By Jong Cadion
ZAMBOANGA CITY (May 17, 2017) - In collaboration with the Muslim
leaders, local officials, Ulama and other stakeholders, the Western Mindanao
Command through its Joint Task Forces and the PNP launched the Brigada Masjid
within the whole area of Western Mindanao yesterday (May 16) to assist our
Muslim brothers and sisters in preparing the mosques for the upcoming Ramadan.
Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) Information Officer Cpt Jo-Ann D.
Petinglay disclosed that the Brigada Masjid, which was conceptualized by
Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Commander of the WestMinCom, is the
first of its kind to be conducted in Mindanao involving Muslim soldiers and
engineers. The ceremonial launching was held in a 30 year old Masjid in
Barangay Arena Blanco in Zamboanga City.
Cpt. Petinglay said that attending the ceremony were the Deputy Grand
Mufti Sheik Abdul Tanjilil; a representative of the Zamboanga City Government;
an envoy from the Muslim Affairs; and the Muslim religious leaders, and Islam
followers of Brgy Arena Blanco.
Honorable Abdulhusin, the Brgy Chairman of the place expressed his
gratitude to the WestMinCom Commander for initiating the activity, saying this
was the first time that the Brigada Masjid was launched in Mindanao. He also
said that he was surprised of the endeavor since he did not expect soldiers
whom they only perceive as combatants help them in the repair of an important structure
and symbol for their religion and that is the mosque.
The Deputy Grand Mufti Shiek Tanjilil expressed his support to the
endevour saying “The mosque is a place where we should love one another and
live in harmony. Therefore, keeping it safe and conducive for all Islam
believers is important and significant.”
He also mentioned about some Muslim brothers who use religion for their
own interest and for propagating terrorism. He emphasized that Islam never
taught Terrorism as part of its preachings, therefore must be avoided, added Cpt.
Petinglay.
Cpt. Petinglay further said, the WestMinCom chief who sees the activity
as a good venue to promote cultural understanding and harmony felt elated with
the comments he heard from the community. It is also his intent that Brigada
Masjid be institutionalize in the AFP as a regular activity yearly before
Ramadan season starts.
“We are one, Christians and Muslims, in working for peace and
development in Mindanao amid the diversity in culture and beliefs. The men and
women of the armed forces join you as you prepare for the coming of the
Ramadan,” said Lieutenant General Carlito G Galvez, Jr, Commander of the
Western Mindanao Command.
All units under the WestMinCom will adapt a mosque within their
respective area of operations and help the Muslim brothers and sisters in
cleaning, repairing, and repainting of said mosques.
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