ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 4, 2012) – Residents here are expected to hold a huge rally to demand local authorities and the city government to put a stop to the spate of killings that is now gripping many people in Zamboanga.
Various interreligious and civil society groups, including student organizations are among those that would join the rally in the city’s main public square.
The spate of gun attacks and murders perpetrated by hired killers in Zamboanga have been condemned by many groups.
Just recently, Dr. Arturo Eustaquio, the president of the Universidad de Zamboanga, was fatally shot by two gunmen on motorcycle in the village of Santa Maria. The killers escaped after the shooting.
Police downplayed the killings in Zamboanga and said the peace and order situation remains normal.
“It is not yet very alarming and the peace and order is generally peaceful,” said Superintendent Hado Edding, of the local police force, during a television interview on Wednesday.
His statement drew various negative reactions from citizens.
Senior Superintendent Edwin de Ocampo, the city police chief, has been relieved from his post following the killing of Eustaquio.
Police said it is still investigating the motive of the murder and who were behind the attack and its mastermind. Dozens of people had been shot dead in gun attacks since last year and largely blamed to hired killers who are actively operating in Zamboanga City. (Mindanao Examiner)
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