Muslim communities in the province have vowed not to support violence and Islamist militants such as the Maute Group which has laid siege in Marawi City, the capital of Lanao Del Sur, since Tuesday last week.

Datu Manong Ambur, the leader of the Muslim community in Tagbilaran City and other imams, conducted a peace dialogue with Supt. George Vale, chief of the Bohol police Community Relations Branch.

The discussion on peace and order held last week was prompted by the armed conflict in Marawi City between government security forces and militants who allegedly intended to establish a “daesh” or so-called Islamic State province in the Lanao Del Sur capital.

According to Vale, Ambur and other leaders of the local Muslim community assured police that they will contribute in preventing terrorists from entering Tagbilaran City and in towns of the province by coordinating with imams based in the areas.

Ambur’s group also said that they will relay to police sighting reports on unfamiliar Muslims who arrive in the province, Vale added.

Last week, 13 Maranaos who identified themselves as Muslim missionaries arrived in Bohol through the Jagna port.

The men however were immediately cleared by police which noted that the group’s purpose in Bohol is to strengthen Islam faith among the religion’s faithful in time for the Ramadan which started Friday.

Meanwhile, Ambur welcomed the arrival of the missionaries as they are expected to contribute in rekindling the faith of Muslims who have not been active in mosque worships and prayers. (Allen Doydora)