The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) joined the local government of Zamboanga in commemorating the 80th anniversary of the city's liberation from Japanese occupation during the Second World War.

The event, led by Zamboanga City Mayor John Dalipe on Monday, was also attended by Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, AFP Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) Chief and World War II veterans.

House Deputy Speaker and Trade Union Congress Partylist Rep. Raymund Democrito Mendoza highlighted the bravery and sacrifices of the fallen Filipino and American soldiers who joined forces against the Japanese Imperial Army.

Dalipe expressed gratitude to the veterans, the military personnel, and the American Army for their continuous efforts in preserving the legacy of the fallen heroes.

According to the city government of Zamboanga, the event started at 6 am with a wreath-laying ceremony and a 21-gun salute at Yellow Beach in Sinunuc, the historic landing site where Allied forces, alongside Filipino guerillas, began to liberate Zamboanga City on March 10, 1945.

"The historical landing of the city's liberation also featured a dramatic retelling of the battle at 8am at Naval Romulo Espaldon in Upper Calarian, allowing spectators to relive and appreciate the bravery and sacrifices of the soldiers who fought for Zamboanga's liberation."

Among those in attendance were members of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines?Sons and Daughters, Inc., representatives from the Philippine Veteran Affairs Office, the military and the US Army, City Administrator Atty. Wendell Sotto, City Planning and Development Coordinator Ma. Luz Agbayani and City Tourism Officer Sarita Sebastian, whose office in collaboration with the military sector, PVAO and other agencies organized the commemorative event.

Nafarrete emphasized the importance of commemorating the city's liberation, recalling the enormous sacrifices made by the veterans.

Historical records state that the liberation of Zamboanga City "was part of the operation Victor IV, a decisive moment of the Battle of Mindanao during World War II."

"A powerful naval bombardment preceded an amphibious assault, facing fierce resistance from entrenched Japanese forces. However, the combination of super firepower, air support and critical intelligence from Filipino Guerillas enabled the Allies to overpower the defenders, forcing them to retreat into the hills," it stated.

"This victory not only secured a vital port and airfield for future operations but also showcased the strength of U.S-Filipino cooperation. It provided a significant morale to boost to both Allied forces and the local population, marking a turning point in the campaign to liberate Mindanao and ultimately the Philippines."

Col. Abdelhalim Sakilan, Western Mindanao Command public information officer said "the commemoration was pursuant to a Sangguniang Panlungsod ordinance, declaring March 10 and 11 as the official dates of the commemoration of the landing of Allied Forces in the city during WWII." Robina Asido/DMS