Over 75k  people still displaced 2 months since Zambo City siege — UN report

At least 75,700 residents in Zamboanga city or more than half of an estimated 137,000 people displaced by hostilities that began on Sept. 9 are still in evacuation centers and elsewhere, according to a United Nations Report.

The city, that had been attacked by rogue members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) that took dozens of residents hostage in the siege that lasted almost three weeks, is also hounded by the absence of a concrete plan for permanent housing, and the lack of available land for alternative relocation sites, the UN report noted.

"Out of the estimated 137,000 people affected by the conflict in Zamboanga City and Basilan province, 75,691 remain displaced in Zamboanga compared to 78,409 on Oct. 29 according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development," the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in their November 5, 2013 report.

The report, produced in collaboration with humanitarian partners, covered the period October 30 to November 4.

Of the 75,700 displaced Zamboanga, 37,629 are 17 evacuation centers and 38,062 are staying in other places, according the report .

Meanwhile, in Basilan, an estimated 31,100 dispalced residents have returned home while 1,243 are still in evacuation centers, the report said.

The lack of land for relocation sites in Zamboanga City "continues to pose significant challenges as evacuation centers remain congested despite some people already beginning to return to areas cleared by the local government," the report said.

While land preparation for additional relocation sites in Barangays Tulungatung and Taluksangay are ongoing, these were far from the city center, the report said.

Moreover, it said the planned temporary row houses for the internally displaced are not enough to accommodate those whose houses were destroyed.

"Guidelines for the selection of beneficiaries of row houses are still being formulated and there is currently no concrete plan developed for permanent housing," it added.

It also cited some reports of looting in Zamboanga City's Barangay Santa Barbara, which was severely affected by the siege.

A total of $2 million or over P86 million is required to address the food needs of those affected, the UN said.

Meanwhile, with an estimated $2.4 million or P104 million in losses and damages to education facilities and supplies, at least $3.1 million or P134 million is needed for recovery, it added.

The Zamboanga City siege that ended on Sept. 29 was led by over 200 MNLF rebels to stake an independence bid there after declaring a separate republic in Mindanao, caliming the government sidelined them in a peace pact with the rival Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

MNLF founder Nur Misuari and at least 277 followers had been charged with rebellion and violation of International Humanitarian Law dur to the attack that left dozens civilians and soldiers dead, while over 200 rebels were killed. — Marc Jayson Cayabyab /LBG, GMA News