Copy of the resolution signed by Imam Najeeb Razul. (CDN PHOTO/ VICTOR SILVA)
The Imam who officiated the wedding of suspended Cebu City Prosecutor Mary Ann Castro and Greco Sanchez declared their union null and void.
In a resolution, Imam Najeeb Razul said the Nikah (marriage) entered into by both Sanchez and Castro had been found irregular and contemptuous as this stemmed from circumstances “detrimental and inimical to the Muslim community.”
“Despite repeated invitation and admonition, both did not hearken the call and has never attended any Sallah (prayer) and programs of the congregation and had never showed interest like any other Muslim,” he said in a resolution he signed last April 3.
Copies of the resolution were furnished to the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos and the Philippine Statistics Authority in Central Visayas, and the local civil registrar in Cebu City.
Cebu City Asst. Prosecutor Mary Ann Castro and Leodegredo Sanchez at a reception after their Muslim wedding. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
The office of Sanchez’s sister, Provincial Board (PB) Member Grecilda Sanchez, gave reporters copies of the resolution.
In a phone interview, Imam Razul confirmed that the documents were legitimate.
Razul said Castro’s and Sanchez’s “becoming Muslim as they have alleged is untrue as was manifested.”
After meticulous investigation by the Council of Elders, which Razul chaired, it was found that the marriage was purely for convenience.
Further, the council also demanded the withdrawal of all conversion and marriage documents from the local civil registrar and the PSA.