Andanar taps counterpart in Saudi Arabia for PHL’s Muslim channel

Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar has asked his counterpart in Saudi Arabia to assist the Philippines in putting up its own government-run Muslim channel on the sidelines of President Rodrigo Duterte’s state visit.

Andanar during their 30-minute meeting told Saudi Culture and Information Minister Dr. Adel Al Toraifi about the government’s plan to launch Salaam TV in June. This is the fulfillment of Duterte’s promise to establish a Muslim channel, which he mentioned during his first State of the Nation in July 2016.

“This is one avenue they (Muslims) can voice out,” Andanar said, pointing out that the Mindanao situation is an offshoot of “lack of communication.”

Apart from Salaam TV, the communications secretary said the government also plans to put up a Muslim-focused radio and films.

Adel, meanwhile, congratulated Andanar for the establishment of Salaam TV.

“We are happy to assist, committed to help … to assist because it is between the benefit of the sides,” he responded.

“We make sure it happens.  We want to give full assistance,” Adel added. —ALG, GMA News