August 21, 2012 News: The International Monitoring Team (IMT) hosted an “open-house” celebration the past two days in Cotabato City to commemorate the Eid’l Fitr, the Islamic Festival marking the end of the month-long fasting in the holy month of Ramadhan.

His Excellency MGen Datuk Abdul Rahim Moh’d Yusuff, Head of Mission, led the open-house celebration of the entire contingents of IMT yesterday at the IMT Headquarters in Cotabato City.

IMT contingents representing the governments of Malaysia, Brunei, Japan, Norway, Indonesia, European Union (EU), and the Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP), and the Mindanao Human Rights Action Center (MinHRAC) all joined hands for the celebration.

Earlier, the Brunei IMT contingents also hosted an Eidl Fitre open-house celebration at its Team Site Office in Cotabato City August 19, 2012 morning immediately after the congregational Eid-l Fitr.

Open-house is a traditional way for the Malaysians and Bruneians in celebrating the Eid festivals.

Children from the Orphanage Centers, neighbours, friends and their families (Muslims and non Muslims) attended the IMT celebration. Token of gifts were also given to the orphans by MGen Datuk Rahim.

Officials from the MILF and government CCCH, 6th Infantry Division Philippine Army headed by MGen Rey Ardo, its Commanding Genera, Sultan Kudarat Mayor Datu Tocao Mastura, BIAF – MILF Spokesperson Von Al Haq, and various civil society groups joined the IMT celebration, partaking sumptuous food and enriching teamwork and camaraderie in pursuit of the GPH – MILF Peace Process.

Muslims all over the world celebrate two major Islamic Festivals  – the feast of Eidl Fitr and the Feast of Eidl Adha. Muslims celebrate this feast to thank Allah for the blessings of the Fasting during Ramadhan, which was devoted to increase faith and fear of Allah, piety, righteousness for humanity and spiritually-guided mundane life.