Al-Hj Murad Ebrahim. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)
Showing posts with label Ramadan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ramadan. Show all posts
Friday, September 03, 2010
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Military offensive disrupts Muslim festival in Southern Philippines
Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chieftain Murad Ebrahim leads the breaking of fast on Sunday, September 20, 2009 in the southern Philippines. In Sulu province, the military launched offensive against Abu Sayyaf and Moro rebels, disrupting the celebration of the Hari Raya, which signals the end of the holy month of Ramadan. (Mindanao Examiner Photo / Mark Navales)ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / September 20, 2009) – Government forces shelled Sunday a mountain stronghold of suspected Abu Sayyaf militants in the southern Philippine province of Sulu.
The attack, which occurred shortly before 7 a.m. in the town of Indanan coincided with the start of Hari Raya festival which signals the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.
Several Muslims said the sounds of explosions from the shelling had disrupted solemn prayers in mosques. Angry Muslims cursed the military for disrespecting their tradition.
The Malay words ‘Hari Raya' translate as 'Day of Celebration' or the ‘Festival of Breaking the Fast'. Muslims usually attend Eid prayers in mosque in the morning. The celebrations begin with the birth of the new moon of Syawal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar.
The military said the offensive was aimed at capturing wanted persons. “There are some identified suspects who have standing warrants. I regret I can’t discuss operational details yet,” Major Ramon David Hontiveros, a spokesman for the military’s Western Mindanao Command, told the Mindanao Examiner.
There were no immediate reports of casualties in the shelling.
Police said it received unconfirmed reports the military operation was directed at Abu Sayyaf leader Albader Parad in the mountain village of Talibang.
But a Moro rebel leader, Madarang Sali, deputy supreme commander of the Bangsamoro National Liberation Front, said the military offensive targeted a stronghold of Khaid Ajibun, a senior leader of the Moro National Liberation Front in Camp Marang near the village of Talibang.
“The Muslims are celebrating the Hari Raya, but what greeted us are bombings from military aircrafts,” he said in a statement sent to the independent regional newspaper, the Mindanao Examiner.
Sali accused the military of terrorizing the Muslims in Sulu, an accusation strongly denied by the armed forces.
“The Bangsamoro National Liberation Army declares publicly and calls and manifest our Islamic solidarity behind our brothers-in-Islam and to support the declaration of Jihad against the Philippine Government and Armed Forces of the Philippines for the restoration of sovereign states of the Bangsamoro Homeland. There are no terrorists in our homeland, but we are being terrorized by Armed Forces of the Philippines,” he said.
The MNLF signed a peace deal with Manila in September 1996, but many of its members were disgruntled by the agreement and accusing the government of failing to honor the provisions of the accord.
Under the peace agreement, Manila would have to provide a mini-Marshal Plan to spur economic development in Muslim areas in the south and livelihood and housing assistance to tens of thousands of former rebels to uplift their poor living standards.
It was unknown who ordered the offensive or what triggered the shelling, but Hontiveros said: “The suspects might be mustering a lot of conventional resistance necessitating the use of indirect fire weapons. We sincerely hope that these people who are suspected of complicity in crimes will peacefully submit to the courts where they can defend their name.”
Hontiveros said the offensive was part of a surgical operation against terrorists who were blamed for the spate of bombings in Sulu, but cut short of tagging the Abu Sayyaf in the attacks.
“It’s our common fight against the evils of society. This is surgical operation directed against terrorists who are destroying the image of Islam. They bombed and disturbed us twice during Ramadan. They hurt two Muslim soldiers going to mosque to pray. We are doing this for the good of peace and law-abiding Muslims. The disturbance and inconvenience now may make our Ramadan peaceful in the future,” Hontiveros said. (Mindanao Examiner)
The attack, which occurred shortly before 7 a.m. in the town of Indanan coincided with the start of Hari Raya festival which signals the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.
Several Muslims said the sounds of explosions from the shelling had disrupted solemn prayers in mosques. Angry Muslims cursed the military for disrespecting their tradition.
The Malay words ‘Hari Raya' translate as 'Day of Celebration' or the ‘Festival of Breaking the Fast'. Muslims usually attend Eid prayers in mosque in the morning. The celebrations begin with the birth of the new moon of Syawal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar.
