The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday sent off 479 Filipino Muslim pilgrims who will embark on a journey to Saudi Arabia for the 2024 Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to the Holy City of Makkah in Saudi Arabia.

DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos said the 479 Filipino Muslims are among the ten batches who will go to Saudi Arabia until June 1.

Around 4,000 Filipino Muslim pilgrims are expected to join this year’s Hajj.

Abalos said the Department fully supports the Filipino Muslim community and will continue to be their active partner in the conduct of the annual holy pilgrimage.

He said he acknowledges the importance for Filipino Muslims to undergo Hajj at least once in their lifetime since Hajj is one of the pillars of the Islamic faith.

During the send-off ceremony, Secretary Abalos thanked and congratulated the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) for their diligent efforts in organizing the 2024 Hajj operations.

For his part, NCMF Secretary Sabuddin N. Abdurahim emphasized that the NCMF ensures that the process of Hajj “remains accessible, safe and meaningful for every Filipino Muslim who aspires to embark on this sacred journey.”

Original Article At : https://www.dilg.gov.ph/news/DILG-sends-off-479-Filipino-Muslims-for-Hajj/NC-2024-1096