By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

A number of Muslims residing in Bacolod City have expressed their disgust over the Maute group and Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), following the attacks on Marawi City this week.
Abdul Rasheed, who worships at the Dar Al-Dhikr Islamic Call and Guidance Center in Barangay Mansilingan, claims the actions taken by the terror groups are “un-Islamic” and contradicts the teachings of true Islam, which he described as a religion of peace.
Rasheed said he doubts members of the armed groups are followers of Islam, asserting, they do not even know how to pray correctly.
He pointed out, Muslims are supposed to follow Qiblah, or praying towards the direction of Mecca. However, he said, in some pictures and videos shown online, the terror members pray facing various directions.
When asked if local Muslims have faced discrimination because of the Maute and ASG’s actions, Rasheed admitted they have grown “immune”over the years.
Earlier, the local Muslim community expressed their support for President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao, saying, they hope it will address the longstanding conflict on the island./WDJ