MANILA, (PNA) — President Benigno S. Aquino III assured the people of Zamboanga City on Wednesday that there are available funds from the national government and disbursement could immediately start as long as the city government provides a detailed rebuilding plan.
“The funds are available, awaiting only the concrete plan, meaning, lahat nung details,” the President said in an interview after his attendance to the Brotherhood of Christian Business and Professionals’ Grand Breakfast at SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
The President said this plan includes the number of houses to be built, the layout of villages, the distances from commercial centers, funding mechanism, assistance to affected students, cash-for-work programs, the duration of project implementation and others.
“We need to have all of the details in place before we are able to disburse the funding. Hindi ‘yung disburse at bahala na ’yung plano. Plano muna na konkreto tapos, disburse ng funds,” he said.
Asked to comment on Zamboanga’s call for the declaration of humanitarian crisis so that foreign aid could come in, the President said that as of the moment there are foreign organizations already working hand in hand with domestic relief groups for Zamboanga’s rehabilitation.
The Zamboanga situation is a very significant problem for the government, the President admitted, noting that over a hundred thousand people are being cared for by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
But he also assured the people of Zamboanga City that the government will not be scrounging for funds to put their lives back to order. The President has previously promised a P3.9 billion fund for Zamboanga’s reconstruction.
As to the recent update on the Zamboanga City crisis, the President said security forces are still ferreting out some rebels. But, the AFP has already turned over to the PNP the actual clearing operation to secure the communities against booby traps and unexploded munitions.
With regards to Habier Malik, the Moro National Liberation Front leader who led the attack in Zamboanga, the President said the government is not ready to make a positive statement about his status as forensic experts conduct tests including DNA analysis.
The government is also moving detained or captured MNLF rebels to another location to enhance security in Zamboanga City noting their presence in the city might cause tension within the community.
The justice department’s work is also ongoing for the filing of cases against MNLF founding Chairman Nur Misuari, he said.
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima will be going to Zamboanga City to check on the work of the prosecutors who have been interviewing witnesses and hostages to come up with a strong case against Misuari and his men.
“It is still an ongoing work. Sa hostages alone, you’re interviewing over 190 individuals, tapos, meron din ‘yung interrogations done to the captured individuals whose inputs will also be put in,” the President said.
“Their statements are being collated; the evidence is being collected and at the end of the day, we hope to file a very strong case against all of the people involved,” the President said.