Issuu

CHURCH / P6

Solar energy eyed in BARMM housing project

Pope Francis to consecrate Russia and Ukraine to Immaculate Heart of Mary

P10

Tapatan Ma. Leofe Draper Lu

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

PROTECTION. Like humans, animals need jabs too against life-threatening diseases. They live with us, sleep with us, play with us, even eat with us, that is why we love them, Cotabato City government, through city vet and health offices, love them too. Karl John Daniel

OMI PRIEST IN UKRAINE APPEALS FOR PRAYERS

By Drema Quitayen Bravo “EVERY moment could be your last, that’s why, every wake up is a gift from God.” These were the words of Oblate priest Fr. Pavlo Vyshkovskyi who has been serving Ukraine as a missionary assigned at the St. Nicholas Catholic Cathedral in Ukraine’s capital that had been invaded

by Russia.

In an an interview conducted by Notre Dame Broadcasting Corporation (NDBC) early this week, Fr. Pavlo

“Armed” Ukrainian woman: “My only gun is a rosary”

WHILE the Ukraine’s capital Kyiv remains chaotic following Russian attacks and invasion, a 25-year-old Ukrainian parishioner of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate ran parish,

By Drema Quitayen Bravo has opted to stay and defend their country even she will be the last woman standing in the battleground. The military blitz of Russia in the center Kyiv have encouraged

Ukrainians to join the army force and use weapons to fight, causing an intense skirmishes that force people to leave their country, even the extraction of Filipino

Sox has 9, BARMM 3 new police lieutenant colonels

Fr. Pavlo Vyshkovskyi, OMI one of the Oblates in Ukraine protecting his parishioners

US brings in 3-M doses of COVID-19 vaccines

By Nash B. Maulana THE United States, in partnership with the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) facility, has shipped in 3,999,060 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to the Philippines as part of its continuing worldwide effort to combat COVID-19. In a statement, Chargé d’ Affairs (CDA) ad interim Heather Variava of the US Embassy in Manila said the latest shipment on March 7 is the largest in a single day that the government of her country has sent in thus far. CDA Variava said the latest

6th ID gets equipment from Army

By John Felix Unson CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao — The 6th Infantry Division got from the Philippine Army Headquarters more than P1 million worth of provisions, a new pick-up truck and a motorcycle essential to its peace-building activities meant to nip local terror groups from the bud. The equipment grant, which included two-way radios, uniforms and combat boots was one of the highlights of the March 1 to 22 commemoration of the 125th anniversary of the Philippine Army.

By Edwin O. Fernandez NINE police majors under Police Regional Leoncito, Arniel C Melocotones, Jingle M Office (PRO-12 (Soccsksargen region) Parallag and Lily Grace M Ladeo. are now proud police lieutenant colonels Brig. Gen. Rolando E Destura, after they took their oath and were PRO-12 deputy regional director for donned with a higher rank during the administration (DRDA) who lauded the Monday's flag raising ceremony at PRO newly promoted personnel for a well-des, 12 grandstand, Barangay Tambler, Gen. led the donning of ranks and encouraged Santos City. them to make this achievement an They are Police Lieutenant Colonels inspiration to work harder. Mylaine M Estrellan, Rexor Jake C “May you maintain your strong Canoy, Romy D Castañares, Johnny Rick commitment to the public by F Medel, Julius R Malcontento, Sunny R elevating the PNP core values at

MAHALAGANG PAALALA IPINAPAALAM NG Oblates of Mary Immaculate o OMI na hindi ibinibenta ang lupa nito sa likurang bahagi ng Notre Dame University sa Cotabato City. May kumakalat na bali-balitang may mga taong nagbebenta ng lote sa lupang nasa likod ng NDU compound. Hindi totoo yan at hindi pinagbibili ang naturang lupa na pag-aari ng OMI. Huwag maniwala sa mga offer na ganito at huwag magbayad ng kahit magkano dahil hindi binibenta ang lupa.

Ang paalalang ito ay mula kay OMI Superior Fr. Gerry delos Reyes.

March 19, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Solar energy eyed in BARMM housing project

A lawmaker in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has filed a bill that seeks to install solar power systems in all socialized housing projects across the region. This is to help generate savings on electric bills and the high cost of living. In his bill Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Bill No. 178 (“An Act promoting the development and utilization of solar energy in all socialized housing programs in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, appropriating funds therefor, and for other purposes),” Member of Parliament (MP) Amir Mawallil said qualified end-users can protect themselves from possible volatilities of the energy market and contribute to the development of green energy. He said his measure also seeks the support of Bangsamoro Government in fulfilling its mandate and institutionalizing the construction of renewable energy systems. In his explanatory nore, MP Mawallil said the solar energy systems will supply the electric power requirements, as an accessory use, to provide secure, clean, and

environment-friendly power services in urban and rural areas in the region, especially in settlements for the disadvantaged, the homeless, those who have been victims of conflicts and atrocities, and internally displaced persons. Stressing his bill aims largely to help preserve the environment, MP Mawallil said that solar energy systems do not require extraction activities like large-scale mining or drilling, resulting in negative environmental impacts. “The use of solar energy is proven beneficial for it is clean, renewable, and emission-free. It also reduces household energy costs and is highly sustainable in the long run,” he said. If passed into law, the Bangsamoro Government shall include provisions mandating the installation of Solar Energy systems in every housing project in the region. “This measure is our contribution to the national government’s programs for increasing the use of renewable

energy in the country to promote energy security and efficiency and reduce the impact of climate change on the world. Onward to development that is sustainable, cost-effective, and environment-friendly,” MP Mawallil said. “Most important, solar panels can be installed on rooftops and designated areas without disrupting activities or dislocating electric power consumers,” he added. He said solar energy systems can also generate substantial savings versus fossil-fueled power plants. MP Mawallail said energy efficiency should be considered in all phases of settlements planning, building design, and construction, both in electricity use and transmission. MPs Laisa Alamia, Suharto Ambolodto, Rasol Mitmug, Don Mustapha Loong, Rasul Ismael, Abraham Burahan, Sittie Shahara Mastura, and Paisalin Tago backed Mawallil’s bill as co-authors. Edwin

O. Fernandez

BEYOND REACH? Fuel prices are up to its highest level in PH history. But many are hoping for price rollback as fuel prices in world market dive slowly. Karl John Daniel

“Galansiyang” birds mysteriously died in Makilala MAKILALA, North Cotabato — Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) officials here were puzzled by the discovery of at least 20 lifeless Asian Glossy Starling birds locally known as "Galansiang" or “Kuling dagat,” in a remote village here early this week. Residents of Barangay San Vicente found the

birds littered a dirt road and it appeared that they simultaneously died for still unknown reason. Venancia Bangot, Makilala MAO, admitted she was surprised too of the incident. She was quick to explain that the bird flu that hit Tacurong City has something to do with it. "The incident was just

an isolated cases and still manageable," Bangot said, adding that he too was surprised at first. Mayor Armando Quibod summoned all 38 village officials and directed them to closely monitor their respective areas for possible entry of poultry animals, particularly ducks from other towns to prevent the

spread of the bird flu. Quibod said village and agriculture officials all agreed that poultry animals will be denied entry if no certification issued by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) of the Department of Agriculture, Regional Office-12 are presented to quarantine stations.

Williamor Magbanua

121 ex-MILF get NC-I2 cert from BARMM

MORE former Moro rebels who were decommissioned are now skilled to earn decent income after getting their national competency certificate from Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) education ministry. The 121 former combatants belonged to the first batch of decommissioned Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) who are added to the roster of various livelihood skills training graduates conducted by the region’s education ministry. These former rebels who have been reintegrated into the mainstream as provided for in the Comprehensive Agreement on the

Bangsamoro (CAB) received their certificates during graduation ceremony for completing courses on cookery and pastry-making. Minister Mohaqher Iqbal of the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education’s Technical Education and Skills Development (MBHTE-TESD) said the former rebels are no earning decent income to provide their families’ basic needs. Abdullahh Nuh Salisit, 59, from Tuka, Sultan Mastura, Maguindanao and one of the 121 former rebels, said he and his family will start a small business as added sources of income. He said he can now send his

children to formal education with his expected new revenue from his upcoming pastry-making business. MBHTE conducted the training at Simuay, Sultan Kudarat in Maguindnao in collaboration with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) and the Ittihadun Nisa Foundation and Darussalam Institute of Technology. The training was implemented under the Normalization Program or the Executive Order No. 79 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte. Aside from ex-MILF combatants, also trained were their family members,

BARMM gov’t grants homes to 185 indigents

MORE than 180 indigent families in Maguindanao now have houses they can call their own home. T h i s a f t e r the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Ministry of Public Works’ (MPW) Maguindanao First District Engineering Office and the BARMM-KAPYANAN (Kapayapaan sa Pamayanan) Program officially turned over 185 housing units, ampouonting to PHP74 million, in Barangay Biruar, Parang, Maguindanao. On Thursday, BARMM Assistant Senior Minister Abdullah Cusain, who is also the program manager of KAPYANAN, said the current BARMM leadership has recognized the interventions of the former ARMM government on the improvement of the people’s welfare. "For us in the BARMM, we acknowledged the previous ARMM officials in their great efforts to start this kind of decent project which could promote betterment for our constituents," Cusain said in a statement released by the BARMM Bangsamoro Information Office (BIO) He said the housing project was funded under the CY 2019 BARMM’s Bangsamoro Regional Inclusive Development for Growth and Empowerment (BRIDGE) program that aimed to provide shelter for families who were either displaced due

to conflict, among the poorest of the poor, or former combatants in the area. “If I’m not mistaken, before the year 2021, we agreed to have the MPW construct at least 3,600 housing units across the Bangsamoro region because we consider that homelessness still remain a major problem all over BARMM territories, and we need to address that through KAPYANAN program,” Cusain added. KAPYANAN is among the special programs of Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim aimed at providing basic needs including core shelter with light, water and sanitation, and sustainable livelihood for the poorest of the poor in the region. “We are very thankful to the leadership of Chief Minister Ebrahim and the entire BARMM officials in providing us this housing unit,” Sabila Asi, one of the beneficiaries, said in the vernacular. “We are happy because we really feel now that there is a government that promotes our wellbeing,” she added. “I am happy that I have reached this point in muy life where I get to see the fruit of our decades-long struggle,” another beneficiary, Hadji Ahmad Abpet, said. The emotional Abpet is a 78 year old veteran fighter whose families were displaced from Lutayan, Maguindanao since the martial law in 1972. Edwin O. Fernandez

