The Mindanao Cross | April 01, 2023

BARMM POLICE CHIEF ARRESTED FOR “ESTAFA” CASES

By Nash B. Maulana

THE Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation Detection Group (CIDG) has arrested a top ranking police official of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) over old criminal charges that apparently stemmed from his previous tours of duty.

Reports from the CIDG Regional Field Unit 15 identified the arrested police official as Brig. Gen. John Guyguyon, the chief of the Police Regional Office of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) in Camp General Salipada K Pendatun in the port town of Parang, Maguindanao del Norte.

The arresting officers of the CIDGRFU BAR had immediately turned over Brig. Gen Guyguyon to PRO-BAR

Police, Army ensuring peace during Ramadhan

By John Felix Unson

OIC Deputy Regional Director for Administration, PBGen Gil Francis Tria for custodial arrest and “for proper disposition.”

Sources from Camp Crame said that PNP Chief, General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. had recalled the designation of BGen Guyguyon as PRO-BAR director, the night before the CIDG RFU tracking team implemented two arrest warrants that courts in Luzon

OPAPRU opens search for peace exemplars

THE Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) has officially opened the nominations to its Gawad Kapayapaan (GaKap) for 2023.

Held annually every September, the GaKap is the OPAPRU’s way of recognizing the

By Nash B. Maulana

outstanding work of peace advocates, champions and exemplars whose work are not only known here in the country, but internationally as well, a statement by the OPAPPRU said Thursday.

OPAPPRU Acting Secretary Sec. Isidro L. Purisima said GaKap, designed to be

institutionalized, provides the country’s peacebuilding agency with the perfect opportunity honor the outstanding work of peace builders and peace workers.

“The OPAPRU is very pleased and excited to announce the opening of nominations for this year’s Gawad

THE police and military are together guarding mosques where Muslims perform traditional worship rites related to the Ramadhan season that started Thursday.

Muslims fast from dawn to dusk during the Ramadhan, lasting one lunar cycle, or about

29 days, as a religious obligation and reparation for wrongdoings.

The Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region said in a statement early this week that their municipal police stations have enlisted the support of barangay officials and local government units

in ensuring a peaceful Ramadhan in all of the five provinces and three cities under PRO-BAR’s jurisdiction.

The Ramadhan peace and security efforts of the 6th ID Maguindanao, in the 63 Bangsamoro barangays in Cotabato province and in parts of Lanao

Eastern Grass Owls found nesting in North Cotabato

By Edwin O. Fernandez

A farmer in a small village in Cotabato province now has two juvenile female Eastern Grass Owl (Tyto longimembris) nesting on the cluster of Arrowhead Plant or Syngonium podophyllum in a his titled farm lot in the town of Makilala.

Afredo Bas, farmer in Barangay Luna Norte in Makilala, North Cotabato, sought the assistance of the village officials and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources

(DENR) in the handling of owl species found his farm lot on Monday (March 20).

He wanted to bring the owls to the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) but afraid he might be arrested for transporting endangered wild life.

PENRO personnel, Barangay chairperson Alfredo Bernadas and Bas have agreed that the couple owls will stay in the site where they

FENCED BUT FREE. Two endangered Eastern Grass Owl in an upland village of Luna Norte, Makilala, North Cotabato are “fenced” in a farm lot. They remained free while nesting in their natural habitat.

Photo courtesy of DENR Soccsksargen

PALM SUNDAY PREPARATION. An unidentified enterprising woman in Cotabato City weaves coconut leaves ahead of the Palm Sunday celebration tomorrow.

Photos courtesy of DXMS Radyo Bida Cotabato City

BARMM Inflation rate drops in February

THE Inflation rate across the Bangsamoro Region has decreased by 0.3 percent from 7.8 percent in January to 7.5 percent in February 2023, figures showed in the latest nationwide reports of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

The PSA monthly report released on March 9 also indicated that Region VIII in the Eastern Visayas has had the lowest inflation rate at 6.3 percent, followed by the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) with 7.1 percent, and Region XII or the SOCCSKSARGEN Region remained still in third place of lowest inflation rate at 7.4 percent,

This time, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) placed fourth of the Philippines’ 18 regions with the lowest inflation rate at 7.5 percent.

The Western Visayas (Region 6) has had the highest inflation rate pegged in recent months at 10.8 percent.

Overall, the Philippine inflation rate also dropped 0.1 percent to 8.6 percent in February from 8.7 percent in January 2023.

PSA RSSO-BARMM OIC-

Regional Director Engineer Akan Tula attributed the region’s declining inflation rate to three factors, namely: 1) an increasing annual revenue index on Restaurant and Accommodation Services at 12.3 percent; 2) Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels at 4.7 percent, and 3) Recreation, Sport, and Culture at 3.9 percent.

“Also contributing to the uptrend in the overall inflation during the period were the higher annual increments in the indices of the following commodity groups as compared with their previous month’s inflation rates are Personal Care, and Miscellaneous Goods and Services at 3.0 percent; Information and Communication at 1.7 percent,” Tula said.

“Annual upticks slowed down in the indices of Food and NonAlcoholic Beverages at 9.1 percent and Transport at 3.0 percent,” he added.

He said commodity groups that retained their previous month’s inflation rate include Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco at 6.9 percent; Furnishing, Household Equipment, and Routine Maintenance of the House at 3.8 percent; Education Services at 3.7 percent; Clothing and Footwear at3.1 percent; Health,1.2 percent; and Financial Services at 0.0 percent.

Of the five BARMM provinces, Tawi-Tawi recorded the highest inflation rate at 10.9 percent, followed by Basilan at 9.5 percent, Lanao Del Sur at 9.4 percent, Maguindanao at 6.4 percent, and Sulu with the lowest inflation rate remained at 4.0 percent.

PSA’s report also showed that Cotabato City’s inflation rate dropped by 12 percent to 6.6 percent this February 2023, from 7.4 percent in January 2023 . Nash

B. Maulana/Kasan Usop

PARANG, Maguindanao del Norte - A gunman identified with IS and Maute terrorist group was killed Wednesday afternoon for resisting arrest and for trading bullets with lawmen, police said today.

Colonel Robert Daculan, Lanao del Sur police provincial director, said Mohammad Isah Alimondaya, alias “Wasab,” of Masiu, fired at approaching lawmen in his safe house during the implementation of warrants of arrest in Barangay Dulay West, Marawi City.

Alimondaya is No. 4 wanted person in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and No. 1 most wanted person in Lanao del Sur and in Masiu municipality. The suspect is also believed to be linked to the Maute terrorist group.

“The accused, Mohammad Isah Alimondaya is a supporter of ISIS who is allegedly involved in illegal drug and gun trafficking in Lanao Del Sur Province and some areas of Maguindanao Province,” Colonel Daculan said.

During the brief firefight, Alimondaya was injured and was rushed by police operatives to Amai Pakpak Medical Center for medication but was later pronounced dead by physicians.

Police found one caliber .45 pistol, a caliber 22 revolver, a hand grenade and bullets in Alimondaya’s house.

Daculan said Alimondaya has been a fugitive for his crimes of murder and frustrated murder, both of which were issued by the 12th Judicial Region's Regional Trial Court in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur and with dates of December 28, 2020 and November 19, 2020, respectively.

He added that Alimondaya was implicated in the 2018 ambush of Masiu Mayor JR Pangandaman and his convoy which led to the death of one police officer and the injury of several others.

Relatives claimed the remains of Alimondaya for burial according to Islamic tradition. Edwin O. Fernandez

UNDERSECRETARY

DAR execs turn new 4-wheel tractor to NoCot farmers’ coop PDEA-12

Milagros Isabel Cristobal of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) on Thursday led the turn-over of a Brand New Four Wheel Drive Tractor amounting to a farmers’ cooperative in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato. The tractor amounting to about PHP1.9 million (P1,873,000) was an intervention under the Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Program (CRFPSP) in North Cotabato.

On Thursday, Usec. Cristobal said DAR's CRFPSP aims to enhance and sustain the agricultural productivity of agrarian reform communities as

an adaptation measure towards climate change resiliency.

