Issuu

No clues yet on murder of Pandag school exec

CHURCH / P4

Pope Francis sends initial aid for ’Odette’ relief

BARMM launches projects in NoCot 12 villages

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

AMBIENT GLOW OF COLORFUL NEON LIGHTS. These neon lights contribute to the beauty of the BARMM compound as it celebrates its 3rd year foundation anniversary on Jan. 21, 2022.

Karl John Daniel

COTABATO CITY GUARDED VS ‘UNVAXXED’ PEOPLE By John Felix Unson

AUTHORITIES started imposing last weekend a “no vaccine card, no entry” regulation in all overland routes leading to this city. Major Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, and Brig. Gen. Eden Ugale, have separately said they are supporting the efforts of the Cotabato City government. The measure is being imposed by the Cotabato City local government unit in a bid to prevent a

spike in local COVID-19 infection cases. A number of incoming commuters, passengers of public transportations and private vehicles, including cargo truck drivers and their crew were denied entry last week for failing to present vaccination cards as proof that they have been vaccinated against

coronavirus. Combined personnel of the Cotabato City police, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division and employees of the local government unit are together guarding the entry routes connecting the city to the provinces of Maguindanao and North Cotabato provinces. Cotabato City

NO VACCINE CARD, NO ENTRY. This is at an anti-COVID-19 protocol enforcement post of combined policemen and soldiers in Tamontaka, Datu Odin Sinsuat town in Maguindanao, where people proceeding to Cotabato City are denied entry if they do not have proof of having been vaccinated against coronavirus. John Felix Unson

Kap warns unvaxxed villagers stay home or else…

BARMM contractual, job order workers now SSS members By Edwin O. Fernandez

STARING this year, all contract of service and job order workers in the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) are now covered by the state social security office. Orly Mabinay, Social Security System (SSS-Cotabato) branch manager, said more than 2,000 contractual and job order workers in the region’s various ministries are now

covered by SSS. This after BARMM chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim and SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Aurora C. Igancio signed a Joint Memorandum of Agreement SSS in December 2021. Under the agreement, Mabinay said, all contractual and job orders workers are automatically enrolled to the SSS and will get

DOH eyes 1.22 million on 3rd Bayanihan, Bakunahan days

THE Department of Health in the Soccsksargen region aims to vaccinate more than 1.2 million unvaccinated residents of the region, to include Cotabato City, during the “3-day Bayanihan, Bakunahan” vaccination days next Monday.

By Edwin O. Fernandez Dr. Aristides Concepcion-Tan, DOH12 regional director, told a news conference that that the third massive vaccination rollout will be held on January 24-26. “We are soliciting again your support in this program as part of the strategy ‘laban sa

pandemya’ and hopefully we can reach this target,” Dr. Tan told reporters during a news conference Monday at DOH-12 regional office here. He said the third vaccination rollout is timely since the number of COVID-19 infections has

DID YOU KNOW?

Autism Consciousness Week

By Williamor A. Magbanua TULUNAN, North Cotabato — The of Barangay Bual, about 800 individuals village official here has warned his remained unvaccinated and repeatedly unvaccinated constituents to stay home ignoring campaign for inoculation by to avoid landing in jail for continuously village frontliners. Palomo said they will not force the defying orders of getting a jab. Chairman April Palomo of Barangay villagers to get the jab but they will Bual said there are at least more than be restricted in their respective homes 20 households in their barangay where only. He said even workers for nearby inhabitants ignored calls for them to villages are not allowed to leave get vaccinated. Of the more than 2,000 inhabitants their homes unless they can

Every third week of January, Autism Awareness Week is celebrated. According to Proclamation No. 711, s. 1996, signed by President Fidel V. Ramos, the government recognizes the need to provide greater attention and assistance to autistic people, and mobilizes its various agencies and departments to look into how they can meaningfully support communitybased approaches toward providing early diagnosis, therapy, and educational intervention to autistic people.

January 22, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

No clues yet on murder of Pandag school exec

TACURONG CITY — The Police Regional Office-12 assured on Tuesday to do its best in resolving the murder here on Monday night of the district schools supervisor in nearby Pandag town in Maguindanao. "Our personnel in Tacurong City have been directed to identify who were behind the murder of Javier Kumandi, Sr.," Brig. Gen. Alexander Tagum, director of PRO-12, told Mindanao Cross on Tuesday morning. A gunman killed Kamandi with an assault rifle in a daring attack here Monday night. Kumandi, district supervisor for Pandag of the education ministry of the Bangsamoro region, died on the

spot. His wife was seriously hurt in the attack. He was on his way home driving his car when his attacker opened fire from a distance. The suspect had escaped before responding volunteer watchmen could reach the scene. Lt. Col. Joan Maganto, chief of the Tacurong City police, said Tuesday forensic experts and investigators found scattered in the crime scene

spent 5.56 caliber bullet shells. Maganto said they are still trying to identify the male culprit and his motive for killing Kumandi. Brig. Gen. Eden Ugale, director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, said Tuesday the Maguindanao provincial police will help the Tacurong City police identify the killer of Kumandi for immediate prosecution. John Felix

Unson

Lanao Sur now has ‘Adiong Road’

CONGRESS has named Gov. Mamintal Adiong, Sr. National Road a highway connecting Marawi City to Wao, Lanao del Sur. The measure, Republic Act 11607, was authored by Lanao del Sur Rep. Ansaruddin Alonto Adiong, son of the

late former provincial governor. The high-ticket highway is a project of the now third-termer congressman. The overland artery connects Marawi City to the towns of Maguing, Bumbaran and Wao, all in the first district of

Lanao del Sur. Marawi City, which has more than 90 barangays, is the capital of Lanao del Sur, a component-province of the Bangsamoro region. RA 11607 was signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte last December 10, 2021.

It was Adiong’s father who planned the road project while serving as provincial governor of Lanao del Sur, which covers 39 towns. The route connects Lanao del Sur to Bukidnon province in Administrative Region 12. John Felix Unson

ADIONG NATIONAL ROAD. A portion of the Gov. Mamintal Adiong, Sr. National Road that connects Marawi City, capital of Lanao del Sur to Wao town in the province. Photo courtesy of Lanao del Sur governor’s office

Kidapawan ARB gets starter kits for “gulayan project”

TO give them the opportunity to start decent livelihood project, a farmer’s group in Kidapawan City were given farming starter kit by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). This DAR-assisted organization has received the aid through the DAR’s “Buhay sa Gulay” project. Rodolfo Alburo, Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II, identified the recipient organization as Amazion Agrarian Reform Beneficiary (ARB) Association.

Alburo said the organization was provided with starter kit consisting of vegetable seeds, fertilizers, and gardening equipment. Felix Ajoc, Jr., President of Amazion ARB Association, is grateful for the various vegetable seeds they received from DAR-North Cotabato and promised to let this project grow. On top of starter kits, they also received sprayers and 13 bags of fertilizers Alburo said the members of

Amazion ARB Association will be planting various vegetables to at least half of a hectare of land to ensure sufficient and continuous supply of food in the local market. The Buhay sa Gulay project is an initiative of DAR Secretary John Castriciones designed as a self-help start-up livelihood project. It also aims to promote urban farming, reduce poverty, and eradicate hunger, particularly in marginalized urban barangays.

