Muslim community wants killings to stop

CEBU, Philippines — In time for the observance of Eid'l Adha today, local Muslim communities join the call to stop killings and violence in Metro Cebu.

Datu Abubacar Gunang, spokesperson of National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) for the Visayas, said the morning prayers are also offered for the restoration of peace in Cebu and for the resolution of the killings.

"Gusto din namin na matigil na itong mga karumaldumal na krimen. Pinapanalangin namin na magkakaroon tayo ng mapayapa na komunidad," he told The FREEMAN over a phone interview on Monday.

He said the Muslim leaders are also appealing before the local police force to track down the culprits of these killings.

The Muslim community was not spared by the killing spree.

Gunang earlier shared that one of his Muslim brothers from Lapu-Lapu City was killed. Until now, the case is unresolved.

He said this spate of killings destroy the image of Cebu and of its booming industry.

Moreover, Gunang called on his Muslim brothers to be steadfast in prayers amidst the challenges in the local community.

He encouraged them to cooperate with authorities and to help in maintaining peace and order here.

NCMF earlier invited Senior Supt. Royina Garma, Cebu City Police Office director, for a dialogue with Muslim leaders here.

Gunang said the Muslim communities were asking for help from the police to help secure the city as they are to commemorate Eid'l Adha in different open spaces and mosques.

He said the leaders recommended to create a local council that will serve as a special body where Muslims and other significant stakeholders can discuss and tackle various concerns and issues such as the unresolved killings.

He said Muslims also requested the police to conduct frequent visitations in their communities.

After some families from war-stricken Marawi City fled here, Muslims in Cebu City grew in number reaching to around 20,000 in population.

There are also at least nine mosques here in the city, said Gunang.

He said usually the Eid'l Fitr commemoration starts with prayers and sermons with Muslims gathering in mosques.

After which, Muslims are set to return to their homes to hold individual family gatherings while some visit friends and relatives to celebrate.

Eid al-Adha is an Islamic festival to commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim (also known as Abraham) to obey Allah's (God's) command to sacrifice his son. It is one of the greatest feasts of Islam.

For local Muslims, today is a day of prayer and celebration. (FREEMAN)