The Mindanao Cross | January 8, 2022

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Vol. LXXIII| No. 48| Cotabato City | Saturday, January 8, 2022 |8 Pages | P10.00

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CHURCH / P4

Typhoid fever downs 30 in NoCot

Keep the spirit of charity alive, Dumaguete bishop tells faithful

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P3.4-M worth shabu seized from slain dealer

The Mindanao Cross issuu.com/mindanaocross mindanao.cross@gmail.com

RECONSIDER RULING ON SGA VOTERS

THE Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM has appealed to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to reconsider its ruling barring some 200,000 registered voters from 63 villages in its Special Geographic Area (SGA) in North Cotabato from exercising their right to vote for local posts in the May 9, 2022 national polls.

“We respectfully disagree with the new resolution of the Commission as it disenfranchises the over 200,000 constituents of the 63 barangays under the SGA in North Cotabato,” said Naguib Sinarimbo, BARMM’s interior minister, in a statement released Wednesday.

"This (Comelec) resolution deprives them of their right to suffrage and equal protection of the law,” Sinarimbo, a lawyer, said.

He said while the 63 barangays from North Cotabato have become part of the BARMM and no longer of Soccsksargen (Region 12), they have not been reconstituted into appropriate local government units (LGUs) pursuant to the Bangsamoro Organic Law. On Monday, the Comelec released the minutes of Resolution Number 210953 dated Sept. 15, 2021, prohibiting SGA residents to vote for local officials except for those running in the national positions.

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2021 YEAR END REPORT(Part 2) PART 1 of this year end report for 2021 focused on the health situation, which became the center of everyone’s life, causing fear, anxiety, and unhappiness for those who were greatly affected. A total of 2.84 million cases resulting to 51,373 deaths were recorded by WHO in the Philippines. Fortunately, as of Dec. 8, 2021, around 39.56 million are already fully vaccinated from the COVID 19 virus.

It is therefore expected that with the pandemic, all other sectors in the economy were affected. We have discussed what transpired in the health, political, and security situation in the region. For part 2, we will deal on the economic investments, and other news reported during the year by Mindanao Cross.

Economy: The economic situation in the region has been depressing in the past due to the yearly visit of storms which bring in floods that destroyed the agricultural production of farmers in the region. 2021 would have been a fairly good year except for the onslaught of Typhoon Odette which again caused the overflow of rivers and flooding of

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PRICELESS SMILES. Members of Mamanwa IP communities in Surigao del Norte smile after receiving relief aid and food packs from OMI-NDBC relief team on Wednesday. “This is the first time we IPs receive food packs since Typhoon Odette destroyed our homes,” this woman tells the humanitarian team.

Maguindanao school gets building from MBHTE

By Edwin O. Fernandez PROCLAIMING its battle Monday, the first working cry for the Bangsamoro day of 2022 for educators R e g i o n i n M u s l i m in the region.

Mindanao (BARMM), the Minister Mohaqher Ministry of Basic, Higher Iqbal, BARMM education and Technical Education minister, said the one(MBHTE), through its story with 2-classroom Education Facilities f l a g s h i p b u i l d i n g Section, turned over one amounting to PHP4.2 unit of completed school million was turned over building to the Division of to Ambolodto Elementary Maguindanao II. School-Annex in The turnover was held Datu Odin Sinsuat,

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Photo courtesy of Harrah Daine Lilis Natividad/NDBC

Cotelco makes hall of justice “powerless”

DID YOU KNOW?

By John Felix Unson KIDAPAWAN CITY — A its unpaid accounts.

The Catholic Station local power utility has cut the supply of electricity to dxND here on Wednesday the Hall of Justice here quoted Cotelco’s general for its unsettled P300,000 m a n a g e r , G o d o f r e d o Gomez, as saying that worth of bills.

Court proceedings and they have no way but other judicial functions of to stop, meantime, the the Hall of Justice had supply of power to the Hall been stalled for a week of Justice since they also now since the Cotabato need to pay the electricity E l e c t r i c C o o p e r a t i v e they procure from initiated the move due to providers.

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DPWH turns over P25-M DFA building in Kidapawan

KIDAPAWAN CITY — The Department of Public Works and Highways in Soccsksargen (DPHW12) officially turned over the PHP25million Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Consular Office building to the city government here Wednesday.

"We target this facility to be fully

utilized within the first semester of 2022," said Kidapawan City Mayor Joseph Evangelista in his message during the program.

Also in attendance were North Cotabato Governor Nancy Catamco; North Cotabato 2nd District Representative Rudy Caoagdan,

National Economic Development Authority -12 Asst. Director Carmel Matabang; Engr. Rey Francisco of the DPWH Cotabato 2nd District Engineering Office, and Liezel Anne Decrepito of DFA General Santos City.

The three-story facility was

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National Time Consciousness Week By virtue of Republic No. 10535, or The Philippine Standard Time (PST) Act of 2013, the first week of every year is declared to be National Time Consciousness Week.

All national and local government offices shall display the Philippine Standard Time (PST) on their official time devices, including bundy clocks, in accordance with the official time being provided by the Philippine Atmospheric, G e o p hy s i c a l , a n d Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) using its network time protocol.

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January 8, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Typhoid fever downs 30 in NoCot

Health officials in North Cotabato have sent a team to help the municipal health office of Pikit town to contain rising number of persons with typhoid fever.

As of Tuesday, the North Cotabato Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) said least 30 persons have been hospitalized due typhoid fever that hit a remote village of Manaulanan.

On Tuesday, Dr. Eva Rabaya, North Cotabato provincial health officer, said the 30 patients were all residents of Barangay Manaulanan, many of whom have taken unsafe drinking water since last week of December.

Manaulanan is a remote village with no potable drinking water. Residents rely on commercially available mineral drinking water in gallons or bottles but the indigents take drinking water from water pumps and open wells.

“No one was reported to have died among the patients,” Dr. Rabaya said in a radio interview.

Quoting a report from Pikit municipal health office, Dr. Rabaya said the possible cause of the typhoid fever was the drinking water that people sourced from open wells and water pumps.

Many of the patients were children who are now in various hospitals in Pikit.

She said the Integrated Provincial Health Office has sent a team to help the town health office in monitoring and medication of patients.

The team also brought medicine and water purification tablets to help prevent water borne diseases. Edwin O. Young volunteers of the Diocese of Tagbilaran help pack relief goods for Typhoon Odette victims in Bohol province

on Dec. 29, 2021.

Fernandez

Photo courtesy of The Diocese of Tagbilaran

2 men turn in guns to Maguindanao cops

US troops train PH responders

THE US Civil-Military Support Element-Philippines (CMSE-PHL) has conducted emergency and rescue training on Tactical Combat Casualty Care and Medical First Responder (TCCCMFR) with the Philippine Coast Guard-Special Operations Group (PCGSOG) in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, belated reports reaching The Mindanao Cross said on Tuesday (January 4) The Philippine National PoliceMaritime Group (PNP-MG) and Bantay Dagat in Iba, Zambales also joined the TCCCMFR training designed to help improve maritime and volunteer capabilities on search and rescue and law enforcement missions, In statement, the Office of the US Embassy Press Attaché said a total of 55 uniformed and volunteer among Philippine personnel participated in the training activities held between November 22 to 27 and December 12 to 16, 2021.

The sessions and physical training instructions enhanced the PCG-SOG and PNP-MG’s ability to respond to and manage trauma in post-rescue efforts on drowning and injured casualties that they may encounter in the line of duty.

In Puerto Princesa, CMSE-PHL led five days of medical instruction that culminated in a simulated injury exercise, the statement said.

It added that in Iba the training directly supported PNP-MG’s coastal

policing mission, while the basic life-saving techniques introduced to Bantay Dagat provided the volunteerorganization the ability to better resp ond to m ed ical em ergencies, including assisting Iba residents who earn their living from fishing in the West Philippine Sea. “Our team is proud to train with the PCG and PNP-MG and support them in their missions in the West Philippine Sea,” said Capt. Richard Hinman, CMSE-PHL Team Leader.

“We have been continuously impressed by their professionalism, dedication, and capability, and hope to continue our strong partnerships in Palawan and Zambales,” Hinman said.

Capt. Angel Vellar, PCG-Palawan District Commander, said the training “exemplifies the continued close relations between the U.S. and the Philippines.”

For his part, Iba PNP-MG Station Chief PLTC Rommel DG Sobrido said, “The medical training provided by CMSE-PHL will be of great aid to the community we serve, and is a prime example of how our partnership can benefit the people of the Philippines.”

The statement added: “This training partnership exemplifies the close relationship between U.S. and Philippine friends, partners, and allies in promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region by strengthening maritime. Nash B. Maulana

IN support to the government anti-loose firearms campaign, two residents of Datu Montawal, Maguindanao have showed up to the town police station and surrendered unlicensed guns.

