Zambo City mayor hits back at Islamic preacher's supporters

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Zamboanga City Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar lashed back at the group of militants from Marawi after their indignation rally blamed her for allegedly banning an Islamic preacher in the city.

Salazar expressed surprise when the group blamed her and accused her of allegedly preventing Abu Ameena Bilal Philips to hold an activity in a convention center operated by the city government last week.

Salazar said what is on record is that the venue where the activity that Philips was supposed to preside was not available on September 6 due to an ongoing Art Healing Workshop for 300 school children affected by the 2013 siege.

She said because of the non-availability of the venue, the organizers informed the city government that Philips was no longer proceeding to the City.

Philips was held and ordered for deportation by police authorities in Davao City last September 7, on the eve of President Aquino’s visit, on grounds that he could be considered a threat to national security noting a ban imposed on him in Australia, Bangladesh, Germany, Kenya, United Kingdom and the United States.

Salazar said the arrest of Philips in Davao has no connection with the failure in holding his activity in this city due to non-availability of the venue. 

“They make it appear that it is only me who is the enemy, so be it, because I will do everything I can to protect the people of Zamboanga,” Salazar said in reaction to insinuations that she ordered Philip’s ban in in this city. The rallyists burned her defaced picture in Marawi City last Wednesday.

“We will protect our people- Muslims, Christians and lumads have suffered enough from the siege. Zamboanga City is our home and we are building it back better with God’s grace and people’s support,” she added.