ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR- Last 3rd of February, a grand celebration of gratitude, known as the Kanduli, transpired in Pagadian City. The festivities were hosted by the newly appointed Sultan Badar of Zamboanga del Sur, with noble Datus from all corners of the province in attendance.
The Kanduli was held in celebration of the issuance of Royal Decree No. 004/2023 by the late HM Sultan Abdulaziz Salem Mastura Kudarat V (Allah Yarhamuh), the 25th Sultan sa Magindanaw. This decree marked the expansion of the territorial authority of the Sultanate of Tawag’n, Pagadian City, and appointed Sultan Coy Azhar Assim Marcaban as the Sultan Badar of the Province of Zamboanga Del Sur. Furthermore, it led to the installation of new officers and members of SKDOP (Sultan Kudarat Descendants Organization of the Philippines), Zamboanga Chapter.
The Kanduli was a momentous occasion, a celebration of culture, and the future of the Sultanate in Zamboanga del Sur.
Despite numerous aspirants vying for the title of Supreme Sultan of Maguindanao, the position has already been rightfully claimed by His Majesty Sultan Abdulaziz Zulkarnain Mastura Kudarat VI. He wasn’t only appointed as the legitimate successor by the late Sultan Salem but was also the popular choice of the Maguindanao people and hails from an unbroken line of Sultans since Sultan Muhammad Dipatuan Kudarat who reigned the Sultanate of Maguindanao from 1625 to 1671.
The enthronement took place last 14th of January during the Taazi’ah/Kanduli for the late 25th Supreme Sultan, Abdulaziz Guiwan Salem Mastura Kudarat V. Flooded by thousands of people, the auspicious event was attended by big personalities from local and abroad including traditional leaders, politicians, religious leaders, tribal groups, representatives from 26 principalities of Mindanao: Municipalities of Palembang, Kalamansig, Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat, Matanog, Sultan Mastura, Maitum, Kiamba, Maasin, Kabacan, Pikit, Pagalungan, Datu Osin Sinsuat, Datu Blah Sinsuat, Dau Abdullah Sangki, Polomok, Isulan, Parang, SKP, Lebak, Kalamnsig and Labangan; Cities of Cotabato, General Santos and Marbel; and officers and men of the 6th infantry Division (KAMPILAN) PA AFP, Central Cotabato.
The Sultanate’s Cabinet members have recently revealed plans for two additional coronation ceremonies this year. The second ceremony will take place in Cotabato City on March 9th, extending its reach to the entire Mindanao region. The third and most significant coronation is scheduled to occur in October at the WCH Royal Summit in Manila. This event will host a multitude of international monarchs, dignitaries, and United Nations representatives, rendering it an extraordinary and memorable occasion.
The Crown Prince of Maguindanao, Datu Muamar (Mama) Mastura, has disclosed the order of succession of the Sultanate, as decreed by their late father, Sultan Guiwan Mastura Kudarat IV.“According to the last testament, after Sultan Salem, Datu Nain is to take over as the Sultanate's leader, thereby ensuring the unbroken tradition of succession. This dying wish of my brother, Sultan Salem has been upheld, and Datu Nain is the rightful heir to the throne.” His Royal Highness Datu Mama added, “We have recently discovered that a number of individuals, including some of our own relatives who have benefited from our father's kindness and compassion, are plotting to usurp the throne from us. Despite our family's relentless efforts to fortify the Sultanate, these individuals are driven by a desire for greater power and influence. Nonetheless, the truth about their intentions is widely known throughout Mindanao.”
Renowned humanitarian and founder of international charity organization- We Care for Humanity (WCH),Queen Mariam Torres Mastura vowed to help ensure that the Sultanate emerges stronger than ever before. “As the crowned Bai Mompong sa Magindanaw, it is my duty to support my brother, the Supreme Sultan, in preserving the Sultanate and its goals. And I will not rest until I bring His Majesty to the United Nations to represent the interests of the Sultanate, and that the entire world recognizes him as the true Sultan of Maguindanao!”- said the crowned Queen of the Royal House of Luzon Tagalog.
