The Mindanao Cross | January 14, 2023

PRO-12, BARMM POLICE OFFICIALS RESIGN, STAY IN POSTS

By Edwin O. Fernandez

Brigadier General John Guyguyon, police regional director for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg, director

for Police Regional Office 12, led their men in positively responding to calls by Interior and Local Government Sec. Benjamen “Benhur” Abalos to voluntarily submit courtesy

By John Felix Unson

THE Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has formally turned over to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) the management of six airports in the region.

The Cotabato or Awang airport in Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao del Norte, Sanga-Sanga and Cagayan de Sulu airports in Bongao and Mapun,

resignation in an effort to cleanse the PNP of scalawags.

“I know, everyone was taken by surprise but that was the appeal to all of us police generals and colonels and in support, we

respectively, in Tawi-Tawi and nonoperational airports in Malabang and Wao in Lanao del Sur are now under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) in BARMM.

CAAP intelligence and security chief Brig. Gen. Dionisio Robles, BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim and Regional Transportation and

By Edwin O. Fernandez

OFFICIALS of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) today announced it recorded the lowest inflation rate in the country last December at 6.3 percent, a report released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA-BARMM) showed.

The Bangsamoro Information Office (BIO) reported that coming second lowest

are Region 12 or Soccsksargen Region and Region-4A or CALABARZON areas at 7.1 percent. Region 5 or BICOL Region has third lowest inflation rate at 7.2 percent.

The PSA also reported that Region-6 or Western Visayas Region got the highest inflation rate at 10.5 percent.

Edward Donald Eloja, PSABARMM chief statistical specialist,

heeded the call to tender our courtesy resignation,” Brig. Gen. Guyguyon said.

He said 15 of his subordinate colonels also voluntarily resigned but remain in their

respective posts.

“This is just to pave the way for an impartial investigation on those who are into illegal drugs. Status quo pa din kami,” he said, adding

IAG study sheds light on

extremists’ recruitment

HIGHLIGHTS:

• The Institute for Autonomy and Governance releases a new report entitled “Youth Vulnerability to Violent Extremism”

• The report suggests that the recruitment arguments of violent extremist groups like the Maute may be resonating more than ever with Muslim youth

• The report recommends building capacity around a moderate interpretation of Islam to counter extremist ideology and stronger government action on poverty alleviation and granting Muslim youth access to education

The IAG has released a new report that sheds light on the renewed recruitment drive by terrorist groups in Muslim Mindanao.

On December 11, the Philippine military said it had discovered a weeksold training camp and bomb-making facility in Lanao del Sur, where the Islamic State-inspired Maute Group has restarted recruiting youth members.

The December 2022 IAG study, entitled “Youth Vulnerability to Violent Extremism,” found that the majority of the 800 youth respondents (50.4%) agree or strongly agree that “jihad qital (armed struggle) is an obligation of every Muslim.”

This interpretation is the one propagated by violent extremist groups such as the Maute and is not in line with the moderate interpretation of traditional Islam.

More than six out of ten respondents (67.8%) also agree or strongly agree with the statement: “I believe that discrimination against Moros

country.

All over the Philippines, festivals are being celebrated in honor of Santo Niño. - driftstories.com

BARMM

Moro ex-combatant now a music performer

Philippine

TWO police brigadier generals and 28 police colonels in the Bangsamoro region and Soccsksargen have tendered their courtesy resignation and expressed support the efforts to cleanse the Philippine National Police (PNP) of scalawags.

BARMM records Phil. lowest inflation rate at 6.3%

PRICE MONITORING. AA staff of Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR-BARMM), conducts monitoring on prices of basic commodities like rice and food supplies as part of determining region’s inflation rate

Photo courtesy of Connie Canlas/MAFAR-BARMM

VIVA! PIT SENIOR SANTO NIÑO. Image like this will highlight today’s Halad festival Indakan sa kadalanan 2023 beginning at 6 p.m. along Quezon Ave, Midsayap. The “Indakan” will commence at Barangay Poblacion 8 going around town and to the NDMC compound for the showdown. This line with the Sto. Niño patronal fiesta celebrati on.

Photo courtesy of MyMindanao

BARMM execs laud Galvez appointment to DND

BANGSAMORO officials have expressed support for and welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s appointment of Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez, Jr. to the defense portfolio, following the resignation Monday of Defense Undersecretary Jose Faustino.

Education Minister Mohaguer Iqbal of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao sent congratulatory message in behalf of BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, after Malacanang confirmed Galvez’s appointment as secretary of the Department of National Defense.

Iqbal said Ebrahim expressed optimism that he (Sec. Galvez) “will excel in this new position and that we are excited to see what he will have to achieve in the coming years.”

“We have worked with Secretary Galvez for many years and on various roles - when he was in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, where he had served in various leadership positions, including being AFP Chief of Staff and as commander of the Western Mindanao Command, and as head of the National Task Force against COVID-19 while serving as Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU)—under both President Rodrigo R.

Duterte and President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr,” he said.

Iqbal, also chief peace negotiator for the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), said the BARMM leadership often cites Galvez’s “direct contributions to the GPH-MILF peace process, he being a consistent partner in the faithful implementation of the peace agreements and the annexes.”

“We are specifically thankful to Secretary Galvez for his direct contributions to GPH-MILF peace process. He has been a partner in the faithful implementation of the peace agreements and the annexes, Iqbal said in a statement.

Iqbal said Galvez’s “deep understanding of the context and challenges of the Bangsamoro and (having established) good relations with the MILF has brought us nearer to the goal of peace in the Bangsamoro.”

On the another note, Iqbal said, the MILF looks forward to working with the next Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (PAPRU), whoever

DOLE-12 releases TUPAD wages to Paeng-hit areas in Sox

THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-12) has released a total of PHP160 million worth of wages for 44,471 individuals who are beneficiaries of Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Program, DOLE12 announced Friday.

In a statement, DOLE 12 Regional Director Raymundo G. Agravante said the distribution was coordinated with the respective local government units across the region, the Public Employment Services Offices and with the Philippine Army.

The beneficiaries were families affected by “Typhoon Paeng” which devastated some parts of North

Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato and Sarangani.

“The temporary wage employment is a part of DOLE’s recovery initiative to deter the negative impact of the calamity on the lives and economy of the affected areas,” Agravante said.

To ensure prompt delivery of services, DOLE 12 implemented the cash payout to 18 affected municipalities of Alamada, Aleosan, Kabacan, Libungan, Midsayap, Pigcawayan in North Cotabato; Alabel, Malapatan, Kiamba, Maasim, Glan, Maitum in Sarangani, T’Boli in South Cotabato, Bagumbayan, Senator Ninoy Aquino, Kalamansig, Palimbang, and Lebak in Sultan Kudarat and in General Santos

City.

The beneficiaries received a total wage of PHP3,680 for 10 days of work with a total grant of PHP 163,653,280.

With the damages to property caused by flooding and strong winds, the beneficiaries focused on clean-up and clearing activities to rehabilitate their communities.

And they get paid via TUPAD.

The TUPAD program is a community-based package of assistance that provides emergency employment for the displaced, underemployed, and seasonal workers, for a minimum period of 10 days, but not to exceed 90 days, depending on the nature of work to be performed. EOF

Comply franchise documents, BARMM drivers told

BANGSAMORO Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) began the information drive for public transport operators and stakeholders in the region to comply with their franchise documents before its operation in March this year.

The activity, which will run from Jan. 10-12, aimed to implement the board’s mandate which is to serve the Bangsamoro stakeholders with reliable and safe travel to the commuting public.

“Our officers and staff will begin their work to convey their (motorists) role as operators to comply with the rules and regulations of the LTFRB,” said, Director II of Land and Transport Services Datunor Abutazil.

“To our fellow motorists with passenger cars, our Ministry, headed by Atty. Paisalin Tago, has given a three-

that a committee of five formed by DILG will determine and make recommendations to the President who will go and who will stay.

Guyguyon said his and his subordinates’ decision to tender resignation was “to show commitment and cooperation with the ongoing internal cleansing program of the PNP.”

He hinted that he has never been into illegal activities since joining the national police force.

Guyguyon also said that he was confident none from among the BARMM police officials are involved in illegal drug activities.

“I entrust my 33 years of service to SILG’s good intentions so I heeded the call of CPNP and led the signing of our courtesy resignations in support to the PNP internal cleansing,” Brig. Gen. Guyguyon said.

“For the good of the majority, let us relieve ourselves and our countrymen of the doubts that are arising in our organization,” he added.

In the meantime, Guyguyon directed all police provincial directors and police mobile group chiefs to intensify anti-criminality operation and ensure to serve and protect the Bangsamoro people.

Brig. Gen. Macaraeg said under his command all police officials are professionals and competent.

“I am positive that the personnel of PRO-12 holding high posts are professional and competent to

month (Jan-March 2023) grace period for passenger cars that have not yet complied with their franchise. If possible, please consult our office to find out the details,” Abutazil added.

Meanwhile, Rasol Arsad, one of the operators said, “kung sabagay maganda naman itong ginagawa ng LTFRB BARMM para madisiplina ang mga drivers, kung nagbibiyahe tayo ay dapat kumpleto ang mga papeles natin."

Arsad further said that there should be a regular checkpoint conducted by the BLFTRB to eradicate illegal usage of franchises, especially for Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs).

Accordingly, the same activity shall be held in Lanao del Sur tentatively on January 16 to 18, to be followed in the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. Majid Nur/BIO

serve as good examples to their subordinates,” Brig. Gen. Macaraeg said as he and his subordinates showed their respective courtesy resignation letters.

