The Mindanao Cross | April 30, 2022 by The Mindanao Cross

CHURCH / P6

ASF “2nd wave” hits 11 NoCot towns

Pope Francis updates canon law on dismissal from religious institutes

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P50K reward up for bus bomber

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

RECOGNITION. About 300 leaders and representatives of Non-Moro indigenous communities in BARMM convened in Cotabato City to chart a roadmap towards genuine recognition of their rights. Photo courtesy of IAG

“NO VICTIM SHALL BE LEFT UNCOMPENSATED”

Civic organization leaders, NGOs and International Alert Philippines (IAP) on Thursday lauded the signing into law of a compensation package that the victims of Marawi Siege have been wanting. Pres. Duterte has signed Republic Act 11696, or the Marawi Siege Compensation Act of 2022, last April 13, two days before lapsing into law and only made public on April 27.

In a statement, International Alert said the Marawi Compensation Act has practically established a precedent for future victims of war and destruction. “Through this law, no victim shall be

Local execs mount election peace efforts LOCAL executives reiterated over the weekend their appeals for voters to support the security efforts of the Commission on Elections in line with the May 9,

By John Felix Unson 2022 polls, barely 9 days away. Lanao del Sur reelectionist Gov. Mamintal Adiong, Jr. said he had urged his constituent-mayors and

the local Islamic religious community to help the police and the military guard the May 9 elections against saboteurs. “While that is quite remote, we

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BARMM’s Iqbal forms poll TFs By Edwin O. Fernandez

TO help ensure a free, orderly, honest, peaceful, and credible elections, the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education - Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MBHTEBARMM) has formed the 2022 Election Task Force.

On the creation of MBHTE election task force is in compliance with the Department of Education (DepEd) Memorandum. The memo calls for the establishment of the 2022 DepEd Election Task Force from regional to provincial

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left uncompensated. We celebrate this milestone with the IDPs and victims of the Marawi war for this hard-earned victory,” the IAP said. Saripada Pacasum Jr, a member

of Marawi Reconstruction Conflict Watch (MRCW), was overwhelmed after learning of the good news. “We thank President Duterte for signing this legislation that will

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Fasting amid daytime heat, rainy nights

By Nash B. Maulana SCORCHING heat stamps the climate Government Center. change challenge to Ramadan fasting Muslims all over the world fast on a season. But otherwise, it is business as Divine Commandment that the practice of usual amid extended rainy nightfall in a absolute abstinence had been prescribed colorful nightly food market frequented to prehistoric biblical personalities, so as a local tourists' destination, even by they may learn to Fear God. For non-Muslims, inside the Bangsamoro this the Qur’an states:

Cops to man poll center in Pikit

KIDAPAWAN CITY — Police personnel will man one of the villages in Pikit, North Cotabato on May 9 national and local elections. Tarhata Enged, Pikit

By Williamor Magbanua election officer, said the services of police were requested after local electoral board members for Barangay Talitay refused to serve due to family feud and for

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security reason. Pikit has 42 villages. Enged said the police will take over in administering balloting in two clustered precincts following

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DID YOU KNOW?

Last week of April is Rice Festival week

R i ce F e s t ival Week i s obser ve d every last week if April by virtue of Proclamation No. 279 signed on 1956, by then President Ramon Magsaysay. To attain this objective as ear ly as possible, it is necessary to draw the attention of our people to more effective methods of rice production.