Usec. Cristobal was assisted by DAR Regional Director Mariannie Lauban-Baunto, Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer (PARPO II) Evangeline Bueno and Pigcawayan

Municipal Mayor Juanito Agustin, in turning over the 35 horse power tractor with implements to Upper Baguer Credit Cooperative (UBCC) of Pigcawayan to enhance the rice enterprise of the cooperative.

Usec. Cristobal emphasized the importance of providing farm machines to farmer groups in the thrust of the administration.

"Farm mechanization

is being prioritized by our department as we march towards the attainment of food security as mandated by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III," Usec. Cristobal said in her speech.

"We are hoping that this intervention will further help you grow as a cooperative. Encourage your members to build up more capital to viably manage more activities that will benefit you as cooperative and as a community," she told the visibly elated beneficiaries.

Christobal said the government is also expecting the beneficiarycooperative to sustain the interventions by

making sure that it will help increase the income of the cooperative.

Rutchil Omadle, UBCC Chairman, said that the farm machine provided by DAR will be a big help to the members and the rice farming community in the area.

"The availability of the tractor could help the organization generate additional income by serving the combined 80 hectares owned by the members of the organization, and the areas in the neighboring barangays," Omadle said. Omadle assured Usec. Cristobal and other Dar officials that they are committed to making the project last long and serve its purpose. Edwin

O. Fernandez

agents arrest 7, dismantle 2 drug dens

SEVEN drug personalities were arrested and two drug dens were dismantled during law enforcement operations by agnets of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Soccsargen Region Thursday.

Director Aileen T Lovitos of PDEA-12 said the anti-drug operations were conducted in succession here and in Alabel, Sarangani province.

More than P110,000 worth of shabu were also seized from the suspects who were all caught holding pot session inside the drug dens.

In Barangay San Jose, Koronadal City, four persons were arrested during antidrug operation on Thursday afternoon.

Lovitos said the operation jointly conducted by PDEA, Koronadal City PNP and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), led to the arrest of Fernan

Herrera, 31, target-listed drug personality, Wendel Tiamsing, 27, Gerard Arabia y Soldevilla, 40, and Ronnie Bermejo y De Lucas, 19, all residents of Barangay San Jose. Seized from them were shabu with estimated cost of PHP74,000 and the drug den was dismantled.

In Alabel, Sarangani, anti-narcotics agents arrested Gerald Miano, 33, illegal drug den owner and his two drug suppliers as Gilbert Ecunas, 32, and Argie Macalua, 36, during the 5 p.m. law enforcement operation in Barangay Poblacion, Alabel.

Lovitos charges for violation of RA 9165 or The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 are being prepared against the suspects now in PDEA-12 detention facility in Gen. Santos City. Edwin O. Fernandez

BARMM distributes CLOA to Maguindanao Sur ARBs

FARMERS who are agrarian reform beneficiaries in Datu Abdullah Sangki, Maguindanao del Sur are now legitimate owners of the land they have been tilling through the years.

This after the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) distributed on Tuesday 43 Certificates of Land Ownership Awards (CLOAs) to members of the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organization (ARBO) in Abdullah Sangkit town.

The CLOAs covered 99.7 hectares in agricultural lands in the villages of Balaba, Kaya-kaya, Sugadol and Guinibon in Abdullah Sangki.

“Take care of these lands, these are now yours make the most of it,” said MAFAR Minister Mohammad S. Yacob during the dispersal Tuesday.

productive and contribute in the government’s campaign for food security," Provincial Director Ronjamin M. Maulana Ph.D, said in the vernacular.

Minister Yacob assured the ARBs that MAFAR will continue to provide support services and interventions to make lands more productive to generate more income.

“You are our partners in development, BARMM will not achieve its objectives of improving the lives of Bangsamoro without your participation,” he said, adding that MAFAR will always provide support for the farmers.

“We will help you ensure you have enough food on your table, able to send your children to school and provide the basic needs of your families,” he said.

of

"I would like to congratulate all the beneficiaries, take good care of the land and make it

Kaka Ali, 50, one of the beneficiaries, was overjoyed and almost in tears when asked to comment on the distribution of CLOA.

Edwin O. Fernandez

IS linked gunman slain in Marawi police operation

OSTEOPOROSIS AWARENESS. The Cotabato Regional and Medical Center has conducted a free osteoporosis awareness lay forum and free bone screening for clients aging from 40 years old and above on March 28. It aims to provide awareness on the causes

osteoporosis and its effects on the body. Photos courtesy of Cotabato Regional and Medical Center

BARMM police chief arrested for “estafa” cases...from P1

have issued against Brig. Gen Guyguyon.

With two court arrest warrants, members of the CIDG-RFU 15 Tracking Team carried the operation to arrest General Guyguyon at 9:30 p.m. Wednesday at the PRO-BAR director’s office in Camp Pendatun, the report said.

“I was dragged into this case as incorporator, I had no hand in any collection or whatsoever, I submitted myself for custody as a good officer so I can face the charges against me,” Brig. Gen. Guyguyon said in a text message to DXMS Radyo Bida Cotabato.

“I assure you po na wala tayo inagrabyado na tao and that my conscience is clear,” he said.

“By the way, this is not work related. Was just trying to help noon kaso, ito nangyari (I was just trying to help but now this is what happened),” he added.

Apparently, the two criminal cases were filed by prosecutors during Guyguyon’s previous assignments ahead of his designation in March last year as BARMM regional police director.

The CIDG RFU-BAR plotted and served the two arrest warrants on Guyguyon, issued by Presiding Judge Catherine Pespes Manodon, of the National Capital Judicial Region, RTC Branch 104, dated December 1, 2022, said the police blotter on the arrest.

A second arrest warrant was issued by Presiding Judge Kathleen Rosario Dela Cruz-Espinosa, National Capital Judicial Region, RTC Branch 91, Quezon City dated May 20, 2022, the same report said.

Both arrest warrants were issued for cases stemming from charges of syndicated estafa which, according to the court document, is punishable under Article 315, of the Revised Penal Code in relation to Section 1 of Presidential Decree 1689.

According to the same reports emanating from the police blotter on the arrest, Brig. Gen Guyguyon did not resist.

Brig. Gen. Gil Francis Tria, BARMM police deputy regional director for administration has assumed as OIC regional director.

Eastern Grass Owls...from P1

were found provided the site will be secured and properly identified.

Kadija BayamBenpolok, head of DENR 12-Regional Strategic Communication and Initiatives Group, said since the owls were healthy they will no longer be moved to the DENR wildlife rescue center.

“The two owls are healthy so DENR personnel saw it fitting to let them stay where they are nesting,” Benpolok said, adding that the farm owner and village officials fenced the site and placed tarpaulin informing anyone of the wild life residents are there.

“The physiological features of the owlets are generally in good condition and in a safe environment,” Benpolok added.

And in the spirit of “bayanihan,” PENRO Cotabato personnel, village officials and local residents have partnered with Barnadas and Bas in installing bamboo fence to secure the nesting site as it will make the people aware of the presence of wildlife in the area.

Barnadas said residents of Barangay Luna Norte have expressed commitment to the protection and safety of the Eastern Grass Owl and other wildlife species present in the area.

Atty. Felix Alicer, DENR-12 regional executive director, said he was glad the public in the Soccsksargen region have been helping DENR in the wildlife protection.

“Our information campaign about the public’s participation in wildlife protection is paying off,” he said, adding that several wildlife species have been rescued and later freed back to the wild without getting hurt by humans.

The grass owl most common prey are farm rats thus they usually thrive in rodent infested farms. The owl uses its long legs to penetrate thick grass where their prey hide.

Owls sleep during the day and since they are nocturnal, they hunt for food at night.

A bird website said owls are not instinctively friendly to humans and are generally intolerant of human company, especially any attempts at being touched, petted and handled in any way.

With that, village officials and DENR personnel fenced the grass owl’s nesting place to prevent human coming closer.