“In fact, there is no recorded PRO-12 personnel involved in illegal drugs,” he added.

Sec. Abalos Jr has appealed last week for all police generals and police colonels to tender courtesy

resignation as part of the cleansing process to get rid the police force of personnel who are involved in illegal drugs.

Macaraeg stressed that all police personnel under PRO-12 are strongly supporting the SILG’s intention to clean the ranks of the PNP from the scalawags as the PNP is the top agency to fight illegal drug menace of the country.

Lamitan gets public market from BARMM

LAMITAN City received from the Bangsamoro government half of a P15 million allocation for a market building project in support of its local government unit’s socioeconomic thrusts.

The checks amounting to P7.5 million were turned over Friday by Bangsamoro Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo to Lamitan City Mayor Roderick Furigay during a simple rite, witnessed by other regional officials.

The Ministry of the Interior and Local Government-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and the office of Furigay are to jointly implement the twostorey market building project.

“We are grateful to the Bangsamoro government for embarking on this project,” Furigay said after receiving the initial P7.5 million infrastructure grant.

Lamitan City is in Basilan, which also covers Isabela City and 11 other municipalities.

The office of Sinarimbo also released last December to Mayor Jaydeefar Lajid of Al-Barka town in Basilan half of a P15 million allocation for a market building in his municipality to help hasten its recovery from deadly armed conflicts

in decades past.

Sinarimbo, in a message after his turn over to Furigay of the initial fund tranche, said he is glad with Lamitan City’s having received, from the central office of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, five Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) citations since 2016.

The DILG’s grant of the vaunted SGLG to deserving municipal, city and provincial governments is a yearly program of the department, premised on efficient fund handling, extensive peace and security programs and community-empowerment projects of nominee-LGUs.

Sources from DILG's regional offices in Regions 9 and 12 said an SGLG can never be awarded to any LGU whose officials have issues with the Commission on Audit and the Ombudsman, or are involved in criminal activities.

Sinarimbo said the Bangsamoro government is keen on supporting the peace and development efforts of LGUs in the autonomous region that covers the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi and the cities of Lamitan, Marawi and Cotabato.JFU

P500K reward up for killers of Polomolok CSU members

KORONADAL CITY — A P500,000 bounty has been offered for anyone who can provide information that will lead to the identification and arrest of gunmen behind the murder of four members of civil security unit (CSU) of Polomolok, South Cotabato.

On Tuesday, Mayor Bernie “Jojo” Palencia offered the reward money to accelerate the resolution of the successive murders of four municipal civil security unit members, the latest of whom was a retired police major who was serving as CSU intelligence chief.

Palencia recalled that retired Major Donald Cabigas, 56, shot dead inside his LPG store in Barangay Poblacion on Jan. 9, was the fourth municipal CSU member killed in a series of gun attacks since last year.

He said last November 18, CSU member Adonis Dionela was shot dead by still unidentified gunmen in the municipal cemetery where he was assigned as security personnel.

On Friday, January 6, unidentified gunmen shot dead two other CSU members along the national highway in Barangay Sulit, Polomolok, South Cotabato.

They were identified as retired police officer Bonifacio Cabisada, 58,

and Jessie Arciete, 56, both bodyguards of Mayor Palencia. They were both driving separate motorbikes at past 6 p.m. when attacked.

“The gunmen and the victims were seen talking to each other while travelling on motorbikes, so the theory was they knew each other,” Mayor Palencia said, quoting an unidentified witness to the shooting.

On the other hand, Cabigas was inside his family owned LPG store in Barangay Poblacion when two men barged inside and shot him several times.

A CCTV footage showed the two suspects were seen walking near the LPG store, then barged inside and opened fire.

The shooting was over in 20 seconds. Then the suspects fled and boarded two separate waiting motorbikes driven by accomplices and sped away.

Scene of the crime operatives found at least 17 empty shells for caliber .45 pistol and 9mm pistol. A sling bag owned by Cabigas was found at the crime scene. It contained bullets for cal. 45 pistol but the firearm was gone.

“It is hard to say if these are the handiwork of one group or several groups, our police are still investigating,” Palencia said in news conference.

EOF

PRO-12, BARMM police officials resign...from P1

Stand for truth and justice, Manila cardinal...from P4

people attended the Mass, many donning protective masks and small replicas of the Black Nazarene.

On Sunday, around 88,000 devotees also took part in the pre-dawn “Walk of Faith” from the grandstand to Quiapo Church, where the original image of the black Jesus is enshrined.

The major difference between the

procession and the Traslacion was the absence of the life-size statue of Jesus Christ carrying the cross.

In Quiapo Church, fiesta Masses are also being held every hour since 12am. The last Mass will be at 11pm.

As of 1pm, around 200,000 devotees have visited the church to pray and pay homage to the Black Nazarene. CBCP News

IAG study sheds light on extremists’...from P1

is enough justification to bear arms and fight.” Also backed by violent extremist groups, this interpretation equates anti-Muslim discriminatory practices (such as denying employment to a Muslim because of his religion) with the life-and-death actions of aggressors bent on destroying Islam, in effect adding a new justification for waging “jihad qital.”

Recommended Action

“Our study suggests that the recruitment arguments of the Maute Group and other terrorist organizations in Muslim Mindanao may be resonating more than ever with Muslim youth,” warned Atty. Benedicto R. Bacani, who is Executive Director of the IAG.

Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (NAP P/CVE), which was finalized in 2019.

When told what P/CVE programs are planned, the 800 respondents were most interested in scholarships and training opportunities for Moro youth. About 73.9% chose this option when presented with a list of suggestions on how to prevent young people from joining VE groups.

The respondents also endorsed suggestions to extend the national government’s 4Ps conditional cash grants program to their communities (64.5%) and to provide entrepreneurship tutoring to the youth and giving them access to capital (54.8%).

The 2022 report surveyed 400 urban youth and 400 rural youth from conflict-affected areas, interviewed 32 key informants from local government units, schools, civil society organizations, the security sector, international non-government organizations, and other relevant institutions.

It also conducted 24 focus group discussions with 192 participants, comprising in-school/outof-school, male/female youth participants from urban and rural areas, and developed five case studies around former members of violent extremist groups.

The field work was completed in March 2022 and the research was made possible with the support of the Australian Government.

implemented in the term of the Department of Mindanao and Sulu from 1914 onwards (as conceived in the early period of the Philippine Commission) are the LanaoCotabato Road, Cotabato-Midsayap-Makar Road. The period of the road construction marked the major influx of settlers, mostly

BARMM execs laud Galvez appointment to...from P2

might be appointed by the President.

“The hope is that the momentum that was started will continue to be sustained,” Iqbal said.

He added that “if lessons can be gleaned from the history, a successful implementation of the peace agreement, would (would just be as successful), with:

1) A deep understanding and work experience on the Bangsamoro context,

2) Full articulation and preference of peace as a national policy framework,

3) Familiar and cordial dealing with the international diplomatic community that has much invested on peace in the region,

4) With the peace process being on implementation phase, the skills on governance would have to be developed further on the aspect of humanitarian and

integration of militarycivilian functions, and

5) More importantly, not to be hostile to the MILF as an organization.

“Again, congratulations to Secretary Galvez and as we continue the work on peace in the Bangsamoro, we await for the next tenure to be working closely with the next PAPRU (Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Reconciliation and Development),” Iqbal said. NBM

BARMM now manages 6 airports .from P1

Communications Minister Paisalin Tago facilitated the symbolic transfer of the management of the six airports from the national government to the MOTC at the Awang airport on Tuesday.

Ebrahim and Tago expressed gratitude to CAAP for turning over to the regional government the management of the airport as provided under Republic Act 11054 or the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

Under RA 11054, the Bangsamoro government shall have the authority

to grant regional franchises, licenses and permits to land, sea and air transportation plying routes in the provinces or cities within the autonomous region.

“We are compelled to manage these airports efficiently to show to the national government that the Bangsamoro government is capable of overseeing these facilities nicely, efficiently. This, for us, is a big challenge,” Tago said.

The transfer of CAAP’s powers and functions to the MOTC is provided

BARMM records Phil. lowest...from P1

said that the region’s inflation rate at 6.3 percent last month was slightly higher as against 6.0 percent in November 2022.

“The slight increase of an inflation rate to 0.3 percent in December compared to the previous month in the Bangsamoro region was primarily due to the increase in growths in the indices of two commodity groups,” Eloja said.

“These are the food and non-alcoholic beverages at 8.5 percent in December compared to 7.6 percent in November; and housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels at 3.2 percent compared to 2.9 percent in

November,” he added.

Eloja also reported that BARMM has recorded an average monthly inflation rate of 4.1 percent in the entire year of 2022.

Lanao Del Sur still recorded the highest inflation rate in December 2022 among BARMM provinces at 8.7 percent followed by Tawi-Tawi at 7.3 percent, Basilan at 6.6 percent, Sulu at 5.4 percent, and Maguindanao at 4.8 percent.

PSA-BARMM also reported that Cotabato City increased its inflation rate to 5.3 percent in December compared to the 4.2 percent in November 2022.

under a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed in September last year.

Under the MOA, CAAP will transfer the properties, assets, powers and functions pertaining to the landside management of the six airports.

It includes the passenger terminal building, administrative building, vehicular parking area and other facilities that are not restricted or not part of air navigational aids and facilities.