A few of hundreds of congratulatory messages from International Dignitaries and Monarchs:
•DR. ABDALLAH SHARIF, President of United Nations Correspondents Association of Vienna (UNCAV)- “On behalf of the UNCAV and other esteemed peace organizations in Austria, I extend my warmest greetings to my noble brother, Sultan Zulkarnian, on his coronation as the illustrious Supreme Sultan of Maguindanao. May the winds of fortune guide you towards success and prosperity, and may you enjoy robust health to benefit your kingdom.”
•H.E. IVO JOSIPOVIC, 3rd President of Croatia (2010-2015)- “I am delighted to send my biggest congratulations to the new Supreme Sultan of Maguindanao, Philippines. I wish for His Majesty Zulkarnain Mastura Kudarat VI to have a long and vibrant reign as the 26th Sultan of Maguindanao, and may the Sultanate become one of the most revered Kingdoms in the world!”
•HRH ISABARUULI ISABARONGO MWATYANSOZI MWOGEZI BUTAMANYA, King of Buruuli Kingdom & Chairperson Uganda Kings and Cultural Leaders Forum- “I extend my sincerest congratulations to His Majesty Sultan Abdulaziz Zulkarnain Mastura Kudarat VI on his ascension to the 26th Supreme Sultan of Maguindanao. I and the Kings I head in Uganda are willing to work with you under WE CARE FOR HUMANITY”.
•HRM DR. NANA AKOMANYI ESSANDOH V, Sovereign Ruler of the Kingdom of Gomoah, Ghana
“Royalty is a blessing.
Royalty is creativity.
Royalty is culture.
Royalty is upliftment.
Royalty is God given.
Royalty is attraction.
Royalty is Grace from God.
You are blessed to be the 26th Sultan.
May God see you through successfully.
CONGRATULATIONS MY BROTHER!"
•H.E. ROSALIA ARTEAGA SERRANO, Former President of Ecuador- “My warmest congratulations go out to Sultan Abdulaziz Zulkarnain Mastura Kudarat VI, the new Supreme Sultan of Maguindanao, on his enthronement. He is a symbol of bravery and greatness, and perfectly suited to lead a sultanate with a rich history”.
•H.E. FILIP VUJANOVIC, Former President of Montenegro- “I am pleased to express my sincere congratulations and warm wishes to the new Supreme Sultan of Maguindanao, Philippines. I wish for His Majesty Zulkarnain Mastura Kudarat VI to have a long and prosperous reign as the 26th Sultan of Maguindanao, and may the Sultanate become one of the most respected Kingdoms in the world”.
About Sultan Zulkarnain:
Sultan Zulkarnain a.k.a. Datu Nain is a highly esteemed figure in Mindanao, the Philippines' oldest and most important Muslim state. He Graduated from Manuel L. Quezon University, Manila with degree in Bachelor of Science and Commerce. Before his coronation, he served as the president of the Sultan Kudarat Descendants Organization of the Philippines (SKDOP), a non-profit organization which main mission is to unite the country’s traditional leaders and to preserve the culture and heritage of the Royal Sultanate of Maguindanao Mandanaue Darussalam. His leadership was instrumental in preserving the region's diverse culture and traditions.
Royal Lineage:
Datu Nain is the 6th child of the late Sultan Abdulaziz "Datu Guiwan" Mastura Kudarat IV. He is the direct descendant of SULTAN ISKANDER HIJABAN MASTURA KUDARAT III who reigned in 1925 to 1930. A legitimate successor to the throne as "Sultan of Magindanaw" hailing from the Royal UNBROKEN LINEAGE of the late SULTAN ALMANZA ZULKARNAIN, 8 months on the throne in year 1830. His son, the Crown Prince- RAJA TUA who was supposed to be the successor to the crown died ahead of his father, therefore, his son SULTAN JAMALOL AZAM UNTONG QUDRATULA II assumed the post and reigned from 1830- 1854. Next in line, his cousin SULTAN MAKAKUA in 1854 to 1884, followed by SULTAN PABLO in 1884 to1895. Next to him was SULTAN MANGIGIN in1896- 1924. There after was the son of SULTAN JAMALOL UNTONG QUDRATULAH II, none other than SULTAN ISKANDER HIJABAN MASTURA KUDARAT III from 1925 to1930. After the death of Sultan Hijaban, his sister, the REGENT QUEEN RAJA PUTRI appointed Mohamad Tato Kalog as the caretaker to the throne from1933-1992. After the death of Ismael Kalog, the son of Sultan Hijaban- ABDULAZIZ DATU GUIWAN MASTURA KUDARAT IV was enthroned as SULTAN OF MAGINDANAW from1993 to 2010. He relinquished his crown to his son, SULTAN ABDULAZIZ SALEM MASTURA KUDARAT V in 2010. He reigned until his death in Jan 4, 2024. His brother, ZULKARNAIN MASTURA KUDARAT VI was declared the 26th Supreme Sultan of Magindanaw by the Executive Staff Council of Elders of the Sultanate of Magindanaw during the burial at the ancestral residence of SULTAN DATU GUIWAN MASTURA KUDARAT IV at Compound Keti, Poloy, Lebak Sultan Kudarat Province.
