DILG brass to Muslim settlers: Be models of Islam in this city

By August 21, 2016Governance, News

BALON DAGUPAN NEWS

DEPARTMENTO of the Interior and Local Government Assistant Secretary for Muslim Affairs and Special Concerns Hamil Ladjakhal called on Muslim settlers of Dagupan to be models of Islam as he urged them to help in the fight against illegal drugs in the country.

In his visit to Dagupan on August 15, Ladjakhal cautioned the Muslim leaders that engaging in illegal drugs trade is haram (forbidden) in Islam.

“You have no right to call yourself a Muslim when you do not follow the Islam teachings. While you are here in Dagupan you have to behave. Don’t be a problem but instead a solution and do not create a problem,” said Ladjakhal in reaction to reports that there are Muslims who are engaged in the drug trade, significantly affecting the community.

The Muslim leaders who attended the meeting with the Assistant Secretary at the City Mayor’s Office are those representing the Muslim communities in Sitio Silungan in Bonuan Binloc and Barangay II and III.

The Muslim leaders assured Ladjakhal that from the time the government began a serious campaign on illegal drugs, Muslims suspected as drug traders have already left their areas. They also volunteered to submit a community profile of all their members including visitors and those who have just settled in their areas as their way of showing support to the government’s campaign on drugs.

Dagupan City Police Station Chief of Police P/Supt. Neil Miro, who was also present in that meeting, welcomed the idea and expressed hope that they (Muslims) will seriously do what they have promised –polish their ranks and be law-abiding citizens.

City Administrator Farah Marie G. Decano, who represented Mayor Belen T. Fernandez, assured the Muslim community in the city that at present the city has no plan of re-settling them but warned them though that they have a plan to beautify the whole stretch of the shoreline which has been proclaimed as a park under a Presidential Proclamation.

“The city, however, is developing a social housing for those living in disaster risk areas where we can transfer them if they qualify,” said Decano.

Ladjakhal lauded the city’s housing program and further urged the Muslim community to do three things especially those who have been engaged in drug trade: to make amends, ask for forgiveness and obey the laws and be free from prosecution.

The meeting was joined by DILG Region 1 Director Julie J. Daquioag, DILG City Director Rhoderick Dawis and OIC City Social Welfare and Development Office chief Leah Aquino. (Joseph C. Bacani/CIO)

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