Bangsamoro chief calls on Muslims to uphold Ramadan values

BREAKING THE FAST Members of the Muslim community across the nation, including those in Legazpi City in Albay, gather for Eid al-Fitr prayers on Monday, marking the end of fasting month of Ramadan with a sense of unity and reflection. The celebration is a moment of joy, as families come together to honor tradition. —MARK ALVIC ESPLANA

COTABATO CITY—New Bangsamoro interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua urged all Muslims in the region to continue upholding Ramadan’s values of discipline, compassion and humility in their everyday lives as the region celebrated Eid al-Fitr on Monday, which marked the end of the fasting month.

In his Eid al-Fitr message aired by the Bangsamoro Information Office, Macacua stressed the importance of these values to meet the challenges faced by the region in the coming months and in protecting the gains of the peace process and the Bangsamoro’s future.

“After a month of fasting and prayer, we are reminded that the values—discipline, compassion, humility and faith—we practice must not end with Ramadan but must continue every day in the lives of every Bangsamoro,” Macacua said.

Macacua also reflected on the loss, displacement and injustice stories that transpired during the holy month, saying, “May this Eid renew our strength, deepen our unity and bring peace to our region and beyond.”

He also asked every Bangsamoro to help protect the gains of the Moro’s struggle for self-determination and protect the future of Bangsamoro children.

“Through unity, we can safeguard the gains of our struggle and build the future that our children deserve,” Macacua said as he asked every Muslim in the region “to be one with sustaining a long-lasting peace in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.”

Blessed occasion

Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (Opapru) Carlito Glavez Jr. also joined the Muslim community in the country and around the world in celebrating Eid al-Fitr.

“As the holy month of fasting, deep reflection and sacrifice comes to an end, may the lessons of this blessed occasion reign in your hearts, inspire you to be the best living examples of the Islamic faith and serve as beacons of hope, kindness and forgiveness,” Galvez said in a statement.

Galvez also urged the Bangsamoro people to work together with the government to “achieve our shared vision of a just and lasting peace for the Bangsamoro people and all Filipinos,” he said.

“It is the Opapru’s earnest hope that this Eid brings you and your loved ones closer to Allah, strengthens your faith and fills you with peace and gratitude,” Galvez added.

Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, was observed on March 31 after the Bangsamoro Grand Mufti confirmed the moon sighting on Sunday, although Malacañang declared on Tuesday, April 1, as a nonworking holiday.

In Lanao del Norte, a number of Maranao families celebrated their Eid al-Fitr in beach resorts and in Tinago Falls in nearby Linamon town and in swimming pools of Timoga in Iligan City.