Meanwhile, DENR personnel freed back to the wild three critically endangered “Mindanao Hanging Parrots,” commonly known as “colasisi” on Wednesday (March 22).

Maria Elvira V. Lumayag, PENRO Sarangani, said the wildlife species were turned over to the DENR by the personnel of PNPRegional Maritime Unit Headquarters in Alabel after it was surrendered by a concerned villager.

Based on the assessment of Dr. Roy O. Mejorada, in-house veterinarian of PENRO Sarangani, the female wild birds are healthy and fit to return to the wild. The hanging parrots were released in Barangay Spring of this town.

DENR’S Updated National List of Threatened Philippine Fauna and their Categories, categorized as critically endangered the “Mindanao Hanging Parrot” which generally refers to species facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future.

SURRENDER. Agents of CIDG present the warrants of arrest against Brig. Gen. John Guyguyon, BARMM police regional director (seated) inside his office in Camp SK Pendatun, Parang, Maguindanao

Photo by CIDG-BAR

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that Spouses CEFERINA LAGMAY and ANTONIO ESPIRITU, who died intestate on April 24, 2003 and December 9, 2001 in Kabacan and Matalam, Cotabato, respectively, left a parcel of land Lot No. 810-1, Psd-12-004550, situated in Kilada, Matalam, Cotabato, containing an area of 20,000 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. 152T-64807 is subject of Declaration of Heirship and Self-Adjudication with Sale before Notary Public Esther Jalandoni Dumagan as per Doc. No. 134; Page No. 28; Book No. 104; Series of 2023. MC: Apr. 1, 15 & 22, 2023

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

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172) notice is hereby served to the public that Florence A. Alabado, has filed with this office a petition to correct the day of birth 29 to 26 in the certificate of live birth of Florence Aglubat Alabado, born on 29 December 1957 at Pikit, Cotabato and whose parents are Jose Alabado and Necipura Aglubat.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than 15 April 2023.

(Sgd.) MICHAEL C. TOBIAS, MPA Municipal Civil Registrar April 1 & 15, 2023

Republic of the Philippines Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao OFFICE OF THE CITY CIVIL REGISTRAR Cotabato City

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that Manuel Jr. O. Ramento has filed with this office a petition for change of first name from Manuel to Manuel Jr. in the birth certificate of Manuel Octavio Ramento who was born on March 18, 1976 at Cotabato City and whose parents are Manuel R. Ramento Sr. and Mercedes S. Octavio.

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

(Sgd.) EDRES A. SAMAMA

Asst. City Civil Registrar OIC-City Civil Registrar April 1 & 15, 2023

Republic of the Philippines Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao OFFICE OF THE CITY CIVIL REGISTRAR Cotabato City

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 series 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), notice is hereby served to the public that Ronald Dillera Almario has filed with this office a petition for correction of sex/gender from Female to Male in the certificate of live birth of Ronald Dillera Almario, who was born on August 12, 1968 at Cotabato City and whose parents are Danilo E. Almario and Daisy B. Dillera.

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

(Sgd.) EDRES A. SAMAMA Asst. City Civil Registrar OIC-City Civil Registrar April 1 & 15, 2023

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1, Guidelines in the implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 9048/10172), notice is hereby served to the public that Tohamie Bogawan Omar has filed with this office a petition for the correction in sex from Female to Male in the certificate of live birth of Tohamie Bogawan Omar, who was born at Pikit, Cotabato on 8 July 2003 and whose parents are Thong Banansawan Omar and Entan Bogawan.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with the Municipal Civil Registrar’s Office, Pikit, Cotabato.

(Sgd.) MICHAEL C. TOBIAS, MPA Municipal Civil Registrar MC: Mar. 25 & Apr. 1, 2023

Republic of the Philippines Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao OFFICE OF THE CITY CIVIL REGISTRAR Cotabato City

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that Mansour K. Utto has filed with this office a petition for change of first name from Samsodin to Mansour in the birth certificate of Samsodin Kusain Utto who was born on May 8, 1984 at Cotabato City and whose parents are Maguid A. Utto and Jumaria M. Kusain.

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

(Sgd.) EDRES A. SAMAMA

Asst. City Civil Registrar OIC-City Civil Registrar

April 1 & 15, 2023

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1, Guidelines in the implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), notice is hereby served to the public that Jowersky V. Moires has filed with this office a petition for correction of entry in the child’s sex from Female to Male in the certificate of live birth bearing Registry No. 2015-1666 of KJ Tacpan Moires duly registered at the Local Civil Registry Office of Upi, Maguindanao and whose parents are JHowersky V. Moires and Jonalyn M. Tacpan. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than April 12, 2023.

(Sgd.) JEAN P. BACAS Municipal Civil Registrar MC: Mar. 25 & Apr. 1, 2023

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT (ADDENDUM)

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late PRAXEDES A. NADELA, consisting two parcels of land Lot. No. 10951-C, Csd-12001207, situated in Central Katingawan, Midsayap, Cotabato, covered by OCT No. P-48059 with an area of 31, 503 sq. mts., more or less and Lot. No. 2189-D, Psd226039, situated in Lower Katingawan, Midsayap, Cotabato, covered by TCT No. T-45145 with an area of 18,329 sq. mts., more or less are subject of addendum to the deed of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous sale executed in Midsayap, Cotabato on December 20, 2022, before Notary Public Rolando D. Jungco as per Doc. No. 282; Page No. 57; Book No. XXIII; Series of 2023. MC: Mar. 25, Apr. 1 & 15, 2023

Republic of the Philippines

In compliance with R.A. No. 10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that Charleth S. Montenegro has filed with this office a petition for change of sex from Male to Female in the birth certificate of Jasleth Sayon Montenegro who was born on 10 October 2005 at City of Kidapawan, Cotabato and whose parents are Jason P. Montenegro and Charleth V. Sayon. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office.

(Sgd.) MERCEDES P. TOLENTINO Acting City Civil Registrar MC: Mar. 25 & Apr. 1, 2023

Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao BANGSAMORO BOARD OF INVESTMENTS

Bangsamoro Government Center, Gov. Gutierrez Ave., RH-VII, Cotabato City

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the application of ASIA ACADEMIC INTEGRATED SCHOOL

with the activity of the Establishment and Operation of Integrated School located at Purveyors Subdivision, Rosary Heights Xl, Cotabato City for registration with the Bangsamoro Board of Investments-BARMM under Book I of the Omnibus Investment Code of 1987, otherwise known as Executive Order No. 226 as amended by R.A. 11534 or CREATE Act, has been officially accepted on March 29, 2023 and is currently being process.

Any person with valid objections to or pertinent comments on the above-mentioned application may file his/her objection, in writing and under oath, with the Bangsamoro Board of Investments-BARMM within one (1) week from the date of application.

MC: April. 1, 2023

MOHAMAD O. PASIGAN Chairman

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

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

Filipino appointed as new apostolic admin of Guam archdiocese

POPE Francis on Tuesday appointed a Filipino priest as apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Agaña on the Pacific island nation of Guam.

The pope announced Fr. Romeo “Romy” Convocar’s appointment after the resignation of American Archbishop Michael Jude Byrnes, 64, reportedly for medical reasons. At the time of his appointment, Fr. Convocar has been serving as vicar general of the archdiocese in the U.S. territory.

He will oversee the ecclesiastical territory until the nomination of a new archbishop.

The priest served as chaplain of the Philippine Navy before he was incardinated to the Agaña archdiocese.

He was also a former formator at Domus Josephi

Formation House of the Military Ordinariate of the Philippines (MOP) in Villamor Airbase in Pasay City. “May the Lord continually bless and guide you in your ministry, Fr. Romy,” the MOP said in a social media post. CBCP News

Negros diocese vows cooperation in probe into priest rape claim

BISHOP Gerardo

Alminaza of San Carlos on Tuesday said the diocese would “fully cooperate” in the investigation into allegations that a priest raped a 17-year-old girl.

