BACOLOD CITY, (PNA) — As the crisis in Zamboanga City continues, Bacolod Lone District Rep. Evelio Leonardia called on the Bacolodnons to support President S. Benigno Aquino III in prayer as he leads the government in seeking speedy resolution to the two-week stand-off.
“This is one time in our country’s history when we need to stand together behind our President and our soldiers in the fight to keep our territorial integrity,” Leonardia said in a statement on Sunday.
The Bacolod lawmaker said he signed House Resolution No. 303 seeking to raise a P2.89-million donation for Zamboanga City.
The resolution authorizes Congress to deduct P10,000 from the salary of each congressman for the donation.
According to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), 125 people have already died in the fighting between government troopers and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
The fatalities include 99 MNLF members, 11 soldiers, 3 policemen, and 12 civilians.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said P3.9 billion has been set aside for the early recovery and rehabilitation of families affected by crisis.
The fund from the government will be implemented through DSWD’s supervision in coordination with the Crisis Management Committee.