The Sultanate of Maguindanao Mourns the Passing of Putri Febraida Mastura Matalam; New Putri sa Maguindanao Crowned

SULTANATE OF MAGUINDANAO – It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that His Majesty Sultan Zulkarnain Mastura Kudarat VI, the Supreme Sultan of Maguindanao, alongside the Cabinet Members of the Sultanate, the Royal Ladies of Maguindanao, and the global humanitarian organization We Care for Humanity (WCH), announce the passing of Her Royal Highness, Bai Febraida "Febs" Lauban Mastura-Matalam, the Royal Princess of Maguindanao. Princess Febraida passed away recently due to medical complications, bringing a wave of deep mourning across the entire Sultanate and its leadership.

In an official statement of grief and tribute, His Majesty Sultan Zulkarnain Mastura Kudarat VI, the Supreme Sultan of Maguindanao, expressed the collective heartbreak of the throne:

"The departure of Her Royal Highness, Bai Febraida Mastura Matalam, is a profound and agonizing loss for our entire nation and family. She was the very embodiment of grace, dignity, and compassion, serving as a beacon of hope for her people and a steadfast guardian of our cultural legacy. Her life was a testament to selfless duty, and her absence leaves a void in the Sultanate that can never be filled. We pray for her eternal peace in the highest echelons of Jannah."

Following the tragic passing of Princess Febraida, and to ensure the continuity of royal duties and leadership within the realm, His Majesty the Supreme Sultan has officially appointed, installed, and crowned a new titleholder. By the official appointment of the Supreme Sultan, Bai Junie Lauban Mastura Usman, the elder sister of the late Princess Febraida, has been solemnly installed as the new Putri sa Maguindanao.

A distinguished professional, Princess Junie holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Notre Dame University in Cotabato City. She steps into this vital role with a grand and clear vision for the future of the realm. Acknowledging her exceptional educational background and her lifelong dedication to the traditions of their lineage, the prominent members and leaders of the Sultanate have collectively pledged their absolute loyalty and unwavering support to her leadership. She will carry forward the sacred traditions, cultural heritage, and noble responsibilities of the lineage.

While the sudden departure of Princess Febraida brings immense grief, this moment serves as an enduring tribute from the royal family and the entire governing sultanate to a noble life beautifully lived—one defined by unwavering resilience, leadership, and an extraordinary dedication to uplifting humanity.

Princess Febraida inherited a magnificent legacy of leadership and cultural nobility. She was the daughter of Datu Akmad Mastura (the esteemed nephew of the 24th Sultan of Maguindanao) and Bai Kimada Lauban (daughter of the Sultan of Kabuntalan). Throughout her life, she wore her royal stature not as a crown of privilege, but as a mantle of responsibility, dedicating her existence to community service and philanthropic empowerment.

Her impactful work spanned numerous regions, leaving permanent marks of hope and progress. Among her many celebrated initiatives were the Alfardz Markadz project in Cotabato City (2001), the Salimbao Proper endeavor in Sultan Kudarat (2022), and her deep partnership with WCH through the Mastura Compound initiative (2023). In recognition of her exceptional contributions to society, she was honored with numerous accolades, including the prestigious Plaque of Appreciation from SKDOP in Cotabato City, and was celebrated by We Care for Humanity as a "Woman of the Year" honoree for her global humanitarian impact.

Maha Putri Mariam Leonor Torres Mastura (Queen Maria), the founder of We Care for Humanity and a dear sister and friend to the late Princess, joined His Majesty the Supreme Sultan and the Royal Ladies in expressing their profound heartbreak and admiration: "Princess Febraida was a foundational pillar of our Royal Ladies group and a guiding light who was truly like a mother to us all. Her steadfast commitment to global humanitarian efforts and her selfless actions have had a significant, lasting impact on communities worldwide. She faced life's challenges with immense grace, and her legacy of kindness, maternal love, and fortitude will continue to inspire generations to come."

Guided by her life's motto, "Come what may," Princess Febraida met every challenge with resilience, perseverance, and an unshakeable faith. Her grounding presence, her warm wisdom, and her absolute selflessness will be forever missed by His Majesty, the Cabinet, the Royal Ladies, and all members of the Sultanate family as they look toward the future under the guidance of the newly installed Putri sa Maguindanao.

