Aquino to Zambo evacuees: ‘We have your back’

President Aquino rallies government soldiers and later holds a press conference during his lightning visit to Zamboanga City on Friday morning. EDWIN BACASMAS

MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III on Saturday assured thousands of evacuees from the ongoing firefight between government troops and Moro forces in Zamboanga City “not to worry” because “we have your back”.

“I strongly appeal to all of you: Do not worry. We have your back. We have certain things we expect of one another so that we can help each other more efficiently. Is that possible? Can we count on you?” Aquino said during his visit at the Joaquin F. Enriquez Sports Complex that was converted into an evacuation center to house 44,000 evacuees from six villages (barangay) taken over by the Moro gunmen.

“From time to time… we are progressively reducing the possibility of wreaking havoc here in Zamboanga City, and we will end this in the soonest possible time,” Aquino said.

Along with the President were Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Soliman, Defense Secretary Gazmin, and Zamboanga Mayor Beng Climaco.

He also expressed his gratitude to the evacuees, assuring them that the “problem of ours is getting closer to resolution.”

Aquino said the administration was “progressively reducing the possibility of wreaking havoc” in the city.

“True, there will still be skirmishes, but they (MNLF) did not succeed in their grim intentions,” he added.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front) has not yet sent surrender feelers.

On its sixth day, the ongoing firefight left 52 civilians killed and 56 others wounded.

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