Don’t leave Zamboanga campaign banner in chavacano is posted all over the city, mostly in public places, and I’ve seen a couple at the rear side of a tricycle. Jun, a gracious host and a Christian local says residents are in exodus. He mentioned about the unsolved crimes, and I listened to his tales about the 2013 MNLF siege such as how they brought food to the displaced residents, how they can’t still use the sports complex as the grandstand became a shelter for evacuees, thus he runs at the Pasonanca Park instead. Through him, I actually saw the displaced residents at the sea boulevard, and even “toured” the “ground zero” with all those burned down houses and structures ruined by bullets. With his tales, it’s not surprising that plenty have opted to relocate in order to live in a consistently secure place.
More often than not, the everyday life is peaceful. The vendors I’ve noticed don’t force you to buy their goods or even suggest that you buy a bit more. Ironically, in other places I’ve visited, the more touristy it is, the more badgering you’ll encounter. Even the beggars in Zamboanga City are not insistent. I also love the fact that there is local law against smoking in public places. It really looks like the local government is exerting some effort to maintain control, peace, and order, and with this, I feel they are also hoping for some understanding from the residents, hence the plea No Te Vayas de Zamboanga.
makadto 