By Ria Fernandez Some Muslims believe it is a happier Eid al-Adha this year following the enactment of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL). Muslims gather at the Darussal-Am Islamic Center to celebrate Eid al-Adha or also known as 'Feast of Sacrifice" on Tuesday. (Jansen Romero / MANILA BULLETIN) “Masayang masaya po kasi matagal naming inantay ‘yun (We are very happy after waiting for it for a very long time),” said Muslima Shiekh, a Maranao, who celebrated the Feast of Sacrifice at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Manila on Tuesday. With BOL, the conflict and poverty in Mindanao stemming from historical injustice is hoped to be finally resolved. “Matagal na naming gusto na may mangyaring malaking ganito… sa at least maisasama na kami sa mga programa ng gobyerno (We have long wanted something big as this to happen… At least in the BOL, we are assured that we will be part of the government’s programs),” Sittie Farhana Doro, who also hailed from Marawi City, told The Manila Bulletin. But Datu Daod Salim Al-Hajj said it would be better if all Filipino Muslims would unite under one Bangsamoro. “This is for the good of everybody…after all, Tausug, Maranao, among others, are all Muslims,” he explained in Filipino. Based on Republic Act 11504, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will abolish the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). ARMM’s Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi will still form part of the new Bangsamoro. But BOL also seeks inclusion of other provinces, towns, and municipalities like Cotabato City. Esnaila Tulao, a migrant from Cotabato City, said she plans to participate in the plebiscite to cast her vote in favor of her province to be part of the BARMM. “Sana lumago pa siya kumbaga mas magiging pantay-pantay lahat (I hope BARMM will expand so that everybody will have equal opportunities),” she said. Basit Minandang, also a Cotabateño, added that: “Ang Cotabato City talaga since before kasama talaga sa Bangsamoro (Cotabato City is really part of the Bangsamoro even before).” Peace and unity For this year’s celebration, Muslims prayed to Allah nothing but peace and unity. “Sana makamit naming pinaglalaban namin sa Bangsamoro. At lahat tayong mga Pilipino magkakaisa—Muslim man o Kristyano (I hope we achieve what we are fighting for the Bangsamoro. And that all Filipinos—Muslims or Christians—will unite),” Omar Daton said. Generally peaceful Thousands of Muslim faithful gathered at the Quirino Grandstand and Golden Mosque in Quiapo, Manila for the simultaneous morning prayer for Eid al-Adha on August 21. After which, families ate together, gave gifts, and shared blessing to others, especially to the less fortunate ones. Security forces were strategically deployed to thwart any form of threats. So far, the event turned out to be generally peaceful in the city of Manila, according to the Manila Police District (MPD). Muslims all over the world celebrate Eid al-Adha, after the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail to Allah.