MANILA, Philippines - Thousands of Filipino Muslims gathered in Manila yesterday to pray for peace, especially for those who are affected by the conflict in Marawi City as they marked the end of Ramadan.
The Manila Police District deployed around 580 police officers in Rizal Park and Golden Mosque in Quiapo to ensure the peaceful celebration of Eid’l Fitr.
Ali Hassan, a vendor in Quiapo, said they prayed for the recovery of Marawi amid the continuing clashes between the government forces and members of the Maute terrorist group.
“The innocent civilians are suffering because of the fighting in Marawi,” he said.
Hassan, a native of Cotabato City, expressed alarm that the conflict in Marawi could spill over to nearby areas following reports that armed men have been spotted outside the war zone.
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Oscar Albayalde ordered a strict monitoring of mosques in Metro Manila to prevent violence from erupting as the Muslim community observed Ramadan.
“We have not received reports of terrorist attacks in Metro Manila. But the police are on alert for any eventuality,” Albayalde said in an interview.
The NCRPO chief directed his five police district directors not to lower their guard and implement strict security measures.
Albayalde ordered policemen to intensify security in malls, churches and other public places during the observance of Eid’l Fitr, which was declared a holiday by Malacañang.
“We should take these terror threats seriously and implement preventive measures. We should intensify our intelligence gathering efforts,” he said.
Policemen guarded other places of worship in Metro Manila aside from the Golden Mosque in Quiapo.