Soldiers clean mosques ahead of Ramadhan

From ABS-CBN (Jun 21): Soldiers clean mosques ahead of Ramadhan

In a bid to show their support to the Muslim community's observance of the Holy Month of Ramadhan, the military in Basilan trooped to mosques and masjids to clean the surroundings.

Col. Eliglen Villaflor, Commanding Officer of the 4th Special Forces Battalion, said this is one of their ways to express their unity with their Muslim brothers in the observance of Ramadhan.

Dubbed as Brigada Masjid, Villaflor said soldiers are making rounds in the entire province of Basilan to clean the area.

Villaflor also talked to some Muslim youth studying in the Masjid in Calle Posporo, Barangay San Rafael, Zamboanga City. At least 100 young Muslims are studying in this school.

He said they want to impart to the youth that they should not be afraid of soldiers.

"We are their friends, their partners. We want to get their cooperation in maintaining peace and order in the province," Villaflor said.

Ustadz Fairadz Pulalon, caretaker of the mosque in Barangay San Rafael, expressed elation over the military's initiative.

Pulalon said they are encouraged to make good their sacrifices come Ramadhan time.

The military, meanwhile, also assured that they will be providing security in all places of worship to make sure no incident will disturb the peaceful observance of the Holy Month.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/06/21/14/soldiers-clean-mosques-ahead-ramadhan