Early morning on June 25, 2017/Sunday, MGEN AYING was invited by the Muslim leaders to pray and celebrate with them in the said Muslim faith gathering. In front of the New Government Center, Bacolod City where he joined in prayer with our Muslim brothers signaling the end of their month-long fasting. He was then invited by the Muslim leaders at DAR AL-DHIKR, Brgy Mansilingan, Bacolod City as Guest of Honor and Speaker same as through with the community in MASJID ABU BAKR AL SIDDIQ, Brgy 30 of the same city.
The participation of the 3ID in the said religious gathering is our way of showing respect to their Muslim culture and Islamic faith thus strengthen our relationship with them as peace advocates and promoter of development. During the gathering and celebration, MGEN AYING extended his heartfelt greetings to the community. He also expressed the act of respect of the whole AFP led by GEN EDUARDO AÑO the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to their celebration by suspending its combat operations in Marawi City from 6:00 o’clock in the morning to 2:00 o’clock in the afternoon to give way for the Muslims to pray and celebrate their Islamic faith.
Setting aside the social, cultural and spiritual differences in working towards lasting peace and development and fighting as one against violent extremism are some of the things that MGEN AYING have stressed out during his speech. As he went on to his speech he elaborated the history of external conflict that affected us as a nation and as Filipinos that until now we are still facing. In addition, he borrowed a statement from a Muslim leader who shared about what ISLAM stands for as an acronym; “ISLAM means I Should Love All Mankind” stressing that a Muslim using his religion in killing is not a true Muslim. Ending his speech he pointed out the different cultures, tribes, beliefs and religion in the country that made us weak as a nation because we never respected our differences. We should see these differences with respect and in another perspective. A perspective that will bind us together working towards for peace and development as one nation and as Filipinos.
Major General Jon Aying, 3ID Commander guest of honor and speaker during the celebration of EID AL-FITR together with different Muslim leaders in Negros Occidental at DAR AL-DHIKR, Brgy Mansilingan, Bacolod City on June 25, 2017.