Mindanao - Mindanao lawmakers on Thursday called on the government for a ceasefire in Mindanao during the observance of Ramadan starting September 13 to October 13.
Representatives Datu Pax S. Mangudadatu Al Haj of Sultan Kudarat and Mujiv S. Hataman of Anak Mindanao made the appeal to Malacanang and the Armed Forces of the Philippine (AFP) to give their civilian Muslim brothers a few weeks of peace with their families.
Mangudadatu asked the government to suspend the military offensives.
"Mindanawons deserve a respite from living in fear and insecurity as our Muslim brothers and sisters prepare for the holy season, we look to our government to give us hopes for a joyful and peaceful Ramadan," he said.
"We should all be at peace during the month of Ramadan and allow calm to prevail over us and bring us a little closer to God," he added.
For his part, Hataman said the continued displacement of the noncombatants in Sulu and Basilan not only deprive them of the right to their abode and properties and their children‘s right to education, but also their right to exercise their religious obligations.
Ramadan, the ninth and the holiest month of the Muslim calendar, traditionally begins after the sighting of the new moon.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, believed to be the birthplace of Islam, has announced Thursday to be the first day of the Ramadan.
Source: news.balita.ph (14 September 2007)