Muslims in Iligan rally in support of Bin Laden

ILIGAN CITY — Several hundred Muslims burned US and British flags yesterday to protest the bombing of Afghanistan, and some expressed readiness to fight for al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden.

Some Muslim traders closed shops and stores in support of the anti-US protest in the southern city of Iligan.

"I will go to Afghanistan if I’m needed. I will leave my wife and five children to Allah who will find food for them," said Haron Ali.

The 35-year-old shoemaker signed a list of Muslims in Mindanao volunteering to fight to defend Bin Laden, the wealthy Saudi exile accused of masterminding the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the United States.

Earlier yesterday morning, lawyer Samson Dajao, an officer of the Pagmata Movement wake called the supporters of the Jihad "mangmang" (illiterate) which drew reactions from the organizers headed by Lacs Dalidig and his group of the Islamic Movement for Electoral Reforms and Good Government (IMERGG).

The rallyists sought the support of Iligan City Mayor Franklin Quijano whom they earlier quoted as supporting the jihad but the mayor politely sent word to the organizers that he cannot attend the rally.

Councilor Providencio Abragan, a native of this city said the Christian populace here respect the rights of the Muslims in calling for a jihad as provided for in the country’s Constitution.

"The mass action is legal and is within the parameters of democracy but these rallies must be peaceful. We don’t have to fear, St. Michael the Archangel is the protector of Iligan City," he added.

St. Michael, the patron saint of this city, protected this then coastal settlement from marauders and pirates during the olden days, according to a popular legend. — Lino dela Cruz