Duterte calls for prayers for peace, solidarity, understanding on Ramadan

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte at the Batangas City Sports Coliseum in Batangas on April 17, 2019. RICHARD MADELO/PRESIDENTIAL FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte called on Muslim Filipinos to offer prayers for peace, solidarity, and understanding during the start of Ramadan on Monday.

In his message, Duterte said he was one with “the Muslim Filipino community here in the Philippines and across the globe in celebrating their faith in Allah.”

“As one of the Five Pillars of Islam,” he said, “may this period of fasting remind everyone of the values of sacrifice, patience, humility and obedience to the teachings of the Holy Month of Ramadan.”

“Let this also be a solemn opportunity to ask God’s forgiveness for the sins we have committed and to be thankful for the all the blessings we have received in the past year,” he said.

“I trust that you will offer sincere prayers for peace, solidarity and understanding among our people and all of humanity,” he added.

The President assured the public that his administration “strives to unite all Filipinos, regardless of religion, cultural tradition and political belief.”

“Together, let us create the change that we have been aspiring for—the social and moral transformation that is real and meaningful and the lasting progress that will uplift the lives of our kababayans. I wish you an inspiring and blessed Ramadan,” he said. /je