Saying that rape is a “grave crime,” he said the local Church in Negros Occidental province wants “the truth to come out and for justice to be served accordingly”.

“Together with the whole diocese, we commit to provide the needed information openly and honestly to the public without reservations,” Alminaza said in a statement March 28.

The church, according to him, will proceed with its own canonical process on the case involving Fr. Conrado Mantac, who was arrested in a village in Bacolod City on March 27.

Mantac, he said, was stripped of his priestly duties while he was being investigated by the

authorities.

“For the meantime, we suspend all ministries with regard to his pastoral duties in the diocese,” Alminaza said.

The prelate then assured the alleged victim and her family of the diocese’s support and protection.

“I deeply feel the suffering of the victim and her family and entrust her to the rightful agency which can provide proper care and assistance,” he added.

The bishop asked the faithful to pray for Fr. Mantac and the alleged victim from the city of Sagay, as well to show them care.

“Please pray that the authorities, the lawyers, the guardians, and all other parties involved, including myself, will carry out our obligations in an honest and truthful manner,” he added. CBCP News

Weare entering into the Holy Week with the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem. He was greeted with great rejoicing, as befitting a king, “Hosanna to the Son of David” (Mt. 21:9). This was the messianic expectation. Jesus was being welcomed as the Messiah who would deliver the Israelites from their oppressors, such as the Romans during that time. Most of this crowd would be disappointed that their expectation of an earthly ruler like King David was not what Jesus came for. Frustration would lead to anger and the crowd who welcomed Him as king would also shout, “Crucify him!” (Lk. 19:6-7).

The Last Temptation

Reflections

Fr. Antonio P. Pueyo, DCC tonypoy_dcc0@yahoo.com

Jesus was tempted, but at the end He surrendered Himself to God, “Father, take this cup of suffering away from me, yet not my will but your will be done” (Mk. 14:36). The temptation would persist until the cross so that Jesus would exclaim, “My God, my God, why did you abandon me?” (Mk. 15:34). Finally, Jesus abandoned Himself to the Father’s will, “Father, into you hands I commend my spirit” (Lk. 23:46).

Jesus would walk another path rather than the expected role of becoming an earthly conqueror and king. He would walk the way of the cross, the way of suffering. This was what the Father expected of Him. This was to be His destiny. Of course, He was tempted to turn away from this plan. By all means the way of suffering seems to be unreasonable. The hours spent in the garden of Gethsemane were hours spent struggling with this last temptation. We may recall Jesus’ first temptations after his forty days of fasting in the desert to prepare Himself for his public mission. The devil tempted him through his appetites and sensual inclinations. Jesus resisted the devil and it was written, “the Devil left Him for another time” (Lk.4:13). The next time would be in the garden of Gethsemane. He was tempted to escape and go away. It was not yet too late. He could begin a new life. In Nikos Kazantzatki’s novel called The Last Temptation, other possibilities were shown had Jesus escaped the Cross. He could have lived a normal life. It is one of the “what ifs” of history. What if Jesus chose to escape the cross?. He could have been another rabbi or miracle worker, but not a Savior. Had Jesus chosen to escape the Cross, would there have been salvation?

During this Holy Week, let us reflect on God’s challenges and plans for us. We are called to different vocations. We all have our destinies, in accordance with the gifts and endowments given us. I remember Robert Frost’s poem about choosing one’s path in life, “I shall be telling this with a sigh/Somewhere ages and ages hence:/ Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—/I took the one less traveled by,/And that has made all the difference.”

Whether we choose the road less traveled by or the more traveled road, the important things is to discern if the road we choose is according to God’s design. Perhaps we have been following roads that lead us to perdition. Perhaps we have not resisted temptations. This Holy Week is a time for examining ourselves and setting new directions in our life.

For younger people, look at the road you are taking or about to take, is this path in accord with God’s will? Is this where you can be the best of yourself? For those already in middle age, what avenues are still open for you? Are you being called to a better way to love and to serve given the choices you have already made? To senior citizens who are almost at the end of the journey, do you have regrets or are you thankful? Are you sharing your wisdom and counsel with those who need it? In whatever time in life we are, may the road we choose lead to life and be a participation in the saving work of Jesus.

Have a Blessed and Holy Week.

Readings: no. 257, p. 486

1st Reading: Isaiah 42.1-7

Gospel: John 12.1-11

Readings: no. 258, p. 488

1st Reading: Isaiah 49.1-6

Gospel: John 13.21-33, 36-38

Readings: no. 259, p. 491

1st Reading: Isaiah 50.4-9a

Gospel: Matthew 26.14-26

Readings: no. 39, p. 256; BG, p. 184

1st Reading: Exodus 12.1-8, 11-14

2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians 11.23-26

Gospel: John 13.1-15

1st Reading: Isaiah 52.13–53.12

2nd Reading: Hebrews 4.14-16; 5.7-9

Gospel: John 18.1–19.42

At the Easter Vigil

Readings: no. 41, pp. 278-299; BG, p. 205

Gospel (Year A): Matthew 28.1-10

Fr. Romeo Convocar

Think of Mother Earth this Ramadan/Holy Week

Aswe pause to take stock of our life this season of Holy Week and Ramadan, all of us cannot put aside what everyone in this country is experiencing right now. This is the heat wave that has been going on for several days now and has claimed (directly and indirectly) the lives of some people, especially the elderly.

Although there are few studies that makes “climate change” responsible for the heat wave, we cannot avoid making the conclusion that since we have accepted the results of climate change, the phenomena that many call “El Nino” seem to come more often year after year. It has affected the productivity of our agricultural sector and of course, the income of the people. It is therefore a factor that is worth focusing into as we plan for our future.

There are many theories that environmentalists advance regarding the reason for the heat wave, all pointing out to people’s abuse of mother earth. One of this is improper methods of farming, which render swatches of land without proper vegetative cover. Another reason is the indiscriminate cutting of trees which has reduced our forest cover. I really love the old song “Once there were green fields kissed by the sun; once there were valleys where rivers used to run. The song ended with now where are the green fields that we used to roam.” It would be nice to answer the singers, that these are now flooded areas because of neglect.

Rapid deforestation is an important factor because the trees are supposed to hold water during the rainy season, and reducing their numbers lessen the capacity of the hills and mountains to keep intact the water table, our major source of drinking water. This is also a controversial issue because we have elected officials who do not understand the connection between the use of earth resources and climate change. Our mining policies, reforestation (?) policies, even our population policies are defective to say the least.

It may be far-fetched to say that mining is so destructive that it leads to flooding, landslides, mudflows, etc., a reason given by government officials when such disasters strikes. Of course they can reason out that we earn a lot from the proceeds of mining (or logging before). But shouldn’t we weigh the pros and cons with the destruction it causes our mother earth?

These are food for thought as we celebrate the Holy Week and Ramadan. Exploiting our mother earth may not be in the group of personal sins that we ask for forgiveness during this season; but it takes a community to undertake the exploitation that is happening in this climate. Hopefully, this will not impact heavily on the future generation, whom we should care about. MC

Twoweeks ago, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a scientific body that advises the United Nations on rising temperatures, released a new report. Authored by some authored by nearly 300 scientists from 67 countries, the report is a summary of research conducted over the past five years. Its key message: “the world is approaching irreversible levels of global warming, with catastrophic consequences becoming inevitable.”

“Continued greenhouse gas emissions will lead to increasing global warming, with the best estimate of reaching 1.5°C (2.7°F) in the near term in considered scenarios and modeled pathways,” the report said.

“It is unequivocal that human influence has warmed the atmosphere, ocean, and land,” it added. In short, “the pace and scale of climate action are insufficient to tackle climate change.”

In December 2015, world leaders at the UN Climate Change Conference reached the historic Paris Agreement. It set long term goals foremost among which is to substantially reduce global greenhouse gas emissions to limit the global temperature increase in this century to 2 degrees Celsius while pursuing efforts to limit the increase even further to 1.5 degrees.

Apparently much of the talk about taking action has been mostly just talk. Experts are saying that the world has already warmed by 1.1C and is likely to breach 1.5C in the 2030s.

