RIYADH, 24 January 2005 — Except for the death of 75-year-old Maranao Hajja Binumbar D. Maguindanao due to bronchial asthma and acute exacerbation, Filipino pilgrims have said that it was smooth sailing for them this Haj. Over 3,000 Filipinos performed Haj this year.
“The Filipino pilgrims expressed appreciation for the elaborate preparations made by the Kingdom to ensure comfort, convenience and security. They are satisfied with the entire arrangements. The pilgrims could walk and throw pebbles at the devil, which symbolizes the triumph of good over evil,” Ambassador Bahnarim A. Guinomla told Arab News.
Guinomla noted that there’s also much improvement in the facilities — including accommodation and transportation of the pilgrims-compared to last year.
Taha Guinomla, administrative officer of the Consulate General in Jeddah, added that the consulate was closely monitoring the situation of the Filipino pilgrims and that arrangements were in place for any contingency.
“So far so good. The Filipino pilgrims were among the record 2.56 million Hajis in stoning the devil on the third consecutive day at the Jamrat area. The whole ritual aroused passion among the pilgrims, many of whom frantically throwing stones, hurling insults or shoes at the pillars,” he said.
Head of the Haj delegation Hussain Amin, who is also the representative of the 1st District of Sulu and the deputy majority floor leader in the House of Representatives of the Philippines, said that generally the Hajis are safe and in good health although they are reeling under the cold wave.
As far as hygiene is concerned, he said, they are suffering from infectious diseases such as cold, which is quite normal in crowded situations.
Regarding the death of Hajja Maguindanao, he said that she was buried in Makkah on the day she died — Jan. 8 — in accordance with the policies of the Kingdom and the consent of her relatives.
He said the pilgrims will return home on Saudia flights from Jan. 24 to 27, and from Feb. 1 to 3. The Philippine Airlines did not participate in transporting pilgrims in this year’s Haj.
