Marawi Muslims pray for peace during observance of Eid’l Adha

Muslims from controlled areas began gathering early Friday morning at the Mindanao State University-Marawi grandstand as they begin their observance of Islam's Eid'l Adha or the feast of holy sacrifice.

Reporting from Marawi City, GMA News' Ian Cruz said on "Unang Balita" that amid continued military operations against the jihadist Maute group, Muslims gathered early to pray and offer animal sacrifices in observance of their holiest of feasts.  

Quoting Muslim leaders, Cruz said that the observance of Eid'l Adha this Friday is different from past years' as several city residents are in evacuation centers  due to the war for Marawi that entered its 102nd day this Friday.

Muslim leaders said that the MSU grandstand is usually filled to full capacity during Eid'l Adha feasts. But because of the conflict, the area may not be filled with Muslim devotees.

Organizers of the MSU gathering were quoted as saying that some city residents in evacuation centers were not able to secure permits to return to the city for the feast.

The day's activities at the grandstand include prayers for peace and animal offerings. This will be followed by distribution among the participants of the meat from the offered cows, goats, sheep and carabaos.  —LBG/KVD, GMA News