Philippines: Muslim and Christian leaders united against Maute terrorists

IS style flag in Marawi City

Source: Fides/Philippines Bishops Conference

Muslim community leaders in the Philippines have expressed their support for the beleagured Christian community in Marawi. The crisis there has entered its second week since 23 May when Maute terrorists occupied the city, torched the cathedral, burning down schools, and forcing the civilian population to flee. They kidnapped about 200 people, including Fr Teresito (Chito) Suganob and 15 parishioners.

With the proclamation of martial law and the massive intervention of the Philippine army to free the city, the terrorists are now confined in a small area and hide themselves in some underground tunnels.

In the last few hours, the army captured Cayamora Maute in Davao, father of the two brothers Abdullah and Omar Maute, founders of the terrorist group.

Although Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has officially said that "there will be no negotiations with the terrorists," Fides reports that the arrest of Cayamora Maute could be useful for informal negotiations aimed at the release of hostages who are now being used as human shields.

The Bishop of Marawi, Edwin de la Pena said: "Fighting still continues in Marawi and we fear for the hostages. We have no news about their condition: They were kidnapped two weeks ago, they may need food, water and medicines, and they are surely exhausted. We pray for them."

The Bishop said he was appalled at the release of a video on social media, showing young armed militants desecrating statues and sacred images and destroying the cathedral.

"It is an immoral act of blasphemy. Terrorists want to instill hatred in Christians and provoke a reaction. Our reaction will only be prayer, brotherhood and interreligious solidarity that many Muslim friends have shown us recently. They have also been helping and defending the Christians of Marawi, " he said.

"Our spirit is the evangelical spirit of love for the enemy," Bishop Edwin said.

Several Muslim leaders have expressed their gtave concern. Alim Abdulmuhmin Mujahid, vice president of the Ulama Council in Basilan condemned the profanation of the cathedral saying it was "non-Islamic"

The Governor of the autonomous Region of Mindanao, Mujiv Hataman has invited all Muslims in Mindanao to "condemn the action of terrorists linked to the Islamic State" and asked Muslims and Christians "not to fall in Maute’s trap" that want to trigger social and religious conflict.