Sulu Sultan throws support behind new Philippine leader

The influential Sultan of Sulu and North Borneo, Sharif Ibrahim Ajibul Muhammad Pulalun and his daughter Princess Sadding Ajibul.

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / July 8, 2010) – The influential Sultan of Sulu and North Borneo, Sharif Ibrahim Ajibul Muhammad Pulalun, on Thursday called on Muslims in the southern Philippines to help the new Aquino government in nation-building and support efforts to bring about peace and development in the restive region.

Pulalun, an ardent supporter of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, made the appeal after meeting with his Cabinet leaders in Mindanao. “We are asking every Muslims to support President Aquino and his peace and development agenda for Mindanao. We must stay united in these efforts to bring about change, all in the name of peace and progress,” he said.

Pulalun’s daughter, Princess Sadding Ajibul, was invited in Aquino’s inauguration on June 30 in Manila and later held talks with the President’s men about the administration’s peace efforts in the South.

Ajibul, 35, said they would help Aquino’s administration by supporting his Mindanao agenda. “There is a series of meetings that we are holding right now and we want to lay out the grounds on how we can effectively carry out the task of helping our President in his advocacy and campaigns of honest and good governance to make Mindanao and the rest of the country and the Filipino people – Muslims and Christians alike, and indigenous peoples - truly proud,” she said.

She also praised Executive Secretary Pacquito Ochoa and lawyers Joel Cadiz and Carlos Serapio, and former military general Juan Victor Laurilla, who are all staunch Aquino supporters, for their concern about the welfare of the Muslims in Mindanao.

“They really wanted peace and progress in Mindanao and are concerned about the welfare of our people, especially the poor,” she said.

The 54-year old Sultan also said he would meet with his followers and supporters in Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi to discuss how they can help in promoting peace and unity in the Muslim autonomous region to which the three provinces belong.

Pulalun, a descendant of Sultan Mohammad Pulalun, campaigned hard for Aquino in Mindanao during the May elections and had traveled in different areas to ensure that the son of former President Corazon Aquino and his party mates would not be cheated of their votes in the first-ever automated polls.

The Sultanate of Sulu, founded in 1457, obtained Sabah from Brunei in 1658 as a gift for helping put down a rebellion on Borneo Island.

The Sultanate of Sulu was a Muslim state that ruled over much of the islands off the Sulu Sea. It stretches from a part of the island of Mindanao in the east, to North Borneo, now known as Sabah, in the west and south, and to Palawan, in the north. The Sultanate of Sulu is believed to exist as a sovereign nation for more than 400 years. (With a report from Jung Francisco)

Moro Women Finish Seminar On Poll Reforms, Other Issues In Zamboanga City

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / August 18, 2009) – More than 20 Moro women leaders from Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi provinces in the southern Philippines gathered in Zamboanga City recently for a two-day training that tackled issues on electoral reforms and poll violence.

The paramount sultan of Sulu, Dr Ibrahim Bahjin Shakirulla II, highlighted the opening program with an inspirational talk. Various topics were discussed by different guest and resource speakers.

With the theme “Enhancing Moro Women’s Capacity to Mitigate Electoral Violence,” Merci Angeles, president of the group called Peace Women Partners-Manila, talked on the orientation on women, peace and security, while Professor Aisa Akalal, who is the president of Sinag Kababaihan, gave a situational report about the women in Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

Professor Akalal said that the seminar was organized by the Sinag Kababaihan in partnership with The Asia Foundation.

“This is a wake up call to all Moro women in Mindanao in general to empower themselves to play their vital role in mitigating electoral violence particularly in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,” said Professor Akalal.

A survey conducted last year by the Social Weather Station showed that 69% of the respondents agree that “violence during elections is accepted as a way of life in their province.”

SWS President Dr Mahar Mangahas described the finding as “very, very alarming.”

The survey also showed that 61% of the respondents find election-related violence serious in their locality with 20% saying “very serious” and 41% referring to it as “somewhat serious.”

In terms of personal security during election time, 43% of the respondents within the ARMM said they were worried about the situation compared with 33% in areas outside the Muslim autonomous region.

