Children die in Zamboanga evacuation camps

Displaced Zamboanga City residents might have escaped the gunfire during the bloody standoff between government troops and Muslim rebels in September 2013 but they risk death every day as they continue to live in evacuation camps 5 months after the crisis. Of the 86 people who have died in evacuation camps in Zamboanga City since September 2013, more than 50% are children under 5 years old. Cramped shelters and poor living conditions have caused health problems for families. Local officials said it is high time for displaced residents to be relocated to better temporary shelters. They met with Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson February 19 in Manila to fast-track the construction of bunkhouses in the area.

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