CLIMATE CHANGE. When this Mosque was built, Muslim religious leaders never thought about floods reaching this place of worship. But due to heavy downpour and environmental destruction, this place of worship in Midsayap, North Cotabato has been under water for days last month. courtesy BARMM READi Photo courtesyPhoto of Kidapawan City of Pilot Elementary School

April 30, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

ASF “2nd wave” hits 11 NoCot towns

KIDAPAWAN CITY — Eleven towns in North Cotabato are now experiencing the second wave of African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak, a veterinary official said. Dr. Rufino Surupia, provincial veterinarian, said at least 899 hog raisers were severely affected in 88 villages in the province. About 5,185 hogs, estimated to cost about P26 million, have been depopulated. Most of these infected hogs were Mlang, Kabacan, Tulunan, Magpet, President Roxas, Arakan, Libungan, Midsayap, Antipas and Carmen. The first ASF cases were reported in Makilala and Kidapawan City. However, it was totally contained after the implementation of tight security measures. "We were able to contain the first wave for eleven months. It was only last December when the second wave

was reported, beginning in Mlang,” Dr. Surupia said. Surupia cited as contributors in the “second wave” the online selling of meat byproducts from ASF infected areas like Davao. Ambulant vendors entering ASF-free villages also contributed to the spread of the virus. "In as much as we wanted to contain, but we have limited manpower to reach far-flung areas," Surupia said. The provincial veterinarian added that it must be a collective effort of the barangay officials, the police, DILG and even the stakeholders to prevent the spread of the ASF virus in respective localities. Williamor A. Magbanua

Floods hit Maguindanao, SK, NoCot HEAVY downpour that lasted for six hours triggered flash floods and overflowed rivers in Maguindanao, North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat provinces Tuesday. In Maguindanao, at least 1,000 families have been displaced by the flash floods in Barangay Saniag, Ampatuan town, according to provincial Gov. Bai Mariam Mangudadatu. In a statement Wednesday, Governor Mangudadatu said she sent personnel from provincial disaster risk reduction and management office to rescue civilians in Barangay Saniag, some were trapped in their homes due to flash floods and rampaging water. She said disaster workers are still in the field gathering data as to the extent of damages to properties, infrastructure and agricultural crops. While assessment and evaluation were on going, the PDRRMO relief workers

distributed goods and food packs to affected families. Flash floods were also reported in Talayan and Guindulungan, Maguindanao 2 a.m. Wednesday, reports reaching Gov. Mangudadatu said. Residents of Barangay Tambunan, Talayan, Maguindanao were not able to sleep when flood water submerged many residential areas. Tantangan Eskak, a resident of Barangay Tambunan, said he and his family were awakened by rising water that entered his home at past 2 a.m. “We have experienced continuous rain the past six hours, suddenly we were underwater,” Eskak said, adding that he thought it was just an ordinary weather disturbance. He said it was difficult for him, his family and neighbors to get by since they are experiencing brownout and they are observing the

holy month of Ramadan. “Floods plus brownout make life difficult for us because we are fasting,” he added. In Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat, the upland part of Barangay Paril was turned like a river when flash floods hit Sitio Babangkaw, according to linemen and field worker of Sultan Kudarat Electric Cooperative (Sukelco). Sukelco said power lines were toppled in the borders of Kalamansig and Palimbang due to strong winds and heavy downpour. It triggered power service interruption in Kalamansig. No fatalities were reported so far, according to Maguindanao provincial disaster office. Flash floods also hit Magpet and Pres. Roxas, North Cotabato where a hanging bridge was destroyed by rampaging floodwater, radio reports said. Edwin O. Fernandez

I-NGOs send food for fasting Bangsamoro

INTERNATIONAL non-government organizations (I-NGOs) from Turkey and Germany have sent in food packs for Bangsamoro people observing the fasting month of Ramadan, the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) said. In a statement, the BDA said Turkey has been supportive of the Mindanao peace process and has been sponsoring numerous development and humanitarian projects in the Bangsamoro communities. Carrying the banner “certainly the believers are brothers,” various humanitarian foundations from Turkey send food packs for thousands of families in Bangsamoro this holy month of Ramadan. This year, Turkiye Diyanet Vakfi (TDV) or Turkiye Diyanet Foundation, has sent representatives, distributed food packages to 1,500 needy families in Cotabato City and in the municipalities of Sultan Kudarat, Datu Blah Sinsuat, and Parang all in Maguindanao. It also provided gift package to some 500 Moro orphans. The pack

