Military camp to rise in Zamboanga City

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Jan 29): Military camp to rise in Zamboanga City

THE Department of National Defense (DND) has allocated P50 million for the construction of a military facility in the Zamboanga siege area.

The military facility is to be constructed in the village of Rio Hondo that will take charge of the security measures in the villages and the neighboring areas.

The village of Rio Hondo along with Mariki, Sta. Barbara, and Sta. Catalina have been dubbed as "ground zero" area as it was the center of the fighting between the government forces and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members during the 21-day September 2013 siege.

Ground zero means the central point in an area of fast change or intense activity, according to the Merriam-Webster.

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said the National Government has already finalized the acquisition of the Mindeva property in the village of Rio Hondo where the military base will be constructed.

Salazar said the property cost of P50 million will be funded by the National Government through the DND in coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways.

She said the groundbreaking ceremony will take place soon with DND Undersecretary Alexander Pama, who is also the executive director for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) leading the rites.

The military facility forms part of the Zamboanga City Roadmap to Recovery and Reconstruction plan intended to improve the overall environment of the communities affected by the siege.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2016/01/29/military-camp-rise-zamboanga-city-454411