Islamic scholar holds interfaith dialogue with WesMinCom

By Jong Cadion

Zamboanga City (October 25, 2016) -- Islamic scholar Sheikh Muhammad Imran Anguilla Al-Hafiz from Singapore emphasized the importance of interfaith collaboration in countering violent extremism during a round-table discussion with officers and enlisted personnel of the Western Mindanao Command.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Spokesperson Maj. Filemon I. Tan Jr. disclosed that in coordination with the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos and the Zambasulta Halal Club, Inc., the WesMinCom hosted the dialogue on “Islam, Moderation, Interfaith-Intercultural Dialogue and Countering Violent Extremism,” which aimed to discuss the importance of understanding Islam and the need for Muslim communities to be involved with the government’s initiatives for peace and development in the light of the challenges posed by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, Jemaah Islamiya, and Abu Sayyaf Group.

Maj. Tan added that the said dialogue was held this 8:00 morning at the Civil Development Center in Camp Navarro, Calarian, this city.

Maj. Tan also said that among those who participated were the chaplains of the WesMinCom; 3rd Air Division, Philippine Air Force, and Naval Forces Western Mindanao; officers of the Civil-Military Operations of the 6th Infantry Division, Philippine Army; 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army; and the 4th Civil Relations Group, Civil Relations Service, Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Recognized by the Islamic council of Johor as a qualified religious teacher, Sheikh Anguilla Al-Hafiz previously visited the Philippines and gave discussions on counter radicalization to academes and the police in Zamboanga City in January, this year.