Angara champions Muslim community

DAVAO CITY - Reelectionist senator Edgardo J. Angara today expressed his full support to the Muslim as he vowed to continue advocating laws that empower the Muslim community.

In a meeting with key Muslim leaders, Angara said he will author and sponsor more laws that will uphold equal rights for the Muslims.

"The Islam and Muslims are important part of the country's rich history and culture. It is essential that we, both Christians and Muslims, start building bridges with each other towards understanding, lasting peace and development," said Angara who chairs the Senate Committee on Peace, Unification and Reconciliation.

A staunch advocate of Muslim rights, Angara is the main author of two important laws promoting the rights of the Muslim community. Senate Bill No. 2521 provides for the declaration of Sheikh Karimul Makhdum Mosque as the first and oldest Muslim House of Prayer in the Philippines. Senate Bill 1053, on other hand, prohibits the use by newsmen of the word "Muslim" or "Islamic" to refer to persons suspected or convicted of any crime.

In 1380, the Sheikh Karimul Makhdum Mosque was built at Tubig Indangan, Simunul, Tawi-tawi by an Arab missionary. Since then, both the regional and national government have recognized the mosque's contribution, to the Islamic faith and the country's cultural heritage.

On November last year, the Senate, upon the motion of Senator Angara, approved on third and final reading SBN 2521 declaring Sheikh Karimul Makhdum Mosque as the first and oldest Muslim House of Prayer in the Philippines.

"This is a long overdue and a major contribution to Muslims in their religious life. This symbolizes the things that bind people together as a nation," Angara said.

For his part, Dr. Augusto de Viana, Head of the Research and Publications of the National Historical Institute since 1993, said this recognition is an important step toward bridging the gap between Christian and Muslim communities.

"The Sheikh Karimul Makhdum Mosque is a long-declared national landmark. By making it a shrine through the passage of this law, we underscore its importance as part of our national heritage and the preservation of our rich and diverse culture," Dr. de Viana said.

"We need to reconcile with our Muslim brothers in the south and I cannot think of any greater symbolism than this. It is a most opportune gesture of friendship to our Muslim brothers," Angara said.

On the other hand, Angara denounced discrimination against Muslims. He particularly noted the use of words "Muslim" or "Islamic" to refer to suspected or convicted criminals and unlawful acts, which are offensively biased against Muslims.

"This practice is highly prejudicial and extremely injurious to the Islamic religious culture, Muslim individuals and their collective image and their social well being as respectable citizens of the country. Outlawing this culturally and religiously biased practice will result in increased positive social space," Angara said.