Hundreds of Muslims and Christians flocked to Lamitan City Hall, Philippines, to join a Christmas festival.

"This is a festival for all. Whether you are different in culture, religion, and tradition, this is for everybody", said Corazon Areolla, Head of Tourism at Lamitan City.

Hundreds of Muslim and Christians flocked to Lamitan City Hall to experience the grandest Christmas attraction in the province of Basilan. Gigantic gift, snowman and Christmas trees are among the Yuletide ornaments found inside the compound of the city hall.

In the past, Lamitan City made the headlines because of the Lamitan Siege that took place on June 2, 2001 when members of the Islamic terrorist group Abu Sayyaf entered the city of Lamitan together with their 20 hostages. They took over a church and a hospital and held priests, medical staff and patients hostage.