Edwin O. Fernandez

BARMM environment office grants titles, ECC

AS part of the 3rd year foundation anniversary of the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the region’s environment office has distributed 18 land titles, 60 seedlings and Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECCs) to its clients and partners. BARMM is celebrating its anniversary with a weeklong activities to culminate on Friday. In his message delivered by Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy (MENRE) Deputy Minister Akmad Brahim,

MENRE Minister Abdulraof Macacua said the ministry will remain firm in performing its mandate to protect everyone’s environmental rights. Fourteen of the land titles were granted to applicants from Maguindanao, three for Basilan, and one for TawiTawi. Meanwhile, the 60 seedlings — (30 giant bamboo and 30 dao trees) — were turned over to the Office of the Chief Minister (OCM) and ministries of the regional government. Al-Muzafar Agriventure, Inc. (AMAVI),

a banana producer in Maguindanao province exporting to China, Japan, and Middle East has received its ECC. Abdullah Cusain, BARMM Assistant Senior Minister, received the seedlings in behalf of the OCM, while AMAVI Compliant Officer Jona May Tee and Company Consultant Abdulrashid Kamag received the ECC. Minister Macacua said one of MENRE’s mandates is to efficiently manage and administer land-related concerns and matters, manage and protect Bangsamoro forests and wetlands, and

ensure the compliance of business sector stakeholders with the existing environmental laws, rules, and regulations. “And as we do that with all of you, we carry the values of Moral Governance and AlKhalifa or stewards of this God-given earth,” Macacua said. MENRE has been implementing programs that will improve its services to its clients. More related programs are already in the pipeline to be implemented this year, Minister Macacua said. Edwin O. Fernandez

Iqbal condemns murder of education official

OFFICIALS of the education department in the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have condemned the killing of schools district supervisor Javier Kumandi Sr in Tacurong City on January 17. Kumandi, district supervisor of Pandag, Maguindanao under the BARMM Ministry of Basic, Higher and Techical Education (MBHTE), was killed in an ambush while driving his vehicle in Barangay San Pablo, Tacurong City. He died on the spot while his wife was injured and is now recuperating in an undisclosed hospital. “The shooting incident was heart-rending and tragic,” said MBHTE Minister Mohaqher Iqbal said in a statement Wednesday. “It is something that

we at the ministry condemn in the strongest possible terms. We condemn any hatred and violence — just as we condemn the ignorance and prejudice at their root,” he added. Iqbal and other education officials of Maguindanao and in the region have called the police to bring the perpetrators behind bars and file appropriate charges./ All the MBHTE officials are in solidarity with Kumandi’s wife and family. “The MBHTE stands in sorrow and solidarity as we grieve and mourn the passing of such hardworking member of the ministry alongside the family, friends and co-workers of Supervisor Kumandi,” a separate statement from MBHTE officials said. Edwin O.

Fernandez

Maguindanao cops arrest poll gun ban violator

POLICE arrested here a man with pistol for violating the election gun ban and firearms law during law enforcement operation Thursday morning. Brig. Gen. Eden Ugale, police regional director of the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao, identified the suspect as Acraman Maulana Guiameron, 31 years old, and resident of Poblacion 2, Parang, Maguindanao. Major Dan Junson Espinosa, Parang municipal police chief, said police officers manning a Comelec checkpoint in Barangay Sarmiento, Parang town. Espinosa said Guiameron was carrying a sling bag and when checked it contained a cal .45 pistol with magazine

and bullets. He failed to present Cof Authority (CA) issued by the Committee on Ban on the Firearms and Security Concerns (CBFSC) of the Comelec prompting the law enforcers to arrest him. He was also facing charges for violation of RA 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act. The suspect was the 6th persons nabbed in the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) for violating the election gun ban. BARMM is comprised of the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi and the cities of Cotabato, Marawi and Lamitan. Edwin O.

GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Fourteen members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) surrendered to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Monday. The group turned in assorted firearms as they pledged allegiance to the government before CIDG’s national director, Police Major Gen. Albert Ignatius Ferro, during a simple surrender rite at a function facility in Barangay City Heights here. The 14 BIFF members belong to a group led by Kagui Karialan, wanted for more than 30 criminal cases pending in different courts in central Mindanao. Local officials told reporters they agreed to return to the fold of law through the intercession of members of the CIDG

in Region 12 and officials of the Police Regional Office-12 under Brig. Gen. Alexander Tagum. The BIFF, operating in the fashion of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, is tagged in a number of deadly bombings in central Mindanao since 2013. The group was founded in 2010 by the radical cleric Ameril Ombra Kato, who was originally with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front but got booted for infractions of the revolutionary ideals of the MILF whose chairman, Hadji Murad Ebrahim, is now chief minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The creation of the Bangsamoro region in early 2019 is an offshoot of 22 years of peace talks between Malacañang and the MILF. John Felix

Fernandez

14 BIFF members surrender to CIDG

Unson

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DATU UNSAY, Maguindanao — Sixteen members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters surrendered to the Army’s 92nd Infantry Battalion here over the weekend, a regional military official said Tuesday. Seven of them belonged to a group led by Kagui Karialan while nine others were followers of Imam Bongos, both wanted by

THE MINDANAO CROSS

January 22, 2022

16 more BIFF men yield

different courts in central Mindanao for their involvement in heinous crimes. Major Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said Tuesday the 16 BIFF members yielded through the joint efforts of Lt. Col. Nathaniel Balintong of the 92nd IB based in this municipality, the Criminal Investigation

and Detection GroupBangsamoro Autonomous Region and the Maguindanao provincial police. The 16 BIFF members first turned in assorted firearms before they renounced their membership with the group in the presence of local leaders, CIDG-BAR officials and the commander of the Army’s 1st Brigade Combat

Team, Brig. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio. The symbolic event was held at the 92nd IB headquarters here. More than 300 BIFF members have surrendered in batches to units of the 6th ID in the past 16 months. They are now being reintroduced to mainstream society with the help of different government agencies. John Felix Unson

Cotabato City guarded...from P1

Mayor Cynthia Guiani Sayadi, chairperson of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, had earlier announced they are to implement the policy

in keeping with state COVID-19 containment protocols. “Those who have not been vaccinated yet should have their shots now,” Ugale said on Tuesday.

started to spike the past few days. He said DOHSoccsksargen Region aims to administer antiCovid-19 vaccine jabs to a total of 1,220,139 unvaccinated persons. The event aims to vaccinate 406,713 daily during the massive vaccination rollout. For North Cotabato, DOH-12 eyes to vaccination 452,549 individuals, South Cotabato (200,091), Sultan Kudarat (209,045), Sarangani (190,060), Gen. Santos City (77,938) and Cotabato City (90,456). The daily targets per area: North Cotabato 150,850; South Cotabato - 66,697; Sultan Kudarat

- 69,682; Sarangani 63,353; General Santos City - 25,979; Cotabato City 30,152. As of today, Region 12 has a total of 58,061 confirmed Covid-19 cases with 872 (1.50 percent) actives cases, 54,853 (94.47%) recoveries and 2,317 (3.99%) COVID-19 related deaths. On Sunday, DOH12 listed 131 new cases, the second highest this year after the 165 new infections on January 14. South Cotabato remained to have the highest number of infections at 18,712 with 17,769 recoveries, 205 active, 735 COVID-19 related deaths.

present vaccination certificates. However, Palomo clarified that those who can present a medical certification that they are not fit to receive the vaccine are exempted.

"We will deploy our village watchmen in the identified households. If they defy, they will be brought here in the barangay hall and turnover to the police," Palomo said.

choice and among the sector that I love to serve - myself being an orphan. Our father was shot to death in our house in 1971 during the armed conflict involving

Ilaga and blackshirts in Maguindanao,” MP Anayatin, representing settler communities in BARMM, recalled. Edwin

DOH eyes 1.22 million...from P1

Kap warns unvaxxed...from P1

Orphaned lawmaker...from P8 O. Fernandez

Kkottongnae opens...from P4 Dong who, despite his disabilities, managed to take care of 18 other sick beggars. The Kkottongnae Home located in the Diocese of Cheongju, about 120 miles outside Seoul, offers assistance to thousands of homeless, persons with disabilities, orphans and alcohol addicts. Archbishop Du

commended the continued partnership that his archdiocese and Kkottongnae have “in the mission of Christ and in the care of the poor”. “ T h e w h o l e Archdiocese of Palo vows to continue to work together with you in bringing the love and mercy of God especially to the poor people,” he said.

Roy Lagarde/CBCP News

Army alert up for...from P8

blast ripped through a unit of the Mindanao Star Bus Tuesday while at a stretch of the Cotabato-Davao Highway in Barangay San Mateo in Aleosan, North Cotabato. Vigilant North Cotabato residents had Republic of the Philippines Province of Cotabato City of Kidapawan LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE

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

Republic of the Philippines Midsayap, Cotabato LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that Anecita W. Mancera has filed with this office a petition for change of first name from Teresita to Anecita in the birth certificate of Teresita S. Warain who was born on 17 June 1961 at Kidapawan, Cotabato and whose parents are Benito Warain and Petra Saraum. Any person adversely affected by the said petition may file a written opposition with this office.