Despite efforts to fight global warming, sea level rises continue to happen due to continuing deep ocean warming and ice sheet melt, said the IPCC report, adding that they will “remain elevated for thousands of years.” The report said the average rate of sea level rise was 1.3 millimeters (.05 inches) between 1901 and 1971, increasing to 1.9 mm (.075 inches) between 1971 and 2006 and further increasing to 3.7 mm (.15 inches) between 2006 and 2018. Meanwhile, according to the World Meteorological Organization, the past eight years were the warmest on record globally, due to ever-rising greenhouse gas concentrations.

The IPCC report warned that “every increment” of global warming will escalate multiple and concurrent hazards: more intense heatwaves, heavier rainfall, and other weather extremes which further increase risks for human health and ecosystems; people dying from extreme heat; increased climate-driven food and water

WITHinitial investigation results pointing to Congressman Arnolfo Teves as allegedly behind the killing of Governor Roel Degamo and his escorts last March 4, the current running story of political violence brings Negros Occidental back to its not-sodistant past in the time of Moises Padilla.

Padilla was the progressive leftist albeit a lowkey community leader, who shook the political base of the Lacsons in Negros Occidental during the pre-polls campaign for the simultaneous national and local elections in 1952. He was politically weak in terms of guns, goons and gold that his powerful political foes were known for, but was unassumingly allied with then Defense Secretary Ramon Magsaysay who aimed for the presidency as the Nacionalista bet, against Liberal stalwart, incumbent President Elpidio Quirino, in the November 1952 elections.

Padilla was “feared” by the Lacsons for his social influence in the community of sacadas (sugarcane plantation workers) in Nergros Occidental and that his close community engagement might translate to a heavy delivery of votes for Magsaysay against Quirino.

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

Some news reports attributed to the late journalist Nestor Mata published on Manila Chronicles, Magsaysay’s Presidential bid took-off from his act of carrying Padilla’s dead body from where it was thrown out of a WW-II weapon-carrier truck in Magallon town. The vehicle was prior seen used by the local constables backing the incumbent governor (as established by government prosecutors, who had subsequently accused him in court and key members of his Constables security unit) over the arrest, torture and the killing of Padilla The town of Mafallon has since been named the Municipality of Moises Padilla.

Seeing the original movie on Padilla’s life (1962), one would be reminded of the political violence that engulfed Maguindanao, which was followed by the arrests of the Ampatuans and armed members of their CVO (civilian volunteers organization) militia backers on December 3, 2009, following the declaration of martial law by their ally, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The movie in the age of the black-and-white film starred the late Leopoldo Salcedo, as Moises Padilla, and Joseph Estrada, as Padilla’s friend, trustee of Padilla’s political foe’s family.

The arrest of the Ampatuan was (curiously) the last

insecurity. Other adverse events, such as pandemics or conflicts, would make the situation unmanageable, the IPCC report warned further.

“A child born now is likely on average to have or experienced three to four times as many extreme climate events in their lifetime as their grandparents did,” said Mark Howden, a climate change professor at The Australian National University, who was a vice-chair for a previous IPCC working group and review editor for the current synthesis report. “We’re actually leaving a world behind us that is actually less safe than the world which we inherited, people of my generation,” he said.

Only “deep, rapid and sustained” greenhouse gas emissions reductions could arrest global warming and its negative impact. Simon Stiell, the U.N.’s climate change executive secretary, called the 2020s “a critical decade for climate action.”

The IPCC believes that mainstreaming effective and equitable climate action now will reduce losses and damages and that multiple, feasible and effective options are available to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to human-caused climate change. The challenge is to cut emissions quickly, sharply to create a safer, sustainable world.

In the Philippines, Caritas Philippines and the Social Action Network recently issued a statement renewing their commitment to “to save our beautiful land” even as they joined the United Nations, world leaders, experts, environmental defenders, civil society activists, and faith organizations across the globe in declaring a climate emergency.

Next week, we take a look at the impact of climate change on the Philippines and what needs to be done according to Caritas Philippines and the Social Action Network.

December toward the election campaign period to the May 2010 Presidential and local elections in which the pro-administration party had betted on top-notch lawyer Gilbert Teodoro who was then (incidentally, also) the defense secretary.

In his term, the late President Magsaysay had the most number of administrative edicts that implemented the legislated settlement programs, chiefly, the Osmena Colony Act of 1913, and the Quirino-Recto Colonization Act of 1936—and the 1935 Constitution, no less. Magsaysay made a serious presidential deal on addressing agrarian unrest in the North which the preceding Roxas and Quirino administrations failed to resolve in their terms combined. And as provided in both the Osmena Colony Act of 1913 and the Quirino-Recto Colonization Act of 1936, Mindanao was the answer.

Up until the months preceding the 1969 national and local elections, Marcos continued the remaining unimplemented phases of the settlement program on vast Edcor territory in Cotabato and Lanao provinces for the fresh influx of settlers from Panay, courtesy of his Cotabato Provincial Constabulary Commander Carlos Cajelo.

Leftist elements in Tigbawan had established the so-called “Stalin University” that catered for the military and political training crash courses of the remnants of the PKP and the succeeding sons of members of the Hukbong Bayan Laban sa Hapon (Hukbalahap). Martial law strategists had transformed the same armed group into rightist militias as an instrument of political harassments at LP bailiwicks, such as Mother Cotabato Province and Lanao. This was disclosed to the public by Pablito Jepana alias Commander Melody of Iloilo for a movie on his life story.

Sunrise Sunset

Charlie Señase csenase@yahoo.com

Likento a spinning wheel that what goes up must come down, for nothing is permanent in life except change either for better or for worse. Knowing that in the world we are all servants of two unseen masters – God and Satan that the world is torn-apart between good and evil. Look around and listen to what’s happening that even among family and clan, members are killing each other and are into other unlawful acts that God forbids. Anything abominable to God is demonic that majority are already hooked that we have to rebuke and pray for reformatory cleansing through God’s grace and mercy.

Fast paced media reports manifest worsening cases of violence, treachery, illegal drugs, smuggled items, corruption in government, gun-for-hire and proliferation of private armies, among others that President Marcos wants nip in the bud.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos, Jr. was steadfast to declare “demonyo” is the mastermind behind the March 4 killing of Misamis Oriental governor. The same feeling of remorse was expressed this week by former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad against current PM Datuk Seri Anwar whom he accused of slander in his recent speech before Congress. Mahathir, 92, said his plan of slander will take effect if there’s no proof of retraction within a week that the unnamed PM is not him who allegedly amassed billions worth of Malaysian currency distributed to family members and tagged the culprit as “scoundrel.”

In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian authorities are in favor of the proposal to abolish the death penalty law on heinous crimes. Some may call it timely, but always things happen for a divine reason.

Timeliness is of God, when five

members of a terrorist group known as Dawlah Islamiyah Hassan were killed by operatives of Joint Task Force Central in Pagalungan and Montawal towns of Maguindanao Sur. Recovered from the slain rebels were five Improvised Explosive Devices and firearms.

It’s regarded as good work to eliminate lawless violence but for armed outlaws out to create havoc and destabilization, it’s better to just disable them if possible. For God Himself said to the obedient and God-fearing people – “Vengeance is Mine” (Deuteronomy 32:35). God’s fury is on nature’s wrath as in earthquake, lightning, thunderstorm, cyclone, volcanic eruption, floodwaters, landslides, tidal waves, whirlwind and other disasters that entail destruction to lives and properties. And because of man’s stubbornness to God’s rebuke, humanity’s sorrow and pain will persist in pestilences, starvation and scarcity of basic commodities as a result of deceitfulness abounding as biblical warning signs in Matthew 24 unto the Great Tribulation and the LORD’s prophetic return.

Whatever national and local government programs that will uplift and improve the poor and the underprivileged, authorities must do it as a responsibility with transparency and accountability. A true public servant must be the servant of all servants for God exalts the humble with assurance that the least will be great and the last will be first.

