The Mindanao Cross | April 2, 2022 by The Mindanao Cross

Bishop Colin shares tips in choosing leaders

CHURCH / P6

Caritas Philippines to Local Candidates: Honesty is the Best Policy

P10

More warrants vs 2 detained terror suspects

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IN PRAYER. Residents of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, shown here performing congregational prayer at the BARMM compound in Cotabato City. John Felix Unson

RTWPB-12 MAY ISSUE NEW WAGE ORDER “MOTU PROPRIO” By Edwin O. Fernandez

THE Soccsksargen Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board Region 12 (RTWPB-12) has completed its series of public consultations to determine whether a wage adjustment is necessary and how much in the face of the series oil price hikes. The first of a series of public hearing was in Tacurong City for stakeholders from Sultan Kudarat province and Kidapawan City for North Cotabato, Koronadal for South

Cotabato and Gen. Santos City Friday for city workers and those in Sarangani province. “We will collate the data and the board will come up with the decision whether to

BARMM’s 2 cities, 16 towns poll “hot spot” areas

By Edwin O. Fernandez POLICE authorities in These are part of the the Bangsamoro Region 102 communities across i n M u s l i m M i n d a n a o BARMM that the police (BARMM) have listed 16 initially identified as towns and two cities as “areas of concern” in the “hot spot areas” in the coming balloting. region during election Brig. Gen. Arthur season. Cabalona, BARMM police The 16 areas listed regional director, said a s “ r e d c o d e ” a r e a s Basilan has four “red a r e k n o w n a s “ a r e a s code” areas – Al Barka, of immediate concern” Sumisip, Ungkaya Pukan in connection with the and Lamitan City while coming national and local Lanao del Sur has elections. Malabang, Butig,

issue new wage order or not,” Jessie de la Cruz, RTWPB-12 secretary, said. He said the consultations on Minimum Wage Determination and Productivity Toolbox

Orientation went on smoothly and all sectors were heard. “The consultation was part of the board's ongoing review of the area's socioeconomic situation and its impact on the

prevailing minimum wages,” he said. Dela Cruz, in a radio interview, said the board would like to determine whether a new wage

Cotabato City wins 5 CMCI awards

Use Facebook for good politics By John Felix Unson CAMP SK PENDATUN, ( P R O - B A R ) t o l d Maguindanao — Local r e p o r t e r s S a t u r d a y officials in Basilan netizens in Basilan o n S a t u r d a y u r g e d are far more sober in constituents to sustain their use of Facebook to their restraint in using show support for local Facebook for political c a n d i d a t e s c o m p a r e d posts to avoid causing to those in other areas, animosity among them. reckless in maligning A r m y a n d p o l i c e rivals of their chosen intelligence sources in bets for local positions. The second-termer the province and officials of the Police Regional B a s i l a n G o v . J i m Office-Bangsamoro Salliman, who Autonomous Region i s s e e k i n g r e -

COTABATO City was hailed as one of the top cities in the recently concluded 8th Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index 2021 held in Koronadal. The CMCI is an annual ranking of Philippine cities and municipalities and a program which encourages LGUs to gather and submit data used to measure their performance based on the four pillars: Economic Dynamism, Government

Efficiency, Infrastructure, and Resiliency. This year, the city ranked 21st overall under the component cities category, leading all other cities in Region XII. Apart from that, Cotabato City also dominated the four convergent pillars, where we were conferred with the following awards: For Government Efficiency, the city LGU ranked 9. This pillar refers to the

P10

TO OUR VALUED READERS:

FACE TO FACE AT LAST. After more than two years, students of Kidapawan City Pilot Elementary School, presumably smile sans facemask, their teacher too, as they begin the long awaited F2F classes on March 1 in this file photo. Photo courtesy of Kidapawan City Pilot Elementary School

April 2, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Bishop Colin shares tips in choosing leaders

Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, DCC, DD has issued tips for voters to consider in choosing leaders in the local and national elections. “My recommendations can be summed into 5Cs,” Bishop Bagaforo, also national director for Caritas Philippines, said. Speaking over DXND Radyo Bida Kidapawan, Bishop Bagaforo urged the voters to look for candidates who have the 5 “Cs” which stands for “Conscience, Credibility, Competence, Commitment and Compassion.” “Are we choosing the good leaders who have conscience?” he said.

“Credibility, are we electing truthful leaders?” “Competence, are the candidates we are choosing are competent, do you think they are capable of leading us,” he added. “Commitment,” Bishop Bagaforo said, “are the candidates we are voting really work for us and for the people?” And “Companion, are they have hearts for the poor, willing to help the poor.”

“I believe we have candidates that have all these qualifications,” he said. The prelate known for taking strong stance, even unpopular, on social issues that affect the majority, said “our votes reflect our own values.” “If we choose corrupt or sinful leaders, meaning we too are corrupt, if we choose anti-environment candidates, means we too are antienvironment, our votes reflect our values,” he said. Edwin O. Fernandez

John Felix Unson

HAIL THE QUEENS. Six women leaders representing various sectors in the region were recognized by the Bangsamoro regional government through the Bangsamoro Women Commission as part of Women’s Month celebration. Photo courtesy of BIO-BARMM

BARMM honors women advocates

SIX Bangsamoro women advocates from various sectors in the region were each granted with P20,000 and a plaque during the Search for Bangsamoro Advocates 2022 awarding ceremony held in Cotabato City Monday, March 28. The Search recognizes the great contributions of women in the community, family, and for being a role model to everyone. It is part of the Women’s Month celebration in the region, spearheaded by the Office of the Chief Minister (OCM), Bangsamoro Women Commission (BWC), and some members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament. To equally represent the different provinces of BARMM, the board of judges included BWC Chairperson Bainon Karon and BTA Deputy Speaker Omar Yasser Sema for Maguindanao, Members of the Parliament (MP) Diamila Ramos and Maisarah DamdamunLatiph for Lanao del Sur, and MPs Eddie Ali and Raissa Jajurie for the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. Advocating education, gender and development (GAD), internally displaced persons (IDPs), children, youth, and environment, the winners were as follows: 1. Dr. Anna Zenaida Unte Alonto — known for her being "woman in action", resilient, and educational reformist. The highlight of her stint in education was at the height of Marawi Siege in May 2017. Her qualities of being resilient, resourceful, and steadfast, and her leadership skills made her be designated as

Regional Deputy Focal Person for Humanitarian Response which gave her opportunities to help the displaced teachers and learners. 2. Hadja Nabiha Noni Lao from Marawi City — dean of the College of Public Affairs in Mindanao State University, Marawi City. In her retirement, she continued to work as a Civil Society Organization leader and became a Commissioner for Lanao del Sur/Marawi City. She was also engaged in mainstreaming GAD and other women concerns. She firmly believes that there is no peace without women. 3. Prof. Dalomabi Bula — one of the prime movers of the Walk for Peace in 2018. She supports the IDPs in fighting for their right to return. She is a member of the Reclaiming Marawi Movement and the Let Me Go Home Movement. She attended several rallies, drafted resolutions, and position papers addressing the needs and clamors of the IDPs. 4. Dr. Shahera Lucman — an active advocate of molding and developing children, particularly protecting and safeguarding those with special needs in the community. She was the very first Special Education (SPED) Coordinator to introduce the SPED Program in Marawi City and Lanao Del Sur as a whole. 5. Nairah Mindalano Tambir — served as president of Batang Transformers Association of Lanao chapter, vice president for external affairs of Association of Registered Campus Students Organization, vice president of Bangsamoro Young Leaders Program Ranaw, and Secretary and Local Coordinator

of United States Grantees Alumni Association-Ranao chapter. 6. Shri Tahanie Macaumbao — a staunch advocate of environmental protection and inspired a lot of young people through her various platforms. Her contributions were also recognized by a number of national organizations. She proudly promotes the name of Moro as well its plethora of ecological stories. She is the executive director of UNAWA PH and chief executive officer of Green by Design. “I am proud that a lot of our women today are working hard to make significant change in their communities while performing domestic roles in their homes,” said BWC Chairperson Karon. “Women have significant roles in development and governance at all levels. They played critical roles in settling conflict and fostering peace. They greatly contribute to the economy and the labor force,” she added. Meanwhile for BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, the National Women’s Month celebration without be complete without recognizing the contribution of the women. “Today is their time to have the spotlight of appreciation be shone on them. These are just a few of the thousands of very exceptional women who made an immense contribution and are continuously contributing to the development of our society,” Ebrahim said. “May these winners that we are awarding today be set as role models of our young women and girls of our future,” he added.

Myrna Tepadan/BIO

Dozen “tired, weary” BIFF yield

M O R O g u n m e n have become tired and exhausted in evading relentless military operations in Maguindanao, two leaders and 10 men Moro extremist group decided to surrender on Wednesday. They also turned in “ultra” high powered and low powered firearms to the Army-led Joint Task Force Central (JTFC) Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, 6th Infantry Division commander, said the 12 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, including two subleaders, surrendered to the Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao. The rebels were led by Anwar Pegas, a sub-leader of the BIFFKarialan Faction, and his deputy, Zukarno Sailila. Lt. Colonel Edwin Alburo, 40th IB commnder, welcomed the rebels during surrender rites in Barangay Kabengi, Datu Saudi Ampatuan town. They presented to the Army two M-14 rifles, two M-16 Baby Armalite rifles, a Carbine rifle, two caliber .50 Barret Sniper

rifles, two 9-millimeter (mm) submachine guns, one 40-mm rocket propelled grenade (RPG) launcher, two M-79 grenade launchers, and one 40-mm high explosive RPG ammunition. Alburo said the tired and weary combatants have experienced hardships and starvation while evading the military operations in the forests and in the marshland of Maguindanao. Alburo said the rebels admitted they were lured to join a false ideology that made them abandon their families. Colonel Oriel Pangcog, 601st Infantry Brigade commander, lauded the support extended by the local police and local government units that led to the successful surrender of 12 armed men. Major General Uy said the number of BIFF surrenderees have been rising in recent weeks, a clear indication the movement has weakened. Since January this year, almost 100 BIFF have surrendered to the military in the 6th area of operation with about 90 firearms turned over to the military. Edwin O.

