government has spent at least P150 million to bankroll the security operations in Zamboanga City, a military official said tuesday. Armed Forces Vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Alan Luga said among the items funded by the amount were fuel, medicines and food of soldiers. “Maybe fuel accounted for more than 50 percent (of the expenses). The rest were medicines, hospitalization of those who were wounded and additional food,” Luga said in Filipino. “It was expensive because of the fuel costs involved in the flight of the C-130s,” he added. The figure covered the operations conducted since the start of the Zamboanga crisis Sept. 9. However, Luga said some items have yet to be accounted for since the clearing operations are still underway. The clearing operations were meant to remove explosives and to ferret out stragglers to ensure the safety of residents. Luga, nevertheless, believes they were able to maximize the resources given to them. He said the use of military aircraft entailed less costs compared to taking chartered commercial flights. The Zamboanga City crisis started last Sept. 9 after followers of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founder Nur Misuari tried to hoist their flag at the city hall. The move came weeks after Misuari declared independence from the Philippines in Talipao, Sulu and declared himself head of what he called the “Bangsamoro Republik.” Clashes between Misuari followers and security forces then ensued, leaving more than 200 persons, mostly Misuari supporters, dead. After almost three weeks of gun battles, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin declared that the crisis is over but clearing operations would be conducted to weed out stragglers and explosives. The crisis displaced hundreds of thousands of people and disrupted economic activity in the city. Rebellion charges have been filed against Misuari, who remains elusive to authorities.