Ampatuan said that they performed the stoning of Satan rite in Mina ahead of the accident on Thursday, and was thankful to God no Filipino figured in the accident. He added that other Filipino hajjis went to perform the rite after the stampede.

"We finished the rite and we were already in Makkah when the accident happened. There were many deaths. Let us thank Allah there was none from us," said Ampatuan, who is on his third hajj.

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Regional Gov. Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan, son of the Maguindanao chief executive, led the welcoming party for the pilgrims at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

The young Ampatuan expressed happiness at seeing his father with the other pilgrims, saying hajj, said to be the fifth pillar of Islam, is very important.

Officials from the Office on Muslim Affairs (OMA) were also on hand at the NAIA to welcome the pilgrims.

OMA Executive Director Sultan Yahya Tomawis was represented by Director Metalicop Domado.

More of the 3,200 pilgrims are scheduled to arrive in batches of 300 or more on board Saudi Arabian Airlines jumbo jets.

Meanwhile, "Ameerul Hajj" Datu Pax Mangudadatu, governor of Sultan Kudarat, thanked President Arroyo for giving him the opportunity to serve the pilgrims even as he lauded Ambassador Ameen Mohammad Wali for endorsing to Saudi King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz his son Sultan Kudarat Rep. Suharto "Teng" Mangudadatu, as guest in the hajj.

Governor Mangudadatu said his son Suharto praised the hospitality extended to him by King Abdullah,who hosted him at the King’s Palace in Makkah and Mina.

"We will never forget this kindness and hospitality of His Majesty King Abdullah," said Mangudadatu, who was designated ameerul hajj or overall leader of the Filipino pilgrims.