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that Laiza Joy P. Trasona has filed with this office a petition for change of first name from Luisa Joy to Laiza Joy in the birth certificate of Luisa Joy Pace Trasona who was born on 17 June 1993 at Kidapawan, Cotabato and whose parents are Teodoro M. Trasona and Florita P. Pace. Any person adversely affected by the said petition may file a written opposition with this office.

In compliance with R.A. No. 10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that Honey G. Cangayda has filed with this office a petition for change of sex from Female to Male in the birth certificate of Honey G. Cangayda who was born on 11 September 1987 at Kidapawan, Cotabato and whose parents are Teody P. Cangayda and Edelyn J. Gabaesin. Any person adversely affected by the said petition may file a written opposition with this office.

In compliance with R.A. No. 10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that Melanie L. Singh has filed with this office a petition for change of sex from Male to Female in the birth certificate of Melanie L. Lagang who was born on October 23, 1983 at Kidapawan, North Cotabato and whose parents are Gabriel Lagang and Susanita Lumactod. Any person adversely a ff e c t e d b y t h e s a i d petition may file a written opposition with this office.

In compliance with the publication requirement of OCRG Memorandum Circular 2003-1, 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 Severina Eliseo Callado has filed with this office a petition for change of child’s date of birth from August 7, 1967 to August 8, 1967 in the certificate of live birth of Severina Torino Elesio who was born on August 7, 1967 at Midsayap, Cotabato and whose parents are Restituto D. Elesio and Maura A. Torino. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file a written opposition with this office of Municipal Civil Registrar, Midsayap, Cotabato.

(Sgd.) RAUL A. MALALUAN City Registrar

(Sgd.) RAUL A. MALALUAN

(Sgd.) RAUL A. MALALUAN City Registrar

(Sgd.) RAUL A. MALALUAN

MC: Jan. 22 & 29, 2022

City Registrar

MC: Jan. 22 & 29, 2022

City Registrar

MC: Jan. 22 & 29, 2022

(Sgd.) NORAH B. CABUGWASON Municipal Civil Registrar MC: Jan. 22 & 29, 2022

identified the suspects and reported their presence in one of the barangays here, enabling personnel of the Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade to track them down. “We would not have learned of their presence in an interior area in Carmen if not for the information shared confidentially by residents to the 602nd Infantry Brigade,” Major Gen. Juvymax Uy, 6th ID’s commander, said Sunday. Army and police intelligence agents are still trying to identify the fourth suspect who was killed in the shootout. Soldiers who raided their hideout were forced to neutralize them when they opened fire, sparking a gunbattle. Their assault rifles were confiscated by the Army teams involved in the operation. “Our units are guarding against possible retaliation for their deaths. We are not taking chances, we are prepared,” Uy said. John

Felix Unson

January 22, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Pope Francis sends initial aid for ’Odette’ relief

POPE Francis is sending thousands of dollars to support ongoing relief efforts for survivors of a devastating typhoon that struck the Philippines in December. A statement said that 100,000 euros (P5.8 million) was going for the victims of typhoon “Odette” that killed more than 400 people and has affected around 7 million others. The Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development said the fund is an initial contribution for the worst-hit dioceses and would be administered through the apostolic nunciature in

Manila. The dicastery noted that it is intended to be “an immediate expression of the Holy Father’s feeling of spiritual closeness and paternal encouragement towards the people and territories affected.” “This contribution, which accompanies the prayer in support of the beloved Filipino population, is part of the aid that is being activated throughout the Catholic

Church and that involves, in addition to various episcopal conferences, numerous charitable organizations,” it added. As of Jan. 12, the Catholic Church in the Philippines has already assisted more than 180,000 families hardly affected by the typhoon. According to Caritas Philippines, this is worth more than P63 million of food packs, potable water, shelter materials,

hygiene kits, and other essential emergency items. The Vatican said that the pope had also given the same amount in aid to migrants stranded at the border between Poland and Belarus. It said the funds would also help Caritas Poland, the country’s biggest charitable organization, “to deal with the migration emergency”. CBCP News

Kkottongnae opens seminary in Leyte, its first outside Korea THE Kkottongnae Congregation of Brother Jesus, a Korean religious order which works with the outcasts of society, has opened its first seminary in the Philippines. Located in the central Philippine province of Leyte’s Palo town, the Kkottongnae House of Spirituality is the congregation’s first seminary outside Korea. The formation house was inaugurated on Jan. 17, seven years after Pope Francis’ visit to the province in 2015. The seminary was erected adjacent to the Pope Francis Complex Center for the Poor, which provides services to the orphans and the elderly. The center was inaugurated by the pope himself during his visit and has since been run by the Kkottongnae community

led by Fr. Philip Park, the congregation’s local superior. Archbishop John Du of Palo led the blessing of the seminary, along with bishops Isabelo Abarquez of Calbayog, Crispin Varquez of Borongan and Oscar Jaime Florencio of the Military Ordinariate of the Philippines. “This is in fact the first seminary of the Kkottongnae Congregation not only outside Korea, but in the world,” Archbishop Du said. “This place will become the house of formation for the brothers who would be members of the congregation,” he added. Founded by a charismatic Korean priest named Fr. John Oh in 1976, Kkottongnae derived its inspiration from a beggar named Choi Gwi

Archbishop John Du of Palo leads the blessing of the Kkottongnae House of Spirituality in Palo, Leyte on Jan. 17, 2022.

Photo courtesy of CBCP NEWS

Dumaguete diocese sets day of prayer for Odette fatalities

THE Diocese of Dumaguete has urged its faithful to join in the simultaneous Masses for those who died and are still missing because of typhoon Odette that hit the Visayas and Mindanao last month. In a circular, Bishop Julito Cortes of Dumaguete said all parishes and chaplaincies in Negros Oriental and Siqujor will hold Masses “primarily” for the deceased victims of the typhoon at 6:00 a.mm on Jan. 24. He said this is a way for the diocese

to concretize its collective “expression of love and solidarity” with those whose families and friends have died and are still missing. Local authorities pegged the death toll at 77, with 14 still unaccounted. Bereaved families are invited to submit the names of their dead at the nearest parish and attend the celebration of the said mass. “Let us also take this opportunity to offer our communal prayers for those persons still missing as well as for all

affected families and communities,” Cortes said. In Negros Oriental alone, about ten parishes and their communities were ravaged by Odette. Fr. Hendrix Alar of the Diocese of Dumaguete Typhoon Odette response team said the disaster left 77,369 households partially damaged and 19,804 totally destroyed. He said they have distributed relief packs, kitchen wares, hygiene, and sleeping kits to 25,997 families through

