Davao del Sur, Jan. 30, 1998 - Muslim rebels belonging to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and their supporters have been warned against firing their guns during the Eid'l Fitr festivities marking the end of Ramadan.
Al Haj Murad, MILF vice chairman for military affairs, said defiant guerillas and supporters will be "severely punished" if they violate the order.
Murad said firing guns is not the proper way to celebrate because stray bullets could kill or wound innocent persons. He suggested instead that revellers explode small firecrackers, but cautioned about keeping the firecrackers away from children.
"Let us go to the mosques and pray for more mercy and blessings from Allah," he enjoined the MILF. "Bullets are very precious and should be reserved for our enemies."
He said anyone found responsible for any death resulting from indiscriminate firing of guns will face the death penalty by public execution.
The month-long Ramadan ends this week.
Reported by: Sol Jose Vanzi
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