IMAGE OF THE DAY

Muslims in Basilan stage protest against the move of the mayor of Isabela City to demolish the mosque in their village. They also condemn the Danish caricatures of Prophet Mohammad. (HADER GLANG)

Basilan Muslims protest Isabela City
mayor’s move to demolish mosque

HUNDREDS of Muslims staged Monday a protest against the move of Mayor Luis Biel to demolish a mosque in Isabela City, Basilan as they joined the Muslims throughout the world in condemning Danish caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad.

The demonstrators were led by tablighs (spreaders of the words of Allah), including residents near the Ihya Ussunna Mosque (Islamic Center) in Bulwagan, Port Area. They marched through the main thoroughfares and gathered at the Dr. Jose Rizal plaza.

Some marchers carrying anti-Biel banners struck the main gate of the mayor’s residence with placards before proceeding to the city’s main square. Fully armed security of the mayor tried to block angry protesters.

Later on, a rowdy protest was held at the city’s main square. A battery of speakers warned Mayor Biel of the consequence once the mosque is demolished as the crowd chanted Allahu Akbar (God is great) and waved their placards.

“You destroy the mosque, you destroy Islam, you destroy our life, you destroy peace.We will remain patient so long the mosque is intact. We will guard the mosque until you say you will never demolish it…Muslims are ready to die for Islam. Demolition team are you ready to die like us?” some of the placards said.

One of the speakers, Manny Muarip, told the crowd that the lot where the mosque is located is not within the development plan and no longer needed by the Philippines Port Authority (PPA).

“This means that we have applied this area. We even got another certification from the DENR stating that the parcel of land covering an area of 621 square meters situated at barangay (village) Port Area is an alienable and disposal area.”

“Even the Bureau of Land gave us survey plan from the ministry of natural resources staff. So we are not squatters because we are paying taxes to the city. If we are squatters these government offices wont issue us certifications.”

But a local official, who requested anonymity, told Zamboanga Southwall that Mayor Biel is only enforcing the rule of law as the property belongs to the city government.

“The mayor’s move is based on the court order for demolition. The court already awarded the area to the city government during the time of former Mayor Ben Valencia,” the official said.

Muarip also expressed outrage over Danish caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad, saying that Muslims in Basilan are united with the stand of the Muslims around the world condemning the government of Denmark for such blasphemous action.

“We call on our Muslim brothers and sisters around the world to stop from buying the products of Denmark or Danish. We feel very bad that a country like Denmark approved such a caricature to be published in the newspapers,” he said.

Under Islamic tradition, any depiction of the prophet, favorable or otherwise, is forbidden to prevent idolatry. But Danish published cartoons in September, triggering anger among Muslims who knew about the tradition. It re-ignited last week after Saudi Arabia recalled its ambassador to Denmark. (ZS)