Lieutenant Nurjhasier Sali, Datu Montawal municipal police chief, said the two, identified as Ting Guiama of Barangay Limbalod and Edward

San Fernando, Bukidnon.

After they surrender, the two told Regonay and other Army officials that they have witnessed and felt the sincere aspiration and commitment of the government and AFP to help them leave the false ideology and beliefs instilled in their minds by the communist terrorists’ leaders.

Both admitted they surrendered due to the following reasons: physical exhaustion, weakened party leadership, weakening of mass bases supporters series of neutralization of other high profile NPA cadres, false promises of the NPA leaders and especially their isolation from their loved ones has led them to decide to pledge their full cooperation and support to the government.

Regonay strongly urged

and Nabundas in support to the PNP intensified and strict campaign against the proliferation of loose firearms,” Lt. Sali said in a statement.

The guns were turned over to the Regional Crime Laboratory Office in the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) for ballistic examination and proper disposition. Edwin O.

Fernandez

BIFF yields with M-16 in NoCot

A member of Moro extremist group operating in the borders of North Cotabato and Maguindanao has decided to surrender to military forces in North Cotabato and to live normal lives.

“I surrender because I want to live normally this new year,” said Seok Panday, 35, a member of Bagsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF), under the Kagi Karialan faction, on Thursday morning.

Panday turned over an M-16 Armalite rifle to Mayor Romeo Araña of Midsayap while military officials look on. His rifle has magazines and bullets.

Earlier, Panday turned himself to Lt. Colonel Edgardo Vilchez Jr, commander

2 NPAs yield as new hope, new life up in 2022

THIS year can be considered a year of hope, new life and abundant opportunities for two members of communist movement in North Cotabato who voluntarily surrendered to military authorities in Arakan, North Cotabato.

Lt. Colonel Jose C Regonay Jr, commander of the 72nd Infantry “Gabay” Battalion on Monday said the two full time New Peoples’ Army (NPA) members under Guerilla Front 57 of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee voluntarily gave up on New Year’s Day, expressing high hopes from new life in the mainstream society.

Regonay identified them as “alias Kim,” a 22-year-old resident of Lumbayan, Barangay Magsaysay, Kitaotao, Bukidnon and “alias Roy,” 18-year-old, a resident of Sitio Bayabas, Barangay Bonacao,

Kabagel of Barangay Nabundas showed up at the police station at 3 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 3.

Sali said Guiama turned in a homemade Uzi machine pistol with 9mm bullets while Kabagel surrendered a 12-gauge shotgun without ammunition.

“The surrender of guns was initiated by the MPS with the support of the local government units Limbalod

other former rebels to convince their comrades who are still on the mountains fighting for false ideologies to peacefully surrender to the folds of the law and avail of peace initiatives of the goverment through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

“New year, new hope. Still, your Government and AFP will never get tired from reaching out and deliver the services intended for all of you,” Regonay told the returnees.

“Now is the time for all of for you to be with your families and loved ones. Rest assured that 72IB is always ready to provide selfless service for the prosperity and peace here in North Cotabato and Bukidnon,” he told other NPA rebes. Edwin O. Fernandez

of the 34th Infantry Battalion based in Barangay Salunayan, Midsayap, North Cotabato.

Vilchez said the surrender of Panday was made possible with the support of Mayor Araña and the local government of Midsayap.

Speaking in the vernacular, Panday urged fellow BIFF members to come out, avail the government’s peace program and live normal lives with their families.

Close to 200 former BIFF fighters have surrendered to the Army in the area of operation of the 6th ID that include Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, Sarangani, Lanao del Sur. Edwin O. Fernandez

January 8, 2022

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THE MINDANAO CROSS

Reconsider ruling on SGA...from P1

“Further, it is hereby resolved that if it still cannot be determined where the specific local government units the 63 barangays shall belong until the holding of the 2022 elections, the registered voters of the said barangays may only be allowed to vote for national positions, particularly, for the positions of President, Vice-President, Senator, and Party-List Representatives," the Comelec order said.

However, Sinarimbo underscored that in the computation of the Internal Revenue

Allotment of North Cotabato and respective SGA municipalities, the population, land area, and income of the 63 barangays still form part of North Cotabato and their municipalities, hence constituents are still entitled to be represented and their voices heard.

“So the BARMM will ask the Comelec to reconsider this resolution," he said.

The Philippine News Agency here tried to reach North Cotabato Governor Nancy Catamco for comments but failed.

With the decision, the priest said they are now leaving the fate of this year’s feast to the government.

“We will leave it to them. It’s in their hands now. We can only hope that they have a clear plan on how to handle our devotees,” he also said.

On the other hand, Fr. Badong has appealed to devotees for understanding to the changes.

“Let us try to widen our understanding. Let us discern and pray on the message of the Black Nazarene in this situation,” he said. CBCP

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Gov’t bans public Masses...from P4

News

NOT LEFT BEHIND. Cotabato City’ persons with disabilities and Solo Parents Federation have received food packs from the LGU in partnership with Nestle Philippines through its “Kasambuhay ng Pamilyang Pilipino.”

Photo courtesy of City Government of Cotabato

Caritas Philippines Angered by PDP-Laban’s Petition to Reopen Filing of CoCs...from P4 allow such nonsense."

Bishop Bagaforo then appealed to the Commission on Elections to blatantly disregard the petition "as it only demeans our time-honored political processes." He also added, "as it is, our country is already torn apart. Don't add any more insult

to injury."

Instead of ill-motivated political propaganda "aimed at distracting the public from focusing on the essential," Bishop Bagaforo called on to the Duterteled standard bearer-less party to "highlight recommendations and actions that will address pressing

national concerns."

"We need our leaders, especially our president to lead our country to recovery especially after Typhoon Odette. There's still the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate crisis, justice and peace issues, increasing national debts, unemployment,

Sulu cops arrest man for crime offenses...from P8 a resident of Patikul, Sulu which is quite distant from Indanan.

“An immediate verification was done and it was discovered that he is wanted for heinous crimes by a court in Zamboanga

City,” Sapa said.

The suspect, now detained, shall be turned over to the court that ordered him arrested, according to Sapa. John Felix

Unson

DETAINED. Suspect Almader Sahidbuddin is now detained, awaiting

prosecution. He was arrested while securing a police clearance in Indanan, Sulu. Policemen who attended to his request found out he is wanted by a court in Zamboanga City for double murder, attempted multiple murder and frustrated murder cases.

Photo courtesy of Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region

Maguindanao school gets building from...from P1 Maguindanao.

BARMM-MBHTE battle cry is “no Bangsamoro child should be left behind” in education.

Iqbal said aside from the building, learning materials were also given to the educators to improve teaching methods and education aids.

The building was funded under the 2020 Contingent Fund (CF).

Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal said

education is among the priorities of the current BARMM leadership.

"There are two types of education in this world— revealed knowledge and acquired knowledge.

Seeking both knowledge should be strengthened in order for us to deal properly with the worldly affairs and affairs in the hereafter," Minister Iqbal said during the turnover program.

“Education is the key

to success in this world and in the hereafter" he added.

School education officials and parents in the village have expressed their appreciation and gratitude to the Bangsamoro government under the able leadership of Chief Minister Ahod Ibrahim for the educational support given to them and for the provision of facilities for the benefit and welfare of both the students and the teachers.

DPWH turns over P25-M DFA building in...from P1 constructed at the city government-owned lot along Alim Street, Barangay Poblacion, near the overland terminal for easy access by clients from the city and adjacent provinces.

It was funded under the Countrywide Development Fund of Congressman Caoagdan.

Catamco, during her speech, said the provincial government and the DAF consular office will jointly provide the

needed amenities to guarantee the safety and convenience of all its staff and clients.

"We will provide the office facilities to make sure that the services will never be hindered and run smoothly in the desired given time,” Catamco said.

The DFA is the second national-line agency to have set up an office here after the National Bureau of Investigation opened its satellite branch, also inside the overland terminal complex, in 2016. PNA

and poverty. Leaders are needed now, not after the 2022 elections."

Bishop Bagaforo, together with Fr. Antonio Labiao, Caritas Philippines executive secretary, are doing solidarity visits starting today to the 11 dioceses badlyhit by Typhoon Odette: Maasin, Cebu, Tagbilaran, Talibon,

Bacolod, Kabakalan, San Carlos, Dumaguete, Surigao, Taytay and Puerto Princesa.

The Catholic Church, through Caritas Philippines is implementing a 30 million pesos initial emergency response program to aid the families affected by typhoon. Caritas Philippines

Cotelco makes hall of justice “powerless”...from P1 Funds for operating expenses of local courts come from the Supreme Court, according to employees of the Hall of Justice here.

The supposedly prompt transfer

of funds from the Supreme Court down to constituent-judicial entities in the regions had been stymied by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the sources.

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January 8, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Keep the spirit of charity alive, Dumaguete bishop tells faithful

A Catholic bishop in the central Philippine diocese of Dumaguete urged the faithful to continue the spirit of sharing amidst the pandemic and the devastation brought by the recent typhoon.