Maguindanao gun attacks kill 4

AT least four persons were killed in separate gun attacks in Maguindanao the past two days in what police believed were due to “rido” or family feud. Capt. Fayed Canda, speaking for Maguindanao police office, said most the shooting cases in Maguindanao, five in Datu Odin Sinsuat and one in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, both in Maguindanao, were motivated by clan war. The latest victim was a 51-year-old man who was attacked in Sitio Tenorio, Barangay Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao at 9 a.m. Thursday. Farmer Bangon Modzul was driving a motorbike with his wife Norma Ismael Mudzul, 40, both residents of Barangay Labungan. Lt. Colonel Assir Balindong, Datu Odin Sinsuat town police chief, the gunmen were on board separate motorbike and opened fire on the victims while they were heading to Barangay Awang proper. The victim’s 18-year-

old son, who was on board separate motorcycle tailing his father, was unharmed. Capt. Cana identified the other fatalities in separate gun attacks as Ben Salik Mantawil, shot in Barangay Taviran, Norhanudin Mama, 31 and Kumplay Maulana, 36, who were shot in Barangay Dalican Poblacion. They were shot on Wednesday night. Earlier in the day, gunmen shot Fire Officer1 Jingle Bedeña, 28, assigned with the Sultan Sa Barongis Fire Station and Salahudin Pato, 21, both residents of Mamasapano, Maguindanao. Police have sought the help of military forces in Maguindanao since most of the shootings occur along the isolated portion of national highways. “These are isolated cases, our police are doing its best to put an end to this,” Capt. Cana said when asked why shooting occurs while the police is implementing election gun ban. Edwin O. Fernandez

OFFENSES: Kidnapping with Ransom & Serious Illigal Detendtion

OFFENSES: Multiple Murder with Frustrated Murder, Kidnapping & Serious Illigal Detention (21 counts), Kidnapping with Ransom & Serious Illigal Detention

CC No/s.: 3537-1129, 3608-1164, 3611-1165, 3674-1187

CC No/s.: 3608-1164, 815-3; 523-1; 506-4; 3674-1187

OFFENSES: Murder CC No/s.: CR16H-9922, 9923 and 9925

OFFENSES: OFFENSES: Kidnapping & Serious Arson; Murder Illigal Detendtion with Ransom (21 counts) CC No/s.: 583-07-2008; 572-07CC No/s.: 2008 122473H-122493H

OFFENSES: Kidnapping and Serious Illigal Detention; Illigal Possession of Hand Grenade, TNT Cast/ Explosive, and Blasting Caps/Incediary Devices

CC No/s.: 0442-2017 up to 04462017; and 0447-2017 to 0449-2017

OFFENSES: Arson; Violation of Special Statutory of PD 1700 as Amended by PD 1835; AntiSubversion Law

OFFENSES: Rebellion; Murder CC No/s.: 12627-G; 11g-00177; 2018-153-1

CC No/s.: 5124; 91-1880; 91-1888

OFFENSES: Murder, Kidnapping with Murder, Double Murder and Multiple Attempted Murder

OFFENSES: Arson CC No/s.: 546-07-2008

OFFENSES: Multiple Murder with Multiple Frustrated Murder CC No/s.: SA-170, SA-360, SA362, SA-363

OFFENSES: Murder with Multiple Frustrated Murder with Double Frustrated Murder

OFFENSES: Kidnapping for Ransom with Homicide; Kidnapping and Serious Illigal Detention; Attempted Murder

CC No/s.: CC No/s.: SA-362 and 363, 2012- 2465-3; 2830-3, 2831-3, 5289 2832-3 and 2833-3 and 2019-3

OFFENSES: Murder, Multiple Frustrated Murder and Multiple Attempted Murder CC No/s.: 551-2007, 2003-392

THE MINDANAO CROSS

March 19, 2022

OFFENSES: Arson; Violation of Sec 4 K(1) of RA 9208 as amended by RA 10364 Murder

OFFENSES: Kidnapping with Murder Frustrated Murder

CC No/s.: CC No/s.: CC No/s.: 11-3248 and 11-3249 11955-G; 113248 and 113249; 14-6573-C to CR-17-266 (PD 1613) 12-3320 14-6573 to 14-6573-C CR-17-161 to CR 17163 13507

OFFENSES: Murder, Multiple Frustrated Murder and Multiple Attempted Murder, Multiple Frustrated Murder with Crimes Involving Destruction CC No/s.: 552-2007; 08-07; 20270

OFFENSES: Murder (14 counts) ; Frustrated Murder (12 counts)

OFFENSES: Arson; Double Murder

CC No/s.: (4574-1656; 4575-1657; 45771658; 4581-1669; 4596-1666; 4597-1667; 4599-1668; 45761076; 4578-1068; 4579-1069; 4580-1070; 4582-1071; 45951078; 4599-1079;) (4584-1660; 4585-1661; 4587-1662; 45891663; 4591-1664; 4592-1665; 4583-1072; 4586-1073; 45881074; 4590-1075; 4593-1076; 4594-1077)

CC No/s.: 546-07-2008; 547-072008 CC No/s.: 4574 to 4582

OFFENSES: Murder, Double Murder and Multiple Frustrated Murder

OFFENSES: Rebellion; Double Murder with Frustrated Murder

CC No/s.: S-4888; 00517, 00518, CC No/s.: 00519, 00520, 9096- 5332-C (17) 2K9; S-4251

CC No/s.: 26359-15; 20135301

CC No/s.: 9958; 4603

OFFENSES: Murder, Frustrated Murder Attempted Murder (6 counts)

OFFENSES: Murder, Arson; Murder

OFFENSES: Murder

OFFENSES: Syndicated Arson

CC No/s.: 14552

CC No/s.: 2014-4-4291-B

OFFENSES: Murder (6 counts) and Frustrated Murder; Rebellion

CC No/s.: 3083, 3084, 3085, 3086, 3087, 3088 and 3089

OFFENSES: Kidnapping and Serious Illigal Detention

OFFENSES: Murder (9 counts); Frustrated Murder (4 counts)

OFFENSES: Murder CC No/s.: 3769-04, R-6546, P-7446, P-7532

CC No/s.: 9915; 11-9144; 12091

OFFENSES: Murder with Multiple Frustrated Murder, Murder with Double Frustrated Murder CC No/s.: SA-360; SA-363; 20125289

OFFENSES: OFFENSES: Double Murder and Murder (2 counts) Multiple Attempted Murder CC No/s.: 3552; 4013 CC No/s.: 146573-C to 146574-C

OFFENSES: Murder (2 counts) Frustrated Murder (2 counts), Robbery with Violence and Intimidation Against Person CC No/s.: B-17-2836, CR16H-9922, CR16H-9923 and CR16H-9925, Z-2824 & 2922

March 19, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

OMI priest in Ukraine appeals for prayers...from P1 has asked for prayers so

EXTRAJUDICIAL PARTITION Notice is hereby given that the intestate estates of the late EMILIA M. COCAL and LUDOVICO R. COCAL, who died on December 4, 2003 and July 21, 2007 at UERM Hospital, Manila and Midsayap Cotabato, respectively, parcels of land situated in Pob. III, Midsayap, C ot abat o c ove r e d by OCT No. P-58836 with an area of 489, sq. mts., more or less; land situated in Baguer, Libungan, Cotabato covered by TCT Nos. T-70122, T-71810, T-60348, T-60349, T-60350, T-60351, T-60352, T-60353 and T-60354, with the total area of 115,451 sq. mts., more or less and a land situated in Salunayan, Midsayap, Cotabato, covered by OCT No. P-64500 with an area of 20,006 sq. mts., more or less are the subject of Deed of Extrajudicial Partition of estates before Notary Public Atty. Joselyn Bonnie V. Val e ro s as p e r Doc. No. 410; Page No. 82; Book No. IVF; Series of 2017. MC: Mar. 19, 26 & Apr. 2, 2022

they remain safe amid the bombardment. While humanitarian aid had failed for several days now, Fr. Pavlo was very thankful to people in nearby parishes in Poland for the food and medicine which to them. The same food were shared to people who cannot move out or refused to leave. EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late EFREN B. COROTAN, who died intestate on December 13, 2020, parcels of land Lot 2754-C-9-B5-F-4, Psd-12-009076; Lot 2754-C-9-B-5-F-5, Psd-12-009076; Lot 2754-C-3-I-7-G, Psd-12026151; Lot 2754-C-3-I8-G, Psd-12-026126; Lot 2754-C-9-B-5-D-6, Psd-12-026149, Lot 2754-C-9-B-5-D-5, Psd-12-026149; Lot No. 83-D, Csd-12002139-D; covered by TCT Nos. T-97026, T- 9 7 0 2 7 , T- 9 7 0 5 1 , T-97061 and T-97022, T-97021 & OCT No. P-58615, all situated at Barrio Poblacion, Libungan, Cotabato, containing the total area of of 15,694 sq. mts., more or less, are the subject of Extrajudicial Settlement of estate with simultaneous deed of donation before Notary Public Noel A. Gretare, CPA as per Doc. No. 4,184; Page No. 95; Book No. LXXXVII; Series of 2022. MC: Mar. 19, 26 & Apr. 2, 2022

