FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – Aspiring Army reservist and actor Robin Padilla attended a youth forum in the Province of Sulu to promote peace today, July 7.
Together with other officers of the Philippine Army, Padilla spoke to the participants of the Sulu Youth Empowerment for Preventing-Countering Violent Extremism assembly and lamented the bomb attack last June 28 which caused the death of three soldiers, two civilians and two bombers, and the wounding of 12 other soldiers.
“Ang Islam na nakilala ko ay mapayapang religion,” said Padilla as he recalled the values he learned after becoming a Muslim and the change it brought from his old rebellious life. “Ito po ang religion na nagturo sa akin na maging makatao, makadiyos at kung bakit mahal ko ang Pilipinas,” he added.
On the other hand, Army Imam Chaplain Cpt. Abdulhaq Mohammad emphasized that extremism is beyond the vocabulary of Islam. “Ang itinuturo sa Islam ay mercy not just for the Muslims but for all mankind and that includes non-Muslims,” said Mohammad.
Among the more than 800 youth participants is 15-year-old Mariam Ahmad who shared that the message brought to them was an insiparation to the Muslim community, “Para may peace na po dito, wala nang bombing at para magkaisa na po.”
Padilla also announced that he will be joining the Philippine Army Reserve Component, stating his decision to volunteer as an honor to serve the country.
“We thank Mr. Robin Padilla for his time and effort to advocate peace and unity to the people especially those who are affected by the threat of violent extremists. We welcome his desire to join the Army Reserve Component and contribute more to the Army’s thrusts of nation-building. All citizens, whether celebrity or ordinary, are highly encouraged to join us in serving the people and securing the land,” said Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, the Army spokesperson.
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