Other speakers during the training were Professor Octavio Dinampo, Irene Santiago, the Chief Executive Officer of the Mindanao Commission on Women; Provincial Vice Governor Hajja Ruby Sahali-Tan of Tawi-Tawi, Dr Samsula Adju, former Chancellor of the Mindanao State University in Sulu province; Professor Fred Concepcion, editor-in-chief of the Sulu provincial newsletter, the Sulu Gazette; and Hajja Babylyn Kano-Omar, the station manager of dxGD-Radio for Peace in the town of Bongao in Tawi-Tawi province.

Participants to the training agreed to actively commit and get involved in the advocacy to mitigate electoral violence in Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi in the 2010 local and national elections. Moro women from Tawi-Tawi have expressed their enthusiasm to host the same training activity in the future. (Amilbahar Mawallil)

Muslims Hold Pro-Independence Rally In South RP

Hundreds of Muslims, chanting “Allahu Akbar” (God is Great), hold a rally, Sunday, April 20, 2008, demanding independence in the southern Philippine town of Jolo, once the seat of power of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)


SULU, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 20, 2008) – Hundreds of Muslims turned up Sunday in the southern Filipino town of Jolo and demanded independence of Sulu province, once the seat of power of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo.

With clenched fists and chanting "Allahu Akbar" (God is great), the marchers clad in their traditional garb demanded independence of Sulu, an archipelago in the remote part of the Philippines.

"We want independence. We want our ancestral land back from the infidels," Datu Ibrahim told the Mindanao Examiner. Others assailed the military for alleged violations of human rights of Muslims in Sulu after seven people and an off-duty soldier were killed by security forces in a raid on an Abu Sayyaf hideout in Maimbung town in February.

The marchers went around the town of Jolo, many waving red flags emblazoned with Kris and other traditional weapons, urging citizens to join them. Policemen guarding the town kept a close watch, but did not stop the marchers, some of them carrying long knives tucked on their waist, a long tradition still practiced in many parts of the island.

"People here are just expressing their sentiments. It is their freedom, to express what they believe is rightfully theirs. As long as they don't break any law, it is fine and police are watching them," one police sergeant said.

The Sultanate of Sulu was a Muslim state that ruled over much of the islands off the Sulu Sea. It stretches from a part of the island of Mindanao in the east, to North Borneo, now known as Sabah, in the west and south, and to Palawan, in the north.

The Sultanate of Sulu was founded in 1457 and is believed to exist as a sovereign nation for at least 442 years. The Sultanate of Sulu obtained Sabah from Brunei as a gift for helping put down a rebellion on the Borneo Island.

Mindanao, Palawan, and the islands of the Sulu Sea were colonized by Spain, which ruled the country. Christian settlers later occupied Muslim ancestral lands.

The British leased Sabah and transferred control over the territory to Malaysia after the end of Second World War. Even after Borneo became part of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur still pays an annual rent of 5,000 ringgit to the heirs of the Sultan of Sulu Ismail Kiram. At least a dozen people were claiming to be the real sultan of Sulu and North Borneo.

The MILF, the country's largest Muslim rebel group, which is negotiating peace with Manila, is also fighting for independence in Mindanao, a region rich in natural resources, but is deep in poverty and torn by strife and terrorism.

However, many politicians whose family owns vast tracks of lands and business interests in Mindanao are opposing the MILF demand for a separate state, saying, it would displaced Christians in areas covered by the Muslim ancestral domain.

Peace talks were stalled last year after government and rebel negotiators failed to agree on the scope of the ancestral domain, which is the single most important issue in the peace negotiations before the rebel group can reach a political settlement.

The ancestral domain which covers the whole of Muslim autonomous region and other areas in Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani provinces where there are large communities of Muslims and indigenous tribes. And even Palawan Island in central Philippines and the Sulu Archipelago.

President Arroyo has opened up peace talks with the MILF in 2001, but since then no substantial agreements have been signed between the two sides, expect for the cease-fire accord. The MILF earlier warned that hostilities may erupt in Mindanao if the peace talks fail. (Mindanao Examiner)

Gobernador Ng Sulu, Naglatag Ng Agenda!

Sulu Governor Sakur Tan. (Mindanao Examiner Photo Service)

SULU (Mindanao Examiner / 24 Jun) Inilatag kahapon ni Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan ang mga priority projects nito sa lalawigan bilang paghahanda sa kanyang panunungkulan bilang bagong halal na opisyal.

