Vice President Jejomar C. Binay has ordered the government’s key shelter agencies (KSAs) to prepare assistance packages for residents displaced by the fighting in Zamboanga City.

            The Vice President said the National Housing Authority (NHA) will offer a housing program to assist those whose homes were totally damaged by the on-going clash between government forces and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

            “The NHA will also provide P5,000 worth of building materials to Zamboanga City residents whose houses were partially damaged by the conflict,” the housing czar added.

            The NHA previously offered the same home material assistance to homeowners affected by Typhoon Labuyo.

            Binay added that the NHA will coordinate with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to assess which residents will be eligible for the housing assistance package.

            Authorities have said that some of the destroyed homes may have been caused by rebels who deliberately set the houses on fire to mask their escape.

            The Vice President said NHA will also be coordinating with the Home Development Mututal Fund (HDMF or Pag-IBIG Fund) to assess how they will be able to complement the NHA’s programs and contribute to the housing funds.

            “Inspite of the on-going crisis, we have already deployed our people on the ground to assess how many are affected and how best to assist them,” the housing czar said.

            News reports peg the number of people affected by the clash at more than 82,000 from 14 barangays, with some 50,000 currently staying at the Joaquin Enriquez Sports Complex.