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.
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.
