Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo

Zamboanga's poor families get rice, groceries from Sultan Pulalun

2006-12-29T04:56:00.000-08:00

Sulu Sultan Sharif Ibrahim Ajibul Muhammad Pulalun speaks to garbage diggers and scavengers in Lumbangan village in Zamboanga City in Mindanao. (Photo by Samuel Tanjil)

The influential Sultan of Sulu, Sharif Ibrahim Ajibul Muhammad Pulalun, distributed rice and grocery packs to more than 300 mostly poor Christian and Muslim families in Zamboanga City.

Pulalun visited the village of Lumbangan just recently and handed rice and groceries to some 100 families.

Most of those who received the packs were garbage diggers and scavengers."We are grateful to Sultan Pulalun, who, despite being a Muslim, came here in this dirty place to distribute gifts to Christians. May God bless him more so he can help more poor people like us," an old woman, whom everybody called Lola, said.

It was the first time that the Sultan visited the garbage dump and spoke to the poor. He promised them more aid. "These people are poor. look at them, children and women and old men are digging for scraps when they should be together and resting in their house because of the holiday season."

"We will find some ways to help them, especially these poor children. The Sultanate of Sulu Foundation will find a way to bring more aid to this place and other poor Muslim areas in Sulu," Sultan Pulalun said.

One woman, Jacqueline, said her eleven-year old son is suffering from renal disease and appealed to the Sultan for help. "I hope he can help us. We need medicines for my boy," she said, sobbing in between sentences.

From Lumbangan, the Sultan proceeded to Camino Nuevo where he also distributed rice and groceries to about 90 head of families, who were victims of recent fires in Zamboanga.

The Sultan together with village leader Antonio Deles and council member Inday Bunal knocked on doors and handed rice and food bags to poor Christian and Muslim families. "We are lucky that Sultan Pulalun came over and distributed rice and groceries to these poor people," Deles said.

Sultan Pulalun also distributed rice and canned goods to more than 100 poor families in Canelar and met with Rolly Samson, the village chieftain.

"We can't find words to express our gratitude to the good Sultan Pulalun. We pray that Allah give him more blessings so he can continue helping the less fortunate," Samson said.

The Sultan said he will continue helping not only poor Muslims, but needy Christians and indigenous people also.

"As long as I live, I will continue this long time tradition that my great, great grandfather, Sultan Mohammad Pulalun, had started. The same tradition continues and now, I also tell my son, Sharif Almunir, to continue this humble legacy," he said.

The 15-year old Sharif Almunir is the heir to the Pulalun throne.(Samuel Tanjil)

Reference: Samuel Tanjil, spokesman for Sultan Sharif Ibrahim Ajibul Muhammad Pulalun, Sultanate of Sulu

Mobile: +63921 6641644

E-mail: sultanpulalun@gmail.com

URL: sultanateofsulu.org / sultanofsulu.com

Sulu Sultan Congratulates New Malaysian King

2006-12-18T18:31:00.000-08:00

SULTANATE OF SULU

Jolo, Philippines

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.

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.

On behalf of my people, I wish the newly crowned King of Malaysia peace, hapiness and good health.

For Reference: Sammy Tanjil, Spokesman for the Sultanate of Sulu

Contact Number: +63 62 9841974

Mobile: +63920 3503428

Sulu Sultan Calls On Muslims To Support 12th ASEAN Summit

2006-12-07T18:45:00.000-08:00

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

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

2006-11-27T23:16:00.000-08:00

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. (From the Mindanao Examiner)

Sultan Of Sulu And North Borneo, Sharif Ibrahim Ajibul Mohammad Pulalun

2006-09-10T01:33:00.000-07:00

Sharif Ibrahim Ajibul Mohammad Pulalun, Sultan of Sulu and North Borneo. (Sammy Tanjil)

Photo: Sharif Ibrahim Ajibul Mohammad Pulalun

2006-09-02T05:38:00.000-07:00

Sultan of Sulu and North Borneo Sharif Ibrahim Ajibul Mohammad Pulalun. (Mindanao Examiner)

02September2006.pdf 387K View as HTML or Download to read story of the 15th Mindanao Business Conference

15th Mindanao Business Conference Opens In Zamboanga City

2006-09-02T05:25:00.000-07:00

Dr Graciano Yumol, left, Science Undersecretary; Eugene Mateo, center, president of the Canadian mining firm TVI Resource Development Phils., Inc., and Paul Doninguez, of the Mindanao Business Council, during the 15th Mindanao Business Conference in Zamboanga City. TVI has pour more than P500 million for gold exploration project in Bayug town in Zamboanga del Sur province. (Mindanao Examiner)

