In Eid message, Duterte calls for solidarity amid ‘discord, violence’

President Rodrigo Duterte has called on Filipino Muslims to unite in achieving peace as the country marks Eid al-Adha today. “I join our Muslim brothers and sisters in their joyful commemoration of the Eid al-Adha … may this occasion invigorate you to remain steadfast in our task of ensuring triumph against elements that perpetuate discord and violence,” the Philippines president said.“This celebration is an opportunity for our Muslim countrymen to renew their faith and reaffirm devotion to the virtues of [a] Muslim,” he added.Duterte urged Filipinos to be catalysts of unity in achieving “collective aspirations for our nation”.“With the adversities we face as a nation, let us bring forth the spirit of solidarity in our shared hope of attaining genuine and lasting peace,” the nation’s chief executive said. “Together, let us become catalysts of unity and harmony in our respective communities as we firmly strive for the realisation of our collective aspirations for our nation.”The Eid takes place the day after the battle in Marawi City, the country’s Islamic capital, reached its 100th day.The conflict began with the May 23 attack of Marawi City by militants advocating an extremist version of Islam, which has been condemned by Muslim leaders in Mindanao.On Tuesday, Duterte signed Proclamation 297 declaring September 1, 2017, which falls on a Friday, as a regular holiday nationwide in observance of Eid al-Adha.