Senate resolution cites gallantry of soldiers, cops in Zamboanga siege

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO/RYAN LEAGOGO

MANILA, Philippines– Soldiers and policemen who gallantly battled members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) during the Zamboanga City crisis have received commendations through a resolution filed at the Senate.

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero filed  Senate Resolution No. 283, commending the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police “for squarely facing  the rogue elements” who tried to siege Zamboanga City in August.

The attack resulted in a three-week-long standoff between the national security forces and the MNLF rebels and the death of a number of soldiers, policemen, rebels, and civilians. It had also displaced hundreds of thousands of residents there.

“The utmost display of dedication and commitment of the AFP and PNP to subdue the enemies of the State despite imminent danger and loss of lives cannot be overstated. They squarely fought the enemies with bravery and gallantry without any reservations. The city is now recapturing its peace and order because of these brave men in uniform,” Escudero said in a statement on Friday.

In the resolution, the senator noted that the accomplishment of the soldiers and the policemen in reinstating and maintaining the gains of peace and order was characterized by their performance of a sworn duty and not by its mere utterance.

“Our men stood by it in an actual battle for country and people. They deserve the Senate’s commendation for their heroic performance of their sworn constitutional duty as protectors of the people and the State and as sentinels of peace and order in Zamboanga crisis,” it said.