Two Muslim lawmakers on Tuesday welcomed the recent signing of a Manila City ordinance allotting P49.3 million for the development of a cemetery for followers of the Islamic faith in the heart of the country’s capital city.
Reps. Mujiv Hataman of Basilan and Esmael Mangudadatu of Maguindanao expressed gratitude to the Manila City government, particularly to Mayor Francisco “Isko” Domagoso and the Manila City Council, for what he described as a commendable and noteworthy move.
“With so much discrimination against Muslims here and in other countries, we find hope and comfort in such a grand and awe-inspiring gesture directed to our Muslim brothers and sisters,” Hataman, former governor of the now-defunct ARMM, noted.
“On behalf of the Muslim population here in the greater Metro Manila area, we expressed our sincerest thanks for this endeavor,” Hataman added.
For his part, Mangudadatu lauded Domagoso after the mayor bared plans yesterday the development of a P49.3-million cemetery exclusive for deceased Muslim residents.
“I am grateful and at awe of Mayor Domagoso’s initiative in creating a cemetery fit for the proper burial of our fellow Muslim brothers and sisters. This is a sign that the City of Manila truly embraces our religion and respects our tradition,” said Mangudadatu.
Said to be situated at the Manila South Cemetery, covering about 2,400 square meters of land, officials of the City of Manila claims that the cemetery is one way of paying tribute to the historical contributions of Muslim leaders prior to Spanish colonization.
The said cemetery will not only allow the burial of Muslims but will also grant the transfer of their remains at the defined burial grounds.
“I can only wish that other local government offices emulate what Mayor Moreno did for us. Initiatives like this not only warms our hearts with gratitude but also assures us that we are respected and are a recognized part of a community that is predominantly Catholic,” Mangudadatu said.
Domagoso on Monday signed Ordinance 8608 that allocates P49.3 million for the establishment of a 2.400-square meter Manila Muslim Cemetery inside the Manila South Cemetery. The cemetery is said to be built this year.
