ZAMBOANGA CRISIS: DEFENSE OFFICIALS IN CMZ @ OCTOBER 2013

Day 16. September 24, 2013.

After the roller coaster of emotions in Zamboanga City, ranging from panic to depression to compassion, everyone in Ciudad Medical Zamboanga had a heyday this Day 16 for some unusual reason!

The main reason why three of the highest officials in the Philippines (in relation to Defense), DILG Sec. Mar Roxas, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Emmanuel Bautista's presence in CMZ was to visit and give support to the injured soldiers admitted in here.

After their rounds, the CMZ Execom led by President Dr. Joven Monsanto and CEO Atty. Jhihann Natividad together with CMZ Vice-President Pedro To had a short informal meeting with them and their party on where the DILG and AFP can also be of help to CMZ, and where CMZ requested continued security. CMZ also expressed our great appreciation for our soldiers and we shared that among the injured soldiers we have talked to, we see a pattern of optimism, courage and high morale.  

DILG Sec. Mar Roxas, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Emmanuel Bautista with CMZ Execom

Asst. Secretary DILG and Alaminos Mayor, Hernani Braganza as part of the Defense party with CMZ group

As soon as the meeting was done, we, of course, took the chance for a photograph with them.

What was interesting was that Sec. Roxas requested the people seated to now give chance to the photographers!

Since the meeting was done at the CT/MRI section, the Radiology staff (who were our photographers) were the first to have their light moment!

But what was more fun was outside of this room, where everyone (okay, mostly girls!) had their picture taken with Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, AFP public affairs chief!!!... and also with ABS CBN's George Cariño and GMA 7's Ian Cruz.

with Lt. Col. Zagala === from Aileen and TJ's FB posts!

with George Cariño and Lt. Col. Zagala === from Almalyn's FB posts! George Cariño said, CMZ is Kapamilya pala, kasi may "Kim Chiu" kayo dito!!! ...discovered na si Mona A.!

with  Lt. Col. Zagala and George Cariño=== from Almalyn's FB posts!

with GMA 7 Ian Cruz and ABS  George Cariño === from Aileen's FB post!

Staff and patients/relatives joined in with the photo-op of which they were also so willing to oblige. The staff considered this the first "Stress Debriefing" session. I am thinking, even Lt. Col. Zagala is showing such a sincere smile since this may also be his first light moment during this Crisis!  

But, Shine (and Angel!) found someone else!

The Defense Party proceeded to a Press Conference within CMZ with national television groups: ABS-CBN, GMA 7 and TV 5.

On the way out, Sec. Mar Roxas passed by the Emergency Room and thanked the ER Doctors and staff. Of course, not to be missed are the photo opportunities (again!).

There was another Press Conference outside of the CMZ Emergency Room.

We, then, took the time to also thank the Military Medical and Nurse Corps for our partnership and for the courage and commitment of our soldiers. 

To our soldiers...in the so many days, we have also felt so depressed on your plight, we are happy now, that today, we are able to share with your most Senior Leaders, our utmost gratitude to you and our salute to you, that against all odds, you have maintained courage, optimism and heroism throughout the Zamboanga Crisis!

Also with this day's events, somehow, in our little way, Ciudad Medical Zamboanga has achieved its Vision of being a hospital with performance excellence that is nationally recognized... by sharing our humble service to our country's heroes!