LIFE’S SUPPLY AND DEMAND

With soaring prices of basic goods and services as a result of its low supply and triggered by global economic inflation, frustration creeps in; but our unwavering faith brightens up the mood horizon.

Heatstrokeis a condition caused by your body overheating, usually as a result of prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperatures. This most serious form of heat injury, heatstroke, can occur if your body temperature rises to 104 F (40 C) or higher. The condition is most common in the summer months.

Heatstroke requires emergency treatment. Untreated heatstroke can quickly damage your brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. The damage worsens the longer treatment is delayed, increasing your risk of serious complications or death.

Symptoms

Heatstroke signs and symptoms include:

•High body temperature. A core body temperature of 104 F (40 C) or higher, obtained with a rectal thermometer, is the main sign of heatstroke.

•Altered mental state or behavior. Confusion, agitation, slurred speech, irritability, delirium, seizures and coma can all result from heatstroke.

•Alteration in sweating. In heatstroke brought on by hot weather, your skin will feel hot and dry to the touch. However, in heatstroke brought on by strenuous exercise, your skin may feel dry or slightly moist.

•Nausea and vomiting. You may feel sick to your stomach or vomit.

•Flushed skin. Your skin may turn red as your body temperature increases.

•Rapid breathing. Your breathing may become rapid and shallow.

•Racing heart rate. Your pulse may significantly increase because heat stress places a tremendous burden on your heart to help cool your body.

•Headache. Your head may throb.

wet towels on the person’s head, neck, armpits and groin.

Causes

Heatstroke can occur as a result of:

•Exposure to a hot environment. In a type of heatstroke, called nonexertional (classic) heatstroke, being in a hot environment leads to a rise in core body temperature. This type of heatstroke typically occurs after exposure to hot, humid weather, especially for prolonged periods. It occurs most often in older adults and in people with chronic illness.

• Strenuous activity. Exertional heatstroke is caused by an increase in core body temperature brought on by intense physical activity in hot weather. Anyone exercising or working in hot weather can get exertional heatstroke, but it’s most likely to occur if you’re not used to high temperatures.

In either type of heatstroke, your condition can be brought on by:

•Wearing excess clothing that prevents sweat from evaporating easily and cooling your body

•Drinking alcohol, which can affect your body’s ability to regulate your temperature

•Becoming dehydrated by not drinking enough water to replenish fluids lost through sweating

Risk factors

Anyone can develop heatstroke, but several factors increase your risk:

•Age. Your ability to cope with extreme heat depends on the strength of your central nervous system. In the very young, the central nervous system is not fully developed, and in adults over 65, the central nervous system begins to deteriorate, which makes your body less able to cope with changes in body temperature. Both age groups usually have difficulty remaining hydrated, which also increases risk.

The Most Eligible Bachelor in Town

Myfriend, and friend to many others, is one any girl would be proud to bring home to her parents, introduce to the grandmothers, someone presentable and brag about to girlfriends. He is good looking, a self-made millionaire . Generous, he sent his siblings to school including their children-the nephews and nieces, in other words, no more self-imposed obligations.

He loves to travel, he has seen most of the tourist destinations in the country. He draws inspiration from his many travels outside the Philippines, in Europe and Southeast Asia. He has yet to go to Africa.

He is joined by his buddy and favourite travel companion Wilfred Yee, at other times Elden Lapena. When he was yet up and coming, I asked him to design my first Boutique, Ghia. My children were so enamored with his work, so that the next project, the spa Bioessence, was given to him to work on.. He created a welcoming, restful , ambiance, the success of the span is partly due to the inviting aura, notwithstanding the pricy services.

He has gone a long way from there, capturing huge assignments like Sardonyx, Al Nor Complex, to name a few. He is a mainstay at our school, St. Benedict College of Cotabato Inc.. We run to him for even the littlest projects because we

are comfortable with him and his ways; so comfortable that we even asked him to design our students’ comfort room, to which he lamented, “hanggang CR na lang ba ako” (Just wait Marlo, we have dreams in the offing and you are going to be part of it)

We are talking of Architect Marlo Basco here. I have known him long before he was this famous and much sought after architect, from his mother, pharmacist Celsa, who used to run a drugstore. Upon the parent’s demise he took over the care of his siblings, look how he is reaping the fruits of his generosity

He was past President of the Architect’s Group here, and nationwide, he is an artist and a dedicated patron of arts and culture; His passion for culture and arts he shares by conducting summer classes for free. (check it out in Facebook for this summer courses.)

He lives in the old Basco house and built his “get away home” adjacent to it, a “tiny home” it is called, the current fad for those who wants a respite from it all- There he spends time reading-I learned that his trips are not complete without taking home some books-history, architecture and of course more places to visit. He cooks too, I have yet to be invited to his tiny home and partake of his chosen drink and favourite pasta recipe. Sorry girls, he is just not the marrying kind.

On his recent birthday, 2 days ago, he just joined the senior citizens club. It would have been an appropriate occasion fora a celebration. How about that Marlo?

Take immediate action to cool the overheated person while waiting for emergency treatment.

•Get the person into shade or indoors.

•Remove excess clothing.

“Not that I speak in regard to needs, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content” (Philippians 4:11). “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For God Himself has said: `I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: `The Lord is my Helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:5-6). MC MC

•Cool the person with whatever means available — put in a cool tub of water or a cool shower, spray with a garden hose, sponge with cool water, fan while misting with cool water, or place ice packs or cold,

•Exertion in hot weather. Military training and participating in sports, such as football or long-distance running events, in hot weather are among the situations that can lead to heatstroke.

• Sudden exposure to hot weather. You may be more susceptible to heat-related illness if you’re exposed to a sudden increase in temperature, such as during an earlysummer heat wave or travel to a hotter climate.

customers are trade fairs.

What is a trade fair?

“Thesecret of marketing success is no secret at all: Word of mouth is all that matters. ”—Seth Godin

“Business has only two functions: marketing and innovation.”—Milan Kundera

“Don’t push people to where you want to be; meet them where they are.— Meghan Kearney Anderson

This column previously talked about the effort at the national government or local government levels to prepare development plan to promote and develop Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The lower segment (referring to micro-enterprises with limited capitalization) of the MSME sector requires more assistance from government, bigger business, and other entities to improve their products and services, develop markets, and to attain

Last week we discussed lengthily the need of micro-enterprises for business financing and how the local government units should craft their financial assistance programs and projects to effectively and efficiently serve smaller enterprises.

With sufficient financing, we can reasonably presume that a microenterprise will now to in a position to produce good quality products and sell these to the market. Having funds for production and operation is good, however, an enterprise has to sell its products to generate money and gain profits.

In my previous work in the public sector, promoting trade and industry, we often encountered micro-enterprises operating from the home of the owner or with a commercial store space but does not yet have enough customers to make their business profitable and stable. For microenterprises engaged in the production of crafts or food and beverages, one of the best venues for meeting potential

A trade fair (also known as trade exhibit, trade show, or trade exposition) is an organized exhibition through which companies are given the opportunity to showcase and demonstrate their products to prospective buyers. There are different varieties of trade fairs, thus, it is important for an entrepreneur to know this to be able to decide intelligently on which ones to join.

By level, trade fairs can be local, regional, national, or international. There are trade fairs that are focused on specific products (e.g. furniture, shoes, or coffee and tea, etc.) while others could include a wider variety of products (food, decorations, furniture, garments, among others). While trade fairs offer good opportunities to sell and develop regular customers, not all fairs can provide you positive results, thus it is important to ask the following:

1. 1.What are the products that would be included in the fair?

2. 2.Is this the first time for this fair to be conducted or the fair had been done in previous years? Did participants had good sales in previous edition/s of the fair?

3. 3.Who are the expected buyers (local versus national; ordinary consumers versus institutional buyers)?

4. 4.Is the venue of the fair accessible to the target buyers?

5. 5.Is it the only fair done at that particular time or there are similar fairs in the same locality?

