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Gideon C. Corgue LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur, 29 June (PIA) –
BGen. Rolando Joselito Bautista, Jr., 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division
(1ID) commander congratulated all Muslim soldiers including their dependents at
the culmination of the Holy month of Ramadan or Eid-ul-Fitr on Monday, June 26
at the Mosque, Camp Major Cesar Sang-an, Pulacan.
This year, the celebration of Ramadan began on
May 26 and ended on June 26.
Bautista
in his message delivered by Colonel Santiago I. Enginco, acting chief of staff
of the 1ID, Philippine Army said Eid-ul-Fitr is an important religious festival
celebrated by Muslims worldwide that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy
month of fasting.
“The event is a celebration of the feast of
sacrifice when our Muslim brothers and sisters spend the month of Ramadan
fasting and praying,” said Enginco quoting Gen. Bautista.
“This
is our appreciation and recognition of the outstanding contributions of our
brother Muslims who are in the service,”
Bautista
proudly said. Bautista said their
sacrifices is an opportunity for them to stay strong in tough times.
The good general said that aside from
strengthening their faith in Islam, Ramadan manifests the image of peace where
all Muslims across the world are united in fasting and praying as they are
released from their religious obligation and have been forgiven of their sins.
Bautista said despite the strict observance of
Muslim soldiers during the month-long Ramadan, yet they performed their duties
and responsibilities effectively and
efficiently.
“This goes to show that even if our soldiers
practice Islam faith, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have shown
respect and tolerance of their religion,” Bautista explained.
He said some of our Muslim soldiers valiantly
fought, sacrificed their lives and continued fighting against the Maute terror
group in Marawi City to achieve peace. “Your dedication and loyalty to your job
is priceless,” Bautista proudly said.
“I
ask you to continue serving the Armed Forces of the Philippines with a strong
sense of duty, courage and loyalty,”
Bautista concluded.
