`Panditas` seek recognition for anti-terror fight

Cotabato City, Philippines - A group of "panditas," or traditional Muslim priests, has asked Malacañang to recognize them as a "cultural institution" for them to help government contain terrorism in the southern Philippines.

Panditas are Muslim priests who perform spiritual and religious activities, including "blessing" an animal before it is slaughtered.

The panditas gathered in Koronadal City for the 2nd Cultural Assembly over the weekend and came up with a manifesto calling for recognition from the government, claiming they have been, for more than 600 years, helping sobriety and religious solidarity among Moro and non-Moro in Mindanao.

Despite this, they claim to have been subjected to repression and brutal campaigns by Islamic extremists.

Agriculture Assistant Secretary Zamzamin Ampatuan, one of the organizers of the gathering, said the panditas are the best antidote to religious extremists engaged in terrorism.

"We need to preserve these panditas," he said.

"Of the several hundreds of them remaining, only about 150 are still active in their priestly works such as officiating wedding, burial and baptismal rites, and in settling feuding families," Ampatuan said.

The term pandita refers to a priest who may not have studied Islamic theology in secular schools in the country or the Middle East, but officiate in marriages, thanksgiving rites called "kanduli," and prayers for the dead and burial rites.

Many foreign-trained preachers in rebel groups, including the Abu Sayyaf, are strongly opposed to the practice of the panditas, Ampatuan said.

Ampatuan, who is known for his advocacy for the preservation of Moro culture and traditions, said the purpose of the assembly was for the participants to discuss how the traditional priests can again rise as icons of peace and unity among sectors in Mindanao.

Mohammad Zailon, one of the signatories, said the panditas are "extraordinary" in their peace advocacy in their respective communities.

"Panditas strongly oppose any teaching that justifies the use of violence in seeking redress and in furthering a political or religious objective," he said.

Ampatuan said the panditas expect a positive response from Malacañang as they are willing to help the government`s anti-terror drive through information gathering.

Source: newsinfo.inquirer.net
Credit Photo: philippines.usembassy.gov

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