Muslim leaders vow aid to secure ASEAN meet

Muslim leaders assured police and local officials that they are willing to assist them in securing Cebu during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in December.

In yesterday's dialogue between local officials in Cebu, police and other law enforcement agencies, the Muslim leaders said they believe in doing their share to maintain peace and order in Cebu especially during the meeting with ASEAN leaders here.

Sakiran Hajan, regional director of the Office of the Muslims Affairs-7 said that mostly of them have been living Cebu for several years and they are also concerned for their safety and that of their families.

Cebu City Vice Mayor Michael Rama welcomed the promise made by Muslim leaders citing the incoming ASEAN Summit is very crucial to the Cebuanos especially the security preparations.

Rama acknowledged the support of Muslim leaders in previous Sinulog celebrations in Cebu City.

"Nakita nato nga dako kaayo usab og natampo ang mga kaigsoonon nato nga Muslim sa kalampusan sa pagpahigayon nato sa mga dinagko nga kalihukan dinhi sa ato sa dakbayan sa Sugbo ilabi na gayud matag Sinulog," Rama said.

During the dialogue, Muslim leaders also asked the police and the media to stop calling suspects Muslims if they are yet unverified.

Police officials offered their apologies and promised to introduce measures to prevent this from happening. - Jose P. Sollano