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

CHURCH / P4

Pope Francis to parents: Never condemn a child

Ex-BIFF, Dawlah men reunited with families

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

MPS NEED NOT BE REAPPOINTED - MALACAÑANG By Nash B. Maulana

MALACANANG may be running out of time, but should there be reappointment of Bangsamoro Parliament members?

Deputy Speaker Omar Yasser Crisostomo Sema of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament said a point of contention among members and political observers is that the individual appointments of MPs were, in effect, stretched along with the passage of the new law collectively extending the current BTA term to three more years. Speaker Pangalian Balindong, a member of the 1971 Constitutional Convention, said put together, the initial tenure and the extended term of the BTA constitute the aggregate terms of the individual members’ appointments. The election ban on government appointments, including promotion to higher positions, designation and reassignment orders will be up by March 26, or 45 days before the start of the campaign period for local posts. Over the weekend, Balindong and Sema, both lawyers, said the Parliament has passed into law more of the priority legislations in the agenda set by the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL). Christian and Tribal representation The two officials said the country will rejoice the day when the Bangsamoro Parliament is cited as the only law-making body in the world that operates with a mandatory party representation of the religious sector as well as the Minority tribal groups. In the Bangsamoro Parliament, the Christian Sector is represented by one nominated by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and another one nominated by the Philippine government—MP Narciso Yu Ekey and Dr. Susana Salvador Anayatin, respectively. The Sector of the Indigenous

VIBRANT AND INSTRAGRAM-ABLE. This used to be dilapidated bridge in the port of Jolo but BARMM Public Works Minister Eduard Guerra transformed it into eye-catching, scenic and awesome colored infrastructure. “Amazing transformation,” says BARMM local government Minsiter Naguib Sinarimbo. Photo courtesy of Nursidar Mukattil Photography

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

CM Ebrahim cites gains as BARMM celebrates 3rd anniv

DID YOU KNOW?

2022 is Year of the Water Tiger

By Edwin O. Fernandez

(1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034)

POVERTY incidence in the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has significantly decreased over the past three years, BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim said. Speaking during the culmination program of the weeklong 3rd year anniversary of the BARMM, Chief Minister Ebrahim quoted a report from Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) stating that BARMM’ poverty incidence has significantly reduced from 55.9 percent in 2018 to 39.4 percent in 2021.

The tiger is known as the king of all beasts in China and is associated with bravery, confidence and strength. Lucky colors: blue, gray, orange Lucky numbers: 1,3 and 4 Lucky direction: east, north, south

BARMM welcomes Congress nod to Palace amnesty edict MORO officials and peace activists have said the congressional concurrence on the Presidential Amnesty Proclamations signaled a strong government push to the continuity of the peace process. Lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, spokesman of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) described Resolution No.

By Nash B. Maulana 12 passed by both Houses of Congress as a “milestone that is very significant” to the normalization aspect of the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

It can be recalled hat on February 17, 2021, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte issued Presidential Proclamations 1090, 1091, and 1092 to grant amnesty

“We recorded the highest and the only double-digit reduction in terms of poverty incidence in the whole country. We achieved this despite the ongoing pandemic and despite undergoing the difficult transition period,” Chief Minister Ebrahim, more known as “Kagi Murad,” said in his “Report to the Bangsamoro People” via on line messaging. “Achievement and indicators such as these only validate that when all things considered, we are indeed heading into the right direction,” he added.

RECOGNIZED. Tacurong City Mayor Lino Montilla (standing) tells centenarian Bernardo Francisco that he is an inspiration to the people of Tacurong because “you achieved what others can only dream about.” Photo courtesy of Tacurong LGU

to members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF); Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF); Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas, and Revolutionary Proletarian Army, Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMPRPA-ABB) The House of Representatives and the Senate have separately passed

Security guard in P1.6-M heist hunted

By John Felix Unson TACURONG CITY — The police director of the Police Regional Office-12, have launched an extensive hunt for a said Thursday intelligence agents security guard who stole P1.6 million are now trying to locate the suspect, from the cashier’s office of a cooperative a resident of nearby Isulan, Sultan power utility here. Kudarat. The nighttime heist that Ariel “Our personnel in Tacurong City Bernabe pulled off early this week and in Isulan municipality are working was recorded in security cameras, together to put him behind bars,” according to the management of the Tagum said. Sultan Kudarat Electric Cooperative, Police investigators said Bernabe or Sukelco, whose franchise area covers was employed as security guard in the this city and all towns in Sultan Kudarat. Sukelco office here only about a Brig. Gen. Alexander Tagum, year ago.

Tacurong LGU honors 2nd centenarian in 2022 TACURONG CITY — Another centenarian here has received awards and incentives from the local government in recognition of his contribution to the development of the city. On Monday, the LGU granted Mr. Bernardo Bating Francisco, a World War II veteran, a check

By Edwin O. Fernandez worth P100,000, making him the second centenarian to receive such cash aid from the city government in 2022. On January 15, Tacurong City Mayor Lino Montilla also handed over a check worth P100,000 to Mrs. Gloria Montiague Canzana, Tacurong City’s

first centenarian of 2022. Francisco, born on August 20, 1921, lived his early years serving his country after he joined the Philippine Guerilla at the age of 20 and fight against the Japanese Imperial Army when World War II broke out. He was also a

January 29, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

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

THE Bangsamoro Government celebrates its third founding anniversary in the weeklong activities that culminates Friday with an assurance of continued good governance, more livelihood and socio-economic package. It can be recalled that constituents of five Mindanao provinces and three cities voted to be part of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Activities for constituents were lined up by BARMM agencies at the Bangsamoro Government Center here. Senior Minister Abdulraof Macanua, 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 on-going 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 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 accomplished 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.” BARMM MILG and MAFAR unveiled more livelihood and socioeconomic projects such as enhance rural electricity and modern farm machineries for the region's mainly agriculture communities. Nash B.

Maulana

CM Ebrahim cites gains as BARMM...from P1 FINDING A THIEF AT LARGE. Personnel of police units in Tacurong City and nearby towns in Sultan Kudarat province are now trying to locate Ariel Bernabe, the security guard who stole P1.6 million from the office of the Sultan Kudarat Electric Cooperative John Felix Unson in a daring heist early this week.

Security guard in P1.6-M heist hunted...from P1 Tagum said he has directed the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Police Office to tap the support of local officials in Isulan in trying to determine the exact location now

of Bernabe. The Sukelco management is now helping the Tacurong City police prepare a criminal case against the suspect.

MPs need not be reappointed...from P1 People is represented by MP Melanio Ulama. Succession only by election The two top BTA officials said a succeeding Parliament would have to be elected and qualified to replace the current Parliament by June 30, 2025. Sema said he believed that the country’s next elected President may validate existing

appointments of the Parliament members. However, only criminal offense with a final verdict may justify a replacement through a new appointment—and on a case-to-case basis. Amended The BOL (Republic Act 11054), provides for a three-year lifespan of the BTA, from the day BOL was ratified in January 2019. But it is not explicit

as to the term of its members, except that they will be replaced after the "First Regular Elections in BARMM (which) will be held and synchronized with the May 2022 national elections." However, RA 11593 has amended Section 13, Article XVI of RA 11054 which sets the first regular BARMM elections along with the May 9, 2022 national and local elections.

