Manila (AsiaNews) – Muslim leaders of Mindanao in the south of the Philippines celebrated Christmas together with the Christian community and invited followers of all religions to collaborate in the peace and development of the region.

Contrary to what happened in the past, leaders of Islamic communities showed a great interest in celebrations throughout the entire Christmas season and they expressed their solidarity with Christians in many ways. Mindanao is a Muslim-majority region which has seen violent inter-faith clashes over the last 33 years.

Ibrahim Paglas, one leader in the region, gave his Christian friends CDs with Christmas songs; he feels "all Muslims should join Christians in celebrating Christmas".

Datu Angdal Ampatuan, religious and political leader, and Muslimin Sena, Catabato City mayor, last week published Christmas greetings in the "Mindanao Cross", a weekly newspaper. They said "peace and sustainable development in the area could be achieved easily through religious solidarity among communities".

Sena added: "Islam teaches respect for other religions, there is nothing wrong with celebrating together."

Samery Uy, a Muslim and mayor of Datu Piang (city in Mindanao's second district), said: "Religions should not set barriers among peoples. In the town, Muslim and Christians have long been celebrating Christmas together. Our Christian neighbours put food on tables along the streets to eat together to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Muslims respect Jesus Christ, who is Nabi Isah in Islam, one of the prophets mentioned in the Koran."