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Arroyo orders setting up of Shariah courts to solve Muslim conflicts


MANILA, Philippines - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered the government peace panel negotiating with Moro rebels to operationalize the Shariah courts in the country to solve conflicts among Muslims. During last Wednesdays dialogue with municipal mayors of South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat, President Arroyo instructed the panel to implement the Shariah, a body of Islamic religious laws that has jurisdiction over criminal offenses of Muslims. Also present during the consultative meeting were representatives from the police, military, indigenous peoples, and the Bishop-Ulama Conference. The meeting was spearheaded by incoming Presidential Management Staff (PMS) chief and former peace process adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. President Arroyo said there are not enough qualified lawyers to fill up the positions in Shariah courts. She said there is a need to recruit more candidates who are conversant with Islamic laws and can lobby with the Supreme Court on activating the highest Shariah courts. The President noted that Shariah courts in the country are in place but are yet to be operationalized. Another dialogue will be held on February 5 in Kidapawan City, this time with local government executives of North Cotabato. - GMANews.TV
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