It has been almost a month since the attack of Russia, yet the Oblate priest never think of leaving his people regardless of several risks and danger. “I do not say that we are not afraid, of course we need to do our mission, we need to do our works as Oblates, we are close to the people, we help them, we are praying that this war will finish very soon,” Fr. Pavlo said in the NDBC interview. Fr. Pavlo and his parishioners are helping Ukrainians’ basic EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late EFREN B. COROTAN, who died intestate on December 13, 2020, parcels of land Lot2754-C-1-G, Psd-12026150; Lot-2754-C-9B-3-A, Psd-12-002561; Lot 2754-C-3-I-7-H, Psd-12-026151; Lot 2754-C-3-I-7-D, Psd12-026151; and Lot 2754-C-3-I-8-I, Psd-12026126, covered by TCT Nos. T-97004, T-62802, T-97052, T-97048 and T-97063,respectively all situated at Barrio Poblacion, Libungan, Cotabato, containing the total area of of 5,394 sq. mts., more or less, are the subject of Extrajudicial Settlement of estate with simultaneous deed of donation before Notary Public Noel A. Gretare, CPA as per Doc. No. 4,183; Page No. 95; Book No. LXXXVII; Series of 2022. MC: Mar. 19, 26 & Apr. 2, 2022

necessities including the provision of spiritual strength among catholic faithful. Many people have fled to other countries, but Fr. Pavlo is among the Ukraine’s “defender” who will serve his country and his people until the end. He was very thankful as well to the Catholic in the Philippine for the support and prayers. Even NDBC had sent financial aid to OMI missions in Ukraine. “I would like to say thank you to all Catholics in the Philippines and that you are praying for us, thank you very much for your prayer, for your support, and for everything you gave us, for the support for the poor people in our country, for the medicine you sent for us, hoping this war will finish soon.” EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late WILFREDO M. QUITOR, who died on May 8, 2018 in Pigcawayan, Cotabato, a parcel of land Lot No. 2221, TS-215, situated in Making, Parang, Maguindanao, containing an area of 600 sq. mts., more or less, is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Renie Jay Abad Soriano as per Doc. No. 221; Page No. 45; Book No. XXIII; Series of 2022. MC: Mar. 19, 26 & Apr. 2, 2022

Sox has 9, BARMM 3 new...from P1

all times. We must prove that we truly deserve the respect and trust of the public as effective and reliable police officers,” Brig. Gen. Destura said.

Meanwhile, Police Brig. Gen. Arthur R Cabalona, police regional director for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has challenged newly promoted police lieutenant colonels to live the national police philosophy. “Live up to the philosophy and core values of the PNP,” Brig. Gen. Cabalona told newly promoted Police Lieutenant Colonels Luisa D Candido from Sulu Police Provincial Office, Arturo C Rivera Jr PROBARMM and Jeseryl A Dela Cruz

from Tawi-Tawi Police Provincial Office. He told the officers that they must adhere to and internalize the enduring core values of love of God, respect for authority, selfless love and service for people, sanctity of marriage and family life, responsible dominion and stewardship over material things, and truthfulness. “Exert efforts in doing your respective duties and live up to the philosophy and core values of the PNP,” Brig. Gen. Cabalona added. Earlier, Cabalona administered the oath taking and donning of ranks of the three newly promoted Police Lieutenant Colonels at the Maringal Lounge, Camp BGen Salipada K Pendatun, Parang, Maguindanao.

NoCot mayor sought village...from P10

The virus that causes bird flu is transmitted from one area to another. EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late FLORENCIO D. MATUGAS, SR. who died intestate on March 4, 2021 in Cotabato City, a parcel of land Lot 9, Block 14 , Pcs-3679 with improvements, situated in Bo. Colina, Cotabato, Cotabato, containing an area of 396 sq. mts., more or less and an insured amount from PDIC are the subject of deed of extrajudicial settlement of real property with waiver of rights before Notary Public Atty. Sandy Balucan Sendad as per Doc. No. 392; Page No. 39; Book No. II; Series of 2022. MC: Mar. 19, 26 & Apr. 2, 2022

"Let us help one another. We are still contemplating the effect of the African Swine Fever (ASF) that severely hit out hog raisers and I cannot afford to see another problem because of bird flu," Mayor Abonado said in the vernacular. Abonado said at least 132 poultry raisers will be directly affected if all the villages of Mlang will be penetrated by the bird flu. These poultry raisers are supplying duck eggs for balut making not only in Mlang but also in other areas and as far as Davao City. Williamor A.

Magbanua

“Armed” Ukrainian woman: “My...from P1 immigrants in Ukraine. Among them was Maria Teresa Shybanova, who lives in Ukraine’s capital, together with her family serves as prayer warriors during Russia-Ukraine relentless tension. Maria Teresa spoke to NDBC on-line interview early this week to share her experiences in Kyiv. As one of the parishioners of OMImanaged St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Kyiv, Maria Teresa remains courageous in fighting for freedom and independence. “My only gun is a rosary. Unfortunately or fortunately I don't have a gun. But I want to say that we will not stop to protect our country even without a gun.” Shybanova hopes that people will understand that Ukraine is not under the

Russia’s control. "I hope after this war, people will not ask where is Ukraine, and I really believe that no one will ever say that Ukraine is Russia because Ukraine is independent country, an amazing country with amazing people," she said.

Maria Teresa Shybanova

121 ex-MILF get NC-I2 cert from...from P2 including their spouses and children. “It may not be as big as others think but at least this is decent and our skills will help us rejoin the mainstream,” Salisit said. For Salisit, this will

THE MINDANAO CROSS

March 19, 2022

keep him busy now. “From guns to pastry business, this is good, I am happy,” he said. Meanwhile, Engr. Ruby Andong DirectorGeneral of MBHTE-TESD Regional Office, said she strongly believed on

the capability of former combatants. “Given the chance, they will excel as it is now, they can effectively manage their own business and sources of income,” Andong said.

Edwin O. Fernandez

US brings in 3-M doses of COVID-19...from P1 shipment of anti-COVID vaccines formed part of the US government’s continuing partnership commitment with the Philippine government to keep Filipinos healthy and safe, a US Embassy statement said. US and Philippine officials have also noted that the shipment this time also coincided with the anniversary of the first COVAX delivery of lifesaving COVID-19 vaccines to the Philippines. The vaccines formed part of the 1.2 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses that the US is making available for distribution through COVAX, a global initiative to support equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, the statement said. President Joe Biden’s goal of shipping 200 million doses to partner countries, five days ahead of the 100-day target, has been

7 in Matanog killings charged

MATANOG, Maguindanao — Seven residents here now face double murder and multiple frustrated murder charges for allegedly having killed a farmer and a three-year-old child in a gun attack last week that also hurt three others. Col. Jibin Bongcayao, Maguindanao’s provincial police director, confirmed Thursday that criminal cases had been filed against the culprits. Efforts to locate them are still underway, according to Bongcayao.

“That gruesome incident is obviously related to a `rido’ involving the families of the victims and their attackers,” Bongcayao said. Rido means clan war in most southern Mindanao languages. Two were killed, Broh Lumbos, 43, and his three-year-old nephew when the suspects, armed with M16 and .30 caliber Carbine rifles, attacked them at their yard in Barangay Langkong here. The attack left Akmad Makaurao, 38, and two other children, both related to the slain

Lumbos, wounded. There is prevalence of rido in this town involving families that keep firearms - for protection from enemies and as a status symbol. Bongcayao said investigators in the Matanog Municipal Police Station have identified the seven suspects in the atrocity with the help of barangay officials and traditional Moro community leaders. He declined to identify the suspects pending the release of warrants for their arrest. John Felix

Unson

6th ID gets equipment from Army...from P1 Officials of 6th ID led by its deputy commander, Major Gen. Jose Narciso, on Monday presented to reporters the supplies and the vehicle the Army’s headquarters in Fort Bonifacio provided the division. Besides the Toyoto pick-up truck, a motorcycle and radio sets, the 6th ID also received uniforms, dog tags and combat boots for its personnel. In a statement, Major Gen. Juvymax Uy, 6th ID’s commander, said they shall use the pick-up

truck for special peacekeeping programs meant to quell religious extremism in provinces under the division’s jurisdiction. Units of 6th ID had secured the surrender, via backchannel dialogues. of more than 300 members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and the Dawlah Islamiya in the past two years. They are now gradually being reintroduced to mainstream society with the help of different government agencies.

The BIFF and the Dawlah Islamiya, both fashioned from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, were tagged in all deadly bombings in central Mindanao in recent years. (John Felix Unson) Photo: NEW PROVISIONS. Major Gen. Jose Narciso, deputy commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, inspects a combat boot, from among dozens of pairs the 6th ID received this week from the Philippine Army Headquarters in Fort Bonifacio in Mandaluyong City. Metro Manila.

NEW PROVISIONS. Major Gen. Jose Narciso, deputy commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, inspects a combat boot, from among dozens of pairs the 6th ID received this week from the Philippine Army Headquarters in Fort Bonifacio in Mandaluyong City. Metro Manila. John Felix Unson

achieved, it added. To date, the American people have already provided more than 33.3 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to the Philippines. “We are immensely proud that our friends, partners, and allies in the Philippines are receiving this historic shipment. This significant donation underscores the United States’ commitment to continue working with our Philippine partners to combat COVID-19 even as we face serious challenges around the world,” said CDA ad interim Variava. The US is the largest donor to COVAX, having donated $4 billion to help protect the most vulnerable and at-risk populations in 92 low- and middle-income countries. So far, the Philippines has received from COVAX a total of nearly 74 million vaccines doses, enough to vaccinate one in five

Filipinos. On behalf of CDA Variava, the US Agency for International Development Philippines Health Office Director Michelle LangAlli joined Philippine government officials and other stakeholders at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to fetch this latest vaccine shipment. The statement said: “United States is working closely with Philippine partners to protect public health and support the local response to COVID-19.” In addition to vaccine donations, the U.S. government has also provided more than Php1.9 billion ($39 million) in COVID-19 assistance to the Philippines to support testing, crucial care, communication campaigns, protection and training of health workers, vaccine deployment, and essential equipment and supplies.”

