20 October 2012 - Officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah led by Consul General Uriel Norman R Garibay welcomed the Amirul Hajj (head of the Philippine Hajj Mission), Secretary Mehol K. Sadain of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) on 18 October 2012. Secretary Sadain arrived at the Hajj Terminal in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at around 1:00 a.m. together with the Commissioners of the NCMF and around 60 pilgrims. They represent the last batch of Filipino pilgrims who will perform the Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca).

From Left to Right: Consul Leo Tito L. Ausan, Jr., COMELEC Commissioner Elias R. Yusoph, Secretary Mehol K. Sadain, NCMF Commissioner Edilwasif T. Baddiri, Consul General Uriel Norman R. Garibay, NCMF Commissioner Salem C. Demuna, Consul Germinia V. Aguilar-Usudan and Vice Consul RJ Sumague.

Around 6,000 Filipino pilgrims, who started arriving in Jeddah in batches last 26 September, will perform the Hajj. The first batch was also welcomed by Philippine Consulate officers and staff led by Consul Germinia V. Aguilar-Usudan and Vice Consul RJ Sumague.

According to the NCMF, this year's pilgrimage by Muslim Filipinos to Makkah (Mecca) has the theme "Pilgrimage for Peace" in support of the peace process in Mindanao. The pilgrims will be including in their prayers the achievement of a final and enduring peace in Mindanao in view of the recent signing of the framework agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Secretary Sadain noted that this may be the first time that a theme has been attached to the pilgrimage. He added that subsequent pilgrimages will be themed according to prevailing issues or concerns of the year.

Hajj 2012 is expected to last until 28 October with the celebration of Eid Al Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice) to start on 26 October. END