By Maria Farina Roa, KKP Faculty Program Officer for Issue Advocacy

The City of Zamboanga is undergoing turmoil as conflict breaks out between the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) - Misuari faction and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). This has caused the displacement of many people from their homes to evacuation centers.

As of this writing, the death toll in Zamboanga City is 62—most of these are from MNLF. In an article from Philippine Star, the AFP public affairs chief Lieutenant Colonel Remon Zagala said that among those killed, 51 came from MNLF, five civilians, and three from the military and police.

Nearly 200 MNLF rebels took around 180 hostages in Zamboanga in today’s last update. This happened after government troops prevented the MNLF from raising their flag at the city hall of the said city.

It is in this light that Xavier University through Kristohanong Katilingban sa Pagpakabana – Social Involvement Office (KKP-SIO) is conducting the TABANG ZAMBO RELIEF OPERATION. This shall run for a week inside as well as outside the campus. There are stations located in the SEP Mall, the Magis lobby, a tent fronting the chapel. XU KKP shall be accepting relief goods prioritizing the following:

- Rice, canned goods, noodles
- Clothes
- Toiletries
- Needs of children/women
- Sleeping materials

Donations in cash shall also be accommodated through XU Research and Social Outreach (RSO) Office. Kindly contact Farina Roa at 09177237413 for donations in kind and Gail de la Rita at 09328778926.

I am appealing for your generous support. May these our kind efforts contribute relief assistance to our brothers and sisters in Zamboanga.

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