Congressmen donate P10,000 each to Zambo crisis victims

MANILA, Philippines - The 289 members of the House of Representatives will provide financial assistance worth at least P10,000 to the residents affected by the ongoing standoff in Zamboanga City.

Lawmakers have adopted House Resolution No. 03 which provides a one-time P10,000 donation from each House member's monthly salary.

House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte the resolution recognizes the need for immediate aid and relief for the Zamboanga standoff victims.

"The House of Representatives hereby extends financial assistance to the victims of this crisis which has resulted in massive damage to property and infrastructure, and adversely affected the livelihood of the people of Zamboanga," said Belmonte.

A total of P2.89 million is expected to be provided to the affected residents.

The National Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council said over 82,000 people from the 15 barangays have been affected by the continuing crisis, with thousands forced to flee their homes and seek shelter in evacuation centers within the city.

The House of Representatives has also condemned the ongoing conflict caused by the invasion of members of the Nur Misuar-led faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) on September 9.

"Violence is definitely not at all the solution to achieve the peace sought by our brothers in Mindanao and by the Aquino government," Belmonte said.