Tacurong LGU honors 2nd centenarian...from P1 member of the United States Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE). In 1946, he was enlisted into the Philippine Army until 1949 where he was honorably discharged. He was married to Natividad Rael in 1950 and was blessed with five children, eight grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren. Looking for greener pasture, Francisco brought his family as migrants to Mindanao in 1951 and settled in Tacurong where he spent his time as active community member. Francisco was also part of Tacurong Police Force, a two-time barangay councilor and board member of Tacurong Communal Irrigation Association (TCIA). Mayor Montilla personally gave him the P100,000 check and explained to the

centenarian how he served as an inspiration to all Tacurongnons for he has achieved what others can only dream about. His secret to reach 100 years old? Francisco said he lived away from vices and bad lifestyle. No cigars, no liquor, no gambling only food full of vegetables and faithfulness to his wife. The P100,000 cash is the LGU's counterpart in addition to the same amount given by the National Government through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) via the Centenarians Act of 2016. Bernardo is the 12th centenarian recognized by the city since the enactment of RA 10868 in 2016 and the 3rd to receive the LGU's P100k counterpart since its inception in 2020.

Ebrahim said the bigger challenge for BARMM leaders now is how to sustain this momentum “and perhaps more importantly how we can make these figures felt by every Bangsamoro.” He lauded the administration of President Duterte and the country’s lawmakers for giving the transition another three years to complete its commitment in the Bangsamoro Organic Law. “We are fortunate that we will have three more years to continue the very important and crucial transition period. As we all know, the issue on the extension of the transition period has now been finally settled,” he said. “Needless to say, we are delighted to have the continuing support of our legislators and our dear president. Like all of us here in the Bangsamoro, they too want the BARMM to succeed and continue its momentum to sustainable peace and development,” Chief Minister Ebrahim said. He, however, there are pessimists that think that the additional time rightly afforded to the transition period would mean that we can be complacent. “In the contrary, I would say that the proper mindset is that we need to be even more steadfast in our work. It is incumbent upon us to make the most out of this opportunity, not for ourselves, but for our beloved Bangsamoro… Bangsamoro as a region, as a government, and as a people.”

BARMM welcomes Congress nod to Palace amnesty...from P1 Resolution No. 12 concurring on such Presidential Proclamations, one after the other on Monday and Tuesday. Sinarimbo said acts in violation of laws, including possession of firearms in pursuit of the Moro cause for self-determination, were incidental to most of the 12,000 or so Moro guerrillas currently undergoing the normalization process. He said an amnesty restores the civil rights of persons involved in rebellion to be reintegrated back into the mainstream society, live a normal life and exercise rights of every citizen. A Normalization

Process is provided in the CAB Annexes on the Peace Process between the Philippine Government and the MILF. Lawmakers said Joint Resolution No. 12 concurs in with Presidential Proclamations 1090, 1091, and 1092. In his sponsorship speech, Senator Panfilo Lacson said the measure also provided a joint congressional concurrence for Executive Order No. 125, creating of the National Amnesty Commission. “Never in our history has our nation sought and demanded a 'time of healing' with much fervor

and tenacity than we do today -- healing from the health crisis which scarred our people; healing from the economic, social, and political distress that, by and large, spoiled our nation,” Lacson said. Sinarimbo who also heads the BARMM’s Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) said: “Everyone knows that majority of the MILF members who fought against the government have incidentally committed violations of the law, in the pursuit of their political beliefs.” He said the measure separately adopted by

Congress affirmed a constitutional power vested in the President to grant amnesty. The national government recognized the legitimacy of the Moro cause in pursuit of the right to selfdetermination, and thus the grant of amnesty,” he added. “Mr. President, to say that this is an ‘act of compassion’ may not be enough without emphasizing what it truly stands for, that is an act of mercy not only for those who will be granted amnesty but also for those who seek a true and lasting national peace and reconciliation,” Lacson pointed out in his sponsorship speech.

Ebrahim also challenged all BARMM leaders, especially the decision makers not to take everything for granted, especially on the finances in running the affairs of the regional government and the desire to improve the lives of Bangsamoro. “Remember that every peso we spend, and the resources that we use are from the blood, sweat, and tears of the mujahideen and the people who went through so much pain and suffering for the sake of the struggle,” Ebrahim said, adding that “leaders must, by all means, give justice these sacrifices.” He rallied the leaders to continue to serve the Bangsamoro with pure hearts and sincere intentions. 2022 elections Chief Minister Ebrahim took the opportunity to remind every Bangsamoro to participate in the coming elections. “Political exercises such as this is meant to make our region and our nation stronger. It is meant to strengthen; not destroy the social fabric that binds us together. Yes, there will be winners and losers, but this is not just a game. This is an opportunity to shape our future and our children’s future,” he told BARMM inhabitants. He also rallied all people to work hand in hand with authorities in ensuring to have a free, honest, credible, and peaceful election. “Let us work in enabling an environment where everyone can vote without

fear, intimidation, and violence. And I further hope that elected officials come May 2022 can work with us in putting the Bangsamoro people above anything else,” he said. 3 codes passed Ebrahim started his report to the Bangsamoro people the accomplishments of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority’s (BTA) and challenges that they survived the past three years. For Ebrahim, the ratification of BOL was very historic and momentous for him. “The spirit of that momentous event three years ago still lives on today. We were mandated by our people to put up a government that will finally put to rest the decades-long conflict, turmoil, and worries that our people had gone through,” he added. Ebrahim cited and recognized the three major accomplishments of the BTA. Of the six priority codes, three have already been enacted, the Bangsamoro administrative code, the Bangsamoro civil service code, and the Bangsamoro education code. The local governance code has been submitted to the parliament and it is now at the committee level. The electoral code is to be scheduled for discussion at the cabinet after it had gone through several revisions at the cabinet committee level. The draft revenue code, on the other hand, will be completed within this year.

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

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.

MC: Jan 22 & 29, 2022

January 29, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

The Lunar New Year marks the Year of the Water Tiger. Tigers, as we know, are brave and fearless. They are also considered as powerful, but at the same time, kind and free. As we welcome the Year of the Water Tiger, let us keep an open heart and embody its characteristics of being strong, steadfast, and bold—that in whatever challenges or endeavors we get ourselves into, we remain dauntless and always have the courage to soldier on. The past years have challenged our strength and our unity as a people. This year, we are again at a point where our choices will determine the future of our city. I hope that these choices that we are about to make be directed by reason and by love for Cotabato City. At the same time, I also hope that we remember to remain kind and grateful for the countless blessings we have and will still receive. Now that we usher the Lunar New Year, I pray that every Cotabateño will be filled with love, luck and prosperity. May we also be showered with more opportunities, good fortune, and success in life. On behalf of the City Government of Cotabato, I, together with our local officials, different heads of offices and all employees, wish our Chinese brothers and sisters, and the entire city, a HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS CHINESE NEW YEAR!

Sigay Ka Cotabato City!

ATTY. FRANCES CYNTHIA J. GUIANI–SAYADI City Mayor

January 29, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Pope Francis to parents: Never condemn a child

VATICAN— Pope Francis urged parents on Wednesday never to condemn their children.