Bishop Julito Cortez asked the people to look out for one another especially those affected

by Typhoon Odette that left 76 people dead and thousands homeless in Negros Oriental province alone.

“May we continue with that spirit of sharing with each other what we have so that, together, we shall rise above these calamitous and traumatic experiences,” Cortes said in his New Year’s message.

A day after the typhoon ripped through several provinces, he immediately joined the appeals for emergency aid to the affected communities.

In the midst of the prevailing challenges, the bishop told the

faithful to “be not afraid” and welcome the year 2022 with “much hope”.

“Remember that we have God, and we have each other.

With God, we can rise above many challenges. With each other, we can accomplish many things,” Cortes said.

He called on the faithful to “remain calm” despite the continuing challenge of the pandemic by following the necessary health protocols and by getting vaccinated against COVID-19.

The prelate also asked for more prayers “for one another, for our families, and for our community.” Ryan Sorote/CBCP

News

Devotees raise their hands during Mass to celebrate the Feast of the Black Nazarene at the Quiapo Church on Jan. 9, 2021.

Photo courtesy of Roy Lagarde

discouraged devotees from Level 3 from Jan.3 to Jan. 15 Gov’t bans public Masses gathering in the premises of for to tryNazarene to arrest the “upward the church on the said dates trend” of Covid-19 cases. feastand inattend Quiapo Church livestreamed In a taped address aired late Masses instead.

Tuesday, President Rodrigo

Bishop Julito Cortes of the Diocese of Dumaguete.

Photo courtesy of Judaline Flores Partlow

Caritas Philippines Angered

by PDP-Laban’s Petition to Reopen Filing of CoCs CARITAS Philippines, the humanitarian, development and advocacy arm of the Catholic Bishop's Conference of the Philippines calls on PDP-Laban wing led by Department of Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi to stop acting like a spoiled brat.

Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, Caritas Philippines national director, said the "the petition by Cusi's group is a mockery of the electoral process" adding that "the deadline for the filing of the

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certificates of candidacy is over, and has to be respected."

"Being a public official, you are duty-bound to abide by the laws of the land. You do not have the right to circumvent the rules for your own selfish interests. The fact was that you irresponsibly failed to field your candidates. Do not sugar-coat it with "everyone will benefit from the petition" because we all know its a lie. The Filipino people has everything to lose if we

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Authorities on Tuesday banned public Masses in Quiapo Church and other activities for the feast of the Black Nazarene amid the spike of on coronavirus AUTHORITIES Tuesday cases in the country. banned public Masses in The government’s Covid-19 Quiapo Church and other task force for ordered the closure activities the feast of the of the minor basilicaamid from Jan. Black Nazarene the 7spike untilofJan. 9, the feast day in of coronavirus cases the the Nazarene. country.

The Tnational h e g o task v e r nforce m e nalso t’s Covid-19 task force ordered the closure of the minor basilica from Jan. 7 until Jan. 9, the feast day of the Nazarene.

The national task force also discouraged devotees from gathering in the premises of the church on the said dates and attend livestreamed Masses instead.

It ordered the police to deploy cops and establish checkpoints to prevent people from coming to the basilica.

The government has earlier reverted the nation’s capital region under the stricter Alert Level 3 from Jan.3 to Jan. 15 to try to arrest the “upward trend” of Covid-19 cases.

In a taped address aired late Tuesday, President Rodrigo Duterte also

discouraged mass gatherings It ordered public the police to deploy including Masses and copstraditional and establish checkpoints the procession of to prevent the reveredpeople image from of thecoming Black to the basilica.

Nazarene.

The“ T government h e r e a r e has m i learlier lions reverted the there nation’s capital of devotees and you region under Alert cannot just the be stricter complacent about the transmission of the disease. I hope the Church can understand that all gatherings are not allowed,” he said.

The basilica is currently closed to the public since Monday for massive disinfection. It was supposed to open its doors to the devotees on Jan. 7.

Fr. Douglas Badong, the church’s parochial vicar, admitted they are saddened by the decision but they will have to comply with the restrictions.

“Of course we are saddened, especially for the devotees, because we know how important it is to them, to all of us, since we only cling our faith to the Black Nazarene,” Fr. Badong said.

“We want to respect their

he baptism of Jesus in The Acts of the Apostles the river Jordan was tells the story of Cornelius, Jesus’ act of solidarity a Gentile in whose house with humanity. Jesus united Peter was welcomed and himself with sinful humanity where Peter declared , by undergoing John’s baptism “In truth I see that God of repentance, even if He shows no partiality” (Acts himself did not need baptism.

10:34).

The holy Gospel Rev. Fr. Antonio P. Pueyo, DCC To be in solidarity is an narrates the baptism of tonypoy_dcc0@yahoo.com option and an intention to Jesus, after which while he join a particular group’s situation, and consequently was praying a voice came from heaven saying, “You engage in actions to achieve common objectives. are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased” (Lk. When God sent Jesus to be among us as a human being, 3:22). Jesus, God’s own Son is God’s manifestation it was an act of solidarity. The birth of Jesus or the of solidarity with the world. In Jesus, divinity joins incarnation is God’s solidarity with mankind. By humanity, the Infinite becomes one with the finite, joining the human condition to the point of suffering and the Spirit-Word becomes flesh. and death on the cross, Jesus manifested His solidarity Let me tell the story of Simone Weil, a woman and with us. The crucifixion is an act of solidarity. God’s a great philosopher of this century about whom the intention is to liberate humanity from sinfulness and author Albert Camus said, “the only great spirit of restore us to our dignity as members of God’s family. our times.” At the age of six, she refused to eat sugar Solidarity is compassion. The recent typhoon in solidarity with the victims of the First World War. Odette awakened in many people a feeling of During the Second World War she joined the French compassion with the victims . Such sentiments led to Underground against German occupation. She also acts of solidarity, as expressed by the many donations ate sparingly in solidarity with those suffering from given to the suffering – something we have noted by hunger during the war. She had mystical experiences the generous responses of our parishioners to appeals and described herself as having Christian leanings for donations through our Social Action Center. Such although she had an agnostic background. She assistance are being sent through CBCP to those who eventually was baptized as a Catholic in the later part need them most as identified by volunteers and staff of her life. She died of tuberculosis partly because she in the areas affected. Solidarity is oneness with those refused special treatment in solidarity with those who who suffer. were sick and suffering during World War II. Many In today’s readings, the figure of the Suffering contemporary personalities were influenced by Simone Servant from the book of Isaiah shows God’s Weil, including Pope Paul VI and Albert Camus. messenger who undergoes suffering “to open the eyes There are many ways of expressing solidarity: of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, first solidarity in mind, informing ourselves and and from the dungeon those in darkness” (Is. 42:7). being aware of the suffering around us; solidarity The theme of the suffering servant continues with the in affection, feeling empathy for those who are in words, “By his wounds we are healed” (Is. 53:5). The difficulties; solidarity in prayer, intercessory prayer Suffering Servant is in solidarity with God’s people. for victims of tragedies; and solidarity in action, Such solidarity is God’s universal will. Salvation is not doing something to alleviate suffering in situations of just for a few but for all as told in the second reading. concern. Solidarity is compassionate action. MC

Solidarity

REFLECTIONS

(NTF) decision. At the same Duterte time, we also also discouraged understand mass how gatherings the devotees including feel about public this,” Masses he added.and the traditional procession of theto revered According him,image the of the Black Nazarene. parish has done everything “There areto millions of devotees necessary prepare for the there and you event. cannot just annual religious As early as November 2021, the parish already announced the suspension of the “Traslacion” 2022 for the second straight year.

To decongest Quiapo on the feast day, it again decided to “localize” the celebration by bringing replica images of the Black Nazarene to different areas.

“We have done everything to convince them that the plans and preparations are already set. But, to them, it really won’t help to allow people to come to Quiapo,” Fr. Badong said.

“What we did in 2021, we opted to improve our strategies for 2022 given the alert level status. But, again, to them, the best solution is having no physical activities,” he added.

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Meditation Fr. Rock Saniel, OMI rocksaniel@gmail.com

Baptism of the Lord Readings:

Isaiah 42.1-4, 6-7; Acts 10.34-38; Luke 3.15-16, 21-22 or Year C Readings, p. 104

Today’s celebration of the Baptism of the Lord is the mark of the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. For us, it is where the Good News starts. For by that, God assures us that if we simply listen to Jesus, if we listen to Him, there will be repentance, reconciliation, peace, hope, and the promises fulfilled.

Yes, with our brokenness, God comes to us.

With the tyranny, despair and destruction, and fear in the world, God comes to confront us all. And God never stops. Jesus is still the confrontation of God. His mission is you and me, to bring back what was once lost.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for working in me. Amen.

