1ID recognizes Zamboanga siege heroes

(From Left) PFC Julmuin J Abdulahid and Cpl Hakim I

Jaafar Both were former members of MNLF who were

integrated in the AFP (Photo provided)

 

By JONG CADION

PAGADIAN CITY, ZAMBOSUR (October 4, 2013) – As the smoke of 24-days standoff between the government forces and the Moro National Liberation Front – Misuari Group faction subsides, different acts of heroism emerged to tell their own story in the historic defence of Zamboanga City against organize threat groups under Nur Misuari.

But two (2) of the members of 1^st Infantry Division (1ID) will no longer tell their stories to their families and friends. They were among those killed-in-actions (KIA) during the crisis, while 33 others of the 192 wounded in actions in the government side were under the 1ID.

The two (2) KIA were identified as PFC Julmuin J Abdulahid 820168 PA of 32IB from Indanan, Sulu and Cpl Hakim I Jaafar 819932 PA of 44IB from Parang, Sulu. Both were former members of MNLF who were integrated in the AFP.

PFC Abdulahid was the first casualty on the part of the 1ID when the standoff started on September 9, 2013 at Brgy Sta Barbara, Zamboanga City. While Cpl Jaafar was killed last 30 Sep 2013 at same area, two (2) days after the operations was declared manageable by authorities.

BGen Felicito Virgilio M Trinidad Jr, Commander of 1^st Infantry Division expressed his deepest sympathy not only to the bereaved families of the two fallen Tabak troopers but also of the other AFP by saying: “Before, they were among our brothers who took arms against the state, now they are heroes defending our state. They were true to their oath of loyalty to the Philippine Flag. 1ID was very lucky having them, they are warriors and heroes, and they will never be forgotten”