Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 15) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the suspension of National Commission on Muslim Filipinos chairman Guiling Mamondiong due to issues surrounding the handling of the Hajj pilgrimage last year.

The NCMF on Friday said it designated Commissioner Yusoph Janang Mando as officer-in-charge for the duration of Mamondiong’s suspension, or until a new chairman is appointed.

This development came months after some members of the Muslim Filipino community, particularly Sulu Vice Gov. Toto Tan, aired their complaints on the treatment they received during the conduct of the Hajj pilgrimage in late June to early July of 2023.

Amid the complaints, Sen. Sonny Angara even filed a Senate resolution in August 2023 seeking an inquiry into the handling of Hajj services for more than 7,000 Filipino Hajj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

According to the resolution, the participants “experienced subpar treatment” from the NCMF’s Bureau of Pilgrimage and Endowment (BPE) including the following:

— limited transport buses leading to overcrowding, safety risks, and exposure to extreme heat

— low-quality accommodations

— limited cooling systems in tents

— insufficient, repetitive, and nutritiously deficient food

— lack of prepared food for pilgrims

Angara’s resolution also claimed that the BPE officer-in-charge was booked in “a lavish five-star hotel,” while executives from the NCMF were “remiss in their duty to assist Filipino participants as they themselves were pilgrims…”

CNN Philippines is seeking comment from Mamondiong.