At his Jan. 26 general audience in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall, the pope encouraged parents to turn to St. Joseph for help, including those whose children are of “different sexual orientations.” He said: “I am thinking at this moment of so many people who are crushed by the weight of life and can no longer hope or pray. May St. Joseph help them to open themselves to dialogue with God in order to find light, strength, and peace.” Speaking off the cuff, he added: “And I am thinking, too, of parents in the face of their children’s problems: Children with many illnesses, children who are sick, even with permanent maladies — how much pain is there! — parents who see different sexual orientations in their children; how to deal with this and accompany their children and not hide in an attitude of condemnation.” “Parents who see their children leaving because of an illness, and also — even sadder, we read about it every day in the newspapers — children who get into mischief and end up in a car accident. Parents who see their children not progressing in school and don’t know how… So many parental problems. Let’s think about it: how to help them.” “And to these parents I say: don’t be scared. Yes, there is pain. A lot. But think of the Lord, think about how Joseph solved the problems and ask Joseph to help you. Never condemn a child.” The pope dedicated his livestreamed general audience to “St. Joseph, a man who ‘dreams,'” in the ninth installment in his cycle of catechesis on Jesus’ foster father, which he launched in November 2021. He emphasized the saint’s sensitivity to dreams, which he said were “considered a means by which God revealed himself” in biblical times. “Joseph demonstrates that he knows how to cultivate the necessary silence and, above all, how to make the right decisions before the Word that the Lord addresses to him inwardly,” he said. The pope recounted the four dreams of St. Joseph described in the Gospel of Matthew. In the first, an angel told the saint not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife. “Life often puts us in situations that we do not understand and that seem to have no solution,” he said.

“Praying in these moments — this means letting the Lord show us the right thing to do. In fact, very often it is prayer that gives us the intuition of the way out.” “Dear brothers and sisters, the Lord never allows a problem to arise without also giving us the help we need to deal with it.” In the second dream, Joseph grasped that the Infant Jesus was in danger and the Holy Family needed to flee to Egypt. “In life we all experience dangers that threaten our existence or the existence of those we love,” the pope reflected. “In these situations, praying means listening to the voice that can give us the same courage as Joseph, to face difficulties without succumbing.” In the third dream, St. Joseph heard that it was safe to return home and, in the fourth, that he should settle in Nazareth, away from Archelaus, the son of Herod. “Fear is also part of life and it too needs our prayer,” the pope commented. “God does not promise us that we will never have fear, but that, with His help, it will not be the criterion for our decisions. Joseph experiences fear, but God also guides him through it. The power of prayer brings light into situations of darkness.” The pope underlined that prayer was an active practice, always connected to charity. “Prayer, however, is never an abstract or purely internal gesture, like these spiritualist movements that are more gnostic than Christian. No, it’s not that,” he said. “Prayer is always inextricably linked to charity. It is only when we combine prayer with love, the love for children in the cases I just mentioned, or the love for our neighbour, that we are able to understand the Lord’s messages.” “Joseph prayed, worked, and loved — three beautiful things for parents: to pray, to work, and to love — and because of this he always received what he needed to face life’s trials. Let us entrust ourselves to him and to his intercession.” After the address, a precis of the pope’s catechesis was read out in seven languages and he greeted members of each language group. Speaking to English-speaking Catholics, he highlighted the day for prayer for peace in Ukraine on Jan. 26, which he announced at last Sunday’s

Angelus. He said: “I greet the Englishspeaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s audience, particularly those from the United States of America. Today, I especially ask you to join in praying for peace in Ukraine. Upon all of you, and your families, I invoke the Lord’s blessings of joy and peace. God bless you!” The pope also highlighted International Holocaust Remembrance Day, which is observed on Jan. 27. He said: “It is necessary to remember the extermination of millions of Jews, and people of different nationalities and religious faiths. This unspeakable cruelty must never be repeated.” “I appeal to everyone, especially educators and families, to foster in the new generations an awareness of the horror of this black page of history. It must not be forgotten, so that we can build a future where human dignity is no longer trampled underfoot.” The pope told pilgrims that he was unable to move among them at the end of the audience because of a temporary “problem with my right leg.” He said: “A ligament in my knee is inflamed. But I will come down and greet you there [at the foot of the stage] and you will be able to pass by to say hello. It’s a passing thing.” With a smile, the 85-year-old added: “They say this only comes to old people, and I don’t know why it has come to me, but… I don’t know.” Pope Francis has suffered from sciatica for many years. He spoke about it shortly after his election in 2013, saying it was “very painful” and “I don’t wish it on anyone.” He suffered a resurgence of the condition at the end of 2020 and start of 2021, which forced him to cancel public appearances. The pope ended his general audience address by reciting a prayer: St. Joseph, a man who dreams, teach us to recover the spiritual life as the inner place where God manifests Himself and saves us. Remove from us the thought that praying is useless; help each one of us to correspond to what the Lord shows us. May our reasoning be illuminated by the light of the Spirit, our hearts encouraged by His strength and our fears saved by His mercy. Amen. CBCP News

he word prophet evokes shot dead while he was some distant figure saying mass and even in the Old Testament, his funeral ceremonies such as the prophet Isaiah in the cathedral were and the prophet Jeremiah disrupted by shootings (first reading). They are which left many people perceived as social nondead. People called him conformists and behaviorally San Romero, even before Rev. Fr. Antonio P. Pueyo, DCC eccentric, such as John the he was officially declared tonypoy_dcc0@yahoo.com Baptist. Prophets do not just a saint. belong to the past. There are Prophets do not live modern prophets and I would like to mention two comfortable lives. Even Jesus met opposition from who were recently declared saints of the church. his own countrymen and relatives that prompted They are St. Pope Paul VI and St. Oscar Romero who him to say in today’s gospel, “No prophet is honored were both canonized on October 14, 2018. in his own country” (Lk. 4:24). His “kababayans” St. Paul VI took over as the Holy Father when saw him as the son of Joseph the carpenter, and Pope John XXIII died while the Second Vatican were not open to his message. When he spoke about Council was going on. St. Paul VI decided to continue God’ bestowing his favor even on the non-Jews, with the Council and made great efforts to have all his own countrymen became angry and violent but the 16 documents approved with the general support Jesus passed through their midst and went his way. of the bishops and cardinals who participated. It He would establish his second home in the village was a difficult task to lead the church in a process of Capernaum, rather than in Nazareth where he of reform. There were conservatives who wanted to grew up. go back to the old ways and there were those who The first reading speaks of the calling of the thought that the reforms did not go far enough. prophet Jeremiah, “Even before I formed you in the St. Paul VI kept the church together despite the womb I have known you; even before you were born differences. He is considered a prophet for holding on I had set you apart, and appointed you a prophet to to Pope John XXIII’s vision of church reforms in the the nations” (Jer. 1:4-5). Other prophets were called modern world, with emphasis on ecumenism and while they were doing their regular work, such as the social teachings of the church. He also travelled Amos, “The Lord took me from following the flock , around the world, visiting the Philippines in 1970. and the Lord said to me, ‘ Go prophesy to my people St. Oscar Romero was the Archbishop of the Israel” (Amos 7:15). The prophets knew what was Archdiocese of San Salvador. The country of El in store for them. When they are true to what the Salvador was under the grip of a dictatorship, Lord wanted them to say, they would not be popular supported by violent military elements. There among their hearers. In fact, many prophets were was widespread poverty, and state-sponsored persecuted. assassinations, tortures, and human right abuses. What made the prophet persevere in their Although he was considered a conservative he raised difficult vocation?? It can only be because of loving his voice against all the violence and injustices obedience to God. Love consists in obeying God. As happening in his country to the extent of threats to St. Paul says in the second reading, “Love endures himself and those working with him. In 1980, he was all things” (1 Cor. 13:7). MC

