Government troops stand by the ruins at the site of a three-week intense fighting between government forces and Muslim rebels Sept. 28, 2013, in Zamboanga City. The United Nations has released $3 million (P126 million) in emergency funding for the conflict-stricken city and Basilan while continuing to appeal to the international community to contribute $21 million (P882 million) more for relief and rehabilitation efforts in the next six months. AP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines-The United Nations has released $3 million (P126 million) in emergency funding for conflict-stricken Zamboanga City and Basilan while continuing to appeal to the international community to contribute $21 million (P882 million) more for relief and rehabilitation efforts in the next six months.
The world body cited the deteriorating living conditions of more than 117,000 people displaced by fighting between state security forces and Moro rebels in Zamboanga City and some 8,000 evacuees on Basilan Island.
Flooding caused by monsoon rains has made the situation worse for the displaced people crammed in evacuation centers in Zamboanga City, the United Nations said.
The United Nations earlier estimated that relief operations in conflict-hit areas in southern Philippines would require $24 million (nearly P1 billion) in funding in the next few months.
Immediate needs
“We carried out an assessment with the Office of Civil Defense and looked at the most immediate needs of the displaced people,” UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in the Philippines Luiza Carvalho said in statement.
“We are requesting $24 million for the overall humanitarian operation and the CERF (Central Emergency Response Fund) funding gives us the resources to scale up the response to support government line departments and local authorities,” Carvalho said.
She called on the international community to deal with the “remaining $21-million gap.”
The CERF, managed by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, is one of the world’s largest sources of humanitarian funding, according to the United Nations.
The immediate $3-million allotment will go to support UN agencies working in the Philippines and other partner institutions “to provide life-saving assistance.”
Food, sanitation
According to the world body, the amount will fund the distribution of supplies of water, food and nonfood items related to hygiene and sanitation, and the protection of women and children.
Earlier, UN humanitarian workers cited worsening conditions in evacuation centers as residents lacked toilet and sanitation facilities. There have also been reported incidents of abuses against women and children.
The European Union recently announced a P17-million relief assistance for Zamboanga City.
The United States has provided nearly P30 million in aid for water and other sanitation requirements.
Australia committed P10 million for emergency relief.
More 200 people died during the 21 days of fighting between government forces and fighters from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) faction led by Nur Misuari in Zamboanga City last month.
The conflict, which began on Sept. 9, forced some 158,000 people to flee their homes.
Some 10,000 houses were razed and 30-40 hectares of community areas were reduced to rubble, according to city officials.
In nearby Basilan province, an estimated 8,000 people were displaced following similar attacks by the separatist Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, which, like the MNLF, is opposing peace talks between the government and the larger Moro Islamic Liberation Front.