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Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte

Siocon
Municipality
Nickname(s): Kalaw (hornbill) Capital of Zamboanga del Norte
Map of Zamboanga del Norte with Siocon highlighted
Map of Zamboanga del Norte with Siocon highlighted
Siocon is located in Philippines
Siocon
Siocon
Location within the Philippines
Coordinates: 07°42′N 122°08′E / 7.700°N 122.133°E / 7.700; 122.133Coordinates: 07°42′N 122°08′E / 7.700°N 122.133°E / 7.700; 122.133
Country Philippines
Region Zamboanga Peninsula (Region IX)
Province Zamboanga del Norte
District 3rd district of Zamboanga del Norte
Founded December 23, 1936
Barangays 26
Government
 • Mayor Julius Lobrigas
 • Vice Mayor Nathaniel Usin
Area
 • Total 503.20 km2 (194.29 sq mi)
Population (2015 census)
 • Total 46,907
 • Density 93/km2 (240/sq mi)
Time zone PST (UTC+8)
ZIP code 7120
IDD:area code +63 (0)65
Income class 1st municipal income class
097219000
Electorate 24,645 voters as of 2016
Website siocon.zamboangadelnorte.com

Siocon (Subanen: G'benwa S'hiyukkun) is a first class municipality in the province of Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 46,907 people.

Visitors describe Siocon as a "hidden paradise".

Local industry includes the Canatuan mine.

Siocon is politically subdivided into 26 barangays.

In 1955, the following barrios were created:

In May 2003, The municipality was attacked by 150 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) guerrillas and Abu Sayyaf. The attacked commenced at 12 AM in MAY 4. Small group of policemen led by 27-year-old police senior inspector Ranie Planilla Hachuela defended Siocon that lasted nine hours. Hachuela managed to rally his men in putting up stiff resistance against the wave of attacks by the rebels trying to overrun the municipal hall, police station and hospital. For this reason he was awarded the Medal of Valor for risking his life and for rescuing the town mayor and his family.

The rebel created a bullet proof plan of securing the entry and exit of the Poblacion (town center). Responding government troops were ambushed as they tried to aid the policemen who were so unmanned at the moment.

That frightening feeling was expressed by wiljun cubero as he narrated how the rebels stormed the municipal hall and fire station right next to their house at Micubo's compound.

13 of the 150 rebels were killed including Jairullah Hassan aka Commander Hairon of the MILF who headed the attached.

In the case of casualties, eleven government troops and 25 civilians lost their lives with in the assault including two seminarians. Public market was burned down and civilians were taken out from their home as a human shield as rebels withdraw. Some hostages were later released hours after while other strongmen were held for days as they were tasked to carry the rebel's wounded fellow in the thick forest in the municipality of Sibuco.

The day after the attached, MILF spokesman Eid Kabalu expressed that the attacked was a show of force by the MILF and Abu Sayyaf with in the area.

Most of its 26 barangays have their respective public elementary schools and only few have public secondary schools. In the town proper has its elementary and secondary public schools and a state university.


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