Congregational prayer held at Marawi masjid inside Main Battle Area months after crisis

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (August 27, 2017) - Twenty-three (23) Maranao soldiers and policemen congregated to pray Salat al-Jamaat at a masjid in the City of Marawi, the first time since the siege erupted last May 23, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) information officer Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that the congregational prayer was held at Masjid Saad Huzam Almusairi in Lilod, Marawi City located inside the main battle area at 12 noon Friday (August 25). Joining the prayer were 20 Muslim personnel of the Philippine National Police and three (3) personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

"This was the first time that a congregational prayer with security forces was made since Daesh-inspired fighters staged a rampage and occupied masjids as strategic structures in the battle-stricken city since May 23, this year," said Police Senior Superintendent Rolando Anduyan the Commander of the Joint Task Group PNP.

"It is appropriate that we allow our muslim brothers time to pray and ask for good guidance from Allah especially that the situation now is critical."

Cpt Petinglay said that since the fighting started in May, police units were sent to the main battle area to fight along side with the soldiers. The new City Chief of Police Superintendent Ebra M. Moxsir, who is also an Imam led the prayer.

"Tatlong buwan na ang nakalipas matapos sumiklab ang krisis dito sa siyudad ng Marawi. Dahil sa pangyayaring ito, marami sa atin ang nawalan at nadismaya, ngunit ang pagdadasal ng mataimtim at pagkakaisa nating mga Muslim ay mahalaga upang ating malabanan ang terorismo,” said Police Superintendent Moxsir.

Earlier this week, Muslim soldiers and policemen helped clean and made minor repairs to the Saad Almusairi Masjid last August 19 and finally on Friday (August 25), it was used for the first time in months.

"We encourage our men to attend to religious activities even if we are at war," said Lieutenant General Carlito G Galvez, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

"As much as time allows it, we permit our troops to practice their religious beliefs since it is also where most if them get their strength and motivation."

Meanwhile on Friday (August 25) afternoon, policemen were able to recover a "baital", Maranao term for Masjid donation box, which originally belongs to the Islamic Center. The said donation box was found and retrieved by troops already empty at Norhaya Village, Marawi City. It is believed that terrorist forcibly brought the box and took its contents, Cpt. Petinglay added.