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THE MINDANAO CROSS

January 8, 2022 EDITORIAL

What changes do we expect for 2022?

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ith the depressing performance of the world economy during the past year, everyone is looking forward to a better and more progressive new year. However, the Philippines which was hard hit by the COVID 19 Pandemic last year joins other countries in preparing for a more difficult year.

According to a new Ipsos’ Global Advisor survey in 33 countries, concerns about the environment and rising prices persist. And while most expect greater COVID vaccination rates around the world, half (47%) expect a new deadly strain of the virus to appear.

This shows that even if the world is optimistic on the result of the COVID vaccinations, there is still a pessimistic on the movement of the pandemic. Almost all countries are ready to meet head on new strains of the virus. In the Philippines, the government is on the watch of the spread of the new variant which is called Omicron. The fear is on due to the rising incidence of COVID 19 in many countries worldwide This new variant is said to be more contagious compared to the past.

The Philippines had to battle not only COVID 19 in the past year, but also environmental problem, the worst of which is Typhoon Odette which made a landfall in Central Visayas and Northern Mindanao.

According to Inquirer.net, a total of 452,423 individuals are currently displaced, 319,097 of which are currently inside the 1,335 operational evacuation centers (EC), while 133,326 are outside ECs. The typhoon also left P28,163,718 worth of damaged houses, P16,656,694,030.97 worth of damaged infrastructure, and another P6,909,439,389.24 worth of agriculture damage. With the dangers posed by climate change, the country expects more typhoons and natural calamities to hit the country. Please be prepared for these.

Not all is dark in the horizon. If plans are successfully implemented, the establishment of 5G networks have begun to roll out gradually worldwide.

The new 5G technology promises better network performance and will make websites, business applications, video streaming, online games, and emerging technologies like AR/VR all perform better. This will also be to the advantage of network operators and cloud providers.

In terms of technology, we have gone a long way from the invention of the telegraph. The Telegraph, invented in the 1830’s, was the first invention in a series of innovations that later paved the way for items such as the radio, the telephone, and even email. over long distances, creating its own code that could be used to translate electric pulses. The Telegraph itself introduced worldwide communication. The ability to communicate instantly over far distances led to major advancements in government, trade, industry, banking, warfare, and news.

We at Mindanao Cross would have been happy to see these innovations in technology that made faster the spread of communication. However, there are times that these are working against our plans.

Thus, the printed newspaper has shrunk, and had to accommodate the news over the internet. Hopefully, we can hitch our star to this more popular medium.

If you cannot get a copy of our printed Mindanao Cross, please see the internet where you can also read us in full. MC +

is published every Saturday by the Mindanao Cross Publishers, Inc., Sinsuat cor Quezon Avenues, Cotabato City. Tel Nos. (064) 4217161 and E-mail Address: mindanao.cross@gmail.com | mincross101@ yahoo.com.ph

Fr. Rogelio Tabuada, OMI, Chief-Executive-Officer Eva Kimpo - Tan, Editor-in-Chief Edwin O. Fernandez, News Editor Gemma A. Peñaflor, Administration and Marketing Executive Julito P. Torres, Circulation Officer Karl John B. Daniel, Graphic-Layout Artist COTABATO CITY / ARMM CORRESPONDENTS

John M. Unson Ferdinandh B. Cabrera Charlie C. Señase Nash B. Maulana

NORTH / SOUTH COTABATO CORRESPONDENTS Williamor Magbanua, Romer “Bong” Sarmiento, Roel Osano & Drema Quitayen Bravo CARTOONIST Lourd Jim Diazon

Member: PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

Entered as Second Class Mail at Cotabato City Post Office under Permit No. 91-01 Dated August 15, 1991.

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Social Weather Station Survey conducted on December 12 to 16 last year has shown that a high ninety three percent of Filipinos sampled said they look forward to and will welcome 2022 with hope. In comparison, only seven percent of the respondents said they will enter the New Year with apprehensions. How much this has changed in the midst of the devastation caused by Odette and the currently increasing cases of Covid-19 in the national capital region is still to be seen, but this undoubtedly indicates one thing: hope is one thing that is almost always never lost among Filipinos.

Amid tears and difficulties brought about by natural calamities and the deadly threat caused by health epidemics, Filipinos almost always find a way to not only cope but smile, even laugh. Various reasons are seen for such high optimism among Filipinos. In February 2011, a leading national daily ran a survey of sorts among its online readers asking them this question: “Why do you think optimism remains very high among Filipinos in spite of adversities?” Several respondents said Filipinos believe in the saying “habang may buhay, may pag-asa” – while there is life, there is hope. A reader from Benguet said that optimism is one of the endearing traits of Filipinos in facing every challenge in life, and that Filipinos do not retreat and surrender from the adversities they meet in life and this trait makes them resilient in all human endeavors, despite difficulties in their lives. Many credited this to our strong faith in God. This strong faith keeps us believing that help will come, as long as we don’t forget to ask from Him. A respondent from Mandaluyong said it thus: “It’s the sense of God that keeps Filipinos hopeful and therefore optimistic. We believe that all adversities around us are temporary, and that we can sail through these storms with God’s help and our own efforts as well.” For another from Camarines Sur “We greatly believe that the Almighty God is with us always, that we rely on Him for the rest of our worries. Besides, we are hardworking and very determined individuals, that someday, somehow, things will turn out for the better.”

In his message at an evening prayer service in St. Peter’s Basilica on December 31, Roman Catholic Pontiff Pope Francis said Christian hope grants those who suffer the assurance that God does not abandon his people in their time of need.

This Christian hope is manifested in the scenes we have recently seen almost every morning on national television, of people wearing masks and standing in queues a good distance

O

NE good thing that should follow a Supreme Court suspension order on Atty. Larry Gadon is a Jurisprudence to define our Constitutional guarantee on press freedom, the protective blanket that forever allows the airing of the likes of Gadon’s unwarranted (to be kind with words) statements on the country’s Muslim. For, otherwise, he could have just said it elsewhere in some close-door meetings not covered by the media.

I can imagine in modern time having our own version of this old U.S. Supreme Court Jurisprudence called the Holmes Doctrine, penned in 1919 by Chief Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes. The Holmes Doctrine as taught in the old school of journalism is summarized by jurists in the following rules: 1) The Dangerous Tendency Rule which refers to “the use of word” or “words” that may have the effect of causing a social discord “which Congress has the right to prevent”; 2) The Clear and Present Danger Rule applies to situations in which the state places national security and public safety above all considerations, and shall restrict all access to any clear-and-present-danger subject of news reportage. Example of this is that in the Marawi City Siege the state forces took control of the situation, including as prearranged in dialogues, to deny journalists and camera persons all access to spots occupied by the ISIS-inspired extremists being a “clear-and-present-danger” subject.

3) Balancing Interest Test Rule: The principle of Balancing Interest shall apply where the state deals with a clear-and-present-danger situation—and in which case to ensure public safety above all considerations and over the usual reporting that is traditionally balanced in terms of time and space granted of each contending parties; One example in the first rule is that In Washington D.C., the use of the word “Negro” in all speeches and news reports, is prohibited. In the Philippines, all the foul adjectives on the Muslims and invectives like those of Atty. Gadon are printable and are aired in the name of press freedom that has remained undefined in a 34-year old Constitution.

In Whitney vs. California a Black Woman won her case of slander when she was described as the “most beautiful woman” onstage. She took offense and sued the emcee for oral slander. The U.S. SC said “praises underserved, is a slander in disguise.”

Back home, a tabloid editorial once insulted not only

Hope

Thinking Aloud Carlos C. Bautista caloyb@gmail.com

from each other outside churches to hear mass amidst the continuing pandemic. Several of these mass attendees interviewed gave almost the same answer when asked what they are praying for: protection from and an end to the pandemic, recovery for those affected by the typhoon, safety for all who are attending to those who are sick of COVID-19 and those delivering aid and helping those devastated by Odette. Faith is what keeps the Filipino coping with difficult realities and hoping that better days would come.

At the height of Typhoon Odette in Tagbilaran, Bohol a Catholic priest continued to say mass for parishioners of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, undeterred by the intense winds howling through the windows and floodwaters entering the church. The video showing that priest saying mass through the typhoon has since been viewed more than 4,000 times on Facebook, with netizens commenting how the video has bolstered their faith through the calamity. Such is Filipino faith.

And this hopeful faith is not only true among Christian Filipinos; it is also true among our Muslim brothers and sisters. Many social media posts from Muslim friends and acquaintances prove this to be the case. There is always hope that Allah’s aid and blessings will come to those who believe.

According to Pope Francis we are still living in uncertain and challenging times due to the pandemic.

