AFP commemorates Zamboanga siege

MEMBERS of the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion pose for a souvenir photo before leaving Zamboanga City. INQUIRER MINDANAO FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – It was high time for government troops to celebrate their victory.

After a holding their ground and liberating Zamboanga City, the Armed Forces of the Philippine commemorated its victory a year later after the Zamboanga Siege.

Zamboanga Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar paid homage to the camouflaged men who took part in what the AFP now calls as the “Defense of Zamboanga.”

Salazar also honored civilians who helped restore Zamboanga City.

“The victory of Zamboanga will always remind us of the heroism and sacrifices of our soldiers,” Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala, AFP Public Affairs Office Chief, said. “They risked their lives to defend the city and save innocent civilians from lawless elements selfishly trying to grab power.”

From September 9 to September 29, government troops fought and defeated renegade Muslim separatists in Zamboanga City.

During the one-year anniversary commemoration, General Gregorio Pio Catapang, AFP Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Rustico Guerrero, Commander AFP Western Mindanao Command, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas witnessed a “three-volley-of-fire” commemoration to honor the soldiers who fought in the siege.

A wreath-laying ceremony was also held, together with the salute, at the Zamboanga City Hall.

“Rest assured the AFP will continue to guard against those who attempt to destroy or harm our way of life. Be it Zamboanga or anywhere else,” Zagala said.

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