6. 6.Will the trade fair organizers actively promote the activity (through local media, social media, and/or direct invitation to the target buyers)?

7. 7.Could the trade fair provide you a good return on your investment in participating (rental of space/booth, fee for the person/s manning your booth, etc.)?

The answer to the above questions should help you decide to join particular fair or not.

Marlo Basco, the ultimate architect

Happy 90th Birthday Nanay Lang, resident of Bahay Maria

AFFIDAVIT OF SELF-ADJUDICATION

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late MA. SUZETTE N. LAO, who died on December 26, 2022 in Cotabato City, a Savings Deposit Account with Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI)- Cotabato is subject of Affidavit of Self-Adjudication with Waiver and Special Power of Attorney before Notary Public Atty. Edwin P. Matura as per Doc. No. 323; Page No. 64; Book No. II; Series of 2023.

MC: Mar. 25, Apr. 1 & 15, 2023

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Police, Army ensuring peace during...from P1

del Sur are coordinated closely with the regional government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao via its Ministry of the Interior and Local Government.

The region’s local government minister, Naguib Sinarimbo, said fasting employees and officials of BARMM agencies are to report for work early during workdays and perform their respective assignments until 3:30 p.m. daily.

“Muslim employees and officials shall work during lunchtime. Observing the Ramadhan yearly is so important for us,” Sinarimbo said early this week.

Sinarimbo said Muslim personnel of their emergency response contingent Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence, operating under his supervision, are to work continuously even if they are fasting during daytime.

Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Taliño

Mendoza announced this week that her office shall provide 10 sacks of rice to each of the 63 BARMM barangays in her province.

“We shall also provide rice to the barangays in Pagalungan and Montawal municipalities in Maguindanao del Sur which are near the seat of our provincial government in Kidapawan City,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza said Cotabato’s first-termer congresswoman, Samantha Santos, and Party-list Rep. Raymond Democrito Mendoza of the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines, are to support her administration’s rice dispersal activity for the 63 BARMM barangays in different towns in her province.

Mendoza said she has asked the Cotabato Provincial Police Office and the mayors in the province to cooperate in maintaining law and order during the Ramadhan season.

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late WILFREDO A. ADALIN, who died intestate in Davao City on February 13, 2020, left a real estate property, covered by TCT No. T-30475, situated at Bo. Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, with an area of 662 sq. mts., more or less is subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with settlement, adjudication, partition waiver, relinquishment, and renunciation of rights before Notary Public Atty.

Eula Maye Celaine P. Arias as per Doc. No. 448; Page No. 91; Book No. II; Series of 2023.

MC: Mar. 25, Apr. 1 & 15, 2023

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late SAMSHI U. BENITO who died intestate on June 22, 2021, left certain personal property, a Savings Account Deposit at Bank of the Philippine Islands under Bank Account No. 2163-0162-25 is subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Mohammad Nour Seddiq A. Pangilamen, CPA as per Doc. No. 491; Page No. 99; Book No. VIII; Series 2023.

MC: Mar. 18, 25 & Apr. 1, 2023

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

OPAPRU opens search for peace .from P1

Kapayapaan Awards,” said Purisima during a press conference on the GaKap launch in Pasay City Thursday, March 30.

“This will be an opportunity for us to honor the outstanding work of our fellow peace builders and peace workers. They have played a key role in realizing all the gains of peace we have achieved over the years,” he said.

According to OPAPP briefers, GaKap is envisioned to be the country's premier awards to honor the major contributions not only of individuals, but also institutions, and organizations in pushing forward the comprehensive Philippine peace process.

It also highlights the accomplishments, milestones, and innovative peacebuilding programs that have been carried out in building on and sustaining the gains of peace throughout the country.

The OPAPPRU said GaKap also seeks to set standards and present good peacebuilding practices that can be replicated to build, nurture, and expand a peace constituency to promote a culture of peace and advance the national

government’s peace agenda.

The GaKap will be open to nominees coming from the government and nongovernment organizations, as well as individuals and institutions that have established a track record in peacebuilding.

The two main categories for GaKap are the Individual and Group categories.

The awards under Individual Category are: Gawad Kapayapaan Award for Youth

Gawad Kapayapaan Award for Women, and Gawad Kapayapaan Award for Exemplary Peace Advocate.

The Awards under the Group Category are: Gawad Kapayapaan Award for National Government Agencies; Gawad Kapayapaan Award for Local Government Units; Gawad Kapayapaan Award for Civil Society Organizations; Gawad Kapayapaan Award for Academe; and Gawad Kapayapaan Award for Private Institutions

In particular, the nominees must be local peace stakeholders or leaders. Posthumous awards will also be given to individuals who have made

a significant contribution in the comprehensive peace process.

Notice is hereby given that the late SABIDRA PANGLI LUMINOG, who died intestate on January 17, 2023 at Katidtuan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, left an account with Philippine National Bank (PNB) Cotabato under Savings Account No. 406210012679 is subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with waiver of rights before Notary Public Atty. Marvin D. Mokamad, CGM as per Doc. No. 52; Book No. 02; Page 11; Series of 2023.

MC: Apr. 1, 15 & 22, 2023

WAIVER OF RIGHTS AND INTEREST

Notice is hereby given that the late REMIE BASAL BALDO, who died on April 15, 2022 at San Pedro Hospital, Davao City, left a personal property, a Bank Deposit at Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) is subject of waiver of rights and interest before Notary Public Renie Jay Abad Soriano as per Doc. No. 115; Page No. 23; Book No. XXXXI; Series of 2023.

MC: Mar. 25, Apr. 1 & 15, 2023

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, 2023 sa ganap na alas 8:00 ng umaga hanggang alas 4:30 ng hapon para sa mga hindi natubos na sangla sa buwan ng Nobyembre 2022.

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: April 1, 2023

NOTICE

VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I AND BRANCH II will hold a public auction sale of all unredeemed and unrenewed items pawned from September to October 2022 on April 10, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. at VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I, Dayao St., and VGM PAWNSHOP INC. II, Jose Abad Santos St., Kidapawan City Be There, Management

SUBASTA

Ang VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I ug BRANCH II magsubasta sa tanan nga wala lukata ug wala tubui gikan sa bulan sa Setyembre hangtud sa bulan sa Oktubre , 2022 sa alas 9:00 sa buntag karung Pebrero 10, 2023 sa VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I, Dayao St., ug sa VGM PAWNSHOP BRANCH II, Jose Abad Santos St., Kidapawan City.

Notice is hereby given that the late RICARDO G. ANAGARAN and ROSA S. ANAGARAN, who died on September 5, 2005 and August 18, 1995, respectively both in Ellinois, USA, left a parcel of land Lot 3, Block 14, Psd-27747, situated in Kakar, Cotabato (now Cotabato City) with an area of 323 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. T-8249 is subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with deed of donation before Notary Public Atty. Agnes R. De Castro-Jagunap as per Doc. No. 401; Page 401; Book No. XXIX; Series of 2023.

MC: Apr. 1, 15 & 22, 2023

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late Spouses LAURIANA DE PIO and NICOLAS DE PIO, who died on March 01, 2012 and May 21, 1994, respectively in Cabaruyan, Libungan, Cotabato, left a parcel of land Lot 114-D, Psd-12-003504, containing an area of 376 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. T-68688 is subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous deed of absolute sale before Notary Public Noel A. Gretare, CPA as per Doc. No. 952; Page No. 96; Book No. XCVII; Series of 2023.

MC: Mar. 25, Apr. 1 & 15, 2023

Notice is hereby given that the late ELEUTERIO EBO, who died intestate, left a parcel of land Lot 2587-A-3-D-1-C4-D, Psd-12-001328, situated in Katingawan, Midsayap, Cotabato, covered by TCT No. T-59366, containing an area of 6,742 sq. mts., more or less is subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Teresita Carreon Llaban as per Doc. No. 440; Page 85; Book No. XXVIII; Series of 2023.

