Cruz warns government vs demolishing Baclaran mosque

MANILA, Philippines - Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz cautioned the government yesterday against tearing down a Muslim mosque along Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City, only to pave the way for the construction of several commercial establishments, including casinos.

Cruz is staunchly opposing gambling in the country and is the founder of the Krusadang Bayan Laban sa Jueteng (KBLJ). 

The non-government organization (NGO) Urban Poor Associates (UPA) said that Cruz sent them a statement of support, saying that the “the demolition of the mosque is a ticking time bomb because it will cascade into mishmash of complicated and sensitive religious, cultural and social issues.”

“Destroying a religious symbol in place of a symbol of vice and greed is the height of arrogance and brazenness. It is a violation of Christian and Muslim religious tradition and beliefs,” Cruz said.

According to Islamic law, it is forbidden to destroy houses of worship, including Christian churches.

Abdelmanan Tanandato, president of the Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Nademolis sa Roxas Boulevard, said they will not abandon their mosque and that they are ready to declare a holy war if the government insists on destroying their place of worship.

It is a Muslim belief that if they die defending the mosque during Ramadan, which is set to start around Aug. 21, they would be rewarded twice by Allah.

The Baclaran mosque is said to be the third biggest mosque in Metro Manila.

Last month, a memorandum was circulated to several government agencies, reportedly instructing them to relocate the entire mosque structure to a proposed relocation site adjacent to the Coastal Road. – Evelyn Macairan