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- EDD K. USMAN | Twitter: @edd1819 | Instagram: @bluestar0910 | Facebook: SDN — SciTech & Digital News
COTABATO CITY, March 28, 2024 (SDN) — After a round of two officers-in-charge (OICs), the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) finally has a full pledge secretary.
This welcome development came after President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. appointed a “sheikh” from Tawi-Tawi, Sabuddin N. Abdurahim.
A social media post made by Tawi-Tawi Gov. Ishmael “Mang” Sali said the new NCMF head took his oath of office before Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin in Malacañan Palace on March 27.
Prior to the appointment the Palace designated as OICs former NCMF commissioner Yusoph J. Mando and incumbent Commissioner Michael M. Mamukid.
The designations followed the 90-day suspension of then secretary Guiling Mamondiong as a result of the various problems 7,000 Filipino pilgrims suffered in Saudi Arabia during the 2023 Hajj, the Pilgrimage to Makkah.
Abdurahim is the first from Tawi-Tawi to head the Commission which was created in 2010, through Republic Act No. 9997, replacing and abolishing the Office on Muslim Affairs (OMA).
A regional director of the NCMF, who did not wish to be named, cautioned anyone from the Commission and outside who may question the appointment of the new secretary.
“We should not question ‘qadar’ and Allah’s plans. Baka naman (maybe) he can bring about true reforms in the agency,” the NCMF regional director emphasized.
In a related development, Ustadhz Mohammad Taha Ebus Edza, a long-time “sheikh” in the annual Islamic pilgrimage, welcomed the appointment of Abdurahim, his fellow “sheikh”.
In the Philippines, a “sheikh” is a person who guides and leads pilgrims in Makkah, Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina, showing and teaching them the Hajj rituals, the do’s and don’ts.
In the Arab world, sheikh is a title bestowed upon dignitaries and those of noble blood.
Obviously, Abdurahim will have his hands full because he came in just at the time the NCMF 2024 Hajj operation is in full swing.
He probably would be hitting the ground running and oversee the Hajj operation.
The oath taking in photographs courtesy of Governor Mang Sali:
Let us wish him all the best and may Allah help and show the new secretary more wisdom and ability to guide the pilgrimage as free of problems as possible. (♤)
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To be updated with more details.