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late Spouses SALILAGUIA K. MASABPI and PINDA B. MASABPI who died on February 27, 1990 and November 4, 1992, respectively in Brgy. Poblacion VII, Cotabato City, a parcel of land Lot 6990, Buluan Pls-73, containing an area of 97,785 sq. mts., more or less, covered by OCT No. (V-334) P-149 is subject of extrajudicial settlement with waiver of rights before Notary Public Atty. Agnes r. De Castro-Jagunap as per Doc. No. 080; Page No. 080; Book No. XXIX; Series of 2023.

MC: Jan. 14, 21 & 28, 2023

He noted that one of the report’s recommendations is to enlist government agencies in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to build capacity around the Islamic concept of wasatiyyah (moderation) as a counterpoint to the ideology of violent extremism.

The IAG report also found that only 9.6% of respondents are aware of programs and projects under the National Action

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late LAMBERTO DEVILA who died intestate on December 20, 1989 at Kiwanan, Misdayap, Cotabato, a parcel of land Lot 8 Psd-12050825, situated at Sadaan now Kiwanan, Midsayap, Cotabato, covered by TCT No. T-117654, containing an area of 6,677 sq. mts., more or less is subject of deed of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous deed of sale before Notary Public Roland D. Jungco as per Doc. No. 124; Page No. 26; Book No. 142; Series of 2022.

MC: Dec. 31, 2022, Jan. 7 & 14, 2023

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late LAMBERTO LACUMBO PRAGADOS, who died intestate on October 19, 2003, left parcels of land Lot No. 1491, Pls-222, OCT No. V-11349, area of 99,576 sq. mts. in New Panay, M’lang (now Tulunan), Cotabato; Lot 2165B, (LRC) Psd-136752, TCT No. T-32877, area of 46,420 sq. mts. in Tuburan, Tulunan, Cotabato; and untitled land Lot No. 2969-TS268, area of 800 sq. mts. in Poblacion, M’lang, Cotabato; Lot No. 2778, Pls-222, area of 600 sq. mts. and Lot No. 2777, Pls-222, area of 600 sq. mts., more or less, both in Poblacion, Tulunan, Cotabato are subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with deed of partition before Notary Public Jose Robelle C. Portaje as per Doc. No. 484; Page No. 98; Book No. LXXXII; Series of 2023.

All these are consistent with the respondents’ belief that the two main push factors toward violent extremist are poverty and lack of access to education.

ADJUDICATION BY SOLE HEIR

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late MACARIO B. BEGONIA, who died intestate on June 24, 1985 in Libungan, Cotabato, a parcel of land Lot No. 188, Pls134, containing an area of 66,061 sq. mts., more or less, covered by OCT No. P-37678, located in Montay, Midsayap now Libungan, Cotabato is subject of adjudication by sole heir with simultaneous deed of absolute sale of a portion of land before Notary Public Noel A. Gretare, CPA as per Doc. No. 4315; Page No. 17; Book No. LXXXVIII; Series of 2022.

Mc: Jan. 14, 21 & 28, 2023

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 12th Judicial Region BRANCH 14 Cotabato City

SPECIAL PROC. NO. 20221580 -forCANCELLATION OF ENTRIES IN THE CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH OF AL-SHAMER SINSUAT SANGKIGAY (REGISTRY NO. 96-1813)

AL-SHAMER FOUZIE SINSUAT SANGKIGAY a.k.a. SHAMIER SINSUAT DE CASTRO and MANUEL L. DE CASTRO, JR., Petitioners, -versusVICKY GARDNER SINSUAT, JERRY PANGAWILAN SANGKIGAY, AND CIVIL REGISTRAR OF COTABATO CITY, Respondents. x----------------------------------------x

ORDER

A verified petition was filed by petitioners, assisted by counsel, Atty. Jirah L. Jareta, praying that an Order be issued directing the Civil Registrar of Cotabato City to CANCEL Shamier Sinsuat De Castro’s Certificate of Live Birth (Registry No, 96-1813). Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, let this case be set for hearing on February 21, 2023 at 1:30 o’clock in the afternoon.

Let this Order be published in a newspaper edited and of general circulation in the City of Cotabato and Province of Maguindanao, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks prior to the date of hearing at the expense of the petitioner.

SO ORDERED.

Cotabato City, Philippines, this 13th day of December, 2022.

(Sgd.) KASAN K. ABDULRAKMAN

Acting Presiding Judge MC: Jan. 14, 21 & 28, 2023

SDC SPL. PROC. NO. 2022-578

IN THE MATTER OF PETITION FOR CORRECTION OF ERRONEOUS ENTRIES IN THE CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH UNDER REGISTRY NO. 2015-08 IN THE NAME OF FAHAD BLAH RAPA

FAHAD BLAH RAPA Petitoner, -versus-

THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF MAMASAPANO, MAGUINDANAO PROVINCE Respondent. x———————————x ORDER

Filed with this Court is a petition for correction of erroneous entries in the Certificate of Live Birth of the petitioner, FAHAD BLAH RAPA who alleged, among others: That his parents are Rapa Dalangalan Tiago and Nor-ain Ahmad Puasa; That he was born on January 01, 2003 at Bagumbong, Mamasapano, Maguindanao; That in his Certificate of Live Birth, the name of his mother was erroneously entered as “Gandalia Idza Blah” instead of “Nor-ain Ahmad Puasa”; That his middle name was erroneously entered as “Blah” instead of “Puasa”; That Gandalia Izda Blah is not the biological mother of petitioner but the one who took care of him when his mother Nor-ain Ahmad Puasa was working abroad, and; That the purpose of filing this petition is to straighten petitioner’s record, not to deceive anybody.

The Court after reading the petition finds the same sufficient in form and substance.

WHEREFORE, premises considered, the case is set for hearing on February 8, 2023 at 8:30 in the morning. The petitioner must cause the publication of this Order once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation. Furnish copy of this petition to the Honorable Solicitor General for information and proper representation. Anybody who maybe prejudiced by this petition may file his/her comment thereto, or appear on said hearing and show cause why this petition should not be granted.

SO ORDERED.

Marawi City for Cotabato City, Philippines, December 15, 2022.

(Sgd.) Hon. RASAD S. LAGUINDAB Acting Presiding Judge MC: Jan. 14, 21 & 28, 2023

Cardinal Jose Advincula leads Mass at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila to celebrate the Feast of the Black Nazarene on Jan. 9, 2023. Photo courtesy of VATICAN MEDIA

Republic of the Philippines SUPREME COURT 5th SHARI’A DISTRICT COURT Cotabato City

road construction workers, along with the Cebuano farmer-constituents of Sergio Osmena Sr. who authored the Osmena Colony Act of 1913. That law passed by the Philippine Commission (under the U.S. Government) as first implemented in 1914, is as old as Salipada Pendatun himself who

Where to start writing contemporary Moro...from P5 MC

A

Philippine court clears Catholic missionary nun, rights activists of perjury charges

in the Philippines

A Quezon City Metropolitan Trial Court in the capital Manila acquitted the activists after the prosecution failed to establish “beyond reasonable doubt” that the accused “made a willful and deliberate assertion of a falsehood.”

Among those found not guilty were Sister Elenita Belardo, national coordinator of the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines (RMP); women rights activists Gertrudes Libang and Joan Salvador; and human rights advocates Cristina Palabay, Elisa Lubi, Roneo Clamor, Edita Burgos, Wilfredo Ruazol, Gabriela Krista Dalena, and Jose Mari Callueng.

The case stems from a complaint filed by former National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon who claimed that leaders of the RMP, human rights group Karapatan, and women’s group Gabriela lied in their petition for a “writ of amparo” before the Supreme Court.

Esperon — who was a respondent in the amparo petition — accused the activists of calling RMP a “registered nonstock, non-profit organization” even as the Securities and Exchange Commission reportedly revoked the organization’s certificate of registration in 2003.

The Quezon City prosecutor’s office initially indicted the 80-year-ol Belardo, a member of the Religious of the Good Shepherd congregation. Esperon later appealed and included the other activists in the charge.

In a statement, Karapatan welcomed the dismissal of the case, calling it “a

victory of truth and justice, against lies.”

The human rights group maintained that the case was “aimed at disrupting our work … in helping victims (of human rights violations) seek justice, in defending the rights of people.”

“We will continue to explore all options under domestic and international human rights mechanisms to hold the perpetrators of this form of judicial harassment accountable,” read the Karapatan statement.

Women’s group Gabriela expressed hope that “this positive decision augurs well for the calls to stop the attacks against human rights defenders in the country.”

The ecumenical group Promotion of Church People’s Response said the acquittal of the activists was “a much hoped for result.”

“However, the very struggle to overcome this charge pushed by [Esperon] underscores the great dangers in defending human rights in the Philippines.”

The group said the threats, harrassment, and other abuses faced by human rights defenders “are clear and present dangers.”

Ecumenical youth group Student Christian Movement of the Philippines also welcomed the dismissal of the case, saying “Our God is truly a God of justice and reason.”

“Through our faith and struggle, we can win against fabricated cases against human rights defenders and expose those who attempt to use the law for the defence

of the selfish powerful,” said Kej Andres, the group’s national spokesperson.

“This victory is a joint effort not only by the legal teams of organizations, but also by the wide support of Filipino masses and Filipino religious who stand by the defense of human rights and defense of our faith to serve the marginalized,” he added. The Rural Missionaries of the Philippines is a religious organization, which is inter-congregational and interdiocesan in character, of religious women

and men, priests, and lay people that was founded on Aug. 15, 1969.

It is a “mission partner” of the Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines, now known as the Conference of Major Superiors in the Philippines.