ANTI-NARCOTICS operatives nabbed four shabu dealers, among them a drug den operator, during a sting in a residential area in Cotabato City. Riomar Nicasio Martinez, 42, Faisal Torilla Marzoc, 43, Gerardo Ventura Cabrera, 59, and the 59-year-old Victor Palmares Nicasio, Jr., are now clamped down in a detention facility here of the Philippine Drug Enforcement AgencyBangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Martinez operated a drug den along the Bormaheco Drive in Barangay Rosary Heights 4 here where he and his three accomplices

were entrapped by nonuniformed PDEA-BARMM agents last Saturday. The four suspects were immediately frisked and cuffed after selling P102,000 worth of shabu to non-uniformed PDEABARMM agents in a sting laid with the help of different police units, the Army-led anti-terror Joint Task Force Kutawato and the National Bureau of Investigation. In a statement Tuesday, the PDEABARMM said the four suspects are to be prosecuted for violation of the Republic Act 9165, most known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. John

Fernandez

4 busted in PDEA sting in Cotabato City

Felix Unson

Pagmalasakitan ninyo ang...from P6

ng ating pulitika ay nangangailangan ng pagbabago ng puso, ugali at mga prayoridad. Ito rin ang panawagan ng Kuwaresma: ang pagbabago ng puso at pagbabalikloob sa Diyos. Nawa ang ating pagsunod kay Jesus, ang Salitang Nagkatawang-Tao (Word made Flesh), ang siyang magsilbing gabay at liwanag sa ating pagpapasya at pagkilos. Magkakaiba man ang ating pagtingin, alalahanin natin ang kasabihang Latin: ‘In necessariis unitas, in dubiis libertas, in omnibus caritas.’ (‘Sa mga bagay na nararapat, magkaisa tayo; sa mga bagay na hindi tayo nakatitiyak, igalang natin ang kalayaan ng bawat isa; sa lahat ng bagay, pag-ibig nawa ang manaig.’) Sa lahat ng ating pagsusumikap, kailangan natin ang tulong ng Poong Maykapal. Magdasal tayo, magsakripisyo at humingi ng tawad para sa ating mga pagkukulang at pagkakasala (cf. 2 Cronica 7:14). Ang Ama ay laging naghihintay sa atin, upang muli tayong tanggapin at panibaguhin, tulad ng Kanyang paghihintay sa Alibughang Anak (cf. Lukas 15:11-32). Pagpalain nawa tayo ng Poong Maykapal, ang Diyos ng awa at pag-ibig. Tulungan at kupkupin nawa tayo ng ating Mahal na Ina, ang Birhen ng Kapayapaan. Ipinaubaya natin ang ating mga sarili at ang Ukraine at Russia sa kanyang kalinis-linisang puso nitong nakaraang Kapistahan ng pamamalita ng Anghel kay Maria tungkol sa pagkakatawang tao ng Anak ng Diyos, sa kapangyarihan ng Banal na Espiritu, upang tayong mga abang makasalananan ay mapanumbalik Niya sa Ama. Para sa Kapulungan ng mga Obispo ng Pilipinas, + PABLO VIRGILIO S. DAVID, D.D. Obispo ng Kalookan Pangulo ng CBCP Marso 27, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

April 2, 2022

Use Facebook for good politics ...from P1

BARMM’s 2 cities, 16 towns poll “hot spot”...from P1

election, said Saturday members of their local Muslim and Christian religious blocs are helping maintain peace and calm among voters who differ in their choices of candidates for local positions. “I have been urging our constituents again and again not to use Facebook in sowing political intrigues and dissension among rival politicians and their followers,” Salliman, chairperson of the Basilan provincial peace and order council, said. A candidate for mayor of Lamitan City, the now third-termer Vice Mayor Roderick Furigay, said Saturday he and members of their slate — from vice mayor down to aspirants for seats in the city council — have also cautioned their supporters from using Facebook to malign their rivals.

Tubaran and Marawi City. In a report by Alerto Bangsamoro radio program over Churchrun DXMS Radyo Bida in Cotabato City, PRO-BARMM said Maguindanao has 10 “red code areas” and these are the towns of Rajah Buayan, Sultan sa Barongis, Datu Hofer, Datu Piang, Datu Salibo, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Unsay, Mamasapano, Shariff Aguak, and Shariff Saydona Mustapha. Sulu and Tawi-Tawi have no “red code” areas but there are communities

“We don’t want hostility among rival political quarters in Lamitan City. There is peace here now and in surrounding towns as a result of our provincial government’s peace and security programs. We have to sustain that,” Furigay said. Officials of PRO-BAR said Saturday they are grateful to local officials in Basilan for supporting the efforts of the regional police and the Commission on Elections to ensure peaceful elections in the province on May 9, 2022. Basilan has two cities, Isabela and Lamitan, and 11 other municipalities. Tension has markedly been high in some of the 116 towns in the five Bangsamoro provinces where there is prevalence of vendetta conflicts, called “rido,” in local languages, among enemy political clans.

More warrants vs 2 detained terror suspects...from P10 of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. He was arrested and locked at the Maguindanao provincial jail last year, for bloody acts of terror and destructive arson, based on three warrants issued by Judge Annabelle Piang

of the Regional Trial Court Branch 13 in Cotabato City. In Datu Piang, CIDG agents also served new warrants against a detainee for violation of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 to a detainee at a

police facility. In a statement Thursday, the CIDG identified the suspect as Faisal Alagasi, also known by his aliases as Rex Mamalio and Mamelo who was jailed early on due to heinous offenses.

The new warrants were served by combined members of CIDG-BAR assigned in Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur. Police Major Esmail Madin heads CIDG-Lanao. The three latest arrest warrants for the detainee

listed as possible areas of concern. Provincial candidates, governor, vice governor and House representatives, are running unopposed in the two areas. About 200 police officers in BARMM were sent to the Commission on Elections “Board of Election Inspectors” training to serve as poll officials in the event teachers refused to serve due to security, relationship to some candidates and for other valid reasons. Cabalona earlier directed all members of

PNP in BARMM to remain apolitical to help ensure peaceful and orderly May 9, 2022 national and local polls. In BARMM, police and military authorities admitted that armed groups such as Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), Dawlah Islamiya, private armed groups and politicians “private armies” pose threats to the conduct of SAFE election. However, Cabalona stressed, steps are in place to attain SAFE 2022 or Secure, Accurate, Free Elections.

Alagasi, signed by Judge Kasan Abdulrakman of the Regional Trial Court Branch 14 in Cotabato City and dated March 30, 2022, were issued in connection with new cases of acts of terror against him. Alagasi was arrested

and detained for several weeks now at the Datu Piang Municipal Police Station for frustrated murder, direct assault and violation of the gun ban being imposed by the Commission on Elections.

John Felix Unson

St. Benedict College of Cotabato Inc. and St. Benedict College of Maguindanao NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC Notice is hereby given that MARICEL Q. UNAYAN whose picture appears herein, is no longer connected with these schools. Any transaction entered into by her for and in behalf of the schools will not be honored. OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVANT: A. ELECTED CITY COUNCILOR: 1988,1992,1995/ 2004,2007,2010/ 2016,2019: * ATTENDANCE: Answered the roll call at 1,294 out of 1,297 Regular and Special sessions of the Sangguniang Panlungsod/City Council covering the period of twenty-two (22) years. - Participated in the deliberations of the City Council as an enlightened, nonpartisan and responsible fiscalizer. - Have not been involved in any anomaly, controversy, or abuse of my being an elected official of the city. * AUTHOR and PRINCIPAL SPONSOR OF: Sixty-eight (68) Regulatory Ordinances and relevant and meaningful Resolutions which touched a wide range of issues: education, economy, health, sanitation, social services, transportation, traffic, infrastructure. * COMMITTEE CHAIRMANSHIPS HELD: a) Health and Sanitation - Local Health Board; b) Way and Means; c) Market and Slaughterhouse – Local Market Board; d) Social Services; e) Transportation and Communication Traffic; f) City Plaza Beautification; g) Over-all Chairman, Araw ng Kutabato Celebration in 1988.

B. MULTI-AWARDED CIVIC LEADER: Served organizations/associations in various capacities culminating in having the privilege of heading them at one time or another. Professional: Cotabato Dental Society; Civic: Cotabato Jaycees; Rotary Club of Cotabato City-South; Cotabato Jaycees Senate; Group Chief REACT; Religious: Cursillo No 34; Prex 13 (RH); Divine Mercy Devotion; Fraternal: Guardians Brotherhood; Freemasonry; YMCA; Sports: Cotabato Golf & Country Club; Illana Bay Golf & Country Club.

C. PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Place of Birth: Cotabato City Educational Attainment: Doctor of Dental Medicine (U.E.) Occupation: Dental Practitioner; Businessman: Real Property Leasing; Janitorial Services; School Administrator: Pres. Cornell Educ. Institute; Pres. AMACLC. Wife: Helen Alonzo Rabago Son: Edward Arnold A. Rabago (Glenda) Father: Dr. Ramon H. Rabago Sr. (Deceased) Mother: Rosario C. Rabago (Deceased) Siblings: Dr. Ramon H. Rabago, Jr. (Deceased; Perla Kimpo, Deceased) Victoria R. Franco (Robert); Erlinda R. Rabago (Manuel, Deceased) Jose C. Rabago (Beth Lai)

Team Guiani

1 ATTY. FRANCES CYNTHIA GUIANI-SAYADI

City Mayor

2 GRAHAM NAZER G. DUMAMA

City Vice Mayor

Councilors:

2 AL HAASHIR ALA

14 ROMEO LIDASAN

5 HASSAN BIRUAR

15 ABDILLAH LIM

8 MICHAEL DATUMANONG

21 DR. EDDIE RABAGO

10 JAPAL GUIANI III

22 REYNALDO RIDAO

11 DANDA JUANDAY

24 SUKARNO SEMA

THE MINDANAO CROSS

April 2, 2022

Bismillahi Rahmani Raheem “The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So, whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast; and whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.” – Surah Baqarah Ayah 185 The Holy Month of Ramadhan is one of the most important times for us, Muslims. It is the time when Allah (SWT) shows us His mercy and sends the Holy Angels down to the earth to listen to every heartfelt prayer that we make. During this Sacred Month, we are given the chance to repent for the sins that we have made in the past and to also show mercy to our fellow men. As we observe and celebrate this month, let us dedicate our time in prayer, in charity, and in sharing our blessings to those who need it most. May we all be instruments in spreading the teachings of Islam and be advocates of the virtues of honesty, love, and peace. I know that our beloved city has been through very difficult times in the recent years and I hope that we also pray for continued healing, for safety, and for the people who wish us ill—that they may be enlightened and be shown the right path. May we always remember that Ramadhan is the best month to strengthen our faith. I hope that we make the best use of it. On behalf of the City Government of Cotabato, I wish all of my fellow Cotabateños a happy and blessed Ramadhan!

Sigay Ka Cotabato City!

ATTY. FRANCES CYNTHIA J. GUIANI–SAYADI City Mayor

April 2, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

A s s a l a m u a l a i k u m Wa r a h m a t u l l a h i Wabarakatuhu! Ramadhan is the month of fasting and forgiveness. It is the month where we can strengthen our Taqwa and come closer to Allah SWT. Let us remember the Quran’s words: “Those who turn to God, and those who serve, who praise, who fast, who bow down, who prostrate themselves, who enjoin what is just and forbid what is evil, and keep to the bounds of God & hell; wherefore bear these good tidings to the faithful.” May our prayers and fasting bring us closer to Allah SWT, enlightenment and inner peace and may Allah SWT bless our families with love, courage and togetherness. Ramadhan Mubarak!

Sigay Ka Cotabato City!

GRAHAM NAZER G. DUMAMA City Vice Mayor

April 2, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Pagmalasakitan ninyo ang kapakanan ng kapwa’ (cf. Filipos 2:4) Mga Kapatid, Huwag kayong gumawa ng anuman dahil sa pansariling layunin o pagyayabang; sa halip, bilang tanda ng pagpapakumbaba, ituring ninyong higit ang iba kaysa inyong mga sarili. Pagmalasakitan ninyo ang kapakanan ng iba, at hindi lamang ang sa inyong sarili.Filipos 2:3-4 Sa mga salita ng Apostol San Pablo, bumabati at nanawagan kaming muli sa inyo habang papalapit na ang Halalan at nagsisimula pa lamang ang lokal na kampanya. Ang Ating Kasalukuyang Katayuan Bagama’t hindi tuluyang naalis ang panganib, lumuwag-luwag na ang kalagayang dulot ng Covid. Ngayong bumabangon tayo, bigla namang sumiklab ang digmaan sa Ukraine, na kasalukuyang nagpapalala ng krisis sa ekonomiya at pandaigdigang kapayapaan. Ito’y nakalulungkot at nakababahala. Maliwanag na hindi sabay ang pag-unlad na materyal at moral. Madalas, naiiwanan ang pag-unlad na moral. ‘Sophisticated‘ na ang ating mga kagamitan at proseso, ‘sophisticated‘ na rin ang kahirapan at awayan. ‘Complex‘ (masalimuot) ang kasalukuyan; walang katiyakan ang kinabukasan. Pabago-bago, malabo at hindi madaling unawain ang mga nangyayari sa atin. Kailangan natin ng mga lider at mambabatas na taos-puso ang hangarin at maasahan ang kakayahang maglingkod para sa kapakanan ng ating mga bayan: munisipyo, lungsod, probinsya at ng buong bansa. Ang Halalan 2022 Napakahalaga ng Halalan 2022 kung saan pipiliin natin ang mga taong pagkakatiwalaan natin ng ating buhay at kinabukasan. Nakaaantig ng damdamin na makita ang ginagawang pagtatanggol ng mga tagaUkraine sa kanilang bansa at kalayaan. Sila ngayon ay nagiging huwaran ng pagmamahal sa bayan. Wala man tayo sa digmaan, kailangan nating pangalagaan at ipagtanggol ang ating kalayaan at kapakanan ng lahat (common good). Kailangan nating pagpursigihan ang ikabubuti ng buhay, lalo na ng mga kapatid nating maliliit at mahihina. Ito ang pangunahing tungkulin ng isang lingkod ng bayan. Ang ‘Separation of Church and State‘ Kami ay muling nananawagan. Walang

batas na nagbabawal sa anumang simbahan o relihiyon na magsalita at sumangkot sa pulitika. Sa katunayan, ang prinsipyo ng Separation of Church and State ay para igalang ng gobyerno ang malayang ‘exercise‘ ng relihiyon. Gobyerno ang pinagbabawalan na magtatag ng relihiyon na pang-estado (cf. 1987 Philippine Constitution Art. 2, Sec.6; Art 3, Sec. 5). At anumang simbahan, bilang bahagi ng lipunan, ay may karapatan at tungkuling magsalita, lalo na sa aspetong moral ng pulitika at pamamahala. Kaya kapag nakataya ang kabutihan, katotohanan, buhay at kapakanan ng lahat, asahan po ninyo na magsasalita at mananawagan kami. Wika nga ni San Pablo, ‘Kaysaklap ng sasapitin namin kung hindi namin ipangaral ang ebanghelyo‘ (cf. 1 Cor 9:16). Dasal namin na lagi kaming pumanig sa katotohanan, kabutihan, katarungan; habang pinagsusumikapang itaguyod ang pagkakaisa at kapayapaan. Parehong mga tao ang pinaglilingkuran ng gobyerno at Simbahan. Ang Simbahan ay hindi maaring magsawalang-kibo sa katotohanan, kabutihan at katarungan. Responsibilidad Nating Lahat ang Kapakanan ng Bayan Ang eleksyon ay hindi lamang para sa mga kandidato at botante. Lahat tayo, ano man ang katayuan sa buhay, ay maaapektuhan ng anumang bunga ng eleksyon. Napakahalaga ng ating boto, kaya nais ligawan, bilhin o agawin ito. Ang boto ay ang ating tinig at pasya. Kapag ito’y ipinagpalit sa salapi, nawawala ang tinig at pagpapasya; parang isinuko na natin ang ating kalayaan at kinabukasan. At paalala rin sa atin na isang malaking pananagutan sa Diyos ang pagsamantalahan ang karukhaan at kahinaan ng mga tao para makakuha ng mga boto o isulong ang makasariling interes. Tandaan sana natin: Ang kapakanan ng bayan ay responsibilidad nating lahat. Lahat tayo, botante man o hindi, ay may mahalagang papel na gampanin. Lahat tayo ay may mai-aambag sa kapakanan ng bansa. Maaatim ba nating paglaruan ang ating kalayaan at masáyang ang kinabukasan na wala tayong ginagawa? Mga Mungkahi Kaya aming iminumungkahi ang mga sumusunod: 1. Ipagpatuloy natin ang pag-uusap, pagkilatis at pag-aninaw (circles of

