PLAY. Children find time to play while at the evacuation camp in the town center of Pigcawayan, North Cotabato. About a thousand residents have been displaced after the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters attacked Barangay Malagakit on June 21. (MINDANEWS PHOTO)
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DAVAO City–Amid the continued suffering of Moro and Christian communities in Marawi City, the Muslim community here would be more passionate in celebrating Eid al-Fitr today that marks the end the holy month of fasting.

While Davao Muslims have sympathized with those affected by the crisis in Marawi City, Samer Allong, administrative officer of the Madrasah Center in Davao, said they are passionate about celebrating Eid al-Fitr to show there are other Muslims in Mindanao.

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This time, the city governmentun Madrasah Center is taking the lead in a centralized celebration of Eid al-Fitr aimed at fostering harmony between Muslims regardless of tribes and Davao communities regardless of faith. It is expected to draw 3,000 to 5,000 Muslims at the People’s Park from 8 am to 5 pm.

“We want to show there are other Muslims in Mindanao,” he told reporters.

Allong said this is not only about a happy celebration. Allong hinted to correcting impressions against Muslims amid the government’s campaign against terrorists in Marawi.

Allong said the event would be an “extra challenge” to the police and army in terms of securing the place. However, he said they were already assured by the security forces, police, the Task Force Davao and other government agencies during their meeting last week.

“Our objective here is to create a festive atmosphere for the children,” Allong said, adding that the event can foster harmony among Davaoenos regardless of tribe and faith.

There are 49 Madrasah schools in Davao and 99 Arabic teachers who are city-paid. For 2016 -2017, there are 3,428 pupils enrolled in the Kindergarten to Grade six and high school. Among them are 27 scholars of the city government.

Allong emphasized the importance of the Madrasah schools in inculcating Islamic values.

“We are secured,” he said as he dismissed speculations that Madrasah schools could be a breeding ground for extremism. Allong emphasized they cannot be easily penetrated by extremist ideology because the children are prepared and have strong Islamic values.

“The implementation of the traditional Madrasah centers is under the city government,” he said. (pna)

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