Duterte joins Filipino Muslims in celebrating ‘timely, relevant’ Eid’l Fitr

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte extended his greetings to Filipino Muslims as they commemorate Eid'l Fitr, the annual feast which marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

In his message to the Filipino Muslims, Duterte described this year’s ?Eid'l Fitr as "timely and relevant" given the shift to a new leadership.

“This year’s celebration is indeed timely and relevant as the Filipino starts fresh move towards peace, stability, development and progress under a new leadership. Definitely, we view the new administration with high hope and sustained enthusiasm that with the support and cooperation of every Filipino, it will propel our country to greater heights,” he said.

Duterte said fasting during Ramadan teaches virtues of honesty, sincerity and commitment to one's faith. He added it promotes understanding, peace, sympathy and love for fellow human beings.

He said he wishes the sense of discipline taught by Ramadan inspire Filipino Muslims to "unite with other Filipinos to achieve lasting peace, political stability, economic growth and development.”

 Duterte is the first president who hails from Mindanao, where most of the Filipino Muslims live.