contained prayer dress with hijab and veil for girls. A group of about 500 women and widows in Maguindanao and boat operators in Cotabato City, also received food packs. Weltweiter Einsatz für Arme (WEFA), is an international h u m a n i t a r i a n aid organization based in Cologne, Germany, through its representatives have distributed 100 food packs and regularly sponsoring free meals for “iftar” (breaking of fast) to selected orphanage centers in Cotabato City. “WEFA also sponsored gifts for the orphans that made their Ramadan more meaningful,” the BDA said in a statement. Representatives from Insani Yardim Vakfi (IHH), a conservative Turkish NGO, also joined also during the delivery of 1,400 number of food packages to needy families in Maguindanao as well as “iftar” to selected orphanages in Bangsamoro region. In a short message, the Turkish INGO said: “Let us all pray that there will be more ‘ridzki’ (blessing), so that we can help more families in

need.” Beneficiaries’ stories Saadia Alipolo, 64 a senior citizen in Barangay Matuber, Datu Blah Sinsuat, Maguindanao received 16 kilos of rice along with other food items this Ramadan. Living with her family of four, with grandchildren, Saadia said that the items will be good enough for the family’s meal for at least seven days. Bong Ansa, a farmer and fisherman has four kids and was happy to receive also food packs this Ramadan. Like him, Nasir Bunter, a pumpboat operator with five children, did not mind the heavy rain just to get the relief goods for his family this holy month. They are from Brgy. Katidtuan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. A n e l d e r l y mother beneficiary in Kabuntalan, Maguindanao could only utter repeatedly the words “Shukran (thank you), we will have food for suhoor (early morning food).” Since 2014, the BDA Inc., has been facilitating the implementation of Ramadan Program within and outside the BARMM. Edwin O.

Fernandez

COVID-19 infections down in BARMM HEALTH officials in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has announced that Covid-19 infections continue to drop in the region despite being tagged as having the lowest vaccination rate across the country. As of Thursday, only one new case of infections had been reported by the Bangsamoro Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF). The lone patient is from Maguindanao. Lanao del Sur and Marawi City, Lamitan and Basilan, Sulu and TawiTawi and Cotabato Ctiy have zero case, according to Dr. Amirel Usman, BARMM health director general. BARMM also reported no fatality due to COVID related diseases since March 30. “The region has been categorized as low risk for the past weeks, even months, on several days we have zero new infections, sometimes we have 1 or 2 or three cases only,” Usman said during news conference Monday. He noted that most of the hospital beds reserved for Covid-19 cases have been vacant, a good indication that “our infections are very low now.” Dr. Zul Qarneyn Abas, BARMM health minister, said to date, the region

has 19,762 total confirmed cases with 688 deaths and 19,072 recoveries. He admitted that the region is facing the same old challenge of vaccine hesitancy in BARMM. But he said frontliners are not disturbed by this fact but will continue persuading the “doubting Thomases” across BARMM. Special Vaccination Days (SVDs) will be held on May 11 to May 20 in selected towns and villages of the region in partnership with the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration, CFSI and Unicef. Saida Ali, MOH-BARMM information chief, said the SVDs will be held after the fasting month which ends on May 3 and the local and national elections on May 9. BARMM IATF will conduct massive vaccination activities in the following areas: Marawi, Sulu, Basilan, Lamitan City, Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur and Tawi-Tawi. Abas admitted that the vaccination rate in the region is worrisome and frontliners have to do things double time to reach herd immunity. BARMM eyes to vaccinate 1,472,917 individuals during the 15-day special vaccination days. Edwin O. Fernandez

EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION. Fr. Francis Efren C. Zabala, OMI (right) receives the commendation from Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Secretary General Raby B. Angkal recognizing Notre Dame University’s commitment to excellence in education. 2