Nais umanong palakasin ni Tan ang ekonomiya at ang peace and order ng Sulu at pupulungin umano nito ang mga lider ng ibat-ibangbayan, religious and business sectors, gayun rin ang militar at pulisya.

Nangunguna sa agenda nito ang kahirapan sa Sulu na sinabi ni Tan na siyang ugat sa lahat ng karahasan sa lalawigan.

“Maraming gagawin ngayon dahil talagang napabayaan itong Sulu ng mga naunang mga opisyal. Kahirapan, ekonomiya at peace and order an gating pangunhin dapat ay pagtuunan ng kaukulang pansin,” ani Tan sa panayam ng pahayagang Midnanao Examiner.

Nagpasalamat rin agad si Tan sa mga Kano dahil sa kanilang pagtulong sa mga Muslim dito at paglalaan ng mga development at humanitarian projects.

“Welcome itong ganito ginagawang tulong ng US government sa Sulu at sana ay madagdagan pa ang kanilang mga proyekto para sa ating mga mahihirap. Hindi lamang ang US, pati na rin ang Japan at ibang mga bansa na tumutulong sa Sulu at ang pamunuan ng Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM),” wika pa ni Tan.

Nagbanta rin si Tan kahapon na kakasuhan at ipakukulong ang lahat ng mga opisyal na sabit sa anomalya sa Sulu.

“Magpapa-audit ako sa Sulu upang malaman natin kung mga katiwaliaang naganap at pangako ko ito na talagang ipakukulong ko sinuman mapatunayang nagkasala ng pagnanakaw,” dagdag nito. (Mindanao Examiner)

ARMM GOV’T GIVES AMBULANCES TO 3 PROVINCES

The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao government distributes three ambulances to the provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. (Mindanao Examiner Photo/Mark Navales)

MAGUINDANAO – The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has turned over three ambulances to the Department of Health-ARMM in the provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

ARMM DOH Secretary Dr Tahir Sulaik accepted the ambulances last week and would be sent to the provinces immediately.

The ARMM also said it sent 500 bags of rice for refugees in Sulu through Rep. Munir Arbison. Aside from rice, it also distributed assorted medicines and food packs to those displaced by the fighting between troops and rebels on the island. (Mark Navales)

Fil-Am Philanthropists Crowned Prince And Princess Of Sulu Sultanate

MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / 16 Feb) – A Filipino-American couple are to be crowned with Muslim royal titles by Sultan Esmael Kiram II, of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo, the official Philippine News Agency said Friday.

It said the couple, Dr Yolanda Ortega Stern and Dr Thomas Kim Stern, both known philanthropists, will be crowned Saturday at the Filipinas Heritage Library in Makati City.

In addition to being crowned Princess of Sulu and North Borneo, Dr. Yolanda Stern, an academician and author, is designated the Sultanate's ambassador-at-large extraordinary and plenipotentiary.

The title of Prince of Sulu and North Borneo will be conferred on Yolanda's husband.

“The Sterns are well-known philanthropists and their coronation is an expression of the Sultanate's gratitude for their many financial and medical assistance to residents of the Sultanate,” the report said, quoting an unnamed associate of Sultan Kiram.

Sultan Kiram is a brother of another Sulu Sultan, Jamalul Kiram. The two brothers are among about a dozen others who claimed to be the real ruler of the Sultanate of Sulu. Another Sultan, Sharif Ibrahim Ajibul Mohammad Pulalun, also claims to be genuine leader of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo. (Mindanao Examiner)

Sulu Muslim Royalty Joins Philippine Politics

MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / 12 Feb) – A Sultan of Sulu, Jamalul Kiram III, has been chosen Monday over dozens of personalities, to join the senatorial line up of President Gloria Arroyo’s unity ticket for the May elections.

“This decision was the result of consultations we did in Mindanao,” the Philippine News Agency quoted Arroyo’s political adviser Gabriel Claudio, as saying.

Kiram, heir to the Sultanate of Sulu, was the administration’s 12th senatorial candidate.
Kiram will join Arroyo’s unity team ticket composed of ex-presidential chief-of-staff, Michael Defensor, incumbent Senators Ralph Recto, Edgardo Angara and Joker Arroyo and former senators Vicente Sotto III and Tessie Oreta.

