Manila, Feb. 19 -- A Muslim leader in Baguio urged the faithful to ensure a holistic observance of the holy month of Ramadan, which officially began in the Philippines on Thursday.

Imam Samsodin Monid, president of the Baguio-Benguet Muslim Association, in a media interview, said fasting during Ramadan goes beyond abstaining from food.

"Ang pag-aayuno hindi lang po sa pagkain ang pinag-aayunuhan kundi kahit galaw namin, pananalita. Walang kabuluhan ang pag-aayuno kapag nagsasalita ng masama sa kapwa, malicious na pananalita, hindi yan allowed sa pag-aayuno (Fasting is not just about food but also about our actions, the words that come out of our mouth that cause pain to other people. The use of malicious words is not allowed during the ...