ur readings today preaching, and miracles. narrate two instances It tells his encounters with of proclamation of different people, from the God’s message of hope in outcasts to the leaders the scriptures. In the first of Israel. His preaching reading, Ezra the scribe was centered on a new vision tasked with reconstructing of society expressed in the religious traditions of the phrase “the kingdom of Rev. Fr. Antonio P. Pueyo, DCC the Jews after they returned God.” In this new reality of tonypoy_dcc0@yahoo.com from many years of exile in God’s reign, God is Father of Babylon. Ezra gathered the all, therefore every person people and read the scriptures to them (the 5 Books of becomes brother and sister to one another. The kingdom Moses or the Pentateuch). He read from daybreak till of God is where justice and love reign so that the poor midday and in this manner he reminded the people of and the marginalized are given attention and care. their identity and their traditions. The Who are the poor and the marginalized? people wept as they listened to God’s They are the sick, the public sinners, the Word and Ezra encouraged them, “Do non-important sectors, and in general not be saddened this day, for rejoicing the “anawim” the poor folks who try to in the Lord must be your strength (Neh. eke out a living through their trade and 8:10). Ezra the scribe was so successful manual labor. Jesus reversed the social in the task of revival of Jewish traditions expectations. The ones to be given that he is called the “father of Judaism.” attention are no longer those with power, The holy gospel narrates the prestige, and possessions but those who beginning of Jesus’ preaching around are the least, the last, and the lost. the towns of Galilee until He came to Shouldn’t the Christian disciple and his own town in Nazareth. As was the minister have the same frame of mind, custom, he went to the synagogue during focus, and priority? Even as we go about the Sabbath and he was handed the our daily familial, professional, and scroll from the prophet Isaiah to read which said, “The business concerns, let the undercurrent of our life, that Spirit of the Lord is upon me to bring glad tidings to the which inspires and motivates us, be Jesus’ vision of poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and the kingdom of God. Without that vision we can get lost recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, in the everyday affairs and forget what really matters and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.” Jesus for a disciple of Jesus. Without that dominant vision of rolled up the scroll and boldly told his audience, “Today life-in-the-kingdom, we may end up prioritizing power, this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke prestige and possession. 4:21). Jesus announced his own mission by claiming Let us catch Jesus’ vision of Life and wellness, here this passage from Isaiah. A shortened version of this and in the world to come. Let us become part of the mission is found in John’s gospel, “I came that they mission of life-giving. As St. Paul reminds us in the might have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10). second reading, we belong to the one body of Christ and The Ordinary season, made up of 34 weeks is hence are connected with one another. This is what about the public ministry of Jesus; his actions, his the Kingdom of God is all about. MC

Words of Hope

REFLECTIONS

“Let us become part of the mission of life-giving”

the help of Caritas Philippines, the Social Actions Commission of the diocese, and donations from various private and public groups and individuals. Cortes reiterated his appeal for more help for those affected by the typhoon, especially communities in inland areas. “The Diocese of Dumaguete has been doing and must continue to do to respond to the needs of our brethren – victims of the Typhoon Odette,” he said.

Ryan Sorote/CBCP News

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

3rdSunday in Ordinary Time Readings:

Nehemiah 8.2-4a, 5-6, 8-10++; 1 Corinthians 12.12-30 (longer) or 12.12-14, 27 (shorter); Luke 1.1-4; 4.14-21 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me...He has sent me…” From the book of Isaiah, Luke narrates the beginning of Jesus’ missionary ministry as the beginning of his gospel. Here we learned that as the Beloved Son of God, sent by the Father, Jesus proclaims his role to proclaim liberty to captives, healing to the sick, the blind, mute, the outcasts, and sinners. And the fulfillment of those words has arrived in Jesus Christ. He comes into the world to heal our brokenness, our sinfulness, to give hope to our despair, and give life eternal to our dying souls. Prayer: Father, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus to save us and restore into your presence. Amen.

THE MINDANAO CROSS

January 22, 2022 EDITORIAL

Are we serious with Climate Change?

limate Change has been a by-word since the past decade and given a boost by campaigns of former US President Al Gore against gas emissions of industrialized countries. But the predictions are turning out for the worst. Many cities are experiencing the negative effects of climate change, and are planning out ways which would mitigate these effects. And what steps are taken by industrialized countries to decrease their emission of greenhouse gasses? Despite the promises made during meetings of these advanced nations, very few hold on to the agreements made. Their economies are still the primary concern. According to the NICCDIES (National Integrated Climate Change Database Information and Exchange System) “the impacts of climate change in the Philippines are immense, including: annual losses in GDP, changes in rainfall patterns and distribution, droughts, threats to biodiversity and food security, sea level rise, public health risks, and endangerment of vulnerable groups such as women and indigenous people”. The losses on GDP is based on a study by the Asian Development Bank on the economics of climate change. “The country stands to lose 6% of its GDP annually by 2100 if it disregards climate change risks”. This same study found that if the Philippines invests 0.5% of its GDP by 2020 in climate change adaptation, it can avert losses of up to 4% of its GDP by 2100— clearly a short-term investment with a longterm eight-fold gain. However, with the huge loans entered into by the country to counteract the effects of the COVID 19 pandemic, the country is not in a position to apply for more loans for climate change. This is the sad story of the Philippines….too small, too fragile…. and condemned to widespread poverty for its people. But if the country does not do anything to mitigate the effects of climate change, it will only validate what has been predicted. Even with small steps, the country and its people should do the best it can with its limited resources. One possible danger that island countries like the Philippines should be preparing for is the melting of the polar caps, which will make the smaller islands disappear due to the higher sea level. This phenomenon is now witnessed in some of the islands. Another step that can be taken in partnership with local governments, is to prepare for the annual flooding that happens. Although there are grandiose plans for providing water and other services in preparation for urbanization, the people who will affected such as women, children, and indigenous communities should be given utmost consideration. MC

midst continuing reports of increasing Covid cases in several areas in the country’s three major island groups, human rights advocates in the Philippines hailed the passage by the House of Representatives recently of House Bill 10576, entitled “An Act Defining the Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of Human Rights Defenders, Declaring State Responsibilities, and Instituting Effective Mechanisms for the Protection and Promotion of These Rights and Freedoms.” The Mindanao-based Alliance of the Tri-people for the Advancement of Human Rights Inc., or ALTAHR, said in its Facebook post on Monday that this is one of the best news that came in this 2022. The bill, also simply referred to as the HRD Bill, is described by its principal author Albay Representative Edcel C. Lagman as a “crusading measure affording full protection to HRDs.” A precursor bill, HB 9199, was passed by the House of Representatives on June 3, 2019 during the 17th Congress but was not acted upon by the Senate due to time constraints. The current 18th House of Representatives passed HB 10576 on third and final reading on Monday, January 17, with 200 yes votes against zero no votes and zero abstentions. Lagman and human rights advocates believe the enactment of the Human Rights Defenders Act will put an end to the prevailing impunity on the extrajudicial killings and extreme harassments of HRDs. The passage of the bill indeed comes as a breath of fresh air for human rights advocates and defenders of the country which in 2018 and 2019 was ranked first and second, respectively, as the world’s most dangerous place for environmental activists by London-based watchdog Global Witness. From 2016 to 2020, human rights and environmental groups have documented at least 186 killings among environmental defenders, and thousands of human rights violations related to the defense of the environment and human rights. In a report on LiCas, a Catholic news service based in Bangkok, Filipino journalist Mark Saludes said a growing number of priests, and other church people, in the Philippines have been under attack or are being threatened for standing for the cause of the environment and human rights from Luzon to Mindanao. Journalists who opt to advocate the rights of farmers, indigenous peoples and other disenfranchised sectors have similarly been targeted, especially through red tagging and criminal prosecution on trumped-up charges. The Baguio Correspondents and Broadcasters Club Inc. and National Union of Journalists of the Philippines Baguio-Benguet Chapter recently issued a statement raising concern about efforts of the Philippine National Police to drag the groups and its leaders in its

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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

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HE Bangsamoro Government celebrates its third founding anniversary in the weeklong activities that culminated on Friday. It can be recalled that constituents of five Mindanao provinces and two cities voted to be part of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on January 29, 2019. Days later, residents of 63 villages in North Cotabato also decided to join the expanded autonomous region. Activities for constituents were lined up by BARMM agencies since Monday at the Bangsamoro Government Center here. Senior Minister Abdulraof Macacua, speaking for Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Al-Hadj Murad Ibrahim, said this year’s theme, “Changing People’s Lives, Transforming the Bangsamoro: Celebrating and Sustaining the Gains of Peace and Moral Governance,” highlighted the “three-year quantum leap of the regional government in achieving peace and development.” Activities, Macacua said, were in place from ongoing programs and projects of BARMM’s different ministries. For one, Minister Naguib Sinarimbo said the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) hosted the Governance Day on Wednesday featuring a half-day “Ugnay Talakayan.” A forum on Muslim governance was much engaging with BARMM constituents in the fields of management and “administration of fiscal and local autonomy, and in effect, harmonizing policies in the national and the regional governance as well as in the local government units, officials noted.. The MILG recognized LGUs for home grown good practices distinct of each other, from the quality