The military said the offensive was aimed at capturing wanted persons. “There are some identified suspects who have standing warrants. I regret I can’t discuss operational details yet,” Major Ramon David Hontiveros, a spokesman for the military’s Western Mindanao Command, told the Mindanao Examiner.
There were no immediate reports of casualties in the shelling.
Police said it received unconfirmed reports the military operation was directed at Abu Sayyaf leader Albader Parad in the mountain village of Talibang.
But a Moro rebel leader, Madarang Sali, deputy supreme commander of the Bangsamoro National Liberation Front, said the military offensive targeted a stronghold of Khaid Ajibun, a senior leader of the Moro National Liberation Front in Camp Marang near the village of Talibang.
“The Muslims are celebrating the Hari Raya, but what greeted us are bombings from military aircrafts,” he said in a statement sent to the independent regional newspaper, the Mindanao Examiner.
Sali accused the military of terrorizing the Muslims in Sulu, an accusation strongly denied by the armed forces.
“The Bangsamoro National Liberation Army declares publicly and calls and manifest our Islamic solidarity behind our brothers-in-Islam and to support the declaration of Jihad against the Philippine Government and Armed Forces of the Philippines for the restoration of sovereign states of the Bangsamoro Homeland. There are no terrorists in our homeland, but we are being terrorized by Armed Forces of the Philippines,” he said.
The MNLF signed a peace deal with Manila in September 1996, but many of its members were disgruntled by the agreement and accusing the government of failing to honor the provisions of the accord.
Under the peace agreement, Manila would have to provide a mini-Marshal Plan to spur economic development in Muslim areas in the south and livelihood and housing assistance to tens of thousands of former rebels to uplift their poor living standards.
It was unknown who ordered the offensive or what triggered the shelling, but Hontiveros said: “The suspects might be mustering a lot of conventional resistance necessitating the use of indirect fire weapons. We sincerely hope that these people who are suspected of complicity in crimes will peacefully submit to the courts where they can defend their name.”
Hontiveros said the offensive was part of a surgical operation against terrorists who were blamed for the spate of bombings in Sulu, but cut short of tagging the Abu Sayyaf in the attacks.
“It’s our common fight against the evils of society. This is surgical operation directed against terrorists who are destroying the image of Islam. They bombed and disturbed us twice during Ramadan. They hurt two Muslim soldiers going to mosque to pray. We are doing this for the good of peace and law-abiding Muslims. The disturbance and inconvenience now may make our Ramadan peaceful in the future,” Hontiveros said. (Mindanao Examiner)
Sunday, August 30, 2009
2 soldiers wounded in Jolo blast
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / August 30, 2009) – Two government soldiers were wounded when a homemade bomb exploded late Sunday in the town of Jolo in the southern Filipino province of Sulu, officials told the Mindanao Examiner.
Officials said the explosive was planted at a road near the Jolo airport outside a Philippine Air Force base.
“An IED exploded in the vicinity of the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Tactical Operations Group 9 in Jolo town,” said Major General Benjamin Dolorfino, chief of the military’s Western Mindanao Command.
Police chief Muhibuddin Ismail said the explosion wounded two soldiers – Nasir Asid, 38, and Jamil Sadjiron, 48 – both members of the Philippine Army’s Engineering Brigade.
"The wounded soldiers were rushed to hospital," Ismail said by phone from Jolo.
The duo was on a motorcycle passing near the area when the bomb went off. They were hit by shrapnel. There were no reports of damage to properties.
No group claimed responsibility for the blast, but Abu Sayyaf militants are actively operating in the largely Muslim province. The attack occurred just as Muslims were praying in mosques in Jolo town.
