Celebracion de Victoria y Paz held a year alter the conflict

ZAMBOANGA CITY (ZNS) –To commemorate the heroism and bravery of soldiers and policemen who defended the city at the height of the 2013 siege, the City Government held “Celebracion de Victoria y Paz” (a celebration of victory and peace) yesterday , September 29, a solemn ceremony, marking the first year since the end of the 2013 siege.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin emplaned to Zamboanga to be the main guest along with Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas, Armed Forces Chief of Staff LGen. Gregorio Pio Catapang and other national government, military and police officials.

Mayor Beng Climaco  led city officials in welcoming the guests to the ceremony which  started at 8 am with the flag raising ceremony.

The formal event was highlighted by the wreathlaying ceremony at the memorial marker located at Rizal Street and the awarding of certificates of commendation to the different units that first responded at the height of the crisis.

After the 8am program, Sec. Gazmin and the other guests  met with the mayor and the members of the City Peace and Order Council for a security briefing in City Hall after which will have a windshield tour of the ongoing projects under the Zamboanga City Roadmap to Recovery and Reconstruction (Z3R). Later the secretary and party  proceeded to Western Mindanao Command for a conference and other activities.

Yesterday’s ceremony marks the day when Sec. Gazmin declared on September 29, 2013 that the Zamboanga crisis is over, as government forces have managed to retake MNLF-controlled areas. Nonetheless, clearing operations then continued, to ensure that no more MNLF rebel would be left roaming the city. (Sheila Covarrubias) (093014)