Photo courtesy of NDU

BARMM halts “ayuda,” links with UN agencies THE Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has suspended its aid operations to floodsstricken local communities and families displaced by rec ent neighborhood conflagrations in the city and in other parts of the region, it was learned. Instead, BARMM has convened the year’s first meeting of the Mindanao Humanitarian Team (MHT) which is co-chaired by United Nations Resident Humanitarian Coordinator Gustavo

Gonzales, and BARMM Interior and Local Governments Minister Naguib Sinarimbo. Sinarimbo said the MHT is a platform of coordination and cooperation between UN Humanitarian Agencies and BARMM through the Rapid Emergency Actions for Disaster Incidence (READi) as well as other partners. He said during the April 21 meeting, representatives of BARMM and other

stakeholders discussed with the UN group comprising its humanitarian mission to the country, areas of cooperation in addressing several issues of humanitarian situation in the region, including the recent flooding in Maguindanao, parts of the BARMM Special Geographic Area, and Lanao del Sur. Earlier, the BARMM-READi suspended its local disaster operations due to elections-related restrictions on

relief operations that allegedly break rules under Fair Elections and Practices Act. BARMM, however, has said it delineates its usual programs, having been implemented long before elections, from the political activities of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP). The UBJP is the local party of the MILF leadership which runs the Bangsamoro Government in BARMM.

Nash B. Maulana

THE MINDANAO CROSS

April 30, 2022

JICA turns over six units of motorcycle to MAFAR COTABATO CITY — The Ministry of Agriculture, F i s h e r i e s , a n d A g r a r i a n R e f o r m ( M A FA R ) , o n Wednesday, April 13, received six units of motorcycles (XRM 125) from the Japan International Cooperation Agency held at MAFAR Covered Court inside the Bangsamoro Government Center (BGC). The six motorbikes were allocated for the MAFAR Municipal Officers (MMOs) and Agriculture Technologists (ATs) of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Guindulungan, and Datu Hoffer in support of the Rice-Base Technology Transfer Program for Bangsamoro under the Batch 2 project. JICA Chief Advisor Mr. Hirofumi Hoshi said the purpose of the motorcycle assistance is to provide

MMO and ATs as extension workers in monitoring participating farmers and extend technical assistance in the promotion of the livelihood improvement among agri-farmer clientele. Mr. Hoshi also requested the recipients to provide the necessary cost of operation and maintenance to the motorcycle as the best equipment for securing better services to farmers. Minister Mohammad S. Yacob, Ph.D. lauded JICA for the constant partnership with the ministry in helping farmers and fisherfolks sustain productivity. “As the minister, it is a great opportunity to continue the program from previously DAF in expanding the living condition of our Bangsamoro beneficiaries,”

Minister Yacob said. “We in the ministry are trying to look forward to the increasing of rice productivity through our three tracts, the Irrigated, Rainfed, and Upland area,” he said. “Let me remind you that you are trusted and accountable in this intervention because this will be your tool to enhance your services towards Bangsamoro beneficiaries,” he told the recipients. Also present during the program were DirectorGeneral for Agriculture services Dr. Daud K. Lagasi, MAFAR Chief of Operation Tong A. Abas, MAFARMaguindanao Provincial Director Dr. Ronjamin Maulana, and Chief of Operation Saudi Mangindra and other officials from JICA.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS AS AN AIR PASSENGER The Ministry of Transportation and Communications-BARMM, through the Civil Aeronautics Board of the Bangsamoro (CABB-BARMM), presents this summary of the Major Air Passenger Bill of Rights for your guidance and information. Can I do anything if the airline refuses to provide me with any amenity or service I am entitled to? YES! Passengers may forward their complaints to or ask for assistance from the Civil Aeronautics Board of the Bangsamoro personnel at certain airports in BARMM. Passengers may also send an email to cab.motc@bangsamoro.gov.ph or visit its website cabb.bangsamoro.gov.ph. CABB is one of the seven sectors of the MOTC-BARMM mandated to regulate the economic aspect of air transportation in BARMM. Also, it advocates passenger’s rights for convenient, reliable, and safe air travel.

