Duterte to Filipino Muslims on Eid al-Fitr: Unite with countrymen

President Rodrigo Duterte speaks during the 69th founding anniversary of the Philippine Air Force in Clark, Pampanga, on July 5. JOAN BONDOC/INQUIRER

President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday called on Filipino Muslims to “unite with other Filipinos” in attaining “lasting peace” as he greeted them on the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, the Islamic feast ending the holy month of Ramadan.

In his message, the President noted the importance of the monthlong dawn-to-sunset fasting by Muslims in instilling discipline and good values among members of the Islamic faith.

“Indeed, change is coming,” said Mr. Duterte, the country’s first chief executive from Mindanao, the region with the most number of Muslim communities in the country.

“May the sense of discipline the Holy Month of Ramadan has taught and nurtured among the Muslims inspire all the members of the Muslim Filipino communities to unite with other Filipinos to achieve lasting peace, political stability, economic growth and development,” he said.

READ: Duterte greets Filipino Muslims on ‘relevant’ Eid al-Fitr feast

The former mayor of Davao City underscored the significance of the celebration of Eid al-Fitr as it came just a few days after he took his oath as 16th President of the Republic.

“This year’s celebration is indeed timely and relevant as the Filipino nation starts a fresh move towards peace, stability, development and progress under a news leadership,” Mr. Duterte said.

He said the new set of public officials would bring “high hope and sustained enthusiasm that with the support and cooperation of every Filipino, it will propel our country to greater heights.”

Last Monday, the President issued Proclamation 6 declaring July 6 a regular holiday in deference to Eid al-Fitr, which is determined by the moonrise in Sawwal, the 10th of the 12-month lunar calendar.

In a press statement, Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said the President signed the proclamation “in the spirit of peace and harmony which would allow the entire nation an opportunity to join the Filipino Muslims in the observance and celebration of this sacred Islamic tradition.”

Said Andanar: “Eid (al-Fitr) is a time for healing social wounds or relationships and a period for bringing families together.”

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