Zamboanga City re-imposes curfew

In this handout photo released by the Philippine Information Agency Region IX shows Philippine military troops come down from a military truck as they secure an area in Zamboanga city, southern Philippines. AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Curfew is set to be imposed in Zamboanga City for the second time Tuesday amid the continuing standoff between government forces and armed members of the Moro National Liberation Front.

“The imposition of curfew in Zamboanga City will continue starting at 8 p.m. [Tuesday] until 5 a.m. tomorrow [Wednesday],” the Zamboanga City government posted in its Twitter account (@zambocitygovt).

It also said classes in all levels—public and private—are still suspended.

City government operations, on the other hand, will resume on Wednesday.

“Heads of national agencies are also encouraged to evaluate possibility of resumption of work,” it said.

The resumption of operations of banks, on the other hand, would be the discretion of bank managements in coordination with Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

“We urge business establishments to be opened starting tomorrow (Wednesday) except those in affected areas which will be upon the discretion of owners,” it said.

“We likewise appeal to business establishments to ensure that prices of commodities remain stable,” it added.

It meanwhile appealed to the public to purchase items only enough for an entire day so as to prevent shortage of supplies.

It said the main public market will remain closed but the Sta. Cruz market and the Bagsakan center will be opened on Wednesday.

Fifteen houses, on the other hand, have been set up as temporary shelters for displaced families from affected villages.

“[The] Main evacuation center is at grandstand,” it said.

For emergencies and other concerns, it said the public can contact hotline numbers 992-2385 or 992-3137 for the command center, 117 or 166 and 09063680749.