ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept. 4 (PNA) -– President Benigno Simeon Aquino III has allocated PhP124 million for the purchase of a lot and the construction of marine base in Barangay Rio Hondo, this city, Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said Friday.
The Philippine Navy, through the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM), is now coordinating with the Department of National Defense (DND) for the implementation of the project, she said.
The barangay of Rio Hondo was one of the staging areas of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members of the 21-day September 2013 siege.
Salazar said the establishment of the military security camp was based on the post-conflict needs assessment (PCNA) conducted by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and other agencies.
Salazar said the construction of the military facility in Barangay Rio Hondo is expected to help ensure security in the area and in the neighboring areas considered as vulnerable to lawless elements and other illegal activities.
Salazar has sought the intervention of DND Sec. Voltaire Gazmin for the expeditious release of remaining funds under the Zamboanga City Roadmap to Recovery and Reconstruction (Z3R) Plan as well as the funds needed by the sectors listed in the PCNA document.
The Z3R plan is a PhP3.5-billion package, as approved by President Aquino.
Of the total amount, P2.56 billion has been downloaded for shelter, land acquisition, land development, assistance and contingencies. (PNA)