By Jim Lloyd Dongiapon
4 October 2022
Lanao del Sur 1st District Representative Ziaur-Rahman “Zia” Alonto Adiong decries a pet owner’s lack of cultural sensitivity and blasphemy against the Muslim faith.
This was after a pet owner designed his dog’s carrier in the shape of the “Kaaba” for a pet show at a mall in Quezon City on October 2.
The Kaaba is considered by the Muslims as the house of Allah, and it can be found at the heart of the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
Adiong said the incident “shows not only a lack of understanding when it comes to our faith that guides our lives, but a complete disregard for our community as Muslims.”
“Sa mga ganitong mistulang maliliit lamang na bagay nagsisimula ang mga malalaking problema na nagiging ugat ng diskriminasyon at karahasan laban sa aming mga Muslim – laban sa aming mga komunidad, sa aming mga kaibigan at pamilya (Seemingly small incidents like this is where huge problems begin and eventually become the root of discrimination and violence against us Muslims — against our communities, our friends, and family),” the solon continued.
He has already called on the administration of Fisher Mall, where the pet show was held, to investigate the lapse in cultural awareness and the negligence that allowed it to happen. He also demanded a “clear and definite commitment” from the said establishment to prevent such an incident from happening again.
He also highlighted that this was not the first time their faith and way of life as Muslims was disregarded and disrespected.
“Violence is not just the wielding of physical force that leaves scars on another’s skin; violence also involves acts that reduce a person and their beliefs into mere spectacle and refusing to make room for understanding and inclusion that is necessary for a just society that upholds the rights of all,” he said.
Meanwhile, the incident has already caught the attention of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF).
NCMF’s Bureau of External Relations assured the matter will be raised to the Management Committee and the Bureau of Legal Affairs. A formal statement will also be issued in due course.