ZAMBOANGA CITY – The city government honored the heroes of the 2013 Zamboanga siege during its ninth anniversary on Friday, Sept. 9.

Mayor John Dalipe led city government, military, and police officials in wreath-laying rites at the memorial marker on Rizal St. here, followed by military honors for 38 fallen heroes – 20 soldiers, five policemen, and 13 civilians – who fought to liberate six Zamboanga barangays from the hands of the Moro National Liberation Front rebels in September 2013.
“We will never forget the 9th of September but we will rise above the historical event carrying a renewed faith in humanity as we work together for a more progressive, more developed Ciudad de Zamboanga,” said Dalipe in his speech.
On Sept. 9, 2013, Moro National Liberation Front rebels stormed six barangays in this city to capture the seat of government at the Zamboanga City Hall.
They were thwarted by military and police forces who fought for almost a month.
More than 100,000 residents were transferred to the Zamboanga City Grandstand after their homes were burned during the conflict.
The national government has yet to complete the construction of houses for victims rendered homeless in the incident.