discernment) ng (a) political and social situation, at (b) ng mga kandidatong pambansa at lokal. Hanapin natin ang mga kandidatong inuuna ang tao at buhay; pinoprotektahan ang pamilya at mga pamayanan, pinahahalagahan ang pakikibahagi ng lahat (participation); ipinagtatanggol ang karapatan at tinutupad ang tungkulin; may pagkiling sa mga mahihirap at mahihina; pinangangalagaan ang dangal ng mga manggagawa; isinusulong ang pagkakabuklod-buklod (solidarity); at may malasakit sa kapaligiran at lahat ng nilalang. Hanapin natin ang mga kandidatong uunahin ang kapakanan ng bayan kaysa personal na interes. Maari nating gamitin ang ‘LASER test‘ sa mga kandidato, ang ibig sabihin: L.ifestyle, A.ction, S.upporters, E.lection conduct at R.eputation of a candidate. 2. Ipagpatuloy natin ang Voters Education tungo sa Voters’ Empowerment para sa malayang pagpili at pagpapasya; tungo sa higit pang political and social engagement ng bawat mamamayan. Alalahanin natin: hindi natatapos sa eleksyon ang ating pakikilahok at malasakit sa kapwa. 3. Itaguyod at huwag isakripisyo ang mga prinsipyong moral sa larangan ng pulitika at pagtataguyod ng bansa (nation building). Sundin ang konsyensya, subalit sikaping wasto ang paggamit nito (correct conscience). Marami man ang balakid sa pagtataguyod sa kapakanan ng bayan, huwag tayong magpadaig sa anumang pananakot o pagbabanta. Huwag natin payagang maparalisa tayo ng kasamaan o ng sarili nating mga kabiguan. Ang pagtataguyod ng kabutihan ay pakikipagtunggali sa kasamaan. Huwag tayong sumuko sa paghahanap ng katotohanan at sa pagmamalasakit sa kapakanan ng lahat. 4. Magmatyag at magbantay tayo sa mga paggalaw na hindi kanaisnais. Magingat tayo at punahin natin ang mga gumagamit ng dahas, salapi, kapangyarihan, o mga paraan ng pandaraya; ang mga naghahasik ng kasinungalingan at pagkamuhi; ang nagmamanipula ng mga tao para sa pansariling interes, at ang mga nananamantala sa mga maliliit at mahihina. Mag-‘demand‘ tayo ng ‘accountability’

e live in time. As example. He was a wellhumans we are educated Jew, a persecutor allotted some of the church, a zealous amount of time to live Pharisee yet “For His sake, in this world. We have I have let everything fall developed the concepts of away, and now consider all as past, present, and future garbage, if instead I may gain eflections in order to describe time. Christ “ (Phil 3:8). The holy Rev. Fr. Antonio P. Pueyo, DCC The present moment soon gospel narrates the beautiful tonypoy_dcc0@yahoo.com slips into the past even as story of a woman caught in we miss living the present by getting lost in dreams adultery who was brought to Jesus for his judgment. of the future. Being human we have the faculty of According to the Mosaic law, the woman should be memory which enables us to recover the past and we stoned to death. Instead of pronouncing judgment, also have the faculty of imagination which opens for Jesus wrote on the ground. What he wrote has been a us the possibilities of the future. To live the present matter of speculations among scholars but one version moment fruitfully, we have to accept and integrate the was that of St. Jerome, that Jesus wrote in full view of past into our life as well as have a hopeful attitude all the sins of the woman’s accusers. Then Jesus said, about the future. Some people are imprisoned by their “He who has no sin, let him throw the first stone”. The past and can only imagine a bleak future. crowd slowly dispersed until no one was left. Jesus Our language captures these elements of time as then asked the woman, “Woman where are they, has seen in our various sayings: “Ang taong ‘di marunong no one condemned you?” The woman answered, “No lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay ‘di makakarating sa one.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you, go paruroonan,” or “those who forget history are bound to and sin no more” (John 8:11). repeat it.” On the other hand, there are also sayings Jesus’ words are words of forgiveness and renewal. that emphasize the future, “life is a journey forward, These are words that unbind a person from her past burn your bridges behind,” “the journey of a thousand and point the way forward to a new life. Jesus is the miles, begins with the first step,” “Hindi pa naka- face of God’s mercy. As we approach Holy Week, we move on”. A person can therefore be past-oriented or are reminded of this essence of God. God is love and future-oriented. There is a problem when a person is mercy. God’s love is to the point of suffering for the so enslaved to the past that she cannot move forward. beloved. God could have redeemed humanity in some Or a person cannot imagine a better future to live for. other way. Redemption could have been accomplished Such things happen when holding on to hurts and without blood, sweat, and tears. Even Jesus who saw resentments. where He was being led by the Father had a terrible Our readings this 5th Sunday of Lent present moment in the garden of Gethsemani. He was tempted encouragements to move forward to a new life. In the to escape, “Take this cup from me” but at the end He first reading Isaiah encouraged the Israelites to rebuild accepted, “Not my will but your will be done.” their lives by being faithful to Yahweh even amidst We were redeemed at a great price. We were the wars that affected them, “Look I am doing a new redeemed by the suffering and death of Jesus. All we thing, now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” need to do is accept this gift of redemption and start a (Is. 43:19). In the second reading, St. Paul exhorted new life. God has forgiven us. Let us also forgive others the Philippians to a new life by citing himself as an and ourselves and move forward. MC

The Way Forward

at ‘transparency’ sa mga kandidato, sa mga namumuno, at sa ating mga sarili. Nais natin ng patas na eleksyon. 5. Patuloy tayong manalangin sa Diyos, gumawa ng kabutihan sa kapwa, mag-alay ng mga sakripisyo at hilingin ang biyaya ng isang mapagkakatiwalaan, mapayapa at matagumpay na Halalan para sa ikabubuti nating lahat. Panawagang Magmalasakit Mga kapatid, makilahok at magpahayag tayo sa paraang makatarungan at mapayapa. Labanan natin ang pagsasawalang-bahala (indifference). Magmalasakit tayo, lalo na sa kapakanan ng kapwa at bayan. Baka mayroon sa atin na matagal nang mga miron lamang – nanonood lang at hindi gagalaw hangga’t hindi naaapektuhan. Naghihintay lamang kung ano ang kahihinatnan ng halalan. Nasaan doon ang malasakit sa kapwa? Mag-ambag tayo sa pamamagitan ng pagtupad ng ating mga tungkulin. Hindi natin maitataguyod ang kinabukasan na wala tayo. Huwag nating iasa ito sa iba. Kailangang kasangkot at kabahagi tayo. Baguhin natin kahit unti-unti ang ating kulturang pampulitika. Kung mananatiling mababa ang pagtingin at pagkilos natin sa pulitika, hindi pag-unlad ang ibubunga nito. Huwag sana nating isugal ang ating kinabukasan. Muli kaming nanawagan sa mga kandidato, sa kanilang mga partido at tagasuporta; sa mga Civic clubs, sa iba’t ibang sektor ng lipunan – lalo na ang mga Kabataan, sa ating Pamahalaan, mga Ahensya at Sangay ng Gobyerno (pambansa at lokal), Non- Government Organizations, sa Military at Educational institutions, sa mga Parish at Barangay Pastoral Councils, BEC’s, Church Organizations at Associations, Religious Congregations at Movements, sa COMELEC, Board of Election Inspectors, SMARTMATIC, sa PPCRV, NAMFREL at sa ibang pang Election Watchdogs at volunteers, sa Media (local at international), Brothers and Sisters of other Faiths – magtulungan tayo sa pagmamatyag at pagsusumikap na tiyaking malinis, mapagkakatiwalaan, makatotohanan, makahulugan, mapayapa, ligtas at patas ang halalan (Clean, Honest, Accurate, Meaningful and Peaceful [CHAMP]; Safe, Accurate, Fair Elections [SAFE]). Pagbabago ng Puso Mga kapatid, ang pagbabago

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

5th Sunday of Lent Readings:

Isaiah 43.16-21; Philippians 3.8-14; John 8.1-11 An encounter with Jesus is always a moment of transformation. The woman in this Sunday’s gospel committed sin and without a doubt, she needed to face the consequences of her actions. In the eyes of the people, she deserves to be punished. In the eyes of the world, she is worthless. And the woman must have accepted her fate. But when she was brought to Jesus, she experienced not condemnation but forgiveness and a new beginning. This is what Lent is all about - we encounter the Lord in our miseries and sinfulness and yet the He comes not to punish or condemn but to show his forgiveness and his love. May we also do likewise to others especially those who are in great difficulty because of life’s circumstances. Prayer: Lord, help me not to easily put judgment to others but rather to be more understanding and forgiving. Amen.

THE MINDANAO CROSS

April 2, 2022 EDITORIAL

Election Issues to remember

t is difficult to reconcile the analysis of the economy by the so-called experts, and what is currently going on in the country. We have been hit by so many disasters – the pandemic, the China sea debacle, the increasing price of oil, the typhoons, which impacted negatively on the economy (as observed by laymen). If therefore sounds unbelievable when our experts come up with positive announcement on the economic situation. “Notwithstanding the ongoing pandemic, and Omicron sparking the third wave of infections, we are still optimistic that Philippine growth will further accelerate and get back on its trajectory of 6-7 percent in 2022,” FMIC (First Metro Investment Corporation) president Jose Patricio Dumlao said in a virtual briefing Tuesday. Dumlao said the economy registered a 4.9-percent growth in the first three quarters of 2021 and the growth momentum likely spilled over in the fourth quarter given further economic reopening and easing mobility restrictions. This was also the expectation of University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) economist Dr. Victor Abola, who said the 6 to 7 percent gross domestic product (GDP) projection this year will be led by the industry sector --both construction and manufacturing. It could be possible that this positive outlook was projected due to the turn around of the economy after the vaccines and other assistance were give by government to those who became victims of these disasters. Granting that the recovery of the victims from the slump from the pandemics and natural disasters, the increase in the price of oil may not have been factored in by our experts. If we consider the leap that the prices of oil took at the start of the Russian-Ukraine War, this will affect the purchasing power of Filipinos. Right now, the transport sector is in chaos due to the problem of raising transport fees and other expenses related to transportation. It will not be long when the minimum wage will be the subject of petition for increase by the wage workers. Every one knows that the price of oil acts like a domino effect on prices in the economy. Should those running for election be more critical on the issue of economic growth? If elected, what do the presidentiables intend to do with the price of oil? Remember that a law was passed to prevent the shortage of its supply given a supply-demand problem in the world market. This is the reason for the oil deregulation law. Now the price of oil is spiraling way above expectations. What if the price of oil continue to increase, can the government help subsidize the losses of the transport sector? How about the money loaned by the government to buy the vaccines that would save many lives during the pandemic. There is no question that the vaccines helped a lot in controlling the spread of Covid 19, but who will pay for the debt incurred by the government in importing the vaccines, plus all the other expenses related to the pandemic? Where will the new president get the money to pay these? What should be the stand of the winning president on the West Philippine Sea issue? Should he or she have a more forceful action on the matter? Will it be military action or diplomacy? MC +

