Noy expresses solidarity with Muslims on Ramadan

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino has expressed solidarity with Filipino Muslims as they begin their observance of Ramadan.

“I extend my heartfelt salaam to the Muslim-Filipino community, as you observe the holy month of Ramadan,” Aquino said in a message posted at the Official Gazette. Salaam is a Muslim greeting that means peace.

He said the devotion of Filipino Muslims to Islamic practices such as fasting is inspiring. “Your steadfastness in your sacrifice during the 29 days of Ramadan is also by itself an opportunity for enlightenment,” he said.

Aquino said the Muslim holiday “serves as a representation of peace.”

 “I wish the Muslim-Filipino community a renewal that transcends this holy month. Our fellow countrymen are one with you in contemplating the importance of serenity in the fulfillment of our spiritual obligations,” he said.

During Ramandan, Muslims worldwide observe sacrifice and purification through fasting, prayer, and acts of kindness towards the less fortunate.                                                     They fast for 12 hours daily, from sunrise to sunset, to strengthen self-restraint and develop piety.

Aquino earlier said that in observance of the holiday, the military would have to balance its operations against the Abu Sayyaf Group, which killed seven Marines in Sulu, beheading four of them.

On Sunday, Aquino awarded the Gold Cross Medal for Gallantry in Action to the seven slain Marines.

He also visited the wake of the seven Marines at the Philippine Marine Corps Auditorium in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City to personally condole with their loved ones.

The Gold Cross Medal for Gallantry in Action is the second highest honor, next to the Medal of Valor, given to a soldier in recognition of his sacrifice to uphold the law.

The seven Marines slain by the Abu Sayyaf are: 2nd Lt. Michael Baladad, Sgt. Desiderio Serdan Jr., Corporals Ramsel Laynesa, Claro Lapasaran III and Freddie Castellano, Jr., Private First Class Juanito Evasco, Jr. and Private Nico Tinambunan.

Aside from the Gold Cross Medal, their families will receive P250,000 each in assistance, scholarships for their children, as well as housing privileges.

The seven Marines were also posthumously promoted to the next higher rank.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles likewise expressed solidarity with Filipino Muslims in the month of Ramadan.

“Together with our Muslim brothers and sisters, let us reflect on the meaning of patience, humility and forgiveness that emerges from our faithful practice of worship and devotion to the Almighty. May this blessed season of spirituality lead us to an abundance of grace, bring our communities closer to one another, and light the path to peace for every Filipino,” she said.– With Jose Rodel Clapano