(Eagle News)—At least three senators called for peace and understanding as Muslim Filipinos celebrate the end of their month-long fasting or Ramadan.
Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri hailed the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, urging Filipinos to “join hands as a nation” to realize its “lofty promise.”
“May we all continue to sustain the gains of this lasting peace for all Filipinos,” Zubiri said.
Senator Leila de Lima, for her part, expressed hope the government would “expedite” the “long-delayed rehabilitation” of Marawi, which was overrun by local terrorists in May 2017.
For this, De Lima cited a May 22 report by the International Committee of the Red Cross, which, according to her, said that over 100,000 people affected by the Marawi siege have remained homeless and unable to return to their homes.
De Lima said, based on reports, among the issues they were encountering were lack of access to potable water, sustainable livelihood, and permanent shelters.
“Sa halip na magpabaya at iasa sa iba, pangunahan sana ng gobyerno ang mabilis na rehabilitasyon ng Marawi pati na ang paglalatag ng oportunidad para sa mga kapatid nating Maranao,” she said.
Senator Loren Legarda, for her part, urged them to “reflect on the virtues of humility, patience and generosity.”
“To our Muslim brothers and sisters, I wish you a joyous and meaningful celebration,” she said.
