Ronaldo Z. Concha Saudi Gazette JEDDAH – Philippine Consul General Uriel Norman Garibay said recently that officials from the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) visited Saudi Arabia recently to ensure the smooth passage of the Filipino pilgrims intending to participate in this year's Haj. Garibay said the NCMF officials were headed by Secretary Mehol K. Sadain - head of the Philippine Hajj Mission for this year – and Representative Mohammed Hussein P. Pangandaman of the 1st District of Lanao del Sur. During the welcome dinner recently hosted at his residence, Garibay said their discussion focused on how the NCMF and the consulate can further cooperate on ensuring the safety and security of the pilgrims in this year's Haj. The NCMF has held talks with the Ministry of Haj and other related government agencies to ensure the best facilities at the lowest costs are provided to Filipino pilgrims. According to Garibay, NCMF has reserved a total of 6,000 slots for Filipino pilgrims from the Saudi Ministry of Haj.
