Tom vows continued aid for Muslims

CEBU, Philippines – As Muslims mark the end of Ramadan, Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña vows to continue providing aid to the Muslim community here in the city.

This was the promise of the mayor to Muslims, spoken as part of his solidarity message during the celebration of Eid al-Fitr held at Plaza Independencia yesterday.

Last June 16, the Cebu City government gave P500 worth of grocery items to at least 50 families from Marawi who have taken shelter with relatives and friends here in Cebu, and living in Barangays Kamputhaw, Zapatera, Pahina Central, Ermita, Pasil, Mambaling, Basak San Nicolas, and Kinasang-an.

In addition, the city is also conducting an ongoing donation drive at Cebu City Hall for Marawi evacuees. This project was initiated by the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office together with the Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor and Muslims Affairs Commission.

In his solidarity message, Osmeña expressed his gratitude to the Muslim community in Cebu for aiding the city government and law enforcers in maintaining peace and order in the city, particularly now that terrorism has become a major issue in the country.

The Muslim community in Cebu, through their leaders, has also coordinated with the authorities in giving information about the possible entry of terrorists here in the city.

Cebu City has been hosting Eid al-Fitr celebration for the Muslims for a long time.

Mayor’s consultant Alvin Dizon said that at least 1,000 Muslims graced yesterday’s celebration.

“The city celebrates in solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters the conclusion of the 30 days of dawn-to-sunset fasting during the entire month of Ramadan. We are doing this every year. To all Muslims and non-Muslims, let's all hope for a more peaceful time ahead,” he said.

In a separate interview, Sultan Naif Punot of Muslim Affairs Commission said that he is grateful for Osmeña’s promise to help, adding that they did not feel any discrimination here in Cebu City.

Punot said he is praying for his Maranao brothers and sisters who are affected by the ongoing clashes between government forces and terrorist groups in Marawi City.

“Amo ra gyung gipangayo nga ma-stop na. Nagdamgo ang mga Muslims nga mabalik sa ilang mga panimalay ang tanang biktima sa gubat. Nag-pray mi nga naa’y peace,” Punot said.  —/JBB (FREEMAN)