Muslims appeal for end to disinformation in Marawi
Spread of false information about war-torn city could stoke discord between Christians and Muslims
A group of Muslim leaders from the war-torn city of Marawi in the southern Philippines has appealed to Filipinos to stop posting disinformation on social media that might spark discord.
Social media posts in recent weeks claimed that the Catholic Cathedral would be the first structure to be rebuilt in the Muslim city reduced to rubble after a five-month conflict last year.
Samira Gutoc-Tomawis, a Muslim civil rights activist in Marawi, said Filipinos should focus on efforts to bridge unity instead of creating tension between Muslims and Christians.
"Let us not divide ourselves," said Gutoc-Tomawis, a former member of parliament in the autonomous Muslim region in Mindanao, at a recent forum in Manila.
Bishop Edwin de la Pena of Marawi has repeatedly said rebuilding the Catholic Cathedral is not his priority but the recovery and rehabilitation of communities is.
He said one of his priorities is to improve interfaith relations and to bring healing to people still traumatized by the violence.
Gutoc-Tomawis said there are many stories that can be shared of Muslims taking care of Christians whose lives were in danger during the attack by Islamic State gunmen.
The Muslim leader also cited the Catholic Church's program to help in peace-building efforts in Muslim communities.
"We thank the church for not abandoning us even during recent storms that hit Mindanao," said Gutoc-Tomawis.
She said church groups are often the first to help Muslim communities in Mindanao.
Abdul Hamidullah Atar, a sultan from Marawi, also welcomed efforts by Catholics in helping rebuild the predominantly Muslim city.
"We all need to uphold human dignity, and the way that we can contribute in peace-building is to avoid fake news to reduce hatred, biases and discrimination," said the Muslim leader.
The rebuilding of Marawi is yet to start, four months after its liberation from Islamic State-inspired gunmen.
UCA News - www.ucanews.com, February 27, 2018
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