THE City Government of Zamboanga will spearhead activities on Saturday, September 9, to honor the fallen and living heroes of the September 2013 Zamboanga siege.
The activities will kick off at 4:30 p.m. Saturday with a wreath laying rite at the memorial marker in Rizal Street to be spearheaded by Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar. It will be followed by a commemorative program where modern day heroes will also be recognized.
Salazar said that a Concert of Valor to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in defense of Zamboanga City and to those who continue to defend the sovereignty of Zamboanga.
A total of 38 people consisting of 20 soldiers, five policemen and 13 civilians were killed during the 21-day siege.
The siege broke out on September 9, 2013 when hundreds of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members loyal of MNLF leader Nur Misuari infiltrated several coastal villages in the city.
The siege displaced more that 100,000 people who were initially housed in evacuation centers and later to transitory sites.
As of August 30, 2017, the National Housing Authority (NHA) reported that 5,480 out of the total 6,343 housing units, have already been completed and 829 are ongoing construction.
Awarded to the beneficiaries were 4,752 housing units and ready for awarding are 728 units.