Andanar urges Filipino Muslims to observe quarantine guidelines amid Eid'l Fitr celebration

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar on Sunday reminded Filipino Muslims to observe guidelines on community quarantine as they celebrate Eid'l Fitr or the Festival of Breaking of the Fast on Sunday.

In a statement, Andanar extended his greetings to Muslims in the Philippines and around the world as they celebrate the Islamic holiday.

"Although it was a challenge to abstain from sharing meals and praying together throughout the blessed month of Ramadan, may you all continue to praise Allah for bestowing upon you the strength and courage not only in obeying His commandments, but also in facing the effects of the pandemic," he said.

"May this renewed spiritual attainment strengthen your resilience and commitment to the exemplary Islamic virtues, especially at this time when we continue to face the challenges and uncertainty brought by the COVID-19 pandemic," he added.

Filipino Muslims stayed away from mosques on Sunday and celebrated Eid'l Fitr inside their homes

Mass gatherings, including religious and work-related, are still not allowed even in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ), Malacañang earlier said.

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases made the decision after some local officials from areas under GCQ voiced their opposition to the lifting of the ban on religious and work-related mass gatherings.

Modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) is currently being implemented in the National Capital Region, Laguna, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, and Zambales until May 31.

Cebu City, Mandaue City, and 10 barangays in Navotas City meanwhile, have been placed under ECQ until the end of the month, and the rest of the country are under GCQ. —Erwin Colcol/KG, GMA News