HEAVY BURDEN. The continuing military offensives against the ISIS-linked Maute group and Abu Sayyaf in Marawi has taken its toll on the thousands of residents who, due to fear, hurriedly left their abode and livelihood for safety. (Alexander Lopez/davaotoday.com photo)
DAVAO CITY, Philippines—A group of Moro people in Tagum composed of leaders, Imams and Arabic facilitators condemned the terror attack in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur perpetrated by the ISIS-linked Maute group.
“We condemned in the highest form those unfortunate incidents that took place in Marawi which deliberately affected our minds, regular routines, and religious practices especially this Holy month of Ramadhan,” said the Tagum City Federation of Arabic Facilitators (TCFAF) in a statement released Monday.
Several Moro leaders and peace advocates of Moro communities gathered earlier this week at the Tagum City’s New City Hall to discuss with the local government officials on how they could extend the peace initiatives of the government about the terrorism incidents occurred at the besieged city of Marawi.
TCFAF described the attacks as “inhumane acts” which resulted to the displacement and claimed the lives of civilians.
“The perpetrators of the attacks manifest inhumane acts by destroying the once-peaceful City of Marawi, by killing civilians, regardless of status and religion, and by burning houses which resulted to massive displacement of civilians,” the group said.
TCFAF urged their fellow Muslims “irrespective of political and religious inclinations” to support the government in advancing programs that espouse genuine peace and security in order to maintain the “peaceful coexistence of tribes” in Tagum City.
Meanwhile, Tagum City Mayor Allan Rellon, during Monday’s dialogue and peaceful consultation, has called on the Moro communities in Tagum to support the peace initiatives of the city.
Rellon said that he recognized the role of Moro communities in Tagum in achieving the stable peace and security in the city. (davaotoday.com)