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or National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict spokesperson for sectoral concerns and Presidential Communications Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy, no one is “red-tagging.” In a statement issued last week, Badoy said “red-tagging” is just a term used by front organizations of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front to silence those who speak against them or expose their true color. Badoy said no less than the Supreme Court has ruled that there is no danger to life, liberty, and security when one is identified as a member of the CPP-NPA-NDF. Red-tagging, also known as red-baiting, means branding an individual or group as a communist and enemy of the state. It specifically targets individuals or organizations critical or not fully supportive of the actions of the incumbent government administration. The United Nations Human Rights Office has flagged this as a dangerous practice that has been institutionalized in the country. Among those that are frequently red-tagged in the Philippines are human rights organizations and advocates, indigenous people rights activists, labor unions, progressive lawyers and judges, journalists, writers and authors, religious organizations, humanitarian activity groups, and progressive public servants and personalities. The most recent personality to be red-tagged is Vice President Leni Robredo, who is running for President in the forthcoming national elections. While Badoy believes that red-tagging poses no danger to those subjected to it, the killing of at least 427 activists after they were red-tagged shows otherwise. Among those who were killed after being repeatedly red-tagged were long-time peasant organizer and peace consultant Randy Echanis, Karapatan human rights paralegal Zara Alvarez, nine Indigenous Peoples leaders, and nine Southern Tagalog activists in the Bloody Sunday Massacre. Bernardino Patigas, an official of the North Negros Alliance of Human Rights, was killed on April 22, 2019. Before he was killed, Patigas was vilified, and his photo was seen on a red-tagging hit list allegedly posted by the police. Dr. Mary Rose Sancelan of Guihulngan City was number one on a similar list of people accused of being members of the Communist

HAT the seven-year old United Bangsamoro Justice Party is pitted against a powerful alliance of political families in Maguindanao also comes as a real-test challenge to traditional politics in the age of social media to view it the other way around. The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has organized the UBJP as part of its transformation into civil organization as provided in the Annexes of the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro. But why would a “rebel” organization take part in a political exercise is a question fast getting around loops of local grapevine including some “spark-able” meshes in “media circuits” (not media circle).. As pointed out by Chief Minister Al-Hadj Murad, Education Minister Mohaquer Iqbal, Senior Minister Abdulraof Macacua and Interior Minister Naguib Sinarimbo, both the MILF and the Moro National Liberation Front stood and rose to armed struggle for the great, legitimate cause of the Moro people’s aspiration for the right to self-determination—a minority right upheld by the United Nations, thus: “The right of a people to self-determination is a cardinal principle in modern international law (commonly regarded as a jus cogens rule), binding, as such, in the United Nations on authoritative interpretation of the ‘Charter’s Norms’.” (United Nations General Assembly Resolution 1514 in Wikisource; and McWhinney, Edward [2007] Self-Determination of Peoples and Plural-Ethnic States). Fundamentally, the CAB restores the civil rights of erstwhile armed revolutionaries, including the right to vote and be voted. Frankly, I did not wade through the tide of a particular point in Moro struggle’s history, when it seemed to draw inspirations from the Taliban’s victory in driving home the Russian forces in 1989 (in the 10-year USSR invasion of Afghanistan that began in 1979). I took it from an exclusive interview with the late Ameril Mujaheedin in 1997 that the Moro struggle has had its own narratives going through tough times of injustices in its own history, and that it need not import models from other countries having their own history distinct to them, as well. Back to traditional politics: It is almost synonymous to “controlled votes” in the history of local politics in many parts of the country. Ramon Magsasay as secretary

Red-tagging: a danger to life and democracy

Thinking Aloud Carlos C. Bautista caloyb@gmail.com

Party of the Philippines in Negros Oriental. Dr. Sancelan was fatally shot in December 2020, the 6th person killed off from the list. Human rights organization Amnesty International definitely has basis in noting in its 2021/22 report that this linking of organizations and individuals to communist groups has led to killings and harassment of human rights workers in the Philippines. While complaints have been filed against Badoy and other officials of the government for red-tagging, there appears to be no end to the practice in this administration, not when President Rodrigo Duterte himself does it. In his weekly “Talk to the People” briefing which aired on Tuesday, the President backed Badoy and again linked party-list groups belonging to the Makabayan bloc to the communist movement. Duterte said the left was able to get into Congress using the party list system. “They are really like legal fronts of the Communist Party of the Philippines,” Duterte said. Red-tagging is further enabled by the existence of the Anti-Terror Law or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 which creates the Anti-Terrorism Council and empowers it to arbitrarily designate a group or an individual as a communist or a terrorist making them subject to warrantless arrest and detention. With the NTF-ELCAC at the forefront of red-tagging, it is apparent that the practice is part of the government’s campaign to rid the country of the 50-year old communist insurgency, bannered by the “Whole-Of-Nation Approach in Attaining Inclusive and Sustainable Peace” embodied in Executive Order No. 70 of President Rodrigo Duterte. When that happens, isn’t the democracy that the government and its functionaries proclaim to be fighting for and protecting instead endangered? MC

Of elections and the Minority’s right to self-determination

Penlight

Nash B. Maulana

nash.penlight@gmail.com

of national defense in 1952 tried to break the chain of political dynasty in the party in power, the Liberal Party that was held formidably by the Lacsons and their allies in Negros for ages. Magsaysay fielded Moises Padilla, a potentially amiable, charismatic and mass-based, but a politically weak, leader (in terms of the traditional local machinery) into the local gubernatorial race against a powerful incumbent Lacson. According to (court records) narrations in a landmark Supreme Court Decision penned by Associate Justice JBL Reyes, Padilla was tortured, detained and his bloodied body taken on a WW-II weapon carrier truck that made rounds of his hometown town of Magallon in full view of residents—before he was thrown dead outside his family residence. Padilla’s fate was not an isolated case in history of Philippine politics. Opposition Governor Evilio Javier of Antique was murdered in broad daylight on February 11, 1986. In both cases, the families of Padilla and Javier respectively obtained a conviction verdict with finality— against Lacson et al, and former Assemblyman Arturo Pacificador of Antique. A similar story can be told of then Vice-Mayor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu of Buluan when he broke through the chains of controlled votes firmly upheld by political families signing up for a “unite-and-rule” collaboration. (Yes, the political collaboration between the sultan and datus was a loose alliance on a “unite-and-rule” status in contrast to the more historically popular “divide-and-rule” tactics employed by western powers of imperial nations to politically subdue indigenous nations). Indeed, only a heard powerful prayers and determination for real political maturity in Bangsamoro can stop a disorderly conduct of elections to say the least. MC

Someone Who Cares

True to Form Charlie Señase

csenase@yahoo.com

ITH the May 9 polls closing-in, the country is hot on whom to install from the so many national and local aspirants with their political platforms and promises for a much better Philippines amid prophetic global toughness ahead. Questions raised in several candidates’ media fora about future political plans could have been answered wisely with humility that due to human imperfection, God’s will be done for Him to guide them all the way. Past elected Presidents, including that of the incumbent Duterte stewardship which he will relinquish in June have had their own bottlenecks in confronting manmade and God-allowed calamities as in armed conflict, corruption, plagues, earthquakes, floods, and all others considered God’s wrath on the wickedness of men. Just this week, Taal Volcano in Batangas exploded anew forcing thousands of residents to flee for safety. Social welfare and security agencies of government have been mobilized to attend to the emergency needs of affected families. Not too long ago, Mayon Volcano in Albay also ensued panic to displaced settlers that we have yet to experience in case Mount Apo, Mount Matutum and other volcanoes in Mindanao may activate. Frequent typhoons causing massive inundations and earth tremors are among nature’s wrath that experts would blame on man’s destructive ways to the ecology that ensued scientifically known as Climate Change or Global Warming. The 1976 deadly quake in Cotabato

City and adjacent provinces which was accompanied by tsunami or tidal waves that killed more than 8,000 residents could have been lesson-learned from our ungodliness. It happened at a time when government and Moro rebel forces were on a day-to-day air-andground assault devoid of any ceasefire accord. Only when the killer quake struck that the daily hostilities ceased devoid of a formal peace agreement when survivors mourned and helped one another to recovery. Vengeful hate by killing fellowmen was a blunder of the past that we easily forget thus history is a cycle of sort; that God made man upright but they have sought-out schemes (Ecclesiastes 7:29). Look around and see if most of us possess these traits which are signs of perilous times in the last days: Lovers of self, lovers of money, proud and boastful, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love and selfcontrol, unforgiving, brutal, traitors, bullheaded, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. They are considered always learning but never able to come to the knowledge of truth (2 Timothy 3:17). If anyone from among our political bets do have these qualities, better look back and peruse individual track records in the family, community, and the profession he belongs to. Do not be doped by false news and propaganda that may look good and attractive outside but questionable inside. Precisely, no one knows who we are but God, for He alone sees the heart of man. Besides the LORD’s judgment is not what we are, but who we are, irrespective of persons. A true and genuine public servant is someone who cares and toil for the greater good for having to please all would be impossible. Good leaders must be role model to walk their talk to be the servant of all servants. MC