Cause to rejoice for HRDs Thinking Aloud Carlos C. Bautista caloyb@gmail.com

counterinsurgency campaign. According to the statement the Baguio City Police asked Baguio Correspondents and Broadcasters Club Inc. (BCBC) President Aldwin Quitasol to attend a certain “dialogue,” which turned out to be part of the police and military’s Community Support Program White Area Operation, a component of the government’s Oplan Kapayapaan targeting suspected sympathizers of communist rebels in conflictaffected areas. HB 10576, among others, prohibits all public authorities from participating, by acts of commission or omission, in violating human rights and fundamental freedoms. It also strengthens the obligation of public authorities to conduct investigations on suspected human rights violations of HRDs, prohibits the public authority offender from invoking presumption of regularity in the performance of duty which presumption is commonly used as a veneer to conceal accountability for violation of human rights and freedoms consistent with the rule on the Writ of Amparo, mandates government agencies to enforce and institutionalize command responsibility and impose sanctions against errant superiors in both military and civilian agencies as provided under existing laws and executive issuances, and directs public authorities to adopt the human rights-based approach to governance and development including in counterinsurgency and anti-terror programs and policies. While there may be sectors in Philippine society, and disappointingly in government which is mandated to uphold the Constitution to include the Bill of Rights, who have an adverse position on human rights, one thing cannot be denied: “You can’t compromise on human rights,” to borrow the words of Bono, lead vocalist and primary lyricist of the Irish rock band U2, which he said was his “soft message” to President Rodrigo Duterte during a visit in Manila for a concert in 2019. In the words of esteemed statesman Jose W. Diokno, former Senator of the Republic of the Philippines and founding chair of the Commission on Human Rights, “Human rights are more than legal concepts: they are the essence of man. They are what make man human. That is why they are called human rights: deny them and you deny man’s humanity.” MC

BARMM@3: Improved governance, more livelihood, socioeconomic proj

Penlight Nash B. Maulana

nash.penlight@gmail.com

of municipal leadership, and administrative and operational management to the front-line services staff Local chief executives of the winning LGUs said innovative practices build constituency-based partnerships in efforts to achieve quality governance. MILG featured innovative practices adopted and implemented at LGU levels as the main event in the Ugnay Kaalaman: Showcasing Innovative Practices of the Bangsamoro Sinarimbo said the exhibit showcased the innovative practices of the 2020-2021 LGU Grant Assistance for Innovative Practices (LGAIP) awardees which enabled these municipalities to demonstrate efficiency and effectiveness, proving competency in government organization, as well. The BARMM-MILG hosted the “Pagkilala Awarding Ceremony” for BARMM LGUs in which LGUs, local leaders, good practices, and innovations that have shown outstanding commitment and have delivered results were honored. Sinarimbo said: “It is but fitting to publicly recognize their achievements and accomplishments, make them feel that their work is valued. Approval and gratitude for each good job, and it makes people aware that good work will be rewarded. It shows that the MILG is aware of their outstanding accomplishments.” MC

January 22, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Heart to Heart True to Form

councilor. Was the killing career or politically motivated with the May 9 elections approaching? As former KBP Cotabato chapter head it would have been prim-and-proper if Angeles had tendered his leave of absence immediately after he filed his Charlie Señase COC before the Comelec. Our csenase@yahoo.com colleagues ought to know that ODAY’S piece reminds us of that freedom of the press is not old popular deity titled “The Heart absolute. For it carries with it responsibility of a Man is a Secret.” No wonder and delicadeza. Though bold and fearless the enemy has to resort to temptations to in upholding truth, fair and square, the uncover true individual personality that task must be without malice and ill-will for only our Almighty God knows. For He alone monetary consideration. Thus, we have some sees the heart of man which will be the practitioners out to deliberately besmirch basis of divine judgment in the life hereafter reputations to the extent of toppling down (Hebrew 9:27). government institutions as paid hacks. That Death is inevitable irrespective of persons when charged or accused in court, they will and circumstances that humanity has to complain of being oppressed, suppressed and prepare before it happens. That whatever our depressed. Let’s face it as a divine calling hands find to do, let’s do it with our might, with a calculated risk to spread the good for there is no work, device, knowledge or news about truth that we must in the name wisdom in the grave where we are going. And of peace and coexistence. For God Himself nevermore will they have a share in anything has assured: “No weapons formed against done under the sun (Ecclesiastes 9:10). you shall prosper” (Isaiah 54:17). The World Health Organization Sowing and reaping is reality indeed, for announced this week a surging 9.3 billion to a prominent resident of Maguindanao, who have been vaccinated with the Philippines’ reportedly raped two minors of Datu Odin share of 119.74 million and still counting with Sinsuat town early this week. Only to find his government’s “No vaccination card no ride lifeless body with stab and bullet wounds with policy” and other “survival ploy” in selected plucked eyes dumped in Esperanza, Sultan areas with hesitant constituents. The new Kudarat as reported by DOS police chief Lt. Omicron variant’s entry into the country has Col. Erwin Tabora. been blamed for the rapid spread with a daily How can we overcome evil with good? average positive cases to have reached 34,910, Only when we allow God to direct our ways considered the highest. That for every 100K as shown by the sudden influx of commercial at least 226 are infected daily, according to establishments in Cotabato City amid health authorities. surging COVID-19 variant cases. The Law-abiding citizens are so-called God- incumbent city officials led by Mayor Cynthia fearing people because all earthly authorities Guiani-Sayadi hailed constituents for their are God’s appointed as scripturally shown wholehearted support to the city’s peace and in Romans 13, Titus 3 and 1 Peter 2:13-17). development thrust. But with all the dos and don’ts and all the While waiting for the competition of favors to the inoculated, some authorities the multi-billion construction of the KCC have raised the issue on respect to individual Commercial Complex and an adjacent sovereign rights as humans endowed with 10-storey hotel, the city this week welcomed freewill to choose, that others are out to the inaugural opening of KCC, an internallywillfully abuse and misuse. known food chain and other newly opened And this brings us to some of our gas stations and other establishments as colleagues’ predicament on alleged branches in considered remote areas within suppression of freedom of expression in media the city that used to be the regional capital of outlets; that lately took the life Jaynard both Central and Muslim Mindanao. Angeles, a known radio commentator of Let’s pursue doing what’s good to all and Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat, who was shot pleasing before God not only during elections dead in broad daylight in nearby Tacurong but beyond even if not elected to govern. Let’s City. Probers are looking into the motive unite to keep peace and sobriety in place by behind the brutal murder when they learned being vigilant against violent men considered that the victim was candidate for town peace saboteurs. MC based on asset type, location, and store area. At the most, some 35 million pesos goes to the initial operation; KFC Philippines handles the full management of the franchised stores to maximize Victoria R. Franco, RPh, MS Pharmacy their potential. There are currently over franco1573victoria@gmail.com 300 branches nationwide, otabato City folks warmly 25,000 KFC restaurants in welcomed the first KFC franchise over 145 countries and territories in Cotabato City and in Mindanao, a r o u n d t h e w o r l d . C h i n a h a s t h e with long queue of vehicles along Quezon most number of KFC franchises; the Ave. going beyond the Notre Dame world’s largest KFC is located in Baku, Ave. The opening also witnessed the Azerbaijan. standing line of costumers outside, and In June 1994, Manuel A. Agustines a full packed dine in to the maximum obtained the sole franchise over the a l l o w e d . T h e a t t r a c t i o n t o w a r d s sale and distribution of PFC products America’s favorite in the Philippines fried chicken is u n d e r t h e not only the flavor corporate name of the 11 secret of Quick Service herbs and spices Restaurants incorporated in ( Q R S ) its recipe but also Corporation. a response to the K F C goodwill exhibited Kentucky Fried by the power Chicken was couple Oscar founded by Col. and Deborah Harland Sanders, Tan Abing, that an entewpreneur extends beyond who began selling their clients, their fried chicken business partners, from his roadside their employees restaurant/gas and their friends. station in Corbin Oscar and , Kentucky Deborah are one of during the Great the couples I know who always do things Depression. Sanders identified the together- travel , work , raise a huge potential of restaurant franchising. family, enjoy the company of friends, The first KFC franchise opened in Salt hold the same values of integrity, Lake, Utah in 1952. Branding himself honesty, loyalty and industry. Their “Col. Sanders” thefounder became a good fortune comes from these values. prominent figure of Americsn cultural Who can deny they are so blessed and history, and his image is widely used most importantly favored, from birth? in KFC advertising. The company’s The beautiful Mutya ng Cotabato, shines rapid expansion made it too large for in her glory and her gift of intuition and Sanders to manage. In 1964 he sold the good business sense, paired with the company to a group of investors led by astute businessman, debonair husband, John Brown Jr. , governor of Kentucky Oscar. Thank you Oscar and Debs. and Jack Massey. It will require 19 million pesos to get Col.Sanders was given a lifetime a franchise of KFC in the Philippines. p e n s i o n f r o m t h e c o m p a n y a n d This is inclusive of store construction, oftentimes his ideas were honored equipment and franchise fees. The final especially in the quality of their “finger amount will depend and will be finalized leaking good” fried chicken. MC

It’s Finger Leaking Good!