The Prophetic Vocation REFLECTIONS

“We have observed his star at its rising and have come to pay him homage. Matthew 2:2b, NRSV” Christ’s light guides our journey. These are days of struggle, hardships, and despair. With Typhoon Odette and Omicron straining the capacities of local communities and families, Christians must unite in solidarity with the most vulnerable among us. The Filipino people are in need of accompaniment and aid in these difficult times. As a nation, we are also challenged to rise against widespread killings and call for accountability for so-called ‘tokhang’ and ‘anti-insurgency’ operations. The very dignity of life has been violated, as many have been extra-judicially killed. Falsehoods and evil peddled through strong-arm governance have not only limited democratic space, but they have led to corruption, scandals and serious shortcomings in social, health, education and other government services. Such realities must strengthen our resolve and unite our common concern for the people of this land. Like the Magi of old, we are on a journey towards a better way. The better way is to completely change our old ways and bad habits. Christ is the beacon that summons us to move towards hope. Jesus’ light rises as our guide in a common quest for God’s Shalom, which is Peace based on justice, love, righteousness, freedom, democracy and dignity of life. With elections only months away, we must all take courage to work together, honoring life and God’s creation. This is a Kairos moment where we can encourage active citizenship among our people and insist upon servant leadership from those who desire our votes in the May 2022 national polls. In Christian unity, our prophetic voice and firm stand for Christlike conduct and life-affirming principles will enable us to join with other Filipinos in discerning who should lead the country. In these trying times, we must also guard against the powers of darkness that will seek to defraud, deceive, and destroy God’s intended goodness for the Filipino people. Let us be like ‘city on hill’ that cannot be hidden (Matthew 5:14). As a community that evangelizes through active participation in the democratic process, we can lead by example, reflecting Christ’s love and joining in a journey toward our desired future, where justice, righteousness, and peace will take root and God’s Shalom will flourish among us. As we respond to the challenges of our time, we offer ourselves in service to the poor, the marginalized, and to the toiling majority who are striving for more prosperous and peaceful futures. We commit to nurturing ecological integrity, both because this is a right thing to do and because such action can lessen the probability of extreme climate events and dangerous pandemics. Together, we celebrate our Christian unity and affirm our deepest desire to participate in a common journey while working and praying together that will bring us to a place where all creation will sing of God’s goodness and will live in harmony and peace. Keep the faith! Follow the star! Bishop Reuel Norman O. Marigza

General Secretary, National Council of Churches in the Philippines

Archbishop Angelito R. Lampon, OMI

Chairperson, CBCP-Episcopal Commission on Ecumenical Affairs

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

4thSunday in Ordinary Time Readings:

Jeremiah 1.4-5, 17-19; 1 Corinthians 12.31 – 13.13 (or shorter); Luke: 4.21-30 “No prophet is accepted in his own native place.” Jesus’ kinfolks drove him out of the town because of his preaching. Jesus indirectly accuses some of Jews who are blind of the importance of the scripture and are self-righteous. What Jesus reminds us that all of us need God’s grace. Often, too much familiarity breeds indifference. Jesus’ words may be too familiar at times that we take that them for granted. When we go to mass, read the scripture, or heard some words from the Scripture, what is our reaction? Are we becoming too familiar that we don’t take them seriously? Are we becoming too self-righteous that we don’t need to hear God’s word in our lives? May our hearts resound the song “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Prayer: May I ponder every word that comes from you, O Lord. Amen.

THE MINDANAO CROSS

January 29, 2022 EDITORIAL

Exposing characters of candidates

he most talked about in TV and the Social Media this weekend is the interview of Jessica Soho of the candidates for president during the May National Elections. There were only four out of the 11 who accepted her invitation to join the program ---- Isko Moreno, Leni Robredo, Panfilo Lacson, Manny Pacquiao. Many praised the holding of the program and its effect on voters. Karen Davila, a prestigious journalist said that it is important for voters to know more about the candidates. “The presidency is not only about competence & vision but also about character. Interviews with journalists help peel the layers for voters to get to know candidates.” Hopefully, the voters in this region will be able to discern quite well the character of those who are running for elective positions. If we recall, this region gained worldwide attention due to an election related incident which is popularly known as the Maguindanao Massacre. There were 58 deaths including 32 journalists who accompanied the family of Esmael Mangudadatu who were travelling to the provincial capital to file his candidacy. Twelve years after the massacre, a guilty verdict was handed down to three of the accused in the massacre. The decision was one that was waited for so long due to the 12 years that elapsed after the massacre. It is a perfect example of the slow process of justice in this country, although there were reasons cited that served as drawbacks such as the number of witnesses (some died during the hearing of the case) and some of the accused were still at large. The sheer enormity of the case and the years devoted to its hearing would have discouraged many candidates to run for public position. But this is not quite true. There are still candidates running for local and provincial levels as we can see from the billboards that dot the highways. Clans still field in their chosen members to fight it out with other clans. This is particularly true in the provinces of the BARMM where two or three parties have candidates carrying the same surname. Can the recipe suggested by Karen Davila – competence, vision, and character - be discerned in rallies, and campaign sorties? This is where the journalist can play a very important role. It is not enough to know what a candidate is capable of doing. This can be designed and planned out with consultants; but what is important is for the candidate to be exposed for his character and personality. Many things can be avoided – his or her capacity to be partial to the poor, his or her inability to be corrupt, his or her sincerity to implement his campaign promises, his or her ability to work with a team. All these can only be detected through interviews with knowledgeable persons. Let’s do this in this region. MC +

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

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

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

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

Member: PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

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

ebruary 8, or Tuesday after next, is the start of the campaign period for candidates for President, Vice-President, Senator and party-list groups participating in the May 9, 2022 national election. It will run until May 7, which is a Saturday, with the eve of the election traditionally a no-campaigning day along with Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. March 25, a Friday, is meanwhile the first day of campaigning for candidates for Member of the House of Representatives, as well as elective regional, provincial, city, and municipal officials. This will also run until May 7, 2022. During this period, campaign machineries and activities gear up for all involved, with the goal of garnering votes for the win. Aware of the heightened disinformation and proliferation of fake news during this time, the country’s pioneering fact-checking collaboration, Tsek.ph, which aims to counter disinformation through verified information was relaunched Thursday, January 24. Initiated by the University of the Philippines in 2019 as a public service commitment to combat disinformation, Tsek.ph this year expanded its membership in academe and media and now includes fact-checkers from civil society and multisectoral organizations who have agreed to collaborate to provide the public with truthful and factual information regarding the elections by debunking false and misleading narratives from public figures, news media and social media. Among the members is the Philippine Press Institute, the national organization of newspapers of which the Mindanao Cross is a member. According to Tsek.ph, fact-checking is part of journalism’s responsibility to provide the public with accurate information they need to become informed citizens. It also plays a watchdog role by holding those in power accountable for spreading false or misleading claims. As the May elections draw near, fact-checkers have pooled their fact-checking efforts to help the electorate choose the right candidates. Tsek.ph unifies these laudable efforts in an online hub. Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines is expected to release a pastoral statement on the upcoming elections early next month. The CBCP virtual plenary assembly is scheduled this week with the upcoming local and national elections and the crafting of a pastoral statement among the top agenda, according to CBCP Secretary General Msgr. Bernardo Pantin. In November last year, the CBCP asked the public to collectively pray for a peaceful, credible, and transparent elections using a prayer adopted from

ublic Journalism (PJ) approach may help “popularize” the language and the context of Commission on Elections (Comelec) Minute Resolution 21-0953, with respect to obtaining political situation of the 63 North Cotabato Barangays as a Special Geographic Area (SGA) visa-vis the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). This post is prompted by allegations over the (Moro) grapevine that the Comelec Minute Resolution is a ploy for some retiring officials of the poll body to strike a “bargaining power” in “dealing” with local candidates of Cotabato Province. That’s too malicious and is unfounded! Many would complain that only few or no Moro has been appointed to high offices. Now that we have at least four, let’s spare them from malicious imputation. The rumor unfairly drags names of officials into a seat of controversy, including that of retiring Comelec Chairman, our very own Atty. Sherriff Abas. Delving into the context and simplifying the language of that polls measure that is now the issue of colloquial contentions, is the job most befitting of journalists to help thwart a damaging gossip. And to spare the Moro that rarely gets appointed to top national positions, we help simplify the language of the measure to effectively get into the context of Comelec Minute Resolution No. 210953 with respect to obtaining situation and facts, namely: —The 63 barangays of North Cotabato that now constitute the Special Geographic Area (SGA) of the BARMM have been turned over to the BARMM, following the February 2019 plebiscite in which they opted to join the autonomous region. —The May 9 national and local elections exclude

