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NCMF investigates the issuance of fake Hajj IDs

The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) is investigating an alleged conspiracy in the issuance of fake Hajj identification cards to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) so they can join the recently concluded pilgrimage.

In a statement posted on his Facebook account, NCMF Secretary Saidamen Pangarunan revealed that these OFWs paid SR 2,000 to SR 2,500 “to some officials in connivance allegedly with some NCMF employees who issued them fake Hajj I.D.s”.

Pangarunan emphasized that he only learned of this practice when he was performing his Tawaful Ifada (SA-I) in Masjidil Haram after 30 OFWs approached him for picture-taking.

“They confirmed to me that they joined the Hajj in Arafa-Muzdalifah-Mina with the regular pilgrims in their buses and tents. They admitted that they number some 300 to 400 OFWs who managed to sneak in for a fee, and this practice has been going on in all previous hajj,” he said.

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He added that the NCMF will “get to the bottom of this illegal practice which is stiffly punished under Saudi laws”.

“For these infractions, many OFWs were caught in the past and are languishing in Saudi jails. While we commiserate with our OFWs in their desire to join the Hajj, we cannot tolerate this unlawful practice at the inconvenience and expense of our regular pilgrims.”

The NCMF Secretary said they are working hard to reform and improve the Hajj operations.

He had directed NCMF Directors Jun Datu Ramos, Abel Macarimpas, and Khamil Manalundong to submit to him an Investigation Report within 30 days.

Photo credit: Jun Alonto Datu Ramos, NCMF spokesperson Facebook account

Staff Report

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