Muslim Freddie takes teen bride

MAGUINDANAO,, Philippines – Restrained by law from having a minor for a bride, 60-year-old singer Freddie Aguilar has turned to religion for succor by marrying his 16-year-old girlfriend in Muslim rites.

Aguilar, who adopted the Muslim name Abdul Faried, yesterday wed Jovie Albao – now called Sittie Mariam – in traditional Islamic wedding rites here organized by Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu who stood as wali or guardian of Albao.

In Islamic tradition, Aguilar can marry Albao as long as there is permission from her parents. Albao is turning 17 on Nov. 29.

Under the revised penal code, legal age for marriage is 18.

Mangudadatu and Aguilar said the parents of Albao had approved of the union in an authorization letter. Mangudadatu also revealed that Aguilar converted to Islam about six months ago. 

Aguilar emphasized he has embraced Islam not to escape possible prosecution for marrying a minor, but on realization of the religion’s simplicity and profoundness.

The singer is facing qualified seduction raps for having a relationship with Albao. He faces up to four years in prison if convicted.

“I’m not even undergoing a conversion because there is correlation between the Bible and the Holy Qur’an,” he said in the presence of local officials from across Maguindanao. He said Islam is a continuation of Christianity. He did not elaborate. 

Mangudadatu said Aguilar, a long-time friend, should be given a chance to show how serious he is in taking Albao as wife.

Women in Islam can marry if they have reached the age of puberty, and as long as there is consent from parents.

Mangudadatu said he agreed to facilitate the Aguilar-Albao wedding because there is no law making it illegal under Islam.

“We have Presidential Decree 1083, also known as Muslim Family Code of the Philippines, which allows such marriage. Besides, Ka Freddie, who is now Abdul Faried, has embraced Islam,” Mangudadatu said.

Among the sponsors to the wedding were two journalists, Ali Macabalang and Junjie Dimacutac, Mindanao-based correspondents of the Manila Bulletin and dzRH, respectively, and Maguindanao Rep. Zajid Mangudadatu.

The wedding was held at the BBJM Restaurant at the town proper of Buluan in the second district of Maguindanao, also the hometown of the Mangudadatu family.

The wedding was officiated by a local cleric, Imam Abdulwahid Sumawang.

Aguilar vowed before Mangudadatu, who has adopted Albao as daughter, to take good care of his teenage wife by providing for all her needs.

A traditional Muslim wedding is more of a “compact rite” between the groom and the father, or guardian, of the bride and is not like Christian ceremonies, where the groom and bride exchange marital vows.

Aguilar was also required to shell out dowry to his bride’s parents, called majer in the vernacular, as a tradition.

“Because Ka Freddie has embraced Islam, it is my responsibility, being a long-time friend, to help arrange, facilitate this wedding,” Mangudadatu said.

The bride entered the venue of the wedding only after the officiating cleric announced that a compact had been reached between Aguilar and Mangudadatu. 

The singer, who separated from his third wife a decade ago, has six children, with the youngest being 24 years old.