Philippines declares national holiday for Eid al-Fitr

JAKARTA

The Philippines has declared June 5 a national holiday in observance of Eid al-Fitr, a Muslim holy occasion.

Earlier, the Malacanang Presidential Palace recommended making June 5 a national holiday in order to help provide the religious and cultural meaning of Eid’l Fitr -- as it is locally known -- for Muslim Filipinos.

While the Philippines is largely Christian, it has a sizeable Muslim minority of over 5 million people.

President Rodrigo Duterte signed the proclamation of the new holiday on Tuesday, and his office released it on Wednesday.

“All Filipinos must have full opportunity to join their Muslim brothers and sisters in peace and harmony in observance of Eid’l Fitr,” said the president through a written statement.

Eid al-Fitr is celebrated by Muslims all over the world in observance of the end of the holy month of Ramadan.