Imam group calls for extension of Bangsamoro Transition Authority

BANGSAMORO HOPE Members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority take their oath before President Rodrigo Duterte in this photo taken in 2019 during a ceremony in Malacañang. They serve as members of the interim government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Mindanao. —MALACAÑANG FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — A group of Imams renewed their call for the Extension of Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) in concurrence with the celebration of Eid’l Adha or Feast of Sacrifice.

A prayer rally was held at Manila Golden Mosque in Quiapo on Tuesday led by the mosque’s Imam Sheikh Abdul Rauf Alawi, Aleem Saad Amate of the United Imam of the Philippines along with Sheikh Al Akh Abdul Jalal Jamil.

The religious leaders are one in saying that the BTA should be extended for three more years. The BTA mandate will expire on June 30 next year.

“One thing to learn from this Feast of Sacrifice is to learn how to sacrifice in doing some endeavor for change and reform,” Jamil was quoted as saying in a statement released on Wednesday.

“Prophet Ibrahim [peace be upon him] sacrificed beyond imagination for the sake of reform; for the sake of Allah,” he added.

He continued: “This Bangsamoro Government also needs sacrifice, which is the BTA Extension, in order for us to have a strong foundation of a Good and Moral Governance.”

Aleem Amate, for his part, said: “We know that human beings can only do the work for certain things, but it is Allah’s decision whether to happen or not.”

President Rodrigo Duterte, who has decided to become “neutral” on the issue, said he will let Congress decide, according to Malacañang.

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