Mayor Khymer Olaso welcomed representatives of anti-corruption advocacy groups during a courtesy visit in City Hall Friday, September 19, approving their plan to hold a peaceful rally against government corruption on Sunday, September 21 at Freedom Park in Barangay Pasonanca.

The Zamboanga Contra Corrupcion (ZCC), Martsa Kontra Korapsyon Collective (MKKC) and Hakbang ng Maisug Zamboanga City (HMZC)are leading the initiative, which will commence with a holy mass at the Holy Trinity Parish before participants proceed to Freedom Park for the main program at 3 p.m. Wider involvement from various sectors is also anticipated to strengthen the united call for good governance.

Mayor Olaso reminded the groups that the activity may proceed peacefully, provided it does not cause disruptions or incite violence. He stressed that the initiative seeks to reinforce the demand for transparency and accountability in government, while affirming his support for the cause.

During the dialogue, the groups inititially sought to hold the rally in a central area of the city, but the mayor recommended Freedom Park instead to ease traffic congestion and prevent possible disturbances.

Meanwhile, the mayor also underscored the essence of fairness and just leadership, reiterating his vision for Zamboanga’s progress anchored on genuine freedom and democracy, while recognizing the role of collective action in fostering a corruption-free city.

The visiting representatives included Palma Mucktar of HMZC, Iver Hanz Arboiz of MKKC, and John Canto and Jessa Polisco of ZCC. Also present during the dialogue was Chief of Staff and Secretary to the Mayor Celso Lobregat. (Arvin Midel) (photo credits: Kathy Wee Sit)