THE Army’s Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) on Monday marked the 11th anniversary of the so-called Zamboanga Siege.
WESTMINCOM acting spokesman Maj. Orlando Ayllon said that the commemoration was organized by the Zamboanga City government.
The 19-day Zamboanga Siege of 2013 resulted in the displacement of 119,714 people and the deaths of 20 soldiers, five policemen, and 13 civilians, concluding on the 28th day of the same month.
The commemoration took place at the Freedom Fighters Memorial Shrine Plaza in Zamboanga City with deputy commander for internal defense operations Brig. Gen. Taharudin Ampatuan representing the unit.
WESTMINCOM commander Lt. Gen. William Gonzales encouraged the community to honor the fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice and reaffirmed the military’s commitment to upholding peace and stability in the country.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Zamboanga Siege commemorated by Philippine Army.”