40,000 still displaced in Zamboanga City a year after attack – ICRC

One year since the start of a deadly, 20-day attack on Zamboanga City by followers of Moro National Liberation Front founding chairman Nur Misuari, about 40,000 residents are still displaced and in need of permanent shelter and livelihood opportunities, according to an infographic from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) released Tuesday.



The ICRC also talked about its ongoing efforts to improve conditions in the city in a video interview.



According to ICRC delegate Gareth Gleed in the video, the committee's response to the crisis was in two phases: the immediate emergency response during the crisis, and the extension of its humanitarian assistance during the recovery phase. This includes feeding programs, medical services, and food and hygiene kit distributions.

"We are now a year after the end of hostilities, and there has not yet been sufficient investment in providing the displaced communities the opportunity to determine their own future, to rebuild their livelihoods, to rebuild their communities...A lot of the needs that were identified in the immediate aftermath of the conflict still remain very present today," Gleed added.

On Sept. 9, 2013, MNLF forces entered Zamboanga City, the start of a 20-day crisis that left at least 12 civilians and 18 soldiers killed, almost 120,000 people displaced, and about P200 million in property damage. — BM, GMA News