30/05/2025
The short-lived Mujahid was one of those who organized and laid the foundation of the Bangsamoro struggle in Maguindanao and the neighboring places. After more than a year of loss from the sight of his kins, he appeared in 1969 and organized the men who later became responsible in carrying out the Bangsamoro cause in the then called "Mother Camp" (Bugawas). Mother Camp, under his command, was the jumping board for the training of the Top 300. In 1971, he, together with Datu Ali "Basak" Sansaluna and Akmad "George" Inampadan, sailed on their respective volvo engined speed boats, “El Moro”, from Bongo Island to fetch the newly graduated batch of Top 300. After an hour of offshore departure from Bongo Island, the speed boat he was on board exploded. Together with George, they were still seen struggling to survive, but the strong current of the sea, frustrated their efforts. From then on, nothing was heard of him not even a trace of his body; only his memory remained in the minds of his kins and peers. If he is alive today, he must also be very happy for the turn of historical events. May Allah (SWT) grant him a place in the Jannatul Firdaus. He is ABDULMANAN "RAIS" ABAS, "Top 90, MNLF"; son of Ustadz Abdulkadir Abas, one of the earlier Qur-an-Reading teachers in Maguindanao; grandson of Shiekh Abas Hamza, the builder of Masjidil Abbasi (Abas Mosque),
one of the earlier mosques (1947) located at the Old Market, Mabini St., Cotabato City.
(Note: The facts were related to me by one of his siblings. Open for correction and other inputs to those who knew him well.)