Camp Ranao, Marawi City – September 8, 2017
Muslim soldiers and policemen congregated for the Salahtul Jummah (Friday prayer) at the Islamic Center for the first time after said religious icon was recovered by troops last August 24, 2017.
The congregational prayer was held 12 noon today and was led by the Marawi City Chief of Police Superintendent Ebra M Moxsir, who is also an Imam.
Joining the prayer were 42 Muslim personnel of the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
“We are happy to allow our soldiers and policemen the time to practice their religious activities even if the battle to liberate Marawi from terrorists is still ongoing,” said Police Senior Superintendent Rolando Anduyan the Commander of the Joint Task Group PNP.
“It is our muslim brother’s chance to pray and ask for guidance from Allah especially that the situation now is critical.”
Last August 24, soldiers and policemen were also able to perform their friday prayer at the Saad Almusairi Masjid after cleaning it up 2 days prior.
The Islamic Center which was just recently recovered was intentionally preserved by troops during the clearing operations.
“We encourage our men to attend to religious activities even if we are at war,” said Lieutenant General Carlito G Galvez, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.
“As much as time allows it, we permit our troops to practice their religious beliefs since it is also where most if them get their strength and motivation.
“We look forward for the moment when our Maranao brothers and sisters will already have the chance to come together and pray inside the Islamic Center.”
“It will happen soon, in Allah’s time,” said the WestMinCom Chief.###
