■ POLICE WELCOME NEW MUSLIM ORGANIZATION, SAY IT IS GREAT HELP TO COPS' WORK

The PRO 7 hailed the creation of a coalition of Muslim groups in Cebu Province, saying this will help in the peace and order program of the government. Senior Supt. Renato Dugan, PRO 7 Regional Police Community Relations Division chief, saud the Organization of Islamic Communities in Cebu (OIC-Cebu) is a welcome move. “This is the first time that they organized (themselves)... We have a group or an organized Muslim community that we can approach to in case there is a problem that needs advice,” he said.

The Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 welcomed the creation of the first organization that unites several Muslim groups in Cebu, saying it is beneficial to the province.

Senior Supt. Renato Dugan, PRO 7 Regional Police Community Relations Division chief, said that the Organization of Islamic Communities in Cebu (OIC-Cebu) can help maintain peace and order.

“This is the first time that they organized (themselves),” he said. “We now have a group or an organized Muslim community that we can approach in case there is a problem that needs (their) advice.”

Dugan represented PRO 7 Director Chief Supt. Jose Mario Espino during the event yesterday morning, which was participated in by the members of 42 mosques from Cebu City, Mandaue City, Lapu-Lapu City, Toledo City, Bogo City, Tabogon, Tuburan, Daanbantayan and Medellin.

He said OIC-Cebu engages in several programs including community outreach to fellow Muslims and non-Muslims.

They also do medical missions, mosque construction and rehabilitation, among others.

OIC-Cebu organizer Abu Bakr Arabis said several Muslim leaders agreed to form the group to bind them as one.

The group urged their members to be the bearers of peace in their communities. /