Zamboanga city: The Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) on Monday joined Zamboanga City in commemorating National Heroes Day, highlighting the unsung heroes of the past twin siege here carried out by Moro rebels. The solemn occasion held at Plaza Rizal was marked by a wreath-laying ceremony led by City Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso, paying tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the nation’s heroes.

According to Philippines News Agency, Brig. Gen. Romulo Quemado II, acting commander of Westmincom, highlighted the stories of heroism in Zamboanga City. Quemado recalled the sacrifices of soldiers and civilians who fought for the city’s freedom from colonial rule and paid tribute to the unsung heroes of the November 2001 Cabatangan Crisis and the 2013 Zamboanga Siege. Both the Cabatangan Crisis and Zamboanga Siege broke out when Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members loyal to MNLF Founding-Chair Nur Misuari laid siege in Barangay Cabatangan in 2001 and occupied at least five coastal barangays in 2013.

“We are the proof that their (heroes) sacrifice was not in vain. And if we choose to live with courage, integrity, and unity-then in the eyes of the future generations, we too will be called heroes,” Quemado said. The event brought together local government officials, uniformed personnel, and civilians, all unified in paying tribute to the nation’s heroes whose bravery and service continue to inspire the Filipino people.

Members of the Philippine Veterans Association of the Philippines-Zamboanga City Chapter and Sons and Daughters of the Philippine Veterans also attended the event. “As the city continues to face numerous challenges, we also recognize our modern-day heroes who teach us the values of compassion, service above self, and love for God and country,” the city government said in a statement.

Republic Act No. 9492 set the last Monday of August as National Heroes Day, honoring Filipino heroes’ sacrifices and bravery. This year’s commemoration is anchored on the theme “Isang Diwa, Isang Lahi, Isang Bayanihan.”