THE U.S. government earmarks $15 million (Php 750-million) for a new project to develop climate resilience in the Philippines, being one of the world’s most disasterprone countries. The project was formally launched on March 10 by the U.S. government through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), a U.S. Embassy press statement said. Philippine President Duterte is represented by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez in the Climate Change Commission. The five-year project was first announced during the Indo-Pacific Business Forum in October 2021. A press statement from the U.S. Embassy said the Climate Resilient Cities (CRC) project will help Philippine cities adapt to, mitigate, and endure the impacts of climate change by increasing their access to climate financing and tools to build resilience. The statement said through this project, the U.S. government will support local government units and other stakeholders to better understand, use, and disseminate climate information to local communities. Heather Variava, U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Chargé d’Affaires ad interim said: “Climate change is impacting people, communities, and nations all around the world…. We believe that responding to the climate crisis is a shared mission between the U.S. and Philippine governments. We look forward to our collaboration with key stakeholders to ensure that resilience is built into the fabric of cities in the Philippines.” The U.S. Embassy said project will also help cities and nongovernment organizations access climate financing to increase community resilience and contribute to communities’ economic and social development, as well as support natural climate solutions that increase cities’ resilience to climate change impacts. “Climate change is a

serious threat and a daily reality for the Philippines. For us, reversing the effects of climate change is a matter of survival. We are determined to move ahead with the implementation of actual projects on the ground to be able to meet our commitments,” said Secretary Dominguez. The Philippines has committed to a projected greenhouse gas emission reduction and avoidance of 75 percent from 2020 to 2030 for the agriculture, wastes, industry, transport, and energy sectors. “We thank the U.S. government for this timely initiative that will help arm our local communities with the necessary knowledge to enable them to formulate doable and practical climate adaptation and mitigation projects on the ground,” said Secretary Dominguez. Working with USAID to implement the Climate Resilient Cities project is Catholic Relief Services (CRS), together with its consortium partners including the University of the Philippines Resilience Institute, Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation, Conservation International, and Rocky Mountain Institute. “ O u r s t r o n g partnership with Philippine communities allows us to understand their needs and ensure that public-private climate change adaptation efforts are tailored to their unique context and needs,” said CRS Philippines Country Representative Karen Janes Ungar. The project supports the Philippine government’s National Climate Change Action Plan, Nationally Determined Contributions, and National Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management Roadmap, and advances the U.S. government’s goal of tackling the climate crisis around the world. Climate Resilient Cities will also receive support from the government of the Republic of Korea, through the Korea International Cooperation Agency, as part of a joint partnership between the U.S. and Korean governments. Nash

U.S. earmarks $15-M for PH cities’ climate resilient projects

B. Maulana

March 19, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Pope Francis to consecrate Russia and Ukraine to Immaculate Heart of Mary

VATICAN— Pope Francis will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the Vatican announced on Tuesday. The Holy See press office said on March 15: “On Friday, March 25, during the Celebration of Penance at which he will preside at 5 p.m. in St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.” “The same act, on the same day, will be carried out in Fatima by His Eminence Cardinal Krajewski, Apostolic Almoner, as envoy of the Holy Father.” Cardinal Konrad Krajewski was one of two papal envoys sent to Ukraine last week in an expression of the pope’s concern for the wartorn country’s population. March 25 was the day in 1984 that Pope John Paul II consecrated Russia and the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. It is also the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. Ukraine’s Latin Rite Catholic bishops asked Pope Francis earlier this month to consecrate Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. In a letter to the pope, the Ukrainian bishops said that they were writing “in these hours of

immeasurable pain and terrible ordeal for our people” in response to many requests for the consecration. “Responding to this prayer, we humbly ask Your Holiness to publicly perform the act of consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary of Ukraine and Russia, as requested by the Blessed Virgin in Fatima,” said the letter, published on the bishops’ website on Ash Wednesday, March 2. Following the bishops’ call, Our Lady of Fatima shrines worldwide were invited to unite in prayer for the conversion of Russia. The appeal was made by Father Andrzej Draws, rector of the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Fatima in Krisovychi, western Ukraine. He encouraged all shrines in honor of Our Lady of Fatima to unite in prayer for the conversion of Russia on March 13. Ukraine and Russia, the two largest countries in Europe by area, are both predominantly Eastern Orthodox countries with deep traditions of Marian devotion. Yaroslav the Wise, the grand

Pope Francis prays at the Sanctuary at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima in Fatima on May 12, 2017 in Fatima, Portugal

Photo courtesy of VATICAN MEDIA

prince of Kyiv, dedicated his lands to Mary in 1037 and she has been known since then as “Queen of Ukraine.” Pope Francis used the title in his Angelus address on March 6, saying: “Let us pray together, as brothers and sisters, to Our Lady, Queen of Ukraine.” Before the revolutions of 1917 that overthrew the Russian Empire and led to the creation of the Soviet Union, Russia was colloquially known as the “house of Mary” because there were more shrines and churches dedicated to Our Lady than in any other country at the time. During the Fatima apparitions in 1917, the Blessed Virgin Mary revealed three secrets. The second secret was a statement that World War I would end, and a prediction of another war that would start during the reign of Pius XI if people continued to offend God and Russia was not consecrated to Mary’s Immaculate Heart. Sister Lucia, one of the three Fatima visionaries, recalled in her memoirs that Our Lady asked for “the Consecration of Russia to my Immaculate Heart, and the Communion of reparation on the First Saturdays” to prevent a second world war. She said that Mary told her: “If my requests are heeded, Russia will be converted, and there will be peace; if not, she will spread her errors throughout the world, causing wars and persecutions of the Church. The good will be martyred; the Holy Father will have much to suffer; various nations will be annihilated.” “In the end, my Immaculate Heart will triumph. The Holy Father will consecrate Russia to me, and she shall be converted, and a period of peace will be granted to the world.” In a letter written in 1989, Sister Lucia confirmed that Pope John Paul II satisfied Our Lady’s request for Russia’s consecration in 1984. Other authorities, including the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, also have affirmed the consecration was completed to Sister Lucia’s satisfaction. Catholic

News Agency

ave we ever failed and to lead His people out of yet was given another slavery in Egypt, “I have chance, another shot seen the humiliation of my towards a goal? Biblically, people in Egypt …. I know sin is described as “hamartia” their suffering and I have or missing the mark. Just come down to free them.” as in archery, there is a When Moses asked what eflections target to shoot at, so in life God’s name was, he was told, Rev. Fr. Antonio P. Pueyo, DCC there is a goal to strive for. “I AM WHO AM.” God is the tonypoy_dcc0@yahoo.com Psychologists say that the One who is always present. individual’s goal is self-fulfillment. Others may see goals God is Existence Himself and all who exist derive their in different ways - social recognition, wealth, security, existence from Him. Not only did God create all things, harmonious living, service, and others. The spiritual life God is also involved in the sustenance of Creation. God also has goals. St. Paul likens the disciple’s life to a chose Israel’s history as a clear model of His salvific will. race in order to obtain a heavenly reward. I remember From Israel would come Jesus, the Savior Himself, who our catechism in grade school with the simple question. would lead All people towards the promised land of God’s “Why did God make you?” We memorized reign. the answer, “God made me to know Him, This season of Lent let us examine to love Him, to serve Him, and to be with ourselves, what do I stand for in life? What is Him in heaven.” The old catechism is very my purpose? Do I align my purpose with God’s clear about our goal in life. Sin is that purpose for me? Moses was chosen by God which makes us miss the goal. for a purpose. He was given a mission and The good news is that no matter he was at first reluctant to accept the mission how many times we fail, there is always because of his failings. He had lost his temper another chance for us as long as we are and killed an Egyptian. He was not a good alive. This is the message of the gospel speaker. Yet Moses was chosen not because reading for this Sunday (Lk. 13: 1ff). God of his own skills and talents but by God’s is a God of another chance as shown in grace. From being a mere shepherd and an the parable of the fig tree that did not bear escapee from the law, he would be entrusted fruit. Instead of being cut down, it is given another chance with shepherding God’s people and become a caretaker of to produce fruits. In this parable, God is the gardener who God’s Law. Moses was given a chance to redeem himself fertilizes the soil so that the fig tree will be fruitful. If and he responded to God’s call with, “Here I am,” the Jesus tells us to forgive seventy times seventy how much classic response of the prophets. more forgiving is God. He gives us innumerable chances We may have made a mess of our life at some point. As to repent and change our ways. However comes the end teen-agers we have lost our way and saddened our parents of life and as Jesus said in the gospel, “Unless you change . As young adults we may have made wrong choices . your ways, you will all perish.” In our family life, we may have made mistakes in terms God also has a purpose. God wants to save His people. of fidelity and raising our children. As older people we God cares for the well being of His people as shown in may still be bearing grudges and resentments. It is not the Lord’s involvement in the history of Israel. In the too late to change. As a Latin saying goes, “Dum spiro, first reading, God called Moses from a burning bush on spero.” While I breathe, I hope. “Habang my buhay may Mt. Sinai (Ex. 3:1ff). He wanted to give Moses a mission pag-asa.” MC

Another Chance R

“No matter how many times we fail, there is always another chance for us as long as we are alive.”

