Palace urges public on Ramadan: Pray for end of terrorism

Filipino Muslims pray as they observe on the first day of the holy month of Ramadan at dawn Saturday, May 27, 2017 in Iligan city, southern Philippines. Iligan city is one of the safe havens for the tens of thousands of Marawi residents who have fled their city following the rampage by Muslim militants. AP

Malacañang on Saturday urged Filipinos to pray for an end to terrorism in Mindanao as the Muslim community observes the holy month of Ramadan.

“We stand with Muslim Filipinos in their reverent observance of the holy month of Ramadan,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement.

“Together we pray for an end to terrorism that falsely claims to advance Islam and seeks to subjugate our land to the brutal IS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria),” Abella said.

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Terror crisis gripped Marawi City as members of the Maute Group, which pledged allegiance to international jihadist group ISIS, attacked the city and fought government forces there after the military attempted to capture Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon.

Abella said President Duterte offers the terrorists groups the hand of peaceful dialogue in the time of prayer and fasting in observance of Ramadan.

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“In this spirit of Muslim peace, the President has offered the hand of peaceful dialogue to terrorist groups, to avoid bloodshed in this time of prayer, fasting and mercy. With all faiths, we pray that God restore and preserve peace in Mindanao,” Abella said. IDL