PRO9 Calls for Inter-Faith Meeting Between Muslim and Catholic Group

   

PAGADIAN CITY (Feb. 7, 2019) - The Police Regional Office 9 under the leadership of Police Chief Superintendent Emmanuel Luis D Licup, Regional Director in coordination with the AFP and Local Government has initiate the conduct of inter-faith meeting between the Muslim religious and Christians/ Lumads groups in Zamboanga Peninsula to show of solidarity, love and respect for one another following the twin bombings at a cathedral in Jolo last January 26, 2019 and the grenade explosion at a mosque in Talon-Talon, Zamboanga City last January 29, 2019.

In Zamboanga City, the Zamboanga City Police Office, PRO9 Salaam personnel, Task Force Zamboanga, Muslim Ulama and other faith-based religious sector convened at Mahad Moro Islamic Institute, Barangay Sta. arbara, Zamboanga City on January 31, 2019 following grenade explosion at the Kamahaldikaan Masjid at Sitio Logoy Diutay, Brgy. Talon-Talon, Zamboanga City.

During the meeting, the Joint Task Force Zamboanga and the PNP assured the public especially the Masjid and Church administrators that they will have their personnel on post at the respective church and mosque for security purposes. The City Mayor called for unity despite the diverse culture and called the Barangay officials to share their part in securing the city. The Ulama council likewise urged Muslims and Christians alike to increase faith and prayers for peace and security.

In Zamboanga Sibugay, the Zamboanga Sibugay Police Office, AFP, other religious group and Ulama Council from different Municipalities in Zamboanga Sibugay headed by Ustadz Sarabi Camsain with the active participation of Hon. Anamel C. Olegario, Municipal Mayor of Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay held an emergency inter-faith meeting at Zamboanga Sibugay Police Office headquarters, Sandigan Hall, Sanito, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay on January 30, 2019.

Among the issues discussed were Cooperation of Muslim Ulama and Imams to PNP and AFP in combating terrorism; Vehement condemnation in the aftermath of two incidents; Call for vigilance and sobriety amidst these turbulent and volatile times by both Muslims and Christians alike and Peace signing of Muslims and Christians condemning terrorism.

In Isabela City, the Isabela City Police Station headed by its Chief of Police PSUPT William S Gadayan, AFP, Gov. Jim S. Hataman-Salliman, Governor, Basilan Province, Nagdilaab Foundation Inc., several priest, nuns, pastor, Muslim group, academe, peace advocate held its Interfaith Dialogue at AVR Room, Claret College of Isabela, Sta. Cruz, Isabela City, Basilan on January 31, 2019. This undertaking aims to ease tension between religions condemning the terror attack in Jolo, Sulu and Zamboanga of the recent bombing of church and mosque. The Gov. of Basilan urged the Muslim and Christian to unite as one and strengthened their harmonious relationship. On the other hand, PSUPT Gadayan calls for a reinvigorated support from the community to be vigilant and be fully aware of their surroundings by reporting suspicious individuals or items to the police station.

In Zamboanga Del Norte, the Zamboanga Del Norte Police Office, AFP, Local government, different religious group leaders of Dipolog City, such as Islam, Roman Catholic, Seventh Day Adventist, Iglesia ni Cristo, Church of Jesus Christ in Later Days, UCCP and Born Again Christians held its Inter-Faith Meeting at Zamboanga Del Norte Police Provincial Office (ZNPPO) Conference Room, Dipolog City on January 31, 2019. During the meeting, religious leaders commit to support the AFP-PNP campaign against terrorism and other forms of lawlessness, they also promised to be more vigilant especially during conduct of masses. Meanwhile, Sultan Abdul Taher the elder of Maranao group in Dipolog City assures the PNP and AFP that any lawless individuals that will be detected in their places will be reported immediately to the authorities.

Meanwhile, PCSUPT Emmnauel Luis D Licup appealed to the community to help the PNP and AFP in securing their respective four corners of their places by monitoring and reporting the presence of threat groups, new faces or suspicious-looking persons in their villages, including suspicious or abandoned things, parked or abandoned vehicles of a longer time, or any incidents or emergencies occurring in their respective barangays. (By JONG CADION with PRO9 PIO PR and photos)