Historical markers honor Malolos Cathedral

Two government cultural agencies have installed historical markers honoring the history of the Immaculate Conception Parish-Cathedral and Minor Basilica in Malolos City. A dedication ceremony was held in front of the historic church on Monday with some officials of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, the Bulacan Provincial History, Arts, Culture and Tourism Office (PHACTO), and the Malolos diocese in attendance. The NHCP marker was unveiled at the belfry in the presence of Bishop Dennis Villarojo, Malolos Cathedral Rector Fr. Alberto D.J. Santiago, and Malolos Church Cultural Heritage chairman Fr. Vicente Lina, Jr. The Bulacan PHACTO also installed its own marker, citing Malolos Cathedral as an important piece in the history of Malolos City and of the province. The event was part of the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Diocese of Malolos, which was celebrated on March 11, 2022. Friday’s celebration was highlighted with a Mass presided over by Archbishop Charles Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines. Founded in 1580 by

the Augustinian friars, the Malolos Cathedral is one of the country’s oldest parishes dedicated to the Immaculate Conception. In 1888, it was this church that became the historic venue for the dialogue between Spanish Governor General Valeriano Weyler and 20 women of Malolos, resulting in the grant given to them to learn Spanish for the first time. During the First Philippine Republic of 18981899, Malolos served as the first republican capital of the country. The cathedral’s convent was also converted as the Presidential Palace for President Emilio Aguinaldo. In 1962, the church was elevated as the cathedral of Malolos diocese. On the occasion of the Centennial Year of Philippines Independence (1898-1998), the church was also granted the title of minor basilica. It is one of only two churches in the Philippines that is both a cathedral and a minor basilica besides the Manila Cathedral. Called by scholars as the “freedom shrine of the Philippines”, this historic church is remembered for its remarkable contribution to the history of the Church and of the country. Kendrick Ivan

B. Panganiban/CBCP News

National Historical Commission, Bulacan Provincial History, Arts, Culture and Tourism Office, and church officials unveil historical markers at the Malolos Cathedral as part of the commemoration of the Diocese of Malolos’ 60th anniversary.

Photo courtesy of SANDIGAN – DIOCESE OF MALOLOS

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

3rd Sunday of Lent Readings:

Exodus 3.1-8a, 13-15; 1 Corinthians 10.1-6, 10-12; Luke 13.1-9 “God is gracious and kind.” We often hear that in the scripture. And we know that’s how God works in our lives. God is gracious and kind even to those who are haughty of heart, to sinners, like us. But it doesn’t mean that God tolerates sin. He may approve a sinner but never the sin. And so, God calls all of us for repentance – a change of heart, to bear fruit. But God understands that man is weak. Alone, we cannot fight evil. We easily fall into temptations. And yet God’s grace abounds even more. May this week become a time to remember God’s goodness in our lives so that we may respond by turning away from sin and welcome goodness in our lives. Prayer: Lord, wash away all my inequities and be kind to your servant. Amen.

THE MINDANAO CROSS

March 19, 2022 EDITORIAL

Election Promises

ifty years ago, I already heard the promise to build the flood control infrastructure in Metro Manila. This was part of the election promise of an aspiring presidential politician. The candidate won, but floods continue to be a bane to Metro Manila. The project was never started. Another promise I distinctly remember when I was still in College is the Mindanao Railway. Fortunately, after 50 years, a semblance of widening the roads can be seen, which hopefully will be followed by the railways itself. More election promises can be remembered, which did not materialize during the term of the politician who made the promise. What were the promises made in the election of 2016? Terry Ridon of the Business World listed down President Duterte’s promises, many of which materialized with his Build, Build, Build program. However, projects which were part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative has not benefited the country as touted in 2016. Less than 5% of China’s promised $24 billion in loans and investments have come to fruition. Also, only a few China-funded projects have been completed or are set to be completed in 2021, such as the Binondo-Intramuros Bridge and the Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge, both of which had been hounded by controversies relating to the use of Chinese construction workers instead of Filipinos. According to Business World, while there is a new China-financed bridge project connecting Samal Island and Davao City, other foreign assistance will take over, such as the PanayGuimaras-Negros Bridge, which is aimed at improving the transport of agricultural goods in the region. Do you wonder now why the electorates are weary of the promises made by people running for positions in government? Some of these cannot be measured – such as the Universal Health Program, the Agriculture Modernization, or the Military Improvement program. It would be hard for the electorate to believe that poverty can be eradicated or every family will have decent housing within a period of 6 years. Harder still is the ability to pay the loan obtained during the Corona Virus Pandemic. With elections a mere two months away, it is up to every voter to discern which one will help him improve his life and that of his countrymen, and in the process, exchange their votes with the promise that candidates leave with them during the campaign. He or she has to distinguish what is true facts and fake news, especially since candidates have hired trolls who have the ability to mislead the electorate. As the comedian Jay Leno said, “ planting false memories is not new. Politicians have been doing that for years. They are called campaign promises”. 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.

xpecting drastic drops in local fuel prices in the next few days may be unrealistic. The Department of Finance has recommended to President Rodrigo Duterte to retain the excise tax on fuel products contrary to suggestions and calls by several sectors including legislators for its suspension amid continuing increases in petroleum prices as an effect of the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war. President Duterte approved the recommendation according to acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar considering that suspending the excise tax on fuel will reduce the government revenues. Suspending the excise tax imposed through the Train Law will reduce government revenue, which funds government programs by P105.9 billion, according to Andanar. President Duterte similarly approved the DOF recommendation to provide P200 per month subsidy to 12 million poor Filipino families for one year. President Duterte last week ordered concerned government agencies to look into and address the fuel price increases amid the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Among the agencies which received instructions from the President were the National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Energy, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Finance, and the Department of National Defense. The rising fuel prices have prompted calls to suspend the excise tax on petroleum products. Motorists, public utility vehicle operators and drivers, even fisherfolk have all called for the suspension of the excise tax on fuel along with several lawmakers. On Tuesday, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said there is no legal obstacle to the finance department and Bureau of Internal Revenue suspending the collection of fuel excise taxes amid the sustained increase in local oil prices. Drilon explained that the TRAIN law is meant to give the state the authority to arrest possible inflation, benefitting both the economy and consumers. Drilon further said that the current situation is an extraordinary one which calls for the liberal application of the law and for compassion, adding: “Filipinos are suffering. The burden should be borne by the government. The government cannot just stand and hide behind the law to say that there is nothing that can be done.”

RESIDENT Duterte in the past weeks has made a series of laudable appointments of officials from Muslim Mindanao. Otherwise, (ironically) some people sounded parochial on social media, distantly commenting on those appointments and appointees. But blame this on individual standards of “righteousness” as normally, distant observers do variably interpret issues, including those involving the Moro struggle. The Chief Executive has appointed Atty. Saidamen Pangarungan as Chairman of the Commission on Elections. This was followed shortly by the Presidential appointments of Guiling “Gene” Mamondiong and diplomat Abdullah “Dabs” Mama-o, also both lawyers by profession and are from Lanao. But the bottomline really is qualification. One can not be there for just being a member of one tribe or by sheer political connection. For a closer look: Mamondiong, a former Undersecretary for the Railways and Provincial Telephones for the then Department of Transportation and Communications, first went to Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) under the current administration, where he was later replaced by Isidro Lapeña prior to his present post as administrator of the Local Water Utilities Administration. Lawyer Sheriff Abas was appointed undersecretary of the Department of Agrarian Reform, after retiring as Comelec chairman. Dabs Mama-o, a career diplomat par-excellence, becomes the first secretary of the newly created Department of Overseas Filipino Workers. Pangarungan, once politically aligned with the first Aquino administration, headed the National Commission in Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) ahead of his current position. And that effectively becomes a plusfactor to an otherwise critical appointment made by an outgoing President—which would have shown a tilt on the balance if Mr. Duterte would ever favor a particular presidential candidate. But none can seem to read it that way, the way or the purpose for which the second Aquino Administration appointed Andre Bautista as Comelec chairman in April 2015. I was asked on social media as to how these Duterte

No relief in sight from rising fuel prices

Thinking Aloud Carlos C. Bautista caloyb@gmail.com

But Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez holds that the suspension of the excise tax on fuel would only benefit the rich. Saying that the bottom 50% of the Philippines only consume 13% of the fuel, Dominguez maintained that cutting the tax will benefit more the people who have cars and the other richer people, but not so much the bottom 50% of the population. What Dominguez finds more feasible and sustainable than suspending the excise tax on fuel is providing P200 monthly subsidies to this bottom half of households and this is what the government can currently afford. Senator Francis Pangilinan doubts this will be enough. He lamented that this amount is not even enough for the minimum fare on jeepney and bus and can’t even buy a piece of egg. In contrast, suspending the excise tax on fuel will reduce the local prices of oil products, will benefit more Filipinos , and ease their daily suffering. In an infographic it recently posted on its website, independent socio-economic research group IBON Foundation said as of February this year, a family of five in the National Capital Region needs P1,072 per day or P25,252 per month to live decently. Minimum wages in NCR has remained at P537 since November 2018. Amid inflation, the highest among Southeast Asian countries in 2021, this minimum wage in NCR is now just half of the family living wage. This country definitely needs a new breed of leaders. It also badly needs a different breed of economic managers and planners, ones with a real sentiment for the poor and those at the periphery. Unless these are the leaders and economic policy planners and managers that are in place, we will perhaps continue to be among the region’s top economic performers but with only the rich getting richer while the poor get poorer. MC