“A true and genuine public servant is someone who cares and toil for the greater good for having to please all would be impossible.”

filling the underpass with floodwaters, she blamed it on the disappearance of the Santo Nino from ( continued from last week) a church and ordered a procession along the streets he tuff of ife of Manila. She was a devoted Santo Nino patroness. Victoria R. Franco, RPh, MS Pharmacy When DPWH was clearing franco1573victoria@gmail.com Dewey Boulevard for road he poor always looks for a expansion, she was furious star in the dark of the night” , and stopped the cutting of acacia trees. quote from the Imeldific, She had a penchant for attending S t e e l b u t t e r f l y , i n j u s t i f y i n g h e r international events. US Ambassador fastidiousness, the legendary 3000 to the Philippines, William Sullivan pairs of shoes, the jewelries, sunglasses, warned that the US Government would etc. In fairness, she had accumulated so not be reluctant to embarrass her if she much shoes because she was promoting insisted to attend inauguration of Pres. the Marikina shoe makers and their Jimmy Carter. She attempted to invite products. If she happens to like one herself to Nixon Inauguration in 1968 style, the shoemakers make her the and the dedication of Sydney Opera same style in all colors. She also has House where she made efforts to upstage to match her shoes with the gowns she Queen Elizabeth. wore for the day. She will never be seen In the twenty years of their in the same outfit on three occasions in occupancy of the highest position in a day, thus she is often late. Not only the land, Credit goes to the couple that, the shade of nail polish on her for the many infra structures that nails should be coordinated as well. As were put up, notably, the San Juanico far as I am concerned, I want my first Bridge, kilometric roads and bridges, lady to look her best, to look wealthy were the cultural Center, Folk Arts (even from stolen money) because she Center, Kidney Center, Heart Center. represent our country. Incidentally, at the lobby of the Heart The late dictator Pres. Ferdinand Center is a mural, with the Madam Marcos is so in love with her, he coming out of a huge shell ( ala Venus ) patronizes her whims. Such as allowing and the painting of the faces of their 5 the Philippine Air Force to seed the children at her feet. surrounding clouds around Clark There is a fascination of the first lady Air base twice a day to prevent the about the legend Malakas and Maganda. oncoming typhoon from disturbing her It is about a bird that escaped. It landed Ms Universe Pageant. Also on this on a bamboo whereby the bird heard a occasion, the shanties along the airport voice begging him to set him free. The highway were plastered with plywood bird pecked the bamboo and out came keeping them out of the view of the Malakas (extreme resemblance with guests. Pres.Marcos. ) Malakas insisted that In a 2-day party extravaganza held the bird hit the other bamboo, which he on a yacht for the 56th birthday of the did, out came a beautiful maiden in the dictator, there were singing, dancing, a image of Madam Imelda, as Maganda. band, the macho Hagibis. She sponsored Primitivo Mijares, author of Conjugal the guests’ gambling, high ranking Dictatorship, lost his son after the book officers dance the hula, complete with was published. He too later disappeared. grass skirts. She is not all fun though, While CArmen Pedrosa author of Untold she was very upset with the rape Story of Imelda Romualdez Marcos incident of a movie star that she would ,upon completing her manuscript fled not even speak to the parents of the the country for her safety, exiled in perpetuators, and vowed to put the sons London for 20 years. “She is a person in jail and get their death sentences. who is difficult to be indifferent to,” When Metro Manila was flooded, recalled Carmen Pedrosa. MC

10 Herbal Medicines (part 1)

Health Corner

A reprint by DOH

.) Lagundi (Vitex negundo L.) It is one of the ten herbal medicines endorsed by the Philippine Department of Health as an effective herbal medicine with proven therapeutic value. Studies have shown that Lagundi can prevent the body’s production of leukotrienes, which are released during an asthma attack. Even in Japan, lagundi is becoming recognized as an effective herbal medicine, especially since researches have shown that it contains properties that make it an expectorant and it has been reported to function as a tonic as well. More than that, most of the parts of the lagundi plant have medicinal value. This medicinal plant had recently been commercialized and many pharmaceutical companies are making cough syrups out of it. Common names: Dangla (Ilokano); fiveleaved chaste tree, horseshoe vitex Indication: Leaves and flowering tops decoction, syrup, tablets and capsules for coughs, colds, fever and asthma. Found in: in humid places or along water courses, in waste places and mixed open forest Parts used: Leaves and flowering tops Special precautions: Make sure to have the five-leaved varieties, as there are other varieties of lagundi. Preparation: Asthma, Cough & Fever Decoction (the process of boiling the leaves or other parts of a fruit/plant in a couple of glasses of water for 15 minutes) is the most convenient way to use this as a medication. This plant can also be pounded using a pestle and mortar and can be applied to affected areas where there is pain, or soreness. For wounds, the decoction can be used as an alternative to hydrogen peroxide for wound dressing. Headache -Crush leaves may be applied on the forehead Rheumatism, sprain, contusions, insect bites -Pound the leaves and apply on affected area 2.) Ulasimang-bato (Peperonia pellucida) It is a small herb that grows from 1 to 1 1/2 feet. Pansit-pansitan can be found wild onlightly shaded and damp areas such as nooks, walls, yards and even roofs. Pansitpansitan has heart shaped leaves, succulent stems with tiny flowers on a spike. When matured, the small fruits bear one seed which fall of the ground and propagate. This is a very

popular traditional medication for gout as this herbal plant contains analgesic properties. Gout is the most common type of arthritis for Filipinos, according to the statistics of Philippine Rheumatology Association (PRA), around 1.6M Filipinos are suffering from Gout. It’s no surprise that this herbal medication is starting to become the center of attraction when looking for an alternative to the conventional treatment of gout, like Allopurinol. Common names: Ulasimang-bato, pansit-pansitan (Tagalog); olasiman-ihalas (Cebu,Bisaya); tangon-tangon (Bikol); peperonia (English) Indications: Infusion, decoction or salad for gout and rheumatic pains; pounded plant warm poultice for boils and abscesses Found in: In lowland rain forest, thickets, hedges, waste places, and roadsides. Parts used: aerial plant parts Special precautions: Avoid using with other pain relievers, diuretics Preparation: Lowers uric acid (rheumatism and gout) – One a half cup leaves are boiled in two glass of water over low fire. Do not cover pot. Divide into 3 parts and drink one part 3 times a day 3.) Guava (Psidium guajava L.) Bayabas or guava is a tropical plant, which is locally known for its edible fruit. In the backyards of Filipino homes in the country, this plant is commonly seen, and grown because of its many uses as fruit and as traditional remedy to treat various ailments. As shown by many research studies, almost all of the parts of this plant have medicinal qualities and value, and thus, making it as one of the most popular therapeutic plants in the Philippines Common names: Guava, bayabas (Tagalog); guyabas (Iloko); Guava (English). Indications: anti-diarrheal and antiseptic Found in:Common in the Philippines Parts used:Leaves,fruits Special precautions:Eating too much guava fruit may cause constipation Preparation: For washing wounds Wash the leaves with running water before boiling it for at least 15 minutes. Wait until the decoction cools down into lukewarm temperature before rinsing the wound with it. Be careful not to use it while it is still hot as it may cause burn. Diarrhea– May be taken 3-4 times a day As gargle and for toothache – Warm decoction is used for gargle. Freshly pounded leaves are used for toothache. Boil chopped leaves for 15 minutes at low fire. Do not cover and then let it cool and strain. MC

or to obtain the best condition possible from some arrangement that a parties seeks to establish or renew. Ideally, the parties to a negotiation will both come out satisfied, feeling that their minimum expectations were fulfilled. What are the preparations needed for an effective and productive negotiation? One of the gravest errors that people and organizations commit when engaging in a negotiation is not being able to establish their basic objectives and bargaining position. We must be very clear with what is it that we exactly need and will be negotiating for with those who possess or are in control of such thing or service. For example, an organization that received a funding to implement a program or project could be required by the benefactor to have an office. Before we go out and negotiate with property owners of lessors, we should first establish our requirements, putting it down on paper would be helpful. How many people would be holding office on a regular basis? What would be the space requirement of a staff member (in square meters)? Do we need to have rooms for conference, storage, or other purposes? Do we need separate rooms for officers of the organization? Do we need garage space for vehicles (if we have one or more)? Do we need to be along a major road or is it fine to be located on interior roads? How much can we afford to pay for office rental? If our requirements and bargaining position are unclear, we could end up with an office that may not comfortably accommodate all personnel of the organization because we were impressed with the size of the open space of the property. At times, we have to settle for a bit less than what we hold as ideal and this is fine as along as our most important considerations are met anyway. MC

