Muslim group swears to peace

CEBU, Philippines - More than 30 Muslims from different sectors in the cities of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue and Talisay yesterday met with Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama to commit themselves against terrorism and other forms of lawlessness and to work for and foster peace.

In yesterday’s gathering at the conference room of the Office of the Mayor, the peace conference with the theme: “Cebu City: Home of mutual understanding and peaceful co-existence” was made following the killing of international terrorist leader Osama bin Laden in Pakistan.

National Commission for Muslim Filipinos-Visayas acting regional director Malo Manonggiring said the Muslims communities here in Cebu were for peace and order and for economic activities.

Manonggiring also said that they will continue to monitor their members and work with the government in maintaining peace in the city and the entire region.

Datu Abubacar Gunang, who represents the Muslims in Cebu, said that there will be no development in the city if there will be no peace, and that they are protecting Cebu because most of their Muslim brothers and sisters are doing business here.

Gunang also assured that whatever terror attacks that may happen outside the country and in the other parts of the country will not happen in Cebu.

Police Regional Community Relation Officer Senior Supt. Mariano Natuel Jr. said the Cebuanos and the police force were happy with their commitment of support in helping them maintain peace and order.

Nevertheless, the police will have to double their security efforts as there can be no telling what these terror groups would do following Bin Laden’s death, Natuel said. The U.S. Department of State issued a global travel alert soon after the announcement of the death of Bin Laden, warning of possible reprisal attacks from Al-Qaeda and its affiliated terror groups.

Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the September 11, 2001 terror attacks was reportedly slain Sunday in his hideout in Pakistan during a firefight with U.S. forces, ending a manhunt that spanned a decade. Bin Laden, 54, was killed after a gunbattle with Navy SEALs and CIA paramilitary forces at a compound in the city of Abbottabad. (FREEMAN)