Filipino Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha amid war

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Muslims all around the world gathered on Friday to pray and joyously exchange greetings as they celebrate Eid al-Adha, the Feast of the Sacrifice, marking the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

The multi-day festival is one of the two most important Islamic festivals. But reflecting on their faith and celebrating have become nearly impossible for the Muslim residents in Marawi, on Philippine's southern island of Mindanao. Their prayers have been drowned by bombs dropping from the air and the sound of gunshots ringing across the city.

“I hope the conflict ends soon so that we can all go back home in peace,” 64-year-old Sultan Badri Monte, an evacuee, told CGTN.

Sultan Badri Monte and his family have been living in an evacuation center for more than 100 days now. /Photo by CGTN's Barnaby Lo

For over a hundred days now, Sultan and his family have been living in a tent, surviving only on help they receive from the government and aid organizations. He says the battle between the Philippine military and ISIL-linked militants has left them with nothing.

“We are left with nothing but the clothes we were wearing. And I know that even if we’re able to get back home, there will be nothing left there. I’m not pointing fingers at anyone but I know most of our things have been looted.”

Sultan is among the hundreds of thousands who have fled fighting in Marawi. Others are living with relatives, but many ended up in evacuation centers that are already cramped with displaced residents.

To help them celebrate this holy day, the local government delivered cattle to all evacuation camps.

“Every Eid occasion, we always hold family gatherings, share meals together. And that’s what the provincial government is providing today. At least today, it’s a respite from the everyday reality of war,” Zia Adiong, provincial crisis management committee, explained to CGTN.

The Feast of the Sacrifice commemorates Abraham’s willingness to offer his only son to God. It is traditional to sacrifice an animal during the festival.

Marawi siege: Day 102

Marawi City is on its 102nd day of grappling with ISIL-linked Maute militants. On the eve of Eid, three more soldiers were killed and 52 others wounded as the fight against the remaining Maute members intensified. Five Maute fighters were also killed in the encounter as troops continue their “final push” in the liberation of the city.

In a CNN Philippines report, the Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) said the troops died Thursday due to the improvised explosive devices (IEDs) left by the Maute members in different areas of the city.

Smoke rises from houses as battles continue in Marawi on the southern island of Mindanao on September 1, 2017. Three more soldiers have been killed in the encounter. /Photo by CGTN's Barnaby Lo

Most buildings are also laden with IEDs, giving the soldiers a hard time clearing the structures.

Despite the casualties, it is still seen as a win for the government as the military says it has regained full control of a key bridge in the besieged city. The Banggolo Bridge is crucial because it is in the center of the city and goes right into its financial district where the militants strategically holed up.

According to Armed Forces of the Philippines’ spokesperson Brigadier General Restituto Padilla, the new death toll raised to 136 the total number of soldiers killed in action in Marawi. At least 620 enemies have been killed since the fighting began on May 23.

International Terrorism

Meanwhile, the leaders of the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia may meet to discuss international terrorism, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said Wednesday.

According to a Philippine Star report, Duterte and Indonesian President Joko Widodo are still awaiting word from Malaysian President Najib Razak on the meeting.

“Widodo and I have yet to hear from Najib. He wants us, the three of us to meet somewhere to talk about this new phenomenon of international terrorism,” the president said during the oath-taking of newly-promoted police officials in Malacañang.

A Philippine Marine takes cover from sniper fire by Muslim militants during a patrol along a deserted street at the frontline in Marawi, on the southern island of Mindanao on July 22, 2017. / AFP Photo

“It seems that we are back into the stages of the old world. Like pirates, of which they are really are… They kill and they just want to destroy,” he added.

The three Southeast Asian countries have already started conducting joint maritime patrols to counter terrorism and other transnational crimes. The agreement seeks to prevent abductions at sea, the movement of terrorist groups and the possible spillover of the conflict in Marawi. The three countries also plan to strengthen their cooperation by sharing information and assets, and form joint headquarters.

The Philippines has more than 10.7 million Muslims, mostly living in Mindanao island which has been under martial law since May 23.

(Reports and photos from CGTN’s Barnaby Lo)