The Sultanate of Panay is the newest addition to the existing sultanates in the Philippines as declared by the Lanao Advisory Council.

Senior Insp. Sally Manuel of Police Regional Office 6 said the completion of the administrative structure made Panay the youngest of 21 sultanates in the Philippines. The others are 16 in Lanao del Sur, three in Maguindanao, and one in Sulu.

This was after Topaan Disomimba, sultan of Masiu and chairman of the LAC, in a Royal Decree signed May 26 in Roxas City, Capiz, confirmed the organization of the Sultanate of Panay, subject to the Code of Rules and Protocol inherent and attached to the sultanate system, he added.

Disomimba issued a certification pursuant to Executive Order 602, recognizing the Sultanate of Panay and decreeing the appointment of administrative officers. EO 602, signed by then President Gloria Arroyo on February 8, 2007, established the LAC.

Disomimba also presided over the conferment of titles to the 20 administrative officers of the Sultanate of Panay.

Leaders of Muslim communities in Panay had agreed to enthrone Chief Supt.Cipriano Querol, PRO6 director, as their Sultan late last year. Eleven of the 16 sultans in Lanao, Capiz Gov. Victor Tanco and Rep. Antonio del Rosario (Capiz, 1st District) also witnessed the event held in Capiz.

It is estimated that more than 10,000 Muslims are residing and doing business in Panay island.*GPB

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