Muslims around the world are observing the fasting month of Ramadan which began last week. (Mindanao Examiner)
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Ramadan in Zamboanga City
Filipino Muslims wash their faces, feet and hands Saturday, August 22, 2009 outside a mosque in Zamboanga City in the southern Philippines before praying at the start of Ramadan, Islam’s holiest month. (Mindanao Examiner Photo / Jung Francisco)
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Muslims Celebrate Eid As Fighting Rage In Mindanao
Muslim women look out from the Capitol building in the southern Philippine province of Sulu on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2008 as they celebrate the Eid Al Fitr. Governor Sakur Tan led the celebration of the Eid al Fitr, which marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)SULU, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Sept. 30, 2008) – Muslims in the southern Philippine island of Sulu on Tuesday celebrated the Eid al Fitr, which marked the end of the holy Ramadan, Islam’s fasting month.
More than 3,000 people gathered outside the Capitol building in Patikul town, one of several areas of prayer congregations, and listened to mufti as they preached and told Muslims to religiously follow the teachings of the holy Koran.
Sulu Governor Hajji Sakur Tan, clad in his traditional white skull cap and robe, led devout Muslims throughout the one hour prayer.
“The fasting month of Ramadan is very important to us because it cleanses our hearts and mind and reflects on the past. Without God in our heart and mind, we are nothing, and the Eid Al Fitr is the time for us to thank God for the blessings we received in life and this is also the time to share. There is always God and love in our hearts,” he said.
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims observe a strict fast and participate in pious activities such as charitable giving and peace-making. And at the end of Ramadan, Muslims throughout the world observe a joyous three-day celebration called Eid Al-Fitr of the Festival of Fast-Breaking.
Eid Al-Fitr is a time to give in charity to those in need, and celebrate with family and friends the completion of a month of blessings and joy.
But while Sulu celebrates the Eid Al Fitr, fighting was raging in Mindanao between government soldiers and Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels.
Eid Kabalu, a senior MILF leader, said government troops shelled rebel position in the villages of Pagatian and Matia in Datu Piang town in Maguindanao, one of six provinces under the Muslim autonomous region, one of the most restive in the southern Philippines.
“Troops attacked our positions with artilleries and they also torched civilian houses in the villages,” Kabalu said.
But Lt. Col. Julieto Ando, a spokesman for the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, denied the MILF reports and said rebels were targeting government soldiers in the province. “As a matter of fact, the MILF ambushed our troops on Monday in Datu Piang and this triggered fighting in the area that left a still undetermined number of rebel casualties,” he said.
Sporadic fighting since last month have left more than 300 soldiers and rebels dead, according to both the MILF and the Philippine military. Clashes broke out after rebel forces mounted a series of deadly attacks across Mindanao after the aborted signing of the Muslim homeland deal on August 5.
Because of the attacks, President Gloria Arroyo suspended the peace talks with the MILF and scrapped the territorial deal and she also disbanded the government team negotiating with the rebel group.
The MILF blamed Arroyo for the collapse of the peace talks and warned of a bigger war if Manila continues with its offensive in Mindanao.
Malaysia, which is brokering the peace talks, said it will still support the peace process in Mindanao and so is the influential Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), and the United States, including Libya, Brunei and Japan which have deployed truce observers in the southern Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner)
Monday, September 29, 2008
Zamboanga Police Beef Up Security As Ramadan Nears End
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Sept. 29, 2008) – Police authorities in Zamboanga Peninsula in the Southern Philippines have beefed up its security as Muslims celebrate Eid al Fitr, which marks the end of Islam’s holy month of Ramadan ends on Wednesday.
Regional police chief Jaime Caringal has ordered policemen to tighten security measures to ensure the Eid celebration would be peaceful. Moro rebels have previously threatened to mount attacks on military targets at the end of the Ramadan.
Zamboanga City is also preparing to celebrate the Feast of the Nuestra Señora Virgen del Pilar de Zaragoza, an annual fiesta held every Oct. 12 in honor of the Virgin Mary. (Erico Rosco)
Regional police chief Jaime Caringal has ordered policemen to tighten security measures to ensure the Eid celebration would be peaceful. Moro rebels have previously threatened to mount attacks on military targets at the end of the Ramadan.
Zamboanga City is also preparing to celebrate the Feast of the Nuestra Señora Virgen del Pilar de Zaragoza, an annual fiesta held every Oct. 12 in honor of the Virgin Mary. (Erico Rosco)
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Sa Pagtatapos Ng Ramadan, MILF Tiyak Na Gaganti Sa Mindanao!