Many are frightened about the future and burdened by social problems, personal problems, dangers stemming from the ecological crisis, injustices and by global economic imbalances. He encouraged everyone to develop “a positive outlook… one that always sees, in the church as well as in society, not the evil that divides us, but the good that unites us.” He also said that getting depressed or complaining is useless. What we need to do is roll up our sleeves and work for a better world. MC

Time for a Supreme Court Jurisprudence on PH press freedom

Penlight Nash B. Maulana

nash.penlight@gmail.com

the Muslims but the Deity. But instead, the Supreme Court has provided a safe refuge for the likes of Gadon in PP vs.

Bulgar with an acquittal from a lower court’s conviction.

This was during those periods of a series of joint or separate dialogues that the eloquent Samira Gutoc—and I had sought and pushed in our professional engagements at Metro Manila newsrooms bosses, among them Inquirer editors and researchers, as well as lawmakers like the late Congressman Simeon A. Datumanong, Congressman Bobby Guanzon and the late Senators Robert Barbers, Ramon Revilla Sr. in 1999. All, except Revilla, were opposition lawmakers in the time of Erap, the president who also insulted the Moros at the height of the military operations in Camp Abubakar from 1998 to 2000. A Bicameral version of the anti-discrimination Bills then were up-bound for the plenary, but had died a natural death before Erap’s ouster 20 years ago in January 2001.

An example of a situation obtaining under the third rule is—well, our usual aim-for-the-scoop character of interviewing terrorists and even allowing them to use our radio and TV networks and newspapers to advance their propaganda; to announce their ransom demands and threats of beheading. In First World Countries, journalists are not allowed to do that, lest news reports could unnecessarily cause public panic or acts detrimental to national security. In effect, that makes this country’s press the freest, not only in Asia, but in the whole wide world.

That is why I do not buy the exemption of the U.S. and the UK in some Filipino remarks that rate this country’s press only as “the freest press in Asia.” I believe we are the World’s freest in political press. But in the fields of arts and entertainment, we may fall poor-third behind the U.S. and the UK. For instance, their media can publish and air coverage of same-sex marriages sans photos- or video-scenes blurring. MC

6

Breaking point

been resolved by the high magistrate. This prompted Gadon to wonder: “Is this politically motivated?”

In life as a good journalistic mentor would say – Truth hurts, but truth Charlie Señase we must to live in peace, for csenase@yahoo.com truth will surely set us free.

For nothing is hidden that N the world of confusion and temperance, patience and endurance will not be exposed nor covered that will are needed to calm down with sobriety not be unearthed, for everything in life has and face reality of every action that equates its own time in God’s reconning.

Another Presidential contender opposite reaction. In its absence, pride and arrogance persist instead of humility and Senator Emmanuel Pacquiao has been in the political spotlight with his P100-million mercy for one another.

For as brothers and sisters divided by cyber-libel case against Davao City-based politics, religious beliefs and socioeconomic Church leader Apollo Quiboloy which he status in life we ought not to be overcome filed before the Makati City Prosecutor’s by evil but overcome evil with good. For Office. In November last year, Pastor Adam’s wife Eve was the mother of all the Quiboloy was also indicted by the US grand jury of alleged sex trafficking contained in living (Genesis 3:20).

This week, a nationally known lawyer a 74-page indictment charges.

On New Year’s eve, the Integrated in his social media tweets and connections is in hot water due to his alleged bad Bar of the Philippines has condemned the mouthing against a Manila-based killing of Cavite City Assistant Prosecutor journalist. The Supreme Court has asked Edilberto Mendoza who was gunned down Atty. Lorenzo “Larry” Gadon to explain in front of his residence by still unknown why he should not be disbarred from being assailant. Mendoza is the 66th IBP member an IBP member which is the “ultimate killed during the Duterte watch and close to a hundred media practitioners killed (with penalty” of his malicious statement.

The high tribunal cited Gadon’s posted the highest 32 in Maguindanao massacre) video on twitter as allegedly “cursing and during the Aquino dispensation.

Welcoming 2022 also took the life insulting” Raissa Robles, a China Morning Post correspondent, who tweeted about of a 57-year old Cotabato City resident unresolved tax case of Presidential aspirant belonging to the prominent Midtimbang and incumbent Senator Ferdinand Marcos, and Gogo clan of Maguindanao. Shot to death by still unknown gunman at Jr. The Supreme Court considered Barangay Rosary Heights-3 was Thong Gadon’s move as motu propio or acting on Midtimbang Gogo, a native of Talayan. his own by hurling profanities against the The PNP’s Scene of the Crime Operatives lady scribe that went viral. This prompted recovered .45 caliber empty shells with the the issuance of a “preventive suspension” victim’s gunshot wounds in the head. Like the Cavite prosecutor, Gogo was slain in for Gadon.

The beleaguered lawyer, however, front of his residence.

On the same day, a lowly multi-cab responded: “For an institution that prides itself in safeguarding due process of laws, driver from PC Hill, RH-1 was driving his I am confused that the Supreme Court vehicle when fired-upon by motorcycleimmediately suspended me without due riding suspects along Awang highway at process, and my suspension was announced DOS, Maguindanao. The victim, “Kaloy” in the media without furnishing me first a Umpal, 50, was declared dead at nearby hospital. copy of the complaint – If there’s any.”

What’s inevitable violence and Gadon felt, his being singled out in this case is “unprecedented in history” corruption to do with today’s generation with speculation that this could be due to that in biblical times of Prophet Noah only his recent statement to refund Marcos of his immediate family members were saved the protest fees which up to now has not from the great deluge? MC

True to Form

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heroism of his physicianshis colleagues , the nurses and caregivers are beyond measure. They did everything possible, within the capability of medical sciences, to make him comfortable and possibly Victoria R. Franco, RPh, MS Pharmacy survive this ordeal. franco1573victoria@gmail.com Needles, tubes and t’s over. For the past 3 months, gadgets inserted all over my family and I were in a roller his body; I could not bear to see how coaster of emotions. Languishing this once vibrant good looking physician at the hospital was the second among slowly wasting away his life, dependent us siblings, the Junior of our father, on whatever intervention the hospital his namesake, the one privileged to can provide . If you saw him during inherit our father’s name, his profession the last few days of his illness, his skin and career, including his clinic, and has dried, his mouth open , gasping, patients, and the tradition of goodwill catching his breath, eyes closed, bent in the community. knees. His health regimen has paid With this pandemic, we lament and off with a strong and healthy heart, include in our prayers those who were no diabetes. It was his kidneys that “na-covid19” until Covid19 was right aggravated his situation. at the heart of our family. Dr. Ramon Johnny, his favorite name for H. Rabago, Jr.. He was devoted to his himself, was a good father to his sworn Hippocrates Pledge, as much as four children-Bernadette Ganuelas, he lived by his Boy Scout Pledge which Madelline Decangchon, Ramon III and he embraced wholeheartedly, since he John Andrew. Through his lucrative was a young boy. Despite Alzheimer’s medical practice, he sent them all to good creeping in, he religiously attended to schools, and with his late wife, Pearl, his patients day in and day out, rain or together, they brought these children shine and wherever they are. up with fine manners, respectful, and One day, three months ago, he must God-Fearing. Johnny married Pearl, have forgotten to don his mask served the pearl of the huge Kimpo Clan, while him by his assistant Caster, that’s he was in medical school. Pearl just when Covid19 did him in, that’s when graduated as a nutritionist, a career our ordeal begun. He was rushed to the change from Music, because brother Notre Dame Hospital, then transferred dear was fond of eating. It is not a secret to the Covid19 Center of CRMC. As that he was a chick-boy, like many Covid19 ravaged his body, he gallantly good looking guys around. Women were fought it and recovered without being naturally drawn to his charming ways, intubated as we feared. There was no many times I called him down even way we could go near him, touch him, when we were in college. speak to him. He who was always on We both went to the Cotabato High the bedside of his patients, was by his School, he was always on the watch for lonesome. What thoughts must have any foolishness I engaged in, like having crossed his mind? He knew what exactly crushes. I was more scared of his opinion he will be going through. He assisted than those of my parents. He was really in the care of our father who was a protective of me. Johnny, we love, vegetable for 14 months after a stroke. respect and honor you, you know that.

