The feeling of disbelief and devastation has
never left me since that morning of September 9 when a cousin phoned mom to ask
her to pray over reports of attack by the MNLF in Zamboanga. Mom was clearly
worried and I reassured her that it will be over in no time and it is only an
isolated scuffle pertuated by Misuari loyalists.
“Acaba lang se dayun Mom. Tiene lang gaha se demands el maga MNLF por causa serca ya el signing del Bangsamaro framework. Mira tu, hinde caba este dia sale ya sus maga hente (It will soon be over Mom. The MNLF may just have demands since the Bangsamoro framework signing is near. You’ll see, before the day ends, they will retreat).”
But the day progressed with TV reports of terror and violence engulfing the six coastal areas of Sta. Catalina, Sta. Barbara, Rio Hondo, Talon-Talon, Mampang, Arena Blanco and Kasanyangan.
“Acaba lang se dayun Mom. Tiene lang gaha se demands el maga MNLF por causa serca ya el signing del Bangsamaro framework. Mira tu, hinde caba este dia sale ya sus maga hente (It will soon be over Mom. The MNLF may just have demands since the Bangsamoro framework signing is near. You’ll see, before the day ends, they will retreat).”
But the day progressed with TV reports of terror and violence engulfing the six coastal areas of Sta. Catalina, Sta. Barbara, Rio Hondo, Talon-Talon, Mampang, Arena Blanco and Kasanyangan.
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| Aerial shot of the coastal areas engulfed in fire (Source) |
I was wrong with my belief that it was going to
be temporary - now the armed conflict in Zamboanga enters its 15th
day.
