Muslims launch OIC in Cebu

In order to attain peace and unity among Muslims in Cebu, an Organization of Islamic Communities (OIC) was officially launched yesterday in Barangay Gun-ob, Lapu-Lapu City.

The organization is composed of 42 different Muslim communities from Cebu City, Mandaue City, Lapu-Lapu City, Toledo City, Bogo City, Tabogon, Medellin, Daanbantayan, Kawit, and Tuburan.

Abu Bakr Arabis, organizer, said this is the first time for Cebu Muslim communities to be organized.

He said the main purpose of the organization is to bind together all the Muslims in Cebu and help one another.

"Actually nakita nato nga there's a need nga magkapundok ang mga muslim communities kay ang diversity, kung magkabuwag-buwag na ang mga muslim walay common good nga mahitabo," said Arabis.

"The best thing nga buhaton is to unite to our benefits and as well as welfare sa mga muslims nga kung magkahugpong na there should be a development para sa tagsa-tagsa ka mga kumunidad," he added.

Arabis said there are still other Muslim communities who wanted to be a member. He said all of them are welcome to join. During its launching, the organization also elected its first set of officials.

Palawan Andang was elected as first OICCebu president. The organization is planning to help their fellow Muslims in Marawi who were affected by the war between the Maute terrorists and the government troops.

"Our goal is to make a mission in Marawi to help them uplift on their livelihood after the war there. Right now ang among natabang diri sa Cebu kay individual families (Marawi refugees) pa kung asa nga close proximity sa among community," said Arabis.

The Police Regional Office (PRO) -7 welcomed the Muslim communities organizing themselves.

Police Senior Superintendent Renato Dugan, Police Community Relations chief,was invited as guest speaker during the groups' first meeting yesterday.

He said the initiative of forming an organization among Muslim communities is a very good idea since it will be easier for the police to have a direct communication among Muslims in Cebu.

"At least ilabi na sa peace and order diri sa Cebu, aduna natay grupo or organized nga community nga maduolan nato in case adunay mulutaw nga problema nga nagkinahanglan pud sa ilang advise," said Dugan.—