Zambo City evacuees swell to 62,000

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines -  At least 62,000 people have been displaced in Zamboanga City as the hostilities by Nur Misuari's followers continue on Saturday.

In his brief visit at the evacuation center in Joaquin F. Enriquez Sports Complex, President Benigno Aquino III assured the displaced residents that there is enough relief supply for the next to weeks.

Aquino expressed his sympathy to the displaced civilians and assured them that the government is addressing the crisis the soonest possible time.

Soliman said the ongoing hostilities have displaced a total of 11,629 families or about 62,329 individuals sheltered in at least 26 evacuation centers.

The bulk of the displaced victims were staying at the sport complex, where officials have set up big tents, portalets and water supplies. Most of the victims were sleeping in the Olympic standard grandstand.

Mobile clinics and food distribution centers have also been set up inside the area.

The city health office, meanwhile, expressed fears of a possible outbreak of diseases in the evacuation centers and noted a rising case of diarrhea and viral infections.

Dr. Rodelyn Agbulos said they are already anticipating the cases of measles, mumps and sore eyes.

Soliman, meanwhile, dismissed reports that there were discrimination of housing the evacuees after it was observed that the Badjao were sheltering only on the seaside near the sports complex.

“We have to look at the cultural consideration and there is no discrimination of the evacuees,” Soliman said.

She said the Badjao tribe have chosen to stay on the seaside to have a better watch on their bancas.

Soliman said the Badjaos were counted as among the displaced people.