Ex-Sen. Santanina Rasul passes away

Metro Manila, Philippines — Former Senator Santanina Tillah Rasul passed away on Nov. 28, her daughter and the Senate announced.

In a Facebook post on Friday, Nov. 29, Rasul’s daughter Amina broke the news, remembering the life of her mother.

“This is how I will remember her – a gentle soul, proud of her heritage and her peoples and unafraid to fight for her convictions and advocacies. Especially education of our young and the adult non-literates that she had served in the 60s,” Amina wrote.

“I remember her taking a bus to travel – after we had lost everything during the Jolo siege – just to train teachers who wanted to learn how to teach adult illiterates,” she added.

The Senate, meanwhile, recognized the history Rasul made being the first Muslim woman to be elected to the Philippine’s upper chamber.

“Her life was a testament to her tireless dedication to public service, and her commitment to the empowerment of women and marginalized communities, particularly Filipino Muslims,” Senate spokesperson Arnel Jose Bañas said in a statement.

“Her Senate career was marked by her steadfast commitment to advancing civil service and education reforms, promoting women's and minority rights, and fostering peace in her homeland,” he added.

Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Adiong joined the Bangsamoro and Filipino Muslim community in mourning Rasul’s passing.

“May Allah (SWT) grant her eternal peace and reward her a place in Jannah (Paradise). May Allah bestow her family Sab’r (patience) and strength at this time of loss,” he said in a separate statement.

Rasul’s remains will be brought to the Blue Mosque in Taguig before it will be flown to Jolo.

Rasul’s bereaved family told those who wish to send flowers to donate instead to Magbassa Kita Foundation and to a scholarship fund that they will raise in her name.

NewsWatch Plus correspondent Daniza Fernandez contributed to this report.