COTABATO CITY – A fledgling nationwide Muslim network has its own relief campaign for the flood victims in Metro Manila and Luzon provinces, even as its founder urged Moro ukay-ukay (used clothes) traders to donate part of their stocks in the spirit of “Islamic humanitarianism.”

In a related development, peace and interfaith-building advocate Luzviminda Tan Friday urged Muslims, Christians and other religious groups to join together and conduct solemn prayers for the prompt recovery of Tropical Storm “Ondoy” victims and the Divine protection of the entire nation from the upcoming Typhoon “Pepeng.”

“Let’s join hands for prayers for the flood victims of ‘Ondoy’ and for our salvation from other coming super storms. We believe that only God can prevent all forms of calamities,” said Tan, a Muslim educator and former mayor of Kabacan town in North Cotabato that also experienced past floods.

Lawyer Paisalin Tago, convenor of Muslim Alliance for Noynoy Aquino (MANA), said he initially donated P20,000 for the flood victims their launching rites last Monday, hoping other Muslim groups and individuals will follow suit in the ongoing relief operations.

“The need to help our flood-affected Filipino brothers and sisters can’t be overemphasized. Islamic humanitarian assistance is imperative for them,” Tago told the Manila Bulletin.

Tago, former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) legislative speaker, said he flew to Manila on Sunday to hand the MANA initial cash donation to the tandem of Senators and Aquino and Mar Roxas, which has been aiding flood victims since the onslaught of the typhoon.

“However meager, our initial donation will hopefully entice other materially capable Muslim brethren to replicate for the typhoon victims, most of them bereft of personal belongings,” Tago said.