Malls in Zamboanga open as crisis enters 17th day

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - A number of shopping malls here, near the conflict zone, , opened for business under tight military security after losing P324-million pesos a day in the standoff which is on its 17th day now.

The opening came following a series of coordination and meeting among the business leaders in this city, according to Zamboanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZCCi) president Pocholo Soliven.

Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas and Soliven joined the group of businessmen in the opening of one of the largest malls near the Immaculate Cathedral.

Soliven cited the records of the National Static Coordination Board (NSCB), which said business establishments, including malls and other informal business traders, pegged the losses at P324 million per day.

Soliven said the amount is besides the estimate of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) which states that the business sector was losing some P750 to P800 millions of unrealized profit owing to the conflict.

The losses in money circulation as per Central Bank report was around P50 billion to P55 billion.

“This is a strong message that we are back on business and we will go on business as usual from now on,” soliven said.

Soliven said their decision to open business is also a challenge for the city hall to resume government services for the public.

The city hall is located  less than 400 meters away from Sta. Barbara, the area where the group of the  Nur Misuari faction of the Moro National  under Habier Malik continues to hide in from  the offensive of the military for 17 days now.

“That is a symbol of governance. At least they should take the lead and show they have control [of the situation],” Soliven added citing that city hall is surrounded with several business establishments.

He said the business community is taking the lead in restoring normalcy to the local economy because they have to encourage the people  a crisis situation like this.

“We have gone beyond fear – enough is enough,” Soliven added. - Roel  Pareño