Manila, Philippines – Taking the cudgels for Filipino pilgrims to Mecca, Saudi Arabia who might be stranded in Manila, President Benigno S. Aquino III appealed last Tuesday to King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud for his benevolence by granting 1,100 more hajj visas so they can travel to the kingdom and fulfill their Islamic obligation.
The President noted that Filipino registrants for Hajj 2011 reached 5,282 pilgrims, surpassing the 4,000 total contracted with Saudi hajj providers. He said the pilgrims sought his help in securing the additional 1,100 visas for their pilgrimage. (Edd K. Usman)