Press Release
August 12, 2019

On Eid'l Adha, De Lima urges Filipinos to pray for displaced Marawi residents

Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has greeted our Muslim brothers here and abroad on the occasion of the Islamic holiday Eid'l Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice that commemorates the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim.

De Lima, a known human rights defender, also urged the Filipino public to continue praying for the speedy rehabilitation of the war-torn Islamic City of Marawi in Mindanao to improve the plight of displaced residents affected by the Marawi siege.

"We are one with our brothers and sisters in Islam in commemorating Eid'l Adha or the 'Feast of Sacrifice,'" she said.

"Ipagdasal po natin ang epektibong pagkilos ng gobyerno sa mabilis na rehabilitasyon ng mga komunidad na winasak ng kaguluhan. Matagal na pong pinaguho ng karahasan ang kanilang mga pangarap, manaig naman po sana ngayon ang malasakit sa kapwa at matibay na pananampalataya upang muling mabuo ang kanilang pag-asa at makabangon tungo sa normal at marangal na pamumuhay," she added.

Also known as Sacrifice Feast, Eid'l Adha is among the most important holidays on the Muslim calendar, which also includes Eid'l Fitr, which marks the culmination of the month-long fast during Ramadan.

Eid'l Adha commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice and show his commitment to Allah by proving his willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael. It also marks the end of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Islam's holiest city of Mecca.

The lady Senator from Bicol lamented that many Filipino residents in Mindanao, especially Muslims, continue to suffer homelessness brought about by the Marawi siege, amid government's supposed effort to rehabilitate the area.

"Nananatili po ang mabibigat na hamon sa marami nating kababayan sa Mindanao, kabilang ang mga napilitang lumikas dahil sa kaguluhan at hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin nakababalik sa kanilang tahanan--mga nakatatanda, may sakit o kapansanan, mga batang hirap makapasok o tumigil sa pag-aaral," she said.

De Lima said the solemnity of the holy occasion should remind the Filipino public of the value of strong faith, respect, and compassion with fellow Filipinos in the pursuit of a better society that is inclusive for all.

"That in spite of the struggles and challenges which many of us face, we continue to believe and strive through the guidance of the Almighty," she said.

"Time and again, we have seen this courage and unrelenting spirit from our fellow countrymen in conflict-ridden areas, where, in the midst of decades-long violence and lack of opportunities, they continue to hope and persevere towards achieving lasting peace and a just society," she added.

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