MC: Apr. 1, 15 & 22, 2023

EXTRAJUDICIAL PARTITION

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late PENALA JULIA who died intestate on July 1, 1982 at Nuro Upi, Maguindanao del Norte, a parcel of land Lot 1425, Pls-519 (CSD 7406) with an area of 601.14 sq. mts., more or less located in Nuro, Upi, Maguindanao is subject of extrajudicial partition of real estate with waiver of rights before Notary Public Atty. Mohammad Jameel A. Singh as per Doc. No. 365; Page No. 73; Book No. 25; Series of 2023.

MC: Mar. 18, 25 & Apr. 1, 2023

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, 2023 sa ganap na alas 8:00 ng umaga hanggang alas 4:30 ng hapon para sa mga hindi natubos na sangla sa buwan ng Nobyembre 2022.

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: April 1, 2023

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, 2023 sa ganap na alas 8:00 ng umaga hanggang alas 4:30 ng hapon para sa mga hindi natubos na sangla sa buwan ng Nobyembre 2022.

Upang hindi maremate ang inyong mga alahas magbigay ng interest bago dumating ang araw ng subasta.

MC:

CAGED LATER FREED. Three critically endangered Mindanao Hanging Parrots, commonly known as “colasisi,” were released on March 22 by the DENR Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of Sarangani after it was turned over on March 20 by local police.

Photos courtesy of DENR Soccsksargen

The Bolkiah Mosque in Cotabato City, where hundreds perform Ramadhan prayer rites everyday.

Photos by John Felix Unson

No names yet of Datu Hoffer ambushers

TACURONG CITY — The police and military are certain that members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters were behind Monday night’s deadly ambush in Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur of a father and his two children, but have no names yet of whom to prosecute for the atrocity.

The fatalities Saddam Mamasainged, his three-year-old daughter Hanafia, and eightmonth-old son Hamdi, died from gunshot wounds sustained in the attack.

The Police Regional OfficeBangsamoro Autonomous Region and the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, Major Gen. Alex Rillera,

said in separate statements that soldiers and policemen are together trying to locate the gunmen behind the gruesome attack --- amid the Islamic Ramadhan season.

Mamasainged, his children and wife, Faira, were together in a tricycle when gunmen, positioned at one side of a farm-to-market road in Barangay Tuayan in Datu Hofer,

4 dead, 4 hurt in Moro versus Moro clashes

opened fire with assault rifles and immediately scampered away.

The spot where the Mamasainged family was ambushed is close to hills where there is presence of the outlawed BIFF, known for brutality on hapless villagers who refuse to share food and shell out money on a monthly basis.

7 more BIFF men surrender to Army

SEVEN more members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters surrendered to the Army early this week and local officials and peace advocates were glad with it.

Major Gen. Alex Rillera, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, told reporters Tuesday the seven BIFF members yielded through the backchannel intercession by officials of the 33rd Infantry Battalion and local officials in different towns in Maguindanao del Sur. They turned in assorted firearms and improvised explosive

devices before they renounced their membership with the BIFF in a simple rite at the 33rd IB headquarters in Barangay Zapakan in Radjah Buayan, Maguindanao del Sur. No fewer than 200 BIFF members have surrendered in batches to different units of 6th ID in central Mindanao in the past 12 months. All of them had been reintroduced to mainstream society via the division’s local reconciliation program for members of terror groups fashioned from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

FOUR were killed while four others were hurt in separate clashes Wednesday in Maguindanao del Sur between rival groups led by commanders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

John Felix Unson

The first to perish in the two incidents is villager Baguer Laguiam, who was caught in the crossfire between rival MILF forces that figured in a gunfight in a secluded barangay in Radjah Buayan, Maguindanao del Sur.

Municipal officials told reporters two other innocent villagers were wounded in the hostilities between the groups of MILF Commanders Datu Uti and Blacky, squabbling for control of strategic patches of arable lands in Radjah Buayan.

Members of the Radjah Buayan municipal peace and order council, led by Mayor Maruja Mastura, have pacified the two groups and are now initiating backchannel dialogues to convince its leaders to settle their differences

amicably.

Reports reaching the Police Regional OfficeBangsamoro Autonomous Region and the Army’s 6th Infantry Division stated that three Moro men were killed in another encounter Wednesday between adversarial MILF forces in Barangay Kapinpilan in Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur.

Captain Guiseppe Tamayo, chief of the Ampatuan municipal police, said the armed encounter in Barangay Kapinpilan involved local members of the MILF’s 105th and 118th Base Commands.

Tamayo said two others were wounded in the incident, now in a hospital.

The enemy MILF groups in Ampatuan figured in deadly clashes early on that displaced dozens of Moro families.

Major Gen. Alex Rillera, commander of 6th ID, said Thursday their units in Maguindanao del Sur are guarding against any spillover to other areas of the troubles in Ampatuan and Radjah Buayan. John Felix Unson

Smuggled cigarette transport modus uncovered

AUTHORITIES have tightened watch over refrigerated vans following last week’s interception in Pagadian City of P10.8 million worth of smuggled cigarettes piled inside one.

Three of the seven BIFF members who returned to the fold of law Sunday through the 33rd IB were experts in fabrication of improvised explosive devices, according to sources from the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

The BIFF and its allies, the Alkhobar and the Dawlah Islamiya, are tagged in bombings, since 2014, of commercial establishments in central Mindanao and buses after owners had refused to shell out protection money on a monthly basis.

John Felix Unson

7 Dawlah terrorists perish in Army offensives

SEVEN followers of the long wanted Dawlah Islamiya leader Almoben Sebud were confirmed killed as the military fired 155 millimeter cannons last week at their hideouts in central Mindanao’s Liguasan Delta.

Local executives, evacuees from Maguindanao del Sur’s adjoining Pagalungan and Montawal towns that are near the Dawlah Islamiya bastions, and traditional Moro leaders told reporters Monday that three of the seven slain terrorists ---

Badrudin Mendo, Aljim Sandigan and Odin Dicaya --- were minors.

The Dawlah Islamiya is known for using “child combatants” for its terror activities, something that international nongovernment entities, peace advocacy groups and the Bangsamoro regional government are together trying to address via community interventions.

Major Gen. Alex Rillera, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said Monday the artillery offensive was

launched after villagers reported the presence of Sebud and his men in one of the Dawlah Islamiya hideouts in the Liguasan Delta, bracing for bomb attacks.

Villagers who evacuated to safe areas had reported that the group had planned to bomb selected nonmilitary targets during the Ramadhan fasting season that started March 24.

The Dawlah Islamiya, known for fomenting animosity between

Muslims and nonMuslims, is fashioned from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

Officials and intelligence units of the regional police offices in Region 12 and in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao have sufficient evidence and manuscripts detailing the involvement of the Dawlah Islamiya in extortion and trafficking of shabu to generate funds essential to their activities. John Felix Unson

The Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region said in a statement Tuesday that it has ordered the provincial police offices in Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao to guard against possible smuggling of Indonesianmade cigarettes into both provinces using refrigerated vans and truck trucks carrying large boxes containing fishes from seaside areas packed in ice.

The Police Regional Office 9 in Zamboanga City announced Monday that personnel of its units and agents of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-9 confiscated Friday 310

large boxes of Union cigarettes that four men were to unload from a refrigerated van in Barangay Tiguma in Pagadian City. Pagadian City is in Zamboanga del Sur, close to the Bangsamoro provinces of Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur and Lanao del Sur, where units of PROBAR had seized more than P50 million worth of cigarettes in one operation after another in the past 12 months.

The four men who were to deliver the imported cigarettes to somewhere in Barangay Tiguma in Pagadian City --- Rannie Navaja Solatorio, Madlan Aquilan Salapudin and Cayetano Mulde Dabon --- failed to show the police team that apprehended team any customs clearance for the P10.8 million worth of cigarettes they were to deliver to a local contact.

John Felix Unson

DEADLY FIRE. A fire hit a local passenger and transport vessel off Basilan that left 31 dead passengers, many were trapped inside and unable to escape as the fire engulf the transport vessel. Photo courtesy of Philippine Coast Guard