Sultan Kudarat, Philippines- The death of Sultan Salem on the 4th of January 2024, has caused a great loss in the culture and leadership of the Sultanate of Maguindanao, being the peace champion and unifier of various tribes and cultural sectors not only in Mindanao but the whole nation.
The 25th Supreme Sultan of Maguindanao was loved and revered by so many Muslim and non- Muslim Filipinos and other nationalities. In his twelve years of reign as Sultan of Maguindanaw, being the successor of the late SULTAN ABDULAZIZ GUIWAN MASTURA KUDARAT IV, he was able to sustain the legacies of his father. Both Sultans had fought for the preservation of customary practices and traditions of their people.
Politicians, government officials, military, policemen, and even the elites and oligarchs considered him as a father figure and a friend. He blended with everyone, rich or poor, influential, or marginalized, and remained apolitical with unsullied reputation. Sultan Salem was a man of humility and dignity. In a world full of corruption and deceit, he never abused his power and authority to enrich himself or his people.
Noteworthy, as well, one of his greatest achievements before he died was initiating a peace and cooperation agreement with different international kingdoms in Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria and among dignitaries, traditional and religious leaders from 20 countries, at the WCH Royal Summit, which was held last October 2023 in General Santos, Mindanao.
As a royal tradition, two Taazi’ah/ Kanduli were held in honor and respect for the departed Sultan. The 3rd day Tazzi’ah was held last January 8 in Cotabato city, while the 7th day was massively executed last January 14 in Lebak, the hometown of the royal clan (Mastura) in Sultan Kudarat.
Throng of mourners and sympathizers flooded both events including big personalities, royals, relatives, dignitaries, politicians, those whom the sultan have enthroned, the highlanders, his family and cabinet members. Among the principalities who came and paid their respect were:
1.Municipality of Palembang 2.Municipality of Kalamansig 3.Municipality of Bagumbayan 4.Municipality of Sultan Kudarat 5.Municipality of Matanog 6.Municipality of Sultan Mastura 7.Municipality of Maitum 8.Municipality of Kiamba 9.Municipality of Maasin 10.Municipality of Kabacan 11.Municipality of Pikit 12.Municipality of Pagalungan 13.Municipality of Datu Odin Sinsuat 14.Municipality of Datu Blah Sinsuat 15.Municipality of Datu Abdullah Sangki 16.Cotabato City 17.General Santos City 18.Municipality of Polomolok 19.City of Marbel 20.Municipality of Isulan 21.Municipality of Parang 22.Municipality of SKP 23.Municipality of Lebak 24.Municipality of Kalamansig 25.Municipality of Labangan 26.Officers and men of the 6th infantry Division(KAMPILAN) PA AFP, Central Cotabato
Honored as Royal Man of Asia, Sultan Salem was survived by:
Children:Datu Camarod Mastura and Bai Ispandjaria Mastura Sangki
Grandchildren: Datu Zul Arvind Sharriege Ampatuan Mastura, Bai Shaigne Francine Ver-Quesza Ampatuan Mastura, Bai Allaine Ashley Ampatuan Mastura, Datu Reed Abdul Haffidh Mastura Sangki, Datu Izyan Hadee Mastura Sangki, Datu Fariz Al-Hakeem Mastura Sangki and Datu Zain Muiz Mastura Sangki.
