Eid’l Fit’r Moved. Bangsamoro government officials, led by the region’s chief minister, Abdulrauf Macacua, participated in the moon sighting activity in Cotabato City on Thursday, March 19, 2026, to determine the exact date of the end of Ramadhan, the Islamic fasting season. (Photo by John Unson)
COTABATO CITY โ Islamic scholars in the Bangsamoro region have moved the observance of Eidโl Fitโr to Saturday, March 21, after failing to sight the crescent moon during traditional rites on Thursday evening.
Sheik Marhan Burhan, executive director of the Darul-Iftah of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), said the decision came after clerics conducting moon sighting activities at dusk were unable to see the new moon that would have marked the end of Ramadan on March 20.
The observation, held near Timako Hill west of Cotabato City, was joined by BARMM Chief Minister Abdulrauf Macacua and regional officials. Following the result, Macacua directed government agencies across the regionโs five provinces and three cities to announce March 21 as the official Eidโl Fitโr holiday.
Eid’l Fit’r: End of Ramadan
The Darul-Iftah, which advises the Bangsamoro government on religious matters, is composed of Islamic scholars from across the region, many of whom studied in institutions in the Middle East, North Africa, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Despite the official declaration, some Muslim communities in parts of BARMM proceeded with Eid prayers on Friday morning, ahead of the set date.
Eidโl Fitโr marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting, and the beginning of Shawwal in the Hijrah calendar. During Ramadan, Muslims observe fasting from dawn to dusk and devote time to prayer, reflection, and reconciliation.
Macacua also acknowledged the role of security forces in ensuring peaceful observance of Ramadan across the region. He thanked the Police Regional OfficeโBARMM, the Armyโs 6th Infantry Division, and units under the Western Mindanao Command for helping secure mosques and communities.
Local officials in Cotabato City, including Mayor Bruce Matabalao and the city police, were likewise commended for overseeing security efforts in the regional capital.
Cooperation lauded
โWe appreciate the cooperation of local government units, law enforcement, and the military in keeping peace during Ramadan,โ Macacua said.
Leaders from neighboring areas also extended their greetings. Lamitan City Mayor Roderick Furigay, South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr., and Cotabato Governor Emmylou Taliรฑo-Mendoza conveyed Eidโl Fitโr messages to their Muslim constituents.
โWe join our Muslim brothers and sisters in celebrating Eidโl Fitโr, one of the most important holidays in Islam,โ Mendoza said.
Eidโl Fitโr, along with Eidโl Adha, is observed as a non-working holiday in BARMM and other parts of Mindanao, reflecting the regionโs cultural and religious diversity.
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