‘Our choice reflects our values’ Thinking Aloud Carlos C. Bautista caloyb@gmail.com

the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting’s “Prayer for 2022 Elections” which focuses on the 16 values enshrined in the preamble of the Constitution. Just recently, the CBCP and the National Council of Churches in the Philippines, in a statement issued for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2022, called on voters to stand against the “powers of darkness” that seek to hold the nation in their grip. These powers of darkness, the faith leaders said, “will seek to defraud, deceive, and destroy God’s intended goodness for the Filipino people.” They said united Christians’ prophetic voice and firm stand for Christ-like conduct and lifeaffirming principles “will enable us to join with other Filipinos in discerning who should lead the country” on a journey toward a common “desired future, where justice, righteousness, and peace will take root and God’s Shalom will flourish among us,” The Filipino electorate should insist upon “servant leadership” from those seeking their votes, they said in the statement signed by NCCP general secretary Bishop Reuel Norman Marigza and Archbishop Angelito Lampon of the CBCP Commission on Ecumenical Affairs. This reminds us of a call made last year by Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, head of the CBCP Commission of Social Action, Justice and Peace and national director of Caritas Philippines, to Filipino voters in this year’s elections to vote responsibly, saying that how they vote reveals who they are: “Our choice reflects our values.” Bishop Bagaforo also reminded voters that our task is to choose leaders, not rulers; public servants and not overlords, true and working servant leaders with competence, experience, compassion, kindness, passion, and perseverance; leaders who would provide the direction and inspire God’s family to work tirelessly to help improve the condition of all Filipinos with preferential attention to the marginalized and excluded. Are we all up to that task? MC

PJ 101

Penlight Nash B. Maulana

nash.penlight@gmail.com

barangay polls which are separately held from all other regular elections. —The Comelec En Banc raises the concern on whether or not the 63 barangays were, in effect, politically detached from their Mother Municipal and Provincial LGUs, after they voted to join BARMM and were turned over by the Cotabato Provincial Leadership to the Administrative Supervision of BARMM (through the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government), following the February 2019 plebiscite. The Comelec En Banc says the issue at hand should be resolved before the start of the local campaign period (March 25). Else, the 63 barangays cannot elect local candidates; only national candidates in the coming May 19 Elections. This same issue, however, would have no bearing as to matters pertaining to the period or deadline of the printing of local ballots. The only thing that matters would be the quantity of ballots printed, but which is normally addressed by having sufficient number of print surplus. Some say the minute resolution is a scheme allegedly designed by the poll body for its outgoing officials to strike a bargaining power with local candidates. But that’s most unfair to these officials who may not even have knowledge about such issue(s) that people talk about. MC

January 29, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

into politics. Delicadeza as rule of thumb is the key to evade possible pitfall. For its absence is nothing but shamelessness and arrogance among tyrants. It’s good to know that the Senate early this week unanimously voted to adopt a House Resolution in support Charlie Señase to President Duterte’s 2021 csenase@yahoo.com signed proclamation granting MONG humans, most if not all aim amnesty to MILF members. to be at the topmost that usually The congressional move from both chambers end-up spiritually tragic as it breeds was a concurrence requirement to a provision worldliness of pride and arrogance through in the approved Comprehensive Agreement the lust of the flesh and of the eyes. Thus, it on the Bangsamoro (CAB) on the grant of pays to be humble and the least for it delights amnesty, said lawyer and BARMM Local God Almighty, who is the Author of Life to Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo. have made all things possible for humanity The yearlong amnesty facilitated the series to flourish. of voluntary surrender of Bangsamoro This biblical reminder is meant to all, Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), an MILF especially those aspiring for national and breakaway group in Maguindanao, North local elective posts in government, as the Cotabato and Sarangani before military May 9 polls near. forces under Army Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, All candidates profess to be good if not 6th ID commander and head of the Joint better that the electorate ought to discern Task Force Central. others who stealthily claim to be the best General Uy attributed the mass if not the brightest. Caution in the use surrender to the LGUs, civilian sectors and of superlative degree which in faith is BARMM’s welcome gesture of providing cash fitting only to God. This was Satan’s pitfall and livelihood assistance to all those who are when through deceit and manipulation he back to the fold of law. While others were appeared as angel of light to be at-par with trained to be AFP members, he said. the Creator. BARMM has lots of funds and logistics Among political aspirants, we have yet to now compared to the previous political sethear somebody admitting his true intention up of Regional Autonomous Governments to run if not for money and honor, thus Central and Western Mindanao known when elected are addressed “Your Honor” as RAGs that evolved to LTP (Lupong or “Your Excellency” and worse allegation of Tagapagpaganap ng Pook) then ARMM or corruption. Why run amid worsening health Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. menace and problems on ecology, law and As planned with Divine guidance, Muslim order, employment, socioeconomic and other Mindanao has indeed evolved from “RAGs matters on survival and coexistence? to riches” that former ARMM Governor and In any endeavor, it’s wise to plan our now House Deputy Speaker for Mindanao ways, but wiser if we allow God to direct our Mujiv Hataman left behind a tickler to hold steps. And whoever wins must put to heart on “transparency and accountability” at all that he or she is servant of all servants, and times. therefore the least to merit God’s exaltation. POST SCRIPT What’s in the mind of billionaire Manny A politician may be good but a statesman Villar to have acquired ABS-CBN’s broadcast is better. And better is a gentleman than an frequencies that print media report says arrogant officer of the law, for detractors could make him the next media mogul after abound amid one’s goodness. Rebuke the the Lopezes’ abandoned it due to alleged beast who profess to be the best. They are constitutional infringement? Let’s hope the impostors and hypocrites out to deceive and new proprietorship shall utilize the facilities mislead. for good of all and not politicized for the glory But, “When a man’s ways please the of self and allies. For true media outlets LORD, He makes even his enemies to be must be responsible, just and apolitical in its at peace with him; that better is little with operation to uphold truth at all times. This righteousness, than vast revenues without serves as an early warning advice knowing justice. A man’s heart plans his way, but the that a number of Villar family members are LORD directs his steps” (Proverbs 16:7-9). MC Robinsons which runs 460 branches nationwide. It seems ABS-CBN will not be able to regain its franchise for good. Neng Juliano through her company FICTAP fought Victoria R. Franco, RPh, MS Pharmacy a g a i n s t t h e c o m p a n y ’ s franco1573victoria@gmail.com renewal of franchise, only to be left out when National ur apologies to the general Telecommunication Company public regarding the inadequate divided the frequency and fanned supply of medicines, especially them out to…who else, cronies of Pres. those that can be purchased over the Duterte, namely former Senator Manny counter like paracetamol. The reasons Villar, the chosen Son of God Quibuloy being,(1) suppliers, manufacturers , and one other Chinese friend. ABS-CBN wholesalers and distributors have to had announced they are going “digital” conduct their year -end inventories, whatever it means to a non-techie like last booking usually are me. made before that cut-off. I had looked forward (2) There are problems to the start of the in the manufacturing election period, it looks lines- inadequate raw like it is not going to be materials (3) manpower purely entertainment both in the plant and at all. There is so much in the movement of “toxicity”, my blood the stocks. Both the pressure rises. On distribution and retail second thought, there business are badly are facebook posts affected as well. Sorry which are comical if not for this sad state. outright ridiculous. There are also big Why should we companies that are watch the falling in and badly affected by slow down of business. falling out of love of Kris Aquino? First that I heard of is Marco Polo Hotel, I’ve run out of fingers, including my the primer hotel in Davao City, where toes in keeping up with her love-life. the rich and famous hold their grand While that bum of a fiancé - how celebrations. Also in Davao City is the could he leave his sweetheart while age-old Aldevinco, where we buy our she is battling an illness she does not dollars and other foreign currencies. divulge, when she used to write about In Manila, the famous furniture and anything she experiences? P.S. there is appliance store has closed its doors no reconciliation forthcoming. for good. When we were starting our To all 18 year s old, male and female home in that city, that was our first Filipinos, Sara Duterte will push for destination for our needs. mandatory service for you when she “Fully Booked”, the elite branch of wins the Vice Presidency. She will use National Bookstore will downsize their her office as Vice President to persuade operations by shutting down three Congress . stores. It has a very homely atmosphere The saga of the lolo who was jailed where you can browse through their for stealing the mango of his neighbor is collections, for free, order some coffee not yet over. Presidential Aspirant Ping for a fee. Lacson has asked his staff to look into the Though convenience stores seem to problem. This became sensational case for thrive for a while, costumers no longer an 85 year old to be jailed with speed, while linger in the groceries as they used to. the lady95 year of age, who plundered our Nikkei Asia, owner of Ministop is closing country has never been arrested for that ALL their stores, sold their shares to crime. Talk of justice. MC