THE MINDANAO CROSS

April 30, 2022

Assalamu Alaykum Waa Rahmatullahi Waa Barakatu To all my fellow Muslims here in Cotabato City and across the globe, my warmest and sincerest wishes of a joyous and peaceful celebration of the Eid ul Fit’r. It seems like only yesterday when Ramadan began and now we are about to end it. This only proves that, indeed, time is precious and life is short so we must all make the most out of it, not wasting it on superficial and worldly things. And now, as we celebrate this holy occasion, it is in my fervent prayers that all the lessons and values that the month of Ramadan has taught us be carried out in our hearts for now and for always. I pray that all of my fellow Cotabateños will have a sound and clear mind when the time comes that we will have to decide for the future of our beloved Cotabato City. May your homes be filled with love, joy, and prosperity as we celebrate Eid ul Fit’r. Eid Mubarak.

Sigay Ka Cotabato City!

ATTY. FRANCES CYNTHIA J. GUIANI–SAYADI City Mayor

April 30, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

On this day, let us celebrate Eid’l Fitr with our families with bright smiles upon our faces and hearts filled with joy. My brothers and sisters in Islam, we have once again surpassed the Holy Month of Ramadan with the lessons of self-discipline and sacrifice engraved in our hearts. Self-discipline is one of the important traits we practice during Ramadan and it is also what got us through the pandemic as responsible citizens who have abided with the standard health protocols. May Allah SWT continue to shower our families with blessings, happiness and prosperity. May our sacrifices be accepted, our sins forgiven, and may Allah SWT continue to guide and protect us throughout this pandemic. My dear Cotabateños, I wish you all a safe and prosperous Eid Mubarak.

Sigay Ka Cotabato City!

GRAHAM NAZER G. DUMAMA City Vice Mayor

April 30, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Pope Francis updates canon law on dismissal from religious institutes

VATICAN— Pope Francis issued an apostolic letter on Tuesday bringing Church law up to date on the rules for dismissal from religious institutes, in light of the updated penal law on sanctions related to clerical sexual abuse and other crimes. The letter, known as Recognitum librum VI and issued motu proprio (on the pope’s “own impulse”) on April 26, modifies one sentence from canon 695 of the Code of Canon Law. The pope explained that the modification makes the line consistent with the major revisions made last year to Book VI of the code’s penal law, which classified some crimes differently and introduced new crimes. The new text of canon 695 §1 says: “A religious must be dismissed from the institute for the delicts mentioned in can. 1395, 1397, and 1398, unless in the delicts mentioned in can. 1395, §2-3 and 1398 §1, the superior decides that dismissal is not

completely necessary and that correction of the religious, restitution of justice, and reparation of scandal can be resolved sufficiently in another way.” The Code of Canon Law defines a religious institute as “a society in which members, according to proper law, pronounce public vows, either perpetual or temporary which are to be renewed, however, when the period of time has elapsed, and lead a life of brothers or sisters in common.” Canon 1395 of the new code refers specifically to “a cleric living in concubinage” and clerics who continue in some other external sin against the sixth commandment (“You shall not commit

adultery”) which causes scandal, as well a cleric who “forces someone to perform or submit to sexual acts.” Canon 1397 of the Church’s law details the punishments for a person who commits homicide, gravely wounds another person, or procures an abortion. Canon 1398 deals with clerical sexual abuse of a minor and the distribution of pornographic images of minors. Pope Francis said that he made the change after hearing from the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts and the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. The Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts is not itself a lawmaker, but assists

the pope, who is the Church’s supreme legislator, in drafting and interpreting canon law. With the change, canon 695 now refers to the appropriate canons in the revised Book VI of the Code of Canon Law, which came into force on Dec. 8, 2021. The reformed penal code introduced new crimes in the area of economic and financial matters to canon law and moved the canons concerning the crime of sexual abuse of minors and crimes of child pornography from the section on “crimes against special obligations” to that of “crimes against life, dignity, and freedom of the person” in Book VI. Courtney Mares/

