Zamboanga evacuation site formally closed

ZAMBOANGA CITY—Government officials and leaders of humanitarian groups on Monday folded a tent, or shelter box, to symbolize the closure of Don Joaquin F. Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex, which had been home to more than 100,000 families at the height of fighting between the military and followers of Moro leader Nur Misuari in 2013.

Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman, Mayor Maria Isabelle Salazar and members of United Nations humanitarian agencies led the ceremonial folding of the donated dwelling to mark the end of the grandstand’s use as an evacuation center.

“This is a new beginning for everyone, a start of a new life,” Soliman said. She was also here to oversee the transfer of more than 300 families to relocation sites in the villages of Kasanyangan, Asinan and Masepla.

Salazar said she expected families to be emotional about leaving the sports complex for good.

“When we close the grandstand, we blessed it and thanked the grandstand for it embraced us to stay here, and that we are grateful for the roof it provided for nearly two years,” she said. “My message is not to be afraid. Allah is there.”

Interior Secretary Mar Roxas said 64 families remaining at the grandstand would be transferred to the transitory sites in the coming days, “and later to their own new permanent homes.”

‘Example of change’

Roxas also visited Kasanyangan where more than 700 displaced people are staying in housing units put up with funds from the International Organization for Migration. “This is a concrete example of change,” he said, citing the new dwellings made of coconut lumber, galvanized iron sheets and bamboo.

Soliman said her agency had spent nearly P1 billion for the evacuees since September 2013, when government forces fought members of the Misuari-led faction of the Moro National Liberation Front who entered the city.

As soon as all families are transferred, the Department of Public Works and Highways “will come in to start the rehabilitation” of the sports complex, the secretary said. The evacuees will be tapped to help clear the grandstand, she said. Julie S. Alipala, Inquirer Mindanao