Better is Enough True to Form

Pity the Nation

The Stuff of Life

“I had looked forward to the start of the election period, it looks like it is not going to be purely entertainment at all.”

Personality Disorders HEALTH CORNER

Reprint from Mayo Clinic

personality disorder is a type of mental disorder in which you have a rigid and unhealthy pattern of thinking, functioning and behaving. A person with a personality disorder has trouble perceiving and relating to situations and people. This causes significant problems and limitations in relationships, social activities, work and school. In some cases, you may not realize that you have a personality disorder because your way of thinking and behaving seems natural to you. And you may blame others for the challenges you face. Personality disorders usually begin in the teenage years or early adulthood. There are many types of personality disorders. Some types may become less obvious throughout middle age. Types of personality disorders are grouped into three clusters, based on similar characteristics and symptoms. Many people with one personality disorder also have signs and symptoms of at least one additional personality disorder. It’s not necessary to exhibit all the signs and symptoms listed for a disorder to be diagnosed. Cluster A personality disorders Cluster A personality disorders are characterized by odd, eccentric thinking or behavior. They include paranoid personality disorder, schizoid personality disorder and schizotypal personality disorder. Paranoid personality disorder • Pervasive distrust and suspicion of others and their motives • Unjustified belief that others are trying to harm or deceive you • Unjustified suspicion of the loyalty or trustworthiness of others • Hesitancy to confide in others due to unreasonable fear that others will use the information against you • Perception of innocent remarks or nonthreatening situations as personal insults or attacks • Angry or hostile reaction to perceived slights or insults

• • • • •

• Tendency to hold grudges • Unjustified, recurrent suspicion that spouse or sexual partner is unfaithful

Schizoid personality disorder • Lack of interest in social or personal relationships, preferring to be alone Limited range of emotional expression Inability to take pleasure in most activities Inability to pick up normal social cues Appearance of being cold or indifferent to others Little or no interest in having sex with another person

Schizotypal personality disorder Peculiar dress, thinking, beliefs, speech or behavior • Odd perceptual experiences, such as hearing a voice whisper your name • Flat emotions or inappropriate emotional responses • Social anxiety and a lack of or discomfort with close relationships • Indifferent, inappropriate or suspicious response to others • “Magical thinking” — believing you can influence people and events with your thoughts • Belief that certain casual incidents or events have hidden messages meant only for you Cluster B personality disorders Cluster B personality disorders are characterized by dramatic, overly emotional or unpredictable thinking or behavior. They include antisocial personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, histrionic personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorder. Antisocial personality disorder • Disregard for others’ needs or feelings • Persistent lying, stealing, using aliases, conning others • Recurring problems with the law • Repeated violation of the rights of others • Aggressive, often violent behavior • Disregard for the safety of self or others • Impulsive behavior • Consistently irresponsible • Lack of remorse for behavior MC •

On Buying Goods…. Market Driven

supplier, we should first check the background of the supplier and how the firm deals with its customers How do we verify the legitimacy and Danny Buenbrazo performance of a supplier? danny_buenbrazo@yahoo.com The legal personality of the business and its ne of the common activities of business firms is the purchase authority to do business can be of goods needed for operational validated by checking its business or production purposes. Even groups registration with the appropriate or individuals not engaged in gainful government agencies (DTI for sole enterprises also procure goods from proprietorships, SEC for corporations, and CDA for cooperatives), tax time to time. I n p u r c h a s i n g g o o d s f r o m registration with the Bureau of suppliers, there are times where the Internal Revenue, and business buyer may not have the opportunity license with the local government to visit the premises of the supplier to unit where it is situated. For those check on his business or the specific selling certain products, additional items that he intends to buy. Some registration or permits are needed goods are also not generally available such as those obtained from the Food on the shelves of suppliers and the and Drug Administration for sellers distributors have to place special of medicines and other health-related orders with manufacturers or larger items. For verifying the business suppliers to be able to cater to their customers, thus, it is not easy for the dealings of the supplier, comments common buyer to check on these goods of customers on their website or social media accounts could be reviewed. that they are purchasing. Thus, purchasers may end up If you know other firms or persons paying for goods that are not suited that have previously dealt with your for the intended purpose or quality potential suppliers, you can also is much less than expected. This inquire with them. How do we check on the product is tragic when the goods purchased are for important purposes such as we intend to purchase? So, we don’t end up wasting our pipes for a water project or medical equipment needed by a hospital. It is money, we also need to do some not only a waste of money but may research to ensure that we will be also lead to loss of reputation, loss buying the correct product vis-à-vis the purpose for which it is intended. of lives, among other consequences. We should consult people who With the current situation, it is harder to go around to check different knows the product or had been using suppliers and find out which ones it such as engineers, technicians, or carry the goods we intend to purchase, the relevant professionals. They can the characteristics and quality of the provide us with what products are goods, and the corresponding prices. available in the market, particularly At this time when business entities as to the purpose, characteristics, and individuals face constraints quality, and price of the various in doing physical checking of the available products. We can also do suppliers they deal with, they have some readings on the internet or other to find ways and means to do checks sources of information. Bottomline is that we will be able to ensure suppliers are legitimate and the goods being offered for sale are fit to purchase the right product from suppliers that can provide us value for the purpose intended. Before buying a product from a for money. MC

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

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. 22 & 29, 2021

AFFIDAVIT Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late JOSE ROGER P. BISCARRA, who died intestate on August 13, 2021 in Cotabato City, a parcel of land Lot 2760-D-22-C, Psd12-93806, situated at Poblacion, Libungan, North Cotabato, containing an area of 335 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT N o . T- 7 7 5 4 2 i s t h e subject of affidavit of self-adjudication before Notary Public Marylyn B. Flauta-Lim, CPA, LLM as per Doc. No. 229; Page No. 46; Book No. XCIII; Series of 2021. MC: Jan. 29, Feb. 5 & 12, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

January 29, 2022

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

Republic of the Philippines Province of Cotabato City of Kidapawan 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 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.

