DAVAO CITY — Muslim leaders such as Executive Director Datu Ali B. Sangki of the defunct Office on Muslim Affairs (OMA) and Islamic clerics Sunday lauded the successful conduct in Manila on March 16-18 of the Special Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Ministerial Meeting, saying the event enhanced the image of the Philippines and Filipinos in the eyes of the world.

Sangki and other officials and employees have hold-over capacity in the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), which replaced the OMA through Republic Act 9997.

Sangki said in his talks with officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo acknowledged OMA's interfaith participation and papers submitted from results of the three meetings.

"We thank the Philippine Government for leading this effort being the only predominant Catholic country in Asia," Sangki said as he described interfaith dialogue the new paradigm in promoting world peace and strong cultural ties.

As this developed, over 1,000 participants are expected in a rally here Monday, organized by some Filipino ulama (Muslim clerics) led by Ustadhz Ahmad Nooh Darping from the World Islamic People's Leadership (WIPL).

WIPL is based in Libya, but has many branches around the globe, including in Manila.

Darping expressed hope the success of the SNAMMM hosted by the government will help foster peace and religious respect and understanding among various faith communities.

"WIPL-Philippines and its ulama members are banking on the SNAMMM in Manila to help create an environment where religions, their followers and symbols are respected, not a target of insulting caricatures," said Darping.

The Libya-educated Islamic leader said they have organized a series of peaceful rallies in Mindanao and Metro Manila to call attention to the rising tide of anti-Islam and anti-Muslim acts and sentiments in the European Union and in the United States.

Those insult and offense, such as through "Islamophobic acts and statements" should take lessons from the Manila SNAMM, he said.

"In many parts of the world, various governments and non-governmental organizations are engaged in interactions to promote religious respect harmony. Yet, there are some who choose to advance their agenda through offending other religions," said Darping.

OMA under Sangki's leadership held three interfaith meetings, the results of which submitted to Malacañang and the DFA.

"With the new national Muslim commission, I am sure Muslims in the Philippines will have stronger voice in the nation's affairs," he added.