Mayor John Dalipe together with Vice Mayor Josephine Pareja leads Zamboangueños in a brief but fitting ceremony honoring the individuals who lost their lives on September 9, 2013.

“Today is a day deeply imprinted in the hearts and minds of every Zamboangueño, because, first it reminds us of the bravery and valor of security forces who fought valiantly to secure our beloved city from the grip of rebel forces,” Mayor Dalipe said in his message during the 11th Zamboanga siege Memorial Ceremony at the Freedom Fighters Memorial Shrine Plaza in Rizal Street Monday morning.

While the September 9 memorial ceremony reminisces a painful chapter of the city’s history that led to separation, death and destruction, Mayor Dalipe appealed to residents to not let the commemoration of the Zamboanga siege lead to a mere recollection of conflict, pain and suffering “but instead let this difficult chapter remind us of our capacity in the face of adversity and our potential as one united city.”

“The challenges posed by security is by no means resolved by the end of Zamboanga siege. We will always continue to face challenges but let us do so as one united front, for us and our beloved city to achieve the most awaited progress and development,” the chief executive added.

The event was highlighted by a wreath-laying ceremony, the taps and 21-gun salute and was attended by various military and police agencies and units, private organizations and local and government agencies.

Various institutions were likewise recognized for their support and assistance during and even after the siege. They included the Zamboanga Peninsula Hospital, Puericulture Center and Lying in Clinic, West Metro Medical Center, Zamboanga Doctors’ Hospital, City Health Office, Department of Health-9, Brent Hospital and Colleges Inc., Mindanao Central Sanitarium, Zamboanga City Medical Center, Ciudad Medical, Philippine Red Cross-ZC Chapter and Universidad de Zamboanga.

Thirty-eight (38) people including 20 soldiers, five policemen and 13 civilians were killed during the 21-day siege that broke out on September 9, 2013. The siege erupted after hundreds of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) forces loyal to MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari infiltrated various coastal villages in the city.

The incident displaced over 100K residents and was considered as one of the biggest humanitarian crises in the country. (Sheila Covarrubias)