He was discharged to return home only We regret that our ages, the pandemic to be rushed back to the hospital in an has prevented us from getting close to ambulance. The whaling of the siren you, to touch you,to hold your hands, to deep into the night was deafening. We embrace you for the last time. This is knew this was another challenge to face. not a good time to die. Rest now brother From then on, he was in and out dear, we shall miss you always and pray of the ICU and private room. The for the repose of your soul. MC

My brother, the Junior

The Stuff of Life

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January 8, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle

gym but you need to keep as active as possible. You can stick to easy floor exercises, swimming, walking, or simply keep yourself moving by doing some household A Reprint from:The Foundation for a Healthy Lifestyle chores. Do what your body hysical fitness is not the sole allows you to do. basis of being healthy; being What is important is that you healthy means being mentally continue exercising. Give at least and emotionally fit. Being healthy twenty to thirty minutes a day to should be part of your overall lifestyle. exercise at least three to five times Living a healthy lifestyle can help a week. Have a routine; see to it that prevent chronic diseases and long- you have enough physical activity term illnesses. Feeling good about each day. yourself and taking care of your health are important for your self-esteem Engage in the things you are and self-image. Maintain a healthy passionate about lifestyle by doing what is right for Every now and then, to keep your body. the stress and the demands of life If you want to be a well-rounded, from taking over, take a break to do healthy individual, here are a couple of something you love doing. staying healthy tips that may help you do just that: Surround yourself Maintain a with positive regular energy exercise In order to routine have a sound No, you mental and do not have to e m o t i o n a l force yourself state, you must into intense surround yourself workouts at with positive the gym but energy. Yes, not you need to all problems can keep as active be avoided. But it as possible. helps to face such You can stick obstacles with an to easy floor optimist outlook. exercises, S u r r o u n d swimming, yourself with walking, or simply keep yourself encouraging friends and people that moving by doing some household will provide you with constructive chores. Do what your body allows you criticism every once in a while to help to do. you improve.

What is important is that you Make it a habit to always look at continue exercising. Give at least the brighter side of life. Even if you twenty to thirty minutes a day to find yourself in the worst situation, exercise at least three to five times there is always an upside to it— a week. Have a routine; see to it that something good and positive. Dwell on you have enough physical activity these things instead. each day.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is not that difficult, nor does it require a Be conscious lot of work. Just keep doing what you in your diet do and apply the staying healthy tips N o , y o u d o n o t h a v e t o f o r c e listed above—surely you will be a wellyourself into intense workouts at the rounded individual in no time. MC

HEALTH CORNER

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“take a break to do something you love doing.”

Improving Program and program.

The basic GANTT Chart Project Management with would consist of columns and rows where the entries would GANTT Charts… be written. The left most

Market Driven

column would contain the listing of activities needed to Danny Buenbrazo be performed to complete a danny_buenbrazo@yahoo.com project. There will be as many columns thereafter as would rograms and projects, whether planned and implemented by correspond to the blocks of time (days, g o v e r n m e n t a g e n c i e s , N o n - weeks, or months) over which each activity Government Organizations (NGOs), or will be done. Thus, a project that will be other private sector organizations, have implemented over a year’s time would have a fairly even chance of failure with the a column to list the important activities, possibility of success. The size of the twelve (12) other columns if the activities organization funding and/or implementing are tracked by month, and as many rows programs and projects does not guarantee as there are listed activities.

The GANTT Chart below for a project their successful outcome nor do the fact involves the construction of infrastructure that the organization is foreign or local.

Projects are sets of activities that seek that requires implementation period of 90 to accomplish certain pre-determined goals days (Minor projects) to 150 days (Major and objectives and typically implemented projects). Notice that the major projects in as short as a few months or exceeding are started before the ones with shorter a year. Programs, on the other hand, are construction period. This is to provide more more complex since they are made up of time for construction within the one-year several projects and their duration could be duration of the project and gives two more from two years to five years or even more. months for possible delay in completion.

When the activities of a project (or a Going back to the instances of program or project implementation failures, the program) are laid down through a GANNT common reason is the inability of the people chart, the project managers and staff would responsible to “see the forest” because they have a good sense of the proper sequencing were focused on the individual trees. It of activities and the implications of delay/s could also be possible that the program or in their implementation vis a vis the overproject management people are looking all timeline. If the project managers sense only at the forest that they cannot see the that certain activities could take more time than originally planned, other activities problem with the individual trees.

One of the old tools of general could be shortened.

Additional columns could be added management that can also be very useful to the chart to indicate the persons for program or project management is the responsible, the budget needed, and other GANTT Chart. This is a chart developed by the Frenchman Gannt to identify important details. But avoid putting so activities that needs to be done in the much information that would make the correct sequence (or even simultaneously) chart very crowded that it would be hard over a period of tie to complete a project or to read and digest its contents. MC

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MC

2021 year end report (Part 2)...from P1 its fertile valleys and plains.

Little by little, efforts to help the farmers were done by the fledgling BARMM. The BARMM, which is known for its contribution to the food security of the provinces and cities under its political jurisdiction (plus neighboring provinces), have singled seaweed farming as its activity to promote in 2021. The MAFAR (Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform) has targeted the 69,303 hectares of seaweed farms in the region for the provision of post production facilities, particularly the setting up of seaweed buying stations and the formation of cooperatives among seaweed farmers. The agency is also looking at the problems posed by the lack of storage facilities in selected areas of Maguindanao, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-tawi.

The MAFAR also jumpstarted farm mec hanization with the distribution of farm machineries to 28 farmers cooperatives in Maguindanao whose total

membership is 4,803. The target of the agency is to make Magundanano a top rice producing province in the country. In Lanao Sur, the provincial government is now producing organic vegetables in large volumes in a farm in Marantao. The province wants the demonstration farm to inspire residents of Lanao Sur to go into diversified farming to earn extra income for their families.

To coincide with the Shariff Kabungsuan Festival of 2021, the Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism under Ross Sinarimbo showcased the economic potentials of the region through the conduct of week long trade fair, tourism exhibits among others. The fair featured authentic dishes and delicacies, and a fashion show called Habing Bangsamoro to showcase designs of famous designers of Cotabato City and Maguindanao. Highlight of the festival is the “Guiinakit Fluvial Parade” bo at s decorated with Maguindanao inspired cloth in vivid colors.

The Cotabato City Halal

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

AFFIDAVIT

slaughterhouse received assistance from FAO-UN when its official turned over office furniture for the Halal Training Center as part of the project entitled Agriculture and Agribusiness Enterprise in Mindanao for Sustainable Development. The government of the Republic of Korea is also supporting this venture which aims to equip the Halal Training Center with tools and fixtures to make it a Halal Hub for Mindanao.

People and Society: A country representative of UNFPA lauded the efforts of BARMM to control violence against women and children.

This was in response to reports made by police that there are 70 VAW cases in the BARMM. EXTRAJUDICAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late SPO4 SAMBUTUAN L. KATAMBAK,PNP (Ret) who died intestate on November 8, 2005 at Barurao, Sultan sa Barongis, Maguindanao, left unclaimed Pension differential and Death benefit from PNP are the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with Special Power of Attorney before Notary Public Atty.

Gapor G. Quitar as per Doc. No. 302; Page No. 61; Book No. LXVI; Series of 2021.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the l a t e K A L U B U AT, w h o died on April 28, 1951 in Bagua II, Cotabato City, left a parcel of land Lot No. 495 situated in Bagua II, Cotabato City with an area of 43,497 sq. mts., more or less is the subject of affidavit of self-adjudication by sole heir before Notary Public Atty. Agnes R. De Castro-Jagunap as per Doc. No. 036; Page No. 036; Book No. XXVIII; Series of 2022.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late ROSITA Y. SOLLANO, who died on October 26, 2020 in Kidapawan City, parcels of land Lot 119-B, PSD-12-022545; Lot No. 5392-D, PSD12-010648 & Lot No. 5377-B-1, PSD-12042449, all situated at New Cebu, Pres. Roxas, Cotabato, covered by T C T N o s . C T- 8 5 3 2 , T-106024 & T-108672, respectively, containing the total area of 26,410 square meteres, more or less are the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with special power of attorney before Notary Public Fernando D. Cubero as per Doc. No. 361; Page No. 72; Book No. 124; Series of 2021.

MC: Jan. 8, 15 & 22, 2022

MC: Jan. 8, 15 & 22, 2022

MC: Jan. 1, 8 & 15, 2022

Republic of the Philippines Province of Cotabato City of Kidapawan LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION In compliance with R.A. 10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that Roxan T. Naviamos has filed with this office a petition for change of sex from Male to Female in the birth certificate of Roxan Samson Tabay who was born on October 25, 1986 at Kidapawan, Cotabato and whose parent are Efren Tabay and Rosalinda Samson.

Any person adversely affected by the said petition may file a written opposition with this office.

(Sgd.) RAUL A. MALALUAN City Registrar MC: Jan. 1 & 8, 2022

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that estate of the late JUAN DALIMBANG PANALAG and TOMASA PELIÑO PANALAG who died on March 28, 1990 and August 11, 2004, respectively, parcels of land situated at Sedem, Datu Blah Sinsuat, Maguindanao, Lot. 1, Psu-121959, covered by OCT No. V-234 with an area of 238,698 sq. mts., more or less and OCT No. P-01498 are the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Mark Esmael R. Nor, CPA as per Doc. No. 368; Page No. 73; Book No. III; Series of 2021.

MC: Dec. 25, 2021, Jan. 1 & 8, 2022

Republic of the Philippines Magpet, North Cotabato OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION In compliance with the publication requirement of OCRG Memorandum Circular 2003-1 No. 1 Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A, 10172), notice is hereby served to the public that Gemma F. Gamboa has filed with this office a petiiton for change of date of birth from April 2, 1977 to March 25, 1977 in the certificate of live birth of Gemma Ilugsong Fortin who was born on April 2, 1977 at Magpet, Cotabato and whose parents are Robert S. Fortin and Catalina B. Ilugsong.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than January 21, 2022.