ZAMBOANGA CITY (Darwin Wee / 31 Aug) Asian trade representatives and Filipino businessmen flocked Thursday to Zamboanga City in the southern Philippines for the 15th Mindanao Business Conference. The 3-day international conference is expected to generate millions of revenues from its trade exhibits, where dozens of stalls and booths were on display at the convention center of the Garden Orchid Hotel. "This will promote our products and help put back Zamboanga again in its old glory; a trading hub and tourist destination in this part of the Philippines," Ismael Ajijul, a Muslim trader, who sells hand-woven Yakan cloth, told the Mindanao Examiner. Mayor Celso Lobregat, of Zamboanga City , boasted of high economic growth the past years, citing government reports, but statistics were not readily made available. He also said the improved peace and order situation here continue to attract investors. "We have a lot of investments here. Zamboanga has a very sound economy and there are many new establishments. The peace and order is very good and we are happy about these all," he said. The influential Sultan of Sulu and North Borneo, Sharif Ibrahim Ajibul Mohammad Pulalun, is also expected to attend the conference to welcome the delegates and promote the Sulu Archipelago, which comprises of Basilan, Jolo and Tawi-Tawi islands as a trading exchange and investment destinations. "We have a lot to offer. The archipelago is rich in natural resources, like minerals and oil deposits. Tawi-Tawi is a beautiful tourist destination and the whole of the Sulu Archipelago is one place to invest, such as in palm plantation, oil exploration and many more." "Basilan and Jolo are great places and rich in timber and coconuts and coffee and marine resources; and our culture and heritage are similarly wealthy. We welcome you in our exotic land, " Pulalun said in an interview. Teresita Sebastian, convention director, said businessmen from Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei arrived in Zamboanga to participate in the international conference. "Diplomatic officials from the embassies of United States, Canada , Italy, Australia and some other countries are also slated to attend the convention," she said. She said among the dignitaries that are expected to arrive here are Peter Henrie Sutherland, Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines; Jon Linborg, of the United States Agency for International Development. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was also invited to grace the closing ceremony on Saturday, Sebastian said. Donald Dee, president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was also in Zamboanga City yesterday and inspected different trade exhibits, including the booth of a Malaysian motorcycle manufacturing firm, Demak Motor, which has an assembly factory here. "We expect more than 1,000 businessmen from around Asia and others involved in economic activities and studies in this 3-day conference," she said. The BIMP-EAGA (Brunei, Indonesia , Malaysia and the Philippines-East Asean Growth Area) Business Council also joined the conference. Sebastian said the participants will discuss major issues and concerns affecting key Mindanao investments to facilitate and hasten trade within the region, and the BIMP-EAGA with other trading partners.

Photo: Sunrise In Jolo Island

2006-08-26T00:41:00.000-07:00

Sunrise in Jolo.

Jolo is located in the southern Sulu Archipelago, approximately halfway between Zamboanga on Mindanao Island and the Malaysian state of Sabah. Jolo has an area of 894 sq. km (345 sq. mi). A volcanic island, Jolo contains a number of extinct volcanic cones. So the island is truly a garden paradise of white beaches with crystal clear water and lush green mountains. The area is noted for its pearl fisheries. The town of Jolo, the capital and largest town of Sulu Province, is located on the northwestern coast. In the late 1800s, the island became a Spanish protectorate. The United States seized control in 1899 after winning the Spanish-American War in the Battle of Manila. In 1903, Jolo became a part of the United States and was established as a province. The province was later renamed Sulu Province.

Click on the link and watch the Department of Tourism's "Biyahe Tayo" video featuring the Philippines. http://www.tourism.gov.ph/media_source/byahetayo.wmv

Restoration of Sulu Sultanate is best solution to unrest in South RP

2006-08-25T04:53:00.000-07:00

Map of Mindanao (Photo by Mindanao Examiner)

ZAMBOANGA CITY (AKI / 25 Aug) The restoration of the ancient Islamic Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo would be the best solution to unrest in the southern Philippines unrest, a local historian told AdnKronos International (AKI).

Professor Emmanuel Mangubat, a member of the Sulu Restoration Movement, argued that a return to monarchial and Islamic tradition is exactly what the conflict-ridden region needs.(Read more)

Sulu sultan rejects plan to put up Mindanao Republic

2006-08-24T02:45:00.000-07:00

The influential sultan of Sulu and North Borneo, Sharif Ibrahim Ajibul Muhammad Pulalun, has flatly rejected attempts by a secessionist organization to convince his group in the southern Philippines to support a proposal for an independent Mindanao, his spokesman said.

Prof. Sami Tanjil said a former transportation secretary Pantaleon Alvarez, organizer of One People Mindanao, a movement lobbying for a separate Mindanao Republic, was in Zamboanga City early this year and tried, but failed to convince the sultan and his cabinet members to support the proposal.

"Alvarez tried, but failed to convince the sultan to throw his support to the proposal. Sultan Pulalun walked out from the meeting after Alvarez sought his support for the so-called Mindanao Republic."

"The sultan was angry and said that he shall not allow Mindanao to be dismembered and for the Muslims not to be used for political agenda,” Tanjil said.

Pulalun has confirmed the meeting and said he was unaware of Alvarez’s real motives. He said the meeting was attended by cabinet members of the Royal Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo and advisers.