The Stuff of Life

“KFC Kentucky Fried Chicken was founded by Col. Harland Sanders, an entewpreneur who began selling fried chicken from his roadside restaurant/gas station in Corbin”

Mental Health System in the Philippines

HEALTH CORNER

a reprint from WHO-AIMS

he Philippines have a National Mental Health Policy (Administrative Order # 8 s.2001) signed by then Secretary of Health Manuel M. Dayrit. There is no mental health legislation and the laws that govern the provision of mental health services are contained in various parts of promulgated laws such as Penal Code, Magna Carta for Disabled Person, Family Code, and the Dangerous Drug Act, etc. The country spends about 5% of the total health budget on mental health and substantial portions of it are spent on the operation and maintenance of mental hospitals. The new social insurance scheme covers mental disorders but is limited to acute inpatient care. Psychotropic medications are available in the mental health facilities. A Commission on Human Right of the Philippines exists, however, human rights were reviewed only in some facilities and only a small percentage of mental health workers received training related to human rights. These measures need to be extended to all facilities. The National Program Management Committee of the Department of Health (DOH) acts as the mental health authority. Forty-six outpatient facilities treat 124.3 users per 100,000 populations. The rate of users per 100,000 general population for day treatment facilities and community based psychiatric inpatient units are 4.42 and 9.98, respectively. There are fifteen community residential (custodial home-care) facilities that treat 1.09 users per 100,000 general population. Mental hospitals treat 8.97 patients per 100,000 general population and the occupancy rate is 92%. The majority of patients admitted have a diagnosis of schizophrenia. There has been no increase in the number of mental hospital beds in the last five years. All forensic beds (400) are at the National Center for Mental Health. Involuntary admissions and the use of restraints or seclusion are common. The distribution of human resources for mental health seems to favor that of mental health facilities in the main city. There is a consumer association involved in planning and implementing policies and plans. Family associations are present in the country but are not involved in implementing policies

and plans, and few interact with mental health facilities. Public education and advocacy campaigns are overseen by the DOH and coordinated in the regional offices. In the Philippines, the mental health system has different types of mental health facilities, and some need to be strengthened and developed. At present, mental hospitals are working within their capacity (in terms of number of beds/patient), even though there has been no increase in number of beds in the last 5 years. Some facilities are devoted to children and adolescents. Access to mental health facilities is uneven across the country, favoring those living in or near the National Capital Region. There are informal links between the mental health sector and other sectors, and many of the critical links are weak and need to be developed (i.e., links with the welfare, housing, judicial, work provision, education sectors). The mental health information system does not cover all relevant information in all facilities. In the last few years, the numbers of outpatient facilities have slightly grown throughout the country from 38 to 46. Moreover, efforts have been made to improve the quality of life and treatment of patients in mental hospitals. Some aspects of life in hospitals have improved, but the number of patients has grown steadily. Unfortunately, the low priority on mental health is a significant barrier to progress in the treatment of patients in the community. In order to put the information contained above into context, comparisons with regional norms are made. The Philippines, like most countries of the Western Pacific region, have a national mental health policy. However, in comparison to other countries, it was put into operation relatively recently. Community care for patients is present, but as seen in many low and lower middle income countries, it is limited. Unlike the majority of countries in the world and the region, the Philippines have no mental health law. The poor involvement of primary health care services in mental health is also a feature shared with many low and lower middle resource countries. The number of psychiatrists per 100,000 general population is similar to the majority of countries in the Western Pacific region and about average for lower middle resource countries in the world (Mental Health Atlas WHO, 2005. MC

Even in smaller cities now, the value of On Becoming a Landlord l a n d , e s p e c i a l l y t h o s e in prime locations, have (or Landlady)…. risen rapidly that it has become very difficult for a wage earner to dream of buying one and Danny Buenbrazo danny_buenbrazo@yahoo.com earning from lease rental on the building that he/ ne of the most common she would construct. aspirations for those who want Fortunately, a business concept to have their own business is to that had become popular in highly have properties that would be leased urbanized places like Singapore had out to tenants for their commercial or been introduced in the Philippines personal uses. in 2020, the Real Estate Investment Personal finance gurus preach on Trust or REIT. Investopedia defines the merits of investing in real estate it as “a company that owns, operates, as the best and most stable mode of or finances income-generating real establishing a source of steady cash estate. Modeled after mutual funds, flow that could help secure one’s REITs pool the capital of numerous future especially in his or her twilight investors. This makes it possible for years. individual investors to earn dividends Considering the rapid development f r o m r e a l e s t a t e i n v e s t m e n t s — in technology and other dynamics of without having to buy, manage, or modern economy, a businessman who finance any properties themselves.” is to choose between a manufacturing There are now five REITS or a real estate business would be listed and traded in the Philippines wiser to engage in the latter if his Stock Exchange. All of these firms objective is stability of income and have released dividends to their sustainability. As we have witnessed shareholders at least once from the with products such as cameras, fixed time they were made available in the line telephones, computers, television PSE. Two of the REITs, Ayala Land sets, among others, many known REIT (AREIT) and Megaworld REIT companies are no longer in existence (MREIT) have risen significantly in as their products were driven out value since they became available in of the market. Who would have 2020 and 2021, respectively. From its known that companies such as IBM, IPO price of P27 per share, AREIT Nokia, and other notables would be now trades at P52 per share while diminished in stature? MREIT debuted at P 16.10 per share The traditional landlords of the reached a high of P23.20. Philippines, such as the Ayalas, In the coming months, two more Ortigases, Aranetas, among other exotic REITs will become available prominent clans continue to receive to the public, The first is an energysteady income from properties such focused REIT (Citicore REIT) formed as those in Makati, Quezon City, and by Megawide Corporation and the San Juan in Metro Manila. In the other is the REIT company that will last few decades, new businessmen be formed by Double Dragon and the became prominent in the real estate Jollibee Group to engage in leasing industry with company names such as out properties for industrial purposes. Filinvest Land, Megaworld, Robinson The REIT market is still very Land, Vista Land, and Double Dragon. m u c h i n i t s e a r l y s t a g e s i n t h e Land is a finite resource with a P h i l i p p i n e s a n d a v e r y s m a l l rapidly growing demand for space as portion of the population is aware population grows and urbanization of the income opportunities that this a c c e l e r a t e s , t h u s , t h e i t s v a l u e type of investment can provide to continues to go up as time goes by. shareholders. MC

Market Driven

RANEN PAWNSHOP MAIN, BRANCH I, II & III Don Rufino Alonzo & Don Tomas Martinez Sts, Cot. City

Notice for Auction

All unredeemed articles pledged on June 2021 will be auctioned on February 1, 2022 at 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Please come before February 1, 2022 for renewal or redemption.

Patalastas ng Subasta

Lahat ng sangla noong Hunyo 2021 ay ipagbibili ng Subasta sa Pebrero 1, 2022 sa ganap na ika-8:30 ng umaga hanggang ika-4:30 ng hapon. Kung maari ay pumunta bago ang Pebrero 1, 2022 para sa pagbayad ng tubo o pagtubos.

