Muslims protest plans to demolish the 13-year old Ihya Unsunna mosque to pave way for the construction of a new market depot in Basilan island. (Zamboanga Journal)BASILAN ISLAND (Zamboanga Journal / 13 Feb) Angry Muslims protested Monday an impending government order to demolish one of the oldest mosque in Basilan island in the southern Philippines.
Hundreds marched to the streets in Isabela City, many chanting slogans condemning local politicians who wanted the Ihya Unsunna mosque demolished to pave the way for the construction of a market depot.
Ustadz Omar Suhod said demolishing the mosque is an attack to Islam. "This is our place of worship, this is the house of God and destroying the mosque will only bring troubles because the Muslims are angry. We appeal to our leaders to please spare the mosque," he told the Zamboanga Journal.
Angry Muslims have threatened to attack the island's only Catholic cathedral if the 13-year old mosque in downtown Isabela City is demolished. "
"We will fight for right. There will be bloodshed is they destroy the mosque. Angry Muslims may also do the same to the Catholic Church downtown," Maruan Tandi said.
The protesters also tried to storm the house of Isabela City Mayor Luis Biel, but they backed out after a group of unidentified men armed with M16 automatic rifles rushed to secure the area.
Many of the protesters were only armed with streamers and placards denouncing the plan to demolish the mosque, but a huge group cursed the mayor. "We Muslims are ready to die for Islam. Our religion is our life," said Usman Sahibul, reading from the placard he was tightly holding.
Anti-riot policemen were also deployed in Isabela City, but there were no reports of violence. Many police and military officials also opposed the demolition of the mosque and have refused orders from politicians to destroy the building.
Tandi said Muslims villagers were guarding the mosque everyday to prevent its demolition. "They have attempted many times in the past to destroy our place of worship, but they failed because we are vigilant," he said.
Those who were guarding the mosque said armed men were seen roaming the area and told the police and military authorities about it.
Politicians were not readily available for a statement, but Suhod said the local government can build a new market depot elsewhere. "Why destroy the mosque for a market depot when they can find a new and bigger place elsewhere. We will protect the mosque," he said.
Aside from the Ihya Unsunna mosque, there are also dozens of mosques in Isabela City, where about 60,000 Muslims pray.
Hundreds marched to the streets in Isabela City, many chanting slogans condemning local politicians who wanted the Ihya Unsunna mosque demolished to pave the way for the construction of a market depot.
Ustadz Omar Suhod said demolishing the mosque is an attack to Islam. "This is our place of worship, this is the house of God and destroying the mosque will only bring troubles because the Muslims are angry. We appeal to our leaders to please spare the mosque," he told the Zamboanga Journal.
Angry Muslims have threatened to attack the island's only Catholic cathedral if the 13-year old mosque in downtown Isabela City is demolished. "
"We will fight for right. There will be bloodshed is they destroy the mosque. Angry Muslims may also do the same to the Catholic Church downtown," Maruan Tandi said.
The protesters also tried to storm the house of Isabela City Mayor Luis Biel, but they backed out after a group of unidentified men armed with M16 automatic rifles rushed to secure the area.
Many of the protesters were only armed with streamers and placards denouncing the plan to demolish the mosque, but a huge group cursed the mayor. "We Muslims are ready to die for Islam. Our religion is our life," said Usman Sahibul, reading from the placard he was tightly holding.
Anti-riot policemen were also deployed in Isabela City, but there were no reports of violence. Many police and military officials also opposed the demolition of the mosque and have refused orders from politicians to destroy the building.
Tandi said Muslims villagers were guarding the mosque everyday to prevent its demolition. "They have attempted many times in the past to destroy our place of worship, but they failed because we are vigilant," he said.
Those who were guarding the mosque said armed men were seen roaming the area and told the police and military authorities about it.
Politicians were not readily available for a statement, but Suhod said the local government can build a new market depot elsewhere. "Why destroy the mosque for a market depot when they can find a new and bigger place elsewhere. We will protect the mosque," he said.
Aside from the Ihya Unsunna mosque, there are also dozens of mosques in Isabela City, where about 60,000 Muslims pray.
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