MASLOG,
Eastern Samar, Oct. 5 -- The local government here confirmed efforts of some Muslims to convince
locals in this town to join the Islamic faith, prompting them to be cautious of
possible entry of radical movements.
Mayor
Heraclio Santiago was, however, quick to say that they respect people’s
decision to change religion as part of the so-called "Balik Islam"
campaign.
"Balik
Islam" is a worldwide phenomenon implying that those who embrace Islam are
actually just returning to their previous faith.
Santiago
said "Balik Islam" was introduced in their remote town in 2015 by
converts from Nueva Ecija, Cavite, Tacloban City and from the nearby Dolores
town, where there is a big community of Muslims.
More than
a hundred residents of Maslog have been converted to Islam, according to
Santiago.
Validated
information from village officials revealed that preachers offered livelihood
assistance, housing aid, and political influence in their communities.
Santiago
added that although some of residents were convinced to change religion, most
of them are not really that devoted to Islamic faith.
“Most of
them are on 'wait and see' attitude if the promises given to them would really
happen,” he added.
Latest
verification by the Maslog Municipal Police Station shows more than 100
converts, about 66 of them decided to return to Roman Catholic faith.
“Maybe
they got tired of waiting for the fulfillment of the promises, that’s why they
decided to return to their former religion,” said town police chief, Insp.
Michael Oraller.
Oraller
stressed that even if they respect others people right to promote religion,
they are also cautious on the entry of new faces in their town to ensure that
no one propagates radical movement.
Maslog is
a fifth class town in Eastern Samar, Philippines. According to the 2015 census,
it has a population of 5,407 people. It can be reached from the national road
in Dolores town through a three-hour boat ride. Dolores is 184 kilometers
northeast of Tacloban. (RTA/PNA)
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