Zambo standoff 'catastrophic' to business

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines   - A businessman said the present standoff between the government forces and the rebels of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) as catastrophic to the business sector.

“Quantifying and scaling the huge economic losses at this time from yesterday and the continuing unresolved standoff today, is catastrophic to say the least to the business and industrial sector, as well  to  the banking sector which transacts billions of pesos daily," said Tiolo Soliven, president of the Zamboanga City Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZCCCI).

Business operations have been suspended  for the second straight day as hostilities resumed between the government forces and the members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) allied with Nur Misuari that continued to occupy villages and hold residents as human shields.

Soliven said losses  are estimated to be bigger as airlines cancelled flights to and from the city.

He said Zamboanga City is a traditional source of consumer goods as well as buyer of raw materials such as rubber, copra, carrageenan in the region and the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

“So do the math: its effect  to the business community as well as to the labor sector in the region is catastrophic,” Soliven said.

“But more than the financial aspect, the reputation and image of our city which we have labored to nurture as a peaceful investment hub [has been affected], [and]  the negative perception of Zamboanga City has been  reinforced. The Zoom in Zamboanga  promotion meant to sell the city as a tourism hub just went down the drain. Such a waste of efforts and public funds,” he added in a statement.

Still, Soliven urged the business community to stay focused and positive.

“Tough times don't last, tough people do, we Zamboanguenos are made of sterner stuff we will see this through," he said.