Muslim mosques padlocked in Baguio to ensure no gatherings

BAGUIO CITY -- All mosques in the city have been padlocked to ensure that no Muslim groups will gather in observance of the Ramadan.

National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Director Abel Macarimpas made this assurance to mayor Benjamin Magalong after the mayor relayed reports that some mosques are tolerating gatherings in the city.

The mayor said gatherings have not been allowed since the start of the Enhanced Community Quarantine and for the Ramadan, rites should be strictly private and family focused.

Macarimpas admitted receiving a report that one group used to pray in congregation and that he had acted on it by adding more padlocks to seal that particular mosque.

As to the other mosques, he said the administrators swore that these had remained closed since the ECQ declaration.