Muslim-Christian unity possible, says Samira Gutoc

CAMARINES SUR, Philippines — The unity of Muslims and Christians on issues such as poverty and peace is possible, Marawi civic leader and Muslim rights advocate Samira Gutoc stressed on Wednesday.

Speaking inside the St. Anthony of Padua Parish Catholic Church in Iriga City before parishioners and Monsignor Nono Sañada, Gutoc, a Muslim from the war-torn Islamic city of Marawi, called on her brothers and sisters in the Muslim faith to unite with Christians.

“Kahapon po ay nagdasal din kami, Muslim prayer sa Caloocan, and nagmisa po sa may San Roque. Nagkaroon po ng negative [comment] ang mga ilang hindi nakakaunawa na ka-musliman, bakit daw nasa loob ako ng isang church,)” Gutoc recounted.

(Yesterday, we said a Muslim prayer in Caloocan and attended Mass in San Roque. There were negative comments from some Muslims who do not understand and asked why I was inside the church.)

“After 300 years ng hindi pagkakaintidihan ng Muslim at Kristyano, pinilipilit ko pong sabihing iisa lang ang mga Pilipino. Walang bahid ng hidwaan (After 300 years of misunderstanding between Muslims and Christians, I am trying to say that we are one. There should be no conflict),” she added.

Gutoc, a peace advocate, also called for an end to the terror bombings of Catholic churches and mosques across the archipelago.

“I’m telling the Muslims who don’t believe in Muslim-Christian unity, it has got to end. Pambobomba ng Cathederal it has got to end, ang pagbobomba sa mosque it has got to end,” the Otso Diretso senatorial candidate said.

“We beg of you, kayong mga hindi naniniwala sa pagakakaisa, may batang Samira Gutoc na sinasabing kaya po (We beg of you, those who do not believe in unity, Samira Gutoc is saying that unity is possible),” she added, stressing that Christians and Muslims alike are fighting poverty and security issues.

Aside from Gutoc, former Rep. Erin Tañada, election lawyer Romy Macalintal, and human rights lawyer Chel Diokno also paid a brief courtesy call to Fr. Sañada before their scheduled dialogue with students at the Zeferino Arroyo High School Covered Court, also in Iriga. /ee

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