The faith-based group is currently under scrutiny of the Philippine government for alleged terrorism financing and for allegedly being an aboveground communist organization. LiCAS News

Bishop, maritime chaplains seek help for Pinoy sailors abandoned by Chinese vessel employer

A Catholic bishop and several maritime chaplains appealed for compassion for 30 Filipino seafarers stranded in Australia and reportedly abandoned by their Chinese vessel employer.

Bishop Ruperto Santos of Stella Maris Philippines and its chaplains nationwide

made the call as they condemned what they call “despicable exploitation” of the seafarers.

“We deplore this unjust treatment of the vulnerable crews, currently stranded in Australia, whose only dream is to give their families a better life,” they said in a statement.

“We pray that our seafarers may be given immediate assistance and every effort be made to protect their rights.”

“We are also hopeful for their fair remuneration, not only the unpaid wages for their services rendered but also for the sacrifices they endured,” they added.

The livestock carrier Yangtze Fortune has been anchored near Portland since October and has been facing Australian court proceedings brought by Singaporean commercial creditors to recover debts owed to them by the shipowner.

Supplies onboard the ship are running low and many of the crew are

desperate to get home, but must stay with the ship to wait for the court ruling, according to the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF).

“These workers are already owed, collectively, more than a quarter of a million dollars in unpaid wages, and while the court action is on foot, they must stay with their ship despite the ever diminishing prospect of receiving what is owed to them” said ITF Australian Inspectorate Coordinator Ian Bray.

Bishop Santos said they will continue to pray and offer Masses for the safety, sound health, and peaceful voyage back home of the seafarers. CBCP News

Stand for truth and justice, Manila cardinal urges Nazarene devotees

CELEBRATING Mass on the Feast of the Black Nazarene for the second time as Manila archbishop, Cardinal Jose Advincula called on devotees to work for truth and justice as Christ did.

Speaking before a throng of devotees gathered at the Quirino Grandstand at midnight of Jan. 9, he urged them to share of Christ’s sufferings for the salvation of the world.

“Let us abandon a life of sin and live in the honor of God’s children. Let us strive to win truth, justice, and peace in the world,” Advincula said in Filipino.

The cardinal further encouraged the devotees to show their devotion through acts of compassion and charity.

“Let’s empathize with our neighbors and care for each other. Let’s reach out to our brothers and sisters, especially those who are struggling right now,” he said.

The liturgical service at the Quirino Grandstand for the Black Nazarene feast marked the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic struck in March 2020.

While most traditional activities for the religious event were resumed, the “Traslacion”, which usually draws millions to Manila’s streets, was called off again this year as the pandemic remains a threat.

Church authorities estimated at least 92,000

In the Philippines, just after the Christmas season, we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Child, or the Sto. Nin’o. Somehow we are extending Christmas. Historically, the devotion is connected to the coming of Christianity to the Philippines with the Spanish conquistadores 502 years ago. They brought with them the image of the Holy Child and since then this devotion to Jesus as an infant has spread all over the Archipelago. Popular devotion is such that certain practices have grown around this image which may seem idolatrous to strangers. Devotees dress the statue in many ways, not just with the regular apparel but even in various uniforms as policeman, teacher, farmer, fisherman, and any other imaginable way. Devotees also dance with the image while shouting “Pit Senior”. No matter what theologians, catechists, and preachers say about the practices of the devotion, in the hearts of devotees, it’s their way of expressing love, adoration, and petition to God.

The Child Within

as being of no account in adult gatherings. They were among the lowly ones, like the poor, the widows, the shepherds, the public sinners, and the ostracized members of society. Jesus was giving another lesson in caring for the least and the disadvantaged rather than competing for the highest place. Of course, children can be noisy, wild, irritating, and disturbing but there is some good things that we can learn from children.

Daily Scripture Readings

2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jesus indeed did not remain a child. He grew up in “age, wisdom, and favor with God” (Luke 2:52). He learned the trade of Joseph as a carpenter. He was involved in the life of the community and joined the synagogue of his little town of Nazareth. When he started preaching, He showed special affection for the children, welcoming and blessing them, even when the disciples tried to keep them away. As this Sunday’s gospel tells us, the Lord even set a little child before them as an example. What is in a child that the Lord would say, “Amen I say to you, unless you turn and become like little children, you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven” (Mt. 18:3)? The Lord was teaching his disciples the virtue of humility. During their time, children were treated

Psychologists and counsellors today speak about discovering the inner child in us. According to this psychological theory, many of our adult behaviors even the destructive ones are a carryover of our past experiences as children. There are adults who throw tantrums when they do not get what they want. There are adults who get depressed when they do not get the attention and affection that they expect. There are adults who grab the “toys” and properties of others just because they want them. There are also the positive characteristics of children which we may have suppressed and denied as we grew into adults. We lost the spontaneity and sense of discovering new things. We lost the ability to laugh and enjoy life. We no longer dance and play. We have become too serious with life and we lost the sense of fun that we had as children.

The feast of the Holy Child is a good reminder for us to rediscover and revive the positive side of our inner child. It is also a good time to review some selfdestructive and other-destructive behaviors that we have developed along the way to protect the child in us as we were growing up. If we are fortunate to be in touch with children in our own families, let us show them our affection and respect. “Viva Sto. Nin’o.”

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

Isaiah 49.3, 5-6; 1 Corinthians 1.1-3; John 1.29-34

Readings: no. 311, p. 119

1st Reading: Hebrews 5.1-10 Gospel: Mark 2.18-22

Readings: no. 312, p. 121 or no. 513, p. 626

1st Reading: Hebrews 6.10-20

Gospel: Mark 2.23-28

Readings: no. 313, p. 123

1st Reading: Hebrews 7.1-3, 15-17

Gospel: Mark 3.1-6

Readings: no. 314, p. 125

1st Reading: Hebrews 7.25 - 8.6 Gospel: Mark 3.7-12

Readings: no. 315, p. 127

1st Reading: Hebrews 8.6-13 Gospel: Mark 3.13-19

21 Readings: no. 316, p. 129 or no. 516, p. 628

1st Reading: Hebrews 9.2-3, 11-14 Gospel: Mark 3.20-21

court

cleared a Catholic missionary nun and several human rights activists of perjury charges that were filed by the country’s former national security adviser in 2019.

Human rights activists welcome a court decision in Manila on Jan. 9, 2023, that dismissed perjury charges filed against leaders of a religious organization and human rights advocates. Photo courtesy of Mark Salundes/LICAS News

EDITORIAL

Giving More Importance to Climate Change

Asthe new year 2023 comes in, the same problems are seen by a world population that have suffered for the past years due to the effect of climate change. These two words have been controversial ever since it was mentioned as a danger to the world by a former vice president of the United States several years ago. At present, this is now taken seriously by all countries, especially the Philippines since its effects have caused a lot of damage to the country and its people.

According to NASA, “global climate change is not a future problem. Changes to Earth’s climate driven by increased human emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gases are already having widespread effects on the environment: glaciers and ice sheets are shrinking, river and lake ice is breaking up earlier, plant and animal geographic ranges are shifting, and plants and trees are blooming sooner”. This is the reason why developed countries are asked by poor countries to allocate sufficient amount to help in the process of helping hard hit areas recover from the damages of climate change.

Right here in the BARMM and XII Regions, which boasts of being outside the path of typhoons, just last year and the previous years, this historical perspective can no longer be relied upon due to the frequent onslaught of storms and typhoons on the otherwise “safe areas of Mindanao”. Due to the heavy rains that the northern Mindanao areas are subjected to, the flow of water is relatively heavier, causing widespread flooding in communities found along the rivers of the Cotabato River Basin. In other parts of the country, sea levels have been observed to rise, another phenomenon that scientists found to be connected to climate change.

Another observation is the extreme high temperature pervading in the area. Everyone complained of the hot temperature that necessitates the opening of air conditioners and electric fans. In some mountainous areas, the semblance of a drought are alerting farmers and agriculturists to another failure in production. It seem to be the exact opposite of the cold front that is experienced by residents in temperate countries like the US and China during the same period. It may also be important for residents of Cotabato City that it is located in a delta. Some cities located in a delta like Mexico City was found to be sinking every year. It may go the same way. Watch out, Cotabatenos! MC

Itwas so for the year, so is it for Maguindanao.

On January 9, the last flag-raising ceremony for the old and undivided province was held in Buluan, attended by officials and employees of what has now become two Maguindanao provinces. With the end of a 60-day transition period mandated by a law that split the old province into two, Republic Act 11550 signed by then President Rodrigo Duterte on May 7, 2021, the two new provincial governments of Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur are now formed.

Maguindanao del Norte, to be made up of 12 municipalities, will have its seat in Datu Odin Sinsuat town, while Maguindanao del sur, which will be composed of 24 municipalities, retains Buluan as its seat of government.

The undivided Maguindanao province, once part of the empire province of Cotabato, was carved out of what remained to be Cotabato province in 1966 when several of its municipalities were separated to constitute the province of South Cotabato. In 1973, Cotabato was further split to create three new provinces: Maguindanao, (North) Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat.

The division into two new provinces comes after five decades of existence for the old undivided Maguindanao. A plebiscite for the ratification of Republic Act 11550 was held on September 17, 2022, with at least 706,558 voting to ratify the law, and only 5,209 voters opposing it. The plebiscite was said to be “the most participated in terms of number of registered and actual voters, with the voter turnout recorded as the second highest, only behind that of the 1998 plebiscite creating and taking Compostela Valley from Davao del Norte.”

