Filipino Fisherfolk Benefit From Sultan’s Medical Mission

Princess Pulalun, top photo, assists in the medical mission of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo in Zamboanga City

ZAMBOANGA CITY — When Muslims and Christians work together, the poor ones stand to benefit. Sharif Ibrahim Ajibul Mohammad Pulalun, head of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo, has just proved once again that this obvious but often ignored arrangement remains a viable solution to the conflict in the southern Philippines. Last month, the influential Pulalun brought with him volunteers from the Bantay-Bata Foundation and private firms, along with military doctors and nurses to the fishing village of Sinunuc in Zamboanga City’s outskirts for a medical outreach mission. The result: Hundreds of poor Muslim and Christian villagers finally had their medical check-up, something most of them could not afford. “My family is really lucky. We got free consultation from those soldiers and we will go home with all these medicines. This is really a good day,” said Umar Sakandal, a 45-year-old fisherman. Some said the only time they see a doctor is when they get really bedridden. “We hope to hold similar medical missions in other areas, of course in partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and non-governmental organizations and private firms supporting this humanitarian undertaking,” Pulalun told the Arab News. It was the second time this year that Pulalun organized a medical mission in poor areas in this port city. He also led a humanitarian mission early this year to help feed more than 500 families left homeless after a huge fire swept through Canelar village. Pulalun, a staunch supporter of the peace process in the southern Philippines, has rejected attempts by a secessionist organization to convince his group to support a proposal for an independent Mindanao. Pantaleon Alvarez, former transportation secretary and organizer of One People Mindanao (OPM), a movement lobbying for a separate Mindanao Republic, tried but failed to convince Pulalun and his Cabinet members to support the proposal. Professor Sami Tanjil, Pulalun’s spokesman, said the Muslim leader flatly rejected the proposal. “The sultan said that he shall not allow Mindanao to be dismembered and for the Muslims not to be used for political agenda,” Tanjil said. Pulalun said Muslims in the southern region are supporting the government’s peace and economic agenda in Mindanao. “I have told my people to continue to stay united and not to allow themselves be used by any political groups,” he said. Print Article |