Former combatants, beneficiaries of the Bangsamoro Government’s 2026 Manasikul Hajj Program, attend an orientation session in preparation for the upcoming vaccination rollout in Cotabato City on April 13–15, 2026. (Benyamen Cabuntalan/BIO)
COTABATO CITY (April 22) — For 451 former Moro combatants, the journey to Mecca this 2026 is more than a pilgrimage—it is a powerful step from years of conflict toward healing, faith, and a new life.
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is sending the group to Saudi Arabia under its Manasikul Hajj Program, an initiative that blends spiritual fulfillment with reintegration support for former fighters rebuilding their place in society.
For many of them, the opportunity to perform the Hajj—one of Islam’s five pillars—is something once out of reach. Today, it comes with guidance, preparation, and a renewed sense of purpose.
“This is not just about travel. It’s about transformation,” a program official said, referring to the region’s broader peacebuilding efforts.
Preparing body and spirit
Weeks before their departure, the pilgrims gathered in Cotabato City—not for farewell rites, but for preparation.
At the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex, they lined up for mandatory vaccinations, part of strict health requirements imposed by Saudi authorities for the annual Hajj, which draws millions of Muslims worldwide.
The vaccination drive, led by the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) with regional health partners, is part of a larger effort covering over 1,000 pilgrims from BARMM and nearby regions.
For organizers, the process is as spiritual as it is medical.
“Part of our intention (niat) is to take care of our health,” said BPA Deputy Executive Director Dr. Norodin Salam. “This is not only for Hajj, but for our well-being.”
Alongside vaccinations, pilgrims also undergo orientation sessions—learning the rituals, responsibilities, and deeper meaning of the journey they are about to take.
A path toward reintegration
The 451 former combatants make up about nine percent of the Philippine contingent for Hajj 2026—a significant number that reflects BARMM’s ongoing commitment to normalization and peace.
But beyond statistics, the program tells a more personal story.
It is about men who once lived in armed struggle now preparing for a journey centered on reflection, discipline, and devotion.
It is about communities witnessing change—not just in policy, but in people.
Through initiatives like the Manasikul Hajj Program, the Bangsamoro government is reshaping reintegration: not only by providing livelihood or services, but by nurturing identity, dignity, and belonging.
More than a pilgrimage
The Hajj, expected around May 25 to 29 depending on the moon sighting, marks a sacred obligation for Muslims. For these former fighters, it also marks a quiet milestone in a longer journey toward peace.
As they prepare to leave, the message is clear: reintegration is not only about laying down arms—it is also about reclaiming purpose.
And for 451 Bangsamoro pilgrims, that path now leads to Mecca.
