Muslim ulamas stand by embattled Gloria

DAVAO CITY — Leaders of the Muslim Ulama League of the Philippines in Southern Mindanao are throwing their support behind President Arroyo while calling for peace and unity among Filipinos in the midst of the crisis now besetting the country.

"I still put my trust and confidence on the governance of President Arroyo. The sincerity is still evident, her toils and labor are unending for the good of all," said Mahmod Adilao, chairman of the Ulama League of the Philippines in the south.

Adilao, saying he is a firm believer of the Islamic faith and a friend of the Christians, urged Filipinos to allow the President to finish her six-year term and let her push with the economic and political reforms she has initiated for the country.

"Once again, let us support every government and its leadership ordained by Allah and duly elected and constituted by our people," Adilao said.

The Islamic leader lamented how the moves to destabilize the government and oust Mrs. Arroyo from office have brought the country down, creating negative perception of the country in the international news media.

"When will this cycle end? This seems to be an old story and history keeps repeating itself. We should stop all these. As believers of Allah, we must be sober and tempered in all our actions. We know that aggression will never be the solution to our country’s problems," he added.

For his part, Compostela Valley Gov. Jose Caballero said that some political groups in Manila should not dictate the political landscape of the country.

"Leaders are changed overnight by mass revolts in Manila alone. If this system continues, I think Mindanao will be better off on its own," he said.

Meanwhile, soldiers in Central Mindanao are unaffected by the controversies hounding the administration and said they remain loyal to the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Major Gen. Agustin Dema-ala, the new commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, whose units are scattered in Central Mindanao said they have assured Southern Command chief Lt. Gen. Alberto Braganza that members of the 6th ID have continued performing their security measures.

Dema-ala was quick to downplay insinuations that Braganza’s visit to the Army camp on Sunday was meant to check on the loyalty of members of the 6th ID. — With John Unson