And also Representatives Prospero Pichay Jr. and Juan Miguel Zubiri, Zambales Governor Vicente Magsaysay, Ilocos Sur Governor Luis ‘Chavit’ Singson and Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla.

“There’s good balance in this ticket in terms of party representation, age, personal qualifications and track record,” Claudio said.

A win by Kiram is expected to further increase Mindanao's voice in the Senate, particularly as Arroyo is keen on pushing development in southern Philippines.

Kiram is only one of several claiming to be the real sultan of Sulu. His relative, Ismael Kiram, has also claimed to be the sultan of Sulu and so is Sharif Ibrahim Ajibul Mohammad Pulalun.

Aside from Kiram, former Sulu governor Abdusakur Tan and top provincial officials also joined Arroyo’s political party called KAMPI or Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (KAMPI).

KAMPI party chief and Camarines Sur's 2nd district Rep. Luis Villafuerte together with Reps Hussin Amin, of Sulu and Benasing Macarambon, of Lanao del Sur, swore Tan along with Mayor Anton Burahan, of Pata town; former ARMM Regional Legislative Assembly speaker, Alvares Isnaji; Mayor Tambrin Tulawie, of Talipao town; Mayor Munib Estino, of Panglima Estino town; and ex-governor Yusop Jikiri.

Tan, known for his many development and infrastructure projects in Sulu province, is running for the gubernatorial post in the province. While Kampi party provincial chairman Hussin Amin, now on his third and last term, is running for mayor in Jolo town and Yusop Jikiri, as congressman in Sulu's 1st District.

Tan, was a former Sulu congressman and is considered as one of the most influential politician in the province. He is reported running unopposed in Sulu. He is largely known in Sulu as a philanthropist who continues to help many poor families in the province. KAMPI now boasts of 43 members in the House of Representatives, including President Arroyo’s son, Pampanga 2nd district Rep Juan Miguel Arroyo, and brother-in-law, Negros Occidental 5th district Rep. Ignacio Arroyo.

Malacanang’s unity ticket will be up against the opposition’s slate composed of Senator Panfilo Lacson, ex-senators Loren Legarda, John Osmeña and Anna Dominique Coseteng, representatives Francis Escudero, Benigno Aquino III and Alan Peter Cayetano, lawyer Aquilino Pimentel III, former Navy lieutenant Antonio Trillanes and ex-senator Raul Roco’s widow Sonia.

Claudio said the government platform will focus on promoting economic growth and unity nationwide. (With reports from the Philippine News Agency)

Sulu Sultan Congratulates New Malaysian King

Malaysian King Mizan Zainal Abidin. (Brunei Times)

ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / 19 Dec) – A Sultan of Sulu, Sharif Ibrahim Ajibul Mohammad Pulalun, on Tuesday congratulated Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, the newly crowned King of Malaysian.

The 44-year old Sultan Abidin was crowned last week as the 13th king of Malaysia in a fitting ceremony broadcast on national television.

“The influential Sultan of Sulu Archipelago, Sharif Ibrahim Ajibul Muhammad Pulalun, astanah darus Sharif Parang Sulu, and his family, including the members of the Romah Bischara extend their warmest congratulation to the newly crowned King of Malaysia, his Highness Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin.”

“On behalf of my people, I wish the newly crowned King of Malaysia peace, happiness and good health,” his spokesman, Samuel Tanjil, said in a statement.

Sultan Abidin, the second-youngest king ever, is to serve a five-year term in the capital Kuala Lumpur after he was sworn in at a solemn ceremony at the king's palace, according to the regional newspaper Brunei Times.

The new king was educated in Malaysia and Australia and is an equestrian and martial arts enthusiast.

Malaysia has a unique revolving monarchy, when each of nine hereditary state rulers occupies the throne for five years, it said.

The king's role in Malaysia is largely ceremonial, as power belongs to parliament and the prime minister. And so is the role of the Sultan of Sulu in the Philippines.

Tanjil said: “Sultan Sharif Ibrahim Ajibul Mohammad Pulalun reiterates his continued support to efforts of the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia to work for peace and stability of the region for progress and prosperity for all people of our great nations.”

All the four countries are members of the regional trade block called the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-the Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area or BIMP-EAGA. The four countries, along with Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam also composed the Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN.

