President Duterte has vowed to enforce the full force of the law against extremists who sow violence against the Muslim community or any tribe in the country.
Speaking at the Eid’l Fitr celebration in Davao City last night, the President affirmed his commitment to keep the “fragile peace” in Mindanao which he called “home” and pledged to combat violent extremism in the country.
“Allow me to take this moment to assure you that through the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, we will consistently uphold the rights and welfare of all Muslim Filipinos and for that matter for all Filipinos,” he said.
“Any form of violence against the Muslim community or any other tribe especially those arising from religious extremism, hatred, discrimination, and misguided beliefs will never be tolerated and will be dealt with by the full force of the law,” he added.
With the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, Duterte also said the government could work more closely with the Bangsamoro community to foster “a more harmonious and meaningful relationship” among all ethnic groups.
He noted that the Islamic faith teaches sacrifice, the value of charity, and the reverent duty to look out for each other.
“I hope that despite our differences, each of us will realize that we share the same desire to lead brighter and better lives filled with optimism and acceptance,” he said.
As he joined the Muslim community in the marking Eid’l Fitr or the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, the President also called for national solidarity behind the pursuit of lasting peace and stability in the country.
Duterte also asked the public to practice “generosity, tolerance, and love for our fellowmen regardless of their religious belief, political affiliation, socio-economic status, gender, ethnicity, or physical condition.”
“To our Muslim brothers and sisters, I hope that this time of fervent (communion) with God that you will not just be strengthened spirituality, but also enrich your relationships with your fellowmen, especially those who are weak, oppressed, and marginalized,” he said.
“I urge the entire nation to contemplate upon the true meaning of Ramadan. May this time of joy remind us of our shared pursuit to establish lasting peace and stability across the country, especially in Mindanao,” he said.
He said the Eid’l Fitr celebration should remind the nation about working in solidarity to achieve the “common dream for a more peaceful, just, and prosperous Philippines.” (Genalyn Kabiling)