From the Cruz Mayor we stopped by what the legendary Mayor Climaco considered his “labor of love”, the Freedom Park. This is actually the jumpoff area going to the Stations of the Cross. There are 2 canyons (also known as the “Guns of Aggression”)in the area, probably used during a war. Also placed there was a large helmet which became a mausoleum for the remains of an unknown soldier.
In an open area here (left side of above photo) is the burial ground of Zamboanga’s well loved mayor Cesar C. Climaco. He is considered as the Dirty Harry of Zamboanga, one of the strong activists during Marcos time. He was assassinated in November 14, 1984. He was shot in the head with a .45 caliber pistol during a rescue operation in a burning building downtown. I was 2 years old back then but my mom told me I was very eager to throw flowers as well during his burial (hmnn... speaking of which i got to find that flower, i haven't seen one since i moved to Manila)...
A few meters from the canyons (opposite direction when considering the Stations of the Cross), you'll find this campsite... I was able to experience several camps here during highschool. :-) The place looks well maintained these days (the tents look even better than back then)... I guess this is part of the renovations being done in the whole Freedom park in time for the 25th death anniversary of Mayor Climaco this November.
***just a funny annecdote... I remember Ezra's reaction when I told them we'll be taking them to Abong-Abong... she quickly associated it with the Abu's and reacted scared of the trip...hehe But I'm glad they liked it there... we got tons of photos in the park.
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Abong-Abong, Zamboanga City
Philippines
05 September 2009
nice photos! thanks for dropping by my site. i wish i could visit zambo once more. and perhaps, meet you someday. safe travels!
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