MANILA, (PIA) -- Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police General Guillermo Eleazar graciously received a copy of the Holy Qur’an with English translation from Yes for Peace – Bayanihan ng Bayan (Y4P-BnB) Secretary-General Yusof J. Mando, a Commissioner of the National Commission for Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) during the Regionwide Muslim Leaders Summit for Peace, Unity and Solidarity held recently in observance of the Eid-al Adha celebration.
In his speech, Mando emphasized the story of Prophet Ibrahim when he was commanded by Allah SWT to test his obedience to his Creator. He also highlighted the significance of Eid'l Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice, and its relevance to the present situation in the country.
Eleazar responded and expressed his gratitude to Commissioner Mando. He communicated his appreciation for the indispensable share of the Muslim Community in the PNP’s peace and order endeavor.
“Your support is very important to us to achieve lasting peace. Lahat ng mga mensahe ngayong araw pertains to unity ang collaboration. Unity in diversity. Magkakaiba man ang ating paniniwala, lahat ito ay pinagbubuklod ng ating advocacy na dapat tayo ay mag tulong tulong. This celebration of sacrifice, obedience, respect and full trust and confidence to our Almighty, our creator, our Allah kung saan ibinibigay natin ang lahat ng walang pasubali ang ating sarili pati na rin ang ating buhay.”
Eleazar also thanked Mando for relating Islam’s version of the sacrifice imposed upon Ibrahim, which was different to the version written in the Bible.
He admitted that it was his first time to hear it despite having many Muslim acquaintances and colleagues.
“Allah’s command to Ibrahim is, without doubt almost impossible for an average man to follow,” Mama S. Lalanto, al Haj, Chairperson of the Yes for Peace, Incorporated (Y4PI) said for his part.
The event was held in line with the observance of the 26th Police Community Relations Month in July 2021 with the Theme: “Pulisya at Pamayanan, BARANGAYanihan sa Hamon ng Pandemya at Laban sa Krimen” at the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Hinirang Social Hall in Camp Karingal, Quezon City.
The event, spearheaded by Director for Police Community Relations Police Major General Rhodel Sermonia, was hosted by the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) led by Police MGen Vicente Danao Jr who also received copies of the Holy Qur’an.
More or less 100 participants composed of Imams, Ustadz, ‘Aleem and Representative of Muslim Consultative Councils (MCC) of Metro Manila and leaders from Muslim communities of Metro Manila and Yes for Peace Coordinators participated in the program that aims to pursue peace dialogues and conduct peace-building undertakings between the PNP and Muslim Communities within the National Capital Region.
Part of the program are Oath taking of Muslim Faith Based Advocacy Group and the signing of a Peace Covenant that states, “In the name of Allah SWT… We commit ourselves and we shall perform our responsibilities to maintain peace and order in our areas in support of the programs of the National Capitol Region Police Office and the Philippine National Police as a whole.”
“Be that as it is, Ibrahim in all humility and obedience did everything needed for the sacrifice.” Lalanto said.
“If Ibrahim can follow Allah’s impossible command, why can we not accept and follow the Ummah principle that all of us are Brothers and Sisters created by the same God?”
For his part, Ernesto Angeles Alcanzare, President and Chief Executive Officer of Y4PI said, “I hope that the acceptance of the Holy Qu’ran by PGen Eleazar and the signing of the Peace Covenant will serve as the staging ground for the pro-active involvement and collective participation of the Filipino people in our national quest for a just, unifying, sustainable and lasting peace.” (PIA-NCR)
