The Office of the Naqīb as-Sādāt al-Ashrāf of the Philippines has announced the appointment of Shaykh Walīd Abubakar al-Ashʿarī ash-Shāfiʿī as the new Grand Mufti (Muftī ʿĀmm) of Region 9 and Palawan.

The appointment was formally recognized during the 2025 ceremonial presentation of religious authorities, part of the Dārul Iftāʾ Council’s regional framework for Western Mindanao and Palawan.

Serving under Grand Mufti Abubakar are:
1. Al-Ustadz Abdulwakil Tanjilil, Deputy Mufti of Region IX and Palawan;
2. Al-Ustadz Abdennaser Abdurahman, Mufti of Zamboanga City;
3. Al-Ustadz Abdulmujib Arip, Mufti of Zamboanga Sibugay; and
4. Al-Ustadz Abdulwadud Musa, Mufti of Zamboanga del Norte.

“These appointments strengthen the institutional framework of the Dārul Iftāʾ and affirm the unity of religious leadership across Western Mindanao and Palawan,” the Office of the Naqīb as-Sādāt al-Ashrāf said in an emailed statement.

The Dārul Iftāʾ council and its appointed Muftis represent the majority Sunni tradition of Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jamāʿah in the region — Ashʿarī in creed (ʿaqīdah), Shāfiʿī in jurisprudence (fiqh), and following the classical Sufi spiritual path (taṣawwuf).

All appointed Muftis adhere to this mainstream Sunni orientation, with the exception of Al-Ustadz Abdennaser Abdurahman, who was trained at the Islamic University of Madinah and is known for maintaining a moderate and cooperative stance with Sunni leadership.

“Unity and cooperation among our religious scholars are vital for the welfare of the Muslim Ummah,” the statement reads in part.

The Office of the Grand Mufti urged media organizations to verify information regarding Islamic leadership through official channels to prevent confusion with unaccredited or self-appointed groups.

“We ask our partners in the media to coordinate official statements on religious affairs through the Office of the Grand Mufti to ensure accuracy and consistency,” the office said.

The statement also emphasized the importance of responsible reporting to “uphold integrity, unity, and accurate representation of the Muslim community in our region.”

The Dārul Iftāʾ Region 9 and Palawan main office is based at the Hji Ahmad Sakaluran Grand Mosque in Barangay Kasanyangan, Zamboanga City.