MC: Jan. 22 & 29, 2022

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 Setyembre 2020 hanggang Pebrero 2021. Ang subasta ay sa Enero 27, 2022 sa ganap na 9:00 ng umaga hanggang ika 4:00 ng hapon na nasabing lugar. JIMMY P. LIM, Propietor

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, 2021 on February 8, 2022 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, 2021 sa alas 9:00 sa buntag karung Pebrero 8, 2022 sa VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I, Dayao St., ug sa VGM PAWNSHOP BRANCH II, Jose Abad Santos St., Kidapawan City. MC: Jan 15, 22 & 29, 2022

Ang Nagdumala

ANNOUNCEMENT Ang Feroce Pawnshop & Money Changer Inc.- Main, Duterte, Davao City, at Branches I, II, III, IV, V, VI sa Cotabato City, Branch VII sa Parang, Maguindanao, Pigcawayan Branch, Midsayap Branch, Pikit Branch at Kabacan Branch sa North Cotabato, ay magkakaroon ng “Subasta Sale” sa darating na Pebrero 28, 2022 sa ganap alas 8:00 ng umaga hanggang alas 4:30 ng hapon para sa mga hindi natubos na sangla sa buwan ng Setyembre 2021. Upang hindi maremate ang inyong mga alahas magbigay ng interest bago dumating ang araw ng subasta. “Sa Feroce Pawnshop na tayo kumpleto na ang serbisyo” MC: Jan. 22, 2022

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

BARMM contractual, job order workers now SSS...from P1

social protection through the KaltaSSS Collect

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 Hunyo 2021. Ang subasta ay sa Pebrero 01, 2022 sa ganap na ika-8:00 ng mga umaga hanggang ika-4:30 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

AFFIDAVIT

ANNOUNCEMENT Ang G-ROCE Pawnshop sa Cotabato City at G-ROCE Pawnshop Damosa, Davao City, ay magkakaroon ng “Subasta Sale” sa darating na Pebrero 28, 2022 sa ganap alas 8:00 ng umaga hanggang alas 4:30 ng hapon para sa mga hindi natubos na sangla sa buwan ng Setyembre 2021 Upang hindi maremate ang inyong mga alahas magbigay ng interest bago dumating ang araw ng subasta. MC: Jan. 22, 2022

ANNOUNCEMENT Ang Feroce Pawnshop & Money Changer-Main at Branches I, II, S.K. Pendatun, Sinsuat Avenue, sa Cotabato City, Branch III sa Midsayap, Kidapawan Branch, Isulan Branch at San Pedro Branch sa Davao City ay magkakaroon ng “Subasta Sale” sa darating na Pebrero 28, 2022 sa ganap alas 8:00 ng umaga hanggang alas 4:30 ng hapon para sa mga hindi natubos na sangla sa buwan ng Setyembre 2021 Upang hindi maremate ang inyong mga alahas magbigay ng interest bago dumating ang araw ng subasta. “Sa Feroce Pawnshop na tayo kumpleto na ang serbisyo” MC: Jan. 22, 2022

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 2-30, 2021 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 26, 2022.

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 late KALU BUAT, who 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 CastroJagunap as per Doc. No. 036; Page No. 036; Book No. XXVIII; Series of 2022.

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

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

Program of the country’s social security office.

MC: Jan 22 & 29, 2022

SUBASTA

MC: Jan 22, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

January 22, 2022

MC: Jan. 8, 15 & 22, 2022

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

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 2-30, 2021 sa alas 8:00 ng umaga hanggang alas 4:00 ng hapon sa Agencia de Oro Jose Lim Branch, corner Jose Lim Sr, and Don Roman Vilo St., Cotabato City sa Enero 26, 2022.

Under the KaltaSSSCollect Program, participating agencies and groups will serve as collecting partners of the pension fund upon signing of the memorandum of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late JULIO V. GARDUQUE , who died intestate on July 16, 1998 at Central Glad, Midsayap, Cotabato, a parcel of land Lot 2135C, Psd-12-001619 at Central Glad, Midsayap, Cotabato with an area of 21,536 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. T-58210, is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Roland D. Jungco as per Doc. No. 240; Page No. 49; Book No. 108; Series of 2021.

MC: Jan. 22, 29 & Feb. 5, 2022

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late Spouses JESUS G. RAMOS a n d L E T I C I A PA N Z O RAMOS, who died on July 23, 2008 & April 12, 2017 in Libungan, Cotabato and Cotabato City, respectively, real & personal properties: parcels of land Lot 3216D-2, (LRC) Psd-83716 with residential house thereon; Lot No. C-3-C, Psd-12003082; Lot 2976-C-2-B-1, Psd-12-003940; Lot 81, Block 13, Psd-104305017756 with residential house thereon; Lot 83, Block 13, Pcs-1-001462, situated in Pigcawayan & Libungan, North Cotabato, and Cagayan de Oro City, covered by TCT Nos. T - 11 7 9 8 0 , T - 1 0 6 6 7 1 , T-80703, T-165755 and T-165756, respectively, with the total area of 58,958 sq. mts., more or less and Shares of stocks with JLR Lending Corporation consisting 35 shares each, are the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with waiver of rights before Notary Public Atty. Dominador R. Pizzaro as per Doc. No. 471; Page No. 96; Book No. XXV; Series of 2021. MC: Jan. 22, 29 & Feb. 5, 2022

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

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 Notary Public Atty. Mohammad Jameel A. Singh as per Doc. No. 333; Page No. 67; Book No. 15; Series of 2022. MC: Jan. 8, 15 & 22, 2022

Republic of the Philippines Region XII Pikit, Cotabato OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1, Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), a notice is hereby served to the public that Rosalim C. Briones has filed with this office a petition for change of sex from Female to Male in the certificate of live birth of Rosalim Casonete Briones who was born 17 February 1977 at Takepan, Pikit, Cotabato to parents Rogelio A. Briones and Jovita A. Casonete. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than January 22, 2022. (Sgd.) MICHAEL C. TOBIAS, MPA OIC - Municipal Civil Registrar MC: Jan. 15 & 22, 2022

CONLUCK PAWNSHOP - SK PENDATUN CONLUCK PAWNSHOP - BONIFACIO & CONLUCK PAWNSHOP - ORC BRANCH COTABATO CITY

ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sanla. Ang mga ito ay isinangla magmula Disyembre 2020 hanggang Enero 2021. Ang Subasta ay sa Enero 31, 2022 sa ganap na ika 8:00 ng umaga hanggang ika 4:00 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

MC:Jan 15 & 22, 2022

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

agreement with SSS. JOs and contractual workers shall be registered as selfemployed members while their respective agencies shall be responsible for remitting their monthly contributions through salary deduction scheme. Mabinay said these workers are now assured of benefits that include medical aid, maternity benefits, disability assistance, retirement and death benefits. Mabinay advised all contractual and job order workers to visit the SSS website should they have inquiries about its programs for the country’s work force.

MC: Jan. 22 & 29, 2021

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late JESUS JAWA MALTO, who died intestate on August 26, 2013 in Makilala, Cotabato, a parcel land Lot. 8984A, CSD-12-002280, covered by OCT No. P52052 with an area of 49,996 sq. mts., more or less is the subject of extrajudicial settlement with donation before Notary Public Ryan D. Tabanay as per Doc. No. 183; Page No. 37; Book No. 163; Series of 2021.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late E M E T E R I O AV E N A , who died intestate o n M a r c h 3 0 , 2 0 11 at Kilada, Matalam, Cotabato, a parcel land Lot. No. B-1, Psd-12016603, covered by TCT No. T-98026 with an area of 11,307 sq. mts., more or less is the subject of extrajudicial settlement with waiver or rights before Notary Public Esther Jalandoni Dumagan as per Doc. No. 71; Page No. 16; Book No. 78; Series of 2021.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late DANIAL SILONGAN and SAUDA SILONGAN , who died years ago at Raguisi, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, a parcel of land Lot 211C, Csd-ARMM-000036 at Raguisi, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao with an area of 14,111 sq. mts., more or less, covered by OCT No. P-10168, is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous sale of a portion before Notary Public Atty. Abbyr Ahmad Nul as per Doc. No. 325; Page No. 65; Book No. XXX; Series of 2022.

