Duterte urges Muslims to nurture peace, be instruments of love

MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte has urged Muslim Filipinos to “deepen” their role as “instruments of love, sacrifice, respect, and selfless service” and remain the government’s partner in promoting peace.

Duterte made the appeal in his Eid’l Fitr message on Wednesday, which was declared a national non-working holiday to commemorate the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.

READ: End of Ramadan: Palace declares June 15 as regular holiday

“May all Muslim Filipinos observe this day as a time for reflection, enlightenment and renewal of commitment to a much stronger devotion to the Almighty,” said the country’s first President with Moro lineage.

“Take this as an opportunity to deepen your role as instruments of love, sacrifice, respect, and selfless service and may each of you remain our government’s partner in promoting peace and understanding among Filipinos from all walks of life,” Duterte added.

READ: President Duterte's message on Eid'l Fitr. @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/DQ4YLMChho

— Darryl John Esguerra (@drrylesguerra) June 5, 2019

Mindanao, which has been gripped by armed conflicts and poverty through the years, recently saw the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARRM), which is expected to promote and maintain peace and order in the region.

It was created through the enactment of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, a product of the government’s negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), whose key members and leaders lead the Bangsamoro Transition Authority. (Editor: Gilbert S. Gaviola)

READ: Duterte hopes BOL will reflect true sentiments of Moros

READ: Duterte to Bangsamoro leaders: Wield power carefully; BARMM fate up to you