ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Interior Secretary Mar Roxas and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin yesterday led the commemoration of the heroism and bravery of soldiers who defended this city during the 21-day siege laid by the followers of fugitive Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leader Nur Misuari last year.
The Zamboanga crisis ended on Sept. 29, 2013 after government forces recaptured the areas occupied by the MNLF bandits.
Roxas and Gazmin awarded medals to the soldiers and police officers for their courage in defending the city and rescuing the hostages held by the MNLF rebels.
They also remembered the fallen soldiers who risked their lives at the height of the siege.
“It’s a bittersweet occasion because we saw that war did not bring out the worst in the Zamboangueños but brought out the best in you. You were united behind one flag, one nation, one Zamboanga,” Roxas said in his speech.
“We cannot forget the bravery of the soldiers and policemen who first responded, but most of all we cannot forget the civilians who risked their lives,” he added.
Roxas also expressed his admiration for the ordinary Zamboangueños “who believed that Zamboanga is worth fighting for.”
Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar presented certificates of commendation to the military and police officials who helped quell the MNLF rebels from taking over the seat of local government.
Salazar also cited the Red Cross and various international humanitarian groups that helped in the relief missions following the siege.