Official memorial arrangements will be shared by the royal family in due course. The Supreme Sultan and the Cabinet request privacy for the immediate family during this deeply painful time of collective mourning.

Sultanate of Maguindanao Hosts Historic 1st Royal Friendship Event in Cotabato City

The Sultanate of Maguindanao, in partnership with the non-profit organization We Care for Humanity (WCH), successfully convened the Sultanate of Maguindanao Royal Friendship Event on January 26, 2026, at the Em Manor Hotel and Convention Center. The gathering marked a significant milestone in fostering international unity, bringing together global dignitaries, royal families, and investors for a night dedicated to cultural exchange and economic partnership.

The evening commenced with a majestic Grand Entrance accompanied by traditional Kulintang music, welcoming the various Royal Houses, the Sultanate of Maguindanao Royal Family, and the international delegations. HM Zulkarnain Mastura Kudarat VI, Supreme Sultan of Maguindanao, officially opened the proceedings with welcome remarks that emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration.

"We are not just opening our doors; we are opening our hearts," said Sultan Zulkarnain. "This gathering proves that the values of the Sultanate—honor, hospitality, and unity—resonate across oceans. We welcome our partners from the United States not merely as guests, but as family returning home."

Keynote addresses provided context and vision for the gathering. HRH Maha Putri Mariam Leonor Torres Mastura, Founder of We Care for Humanity, presented the Mission Brief, highlighting her role in connecting the Sultanate to the global stage.

"My mission as 'The Traveling Queen' has always been to connect worlds," stated Maha Putri Mariam. "By bringing these global leaders to Maguindanao, we are breaking the silence of our history and building a future where tradition meets innovation. This event is proof that through true friendship, we can transform charity into sustainable development."

Datu Muba Mastura followed with a deep dive into the rich History of the Sultanate, grounding the guests in the region's heritage and legacy.

A focal point of the event was the dynamic Investment Forum, which featured project presentations from proponents across the region, including the Royal Houses of Biwang, Salamen, Datu Dikaya, Davao del Norte and Sur, Zamboanga del Sur, Buayan, Luzon, and Kabuntalan.

The forum generated significant interest from the international delegates, particularly the Fil-Am Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston. Led by Chairman Mr. Loloy Reyes and President Dr. Noemi Frias, the group expressed strong enthusiasm for the initiatives presented by the Royal Houses and the projects championed by the Royal Ladies, who also entertained guests with a cultural performance during the Royal Banquet.

The event also highlighted the presence of esteemed guests from the Las Vegas Delegation, including 

• Hon. Amie Belmonte, Phil. Honorary Consul General in Las Vegas

• Ms. Gloria T. Caoile, Founding Member of several Pan-Asian organizations in Nevada; Former White House Appointee

• Ms. Jacque De Joya, President, National Federation of Filipino American Association 

• Ms. Luz Sapin Micabalo, Chairman, Philippine American Charity Foundation (PACF)

• Mr. Leo Belmonte, Executive Director, NaFFAA Nevada

• Mr. Art de Joya, Board Member, NaFFAA Nevada

• Ms. Cynthia Deriquito, Board Member, NaFFAA Nevada

• Ms. Resty Lopez, Board Member, NaFFAA Nevada

• Melissa Topacio Long is an educator and entrepreneur

• Jeffrey Topacio Flores, Multi awarded stage actor 

The successful evening concluded with a commemorative group photo featuring all dignitaries, investors, and royal families, symbolizing the forged bonds and the promising future of these new partnerships.

The spirit of giving continued the following day as the delegations embarked on charitable missions. The Philippine American Charity Foundation (PACF) of the Las Vegas delegation distributed 200 "Bags of Hope" to underprivileged families in Cotabato City. Concurrently, We Care for Humanity (WCH) and the Sultanate of Maguindanao (SOM) traveled to the municipalities of Lebak and Kalamansig to distribute Global Santa gift bags to the local communities, ensuring the event’s impact reached those most in need.