Cesar Climaco served as the mayor of Zamboanga City and was an outspoken critic of the government led by President Ferdinand Marcos, particularly during the period of Martial Law that began in 1972. His strong stance against corruption and mismanagement made him a prominent figure in local politics, earning him significant support from the residents of Zamboanga. On November 14, Climaco was assassinated in his hometown, a shocking event that immediately sent ripples through the community and the nation. In the aftermath of his death, allegations of involvement by political enemies circulated, highlighting the high stakes in Philippine politics at the time.

The assassination occurred in a politically volatile atmosphere, where dissent against the Marcos regime was often met with violence. Climaco had publicly condemned the regime's policies and actions, advocating for human rights and local autonomy. His murder underscored the perilous conditions facing opposition figures and pronounced the lengths that loyalists to the regime would go to suppress voices of dissent. The incident was met with outrage and mourning among his supporters and others who viewed it as a blatant act against democracy.

In subsequent years, the assassination of Climaco became emblematic of the larger struggle for justice and reform in the Philippines. It catalyzed further protests and political action against the Marcos administration, contributing to the eventual rise of the People Power Revolution in 1986. The implications of Climaco's death resonated within Philippine society, galvanizing many to take a stand against authoritarian rule and advocate for democratic principles in the face of repression.