Forget ordinary government titles. This was royalty, power, and influence colliding in one historic moment.

In a stunning display of prestige, tradition, and authority, Bureau of Customs – Port of Cagayan de Oro Deputy Collector for Operations Atty. Mohammad Ben-Usman was formally enthroned as the new Sultan sa Masiu—a title rooted in centuries of Maranao leadership, honor, and warrior legacy.
And standing beside him?

Another powerhouse from the Bureau of Customs.
District Collector Atty. Manuel “Manny” Zurbito Jr. was conferred the honorary title of Datu a Mangompia sa Northern Mindanao—a recognition reserved for leaders trusted to help preserve peace, unity, and progress across communities.

This was not merely ceremonial.
This was a declaration that the men leading BOC Collection District X are no ordinary bureaucrats—they are leaders carrying influence both inside government and deep within the cultural heartbeat of Mindanao.

THE RISE OF SULTAN MOHAMMAD

Atty. Mohammad Ben-Usman did not inherit respect—he earned it.
Brilliant. Decorated. Battle-tested in public service.

From graduating cum laude in Mathematics at Mindanao State University to becoming one of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) in 2010, Sultan Mohammad built a reputation for excellence long before entering the Bureau of Customs.


He sharpened his global perspective in the United States and Japan, specializing in Peace Education and Conflict Resolution before conquering the legal profession and earning his place in the Philippine Bar.

Then came history.
At just 29 years old, he shattered expectations by becoming the youngest Customs Collector in BOC history in 2019—a feat that sent shockwaves through the agency.

Now, he ascends another throne.
As Sultan sa Masiu, Royal House of Phangampong a Masiu, he becomes not just a government official, but a symbol of leadership, intellect, and Maranao pride.

And beside him in royal dignity stands his wife, Atty. Rosaemmah Mapupuno Salic, CPA, enthroned as Potre Maamor ko Phangampong a Masiu.

ENTER “DATU MANNY” ZURBITO

If Sultan Mohammad represents royal intellect, District Collector Manny Zurbito represents fearless command.

Known for his firm leadership and operational discipline at the Port of Cagayan de Oro, Zurbito has become one of the Bureau’s strongest field commanders in Northern Mindanao.

Now carrying the honorary title Datu a Mangompia sa Northern Mindanao, Zurbito’s role goes beyond customs collection and port management.

The title recognizes his commitment to helping strengthen peace, community development, and unity in the region—a rare distinction for a government official whose influence now stretches beyond the walls of the port and into the cultural fabric of Mindanao itself.

In an era where public trust is constantly tested, the recognition of Zurbito and Ben-Usman sends a powerful message:
Leadership still matters.
Honor still matters.
Service still matters.

MORE THAN CUSTOMS. MORE THAN TITLES.

The Bureau of Customs Collection District X is proving that its leaders are not confined to desks, reports, and revenue targets.

They are becoming symbols of stability, diplomacy, and cultural connection in one of the country’s most dynamic regions.

And while critics love to paint government offices with cynicism and doubt, moments like this hit differently.

Because this was not just an enthronement.
This was power meeting with a purpose.
Traditional meeting leadership.
And two men from the Bureau of Customs standing at the center of it all.

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