Of Negotiations and Compromises…

Steel Butterfly

“T

April 2, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Market Driven

Danny Buenbrazo

danny_buenbrazo@yahoo.com

n a daily basis, individuals and organizations go about buying, selling, or doing other activities where one party tries to get something or persuade the other to accept a proposal. These interactions or negotiations may take a formal form or could happen without the parties being conscious that such has taken place. A conscious or formal negotiation takes place when the parties meet or communicate directly and work out the details of a transaction or an interaction. For example, if Mr. Carlito Santos desires to purchase a couple of residential lots belonging to Miss Elizabeth Calinawagan, the former may set an appointment or visit the residence or office of the latter and makes an offer. On the other hand, a firm that is engaged in the manufacture of snack goods may launch a new product and places a price on the same commodity. Consumers could accept the offered price by buying a lot of the product or express their non-acceptance by not buying the new item being sold by the company. Most negotiations involve haggling over the price of a commodity or service but there are also those where parties discuss terms and conditions of some arrangements (e.g. conditions of employment of workers in a factory). Why do people and organizations negotiate? Individuals and organizations have needs and wants and, most of the time, their resources are not unlimited and they need to get as much as they can from the financial and other resources. Negotiation is important to get the best value out of your money

THE MINDANAO CROSS

April 2, 2022

RTWPB-12 may issue new wage order “motu proprio”...from P1

order should be issued or not in the face of the series of oil price increases in recent weeks. He stressed, though, that the board has not received any petition for wage hike in Region 12 that comprise the provinces of North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, Sarangani and the cities of Kidapawan, Tacurong, Koronadal and Gen. Santos City. 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-3I-8-G, Psd-12-026126; Lot 2754-C-9-B-5-D-6, Psd-12-026149, Lot 2754-C-9-B-5-D-5, Psd12-026149; Lot No. 83D, Csd-12-002139-D; covered by TCT Nos. T- 9 7 0 2 6 , T- 9 7 0 2 7 , T-97051, 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

The board, he said, may issue new wage order “motu proprio” if it sees valid grounds to do so. RTWPB last issued

wage order in 2020. Based on that order, the minimum wage rate was at P336 daily for nonagriculture at P315 for agriculture and retail

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late MIDPANTAO L. ADIL, who died on August 13, 2012 in Davao City, left a parcel of land Lot No. 825-E-56, (LRC), Psd-43383, covered by TCT No. 152-T-92135, situated in Poblacion, Kabacan, Cotabato with an area of 301 sq. mts., more or less is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous deed of sale before Notary Public Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 471; Page No. 95; Book No. CCLXVII; Series of 2021.

Notice is hereby given that the late DR. ROBERT CADULONG, who died intestate on July 23, 2021 at Poblacion, Pikit, Cotabato, left bank Savings Deposits with Land Bank of the Philippines under Account Nos. 1006126967, 2731107923 and 5116539383, are the subject of extrajudicial settlement and partition of estate before Notary Public Emmanuel G. Ferenal as per Doc. No. 371; Page No. 27; Book No. XCIX; Series of 2022.

MC: Apr. 2, 9 & 23, 2022

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late ESMAEL TAHA KANAPIA, who died on September 26, 2021 in Cotabato C i t y, l e f t a S a v i n g s Account Deposit with Philippine National Bank, Cotabato CityDoroteo Branch under Passbook No. 405210036939 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with waiver before N o t a r y P u b l i c A t t y. Asmira S. Diego as per Doc. No. 111; Page No. 23; Page No. VIII; Series of 2022.

Notice is hereby given that the late Spouses PEDRO CEDEÑO and VICTORIA S. CEDEÑO, who died on September 10, 1992 in Cotabato City and November 19, 2015 in Midsayap, Cotabato,respectively, left a parcel of land covered by OCT No. V-11575, situated in Sadaan, Midsayap, Cotabato, containing an area of 55,000 sq. mts., more or less is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous deed of sale before Notary Public Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 398; Page No. 73; Book No. CCLXXXII; Series of 2022. MC: Apr. 2, 9 & 23, 2022

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

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.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late DR. RAMON H. RABAGO, JR. who died on December 29, 2021 in Cotabato City, parcels of land situated in Cotabato City, covered by TCT Nos. T-21489 and T-13169, containing an area of 338 sq. mts., more or less and 350 sq. mts., more or less, respectively are the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Agnes R. De CastroJagunap as per Doc. No. 843; Page No. 843; Book No. XXVIII; Series of 2022.

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, TS215, 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. 26, Apr. 2 & 9, 2022

MC: Mar. 19, 26 & Apr. 2, 2022

DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE

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

Notice is hereby given that the estate of GEORGE O. YAP married to Pilar Ortuoste Yap, parcels of land Lot C-7-H-9-E-2-F-9F-3-A, Psd-12-004086 and Lot C-7-H-9-E2-F-9-F-3-B, Psd-12004086, both situated in Bo. Kakar, Cotabato City, covered by TCT N o s . T- 1 8 9 7 1 a n d T-19047, respectively, containing the total area of 430 sq. mts., more or less are the subject of Deed of Absolute Sale before Notary Public Melquiades E. Cedeño as per Doc. No. 6; Page No. 2; Book No. CCCXX; Series of 2022.

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

MC: Mar. 19, 26 & Apr. 2, 2022

MC: Mar. 26, Apr. 2 & 9, 2022

Fernandez

AFFIDAVIT Notice is hereby given that the late ROMEO J. CALAR, who died on July 27, 2021, in Koronadal City, left a Honda motorcycle with side car with Engine No. KYY00E031284; C h a s s i s N o . KYY00031259; Series CGX125SHMD; Temp. Plate No. 1201312497; MV File Bo. 1201-00000312497 is the subject of affidavit of adjudication of sole heir with deed of sale before Notary Public Atty. Agustin T. Sardido as per Doc. No. 221; Page No. 45; Book No. III; Series of 2022.

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

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that Annerill Ramos Lorio has filed with this office a petition for change of first name from Jose to Julius Jose in the birth certificate of Jose Ramos Lorio, Jr. who was born on July 25, 2001 at Cotabato City and whose parents are Jose M. Lorio and Annerill R. Ramos. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this office. (Sgd.) TOHAMY M. LAUBAN City Civil Registrar MC: Apr. 2 & 9, 2022

MC: Apr. 2, 9 & 23, 2022

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

MC: Apr. 2, 9 & 23, 2022

services. That order remained in effect to date. Edwin O.

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, Cotabato covered 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- 6 0 3 5 4 , w i t h t h e 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. J o s e l y n B o n n i e V. Valeros as per Doc. No. 410; Page No. 82; Book No. IV-F; Series of 2017.

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

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC In compliance with the publication requirements and pursuant to Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1, Guidelines with the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), a notice is hereby served to the public that Juliet D. Fernandez has filed with this office a petition for correction of clerical error in sex from Female to Male in the certificate of live birth of Rey Zashkie Dela Peña Fernandez, who born 02 July 2011 at Gli-gli, Pikit, Cotabato to parents Raymund E. Fernandez and Juliet F. Dela Peña. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than March 29, 2022.

(Sgd.) MICHAEL C. TOBIAS, MPA Municipal Civil Registrar MC: Apr. 2 & 9, 2022

AFFIDAVIT

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

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

ADDENDUM OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late LEOCADIA SANCHES L ATA D A , w h o d i e d on April 10, 1990, a parcel of land Lot 5-B (LRC) Psd-12-002003, covered by TCT No. T-27275, situated at Bo. Crossing-Pinaring, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, containing an area of 4,821 sq. mts., more or less, is the subject o f a ff i d a v i t o f S o l e adjudication before N o t a r y P u b l i c A t t y. Mohajiroe M. Lauban as per Doc. No. 170; Page No. 34; Book No. 51; Series of 2021.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late CASTOR SOLISA and CONSUELO TRIUMPANTE, a parcel of land Lot No. 6926, PR-148, covered by OCT No. V-156, located at Poblacion, Midsayap Cotabato, containing an area of 1,091 sq. mts., more or less is the subject of addendum of extrajudicial settlement of estate with confirmation of the deed of absolute sale before Notary Public Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 123; Page No. 25; Book No. CCLXI; Series of 2021.

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

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

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that Bai Jihan Piang Sinsuat has filed with this office a petition for change of first name from Jihan to Bai Jihan in the birth certificate of Jihan Piang Sinsuat who was born on November 26, 1979 at Cotabato City and whose parents are Datu Sarip Mantawil Sinsuat and Baidang Enok Piang. Any person adversely affected by the said petition may file his/her written opposition with this office.

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that Maria Teresa B. Ladub has filed with this office a petition for change of first name from Edward to Al Edward in the birth certificate of Edward Feliciano Basilio who was born on March 29, 1967 at Cotabato City and whose parents are Bayani Dela Peña Basilio and Esther C. Feliciano. Any person adversely affected by the said petition may file his/her written opposition with this office.

In compliance with R.A. No. 10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that Marites A. Bedio has filed with this office a petition for change of sex from M to Female in the birth certificate of Marites R. Arpon who was born September 2, 1981 at Kidapawan, North Cotabato and whose parents are Ireneo Arpon and Gloria Reliente. Any person adversely a ff e c t e d b y t h e s a i d petition may file his written opposition with this office.

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to Memorandum Circular No. 20131, Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), a notice is hereby served to the public that Dominica J. Padayao has filed with this office a petition for change of sex from Male to Female and the child & father’s last name from Hawgan to Juagan in the certificate of live birth of Dominica Hawgan who was born 27 August 1950 at Dunguan, Pikit, Cotabato to parents Fausto Hawgan and Isidra Ramirez. Any person adversely affected by the said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than April 7, 2022.

