The Zamboanga City government observed a ‘Day of Remembrance’ on Wednesday for the 2013 bloody Zamboanga Siege that killed hundreds and displaced tens of thousands of residents.
Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso issued Executive Order KHYM 183- 2026 on Tuesday, declaring Wednesday a ‘Day of Remembrance’ to honor the lives lost and the sacrifices made during the 2013 Zamboanga Siege.
The order recognizes the heroism of the security forces who defended the city and remembers the civilians caught in the crossfire during the three-week conflict 13 years ago.
Olaso highlighted the selflessness of the military, police, and emergency personnel who stood on the frontlines to safeguard the city’s democratic ideals and way of life.
Pursuant to Sangguniang Panlungsod Resolution No. 1019, dated Sept. 2, 2014, the declaration formalizes Sept. 9 as an annual day of commemoration.
The mayor urged local businesses-including major department stores, restaurants, public conveyances, entertainment centers, and resorts-to observe the occasion by offering customers a 20% discount every September 9, with special emphasis on active security personnel, as a gesture of solidarity and appreciation.
The September 2013 siege remains one of the darkest chapters in the city’s history.
Sparked by an influx of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) fighters identified with the Nur Misuari faction, the three-week standoff directly affected six barangays and displaced 22,196 families-or 122,226 individuals.
The urban armed conflict claimed the lives of 25 military and police personnel, alongside 13 civilians, while 266 others were wounded. Rebel casualties were reported at 153 killed in action, with 278 individuals arrested.
The physical and economic destruction was massive.
At least 9,722 homes were burned or destroyed, causing an estimated P200.83 million in damages, while the closure of the city’s airport and seaport paralyzed trade links across Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, and the broader Zamboanga Peninsula, resulting in an estimated P331 million in daily economic losses.
Despite the lingering scars, local officials emphasized the resilience of the city’s constituents. Rebuilding and recovery efforts have relied heavily on support from the national government, non-governmental organizations, civil society groups, and international partners.
In his declaration, Olaso offered eternal prayers and condolences to the families of the victims, reassuring residents that the memory and heroism of those who served-including prosecutors from the Department of Justice who pursued legal accountability-will remain permanently etched in the hearts of every Zamboangueño.