ZAMBOANGA CITY - The city government of Zamboanga has cancelled the holding of a peace rally here yesterday (May 4) for the swift passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law in Congress.
Meanwhile, simultaneous rallies in the neighboring island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi to include Pagadian City were conducted peacefully with thousands of participant-supporters, with no untoward incidents reported.
The peace rally, organized by Mindanao Alliance for Peace (MAP), was supposed to be held at the Plaza Pershing from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
According to City Information Officer Sheila Covarrubias, the rally was cancelled by the city government, “based on recommendations of the police and military authorities, and for the interest of the majority of Zamboangueňos.”
On Sunday, the city was placed on red alert status. Police, military, and other front-line responders such as the bomb squad and fire trucks were deployed within the city’s main streets and the outlying barangays to pre-empt any possible threats to the security in the city. “The PNP/AFP and civilian government will do everything to ensure the welfare of the constituents,” said Covarrubias.
As of today, no untoward incidents were reported in the city.
In Isabela City, the peace rally held at the Basilan State College was attended by some 5 thousand Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members and women supporters, a PIA source said.
In Sulu, about 300 supporters joined in the rally in Plaza Marina.
Meanwhile, on Saturday (May 3), a grenade-throwing incident caused alarm and panic among residents in barangay Recodo. A City Hall report bared that one person was killed, and six others were wounded.
Rumors went about alleging the incident to be terrorist-related. However, City Hall dismissed such rumors, and reported that the issue might have been triggered by a dispute between workers and the Dacon company. Covarrubias said that police and military personnel were immediately dispatched to the area. Investigation is still going on as to the root cause of the incident, she added.
Covarrubias urged residents to remain calm and vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the local police hotline 166 and 117.