Proponents and supporters of the division of Maguindanao into two new provinces believe the move would hasten and make more efficient the delivery of basic services.

Senator Francis Tolentino, who sponsored the then proposed law in the Senate, said the split would speed up the political, social, and economic development of the Maguindanao territory, and make government services more accessible.

When he sponsored the bill, Tolentino said, “The size of the province remains to be a challenge for the provincial

Carlos C. Bautista caloyb@gmail.com

government to provide basic services like public health care, education, and transportation to the most remote villages.”

Tolentino said the creation of more public offices because of the division would expand the democratic space for qualified and dedicated public servants to participate in the governance of the provinces.

That is no doubt the hope of the many constituents of the two new provinces of Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur, that split that they have overwhelmingly voted for would bring a better life for them overall.

Maguindanao has always been ranked among the poorest provinces in the country with a high poverty incidence rate. There has been some improvement of late with the province moving up from Cluster 1 for poorest provinces with a poverty incidence of 48.6 percent in 2018 to Cluster 2 with 37.1 percent of poverty incidence in 2021. Violence due to conflict has also wracked the province for decades further making the already difficult situation amid poverty harder. The gains of the Bangsamoro Peace Process between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front has done a lot to improve the situation but the challenge of really making Maguindanao a province of lasting peace and development remains.

Would the hopes of the people of the two new provinces of Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur of a better life, more peaceful and more progressive, be fulfilled?

We sure hope and pray it does.

EXPERTS

and lay workers on Moro History cannot seem to agree on where to start writing a contemporary Moro history for a commission created by the Bangsamoro Government. An “Outline of Contemporary Bangsamoro History” would be a good start.

A “contemporary history” would probably cover the formation of the Moro movements for secession or independence which eventually settled for autonomy along long roads of peace negotiations to political settlement that varied in terms of acceptability by the Moro National Liberation Front and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. To his credit, former President Rodrigo R. Duterte had settled the issue of acceptability by sheer political will.

When I was commissioned by the Bangsamoro Government to write the profile of the MILF founder, the late Sheikh Salamat Hashim (Allahu Yarham), I did not focus on the professional and political achievements of the person. Rather, I opted to connect “dots” in story form that led to the formation of the MILF, the role of its other leaders—and the negotiations that led to the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

My unsolicited advice to the experts of the commission is to handle essential facts from touching on sensitivities, especially on the issues of settlement, settlers, and the armed conflict of the early 1970’s involving non-Muslim, Visayan militias. Intensive research works would have to be in place on the nature of this conflict and its actors—to avoid reopening of old wounds which would be counterproductive to peace.

Some local exchanges on the “story” of migration to Mindanao of settlers from the north point to an accidental “offshoot” of the battles fought in Mindanao during the World War II for which contemporary tellers would conveniently blame just a single Moro political figure— without further re-examining tales told from nowhere.

But how to go about “the missing links” like, if we start from World War II, there were three armed groups then: 1) The invading foreign forces; 2) The local military allies of the foreign forces, the pro-government Constables, and the fierce resistance movement of the Moro Bolo Battalion which also fought the local forces of the proJaps Laurel government, and which later evolved into Cotabato-Bukidnon Force of Muslim-Christian guerrillas (in ratio of 30:70). In other words, the settlers already grew in number during the last world war. The Moro leaders were never connected to the Manila government

during the war. The subsequent Liberation proclamation of “Independence” on July 4, 1946 was purely ceremonial and truly unsubstantial in many terms.

But even during the war, influx of settlers did not stop. The Christians of Wao, for instance, were sent in by the Laurel government supposed to be to augment the Constable units, as pro-Japs militias in Lanao and in Cotabato to defeat the Moro-led resistance.

In Cotabato, the Constable group of Gen. Paulino Santos received logistics military support from the Laurel government, and was backed by other constable units under Capt. Sebastian Jabelosa and Lt. Jose Escribano. Jabelosa had reportedly killed a number of civilian Moros with his samurai gifted to him by his military superiors. Our history is a continuing “evolution” of experiences that the Bangsamoro have gone through in their colonial past. Simply put, one thing led to another.

If we start historical reckoning from the Moro Province, then some contemporary historians in no certain notes seem to overlook a non-ignorable fact that the landmark of Km. 000.000 reference of all district links through the Mindanao Road Network (constructed by the American mandates of Moroland), is found in Dansalan, now Marawi City. Balabagan is an agricultural settlement, a part of NARRA. Iligan up north is an industrial and labor settlement and Malabang is a trading settlement. Parang in Cotabato is a military reservation—and all these territories were prior ceded to Spain through amity treaties in varying Moro leadership terms. Such session in amity treaties were inherited by the American colonial government from Spain off details of the technical survey coverage of the Treaty of Paris of 1899. The Sibutu and the Sitangkai Group of Islands in Tawi-Tawi were inadvertently “overlooked in the Treaty of Paris,” and thus, an addendum to it, the Treaty of Washington, was needed and was signed in February of 1900.

The first project of the Moro Province,

Nash B. Maulana

nash.penlight@gmail.com

Where to start writing contemporary Moro History?

COTABATO CITY / ARMM CORRESPONDENTS

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

NORTH / SOUTH COTABATO CORRESPONDENTS

Williamor Magbanua,

“Bong”

Goodbye to the old, welcome the new

Natural Tendency in Humanity

Charlie Señase csenase@yahoo.com

issue concerns nothing less on self-preservation and selfaggrandizement at the expense of other people in the community of nations. Man’s self-centeredness to attain power, popularity and material possessions has worsen to liven-up God’s wrath through non-stopped global catastrophes as a wakeup call.

Today’s

According to the International Rescue Committee’s report, Year 2023 has 10 global crisis concern that include catastrophic hunger in Somalia; the on-going drought and armed conflict in Ethiopia continue to generate destruction to lives and properties liken to the still raging war between Ukraine and Russia which is considered the largest displacement crisis in the world; Afghanistan citizens are in the verge of poverty while Haiti is faced with gangsterism violence and climate change chaotic fury; the Syrian years of prolonged war has triggered health crisis; and government’s failed truce in Yemen could lead to renewed armed conflict.

Notwithstanding this week’s news headlines with footages of raging flashfloods and landslides in low-lying areas of California and devastating winter storm in other areas of the US and Europe. Likewise, mass protest, political or business-wise are happening everywhere with the most recent in New York City, USA when almost a thousand hospital nurses, including 100 Filipino medical practitioners were on the streets demanding for salary increase and other benefits.

Here at home, the PH government is doing all its best to reprogram and restructure governance toward normalization and more effective policies against drugs, corruption, lawless violence and terrorism. These are moves easier said than done, thus, the dire need to police our own rank and file. General cleansing mandatory for the so-called “bigtime corruption” is conspiracy that involves “men in uniform” and even the least errand boy.

With our onions priced at over

P700/kilo, the agriculture department welcomed voluntary initiative of the Office of the Ombudsman to probe possible operation of onion cartel by unscrupulous businessmen. We, consumers ought to know that there are things we can live without physically but not spiritually. We wonder what prompted the DILG to subject top-ranked PNP officers to tender their courtesy resignation? When last month, the PNP reported the arrest of 30K drug suspects and seized P10-billion worth of prohibited drugs during the first six months in office of President Marcos, Jr.

TODAY’S CORRUPTION AMID BIBLICAL WARNING

Because of unrighteousness in corruption, God’s wrath is upon them that the LORD gave them up to uncleanness with the lust of their hearts to dishonor their bodies among themselves, changing the truth of God for a lie by having to worship creatures instead of the Creator, who is blessed forever (Romans 1:24-25). God’s wrath through the killer floodwaters during prophet Noah’s time was unleashed because God saw the earth was corrupt and filled with violence. God told Noah “The end of all flesh has come before Me for the earth is filled with corruption and violence. I will destroy them with the earth” (Genesis 6:11-13).

People who speak evil of whatever they know or do not know, naturally are like brute beasts that they corrupt themselves (Jude 10). Ill-gotten wealth of the rich will be judged as dishonesty and corruption. That they may have lived and enjoyed the luxury and fattened their hearts as in the day of slaughter (James 5:5). Don’t ever allow yourself to be involved in corruption if you want to merit God’s path of life full of joy and contentment (Psalm 16:10-11).

15 Tips for a Stress-Free Return to Work after a

Holiday (part 2)

h e A lth c o R ne R

8. Consider a ‘delay’ message

If you’re spending your first day back clearing a backlog, your response time to new messages may be slower. Consider setting up an autoresponse to new emails committing to a reply shortly — for example, within 24 hours. This quick and easy step gives you the permission to focus on catching up, without the distracting pressure to read and reply to emails right away. You can still respond to critical and timesensitive emails when you see them during a scheduled email check, which we’ll cover below.

9. Eat well No matter how busy you are, resist the temptation to work through lunch. The benefit of any small amount of time you save will be far outweighed by a drop in your cognitive abilities. When you take breaks during the day, top up your tank with healthy snacks. To stay focused and productive, your brain needs the energy that food provides. In particular, choose foods that will keep your body and brain running steadily without energy spikes and slumps.

10. Drink lots of water

Your brain also needs water to be at its best — after all, your brain is 3/4 water! Just a 4% drop in hydration can result in a productivity drop of up to 50%. Bring a water bottle with you to work and keep it in a prominently visible spot in your workspace to remind yourself to drink regularly throughout the day.

your emails — perhaps organising them in folders that represent the action you need (or don’t need) to take.

