Manila: Philippine Islamic clerics have called on Filipino Muslims not to support former president Joseph Estrada's bid to return to power in May 10 elections.
In a fatwa, or religious edict, issued earlier in the week, the Bangsamoro Supreme Council of Ulama said that Estrada is an enemy of Islam because his "all-out war" policy against Muslim separatist rebels have caused widespread destruction and displacement of Muslim communities.
Estrada's spokeswoman, Margaux Salcedo, said the former president is a friend of Islam and the military operation against the rebels were meant to achieve peace in the southern Philippines, the traditional homeland for Filipino Muslims.
Estrada trails in poll surveys to opposition candidates Manuel Villar and Benigno Aquino III, the son of the late president Corazon Aquino.
He has criticised the government of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for lack of preparadeness in dealing with the looming power crisis especially since the election is only two months away.
