Western Visayan police chief crowned Sultan of Panay

The head of the Western Visayas police was enthroned over the weekend as the first Sultan of Panay, in a ceremony at Camp Martin Delgado in Iloilo City. Western Visayas police director Chief Superintendent Cipriano Querol was crowned at ceremonies presided by Masiu Sultan Hadji Abdullah Topaan Disomimba. "Being the first Sultan in the history of Panay Island is truly a great honor and privilege but it also carries a lot of challenges," said Querol after being crowned as Sultan of Muslim communities in Panay, the news site Visayan Daily Star reported on Monday. Sammy Hadjimanan, Sultan of Bayabao and spokesperson of the United Federation of Muslim Association in Western Visayas, said Querol was appointed Sultan for Panay by the Muslim communities in the region, and confirmed by Disomimba. Disomimba, also a mayor of Tamparan town in Lanao del Sur, officiated at the ceremony that was also attended by former Police Director Vidal Querol, Cipriano's elder brother. Hadjimanan described the enthronement of Querol as historic since this will be first time that the island will be placed under a Sultan. With Querol as Sultan, Hadjimanan said they expect that Muslims will be more cohesive, and his leadership among them will also help clear the many misconceptions about the Muslims. He said Muslims are oftentimes unfairly associated with Abu Sayyaf, Moro Islamic Liberation Front and other rebel groups in Mindanao. Querol said he is humbled by the distinction given by his Muslim brothers to serve them as the Sultan of Panay. The members of the Muslim communities are being tapped in Barangay Peacekeeping Operations. There are about 10,000 Muslims living in Negros and Panay.– VVP, GMA News