Guest author:
- JUDGE NUR JAMEL TABAO MAMUTUK, Shar’iah District Court, Jolo, Sulu, Region IX
JOLO, SULU — I was supposed to be on MV Trisha Kerstin 3. Yes, that boat en route from Zamboanga to Jolo that sank near Baluk-Baluk Island, Basilan.
I had just returned from Egypt, my body still floating between time zones.
While I was still abroad, I received an Administrative Order from the Supreme Court. I was designated Acting Presiding Judge of the Shari’ah District Court in Jolo, Sulu.
Duty called. I answered.
There was no direct flight to Jolo. There never is. You always pass through Zamboanga City.
So, instead of going straight home to Marawi City, via Laguindingan Airport, I booked a flight to Zamboanga City on January 25, 2026.
For the sea crossing to Jolo, I wanted the Sug Adventure fast craft, but there were no available trips for the week.
So I asked my cousin, Hanifah, in Zamboanga City to buy me a boat ticket.
“Please,” I said, “Aleson. Cabin or aircon. I’m still jetlagged. I want to rest.”
Hanifah went to the Aleson’s ticketing office. She lined up.
She called me back from the ticketing office.
“Wala na daw pong cabin,” she said.
“Aircon, then.”
She lined up again. Called me again.
“May aircon,” she said, hesitating, “pero ‘di daw po gumagana ang aircon.”
January 26 was approaching. Monday. First day. I wanted to be in Jolo and attend the Flag raising.
“Just book,” I said. “Any ticket. I need to be there.”
When she returned to the line, it had grown long. She was tired. She stepped out of the queue.
Nearby was Montenegro Shipping Lines. No queue. No waiting. She booked my ticket without consulting me.
When she finally called, her voice was apologetic, with reasons prepared.
“Sa Montenegro po kita naibook ng ticket,” she said. “I’m sorry, Kuya.”
I was disappointed. I wanted Aleson. I had been told Aleson was better. I kept my feelings to myself and replied only:
“Qadarullah.”
At the time, qadarullah sounded like courtesy. I did not know it was survival.
TAKEAWAY: If there is one thing this story reminds us, it is this: When plan fails, it may be because God is protecting you. Sometimes, disappointment is mercy in disguise. (©)