MARAWI CITY —– The Provincial Inter-Agency Task Force (PIATF) approved a resolution on Tuesday suspending Eid’l Fitr congregational prayers in mosques, including mass outside, and congregational prayers related to the celebration of Eid’l Fitr or the Feast of Ramadhan.
To protect the public from the highly contagious coronavirus disease (COVID)-19, the PIATF imposed a temporary ban on mass congregations and gatherings in Resolution No.06, series of 2021.
This was issued following a consultative meeting with the Provincial Ulama Council and the Marawi City Ulama Council.
According to the resolution, the Eid’l Fitr prayer should be performed privately at home with immediate family members.
Celebrations at one’s home with anyone other than one’s immediate family are strongly discouraged.
According to the most recent IPHO (Integrated Provincial Health Office) Bulletin “Bantay COVID-19 sa Ranaw,” as of 8 a.m. on May 10, we have 141 active cases with 18 new cases, 10 of whom have unknown exposure and/or travel history. According to the resolution, “the Amai Pakpak Medical Center (APMC) reported near critical level status as COVID-19 patients continue to rise admission with intensive care unit (ICU) for COVID-19 patients full.”
The PIATF also urged Muslim constituents in the province to celebrate Eid’l Fitr while adhering to minimum health standards and protocols.
On Monday, the Bangsamoro IATF issued an advisory empowering Provincial IATFs in the Bangsamoro region to adopt a policy on the conduct of Eid’l Fitr congregation prayer and other related gatherings based on the actual COVID-19 situation in their respective locality in consultation with religious leaders.
To avoid mass gatherings and other violations, the Police Provincial Office in Lanao del Sur also issued directives to police commanders to engage all Imams and mosque leaders in their respective areas of responsibility and ensure that all mosques are guarded throughout the celebration until its conclusion.