Catholic News Agency

Caritas Village’ to rise for ‘Odette’ victims in Cebu

FROM left, Boljoon Mayor Merlou Derama, Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, Archbishop Jose Palma, Fr. Antonio Labiao of Caritas Philippines and Fr. Charles Louis Jayme of Caritas Cebu lead the signing of the tripartite agreement for the construction of “Caritas Village” in Boljoon, Cebu on April 23, 2022. ARCHDIOCESE OF CEBU A Church housing project will soon rise in Cebu province’s Boljoon town for residents whose homes were destroyed by a powerful typhoon in December last year. The Archdiocese of Cebu has recently approved the construction of a “Caritas Village” on a church-owned lot in the town’s Lower Becerril village. In collaboration with Caritas Philippines and Caritas Internationalis, the project aims to help about 170 families whose houses were totally damaged by Typhoon Odette. About 135 housing units will be constructed inside the Caritas Village, while the 35 others will be built in different sites. Four months after Odette wreaked havoc on the island, Cebu Caritas has reached out to more than 81,000 families in 92 parishes with its emergency relief and early recovery efforts. However, the national Caritas said there are still

many families that need help in terms of recovery and rehabilitation, particularly those who lost their homes or are staying in vulnerable shelters. The project, which is expected to be completed after a year, is a collaborative effort with other stakeholders, including the Patrocinio de Maria Parish and the Boljoon local government. As part of the preparatory phase of the rebuilding effort, a tripartite agreement was signed by the archdiocese, Caritas Philippines and the Boljoon municipality on April 23. The agreement also includes the local government’s counterpart contributions towards the establishment of the Caritas Village. Present during the signing of the Tripartite Agreement were Archbishop Jose Palma of Cebu; Fr. Antonio Labiao Jr of Caritas Philippines; Boljoon Mayor Merlou Derama. Also in attendance were Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and Fr. Charles Louis Jayme, head of the archdiocese’s Relief and Rehabilitation Unit. Last month, Caritas Philippines appealed for at least P400 million to fund its rebuilding efforts for the hundreds of thousands affected by Odette in 11 dioceses. Catholic

News Agency

From left, Boljoon Mayor Merlou Derama, Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, Archbishop Jose Palma, Fr. Antonio Labiao of Caritas Philippines and Fr. Charles Louis Jayme of Caritas Cebu lead the signing of the tripartite agreement for the construction of “Caritas Village” in Boljoon, Cebu on April 23, 2022 Photo courtesy of Archdiocese of Cebu

Exhibit marks Manila Cathedral’s 41st anniversary as minor basilica

OLD-DRAWINGS and rare photos are on view at the Manila Cathedral. The exhibit opened Wednesday after the Mass to mark the cathedral’s 41st anniversary as a minor basilica. A basilica is designated by the pope and has a special spiritual bond with his office. It is also a place of pilgrimage for Catholics. The collection includes some original architectural drawings and plans during the 1958 reconstruction

by the Istituto Internazionale Di Arte Liturgica in Rome. The exhibit also features for the first time the 3D printed scale model of the cathedral created by Digiscript Philippines and a timeline of the basilica’s history. Those visiting the exhibit will also see the only two surviving images of molave wood that were originally enshrined at the cathedral facade. Fr. Regie Malicden, the

cathedral’s Rector, also unveiled a marker sculpted by Filipino artist Egai Talusan Fernandez. The marker identifies the spot of the cornerstone laid in 1954 to start the rebuilding of the cathedral after the war. The exhibit will remain open indefinitely. Pope Saint John Paul II raised the Manila Cathedral to the dignity of a minor basilica on April 27, 1981.

