Binay says Ramadan a celebration of unity

Manila, Philippines -  Vice President Jejomar Binay joined yesterday all Muslims at the start of observance of the holy month of Ramadan, saying the period signifies not only sacrifice and worship for Muslims all over the world but also a celebration of unity.

"I wish to extend my heartfelt salam to our Muslim brothers and sisters as they observe the holy month of Ramadan. It brings together Muslims, as they are given an opportunity to reflect on their lives and find that their faith can only be strengthened by this sacrifice," Binay said.

The Vice President said he believes that it is very humbling to place oneself under trying circumstances so that one may understand the value of giving and sharing.

"I believe this time of self denial will only lead to personal growth and reverence to the Almighty. I pray for strength and resilience for our Muslim brothers and sisters as they begin this month of renewal. May this also bring all of us closer together in peace and harmony," Binay added.

Peace and harmony

In Manila, the Muslim community trooped to the Golden Mosque in Globo de Oro street in Quiapo to observe Ramadan, during which they started fasting from dawn to dusk and focus on good deeds and reparation for wrongdoings for one lunar cycle, or 30 days.

Police officers were highly visible on the streets leading to the mosque but no untoward incidents were recorded.

Just recently, barangay chairman Sainal Sharief of Barangay 348 Zone 39 where the Golden Mosque is located, was assassinated while watching TV inside his home, adding tension to what was already a highly politicized community.

Police investigators are looking at politics as the motive for the killing of Sharief even if there were earlier insinuations that the barangay official may have been a victim of mistaken identity.

Muslims who trooped to the mosque were unmindful of the past events but some vendors plying their trade along Arlegui and R. Hidalgo streets admitted that the killing of Sharief had somehow affected the community as they celebrated Ramadan. – With Rey Galupo