Religious tolerance key to peace, progress – Duterte

Marawi City residents should emulate the religious tolerance in Malaysia to help promote peace and development in their community, President Duterte said recently.

The President has recognized Malaysia as a model of tolerance and civility among different religious groups during his recent visit to Marawi City.

“I’m appealing to you na medyo i-redirect lang ninyo ‘yung paradigm or the mindset and allow progress to take place. You will need the Christians as the Christians need the Muslim population, the Moro, so we can improve the lives better than what our parents gave us,” Duterte said during the recent turnover of temporary shelter to displaced Marawi families.

“The model is Malaysia. Bakit sila nag... bakit tayo dito nagpapatayan? [Why do they... why are we killing each other here?],” he added.

Malaysia is a largely Muslim country with 60 percent of the population practising Islam.

The rest are Buddhists, Christians, Hindus and from other religious groups.

The President mentioned anew Malaysia in renewing his appeal for religious tolerance during the indigenous peoples leaders summit in Davao City last Thursday.

Duterte acknowledged that progress could only be attained if there is unity and harmony among the religious and ethic groups in Marawi.

“Sa Marawi, I will see to it that it will progress. Sabi ko nga kayong mga Moro, Maranao, do not... you know. Ay ‘wag kayong mag-ano diyan sa Kristiyano [As I said, the Moros, the Maranaos shouldn’t fight with the Christians],” he said.

“The only way mag-progress ka is really to mix. Look at Malaysia. Sagol man sila ngadto. Nganong behave man sila? Di man lagi sila mang-hadlok? [The only way to progress is really to mix. Look at Malaysia. They’re all mixed there. So why do they behave? Why aren’t they threatening others?]” he said.