Muslims in Dumaguete assure authorities of their support

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines — The Muslim community, including the imams, has rallied behind the Philippine National Police in preserving the peace in this part of the country while manhunt operation continues against remnants of the Abu Sayyaf who figured in an encounter with police and Army soldiers in Inabanga, Bohol last week.

Ustaj Abdul Maula and company made the assurance in a conference with PNP provincial commander PSSupt. Henry Biñas, together with Task Force Deter commander Col. George Ibarra who is based in Dumaguete.

The Muslim leader further assured authorities in the province that they will report unusual activities and movements of fellow Muslims who come from Mindanao.

He said no one from the armed rebels has dared approaching them.

Ustaj has also called on fellow Muslims to police their own ranks and prevent any attempt by any terrorist group to penetrate their organization, stressing they want to live peacefully in Dumaguete.

For his part, Ibarra said the AFP and the PNP are now doing their best to secure the whole of the Visayas in cooperation with a vigilant community.

Biñas, meanwhile, suggested to regularly meet with leaders of the Muslim community and other sectors of the society, not only during situations like what happened in Bohol.

Heightened alert is being implemented as the ASEAN summit starts today in Bohol. (FREEMAN)