(Sgd.) CHONA M. PROVIDA, MPA Municipal Civil Registrar

MC: Jan. 8 & 15, 2022

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late ERLINDA GALLOPIN-ORDEN and ARMANDO ORDEN, who both died on July 18, 2002 in Parang, Maguindanao, left residential house and parcel of land Lot No. 1, Blk. 22, TK-5, situated at Nituan, Parang, Maguindanao containing an area of 225 sq. mts., more or less are the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous sale before Notary Public Atty.

Yusoph P. Binsuan as per Doc. No. 562; Page No. 113; Book No. XVII; Series of 2019.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late EXEQUIL BENOSA, who died on September 9, 2021 at Polacion 3, Pigcawayan, Cotabato a parcel of land Lot No. 101, Pls-664, situated at New Igbaras, Pigcawayan, Cotabato containing an area of 29,294 sq. mts., more or less are the subject of deed of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous sale before Notary Public Roland D. Jungco as per Doc. No. 507; Page No. 101; Book No. 123; Series of 2021.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the l a t e D AT U S E M A BALABARAN IBAD, who died intestate on October 3, 1999 in Cotabato City, a parcel of land situated at Pagalamatan, Tamontaka 3, Cotabato City, containing an area of 100,684 sq. mts., more or less, covered

by TCT No. T-5731 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Mark Esmael R. Nor, CPA as per Doc. No. 333; Page No. 67; Book No. III; Series of 2021.

MC: Jan. 8, 15 & 22, 2022.

7

THE MINDANAO CROSS

January 8, 2022

MC: Jan. 8, 15 & 22, 2022.

MC: Jan. 8, 15 & 22, 2022.

34 of these are violence against women and of these, 27 are rape cases against girls and the perpetrators are people known or close to survivors. Ms. Joudane, the UNFPA official called on stakeholders to join hands to create a world where women and girls can lead peaceful lives and are able to reach their full potentials. This was responded to by the BARMM Women Commission with an 18 day campaign to end violence against women and children.

The GPH and MILF started the third phase of decommissioning in 2021.

In a statement, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process said

the decommissioning of combatants are held in five Assembly and Processing areas in Maguindanao and that the old Provincial Capitol in Sultan Kudarat will be the first APA for the entire phase three of the decommissioning process.

Upi teacher is Miss Tourism Philippines-Universe for 2021.

Abegail Labasan, a Licensed Professional Teacher with an MA in Public Administration won in the national competition and will represent the country in the coming international competitions. Meanwhile, the examinee who topped the Civil Engineering board exam.

He is Rajiv Noon Dalagan, from Tawi-tawi. He bested 6,474 other takers of the

Republic of the Philippines Region XII City Government of Cotabato OFFICE OF THE CITY CIVIL REGISTRAR

Republic of the Philippines Region XII City Government of Cotabato OFFICE OF THE CITY CIVIL REGISTRAR

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

In compliance with R.A. No. 9048 and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 series of 2021 (IRR on R.A. No. 10172), notice is hereby served to the public that Bailuna K. Kamid has filed with this office a petition for change of first name from Virginia to Bailuna and correction of entry in the date of birth from September 10, 1966 to February 4, 1966 in the certificate of live birth of Virginia Khalid Kamid who was born on September 10, 1966 at Bagua St., Cotabato City and whose parents are Taugan G. Kamid and Pimbai M. Khalid.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office.

(Sgd.) TOHAMY M. LAUBAN City Civil Registrar

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 series of 2021 (IRR on R.A. No. 10172), notice is hereby served to the public that Laimarch Llena Singh has filed with this office a petition for correction of entry in sex from Female to Male in the certificate of live birth of Laimarch Llena Singh who was born on March 18, 1990 at Campo Muslim., Cotabato City and whose parents are Sammy T. Singh and Elsa P. Llena.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office.

(Sgd.) TOHAMY M. LAUBAN City Civil Registrar

MC: Jan. 8 & 15, 2022

MC: Jan. 8 & 15, 2022

CRISANEL PAWNSHOP-MAIN

BRANCH I, II, III & Midsayap Branch

Patalastas ng Subasta Ang Crisanel Pawnshop ng Cotabato City at Midsayap, Cotabato ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sangla.

Ang mga ito ay isinangla magmula pa noong Hunyo hangang Hulyo 2021. Ang Subasta ay sa Pebrero 3, 2022 sa ganap na ika 8:00 ng umaga hanggang ika 4:00 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

MC: Jan. 08, 2022

board exams.

2021 was a sad year for the region as a number of personalities who have touched the lives of people passed away. Fr. Eliseo Mercado Jr., a much respected Oblate priest who figured prominently in the Mindanao Peace Process died after a bout of illness which included COVID 19. Almost at the same time, he was followed by Fr. Loreto Sanoy and Fr. Rex Bacero, both diocesan priests of Cotabato City, Sis. Fidelis Domingo and Sis.Maria Fe Mararo who worked as OND sisters in the city. Towards the end of the year, Basilan and Kidapawan Bishop Romy de la Cruz also passed away. In South Cotabato, the much beloved Bro. Robert McGovern of the Marist congregation left behind a hundred IP scholars whom he provided scholarships.

It was also in 2021 that two popular politicians of the region passed away, former congressman Datu Didagen Dilangalen, and Mr. Ludovico Badoy, a former mayor of Cotabato City. MC EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late DATU KALIONG SINSUAT, who died intestate on October 26, 1965 in Manila, an untitled parcels of land Lot Nos. 2247-A, 2247B and 2247-C, situated in Dimapatoy, Dinaig, Cotabato (now Dinaig Proper, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao), with the total area of 151,673 sq. mts., more or less are the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous sale before Notary Public Atty. Gapor G. Quituar as per Doc. No. 452; Page No. 91; Book No. XXX; Series of 2018.

MC: Jan. 8, 2022

ERRATUM: The above notice was erroneously published on December 4,11 & 18, 2021 issues of The Mindanao Cross.

Our apologies.

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late EDUARDO P. GUERRA, who died on May 25, 2000 in Cotabato City, Lot No. 7-G-5-D-4-1, Psd-12-061822, situated in Matampay (now Pob. 4), Cotabato City with an area of 54 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. T-22082 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement with waiver of rights before Notary Public Atty. Agnes R. De CastroJagunap as per Doc. No. 4004; Page No. 4004; Book No. XXVII, Series of 2021.

Notice is hereby given that the late MAHMUR A. HASANUL, who died on November 12, 2020 in Cotabato City, left a claims from East West Bank (EWB) is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with waiver of rights before N o t a r y P u b l i c A t t y.

Mohammad Jameel A. Singh as per Doc. No. 333; Page No. 67; Book No. 15; Series of 2022.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late MERLO MARUNDAN, who died on August 7, 2021 in Cotabato City, Lot No. 7-G-5-D-4-A, Psd-12-061822, situated in Matampay (now Pob. 4), Cotabato City with an area of 98 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. T-22082 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement with waiver of rights before Notary Public Atty. Agnes R. De CastroJagunap as per Doc. No. 4005; Page No. 4005; Book No. XXVII, Series of 2021.

MC: Dec. 25, 2021, Jan. 1 & 8, 2022

MC: Jan. 8, 15 & 22, 2022

MC: Dec. 25, 2021, Jan. 1 & 8, 2022

AFFIDAVIT

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late ADELAIDA SANTOYO and REGINO FERNANDEZ, a parcel of land Lot 3-D, LRC PSD-52306, covered by TCT No. 59047, situated in Bo. Gonzalo, San Quintin, Pangasinan, containing an area of 44,000 square meters, more or less is the subject of affidavit of self- adjudication with deed of absolute sale before Notary Public Atty.

Ildefonso M. Rodrigo as per Doc. No. 1428; Page No. 286; Book No. VI, Series of 2021.

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late HADJI SALIK GUMANDEL, who died on May 20, 2003 in Bongabong, Sultan Mastura, Maguindanao, Lot No. 6535, Pls-263, containing an area of 44,075 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. T- 4124 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement with waiver of shares before Notary Public Mimbalawag T. Mangutara, Jr., CPA as per Doc. No. 42; Page No. 10; Book No. LXIII, Series of 2021.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late SIMEONA REED, who died on April 1, 1970 in Parang, Maguindanao, Lot No. 1 & 2 Blk. 27, Lot 36 and Blk 28, TK5, situated in Nituan, Parang, Maguindanao, containing an area of 6,116 sq. mts., more or less is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous waiver of rights before N o t a r y P u b l i c A t t y.

Lyzzaik L. Laguialam, CPA as per Doc. No. 3; Page No. 78; Book No. I, Series of 2021.