Presidential appointments at final stride

Penlight

Nash B. Maulana

nash.penlight@gmail.com

appointees may perform the official functions of their respective mandates without their appointments being confirmed first by the bicameral Commission on Appointments (CA) and considering that the Congress is on Recess? The next time Congress resumes Session will be for the National Canvassing of Presidential Votes, the days following the May 9, 2022 National Elections. Well, the CA Rules on Appointments provide two kinds of presidential appointments: 1) appointments made during the Session Days of Congress, the socalled Regular Appointments or Nominations, and. 2) Appointments made during the Recess of Congress which are also known as Ad-Interim Appointments. I believe the appointments of these gentlemen are of the latter kind. An Ad-Interim Appointment, allows the appointee to perform all the functions and duties inherent to the mandate of the position, even prior to CA confirmation. In contrast, a Regular Appointment would have to be confirmed first by the CA before the appointee can assume and exercise his or he official functions One example of an ad-interim appointment was the Cabinet appointment of the late Jessie Robredo as DILG secretary 2010 - 2012. I asked Robredo when he visited ARMM sometime in 2012, as to why he hadn’t yet been confirmed by the CA. His answer in Filipino was that serving the country based on his mandate as DILG secretary was far more important to him than getting the CA confirmation at the moment. Based on CA records, Robredo was never confirmed by the CA as DILG Secretary until he died in 2012. MC

secret thing, whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). This is where man’s hidden agenda lies that God knows for He alone sees the heart of man. For with God nothing hidden that will not be known or anything covered that will not be exposed. This wake-up call has touched those behind the Guinness Book of World of Records that portrayed the PH President Marcos and his family to have committed the “greatest government robbery in the world” or the most corrupt. So stunning though, that on March 11, Amber Georgina Gill, GBWR head of publishing and brand communications deleted the controversial entry which was solely based on an Executive Order issued by then President Corazon Aquino that concocted the “greatest lie” which was spread out by Rappler and other antiMarcos media outlets. In a statement, Gill said, after thorough review of its entry to ensure accuracy of the information, it’s their responsibility to rectify. Even the recent though provoking inquiry of National Press Club President Paul Gutierrez is worth probing: “Is Rappler inciting another Ukraine in the Philippines?” This came about when Rappler managed to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with Comelec and allowing printing of official ballots devoid of witnesses. A recent Nobel Peace Prize awardee, the first for a Filipino-American Maria Ressa as Rappler co-founder and former CNN reporter covering Southeast Asia is still under scrutiny over alleged questionable operation despite its cyber-libel case has been dropped by a Manila court. Allegation of Rappler’s link to the Central Intelligence Agency is being looked into over USfunding support of P30 million. Truth or consequence is upon us all depending on individual performance in life – Knowing the tree by its fruit is gauge enough whether we are good or evil. Whoever we are, here’s Good News to ponder: Blessed are the persecuted for righteousness-sake, for theirs is the heavenly kingdom. Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God; Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy (Matthew 5). MC

National Integrated Research Program on Medicinal Plants, Philippines

What role to play? True to Form

Charlie Señase

csenase@yahoo.com

N the world of survival, as fellow servants, we allow ourselves to be used by masters that we look up as gods and lords. That by now, we ought to ascertain if we are serving the LORD of lords or the God of gods. For many are out to deceive evil as good and pursue their hidden agenda to sow havoc, terror and division for the love of self and money, nurtured in pride, envy and greed for worldly possessions. Early this week, President Duterte has forewarned security forces to be on guard against political warlords out to sow violence to disrupt the May 9 polls. He appealed to warring political factions of possible conspiracy by armed groups operating in Cotabato City and adjacent provinces that may disrupt peaceful and orderly conduct of the coming political exercise. The Presidential alert warning came when the Regional Peace and Order Council reported that 102 Bangsamoro areas with 99 towns and three cities are considered “election hot spots;” and after receiving intelligence reports of movement by unauthorized armed men including recent discovery of a bombmaking warehouse in Shariff Saidona town in Maguindanao. Seized from the warehouse at Barangay Pagatin were several explosive devices and other bomb components believed maintained by the Turaiffe Terror group under Ustadz Esmael Abdulmalik, according to Army Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Sixth Infantry Division commander. Why do we allow ourselves to be used even when others, including the innocents suffer and die? For the love of self and money is survival to them, unaware that earthly life is temporal that one day we die. What really is life all about when life’s struggles are wearisome to the flesh? And here’s the conclusion of the whole matter: “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every

virus. Very little is known of this variant so far, so, we need not let our guard down. The lessened spread of the virus, whichever variant is attributed to the religious observance he tuff of ife of the protocols always use the mask properly, washing Victoria R. Franco, RPh, MS Pharmacy hands, avoiding crowds. It is franco1573victoria@gmail.com also said that, it is possible that n the 6 decades that I have been eventually, this virus will fall in participating in political exercises as an the category of the flu, which could mean that innocent bystander, I have never seen we might need annual vaccination to prevent such enthusiastic, energetic, passionate and getting this new strain. extravagant show of force from supporters of WHO and Dr. Fauchi has not disclosed the pink lady. The youth , as envisioned by the results of the investigation conducted our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, are coming in Wuhan regarding the experiments out in droves, shouting out their hopes and undertaken that might have caused the aspirations, unmindful of the consequences worldwide pandemic. of their actions and voices as long as they get I am going to miss Dr. Rosario Singh their messages across. Vergere, spokesperson for DOH who never “Pink, as far as the eyes can see. So this missed a day over the period of 24 plus is what hope feels like” , commented Barry months in providing us regularly, daily , on Gutierez. The same passion and excitement the dot, the updates on TV. She should be are missing in other camps. What set the given special recognition for her dedication pinks apart are the festive, colourful and and accurate information. creative demonstration of their electrifying As for me, I feel like Rip Van Winkle, talents and skills, through their chants hibernating for years, waking up to find and yells, the foot stumps, their clapping, a different environment from what he left dancing on the street, their handcrafted before falling asleep. So aware and careful posters, the symbolism of their props. The were my husband and myself, especially singularity of their purposes, to be counted losing a couple of friends and relatives to and be game changers. COVID-19, and particularly our physician T h e g l a r i n g h e a t o f t h e s u n , brother Jr. We dared not leave the confines notwithstanding the downpour, the curtailed of our home. transportation, red-tagging, the denial of We had to rely on outside help to rally and motorcade permits did not deter purchase our need; thank goodness there the kids, this sea of humanity, from having is chef Tony who provided us with delicious fun and enjoying their new found mode of meals everyday. Now we realize how expression In General Santos City. Despite crippled we are without helpers; our two their chants “hindi uulan” , the rain poured, helpers went on vacation and had been their chant shifted to “maliligo sa ulan” they caught by the lockdown. Now I understand all joyfully did, folding their umbrellas, why our Tita Belen, who resided in the US chanting in the rain. They have spoken loud for the rest of her adult life said, I am not and clear. How can you not be inspired? meant to live in the US for want of house There is hope for a rose coloured country. helpers. The next hurdle would be translating Many businesses got underway, specially these into votes come May 09, 2022. Let cafes, tea houses, eateries. Admittedly, I us not allow their votes to be stolen; many cannot find my way around, forgetting things can happen as we have experienced which corner to turn in going to a certain in the past. place. More brand new SUV ply our streets Word is around that the Philippines is on , chocking traffic . its way to zero Covid 19. Yet again, in a science I planned that when the threat of based evaluation, DOH warns that there infection is over, the first thing I shall do is could be a resurgence as is being observed get myself a brand new spectacles, go to a in the form of a mutation to deltacron, a dentist and have that executive check-up. combination of delta virus and omicron How about you? MC

Health Corner

A reprint

n 1974, the University of the Philippines Manila (UPM), several other universities and governmental research agencies working under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) of the Republic of the Philippines (the Philippines) collaborated on the formation of the National Integrated Research Program on Medicinal Plants (NIRPROMP), with a mandate to distribute inexpensive medicine to the poor, to propagate the use of herbal preparations with proven medicinal efficacy and identify scientifically validated medicine that would improve the Filipino pharmaceutical industry. NIRPROMP was established to address the rising costs of imported pharmaceutical products, especially those used for frequent ailments such as the common cold, fever and headaches. At the time, the Philippine pharmaceutical industry was not self-sustaining in these medicines, and companies were spending approximately 150 million Philippine pesos (around US $22 million at the time) annually to import medicine. These imported medicines were also prohibitively expensive and out of the reach of many patients. With this in mind, NIRPROMP prioritized reducing the country’s dependence on imports and offering people more affordable pharmaceutical products through locally developed herbal medicine. Traditional knowledge found its way to the metropolis of Manila. One such innovation came in 1995, when NIRPROMP isolated vitex negundo, a large, hardy, five-leaved aromatic shrub with bluish-purple flowers, as a natural source for developing an effective herbal medicine. Known in the Philippines as lagundi, the plant thrives in both humid and arid regions throughout Africa and Asia and has been used by local populations for hundreds of years to effectively treat wounds, headaches, ulcers, skin diseases, diarrhea, and the common cold, among many others. After successfully scientifically identifying the medicinal properties of each part of the plant, NIRPROMP developed a lagundi-derived formula for a clinically proven cough and asthma medicine in tablet and syrup form.

PHENOMINAL show of force! T S L

March 19, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Traditional knowledge Lagundi has been used for centuries by local populations in the Philippines for its medicinal properties, but these were not described in detail until a book by Spanish Jesuit Father Colin that was published in 1900. In his book, Father Colin wrote that lagundi was used regularly by Filipinos to treat wounds and as a pain medication. In addition, he also found that they had vast traditional knowledge on the different medicinal properties of each part of the plant. For example, while leaves are commonly used to ease headaches and cleanse ulcers, seeds are used to treat skin diseases. The plant’s flowers are used to treat numerous diseases such as diarrhea and cholera, and its black fruit is dried and eaten to alleviate and regulate intestinal discomfort. Finally, Father Colin discovered that the plant’s roots are used to treat rheumatism and dysentery. This traditional medicinal knowledge surrounding lagundi is commonly disseminated through herbolaryos – traditional healers who use their traditional knowledge to prepare and administer herbal medicine. Herbolaryos have served as authority figures on medicine in many local Filipino communities for generations, and have enjoyed a great deal of respect and trust among many communities in the country. Research and development The development of modern lagundibased medicine was the result of the herbal medicine research and development (R&D) that has been continuously undertaken by NIRPROMP. Headed by researchers primarily from UPM including Dr. Nelia Maramba and Dr. Conrado Dayrit, R&D focused on clinically validating traditional medicine such as lagundi for use in the development of symptomatic drugs (treatment that focuses on the symptoms of an ailment, not the cause). This is done through isolating the active ingredient and then developing the associated drug. When research started, lagundi was not at the top of the list of potential candidates. In fact, after an initial review of various research projects focusing on traditional medicine in the Philippines alone, the R&D team discovered over 500 projects related to isolating active ingredients in plants, none of which had been successfully commercialized. MC

