Muslim Organizations Denounce Bombings in Basilan

BASILAN, Philippines - The leadership of the Basilan Ulama Supreme Council based in Isabela City in Basilan province strongly denounced the recent bombings that left scores of civilians dead and wounded.

An emergency meeting was called by Dr. Aboulkhair Tarason, chairman of the Basilan Ulama Supreme Council and concurrent vice chairman of the National Ulama Conference of the Philippines after the April 13 attacks.

The NUCP and the BUSC unanimously expressed deep apprehensions and concern over the new spate of political violence. Tarason condemned the bombing and called on the public to stay vigilant.

He reminded citizens to “be calm in the midst of this unpredictable situation because it can easily bring confusion and misunderstanding among the peace-loving people as well as the different political leaders in the Province.”

Tarason reminded that all places of worship, Muslim and non-Muslim alike, are sacred, and hence must be respected and protected from any forms of harassment and destruction.

One bomb exploded outside the Basilan National High School and the second was detonated in front of the Santa isabel Cathedral.

Aleem Abdulmuhmin Mujahid, an officer of the ZAMBASULTA Regional Management committee of NUCP, said: “Basilan, particularly Isabela City, could have been very peaceful and tranquil if it was to exist without the spurs of sabotage coming from some sectors and groups, particularly from those who do not want peace to reign in the entirety of Basilan.“

Tarason, Mujahid and the officers of the Ulama Council, together with the Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy and Magbassa Kita Foundation Inc appealed to authorities and the local government to investigate the incidents and to look into the real motives of the bombing and allay the apprehensions of the public.

The National Ulama Conference of the Philippines is a national network of Islamic organizations and Muslim religious scholars working for peace and development through exercise of moral and spiritual leadership and through encouragement of active participation of the community members in peace-building efforts.

Authorities blamed the attacks to the Abu Sayyaf group.