3,445 Pinoy Muslims go on Hajj pilgrimage

MANILA, Philippines - The 3,445 Filipino pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Thursday.

The Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah reported to the DFA that the Filipino pilgrims came aboard 13 different flights from Manila and entered Saudi Arabia through Madinah or Jeddah.

The first flight of the pilgrims, numbering some 350, arrived on Oct. 25 while the last flight ferrying the accompanying officials from the Office of Muslim Affairs came in on Nov. 21.

Lanao del Sur Rep. Pangalian Balindong is Amerul Hajj or pilgrim leader for this year’s pilgrimage.

The pilgrims were met and assisted by consulate representatives, composed mainly of personnel of the Consulate’s Office of the Hajj Attache.

The Philippine Consulate in Jeddah continues to look after and provide assistance to the pilgrims as they perform Hajj. The Hajj pilgrims are expected to depart in December and early January.   – Pia Lee-Brago