Brunei and Malaysia and Libya have sent truce observers in Mindanao that composed the International Monitoring Team. It has 41 officers from the Malaysian Defense Forces, the Royal Malaysia Police, and the Prime Minister's Department and is also supported by 10 military officers from Brunei Darussalam and 5 from Libya. (Mindanao Examiner)

Sulu Sultan Calls On Muslims To Support 12th ASEAN Summit

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The influential Sultan of Sulu, Sharif Ibrahim Ajibul Mohammad Pulalun, on Thursday called on Filipino Muslims to support the Philippine hosting of the 12th ASEAN Summit in Cebu province.

The four-day summit, beginning Dec. 10, will bring together the Economic Ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to the central Filipino island where they are to sign the Blueprint on the Cebu Declaration on the Acceleration of the Establishment of an ASEAN Community by 2015, five years ahead of the original target of 2020.

The ASEAN Economic Ministers will also finalize seven documents for signing during the Summit.

The blueprint -- which will focus on how ASEAN could benefit from the elimination of tariff for the ASEAN-6 by 2010 and for the new ASEAN members by 2015 -- is one of the most important documents to be signed by the leaders when they meet in Cebu.

Sultan Pulalun said the holding of the ASEAN Summit in Cebu only proves the Philippines continues to enjoy the support of the international business community and other nations and is a safe place for every body to go.

"We hope this historic event would be most remembered by many Filipinos that the Philippines is still strong and that our leaders continue to work for the country and everybody's benefit."

"I call on all Muslims in the Philippines and around the world to continue supporting the government effort for this ASEAN Summit to be successful and bring peace to all nations of the world, particularly in Asia," Sultan Pulalun, a peace advocate and active in humanitarian works, said.

The 50-year old Sultan said the Summit would further strengthen the relationship and foster unity among ASEAN member countries.

Over the years, ASEAN has seen the growth of regional networks of non-governmental organizations. One of the most active of these groups is the ASEAN Peoples’ Assembly, which is an important partner of ASEAN in moving forward its integration initiatives.

At the 12th ASEAN Summit, the Philippines will support the holding of the 5th ASEAN People’s Assembly, which coincides with the ASEAN Leaders’ Summit.

President Arroyo has chosen the theme for the 12th ASEAN Summit, entitled “One Caring and Sharing Community.” The theme will reflect the initiatives to be taken by the Philippines in ASEAN community building and common people’s participation.

Last year, Malaysia hosted the 11th ASEAN Summit and discussed seven main issues -- the spread of bird flu, southern Thailand conflict, democracy in Myanmar, crude oil prices fluctuation and poverty, investment and trade and an ASEAN charter.

This year, the Summit will be hosted by the Cebu Metropolitan Area, composed of Cebu City, Mandaue City, Talisay City and Lapu-Lapu City.

The ASEAN is composed of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.(Sammy Tanjil)

For Reference: Sammy Tanjil, Spokesman for the Sultanate of Sulu
Contact Number: +63 62 9841974
Mobile: +63920 3503428

Libro Para Sa Mahihirap Ipamumudmod Sa Zamboanga

ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / 03 Dec) - Siguradong matutuwa ang mga street children at batang pulubi sa Zamboanga City matapos na makatanggap ang Mindanao Examiner ng dalawang malalaking kahon ng children's book upang ipamahagi sa mga mahihirap.

Galing sa The Asia Foundation ang mga libro at ibinigay ito sa hiling na rin ng Mindanao Examiner (http://mindanaoexaminer.com) na pinatatakbo ng mga manunulat sa Mindanao.

May humanitarian program kasi ang Mindanao Examiner para sa mga maralita sa ibat-ibang panig ng rehiyon at ito rin ang isa sa dalawang media partner ng Asia Foundation sa katimugan.

"Nagpapasalamat kami sa mabuting hangarin ng Asia Foundation dahil nagbigyan ng maraming libro ang Mindanao Examiner upang ipamahagi sa mga bata sa lansangan at maralita at sa gayun ay matulungan natin silang matuto sa araw-araw nilang pakikibaka sa mundo ng karihapan," ani Maritess Fernandez, ang tumatayong publisher ng Mindanao Examiner.

