Zambo businesses suffer P763M losses

MANILA, Philippines - The business sector of Zamboanga City has so far lost P763 million due to the standoff between government forces and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels that has now entered its 12th day.

Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco said in a statement on Thursday evening that the crisis situation is "hitting hard" the business sector in the city based on the assessment of the Department of Trade and Industry.

The manufacturing sector recorded unconsummated sales of P634 million while retail and servicing have lost P68 million and P61 million, respectively, from September 9 to 18.

The amount already includes the tangible and intangible items of trade but excludes workers' salaries and the banking industry.

Climaco said the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has scheduled periodic currency shipments to the Zamboanga branch starting Thursday to ensure the continuous availability of cash to local banks.

Commercial flights have also resumed on Thursday after 10 days of being forced to shut down due to the ongoing standoff.

"A sense of normalcy is felt in most parts of the city today, as national government agencies and private offices and companies outside the conflict zone resumed operations," Climaco said. "More and more commercial establishments, banks and other business centers opened today."

The Zamboanga standoff started last September 9 when members of the Nur Misuari-led faction of the MNLF infiltrated several villages to conduct a "peace rally."

According to the latest data of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC),  the crisis has affected 118,819 people from 14 barangays as of Thursday.

Of this figure, 112,916 people are currently inside 57 evacuation centers.

The standoff has so far left at least 103 people dead including 80 members of the MNLF and 10 civilians.

A total of 180 people have also been wounded.

The NDRRMC reported that as of Thursday, a total of 10,160 houses were totally damaged due to the series of fire incidents that transpired from the hostilities in the affected communities.

Around P10.5 million worth of damages was incurred from the series of fires.

On Wednesday, an emotional Climaco vowed that Zamboanga City will rise again.

"Let not devastation creep in our hearts. Zamboanguenos are bigger than this. We shall fight for justice. We shall rebuild this city. We shall come out stronger after all these," she said in a televised press briefing.