Zambo City gov't resumes issuance of cedula

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The local crisis management committee (CMC) has lifted the suspension of the issuance of community tax certificate (CTC) and barangay certifications.

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, chairperson of the CMC, said the body decided the lift of the suspension as the situations in the city have started to normalize.

Salazar, meanwhile, directed the barangay officials to carefully scrutinize the background of those who will apply for CTCs and barangay certifications.

The city government suspended the issuance of the CTCs and barangay certificates at the height of the standoff between government troops and members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) loyal to Nur Misuari.

“We urge barangay leaders to ensure that the person that is being issued with these documents is properly identified and a legitimate resident of their respective barangays,” Salazar said.

The military and the police believe that several members of the MNLF involved in the standoff have blended with the residents of Sta. Barbara, Sta. Catalina, Mariki and Rio Hondo villages.

Clearing operations of the affected villages are ongoing.

The national government has said that the rehabilitation of the city will follow right after the clearing operations.