Si Mr Rey Ocampo, ng Asia Foundation, ang siyang nagpadala ng mga libro, wika pa ni Fernandez. Naunang nabigyan ng libro ng Asia Foundation at Mindanao Examiner ang Lumbangan Elementary School nitong taon lamang.

Ang Barangay Lumbangan na kung saan ay naroon ang tambakan ng basurahan ng Zamboanga City ang siyang naging daan upang maitatag ang Mindanao Examiner at maging instrumento sa pagtulong sa mga mahihirap. Doon makikita ang maraming mga bata na napilitang tumitgil sa pagaaral upang mamulot ng basura at makatulong sa pagpapakain sa kanilang pamilya.

Umapela rin si Fernandez ng tulong mula sa mga malalaking kumpanya sa bansa, partikular ang mga food companies, upang madagdagan ang mga kaligayahan ng mga pulubi sa Mindanao.

Bukod sa The Asia Foundation ay nangako na rin sa Mindanao Examiner ng 500 kilong bigas si Sharif Ibrahim Ajibul Mohammad Pulalun, ang Sultan ng Sulu at North Borneo, para sa mga mahihirap na batang Muslim at Kristiyano sa darating na pasko. May isa rin foundation si Pulalun sa Mindanao na ang tanging layunin ay tumulong sa mga mahihirap.(Mindanao Examiner)

Sulu, North Borneo Sultan Hails Senate Bill Declaring RP's Oldest Mosque As National Shrine

The influential Sultan of Sulu and North Borneo, Sharif Ibrahim Ajibul Mohammad Pulalun.(sultanateofsulu.org)

ZAMBOANGA CITY (Uly Israel / 28 Nov) - The influential Sultan of Sulu and North Borneo, Sharif Ibrahim Ajibul Mohammad Pulalun, hailed Tuesday the Senate’s declaration of the Sheikh Karim al Makhdum Mosque in Tawi-Tawi Island and called it a milestone in Philippine history.

The Sheikh Karim al Makhdum mosque at Tubig Indangan village in Simunul town is the oldest mosque in the country.

The Senate has approved a proposal to declare the Philippines' oldest Islamic landmark as a national shrine in recognition to the contribution of Islam in the development of culture and civilization in the country.

Senator Edgardo Angara, its proponent, said the introduction of the Islamic faith in the Philippines "has immensely contributed to the enrichment, vibrancy and diversity" of the country's unique culture.

The mosque was constructed by an Arabian missionary, Sheikh Karim al Makhdum, in AD 1380. In 1965, the late president Ferdinand Marcos went to the site to install a historic marker giving it recognition as the first mosque in the Philippines.

The Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao through its Legislative Assembly has already passed a law declaring the inclusion of the Sheikh Makhdum centennial celebration as one of the Islamic events entitled to a special non-working holiday within the five provinces under the ARMM.

The bill, passed on third reading, "is a sign to our brother Moslems in Mindanao, that they are being accorded due and equal recognition by the national government," Angara said.

According to historical accounts, Sheikh Karim al Makhdum arrived in 1380 on Simunul Island off the province of Tawi-Tawi to propagate Islam in the country. It was also on this island that he built the first and the oldest mosque in the country. It is held in great esteem by Muslims and non-Muslims, and is considered sacred.

Sultan Pulalun appealed to Senator Edgardo Angara that the mosque in Likup village in Indanan town in Jolo Island declared also as a national shrine being the second oldest mosque in the Philippines and because events of historical importance took place at the mosque.

He said at the height of Muslim rebellion against American colonial government, Muslim rebel leaders met with General Leonard Wood at the mosque wherein historical talks and agreements were forged.

"We are overjoyed by the recognition being given to the contribution of the Islamic faith to the country's history," he told the Mindanao Examiner.

Pulalun, a descendant of Sultan Mohammad Pulalun, heads the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo, now Sabah. Sultanate of Sulu obtained Sabah from Brunei as a gift for helping put down a rebellion on the Borneo Island.

The Sultanate of Sulu was a Muslim state that ruled over much of the islands off the Sulu Sea. It stretches from a part of the island of Mindanao in the east, to North Borneo, now known as Sabah, in the west and south, and to Palawan, in the north.

The Sultanate of Sulu was founded in 1457 and is believed to exist as a sovereign nation for at least 442 years. (Mindanao Examiner)