Mindanaoreader visits Sulu Part 1

Yes! I went to the beautiful Island of Jolo, Sulu. I didn't even feel a hint of nervousness. Sulu is commonly perceived as dangerous, war zone, home of the barbaric Abu Sayyaf, and unsafe place. I cannot blame you if you have this perception because seemingly all news coming out from this Island contain if not bombing or kidnapping, an encounter with the AFP and the Moro rebels and the beheadings.

I was in Sulu last July 20-23, and 29-30. It was in this period that Australia issued travel advisory  in which they  "strongly advise you not to travel to central and western Mindanao due to the very high threat of terrorist attack kidnapping, and violent crime. Armed clashes between Philippine security forces and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front or other armed groups could occur anywhere, anytime in central and western Mindanao."I neglected the advsisory. I'm not an Australian.

To my amazement, I've discovered many beautiful things in Sulu which were not mentioned in the news. The island is very rich in agricultural products and fish of different kinds. The people are kind and very hospitable. Let me share to you some of the pics taken there.    

The Sulu Provincial Capitol. It's where the office of the Provincial Governor Sakur Tan is located.  During the mid-15th century until the 19th century, Sulu is being led by the Sultans in an Islamic Sultanate. Sultans "office" or its palace is called Astana. So from "Astana" to "Capitol". There are still Sultans in the area , the descendants of Sultan Jamalul Kiram II. They still have the influence, though  not as strong and as wide as before. And I mean "they" because there are four or more  who claim that they are the right and lawful Sultans.

Mount Carmel: The Christian cemetery located in Jolo. Though majority are Muslims, the Tausug respect the Christians. Christians and Muslims live harmoniously in Jolo.

The  Majestic Tulay Masjid: The largest and tallest structure is situated at the heart of Jolo (the capital). The Sulu architecture should remind us that they are not backward people, but civilized people influenced by the advent of Islam in    12h century.  Islam is more than an influence; it's their life.

We have our own wrong conceptions and biases against Muslims and the Sulu people. One way to eliminate these is to be with them, talk, and eat with them. Then we'll realize that we have much more similarities than our differences. Planning to visit Mindanao? You may consider Sulu. Just make sure you have friends/contacts when you visit the Island. Surprise visit is not advised.