PEACE UPDATE: NCMF, pilgrim leaders to foster peace, unity | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online

NCMF, pilgrim leaders to foster peace, unity | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online: "NCMF Secretary Bai Omera D. Dianalan Lucman noted the significant number of “sheikhs” and their pilgrims, which could each be a strong force for promoting peace, unity, and harmony.

With thousands of hajjis, probably over 100,000 since 1979, the NCMF has a potential strong force for peace that could help promote interfaith understanding and unity in the country, she said.

“In the NCMF consultations on peace and hajj awareness last week in Mindanao, the team led by Commissioner Solaiman Mutia got the commitment of the sheikhs to join the agency in its peacemaking programs,” said Lucman.

Initial reports from Mutia, she said, showed the pilgrims’ leaders have agreed to help the NCMF help promote peace and unity.

Mutia, NCMF commissioner-in-charge for Hajj and Endowment, said the Hajj Awareness Program (HAP) and Promotion of Peace conducted in Zamboanga City on April 19 assembled 79 “sheikhs” from Region 9: In Marawi City for Lanao areas on April 23, there were 90 of them; and in Cotabato City on April 28 there were 80 who attended from Maguindanao, Cotabato, Davao, and Socsargen (South Cotabato, Sarangani, and General Santos City)."