Cebu Muslims lament over Marawi crisis
Filipino Muslims pray at Manila's Rizal Park to celebrate the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan known as Eid al-Fitr. Muslims all over the world celebrate one of the most important holidays of their faith with prayers and family reunions. AP
CEBU, Philippines – Despite Eid al-Fitr being a time to celebrate, Muslims in Cebu instead expressed grief over the ongoing conflict between government forces and extremists in Marawi City.
“We are supposed to have our festival this time but I don’t feel that there is that moment to celebrate considering the crisis that we are facing in Marawi. Nakakalungkot. It really made us cry for what is happening,” said Datu Abubacar Gunang, the current president of Association of Cebu Muslim Entrepreneurs and Professionals, Inc. (ACMEP) and the designated Information Officer of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF)-Visayas.
Datu Abubacar Gunang, a native of Marawi City, shared that the conflict has been heartbreaking with the military launching airstrikes at the city, not only targeting ISIS-inspired Maute Group members but also devastating structures including homes of those not involved in the conflict.
Gunang said ACMEP stands by its call for President Rodrigo Duterte to lift the Martial Law over Mindanao region as it has already been over a month that the city was under military rule, adding that there were reports of abuses claimed by some groups. He also appealed to the president to end the airstrikes.
“First, tama na po ang pag-declare ng Martial Law… Second, sana po itigil na ang airstrike. Marawi City has already been pulverized. The more they will use this airstrike, the more that Marawi will be totally devastated,” he said.
“Marami kaming panawagan na kung hindi man pakinggan ng presidente, kami ay manalangin na lamang that he will come to hear our prayer and he will softened his heart by our plea,” he added.
Thousands of Muslims gathered at a hotel in downtown Cebu City yesterday to hold the centralized prayer for the observance of Eid al-Fitr which marks the end of 30 days fasting for Ramadan. But instead of rejoicing, Gunang said his heart was heavy.
“Just all of a sudden, this happens in Marawi. It is beyond our wild imagination. Kami nga, every day we cry,” he said.
Gunang also made an appeal for people to never stop showing their support by sharing some of their own to the families affected by the conflict.
“In the spirit of solidarity and unity, magtulongan tayo at sana tulongan natin ang mga kapatid nating mga Muslim, I urge all our brother Christians in the country na hindi sila magsawang sumuporta,” he said. —/JBB (FREEMAN)
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