(Sgd.) RAUL A. MALALUAN

City Registrar

MC: Jan. 22 & 29, 2022 Republic of the Philippines Province of Cotabato City of Kidapawan LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE

(Sgd.) RAUL A. MALALUAN City Registrar

MC: Jan. 22 & 29, 2022

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

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

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.

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

(Sgd.) RAUL A. MALALUAN City Registrar MC: Jan. 22 & 29, 2022

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. (Sgd.) RAUL A. MALALUAN

No to foreign military bases within or nearby BARMM by Amana Hamid An issue in an adjacent part of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is circulating about the proposed establishment of Australian military bases nearby Bangsamoro Region areas. As a member of a Muslims Youth Organization, I would like to appeal that these proposed military bases be not established and exercised in any place in BARMM or nearby BARMM. I, somehow, understand and respect the idea of our government in entering into pacts or agreements with other states purposely strengthening and upgrading our military and defense forces. However, our history shows that these visiting forces agreement implemented before had more of disadvantages than advantages. Establishing it near our region will only ignite the feelings of jihad and reluctance among the Bangsamoro people. I understand if government still fears for the rise of some terrorist groups in the south and west parts of Mindanao, but government should know that BARMM is now doing its job in serving the Bangsamoro people within and outside its jurisdiction and in reforming former combatants. Slowly it is making an impact in our lives and everything is falling into its proper place. Another strong reason for my opposition is the fear of destructing the morals of our youth and women. Reports are also replete with evidences and proofs on how the former foreign military forces destroyed some Filipino women by leaving them with children as souvenirs without accountability. Though, this apprehension is quite absurd as some may consider, but for me their presence will not truly help in bringing peace among us and will just devastate the status quo being established by the Bangsamoro Government. Hence, the alleged proposed establishment of a military visiting force in the western part of Mindanao will be a BIG NO for us as Muslim youth. Developing and upgrading our defense and military forces is indispensable and relevant to our nation but it can be exercised in some areas preferably not in Mindanao.

City Registrar

MC: Jan. 22 & 29, 2022

Republic of the Philippines Midsayap, Cotabato LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION 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.) NORAH B. CABUGWASON Municipal Civil Registrar MC: Jan. 22 & 29, 2022

PMARK PAWNSHOP MAIN, PMARK PAWNSHOP - BRANCH I & PMARK PAWNSHOP BRANCH II Patalastas ng Subasta PMARK Pawnshop Main Branch ng S.K. Pendatun Avenue, Cotabato City, PMARK Branch I - Parang, Maguindanao, at PMARK Branch II Supermarket Site, Cotabato City ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sangla. Ang mga ito ay yaon pang isinangla magmula pa noong Agosto 2021. Ang Subasta ay sa Pebrero 01, 2022 sa ganap na ika 9:00 ng umaga hanggang 4:00 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar. MC: Jan. 29, 2022

AFFIDAVIT Notice is hereby given that the estate of the l a t e T E O D O R O T. BISCARRA, who died intestate on April 10, 2015 at Pob. Libungan, North Cotabato, parcels of land Lot 2760-D-22-C, Psd-12-93806; Lot 2760-D-22-B, Psd-1213806; Lot 2760-D-22-A, Psd-179947; Lot 14, Block 7, Psd-165446; Lot 13, Block 7, Psd-165446, all situated at Poblacion, Libungan, North Cotabato with the total area of 1,584 sq. mts., more or less and Lot 2921D, Psd-179221, situated at Sinawingan (formerly Batiocan), Libungan, North Cotabato with an area of 13,079 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT Nos. T-77542, T- 7 7 5 4 1 , T- 7 7 5 4 0 , T-74827, T-55503 and T-69787, respectively are the subject of affidavit of self-adjudication before Notary Public Marylyn B. Flauta-Lim, CPA, LLM as per Doc. No. 498; Page No. 100; Book No. LXIV, Series of 2017.

MC: Jan. 29, Feb. 5 & 12, 2022

Republic of the Philippines Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Matanog, Maguindanao OFFICE OF THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC In compliance with Section

5 of R.A. No. 10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that Rohaimen Saaban Usman has filed with this office a petition for correction of clerical error of his gender from Female to Male in his certificate of live birth under Registry No. 2021-708 and whose parents are Cadal Abo Usman and Sanawera Mangkay Usman. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file a written opposition with this office not later than February 14, 2022. Sh.C. ZAHIRA D. DIMALEN, MPA,JD. Municipal Civil Registrar MC: Jan. 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

Republic of the Philippines Datu Piang, Maguindanao LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION In compliance with the publication requirements and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1, Guidelines of the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), notice is hereby served to the public that Shallabi Badal Pinagayao has filed with this office a petition for change of sex from Female to Male in the certificate of live birth of Shallabi Badal Pinagayao who was born on December 1, 1991 at Datu Piang, Maguindanao and whose parents are Anwar Y. Pinagayao and Neressa B. Guialani. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this office (Sgd.) JANE RADZMIRAH UY ANDAMEN, RN, AL HADJA Municipal Civil Registrar MC: Jan. 29 & Feb. 5, 2022

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 29, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Ex-BIFF, Dawlah men reunited with families

THE 23 members of two violent extremist groups who returned to the fold of law last week have been reunited with their families, senior Army officials said Tuesday. They surrendered to the Army in separate rites in the neighboring North Cotabato and Maguindanao provinces Friday. Officials of the Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade and the 6th Infantry Division said the 23 men have reconnected with their families with the help of local officials who helped secured their surrender via backchannel talks. The group is composed of 19 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and four Dawlah Islamiya gunmen. Both groups, tagged in deadly

bombings in central Mindanao in recent years. Major Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said last weekend the 23 BIFF and Dawlah Islamiya members renounced their membership with both groups during simple surrender rites in Pikit, North Cotabato and in Ampatuan, Maguindanao. The 23 confessed terrorists surrendered through the joint efforts of the 90th Infantry Battalion based in North Cotabato and Mayor Sumulong Sultan in Pikit town in the province,

and the 1st Mechanized Battalion in Ampatuan, Maguindanao. “We ought to thank the local executives who helped convince them to return to the fold of law,” Uy said Saturday. More than 300 BIFF members have surrendered in batches to units of the 6th ID in the past 18 months, now being reintroduced to mainstream society by the division and local government units. The group turned in assorted firearms to the 90th IB and the 1st Mechanized Battalion. John Felix Unson

Region-12 cops lauded for successful drive vs. smuggling

POLICE Brig. Gen. Alexander Tagum, regional director for the Soccsksargen region, has lauded the police for successfully preventing smuggling and directed all police units across the region to be on guard against smugglers. His directive came after police personnel in North Cotabato seized some PHP392,000 worth of smuggled cigarettes in three different operations in the province. Tagum said in a span of two days (Tuesday and Wednesday) police operatives arrested two persons, identified as Rasid

