The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday expressed hope that the month of Ramadan would present opportunities for peace and development.

DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. made the remark as he greeted Filipino Muslims at the start of Islam’s holiest month marked with fasting, reflection and sacrifice.

“May this month present us all with boundless opportunities toward genuine, inclusive, and sustained peace and development,” he said in a statement.

The Philippine National Police (PNP), meanwhile, said it would deploy police officers to areas where Ramadan-related activities would be held.

“Ang pambansang pulisya ay nakikipagdiwang at masaya tayo at makikipag ugnayan tayo sa mga kapatid natin na mga pulis dahil sa pagdiriwang natin, lagi itong napaka espesyal itong event na ito sa kanila itong Ramadan at ang in relation diyan may mga kapatid din tayo at mga Muslim kaya kung ano yung mga ineexpect natin na mga activities related sa Ramadan ay irerespeto natin yan (The national police is one with this celebration. We are happy and we are working with our Muslim brethen in the police force because Ramadan is a very special event to them. In relation to that, we respect their celebration as well as the activities related to Ramadan,” PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said in a press briefing. (PNA)