MAGUINDANAO (Mindanao Examiner / Sept. 28, 2008) – Habang papalapit ang pagtatapos ng Ramadan ay nadarama naman ang unti-unting opensiba ng rebeldeng Moro Islamic Liberation Front sa Mindanao.
Hindi makaporma ng husto ang MILF sa atake ng militar dahil ang buwan ng Ramadan ay ang pinaka-banal sa Islam. Sa tuwing Ramadan ay nagaayuno o nagpa-fasting ang mga Muslim at tanging pagdarasal ang ginagawa ng karamihan.
Ngunit magtatapos na ang Ramadan sa Oktubre 1 at dama na ang tindi ng galit ng MILF dahil dumadalas na ang atake nito sa mga puwersa ng pamahalaan. Halos hindi makaganti ang MILF sa atake sa kanila dahil sa Ramadan.
Ngunit sa mga nakalipas na araw ay marami ng atakeng inilunsad ang rebeldeng grupo at sa mga nakalipas na araw ay tinira ng MILF ang ilang puwesto ng militar sa Maguindanao at North Cotabato.
Inaasahang magkakaroon ng malaking labanan matapos ang Ramadan. Ito rin ang sinabi ng MILF nuong nakaraang linggo at nagbantang maglulunsad ng opensiba kungn hindi titigil ng atake ang pamahalaang Arroyo.
Iginiit ng militar na target nito ang mga rebeldeng nasa likod ng atake nuong nakaraang buwan sa North Cotabato, Lanao del Norte, Sarangani, Maguindanao at iba pang lugar sa central Mindanao.
Nais ng pamahalaan na madakip o mapatay sina MILF commander Ameril Kato, Abdurahman Macapaar at Sulayman Panglian na siyang nasa likod ng atake na ikinamatay ng maraming sibilyan.
Sinuspinde ni Pangulong Gloria Arroyo ang peace talks at binuwag na rin nito ang government team na nakikipagusap sa rebeldeng grupo matapos na magmatigas ang MILF na huwag isuko ang tatlong commanders at iba pang sabit sa madugong raid.
Sinabi ng MILF na ang pagkakabasura sa ancestral domain na inisyal na nilagdaan ng mga peace panels nuong July ang siyang dahilan ng gulo sa Mindanao. Hindi na rin makikipagusap ang MILF sa pamahalaang Arroyo dahil sa naunsyameng ancestral domain deal. (Mindanao Examiner)
Hindi makaporma ng husto ang MILF sa atake ng militar dahil ang buwan ng Ramadan ay ang pinaka-banal sa Islam. Sa tuwing Ramadan ay nagaayuno o nagpa-fasting ang mga Muslim at tanging pagdarasal ang ginagawa ng karamihan.
Ngunit magtatapos na ang Ramadan sa Oktubre 1 at dama na ang tindi ng galit ng MILF dahil dumadalas na ang atake nito sa mga puwersa ng pamahalaan. Halos hindi makaganti ang MILF sa atake sa kanila dahil sa Ramadan.
Ngunit sa mga nakalipas na araw ay marami ng atakeng inilunsad ang rebeldeng grupo at sa mga nakalipas na araw ay tinira ng MILF ang ilang puwesto ng militar sa Maguindanao at North Cotabato.
Inaasahang magkakaroon ng malaking labanan matapos ang Ramadan. Ito rin ang sinabi ng MILF nuong nakaraang linggo at nagbantang maglulunsad ng opensiba kungn hindi titigil ng atake ang pamahalaang Arroyo.
Iginiit ng militar na target nito ang mga rebeldeng nasa likod ng atake nuong nakaraang buwan sa North Cotabato, Lanao del Norte, Sarangani, Maguindanao at iba pang lugar sa central Mindanao.
Nais ng pamahalaan na madakip o mapatay sina MILF commander Ameril Kato, Abdurahman Macapaar at Sulayman Panglian na siyang nasa likod ng atake na ikinamatay ng maraming sibilyan.
Sinuspinde ni Pangulong Gloria Arroyo ang peace talks at binuwag na rin nito ang government team na nakikipagusap sa rebeldeng grupo matapos na magmatigas ang MILF na huwag isuko ang tatlong commanders at iba pang sabit sa madugong raid.