Maligas and Raof Guiamel, who were in possession of boxes of suspected smuggled cigarettes in Purok Yellowbell, Barangay Poblacion, Matalam, North Cotabato. Recovered from them were nine boxes of smuggled cigarettes with estimated market value amounting to Php117,000.00. Also on Tuesday, police found smuggled cigarettes with an estimated cost of PHP10,000 inside sevzeral boxes and abandoned beside the road in Sitio Tombao, Brgy. Tagbac, Magpet, North Cotabato. The following day,

Wednesday, a total of 17 boxes of assorted smuggled cigarettes amounting to PHP265,000 were confiscated during an ocular inspection in Kabacan Public Market, Kabacan, North Cotabato. No arrest has been made since the cigarette sellers have escaped. Tagum said the arrested suspects have been charged for violation of RA 10863 also known as an Act Modernizing the Customs and Tariff Administration. Tagum lauded the continuous accomplishments of the police force, especially in the illegal circulation of prohibited goods, in

the region through their dedication in enforcing the law. He directed all police units to be pro-active in the campaign against smuggled items entering the Soccsksargen region. “PRO-12 continues to work diligently to ensure that Soccsksargen will not only be a safe place to live and work, but also a community where residents can do business freely without the threat of illegal activities that endanger the economic growth of the region,” Tagum said in a statement. Edwin O.

Fernandez

Pioneer “SEAL” awardees thankful to BARMM

SIX mayors who received last week the Salamat Excellence Award for Leadership (SEAL), first ever since the initial inception in the 1970s of Moro autonomy, are grateful to the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) government for having recognized their good governance efforts. The SEAL citation is premised on the efficiency of recipients in governance and in security and communitydevelopment initiatives, according to BARMM Ministry of Local Government Minister Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo. BARMM released Wednesday the SEAL awards to Mayors Ramon Piang of Upi, Shameem Mastura of Sultan Kudarat, Midpantao Midtimbang, Jr. of Guindulungan and Abdulkarim Langkuno of Paglat, all in Maguindanao. Mayors Hanie Bud and Ali Sumandar of Maluso, Basilan and Piagapo, Lanao del Sur, respectively, also received a SEAL award each. Bud and Piang separately told

Mindanao Cross early this week that they are thankful to the MILG-BARMM for the SEAL awards. The symbolic rite, held at the Bangsamoro capitol here and facilitated by the MILG, was among the many events that capped off the commemoration of BARMM's 3rd founding anniversary that started on January 17 and culminated on January 21. The six SEAL awardees got from the MILG-BARMM a P2.5 million grant each for any feasible peace and development project, a P300,000 worth gold medallion and plaques of appreciation. The annual grant of the SEAL award starting this year was conceived by Minister Sinarimbo and other top regional officials in honor of the founder of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the late Salamat Hashim, who had studied Islam at the Al-Azzar University in Cairo, Egypt. The creation of BARMM was a product of 22 years of peace talks

between the government and the MILF, headed by BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim. The MILG also conferred the Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Award to 29 barangay governments for good examples in addressing community security issues. Twenty four more barangays received from the MILG the Seal of Good Local Governance for Barangays while nine others got citations under the Search for Model Barangays (SMB) program of the MILG. Barangay Remfes in Upi, Maguindanao topped in the SMB and got a P1 million cash grant. The eight other model barangays that qualified in the SMB received a P100,000 prize each. The MILG also cited a number of local government units in the Bangsamoro region for having passed the Local Government Functionality Appraisal and the LGU Grant Assistance for Innovative Practices.

John Felix Unson

CITATION. Among the local government units that received special citations from the Bangsamoro government last week was that of the Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao province that got high ratings in the Local Government Functionality Appraisal program of the Ministry of the Interior and Local government. John Felix Unson

56 SoCot health workers test positive for COVID-19

MORE than 50 health workers in South Cotabato under the provincial government are now infected with COVID-19 that made the fight against the virus to reach at critical level. South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo said health officials noted the surge in the number of patients at the COVID-19 ward of the South Cotabato provincial hospital here. “We are now on critical stage, we have 109 patients over the weekend and 60 others are waiting (to be admitted),” Gov. Tamayo said. Dr. Rogelio Aturdido, South Cotabato provincial health chief, also raised the

alarm bell to all parents in the province after more minors are getting infected with the virus. “I appeal to parents, make sure you take care of yoru children so they stay safe, we already have 22 minors who have COVID in the provincial hospital,” Aturdido said. Tamayo said as of Monday there were already 56 health frontliners who are isolated. “The infected personnel includes a doctor, nurses, and some hospital staff,” he said during the flag raising ceremonies at the capitol, urging every provincial employee to avoid too much social gathering. Edwin O.

GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The police seized 25 boxes of imported cigarettes intercepted in Maitum town in Sarangani while en route to somewhere in the province on Thursday last week, January 20. Brig. Gen. Alexander Tagum, director of the Police Regional Office-12, said Friday the contraband was in a van that policemen impounded when they found out that it carried Casablanca cigarettes, for delivery to somewhere in the municipality. “The driver of that truck and his helpers were unloading some of their merchandise in Barangay Piñol (in Maitum) when patrolling policemen saw them. They were immediately surrounded and prevented from leaving,” Tagum said. Investigators placed

at between P375,000 to P420,000 their estimate of the value of the confiscated 25 boxes of Casablanca cigarettes from Indonesia. Tagum said truck driver Alimodin Benolirao and companions Jenny Plaza and Alvin Agosto are now detained. They are now being questioned on the identities of their employer and the source of the confiscated cigarettes. Benolirao had initially told interrogators that their truck is owned by a certain Kokoy Cardino, a resident of Valencia City in Bukidnon. He said the Casablanca cigarettes that personnel of the Maitum municipal police confiscated from them are from Ipil town in Zamboanga Sibugay province. The shipment did not have tariff and customs documents.John Felix Unson

Fernandez

Smuggled cigarettes seized in Sarangani

BTA member eyes office for PWD

PERSONS with disabilities (PWDs) should get all the necessary aid from the government in the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). With this in mind, members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), the region’s legislative body, had come up with an idea to put programs for the welfare of PWDs. The Bangsamoro Parliament filed Parliament Bill 167 or Bangsamoro Disability Welfare Act of 2021 as the session resumes this year. “This merely reinforces the commitment of the Bangsamoro Government to take care of, protect, and rehabilitate individuals, families, and communities in the Bangsamoro region, especially those who have less in life and those who need social welfare interventions,” explained Member of Pariament Amir Mawallil. Under the proposed legislation that aims to establish an institutional system to ensure the implementation of programs and services for PWDs, a Regional Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office (R-PDAO) has been proposed. Once passed and became a law, the office shall be under the control and supervision of the Ministry of Social Services

and Development, which will explore livelihood opportunities and other initiatives to improve the health, physical fitness, economic and social wellbeing of PWDs, the bill explanatory note stated. The office’s responsibilities include formulating and implementing policies, plans, and programs that will promote the welfare of disabled persons; representing the sector in meetings of Bangsamoro Economic Development Council; gathering relevant data on the disabled persons in all components of BARMM local government units, disseminating information on training and employment opportunities, among others. “Due to longterm physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments, they are generally considered highly vulnerable and confronted with challenges,” MP Mawallil added. Mawallil stressed that the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), the law that created BARMM, provides the establishment of a special agency, support facilities, and livelihood or skills training for PWDs and other disadvantaged persons for their rehabilitation and productive integration into mainstream society. Edwin

O. Fernandez