MC: Jan. 15, 22 & 29, 2022

MC: Jan. 22, 29 & Feb. 5, 2022

January 22, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

BARMM launches projects in NoCot 12 villages

THE Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao on Tuesday launched the socio-economic and livelihood component of the Special Development Fund (SDF) Bangsamoro Integrated Rehabilitation and Development Program (BIRD) Phase 1 in North Cotabato. “We launch today our SDF Funded Bangsamoro Integrated Rehabilitation and Development Program phase 1 in the 12 Barangays from Pigcawayan cluster of the 63 barangays in North Cotabato,” Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo, BARMM spokesperson Tuesday. Sinarimbo, also the minister of BARMM’s interior and local government, said program intends to improve governance thru the exercise of its corporate powers that will sustain economic and livelihood projects in the 63 barangays. Voters in these 63 villages in North Cotabato have opted to join the expanded BARMM during the 2019 plebisicte on the Bangsamoro Organic Law, the enabling law that created BARMM. Launched Tuesday were the following: Improvement of electricity connection in the 12 barangays by upgrading the electric supply to threephase from the current single phase. Handover of the farm equipment, implements, motorized bancas and fishing gears to the alliance of barangays that we assisted in its formation. The alliance will cooperate, coordinate

and pool its resources to provide common services to the constituents of the 12 villages. S i g n i n g o f Memorandum of Agreement with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fishery and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) and Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism (MTIT) “for our convergence effort so that MAFAR can provide agri and fisheries inputs and technical assistance for the farmers and fisherfolks while MTIT will render assistance in business registration, management, and marketing.” Distribution of cash and relief assistance to the widows of the Bangsaoro martyrs of the Bangsamoro struggle. The launching was historic since it came while BARMM is celebrating its 3rd foundation anniversary on Friday, January 21. Sinarimbo lauded the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG’) partners like MAFAR, MTIT, PPALMA alliance of Local government units, Cotabato Elctric Cooperative, United Nations Development Fund and the village chairpersons of the 12 barangays of Pigcawayan.

Edwin O. Fernandez

Isabela fire victims get aid

MORE than a hundred families in Isabela City whose houses were razed by fire received P20,000 cash each from the provincial government of Basilan. The cash assistance was facilitated last week by Basilan Gov. Jim Salliman, according to a statement dispatched by his office Monday. It said 173 families residing in the fire-stricken villages in the adjoining

would respect their decision not to get inoculated, the government would have the option to prioritize vaccinated individuals in the delivery of services and government assistance. He also warned that unvaccinated individuals could not get clearance or certification from the barangay hall if they could not justify refusal to take COVID vaccines. “We will not arrest them because we don’t want to violate their rights,” Sibug said. “Of course, if they can justify [why they refused to be vaccinated] and they had a certification from their

Unson

Photo courtesy of Isabela City local government unit

physicians, perhaps, we will consider,” he said. Sibug has requested the City Health Office to conduct a mass vaccination in his village of 12,000 people. Barangay Sudapin has its own health workers, nurses and doctors who will administer the vaccination rollout. Lawyer Jose Paolo Evangelista, head of the COVID-19 nerve center in Kidapawan City, said the number of fully vaccinated people in the city already reached 102,815, or 93.017 percent, of its 110,466 target to achieve herd immunity.

Williamor A. Magbanua

Orphaned lawmaker extends aid to BARMM orphans, indigents

AN orphaned lawmaker of the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has continued her humanitarian works for the indigents in the region. Member of Parliament of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Susana S. Anayatin said, she being an orphaned herself, has her heart close to the children who lost their parents at young age. She drew her advocacy to a quote from Mother Theresa of Calcutta who said if one cannot feed many, he or she should feed at least one. “I am inspired by this quote from Mother Teresa of Calcutta who says: If you cannot feed many, feed one,” MP Anayatin said in a statement as she and her staff resumed feeding program and humanitarian mission.

A total of 236 families benefited from initiative of the Basilan governor’s office. Basilan Vice Gov. Yusop Alano and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan each raised P1,000 for each family that lost a house in the incident to augment the cash grants from the office of Salliman. John Felix

CONFLAGRATION. Victims of this conflagration that hit two areas in Isabela City, Basilan in early January received cash assistance from their provincial government last week.

Kidapawan exec eyes “tokhang” vs unvaxxed

KIDAPAWAN CITY — A village official here said he will use the strategy employed by police against suspected drug personalities to convince unvaccinated villagers to get immunized. Barangay Sadapin chair John Karl Sibug said they would go house to house from Monday to Thursday to convince those who had not taken the vaccine yet to join the vaccination drive scheduled in the village on Friday. As a village chief, he said, he had no power to arrest or detain unvaccinated villagers but while the government

Port Area and Kaumpurnah Zone 1 in Isabela City got P20,000 cash support each from the provincial government. The two densely-populated areas were hit by fire early this month. Salliman’s office said 63 other families staying in houses of relatives destroyed by the conflagration each received P5,000 from the provincial government.

This is part of the celebration of BARMM 3rd foundation anniversary on Jan. 21, she said. On January 10-12, a total of 143 individuals have benefitted from the humanitarian mission in Kualabaru, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi facilitated Oblate priest Fr. Rito Daquipil, the humanitarian partner of MP Anayatin. In Barangay Matatal, Maimbung, Sulu, more than 100 senior citizens have received food assistance from MP Anayatin’s office through its partner, Notre Dame of Jolo College Community Extension Service, headed school president Fr. Eduardo Santoyo, OMI. Four orphanages, one in Maguindanao and three in Cotabato City, were also recipients of the food assistance. “The orphans have been my

Vice mayor’s daughter positive for COVID-19

MLANG, North Cotabato — The entire family of Vice Mayor Joselito Piñol is now undergoing quarantine and isolation after one of them was tested positive for COVID-19. Piñol and his five-member family went to voluntary home quarantine after his second daughter turned out to be positive of the virus. He said members of the family are assympatomatic but admitted that her daughter who is taking medical course have mild fever the past two days.

The official suspected that her daughter could have been infected during a dinner with her three friends in Davao City who were all tested positive of the virus too. "My daughter together with her friends gathered for a dinner during the weekends, they may have got the virus there," Piñol said without identifying the restaurant. Her daughter’s friends are also in isolation along with their respective families.Williamor A. Magbanua

Army alert up for revenge over bombers’ death THE Army’s 6th Infantry Division is guarding against a possible retaliation for the death of the four bombers implicated in the bombing last week of a bus in North Cotabato that left a child dead and hurt six others. Major Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the 6th ID, said Tuesday the four suspects were “important persons” in

the Dawlah Islamiya, blamed for bombing of a unit of Mindanao Star Bus in Barangay San Mateo, Aleosan. He said tipsters led soldiers to the location here of the four bus bombing suspects soldiers killed in an encounter Saturday, January 15. Alleged bus bombers Norodin Hassan, a known senior official of

the Dawlah Islamiya, and his henchmen, Abdonilla Hassan and Abdunhaq Hassan, and a still unidentified gunman were killed in a clash with pursuing soldiers in a secluded area here. A five-year-child was killed while six others, among them two preschool children and a five-monthold infant, were hurt when a powerful

Basilan has new cop chief

A new police director for Basilan assumed command last week, replacing a predecessor whose accomplishments in law-enforcement earned citations. Col. Pedro Martirez, Jr. was installed as new Basilan police director by Brig. Gen. Eden Ugale, director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, replacing Col. Rodrigo Maramo. Maramo was at the helm of the Basilan provincial police for 13 months. Ugale, in a message during the turnover rite he officiated, said Maramo

performed well as Basilan police director and had good accomplishments in furthering the peace and security programs of PRO-BAR in Basilan. Basilan covers two cities, Lamitan and Isabela and 11 municipalities. Basilan is one of five provinces in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Thursday’s command turnover event was held at the compound of the Basilan provincial police office in Barangay Menzi in Isabela City. John Felix Unson