ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (ABS-CBN / September 21, 2008) - A former hostage during the 2001 Cabatangan siege by Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) separatists was dismayed over the passage of a Zamboanga City council resolution declaring Armed Forces’ Chief of Staff Gen. Alexander Yano an "adopted son."
Bong Bue said Yano was never the liberator of the Cabatangan siege on November 21, 2001 when MNLF forces held hostage more than 100 people, including children, in Zamboanga City.
Bue said the late Interior and Local Government Assistant Secretary Abraham Iribani was the real liberator.
Bue said it was Iribani who negotiated with the late MNLF commander Julhambri Misuari for the release of the hostages. Bue described Yano's stint as Task Force Zamboanga commander during that time as a failure.
He stressed Yano failed to secure Zamboanga City.And with the council resolution making Yano an adopted son of the city, Bue said it refreshes the wounds they inflicted during the hostage taking.
Last week, the city council approved the resolution making Yano an adopted son despite opposition from some residents. Some councilors admitted they have some reservations on this matter but explained their resolution was based on Yano's stint as Task Force Zamboanga chief, his contribution to the tranquility of the city and his being a native of Zamboanga peninsula who now holds the highest position in the military.
Yano, meanwhile, in an earlier interview, said he did not ask for this title from the city council. He said he will respect the sentiments of some Zamboangueños, particularly the victims of the Cabatangan siege. Yano is set to be guest speaker during the biggest festivity in the city in October - the Zamboanga Hermosa festival. (Leila Vicente)
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