First group of Hajj pilgrims arrives in Makkah

First group of Hajj pilgrims has arrived in Makkah ahead of the pilgrimage season

Of the group, 294 pilgrims were from Algeria, 192 from Iraq and 7500 from Phillipins

They expressed their happiness with efforts made by Saudi government to provide pilgrims with best services and hospitality

National Commission on Muslim Filipinos spokesperson Yusoph Mando said Hajj flights from Philippines started over the weekend

Mando said it was the first time in the history of Muslim community performing Hajj that there is a special lane at the airport designated for pilgrims