Netizens were angered with the inappropriate message of the former DILG Secretary and the administration party’s standard-bearer, Mar Roxas for his “Happy Anniversary” message on his Facebook Page which was intended for the people of Zamboanga City.
At around 8:28 AM of September 9, 2015, the former DILG Sec. Mar Roxas’ Facebook page posted a message greetings Zamboangueños “Happy Anniversary” in connection with the 2013 siege of the city.
One of victims during the Zamboanga siege, village chief Jimmy Villaflores of Sta. Catalina, whose village was among those battered during the month-long rampage by followers of Nur Misuari, said that at first, he found himself speechless and even told Inquirer in an interview that the greetings was “crazy,” adding that it was unthinkable for anybody to be happy with the carnage.
Here’s the Full Text of Sec. Mar Roxas Message:
“Hi fellow veterans of the Zamboanga siege, Happy anniversary. Just wanted to take a moment and reflect and thank you for your leadership and commitment to welfare of our people and country. Maraming salamat. Being with you all those 21 days has touched me indelibly. Know that our country stands strong and our flag flies high because of you and the men and women like you. We battle on. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas.”
The message was then edited at around 8:42 A.M., and the words “Happy Anniversary” had been deleted.
Due to the message that went viral online, most netizens were angered and responded with negative feedback on Facebook, some of those netizens even commented with below the belt reactions.
The Zamboanga siege left dozens of people dead or injured, including MILF members loyal to Mirsuari, civilians and security forces. The siege also displaced more than 120,000 residents, more than 10,000 homes were also burned in the course of the violence.