Sinabi ng MILF na ang pagkakabasura sa ancestral domain na inisyal na nilagdaan ng mga peace panels nuong July ang siyang dahilan ng gulo sa Mindanao. Hindi na rin makikipagusap ang MILF sa pamahalaang Arroyo dahil sa naunsyameng ancestral domain deal. (Mindanao Examiner)
Monday, September 08, 2008
Ramadan Offensive: Philippine Military Planes Blast Small Boat, Kills 7 Civilians In Mindanao
COTABATO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / September 8, 2008) – Seven people were killed Monday, including five children, after government planes blasted a small civilian boat in Maguindanao province in the southern Philippines, where fighting erupted between Moro rebels and military forces, officials said.
The Philippine military insisted those killed in the air strikes were rebels, but Mosib Tan, the municipal administrator of Datu Piang, said the victims were all innocent civilians.
“The hit the wooden boat and five children and their father were killed. Their mother’s body is still missing. Another victim who survived the air strike is now in the hospital – they are all innocent civilians,” Tan told the Mindanao Examiner.
Tan said villagers reported the planes bombed the boat at the Pawas River in the village of Te.
He identified those who were killed as Daya Manunggal Mandi and his children Aida, 17; Faiza, 1; Bai Lyn, 10; King, 8; and Dayang, 6 and their mother Vilma, whose body has not been found. He said Jamaludil, 17, was wounded in the air strike.
The air strike coincided with the Ramadan, Islam’s holiest month.
There were no immediate statement from provincial or regional government officials, but Tan condemned the military attack, saying, it has displaced more than 700 families from the village. “Our refugee shelters are packed. How can we feed all these poor people who fled their homes,” he said.
Security officials said the fighting broke out after Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels fired on the chopper near the village.
“The MILF rebels attacked our chopper and this triggered the fighting,” Army Lt. Col. Julieto Ando, a spokesman for the 6th Infantry Division, said.
He did not say whether anyone was wounded in the attack on the helicopter or if the aircraft sustained any damage. “We are still awaiting reports about it, but the attack sparked fresh fighting between rebels and our troops,” he said.
The helicopter, Ando said, was transporting troops when it was fired upon by rebels.
Security forces have been pursuing two MILF commanders, Ameril Kato and Abdurahman Macapaar, who were blamed for the series of deadly attacks on civilian villages in Mindanao.
Peace talks between Manila and the MILF were stalled because of the attacks that left dozens of people dead and forced more than 200,000 to flee their homes. The MILF, the country’s largest Muslim rebel group, said it would not surrender Kato and Macapaar despite the government repeated demands.
The rebels threatened to launch a jihad should the government abandons the seven-year old peace talks.
President Gloria Arroyo has already scrapped the Muslim territorial deal that peace negotiators initially signed in July and disbanded the government team talking peace with the MILF because of the rebel attacks.
Arroyo insisted the rebels to lay down their arms before peace talks could resume, but the MILF flatly rejected this, saying, it should settle first the issue on the ancestral domain deal.
The rebels said it would not return to the negotiating table unless Manila honors it commitment to the accord that would grant about four million Muslims their own homeland in more than 700 villages across the troubled, but mineral-rich region on Mindanao. (Mindanao Examiner)
The Philippine military insisted those killed in the air strikes were rebels, but Mosib Tan, the municipal administrator of Datu Piang, said the victims were all innocent civilians.
“The hit the wooden boat and five children and their father were killed. Their mother’s body is still missing. Another victim who survived the air strike is now in the hospital – they are all innocent civilians,” Tan told the Mindanao Examiner.
Tan said villagers reported the planes bombed the boat at the Pawas River in the village of Te.
He identified those who were killed as Daya Manunggal Mandi and his children Aida, 17; Faiza, 1; Bai Lyn, 10; King, 8; and Dayang, 6 and their mother Vilma, whose body has not been found. He said Jamaludil, 17, was wounded in the air strike.
The air strike coincided with the Ramadan, Islam’s holiest month.
There were no immediate statement from provincial or regional government officials, but Tan condemned the military attack, saying, it has displaced more than 700 families from the village. “Our refugee shelters are packed. How can we feed all these poor people who fled their homes,” he said.
