Abubakar was selected to serve as the Vice Governor of the Tawi-Tawi province in 1988, despite being a member of the opposition party.

He is from the predominantly Muslim Sama tribe, which garners him a significant amount of respect in dealing with the Muslim militants.”[5] When the international luxury brand Jewelmer was newly established, Ismael Abubakar Jr. played a crucial role in helping its founders harvest pearls in the Sulu region.

Jacques Branellec, in his book The Ultimate Orient: The Quest for the Perfect Pearl, recounted, “I continued my search in the Sulu Islands with the help of Pochong Abubakar, a respected Muslim and friend of Manuel [Cojuangco].” Abubakar was instrumental in Jewelmer’s establishment, providing security and guidance in a region considered risky at the time.

The company caters to clients in Europe, North America, and Asia, supplying premium-quality seaweed sourced from the waters of Mindanao.

[2] For 10 years, Abubakar was the Muslim Coordinator for the Inter Faith Council of Leaders and was a member of the Silsilah Dialogue Movement, a group formed by a priest in Zamboanga City.