MC: Jan. 1, 8 & 15, 2022

MC: Dec. 25, 2021, Jan. 1 & 8, 2022

MC: Dec. 25, 2021, Jan. 1 & 8, 2022

8

January 8, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

P3.4-M worth shabu seized from slain dealer

ANTI-NARCOTICS operatives seized P3.4 million worth of shabu from a dealer killed in a supposed entrapment here Wednesday that turned haywire.

Naravy Duquiatan, director of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-12, their agents and personnel of the Midsayap municipal police were to arrest Jacky Guimba after the tradeoff, but neutralized him instead when he pulled out a gun sensing he had sold P3.4 million worth to nonuniformed lawmen.

The sting that the PDEA-12 laid in Barangay Salunayan here and

resulted in the death of Guimba was assisted by the Midsayap municipal police and the Army’s 34th Infantry Division.

Duquiatan said PDEA-12 agents and their police counterparts recovered from Guimba 10 large sachets of shabu valued at P3.4 million, a .45 caliber pistol and other belongings, including his Honda RS motorcycle.

Duquiatan said Guimba was a

resident of Barangay Pamalian in nearby Shariff Saidona Mustapha town in Maguindanao.

The entrapment operation that went awry and resulted in his death was premised on tips by informants privy to his large-scale distribution of shabu in different towns in the neighboring North Cotabato and Maguindanao provinces. John Felix

Unson

NEWSBRIEFS Unpaid bills leave Hall of Justice “powerless” KIDAPAWAN CITY — Supply of electricity at the Hall of Justice in this city was cut over unpaid bills amounting to P300,000.

Court proceedings and other judicial functions have been stalled for a week now since the Cotabato Electric Cooperative (Cotelco) initiated the move.

Catholic radio station dxND quoted Cotelco general manager Godofredo Gomez as

justifying the power cut, saying the electric company needed to pay the electricity it procures from providers.

Funds for the operating expenses of local courts come from the Supreme Court, according to court employees.

The transfer of funds to judicial entities in the regions was reportedly delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

John Felix Unson

31 Lanao Sur coops get rice mills, gen sets MANILA — Cooperatives from Lanao del Sur and Marawi City received a total of PHP37.2 million worth of postharvest facilities that were procured under the 2020 Special Development Fund of Member of Parliament (MP) Diamila DisimbanRamos in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR-BARMM).

These were turned over in a ceremony held at the Ministry of Public Works-BARMM Tennis Court, Matampay, Marawi City, Ramos said in a news release on

Thursday.

A total of 31 pieces of equipment which includes movable mini rice mills with Destoner and 13.5 KVA Generator Sets are set to benefit the 31 qualified cooperatives.

In addition, the Special Development Fund is in line with the Bangsamoro Organic Law which states that the government will allocate funds worth P5 billion per year for 10 years with a total of P50 billion for "Rebuilding, Rehabilitation, and Development of the Conflict-affected areas of the Bangsamoro region".

PNA

2 dead in separate suicide incidents REACHING OUT. Oblate missionary Fr. Rogelio “King” Tabuada, chief executive officer of Notre Dame Broadcasting Corporation (NDBC) and Mindanao Cross, speaks to members of Mamanwa Indigenous Peoples (IP) in Surigao del Norte during the OMI-NDBC relief operation for Typhoon Odette victims. The OMI-NDBC relief drive focused its aid toward IPs, considered to be the least served typhoon victims.

Photo courtesy of Harrah Daine Lilis Natividad/NDBC

Smuggled cigarettes seized in Sulu

THE police seized 41 more boxes of smuggled cigarettes in Indanan town in Sulu Monday night, just three days after it confiscated as much volume of the same contraband.

Major Edwin Catayao Sapa, Indanan municipal police chief, said Tuesday the 41 boxes of smuggled cigarettes were neatly piled in a vehicle that

patrolling policemen found abandoned late Monday in Barangay Buansa, apparently on its way to somewhere to deliver the illegal merchandise.

Sapa said the driver of the vehicle and a companion scampered away when they saw a police team approaching from the opposite direction of the road in Barangay

Buansa, Indanan.

Barangay Buansa is not too distant from Barangay Kajatian, Indanan where a police team found last Saturday 31 boxes of imported cigarettes at one spot in a coconut farm in the area, ready for transport to a buyer.

Three men who were to bring the 31 boxes of cigarettes to a buyer

escaped immediately when they sensed the policemen, armed with assault rifles, approaching their location from two directions.

The Indanan police is now in custody of the 72 cases of smuggled cigarettes that are to be turned over to the office of the Bureau of Customs in Jolo, capital town of Sulu.

John Felix Unson

88 candidate soldiers start 6th ID training

A new set of soldiers have taken their oath and began their journey as brave candidate soldiers.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, 6th Infantry Division commander, said the 88 candidate soldiers today (Monday Jan. 3) commenced their 6-month rigorous training inside the 6th Division Training School in Barangay Semba, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

Maj. Gen. Uy, also commander of Joint Task Force Central (JTFC), led the ceremonies signaling the start of the candidate soldiers’ training.

"You will be temporarily deprived of the things you enjoyed

doing before. This is part of your military training to mold your character,” Maj. Gen. Uy said.

“You are into difficult training ahead, may the best come out victorious, be strong and you will survive,” he added in the vernacular.

He advised every candidate to listen attentively to training committee. “They were carefully selected to train you on military principles that will guide you in performing your duties, don’t be shy, ask question so you will learn better,” he said.

Maj. Gen. Uy said the selection board considered the

recommendation for enlistment of 64 males and 9 females from different tribal groups that included 52 Ilonggos, eight are Maguindanaoans, four are Cebuanos, Three are Tedurays and two each from the Ilocano, Manobo and Tagalog tribes, respectively.

About 15 of them are already integrated into the regular force of the Armed Forces.

These candidate soldiers, once they become regular forces of the AFP, are expected to help push forward the peace initiatives that the Kampilan Division has been advocating. Edwin O. Fernandez

KORONADAL CITY — Two residents killed themselves in separate incidents Wednesday in nearby Norala, South Cotabato Wednesday.

The Police Regional Office-12 identified the fatalities as Noel Montes Morales, 51, and the 49-year-old Joel Jayawon Porte, residents of Barangays San Jose and Kibid in Noralla town, respectively.

Noralla is an agricultural town in South Cotabato province.

Morales and Porte hanged themselves using ropes Wednesday, according to PRO-12.

Relatives told probers serious family problems could have prompted Morales and Porte to separately commit suicide. John

Unson

Sulu cops arrest man for crime offenses

THE police arrested Tuesday a clearance applicant wanted since 2015 for double murder, multiple frustrated and multiple attempted murders.

Aldamer Jul Sahibuddin was immediately frisked and cuffed by personnel of the police station in Indanan, Sulu when his name was found in the online list of wanted persons in the country.

Major Edwin Sapa, Indanan municipal police station chief, said Sahibuddin is wanted for double murder, multiple frustrated murder and multiple attempted murder cases pending in

the Regional Trial Court Branch 15 in Zamboanga City.

Sahibuddin had told investigators he did not know that the Philippine National Police long had an online list of wanted persons that its stations use as reference in verifying identities of police clearance applicants.

The RTC Branch 15 in Zamboanga City issued on July 16, 2015 a warrant for his arrest, signed by Judge Peter Eisma.

Sapa said the policemen who attended to Sahibuddin’s clearance request got suspicious when he claimed he is

P3

SPDA exec vows neutrality in Basilan politics THE Administrator of the Southern Philippines Development Authority announced Monday he will neither endorse nor campaign openly for candidates in local elective posts in his homeprovince, Basilan.

“I will not campaign for any candidate for local positions in Basilan. I will just tell my friends and relatives to vote for

candidates according to what good wisdom dictates,” Gerry Salapuddin, SPDA administrator, said in a statement Monday.

He said he shall leave everything to voters in Basilan and all candidates for local positions there the “political interplay” during the forthcoming campaign period until the actual polling day in May 2022.

Salapuddin said he shall

be involved in furthering the bids for the presidency and vice presidency of his favored candidates whose names, he said, he shall soon announce.

Salapuddin was former chairman of the Basilan Revolutionary Committee of the Moro National Liberation Front.

He was thrice wounded in encounters with the military during the 1970s while a Moro

guerilla leader then.

He urged his provincemates to continue supporting the common domestic peace and reconciliation efforts of Basilan Gov. Jim Salliman, Deputy Speaker Mujiv Hataman, and all members of the provincial chapter of the league of mayors, the Basilan Provincial Police Office and the Army’s 101st Infantry Brigade.

“There is peace now spreading around Basilan. Let us nurture it together. We must not rock the boat,” Salapuddin said on Monday.

He also called on residents of Basilan to adhere to the peace and security programs of the Commission on Elections meant to ensure clean and honest polling activities to happen soon.

John Felix Unson