FURTHER READING Tips for the Ultimate Work-Life Balance

12. Delete (or archive) ruthlessly If your inbox looks anything like ours, it collects emails that are entirely unnecessary. Mailing lists that we signed up for (or, in some cases, didn’t), emails that we were copied in on for some inscrutable reason, jokes and links to funny videos. At other times of the year, there may be time to sift through these when we need a distraction. Now is not the time. Be ruthless and delete as many of these irrelevant messages as you can — or at least archive them to look at later. Most importantly, get them out of your inbox: out of sight is out of mind.

13. Schedule new email checks

Since you’ve set an auto-response letting people know there might be a delay with your reply (you did that, right?), keep your focus on the goals you’ve set by allowing new emails to arrive without immediately reading them. Set aside some time — perhaps just before or just after one of your planned breaks — to read new emails that have arrived, and triage them in the same way as you did the others. It’s easy to fall into the habit of responding to an email just because it’s there. Keep prioritising them to avoid this productivity drain and to remain focused.

14. Plan breaks

Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor corruption inherit incorruption unless changed through the power of Christ Jesus our Redeemer (1 Corinthians 15:50-51). Our steadfast faith, hope and love through Christ, we become partakers of the divine nature for having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust of the flesh and lust of the eyes (2 Peter 1:4). For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for God-sake will find it (Matthew 16:25). MC MC

Acceptance and a Grateful Heart

For this issue, I would like to give way to a friend who sent me the following piece:

“The past year has been a different experience for each of us. While some may have encountered blessings after blessings, some have to force themselves to get up, wake up and face the day. Regardless, we take up the cudgels of life and try to live it the best way we can.

Each New Year, we pray for heavenly graces to look kindly on us. Sometimes tables turn and we find ourselves smiling ear to ear because good things are coming our way. But, for alot of times, we face our silent battles and cry in the dark because our burdens crush us. This first month of the year, we think about “Well, what’s 2023 going to look like?” Sadly, none of us has any idea what our future holds. Fear comes with the question, “What do with do with the unknown and what is yet to come?”

“For I know the plans I have for you,

plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” JER. 29: 11

For many of us, this verse is a lifesaver. Consolation comes with the thought that the All Knowing God has our best interest at heart. It may not be the exact specifics of our prayers but He always delivers.

The future can either be of these two - exciting or saddening. The unknown presses unto us doubts and anticipation and then leaves us with two choicesrelentlessly worry about it or accept it with gratitude because of the resiliency it gives. The latter is a conscious decision. It’s like choosing whether to drink your morning coffee with cream or sugar. The choice you make determines your mood for the day.

If we find ourselves in a corner this January - defeated, disappointed and distressed, may we remember that our future is still to come. May we have a stirring in our spirits to welcome tomorrow as our best day. May our mouths and thoughts speak the words of positivity and hope. May faith be a constant companion nudging us to accept and to be grateful for the strength to press on. And finally, there are people we can also talk to. We need not face the unknown alone.”

11. Triage your inbox

Some emails in your inbox will probably need relatively immediate attention. For others, action might be required, but it can wait until later. Many, almost certainly, are just ‘FYI’ emails that require no action but that you may need to review at some point. And of course, there are bound to be many that require no action or review at all. As quickly as you can, cut down on the size of your inbox by triaging

Human brains simply cannot focus effectively for long periods of time without a break. The Pomodoro technique provides a healthy structure for you to concentrate on the tasks at hand for a sustainable amount of time, and then to give your brain the breathing space it needs to regroup for the next session. Using this technique, work for 25 minutes at a time, with a 5-minute break after each work period. After you’ve completed four of these 25-minute sessions, give yourself a longer break — 15–30 minutes — to fully recharge your batteries.

Malasakit and the Filipino MSMEs….

rain people well enough that they can leave. Treat them well enough so that they don’t want to..”—Richard Branson

“You’ve got to get your team to not only understand your company brand but also to understand their personal brand.”—Amber Hurdle

“Employee loyalty begins with employer loyalty. Your employees should know that if they do the job they were hired to do with reasonable competence and efficiency, you will support them.” —Harvey Mackay

The Philippine business landscape is dominated by the micro, small, and medium enterprises or MSMEs. They make up around 99.6% of all business enterprises in the country.

MSMEs are business firms that have capitalization of less than P100 million pesos or employees not exceeding 200 persons. Micro-enterprises, business firms with asset size of P3,000,000 or less, dominate the MSME sector, comprising 91.6 % of all MSMEs. In terms of rate of failure, micro-enterprises have the highest rate compared to small and medium enterprises. This is understandable given that the smallest enterprises have the least financial resources and are therefore less resilient in facing challenges to their operation (e.g. decrease in demand, heightened market competition, increase in prices of inputs and operating costs).

There are myriad of reasons for the business enterprises, ranging from global factors (e.g. conflicts, calamities, and other occurrences that disrupt the flow of or hike the prices of goods and services), domestic factors (e.g. political turmoil, deterioration of peace and order condition, increase in taxes), or those that are internal to the enterprise itself (such as the decision on what products or services to produce and/or sell, choice

of place to operate, and the performance of the management and the rank and file)..

External threats or disruptors to the smooth operation of the enterprise are usually beyond the control of the entrepreneur or owners of the business firm. Thus, they can just do so much to adjust to these threats and obstacles to doing business.

Internal factors, however, are more manageable and within the power of the people in the business organization to handle.

One of the most important factors that can determine the success (at least survival) or failure of a business concern is the degree of loyalty (or lack thereof) to the business organization by its owner/s, managers, supervisors, and common employees. The lack or absence of loyalty of these people to their organization may be due to personal traits or attributable to the environment of the firm or their dealings with people therein.

The allocation of the financial resources of the business enterprise (particularly its operating funds and/ or profits) is the most common bone of contention of people belonging to a business firm.

It is natural that managers, supervisors, and ordinary employees would like to receive as much salary and benefits as possible. Owners and investors would like the company to spend less on salaries and wages (and other operating expenses) to ensure that the firm is able to generate large profits that they would share among themselves.

When the distrust and resentment of people in the organization reaches such level that they no longer think of the common good (profitability of the firm, sustainability of its existence, and equitable distribution of benefits) then some would lose their loyalty to the company and only think of their personal interest.

Every member’s Malasakit to the firm’s interests is crucial to its survival.

“T

AR ket d R iven

Danny Buenbrazo danny_buenbrazo@yahoo.com

Victoria R. Franco, RPh, MS Pharmacy franco1573victoria@gmail.com

Star struck, the present generation may not recognize the 86year old celebrator, Shirley Soyao Pratts. She was once the vivacious life of the party, a remarkable woman, living her quite unconventional ways , and deja vu lifestyle. Neng Juliano Tamano was at the exlusive celebration attended by celebrity grandchildren John and Camille Pratts.

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

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 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), notice is hereby served to the public that Enrique J. Macaraeg Jr. has filed with this office, a petition for change of day of birth December 10, 1972 to December 18, 1972 in the certificate of live birth of Enrique Junio Macaraeg, Jr. at Pikit, Cotabato and whose parents are Enrique Junio Macaraeg Sr. and Natividad Junio.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than 28 January 2023.

(Sgd.) MICHAEL C. TOBIAS, MPA Municipal Civil Registrar Mc: Jan. 14 & 21, 2023

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

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 2012 (IRR on R.A 10172), notice is hereby served to the public that Datu Puti Masukat Gayak has filed with this office a petition for change of day of birth 21 December 1992 to 15 December 1992 in the certificate of live birth of Datu Puti Masukat Gayak who was born on December 21, 1992 at Midsayap, Cotabato and whose parents are Ali M. Gayak and Sona A. Masukat.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this office of Municipal Civil Registrar, Midsayap, Cotabato.

(Sgd.) NORAH B. CABUGWASON Municipal Civil Registrar Mc: Jan. 14 & 21, 2023

Notice for Auction

Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Main, Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Roman Vilo Branch, SK Pendatun Branch, Mabini Branch, ORC Branch, Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Branch I, II, III, IV in Parang Branch, Carmen Branch, Pikit 1 and Pikit 2 Branch, Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Dalican 1, Dalican 2, Shariff Aguak Branch of Cotabato City, Parang North Cotabato, Datu Odin Sinsuat and Shariff Aguak announce the Auction Sale of all unredeemed pledges contracted January 3-30, 2022 at 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Main 4J Bldg. Corner Jose Lim Sr., and Don Roman Vilo St. Cotabato City. Auction sale will be on January 25, 2023.

Patalastas ng Subasta

Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Main, Agencia de OroPawnshop Inc. Roman Vilo Branch, SK Pendatun Branch, Mabini Branch, ORC Branch, Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Branch I, II, III, IV sa Parang Branch, Carmen Branch, Pikit 1 and Pikit 2 Branch, Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Dalican 1, Dalican 2, Shariff Aguak Branch of Cotabato City, Parang North Cotabato, Datu Odin Sinsuat and Shariff Aguak ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sangla. Ang mga ito ay isinangla noong Enero 3-30, 2022 sa alas 8:00 ng umaga hanggang alas 4:00 ng hapon sa Agencia de OroJose Lim Branch, corner Jose Lim Sr, and Don Roman Vilo St., Cotabato City sa Enero 25, 2023.