Nephews and Nieces: (children of Datu Muamar) Datu Datu Bhang Mastura, Datu Benzarali Mastura, Jusol Asiquin Mastura, Hajar Mastura (sons of Baitolon Mastura) Datu Kamar, Datu Karodz, Datu Suharto.
Other relatives: Datu Faizal G. Karon, Raja Buayan Watamama Silongan, Datu Pendatun Mastura, Bai Putri Febraida Mastura Matalam, Raja Bai Jasma Mastura Karon, Bailaga Harjida Mastura Karon - nephews from Sultan Kudarat and Sultan Mastura, Lebak, Kalamansig, Palambang, Maitum and all the MASTURAS CLAN.
Lebak, Sultan Kudarat- Amidst the vibrant landscapes of Lebak, in the province of Sultan Kudarat, another wondrous event unfolded with the help of We Care for Humanity and the Sultanate of Maguindanao. The GLOBAL SANTA MINDANAO FOOD DISTRIBUTION, 2023, an annual humanitarian endeavor, enfolded more than a hundred families in its warm embrace. The auspicious event was graced by the presence of His Majesty Sultan Salem Mastura Kudarat V, the 25th Supreme Sultan of Magindanaw, the Royal Ladies and Datus of the Sultanate.
This initiative, held under the patronage of HRH Queen Mariam Leonor Torres Mastura, founder of WCH and the Head of the Royal House of Luzon Tagalog and the Royal Maharlika, reflects the unwavering commitment of the Sultanate to the well-being of its people in Mindanao, and of WCH to alleviate hunger.
The families that were present at the charity event were overjoyed to receive food and necessities that they otherwise might have gone without. It was heartwarming to see the smiles on the faces of the children as they received their gifts from the "Santa Claus" of humanity.
"The event was not just about giving food, but also about spreading love and kindness in the community."- said the late Sultan of Maguindanao.
According to the Supreme Sultan of Maguindanao, His Majesty Abdulaziz Salem Mastura Kudarat V, “This is the first time that this caliber of event will happen in Mindanao which will benefit the Sultanate and the people in Mindanao especially in promoting peace among nations and indigenous people. We are in support of the mission of our Queen of Maharlika and Princess of CALABARZON, our very own HRH Mariam Leonora Torres Mastura, the founder and chairman of the summit”.
The WCH Royal Summit dubbed as the biggest gathering of dignitaries and traditional leaders is a conglomeration of flagship events by We Care For Humanity and the Royal Maharlika since 2013. The summits are held in different nations and encompasses the advocacies of both organizations to create a larger impact to humanity.
“We are very proud of what has become of all our events combined. We created a greater synergy among our supporters, followers, and beneficiaries by interrelating our programs and celebrating them in different countries.”, the Princess said. She added, “The success of our summit in Dubai last 18th of June just proved that the WCH Royal Summit has become an institution for excellence and manifestation of global partnerships and humanitarian interventions”.
The WCH Royal Summit, Philippines is expected to welcome world leaders, Kings and Queens from Africa, Asia and even Europe and many notable guests from more than 30 countries. The summit will feature the following events:
We Care for Humanity Founder, Maria Amor Torres earns another traditional title from the Sultanate of Maguindanao (Magindanaw) Mandaue, Darussalam, a traditional Kingdom since year 1521 and has sovereignty over the whole Mindanao.
The name BAI MOMPONG SA MAGINDANAW, a traditional title meaning Princess of Unity was bestowed to Mariam during the royal adoption ceremony held last 16th of July 2023 at the Greenleaf Hotel which also marked the beginning of partnership of We Care for Humanity and the Sultanate of Maguindanao through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing.
His Royal Highness Datu Muamar Mastura, the Crown Prince of the Sultanate explained that this title is befitting Mariam, the Princess of CALABARZON because of her initiatives to unite not only the different traditional kingdoms but also the indigenous people around the globe.
The Queen of Maharlika was also appointed as the Foreign Minister of the Sultanate; hence, she will be handling all the foreign affairs of the Kingdom from hereon.
The new Bai Mompong expressed her heartfelt gratitude to His Majesty Abdulaziz Salem Mastura Kudarat V, the 25th Legitimate Supreme Sultan of Maguindanao and to all his immediate family including the three Princesses of Maguindanao.
