By Hader Glang
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines
The one-year commemoration of a violent siege on a southern Philippines city that left 300 people dead passed without incident Tuesday, soldiers mingling with mourners as officials laid wreathes for those who lost their lives trying to repel a Muslim rebel group.
As the day came to a close, Zamboanga City Police Office Senior Supt. Angelito Casimiro told the Anadolu Agency that the "September 9 anniversary is peaceful and it is dedicated to the fallen soldiers and policemen and the bravery of the ordinary citizens."
One year ago, some 500 gunmen from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) arrived from the neighboring Muslim provinces of Sulu and Basilan to occupy six coastal villages in the area in protest at a peace deal between the ruling powers and breakaway group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
The invasion sparked a massive hostage scenario which resulted in the death of more than 300 people - including most of the attackers, government troops, policemen and civilians - and the destruction of some 1,000 mostly Muslim houses, which led to the eventual displacement of over 100,000 people.
Casimiro told AA that there had been no reported incidents in the area since Monday, despite an MNLF faction and Abu Sayyaf militants saying they would disrupt the anniversary.
"The threat is always there but we will continue to protect the 'common tao' irregardless of religious affiliations and tribal colors," said Casimiro.
Earlier in the day, Marines fanned out at check points across the predominantly Christian city, Colonel Andrelino Colina, commander of the Task Force Zamboanga, having stated Monday that "The threat against the city remains."
Referring to the presence of different rebel groups in the area, including the al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf, he said, "The threat remains while they are within the proximity, they can always target Zamboanga, but it will be different this time as we have strengthened the security.”
He added that a task force had been augmented by an additional battalion which had been given control of naval boat units to directly respond to any threat from the sea.
MNLF leader Nur Misuari - wanted for rebellion, genocide and crimes against humanity since September, 2013 - resurfaced recently on the Abu Sayyaf island stronghold of Sulu where he led flag-raising ceremonies in full battle gear to commemorate the first anniversary of what he termed "the United Federated States of Bangsamoro Republik."
He also rallied supporters to pursue their right to self-determination or independence.
On Tuesday, officials led by Mayor Maruia Isabelle Climaco-Salazar performed a wreath laying ceremony for fallen soldiers and policemen who defended the city.
Before the lighting of candles, a prelude was performed by the Ateneo de Zamboanga Band, then followed an opening song by the Zamboanga Hermosa Chorale.
The mayor also presented commendations to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Navy and Philippine National Police assigned in the Western Mindanao region.
A song rendition of Filipino favorite "Pilipinas Kong Mahal" was performed by the soldiers, while a community choir led by government officials sang "Zamboanga Hermosda."
The event concluded with the lighting of candles.
While Zamboanga commemorated the anniversary, the situation has yet to improve the livelihoods of the victims, most of whom are Muslim, and still languish in camps amid dismal living conditions.
In a column in Zamboanga Today, Gingging Avellanosa-Valle recently expressed concern that “Many children are said to be getting sick by the hour, and sadder still is the situation of the young female refugees [displaced] who are said to be victims of sexual violence."
The MNLF, as is the case with the MILF, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and - to a smaller extent - the Abu Sayaff have been fighting for a Muslim homeland in the country's poverty-stricken Mindanao region for decades.
In 1996, the MNLF signed a peace accord with the government, but hundreds of fighters held on to their weapons. They have since accused officials of reneging on a promise to develop an autonomous region for minority Muslims.
The group later fractionalized, its largest breakaway bloc the MILF gaining strength, and eventually signing a peace deal with the government March 27, named the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.
Misuari is alleged to have launched the attack on Zamboanga while discussions were ongoing, claiming the new deal is a betrayal of a 1996 agreement, has left his organization shortchanged, and granted Muslims in the region lesser autonomy.
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