MC: Jan. 14 & 21, 2023

SULTAN PAWNSHOP

corner Bonifacio and Don Rufino Alonzo Sts., Cotabato City

Ang Sultan Pawnshop ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sangla. Ang mga ito ay isinangla noong Hulyo 2022. Ang subasta ay sa Pebrero 1, 2023 sa ganap na ika-8:00 ng mga umaga hanggang ika-4:30 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

MC: Jan. 14 & 21, 2023

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 hanggang Hulyo 2022. Ang Subasta ay sa Pebrero 4, 2023 sa ganap na ika 8:00 ng umaga hanggang ika 4:00 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

MC: Jan. 14, 2023

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late Spouses GERMAN DELA CRUZ, JR. and FLORENCIA VALDEVIZO-DELA CRUZ, who both died intestate on January 21, 1991 and September 12, 2002 at Lika, Mlang, Cotabato, parcels of land Lot 917 and Lot 2515, both under PLS-59, situated in Brgy. Lika, Mlang, Cotabato, covered by OCT No. V-8782, containing the total area of 37,511 sq. mts., more or less are subject of deed of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous deed of sale before Notary Public Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 415; Page No. 83; Book No. CCCXXIV; Series of 2022. MC: Dec. 31, 2022, Jan. 7 & 14, 2023

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

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 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), notice is hereby served to the public that Joebhyk Zacaria Esplanada has filed with this office, a petition for change of sex from Male to Female in the certificate of live birth of Joebhyk Zacaria Esplanada at Pigcawayan, Cotabato and whose parents are Rey Legaspi Esplanada and Baikan Karon Zacaria .

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file written opposition with this office not later than January 23, 2023.

(Sgd.) EVELYN B. LAGDAMIN Municipal Civil Registrar

MC: Jan. 7 & 14, 2023

ADVERTISE WITH US call : 421-7161

NOTICE

VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I AND BRANCH II will hold a public auction sale of all unredeemed and unrenewed items pawned from July 1 to August 31, 2022 on February 8, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. at VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I, Dayao St., and VGM PAWNSHOP INC. II, Jose Abad Santos St., Kidapawan City

SUBASTA

Be There, Management

Ang VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I ug BRANCH II magsubasta sa tanan nga wala lukata ug wala tubui gikan sa bulan sa Hulyo 1 hangtud sa bulan sa Agosto 31, 2022 sa alas 9:00 sa buntag karung Pebrero 8, 2023 sa VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I, Dayao St., ug sa VGM PAWNSHOP BRANCH II, Jose Abad Santos St., Kidapawan City.

MC: Jan. 14, 21 & 28, 2023

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that Erna Marie Abiera Ortega has filed with this office a petition for change of first name from Erna to Erna Marie in the birth certificate of Erna Abiera Ortega who was born on December 24, 1968 at Cotabato City and whose parents are Jose O. Ortega and Esperanza F. Abiera.

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

(Sgd.) EDRES A. SAMAMA Asst. City Civil Registrar OIC-City Civil Registrar

MC: Jan. 7 & 14, 2023

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late ROBERTO D. CORTEZ, died on March 31, 2021 in Davao City, parcels of land Lot 2431-C, Psd-22680 in Cotabato City, covered by TCT No. T-27081; Lot 131-D-2-E, Psd-47731, in Salimbao, Nuling, Cotabato, covered by TCT No. T-35150; with the total area of 3,858 sq. mts., more or less; Condominium Certificate of Title Nos. 1462013000442- Parking Unit Space No. 66, with an area of 12.60 sq. mts., and 1462013000442- Residential Type Condominium Unit 501,with an area of 51 sq. mts., more or less, both situated in Davao City, are subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Agnes De Castro-Jagunap as per Doc. No. 5969; Page No. 5969; Book No. XXVIII; Series of 2022.

MC: Dec. 31, 2022, Jan. 7 & 14, 2023

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

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

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 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), notice is hereby served to the public that Hasmay-an Salibo Nul has filed with this office, a petition for correction in the date of birth from May 23, 2203 to May 23, 2003 in the certificate of live birth of Hasmay-an Salibo Nul who was born on May 23, 2003 at Cotabato City and whose parents are Hasim G. Nul and Myra M. Salibo .

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

(Sgd.) EDRES A. SAMAMA Asst. City Civil Registrar OIC-City Civil Registrar MC: Jan. 7 & 14, 2023

Ang Nagdumala

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late IRENEO LAMOSAO, who died intestate on January 23, 1998 at Kiwanan, Midsayap, Cotabato, parcels of land Lot No. 6092, PSD-124709-019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89378, area of 1,323 sq. mts.; Lot No. 609-4, PSD-124709019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89380, area of 483 sq. mts.; Lot No. 609-6, PSD124709-019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89382, area of 440 sq. mts.; Lot No. 609-7, PSD-124709-019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89383, area of 906 sq. mts.; Lot No. 609-9, PSD-124709-019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89385, area of 214 sq. mts.; Lot No. 60913, PSD-124709-019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89389, area of 336 sq. mts.; Lot No. 609-16, PSD-124709019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89392, area of 414 sq. mts.; Lot No. 609-17, PSD124709-019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89393, area of 274 sq. mts.; Lot No. 609-18, PSD-124709-019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89394, area of 633 sq. mts.; Lot No. 60929, PSD-124709-019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89405, area of 1,471 sq. mts.; Lot No. 609-19, PSD-124709019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89395, area of 317 sq. mts.; Lot No. 609-20, PSD124709-019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89396, area of 402 sq. mts.; Lot No. 609-25, PSD-124709-019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89401, area of 1,025 sq. mts.; Lot No. 60922, PSD-124709-019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89398, area of 464 sq. mts.; m Lot No. 609-26, PSD-124709019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89402, area of 298 sq. mts.; Lot No. 609-28, PSD124709-019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89404, area of 616 sq. mts.; Lot No. 609-31, PSD124709-019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89407, area of 598 sq. mts.; Lot No. 609-34, PSD-124709-019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89410, area of 2,444 sq. mts.; Lot No. 60933, PSD-124709-019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89409, area of 1,159 sq. mts.; Lot No. 609-32, PSD-124709019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89408, area of 2,225 sq. mts.; Lot No. 609-35, PSD124709-019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89411, area of 1,243 sq. mts.; Lot No. 609-3, PSD-124709-019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89379, area of 1,348 sq. mts.; Lot No. 60930, PSD-124709-019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89406, area of 1,983 sq. mts.; Lot No. 609-24, PSD-124709019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89400, area of 1,476 sq. mts.; and Lot No. 609-27, PSD-124709-019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89403, area of 1,584 sq. mts. more or less, all located at Bo. Sadaan (now Kiwanan), Midsayap, Cotabato are subject of deed of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous deeds of sale before Notary Public Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 239; Page No. 48; Book No. CCCXIX; Series of 2022. MC: Dec. 31, 2022, Jan. 7 & 14, 2023

SUBASTA

Ang SAFETY PAWNSHOP-COTABATO, Don Rufino Alonzo St., Cotabato City ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang subasta ng mga hindi natubos na mga sangla magmula pa noong Nobyembre 2021 hanggang Marso 2022. Ang subasta ay sa Enero 26, 2023 sa ganap na 9:00 ng umaga hanggang ika 4:00 ng hapon na nasabing lugar.

JIMMY P. LIM, Proprietor MC: Jan. 14, 2023

RANEN PAWNSHOP MAIN, BRANCH I, II & III

Don Rufino Alonzo & Don Tomas Martinez Sts, Cot. City

Notice for Auction

All unredeemed articles pledged on July 2022 will be auctioned on February 1, 2023 at 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Please come before February 1, 2023 for renewal or redemption.

Patalastas ng Subasta

Lahat ng sangla noong Hulyo 2022 ay ipagbibili ng Subasta sa February 1, 2023 sa ganap na ika-8:30 ng umaga hanggang ika4:30 ng hapon. Kung maari ay pumunta bago ang February 1, 2023 para sa pagbayad ng tubo o pagtubos.

MC: Jan. 14 & 21, 2023

THE REGENT PAWNSHOP

Patalastas ng Subasta

Ang THE REGENT PAWNSHOP ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sangla magmula Enero 2021 hanggang Disyembre 2021. Ang subasta ay gaganapin sa Enero 18, 2023 sa nasabing lugar.

Quezon Avenue, Cotabato City MC: Jan 7 & 14, 2023

SPECIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

WE, TENG B. DALINDING, BEDIR TUMINDEG KADATUAN, ABDULKAHAR B. AMPILAN, IBRAHIM A. PUNDAG, ALLADIN R. MATAS, and FATIMA D. ABDULLAH, H. SALIK BACAR ESMAEL, all legal age, Filipinos and all residents of Cotabato City, Philippines, respectively all heirs/relatives of the late DATU WALIA USONG, married to KADIGUIA DAUD (deceased) who died intestate sometime in 1962 at Bario Kakar, Cotabato City, have made constituent and appoint I hereby name constitute, and appoint BEDIR TUMINDEG KADATUAN and TENG B. DALINDING, both heirs likewise of legal age, Filipinos, married and presently residing at Cotabato City, to be my true and lawful attorney-in-fact for me and in my name, place, and stead to do and perform the following acts and deeds, wit:

1. To transact, follow-up, verify and ask pertaining papers/documents of a parcel of land containing an area of 1,882,011 square meters, more or less, being a portion of Lot No. 232, new B-2-B situated in Kakar, Cotabato City;

2. To decide, sign and receive in our behalf any papers/documents and perform such other acts and thing and/or related works for the documentation or having any case against the respondent who may be liable in the occupation and cultivation of the above-described parcel of land;

3. To contract of hire lawyer counsel to personally represent us any court of justice and any court proceedings; and

4. We are the heirs of the late DATU WALIA USONG owners of the said real property and we divide equally our shares among the heirs.