(Sgd.) TOHAMY M. LAUBAN City Civil Registrar

(Sgd.) RAULA. MALALUAN City Registrar

(Sgd.)MICHAEL C. TOBIAS, MPA Municipal Civil Registrar

MC: Mar. 26 & Apr. 2, 2022

MC: Mar. 19, 26 & Apr. 2, 2022

MC: Mar. 26 & Apr. 2, 2022

MC: Apr. 2, 9 & 23, 2022

MC: Mar. 26 & Apr. 2, 2022

MC: Apr. 2, 9 & 23, 2022

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1, Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), a notice is hereby served to the public that Rey John C. Ceriales has filed with this office a petition for change of first name from John to Rey John in the certificate of live birth of John Rejis Ceriales who was born 8 January 1982 at Ladtingan, Pikit, Cotabato to parents Santiago F. Ceriales and Renera F. Rejis. Any person adversely affected by the said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than April 7, 2022. (Sgd.)MICHAEL C. TOBIAS, MPA Municipal Civil Registrar MC: Mar. 26 & Apr. 2, 2022

April 2, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

More warrants vs 2 detained terror suspects

THE police separately served Wednesday two detainees at the Maguindanao provincial jail here and in Datu Piang town jail additional arrest warrants for deadly acts of terror. In a statement Thursday, the Regional Field Office of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (CIDG-BAR) said the latest warrants for Sultan Guialil were for violation of Republic Act 11479. The RA 11479 is also known as

the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2022. The three warrants, dated March 30, 2022, were signed by Judge Kasan Abdulrakman of the Regional Trial Court Branch 14 in Cotabato City. Personnel of CIDG-BAR served Guialil the warrants for his arrest

Cotabato City wins 5 CMCI awards...from P1 quality and reliability of government services and government support for effective and sustainable productive expansion. In terms of Infrastructure, the city landed on the 16th spot. This pillar refers to the physical building blocks that connect expand, and sustain a locality and its surroundings to enable the provision

of goods and services. Cotabato City was at 24th place for Resiliency, a pillar that presents the capacity of a locality to facilitate businesses and industries to create jobs, raise productivity, and increase citizens' income over time. Lastly, Cotabato City made it to the 47th place for Economic Dynamism. This is associated

right at his cell in the Maguindanao provincial jail at past 7:00 p.m. Wednesday. He was incjail since last year for violation of RA 11379. Guialil, who has a reputation for brutality on adversaries, reportedly has links with local terror groups operating in the fashion

with activities that create stable expansion of business and industries and higher employment. the City Government of Cotabato expresses its utmost gratitude to the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index, Department of Trade and Industry 12, and the Regional Competitiveness Coordinating Committee. City CIO

NEWSBRIEFS

P900K smuggled cigars seized in Sulu COTABATO CITY — The police seized P900,000 worth of undocumented imported cigarettes Tuesday in Indanan town in Sulu. Major Edwin Sapa, chief of the Indanan Municipal Police Station, said Wednesday the contraband was found neatly piled near a small wharf in Barangay Buansa by patrolling policemen. He said there were indications that the cigarettes in sealed boxes, said to have come in Indonesia, have just been unloaded from a small watercraft that berthed at the BF Wharf in Barangay Buansa in Indanan, Sulu. Police probers are now trying to identify who the consignees of the cigarettes were. John Felix Unson

11 Sayyaf men yield in Basilan CAMP GENERAL P E N D A T U N , Maguindanao — Eleven members of the now seemingly moribund Abu Sayyaf group in Basilan surrendered to the Army Tuesday. The group is led by Abdullah Indanan, a henchman of Isnilon Hapilon, who perished during the May 23 to August 16, 2017 siege of Marawi City. Reports reaching the headquarters here of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, stated that Indanan

and his 10 followers surrendered to Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway, commander of the Army’s 101st Brigade, during a simple rite in Barangay Serongon in Hadji Muhammad Adjul town in Basilan. The event was organized by officials of the Army’s 4th Special Forces Battalion, who, along with emissaries of Gov. Jim Salliman, and representatives from the Basilan Provincial Police Office, convinced them to return to the fold of law via backdoor talks. John

Felix Unson

5 NPAs yield to Army

HUGE AWARDS. Cotabato City bags five awards in 8th Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index 2021. The awarding was held in Koronadal City. Photo courtesy of City Government of Cotabato

Lebak PNP hunt suspects in massacre of 4 LEBAK, Sultan Kudarat — The police have launched a massive hunt for the rifle-wielding men who brutally killed four members of a family, two of them children, in a gruesome attack Tuesday. This was announced Thursday by Brig. Gen. Alexander Tagum, director of the Police Regional Office-12. “Corresponding criminal cases shall also be filed very soon against the culprits,” he said. Four in a family, two of them children, were executed gangland style by gunmen while hunting for

crabs in a seaside barangay here on Tuesday afternoon. In an initial statement Wednesday, the Lebak Municipal Police Station identified the fatalities as Jimmy Capisenio, 59, his wife Aida, 58, and their grandchildren Jimmy Pakamanan, 11, and the eight-year-old Esmairha Capisenio. They were hunting for crabs and collecting edible seashells in the seaside Sitio Tuka in Barangay Datu Karon here when their attackers held them and shot them one after another in the head with

Human remains found in Marawi

AUTHORITIES buried shortly before last weekend the skeletal remains of no fewer than five persons found in one of the scenes of the deadly 2017 clashes in Marawi City between Maute terrorists and government security forces. In a statement Friday, the Marawi City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said the skeletons were found by construction workers in a park where soldiers and Maute gunmen had fought for days during their May 23 to October 16, 2017 siege of several barangays in the city. E m e r g e n c y

responders from the Marawi City local government unit, police forensic experts and personnel of the city police office and the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade immediately buried the skeletons at a common graveyard for unidentified fatalities in the five-month conflict. More than a thousand people were killed, among them no fewer than a hundred soldiers and policemen, in the hostilities that displaced some 300,000 Marawi City residents and left many historic centuriesold Maranao dwelling enclaves in ruins. John

Felix Unson

assault rifles, killing them on the spot. A relative, the 10-year-old JayAr Capisenio, who tried to run away was shot and wounded in the leg, now confined in the hospital. Local police probers are still clueless on who could be behind the atrocity. Tagum said he has directed the Lebak municipal police force to enlist the help of traditional community leaders and barangay officials in trying to identify the culprits for immediate prosecution.

John Felix Unson

A senior commander of the New People’s Army and four followers have pledged allegiance to the government after turning over nine high-powered rifles to military officials Tuesday. Ka Andoy, whose real name was withheld pending relocation to an area far from reach by former companions, told reporters he and his four cadres agreed to return to the fold of law through the intercession of the Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion based in Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur. Andoy and his four companions - Marlon, Poloy, Cardo and Junjie - belonged to the NPA’s self-styled Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee, whose leaders are wanted for high-profile criminal cases pending in different courts. John Felix Unson

Fire hits Cotabato City

AN unattended electric fan triggered a fire here that gutted about 20 houses made of light materials in Barangay Poblacion 4, authorities said. Fire Chief Inspector Lucily Banac-Jusay, city fire marshal, said the Monday afternoon fire was the first to hit the city during fire prevention

month. “Nobody was hurt, all our firefighters were unharmed, no civilians were injured,” Jusay said. Henry Macion, village chair of Poblacion 4, said the 3 p.m. fire started at the boarding house owned by Celso Celis and quickly spread to adjacent houses in Purok Martinez. Edwin

O. Fernandez

BARMM welcomes P277-M investments

ANOTHER multi-million investment has been approved to operate in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the regional Bangsamoro Board of Investments (BBOI) announced. Atty. Ishak Mastura, BBOI chair, said the board has approved the P277 million in investment that will provide employment to 215 Bangsamoro workers. The board approved the registration and investment of Usman Banana Farm, an exporter of Cardava Banana in Matanog, Maguindanao. “The said banana company is the first of its kind since its main product is a Cardava banana unlike other banana businesses registered in the region whose main product for export is Cavendish banana,” Mastura said in statement released by BBOI. The project has an investment cost of P277,664,721 and will create

215 local employment. Mastura believed that the project will definitely foster socioeconomic development in Matanog, Maguindanao and will improve the quality of life of the residents in the area. “This company envisioned itself as a catalyst in achieving peace and order in the surrounding areas and will provide direct employment and ancillary industries,” he said. The newest approved project bring BARMM's total to P474million for the first quarter of 2022 so far. BBOI is aiming to reach P4.5billion in investments pledges this year, even higher than the target amount from last year. "As a registered investment project, Usman farms will receive fiscal incentives from RBOI such as 6-years Income Tax Holiday and reduced duties for importation of capital equipment,” Mastura said.

In January this year, BBOI welcomed the investments of two companies with a total worth of more than P200 million to operate in this city. The approval of the investments for the region from the Hanabana Construction and Equipment Corp. and the Pagana Kutawato Corp served as the “opening salvo” of investment this year in BARMM. The Cagayan de Oro City-based Hanabana firm has put up an independent bulk water supply facility here, while Pagana Kutawato has set up container van-type of hotel and restaurant expansions at a huge area in this city. Engineer Samim Yusoph, the BARMM coordinator for Hanabana, said in a separate statement that the firm would establish a viable source of potable water within the city to augment the daily water needs of its residents. Edwin O.

Fernandez