“I was shocked to learn that he was here to convince us to support this so-called Mindanao Republic, and I walked away. We don’t want any part of this political agenda.”

“We will not allow ourselves be used for whatever purpose other than promoting peace and unity in the southern Philippines,” Pulalun, a staunch supporter of President Arroyo, said.

Pulalun said the Muslims are supporting the government and President Arroyo’s peace and economic agenda in the southern region. “I have told my people to continue to stay united and not to allow themselves be used by any political groups,” the sultan said.

Alvarez previously said that only a separate Mindanao Republic can help solve the problems the island is facing. He said a Charter change, as proposed by lawmakers, would not resolve the current political problems and crisis the country is experiencing.

But many Mindanao leaders are also supporting proposals to convene a Constitutional Assembly in order to allow amendments in the Charter that would institutionalize wide-ranging reforms. The proposal would also limit the agenda of amendments and protect the good provisions of the Charter.

The OPM had been advocating for a separate Mindanao and urged citizens to demand the separation of the region from Manila's administrative control.

It held various consultations for a plebiscite to separate the mineral-rich region from the rest of the country, but Visayas and Luzon islands also threatened to split should Mindanao secede.

Filipino Fisherfolk Benefit From Sultan’s Medical Mission

2006-08-24T01:31:00.000-07:00

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.
               

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Sultan Leads Pro-US Rally In Jolo

2006-08-24T01:06:00.000-07:00

Sultan Sharif Ibrahim Ajibul Mohammad Pulalun, top, leads a huge pro-US rally in Jolo island as the mayor Alkramer Izquierdo looks on.

JOLO ISLAND — More than 1,000 Muslims staged a surprising pro-US rally in Jolo in February, where thousands of American and Filipino soldiers held a controversial month-long joint military drills and humanitarian mission in the impoverished island, about 950 km south of Manila.

Hundreds of placard-bearing villagers, some came as far as the Parang town, south of the island, to join the rally led by the influential Sultan of Sulu and North Borneo, Sharif Ibrahim Ajibul Mohammad Pulalun.

It was the first time the secluded Pulalun came out in the open to publicly support the Balikatan (shoulder-to-shourlder) 2006, the codename for the RP-US military drills

“I call on every Muslims in Sulu to support the government and the Balikatan program because this will bring us more humanitarian aid. Let us show the world that we are peaceful citizens. I appeal to every Muslims to welcome our American visitors and support their peaceful cause,” the 50-year old leader, who is a staunch supporter of President Gloria Arroyo, said.

Pulalun appealed to Washington to send more humanitarian aid to poor Muslims in Jolo.

Dozens of Muslim activists previously demanded that US troops leave Jolo. They had burned mock US flags and displayed anti-US placards, including one that read “Bud Daho, never again,” referring to a Jolo area where American forces bloodily crushed a Muslim uprising about a century ago.

The training in Jolo brought humanitarian and medical aid to many poor families on the island, one of the poorest provinces under the Muslim autonomous region.The US Navy medical ship, Mercy, also held a medical mission in Jolo just several months ago.

But Jolo is also a known stronghold of the kidnap-for-ransom Abu Sayyaf group, blamed for the spate of kidnappings and terrorism in the troubled southern region, and any attack on US soldiers could jeopardize government efforts to bring aid and development to the island.

A small number of US troops are still in Jolo, providing training to Filipino soldiers and humanitarian missions.

This year’s joint training was the 22nd in a series of drills that began in 1981, and would involve about 250 US troops and 4,000 Filipino infantry and marine troops, said Brig. Gen. Nehemias Pajarito, then commander of the Philippine Army in Jolo.

Security was tight during the exercises to protect the US and Filippino soldiers against possible attacks by Abu Sayyaf militants.

The Abu Sayyaf previously threatened to attack US targets in the Philippines, and had killed three Americans, including a soldier, in Zamboanga City in 2002.(Arab News)

Sultan Pulalun as Rajah Muda Circa 1838

2006-08-24T00:08:00.000-07:00

Sultan Pulalun and his seal

Sultan Ibrahim Ajibul Mohammad Pulalun In Jolo Island

2006-08-23T22:19:00.000-07:00

Sharif Ibrahim Ajibul Mohammad Pulalun, the Sultan of Sulu and North Borneo

The Sultanate of Sulu was a Muslim state that ruled over much of the islands of the Sulu Sea, in the southern Philippines. The sultanate was founded in the 1457 (other sources claim earlier) and is believed by Muslim historians to have existed for a few centuries although most sources mention that the sultanate was conquered by the Spanish in the 17th century.

The Philippines was later annexed by the United States, in 1898, as a result of the Spanish-American War. Only North Borneo went to the British, and later became part of Malaysia as Sabah in 1963.

At its peak, it stretched over the islands that bordered the western peninsula of Mindanao in the east, to North Borneo, currently known as Sabah, in the west and south, and to Palawan in the north. Today significant number of Tausug have been living in Sabah. During the MNLF and Philippines war in the early 1970s, the number increased...(Read more)