Security officials said the fighting broke out after Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels fired on the chopper near the village.
“The MILF rebels attacked our chopper and this triggered the fighting,” Army Lt. Col. Julieto Ando, a spokesman for the 6th Infantry Division, said.
He did not say whether anyone was wounded in the attack on the helicopter or if the aircraft sustained any damage. “We are still awaiting reports about it, but the attack sparked fresh fighting between rebels and our troops,” he said.
The helicopter, Ando said, was transporting troops when it was fired upon by rebels.
Security forces have been pursuing two MILF commanders, Ameril Kato and Abdurahman Macapaar, who were blamed for the series of deadly attacks on civilian villages in Mindanao.
Peace talks between Manila and the MILF were stalled because of the attacks that left dozens of people dead and forced more than 200,000 to flee their homes. The MILF, the country’s largest Muslim rebel group, said it would not surrender Kato and Macapaar despite the government repeated demands.
The rebels threatened to launch a jihad should the government abandons the seven-year old peace talks.
President Gloria Arroyo has already scrapped the Muslim territorial deal that peace negotiators initially signed in July and disbanded the government team talking peace with the MILF because of the rebel attacks.
Arroyo insisted the rebels to lay down their arms before peace talks could resume, but the MILF flatly rejected this, saying, it should settle first the issue on the ancestral domain deal.
The rebels said it would not return to the negotiating table unless Manila honors it commitment to the accord that would grant about four million Muslims their own homeland in more than 700 villages across the troubled, but mineral-rich region on Mindanao. (Mindanao Examiner)
Friday, October 12, 2007
Muslims End Ramadan, Starts Joyous Eid Al-Fitr; Christians Celebrate Hermosa Festival In Southern Philippines
End of the fasting month of Ramadan signals the start Friday Oct. 12, 2007 of the festive Eid Al-Fitr in Sulu province in southern Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner Photo Service)
SULU, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Oct.12, 2007) – Muslims in the southern Philippines on Friday celebrated the Eid Al-Fitr that marked the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.
Some 10,000 Muslims, led by Gov. Sakur Tan, converged in front of the Sulu provincial capitol in Patikul town where they performed the Eid prayer.
"This is a celebration of faith, a renewal of the Muslim faith and the time to help the less fortunate or the poor. Muslims are celebrating the Eid all over the world and we, in Sulu celebrate the blessings of God and that is peace and prosperity," Tan told the Mindanao Examiner.
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims observe a strict fast and participate in pious activities such as charitable giving and peace-making. And at the end of Ramadan, Muslims throughout the world observe a joyous three-day celebration called Eid Al-Fitr of the Festival of Fast-Breaking.
Eid Al-Fitr is a time to give in charity to those in need, and celebrate with family and friends the completion of a month of blessings and joy.
"The Eid (celebration) brings us, our family together. We eat and celebrate and pray together and thank Allah for all the blessings in life. It is also the time to help the poor," one worshiper, Ibrahim Usman, said in a separate interview.
In Zamboanga City, Christians also celebrated the Hermosa Festival in honor of the century-old statue Virgin Mary, called Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza, brought there by the Spanish colonizers and believed by many locals to be miraculous.
The festival featured week-long novena masses, cultural shows, agricultural fairs, art, photo and flower garden exhibits, torch parades, fireworks, and carnivals. It all ended with a solemn procession attended by thousands of Catholics and a mass at the Fort Pilar, where the statue of the Virgin Mary is erected. (Mindanao Examiner)
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Photo: President Gloria Arroyo Hosts Iftar Dinner
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, right, joins the Muslim community in breaking the day’s feast for the Ramadan season by recently hosting an Iftar Dinner at the Malacanang Palace. Ramadan is a time of worship and contemplation in Islam wherein Muslims fast during daylight hours and breaks the fast at sun set also known as Iftar. The event was organized by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAP) Secy. Jesus Dureza, ledft, in support of the interfaith initiatives of the President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Photo also shows Jolo island Gov. Benjamin Loong, center, Muslim officials and other cabinet members. (Photo courtesy of OPAP)
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