Malacañang greets Muslims on Eid al-Fitr
09/30/2008 | 01:53 PM
MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Tuesday extended its greetings to the Muslim community amid celebrations for Eid al-Fitr, the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
"As we come to the end of the most venerated and holy month of Ramadan, the Palace sends its greetings to our Muslim brothers and sisters and the Islamic world on the joyous Eid al-Fitr and enjoins the whole nation to pray for guidance and peace," said Deputy Presidential Spokeperson Lorelei Fajardo.
In Sulu, more than 3,000 Muslims gathered outside the Capiol building in Patikul town, one of the several areas of prayer congregations. The devout Muslims were led by Sulu Governor Hajji Sakur Tan throughout the hour-long prayer.
"The fasting month of Ramadan is very important to us because it cleanses our hearts and mind and reflects on the past. Without God is our heart and mind, we are nothing, and the Eid al-Fitr is the time for us to thank God for the blessings we received in life and this is also the time to share. There is always God and love in our hearts," Tan said.
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims observe a strict fast and participate in pious activities such as charitable giving and peace-making. And at the end of Ramadan, Muslims throughout the world observe a joyous three-day celebration called Eid al-Fitr or the Festival of Fast-Breaking.
Celebrations for the Eid al-Fitr give the Muslims an opportunity to give in charity to those in need, and celebrate with family and friends the completion of a month of blessings and joy.
Armed conflict ongoing
But while Sulu celebrates the end of Ramadan, armed clashes are still raging in Mindanao between government soldiers and Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels.
MILF spokesperson Eid Kabalu said government troops shelled rebel position in the villages of Pagatian and Matia in Datu Piang town in Maguindanao, one of six provinces under the Muslim autonomous region.
"Troops attacked our positions with artilleries and they also torched civilian houses in the villages," Kabalu said.
But Lt. Col. Julieto Ando, a spokesman for the Army's 6th Infantry Division, denied the MILF reports and said rebels were targeting government soldiers in the province.
"As a matter of fact, the MILF ambushed our troops on Monday in Datu Piang and this triggered fighting in the area that left a still undetermined number of rebel casualties," Ando said.
Sporadic fighting since last month have left more than 300 soldiers and rebels dead, according to both the MILF and the Philippine military. Clashes broke out after rebel forces mounted a series of deadly attacks across Mindanao after the aborted signing of the Muslim homeland deal on August 5.
Because of the attacks, President Gloria Arroyo suspended the peace talks with the MILF and scrapped the territorial deal and she also disbanded the government team negotiating with the rebel group.
The MILF blamed President Arroyo for the snag in the peace talks. with reports from Sophia Dedace, Al Jacinto, GMANews.TV
"As we come to the end of the most venerated and holy month of Ramadan, the Palace sends its greetings to our Muslim brothers and sisters and the Islamic world on the joyous Eid al-Fitr and enjoins the whole nation to pray for guidance and peace," said Deputy Presidential Spokeperson Lorelei Fajardo.
In Sulu, more than 3,000 Muslims gathered outside the Capiol building in Patikul town, one of the several areas of prayer congregations. The devout Muslims were led by Sulu Governor Hajji Sakur Tan throughout the hour-long prayer.
"The fasting month of Ramadan is very important to us because it cleanses our hearts and mind and reflects on the past. Without God is our heart and mind, we are nothing, and the Eid al-Fitr is the time for us to thank God for the blessings we received in life and this is also the time to share. There is always God and love in our hearts," Tan said.
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims observe a strict fast and participate in pious activities such as charitable giving and peace-making. And at the end of Ramadan, Muslims throughout the world observe a joyous three-day celebration called Eid al-Fitr or the Festival of Fast-Breaking.
Celebrations for the Eid al-Fitr give the Muslims an opportunity to give in charity to those in need, and celebrate with family and friends the completion of a month of blessings and joy.
Armed conflict ongoing
But while Sulu celebrates the end of Ramadan, armed clashes are still raging in Mindanao between government soldiers and Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels.
MILF spokesperson Eid Kabalu said government troops shelled rebel position in the villages of Pagatian and Matia in Datu Piang town in Maguindanao, one of six provinces under the Muslim autonomous region.
"Troops attacked our positions with artilleries and they also torched civilian houses in the villages," Kabalu said.
But Lt. Col. Julieto Ando, a spokesman for the Army's 6th Infantry Division, denied the MILF reports and said rebels were targeting government soldiers in the province.
"As a matter of fact, the MILF ambushed our troops on Monday in Datu Piang and this triggered fighting in the area that left a still undetermined number of rebel casualties," Ando said.
Sporadic fighting since last month have left more than 300 soldiers and rebels dead, according to both the MILF and the Philippine military. Clashes broke out after rebel forces mounted a series of deadly attacks across Mindanao after the aborted signing of the Muslim homeland deal on August 5.
Because of the attacks, President Gloria Arroyo suspended the peace talks with the MILF and scrapped the territorial deal and she also disbanded the government team negotiating with the rebel group.
The MILF blamed President Arroyo for the snag in the peace talks. with reports from Sophia Dedace, Al Jacinto, GMANews.TV
