Majority of Muslim evacuees have refrained from eating and drinking water since the Islamic holy month of Ramadan started last week. She and her family are among thousands of civilians who fled the fighting in Marawi and stayed at an evacuation center in Iligan City, capital of neighboring Lanao del Norte. Clerics said Ramadan is the time for Muslims to refrain from eating, drinking and other “self desires,” like smoking, from dawn to dusk. Performing evening prayers at different mosques is difficult for Acod’s family and other evacuees who sought refuge with their relatives in Iligan since authorities have imposed curfew. Ramadan began on May 27, or four days after firefights between the Armed Forces and the Maute Group broke out in Marawi.

Source: Manila Times June 04, 2017 13:41 UTC