HEREBY GIVING AND GRANTING unto my said attorney full powers and authority to do perform all and every act requisite or necessary to carry into effect the foregoing authority as fully to all intents and purposes as I might or could lawfully do if personally present, and hereby, ratifying and confirming all that my said attorney shall lawfully do or cause to be done under the by virtue hereof was the subject of a SPECIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY by the Sole Heir and among the Heirs before Notary Public Atty. Mohammad Jameel A. Singh as per Doc No. 304; Page No. 61; Book No. 23; Series of 2023.

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

Republic of the Philippines Pigcawayan, Cotabato LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE

Republic of the Philippines Midsayap, Cotabato LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE

Republic of the

Moro ex-combatant now a music performer

He used to carry guns ready to fight and die for the Bangsamoro. He refused to surrender or lay down his gun unless peace reigns in his community.

He is Ahmed, a 35 year-old Moro radical combatant whose group allied with the international terror group ISIS. Ahmed was among the original members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) seeking independence and the establishment of Islamic State in Mindanao.

But Ahmed has shifted to another “jihad” taking into consideration the future of his five young children. His new “struggle” now is - spreading peace through Moro songs and music.

From possession of firearms in the marshland of Maguindanao, Ahmed now carries drumsticks and traditional Moro musical instruments.

Every time he performs. Every time he hit the Kulintang, Agong, Gandingan, Babendil and Dabakan, he shifts to a peaceful struggle and no longer through the barrel of guns.

Ahmed showcased his multiple talents in cultural presentations during one of Maguindanao festive celebrations and “kanduli” (thanksgiving). He is like a firedup male youth during one of his performances – be it a “kanduli” (thanksgiving), wedding events, concerts or cultural presentation.

Ahmed’s social life has dramatically changed. His environment is now beautiful, lovable,

livable, and full of opportunities.

Very different from what he used to do in the battlefield of uncertainties, fighting a lost cause and engaging a more powerful military forces, not knowing if he can still go home alive or again be with his father, a BIFF field commander, more known in Moro communities as “freedom fighters.”

Ahmed used to produce gun burst, explosions and rapid fire from his rifle. Now, the sounds that he make is no longer sending fear among people around him but hope for bigger opportunities.

He will no longer worry how to bury a dead comrade after engaging the Army in prolonged war where victory is elusive but defeat is staring at them. Ahmed will no longer move from one place to another to evade pursuing government forces. He will no longer fear of possibly stepping on explosives planted by his comrades in the conflict areas.

Ahmed is slowly letting go of guerilla warfare that accompanied his childhood life to teenager and now as an adult.

The former BIFF gunman is one of the beneficiaries of the “Project TUGON” (Tulong ng Gobyernong Nagmamalaskit) of the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government

in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MILGBARMM), Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism (MTIT) and other BARMM agencies.

Ahmed recalled the unimaginable hardship that he had gone through while fighting for a cause that he later realized was wrong and will bring give nothing but hardship and even instant death.

“Life was really hard, I could hardly believe I survived in those difficult situations,” he said in an interview. “Hard but I have to endure it since my father was a BIFF commander,” he added.

Ahmed is the son of a commander and among the trusted lieutenants of BIFF founder Ustadz Ameril Umra Kato.

At the young age of 20, he is already carrying gun and bullets wrapped around his body accompanying his father wherever he goes.

“Other beneficiaries of Project Tugon were former members of Abu Sayyaf Group in island provinces and Maute terror group who earlier laid down their guns to support BARMM’s peace initiatives without carrying guns,” said Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo, BARMM interior minister.Ferdinandh Cabrera

Indonesian jailed for gun smuggle try

GEN. SANTOS CITY - The police filed cases against an Indonesian and two companions for possession of 10 assault rifles policemen in a checkpoint in Kiamba, Sarangani had seized from them last weekend.

This was confirmed Wednesday by officials of the Kiamba Municipal Police Station and the Sarangani Provincial Police Office.

The Indonesian Anton Gobai, 29, and his Filipino companions, Michael Tino, 25, and the 53-year-old Jimmy Adolbe, are now clamped down in a detention facility of the Kiamba Municipal Police Station.

Brig Gen. Jamili Macaraeg, director of the Police Regional Office-12, said the suspects were immediately detained when policemen at a security roadblock in Barangay Nalus in Kiamba found 10 AR-15 assault rifles in the tricycle they were riding together, en route to somewhere in the municipality.

Macaraeg said Wednesday cases of illegal possession of firearms had been filed against Gobai and his companions.

Combined personnel of PRO-12’s 1204th Mobile Company and the Kiamba municipal police force were about to let the three men get through the roadblock, but held them instead when they noticed a box at the rear of the tricycle and, as they inspected, found 10 firearms inside.

Macaraeg said PRO-12 had informed the Indonesian Embassy about the arrest of Gobai.

Intelligence agents in the Sarangani Provincial Police Office and PRO-12 are now trying to determine if he has links with three allied terrorist groups in central Mindanao, the Al-Khobar, the Dawlah Islamiya and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

More than 30 members of the three groups have surrendered in batches to units of PRO-12 in the past 12 months, among them experts in fabrication of improvised explosive devices. JFU

Marito Sabanon Manang yielded through the joint intercession of local leaders in Kiamba, Sarangani and officials of units of the Police Regional Office-12 and the Army’s 38th Infantry Battalion.

A group of 36 NPAs from the same front, known for brutality on farmers and owners of business establishments and public conveyances who refuse to shell out “protection money” on monthly basis,

Municipal Police Station

having secured the surrender of Manang through clandestine dialogues.

Local officials and leaders of the indigenous communities said Manang belonged to a group that extorted money from hapless victims, something that he readily admitted to reporters.

Nine of Manang’s companions, two of them experts in fabrication of improvised explosive devices, surrendered one after another last year to PRO-12 and the 38th IB. JFU

Abus tagged in Lamitan attack

POLICE have deployed peacekeepers in a village in Maguindanao del Norte to ensure safety of civilians who vacated their homes and help defused tension after firefight erupted between Moro gunmen in Barangay Rebuken in Sultan Kudarat town.

“Our troops and soldiers are in the area securing the motorists and the civilians who fled their homes,” Brig. Gen. Guyguyon said Thursday morning when, adding

that firefight have slowed down as of Thursday morning.

He said unidentified armed group harassed Wednesday night the 104th base command of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) under Commander Ustadz Saharuddin, sending civilians living nearby fleeing to safer grounds.

“Fighting erupted Wednesday night, sporadic skirmishes were monitored,” he said, adding that no

reported casualty from both sides.

“We have already coordinated with the MILF ceasefire panel, our troops are on standby in the area to allow peaceful settlement of the conflict,” Brig. Gen. Guyguyon said.

About 50 families from the village of Rebuken have fled to safer grounds early Thursday morning as gun burst were still heard in the surroundings.

“We have sleepless night, fighting started at about 7 p.m. and gun fires were heard every now and then so we decided to evacuate before it’s too late,” Manalang Maslamama, a resident of Barangay Rebuken, said.

Maslamama said the groups involved in the firefight or “rido” (family feud) are well-armed and belonging to huge families. He refused to elaborate.

There were reports of casualties from civilians but could not be confirmed independently from police and military sources.

The MILF camp is about a kilometer away from the national highway in Sultan Kudarat town.

Guyguyon assured that traffic along portions of Cotabato City to North Cotabato remained opened and passable. EOF

THE military has tagged a group of Abu Sayyaf terrorists under Abbas Jangkatan as behind the attack nighttime Sunday, January 8, of a militia detachment in Lamitan City that hurt four people.

Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway, commander of the Army’s 101st Infantry Brigade in Basilan, said Wednesday informants, among them Yakan religious leaders, have confirmed that remnants of the Abu Sayyaf were behind the atrocity.

A militiamen and four others, among them a 10-yearold boy, were hurt as gunmen shot with assault rifles a detachment in Lamitan City, Basilan on Sunday night.

Romy Alano Mangkabung, 36, member of the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit, his wife Hasma, 30, their 10-year-old nephew and a daughter of another militiaman, Nasira Moreno, 20, sustained bullet wounds in different parts of their bodies.

They are now confined in the Lamitan City District Hospital.

“The attack was intended to show that the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan is still strong, after hundreds from the group surrendered in the past five years,” Gobway said.

Brig. Gen. John Guyguyon, police director for BARMM, said Monday the victims were together in a fenced CAFGU detachment in Barangay Sabong in Lamitan City that gunmen attacked.

The Lamitan City Police Station, in an initial statement after the incident, said the culprits immediately scampered away when they sensed that reinforcements from other CAFGU detachments nearby and the Army’s 18th Infantry Battalion were closing in.

In a report to Guyguyon’s office here Monday, Lt. Col. Arlan Delumpines, Lamitan City police chief, said investigators, along with Army intelligence agents, are still trying to identify the armed men behind the attack. JFU

MUSIC IS LIFE. For a former extremist combatant, playing the traditional Moro music is better and fulfilling than fighting a lost cause in the battlefields.

Photo by Ferdinandh Cabrera

Gunmen attack MILF camp, triggers overnight firefight

NPA “extortionist” surrender to cops

GEN. SANTOS CITY — A courier of “extortion letters” in the self-styled Guerilla Front 73 of the New People’s Army in Sarangani province surrendered Thursday last week.

surrendered last December to the 6th Infantry Division through the efforts of Sarangani

Gov. Ruel Pacquiao and local executives in Maasim, Kiamba and Maitum towns.

Police Brig. Gen. Jamili Macaraeg, director of PRO12, said he is thankful to the local government unit of Kiamba and the Kiamba

for