MANILA - As the fighting in Zamboanga City reached its 11th day, the question still remains - how is the military providing food to soldiers on the frontlines of the battle with the Moro National Liberation Front?
Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, chief of the Armed Forces public affairs office, admitted there have been some delays in bringing food to hungry soldiers fighting the rebels in 5 Zamboanga villages.
He also admitted that mess officers for some of the units might have a hard time finding a place to cook for the soldiers.
Earlier reports said some soldiers have asked Zamboanga residents for food since their own food supply is running low.
To solve the problem, Zagala said the military is buying ready-to-eat food from commercial establishments to feed the soldiers.
"We recognize na meron tayong ganitong pangyayari but it is not the intent of the leadership of the AFP na magutom ang ating mga sundalo. Alam natin na they are in the middle of the fight at kailanganag makapag-concentrate sa labanan," Zagala said.
He added: "As early as last week, we provided meals ready toe at mga pagkain although commercial na madaling buksan ng ating sundalo in the front para hindi na kailangang pumunta sa rear para kumain."
Zagala earlier said some of the soldiers might not have time to eat because of the ongoing conflict. He said some of the soldiers chose not to eat because of the mission.
"I'd like to say that although they do not eat regularly , it does not necessarily state that they do not have the necessary support. They do have that," he said.
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