Perspective on Popular Issues (Part 2)

Market Driven

Danny Buenbrazo

danny_buenbrazo@yahoo.com

ast week, this writer started to identify and attempted to dissect the policies, programs, and projects that are being discussed by candidates eyeing positions through their participation in thee May 2022 national and local elections. The identification and assessment of these issues of the day is being done to provide a better perspective of the merits and demerits of what parties and candidates are espousing. Two popular campaign items were tackled last week: the proposal to impose a nation-wide hike in the minimum wage that would also result to a uniform rate across the country and the continuation of having a massive infrastructure program. Just to recapitulate my take on those two issues: I believe that there is a need for adjustment in the wages of workers in the private sector but to leave the matter to regional wage boards and not have uniform minimum wage rate for the country as such would place poorer regions in a disadvantage. On the matter of continuing large infrastructure projects, I propose that only those with clear positive benefits should be pursued and that these should be primarily funded by private sector firms through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) scheme. Another issue that is often brought up during election time is the adoption of a federal system of government. Proponents argue that such form of government would provide more resources to the federal states (or regions, depending on how the component units will be called). They also claim that with greater funds and greater powers, the states or regions will grow faster and equity among the different parts of the country will be achieved. Shifting to a federal system could

indeed increase the resources and powers of the component units. The question is, with a federal system, will all of the areas lagging behind in development be able to grow and be at par with the leaders? If only we can ensure that all elected officials have the competence and genuine desire to develop their area and constituents, we can give an answer to the positive. Even assuming that the leaders of the poorer regions are competent and well-meaning, but with their current disadvantage in terms of infrastructure and utilities, they would have a hard time competing for investments against CALABARZON, Metro Cebu, Metro Davao, among others. Should the poorer regions exercise their expanded powers in the wrong way (e,g. increase taxes, increase minimum wage drastically), they could be more uncompetitive compared to the present. Imagine a developed region lowering taxes and maintaining their minimum wage rate when poorer regions raise theirs? I believe the adoption of a federal system of government should be done after the national government undertakes an “equalization” program. Equalization means that poorer region will have the same, if nor superior, infrastructure and utilities currently enjoyed by the more urban regions such as highways, airports, seaports, power, telecommunications, and power. Does the national government have the power and resources to provide massive infrastructure and utilities projects for the less-developed regions? Definitely, the national government can allocate lump-sum amount (e.g. P200 billion) over 3 to 4 years for the 8 to 10 least developed regions of the country on a two-phase scheme. The 4 to 5 least developed regions will receive the special funding on the first year of the new administration while the other 4 to 5 other regions would receive the huge subsidy on the 3rd year. MC

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late ISIDRO DELA CRUZ, who died on June 3, 2000, left a parcel of land Lot No. 12254-C, Csd-124709005647, situated at San Isidro, Midsayap, Cotabato covered by OCT No. P-60588, containing an area of 26,091 sq. mts., more or less is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous deed of absolute sale before Notary Public Noel A. Gretare, CPA as per Doc. No. 960; Page No. 02; Book No. LXXIV; Series of 2021. MC: Mar. 5, 12 & 19, 2022

AFFIDAVIT Notice is hereby given that the late ABDILA USOP BAYAO, who died intestate on September 26, 2021 in Bagua II, Cotabato City, left parcels of land covered by Transfer of Title No. T-54695 with an area of 150 sq. mts.; Transfer of Title No. T-20058 with an area of 400 sq. mts. with a 108.65 sq. mts. one storey residential building, both located in Cotabato City; Transfer of Title No. T-121439 and improvements thereon with an area of 120 sq. mts, located in Koronadal City; and a unit of Toyota Utility Vehicle with Plate No. FJB 188, CR No. 14529584-6 are the subject of affidavit of self-adjudication before Notary Public Sahara Alia J. Silongan as per Doc. No. 09; Page No. 51; Book No. 1; Series of 2022. MC: Mar. 12, 19 & 26, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

March 19, 2022 Republic of the Philippines Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Parang, Maguindanao OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR

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

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. 9048/10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that Salahudin G. Mangutara has filed with this office a petition for change of sex from Female to Male in the birth certificate of Salahudin Ganatan Mangutara who was born on November 12, 1998 at Pob. 2, Parang, Maguindanao and whose parents are Abdullah M. Mangutara and Elvira B. Ganatan. Any person adversely affected by the said petition may file a written opposition with this office not later than March 29, 2022. (Sgd.) KARIM O. OMAR, MPA Municipal Civil Registrar

In compliance with the publication requirement of OCRG Memorandum Circular 2013-1 Guidelines in the implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), notice is hereby served to the public that Kleann Dimple Ko Bunagan has filed with this office a petition for correction of sex/gender from Male to Female in the certificate of live birth of Kleann Dimple Ko Bunagan who was born on March 10, 1986 at Cotabato City and whose parents are Maurito M. Bunagan and Lucia M. Ko. Any person adversely affected by the said petition may file a written opposition with this office. (Sgd.) TOHAMY M. LAUBAN City Civil Registrar

MC: Mar. 19 & 26, 2022

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late KALAM TAHA MALA, who died on April 2, 2021 at MB Bagua, Cotabato City, left a parcels of land Lot No. 10, Block 1, Pcs-123804-000760 and Lot No. 9, Block 10, Pcs-123804-000760, both situated at Bo. Manday, Cotabato City, covered by TCT No. T-35231 and TCT No. T-35232, respectively, containing the total area of 146 sq. mts., more or less are the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous deed of absolute sale before Notary Public Atty. Agnes R. De Castro Jagunap as per Doc. No. 563 Page No. 563; Book No. XXVIII; Series of 2022. MC: Mar. 12, 19 & 26, 2022

ANNOUNCEMENT Ang G-ROCE Pawnshop sa Cotabato City at G-ROCE Pawnshop Damosa, Davao City, ay magkakaroon ng “Subasta Sale” sa darating na Abril 30, 2022 sa ganap alas 8:00 ng umaga hanggang alas 4:30 ng hapon para sa mga hindi natubos na sangla sa buwan ng Nobyembre 2021. Upang hindi maremate ang inyong mga alahas magbigay ng interest bago dumating ang araw ng subasta. MC: Feb. 19, 2022

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 Abril 30, 2022 sa ganap alas 8:00 ng umaga hanggang alas 4:30 ng hapon para sa mga hindi natubos na sangla sa buwan ng Nobyembre 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: Mar. 19, 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 Abril 30, 2022 sa ganap alas 8:00 ng umaga hanggang alas 4:30 ng hapon para sa mga hindi natubos na sangla sa buwan ng Nobyembre 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: Mar. 19, 2022

MC: Mar. 19 & 26, 2022

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

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late Spouses SALEX P. CASTILLON and GLORIA G. CASTILLON, who both died intestate on May 7, 2010 and October 5, 2015, respectively, a parcel of land Lot 7, Block 8 , Psd-12-016835, situated in Bo. Kakar, Cotabato City, containing an area of 138 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. T-43055 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate among heirs before Notary Public Jose Emilio S. Valentin as per Doc. No. 480; Page No. 96; Book No. CVII; Series of 2020.

In compliance with the publication requirement of OCRG Memorandum Circular 2013-1 Guidelines in the implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), notice is hereby served to the public that Rubie Magdosa Dablio has filed with this office a petition for correction of entry in sex from M to Female in the certificate of live birth of Rubie Alipin Magdosa who was born on November 19, 1981 at Magpet, Cotabato and whose parents are Porferio Magdosa and Feliciana Alipin. Any person adversely affected by the said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than April 6, 2022. (Sgd.) CHONA M. PROVIDA, MPA Municipal Civil Registrar MC: Mar. 19 & 26, 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 March 1-31, 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 March 30, 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 March 1-31, 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 March 30, 2022.

MC: Mar. 19 & 26, 2022

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late MS. LINDA U. AMPATUAN, who passed away on November 2021, left a peso account with the Bank of the Philippine Islands- Cotabato, Rufino Alonzo Branch is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with waiver of rights before Notary Public Atty. Jeihan Jein M. Gulo, RN as per Doc. No. 57; Page No. 12; Book No. III; Series of 2022. MC: Mar. 5, 12 & 19, 2022

Notice is hereby given that the late MS. LINDA U. AMPATUAN, who passed away on November 2021, left a US D account with Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company-MakakuaCotabato Branch under Account No. 074-207400449-5 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with waiver of rights before Notary Public Atty. Jeihan Jein M. Gulo, RN as per Doc. No. 58; Page No. 12; Book No. III; Series of 2022.

Republic of the Philippines Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Malabang, Lanao del Sur OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR

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

MC: Mar. 5, 12 & 19, 2022

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1; Guidelines in the implementation of Administrative Order No. 1 series of 2013-1 (IRR on R.A. 10172), notice is hereby served to the public that “Jovie Equipaje Balatucan has filed with this office a petition for change of gender from Male to Female in the certificate of live birth of Jovie Equipaje Balatucan bearing Registry No. 2007-1357, who was born at Malabang, Lanao del Sur and whose parents are Jacquiline Repalda Equipaje and Alano Untong Balatucan. Any person adversely affected by the said petition may file a written opposition with this office not later than 15 Calendar days.

In compliance with Section

(Sgd.) ASHRAF B. BAULO Municipal Civil Registrar

MC: Mar. 12 & 19, 2022

5 of R.A. No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that Fernando Mortera Gorospe has filed with this office a petition for change of first name from Rosalia to Marilou in the birth certificate of Rosalia Umbao Alcazaren who was born on December 1, 1961 at Cotabato City and whose parents are Manfredo C. Alcazaren and Corazon A. Umbao. Any person adversely affected by the said petition may file a written opposition with this office. (Sgd.) TOHAMY M. LAUBAN City Civil Registrar MC: Mar. 19 & 26, 2022

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late Spouses LEON GORDON, SR. and CRISTITA R. GORDON, who died at Pigcawayan, Cotabato on May 14, 1993 and February 26, 1982, respectively left a parcel of land Lot No. 3219, Cad Rec. No. 107, situated at Poblacion 2, Pigcawayan, Cotabato, covered by TCT No. T-7237 with an area of 79,854 sq. mts., more or less is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Roberto E. Examen as per Doc. No. 488; Page No. 99; Book No. 19; Series of 2021.

