Marawi Muslims discover Christian bibles in Maranao among relief goods

Muslim evacuees from Marawi City discovered some 300 Christian bibles packed with relief goods distributed to them at evacuation centers in Iligan City.

According a report by Steve Dailisan on "Balitanghali" on Thursday, Muslim leaders said the inclusion of the bibles seemed like an effort to convert the evacuees, as the bibles were translated into the Maranao language.

Some religious leaders were offended by the inclusion of the bibles.

To settle the issue, they were invited to an intra- and inter-faith dialogue on Tuesday.

Islamic leaders assured their Christian counterparts that the bibles would be turned over properly with respect to their religion.

The community has yet to pinpoint which of the many volunteer groups distributed the bibles.

To prevent religious discord, the leaders asked those involved in relief operations to avoid similar actions in the future.

Attempts to convert more Muslims in Marawi to Christianity was reportedly one of the concerns of the pro-ISIS Maute group, which has controlled parts of Marawi City since May. —Margaret Claire Layug/JST/KVD, GMA News