Bangsamoro pilgrims, who successfully performed Hajj in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, are warmly welcomed by their families and friends at Cotabato (Awang) Airport in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte on June 27, 2024. (Hamdan Badrudin/BIO)
COTABATO CITY—Bangsamoro Government welcomed Thursday the first batch of Bangsamoro pilgrims from Makkah, Saudi Arabia, at Cotabato (Awang) Airport in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, after successfully performing Hajj.
Key officials from various ministries, offices, and local government units of the Bangsamoro Government, along with families and friends, gathered at the airport to welcome the pilgrims.
The welcoming team from BARMM, carrying the slogan “Oplan Byaheng Ayos, Hajj Salubong 2024,” warmly greeted the 44 pilgrims and their three Sheikhs with salutations, hugs, handshakes, packed lunches, snacks, and token bags.
Millions of Muslims worldwide undertake Hajj, the sacred pilgrimage and a core tenet of Islam, annually in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, during Dhul Hijjah, the 12th Islamic month.
The Hajj for 2024, which ran from June 14 to 19, is one of the five pillars of Islam, requiring able-bodied Muslims to perform it at least once in their lifetime.
Bangsamoro Pilgrimage Authority (BPA) Planning Officer IV Engr. Abo Dalama emphasized the positive experience of the pilgrims this year, noting that they were well cared for and monitored during their stay in the Kingdom.
“Their Hajj is better now compared to last year because we have not received any reports of difficulties with food and accommodation while staying in Saudi, Alhamdulillah (All praises be to Allah),” said Dalama.
According to the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), approximately 5,060 Filipino Muslims participated in this year’s annual pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah.
Despite the extreme heat causing the death of 1,301 mostly undocumented pilgrims, there were no reports of Filipino pilgrims dying this year, as confirmed by NCMF Division Chief of Muslim Settlement and Regional Chairman of Hajj Operation, Atty. Nasrudin Calib.
“So far, Alhamdulillah, we have no reports of Filipino pilgrims dying this year,” he stated.
The Bangsamoro Government has been advocating for the authority to participate in the annual pilgrimage operation separate from the NCMF.
This matter remains on the agenda of the National Government and Bangsamoro Government Inter-Governmental Relations Body (IGRB), but a decision is still pending.
Currently, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recognizes the NCMF as the sole entity authorized to handle matters concerning the pilgrimage with the Hajj Ministry.
However, the BPA may soon legally process pilgrims residing in the Bangsamoro region based on RA No. 11054 or the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL). (Kasan Usop, Jr./BIO)