MC: Mar. 12, 19 & 26, 2022

MC: Mar. 19, 26 & Apr. 2, 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 Pebrero hanggang Marso 2021. Ang Subasta ay sa Marso 31, 2022 sa ganap na ika 8:00 ng umaga hanggang ika 4:00 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar. MC: Mar. 19 & 26, 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 August 2021. Ang subasta ay sa Abril 01, 2022 sa ganap na ika-8:00 ng mga umaga hanggang ika-4:30 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

MC: Mar. 19 & 26, 2022

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

Notice for Auction

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

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

MC: Mar. 19 & 26, 2022

NOTICE

VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I AND BRANCH II will hold a public auction sale of all unredeemed and unrenewed items pawned from September 1 to October 31, 2021 on April 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 Setyembre 1 hangtud sa bulan sa Oktubre 31, 2021 sa alas 9:00 sa buntag karung Abril 8, 2022 sa VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I, Dayao St., ug sa VGM PAWNSHOP BRANCH II, Jose Abad Santos St., Kidapawan City. MC: March 12, 19 & 26, 2022

Ang Nagdumala

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late EFREN B. COROTAN, who died intestate on December 13, 2020 at Cotabato City, left parcels of land Lot2754-C-9-B-3-B, Psd-12002561 and Lot-2754C-9-B-5-B, covered by TCT Nos. T-96995 and T-60341, respectively, both situated in Poblacion, Libungan, Cotabato, containing the total area of 2,058 sq. mts., more or less are the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous deed of donation before Notary Public Noel A. Gretare, CPA as per Doc. No. 3,753; Page No. 09; Book No. LXXXVII; Series of 2022.

Notice is hereby given that the late TRINIDAD P. NUEZCA, who died intestate on July 8, 2021, left parcels of land situated in San Emmanuel, Tacurong City, covered by TCT No. T-35407 with an area of 8,650 sq. mts., more or less and in Darugao, Upi, Maguindanao, covered by OCT No. P-03849, with an area of 167,990 sq. mts., more or less are the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Leo Antoni C. Estaniel as per Doc. No. 337; Page No. 68; Book No. II; Series of 2022.

MC: Mar. 5, 12 & 19, 2022

March 19, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

TAPATAN SA OBLATE MEDIA

NoCot mayor sought village chairmen’s help vs bird flu MLANG, North Cotabato — Mayor Russel Abonado has sought the help of village officials and local residents to help prevent the spread of bird flu.

Abonado aired the appeal after receiving reports that some poultry products from TAcurong City and Sultan Kudarat have penetrated Mlang. He issued a memorandum directing village officials to prohibit the entry of poultry animals, particularly ducks coming from other towns of the province and nearby Sultan Kudarat and South

BUSINESS WOMAN

Many of the investments in Cotabato City can be attributed to a group of young women. They have been identified as responsible for many business activities. One such person is Ma. Leofe Draper Lu. She has ventured into the laundry business, derma services, formerly plane ticketing, among others. A former corporate employee, she bravely decided to go back to her hometown Cotabato City after raising her kids in Manila. She was determined to start from scratch by putting up her own business. Before venturing to other businesses, she started with her water refiling station, a former franchised business. It hasn’t been an easy journey. There are many failures along the way, but this superwoman keeps going in order to support her family, empower the people around her and inspire others . To bring out what Ma. Leofe (better known as Jojie among friends) has done to Women Empowerment, the Mindanao Cross interviewed her for the Tapatan section of this publication. Below are the questions:

The uncertainty with the economic effects of the pandemic keeps us on our toes, not knowing what is about to happen. Of course, we have people that rely on us – not just our family but also our team. There’s also one that we face daily, inefficiencies in dealing with some sectors. Lastly, knowing that MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) has a low barrier to entry, others get competitive. Although this doesn’t really bother us in the sense that we are glad to test the market for others to start their businesses. Competition keeps us going. It challenges us to be leaders and be the best service providers that we can be.

I choose to believe that we are unique individuals with different upbringings and that we cannot change one’s personality in order to please us. Yes, it may be difficult (at times) to deal with people who are not open to new ideas and new ways to grow. There are times that a woman’s opinion is muted even before she speaks. You will be discredited just because you don’t wear a suit and such.

There’s so much more that we can do as women leaders. We are just scratching the surface in empowering women about independence and having a voice. We are traditional and conservative in the sense that some people still believe that they need to rely on a man to live, that they need a man to support them, etc.

As an entrepreneur – a she leader, my mission is to support women by teaching them entrepreneurial and life skills to help them advance in their careers and personal growth. I believe that we should do our part of being the voice for women by using our businesses as a platform to empower them. We can open more opportunities for women and use their compassion and hunger to be empowered to educate, mentor and support them to be the next leaders. I particularly love helping young women have more skills that they can use even they leave my organization. Some skills I share may be complex for them to understand for now. These skills, however, are vital to support them in the future. Developing life skills, critical thinking and decision making are essential for their empowerment as the next leaders. I’m an MSMEs owner, and even at this micro-level, we can still empower in a way that we can change even just one person’s life.

Cotabato provinces. Last week at least 1,300 ducks were culled for fear that there were contaminated with bird flu, especially if they come from Tacurong City. It was in Tacurong that the first bird flu case was reported. Tacurong hosts a bird sanctuary where migratory birds come and go.

Game fowl transport to Indonesia foiled

GEN. SANTOS CITY — The Philippine Coast Guard foiled last weekend an attempt by three Indonesians to transport 190 fighting cocks from Barangay Bawing here to Tahun, Indonesia. Personnel of the PCG Station Eastern Sarangani immediately arrested Bura Wangka, 36, Zaidunin Makahiking, 38, and the 28-year-old Manan Bawimbing and seized the game fowl that they were to smuggle out using a small

motorized boat. Coast Guard Captain Rejard Marfe of PCG’s Southern Mindanao Command said Monday the three were intercepted off Sarangani, while on board their watercraft bound for Indonesia. The three Indonesians had told PCG personnel they arrived here on March 6 to procure fighting cocks from local game fowl breeders. There is a big population of Indonesians in seaside areas in Sarangani and

in parts of this city and detection of newcomers, thus, is quite difficult. The PCG has impounded the small motorized boat of the three foreigners. Marfe said the fighting cocks seized from them had been turned over to the office of the Bureau of Animal Industry-12. Wangka, Makahiking and Bawimbang are now under the joint custody of the Bureau of Immigration and PCG, according to Marfe.

John Felix Unson

No clues yet on mosque attack INVESTIGATORS are still facing a blank wall on last week’s shooting inside a mosque here of a barangay chairperson and an aide. Amil Sula, chairman of Barangay Rosary Heights 5 here, and Abner Ampuan were performing Aisha, the last of five Islamic prayers in a day, inside a mosque when two men barged in and opened fire. Ampuan died from gunshot wounds later in a hospital. Brig. Gen. Eden Ugale, director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, told Mindanao Cross Wednesday he has directed the city police

to tap the help of barangay leaders and potential witnesses to the crime to hasten efforts of identifying the culprits. “We assure the public that cases will be filed against them,” Ugale said. The suspects and their companions waiting outside hurriedly escaped as the Sula and Ampuan slumped on the floor of the worship site. Responding personnel of the Cotabato City Police Office found at the scene spent .45 caliber pistol and M16 rifle shells. Sula is popular for his hardline policy in dealing with law offenders and in enforcing barangay ordinances in areas under his jurisdiction. John Felix Unson

Maguindanao gun attacks kill 4

Mudzul, 40, both residents of Barangay Labungan. Lt. Colonel Assir Balindong, Datu Odin Sinsuat town police chief, the gunmen were on board separate motorbike and opened fire on the victims while they were heading to Barangay Awang proper. The victim’s 18-yearold son, who was on board separate motorcycle tailing his father, was unharmed. Capt. Cana identified the other fatalities in separate gun attacks as Ben Salik Mantawil, shot in Barangay Taviran, Norhanudin Mama, 31 and Kumplay Maulana, 36, who were shot in Barangay Dalican Poblacion. They

were shot on Wednesday night. Earlier in the day, gunmen shot Fire Officer1 Jingle Bedeña, 28, assigned with the Sultan Sa Barongis Fire Station and Salahudin Pato, 21, both residents of Mamasapano, Maguindanao. Police have sought the help of military forces in Maguindanao since most of the shootings occur along the isolated portion of national highways. “These are isolated cases, our police are doing its best to put an end to this,” Capt. Cana said when asked why shooting occurs while the police is implementing election gun ban. Edwin O. Fernandez

Drug peddler linked to terror group falls

ANTI-NARCOTICS agents entrapped Tuesday another shabu dealer in Maguindanao linked to the Dawlah Islamiya terror group. Relatives told reporters the 54-yearold Ebrahim Guiamel Donding, now clamped down in a detention facility here of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, shared half of his monthly earnings to the Dawlah Islamiya. Donding was arrested Tuesday after selling P340,000 worth of shabu to nonuniformed PDEA-BARMM agents during a tradeoff in Barangay Limbo in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. The Dawlah Islamiya, operating in the fashion of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, is tagged in all deadly

bombings in central Mindanao in recent years. In a statement Wednesday, the PDEA-BARMM said it was relatives of Donding who provided information on his drug trafficking activities, enabling agents to plot the sting that resulted in his arrest. The PDEA-BARMM has charged him with violation of the Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Besides the P340,000 worth of shabu, PDEA-BARMM agents also confiscated from Donding an M14 assault rifle and his motorcycle that he used in delivering his illegal merchandise to contacts in different towns in the first district of Maguindanao. John Felix Unson