CBCP News

The Courage of the Disciples

hat makes people 153 in all. Upon recognizing courageous in time of the Lord, Peter was so excited adversities? We see that he jumped off the boat such courage among ordinary and swam to the shore. All men and women, for example, that mattered to Peter was who chose to remain and the presence of Jesus and eflections fight in Ukraine. They gained he forgot that he became a courage in order to defend coward and denied Jesus Rev. Fr. Antonio P. Pueyo, DCC their country from invasion three times. tonypoy_dcc0@yahoo.com by an unjust aggressor. Jesus now took the What Putin thought would be a walk in the park is now occasion for Peter to be rehabilitated and reconciled. becoming a drawn out war because of the resistance of Three times he asked Peter, “Do you love me?” Each the Ukrainians. Even in the animal kingdom, the most time Peter answered “Yes, Lord” Jesus would say “Feed dangerous creatures are mothers who are out to protect my lambs.” Jesus bestowed on Peter the pastoral their young. It is not advisable to approach any animal responsibility of taking care of what would soon be the in the wild or even the gentle domesticated dog who Church. It was the love for Jesus that gave courage to has just given birth. Peter and the other disciples. So much so, that according The group of disciples were ordinary men and to the first reading from the Acts of the apostles, they women who became fearful when Jesus had the courage to confront the Jewish was arrested and crucified. They did authorities and bear the beatings that not want to be identified in any way as were accorded them for preaching the followers of Jesus. Even the brave Peter Risen Lord. who drew his sword and wounded one of The disciples of Jesus gained courage the soldiers who arrested Jesus, denied because they could not deny their Jesus three times. Only Mary and John experience that the Lord is indeed risen. were at the foot of the cross. The others He appeared and talked with them. were watching from a distance. Some of He ate in their company as the gospel the disciples dispersed and walked away, narrates. For forty days He instructed others just hid in one of the houses. Jesus his disciples. No matter what threats, or walked with the two disciples who left persecutions they experienced, they bore Jerusalem and encouraged them with all for the love of Jesus and in order to the Word of God and the breaking of the proclaim His message of love, forgiveness, Bread. Jesus also appeared to the disciples who were and reconciliation to all the nations. Even when Jesus hiding and greeted them, “Peace be with you.” For the ascended to the Father they had the special courage sake of Thomas, he again appeared to them and breathed that comes from the Spirit of the Risen Lord and the the Holy Spirit upon them. strength that comes from sharing the Table of the Lord In this Sunday’s gospel Jesus again appeared to in the Eucharist. them while they were fishing in the sea of Galilee. They Whence comes the courage of the disciples? From a went back to their old occupation as fisherman but they loving personal relationship with Jesus, from welcoming caught nothing until Jesus appeared to them and gave the courage-giving Spirit of the Lord, and by gaining instructions to lower their net one more time. They strength from the table of Lord, the Eucharist. May caught such a big number of fish that they counted them, their courage be ours too. MC

“No matter what threats, or persecutions they experienced, they bore all for the love of Jesus”

Visitors view exhibits at the Manila Cathedral to mark its 41st anniversary as a minor basilica on April 27, 2022. Photo courtesy of Patrick Romero

Daily Scripture Readings 3rd Sunday of Easter Readings:

Acts 5.28-32, 40b-41; Revelation 5.11-14;John 21.1-19

Mon

Readings: no. 273, p. 526 or no. 560, p. 670 1st Reading: Acts 6.8-15 Gospel: John 6.22-29

Tue

Readings: no. 561, p. 670 BG, p. 794 1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 15.1-8 Gospel: John 14.6-14

Wed

Readings: no. 275, p. 531 1st Reading: Acts 8.1b-8 Gospel: John 6.35-40 OM: Blessed Marie-Léonie Paradis

Thu

Readings: no. 276, p. 533 1st Reading: Acts 8.26-40 Gospel: John 6.44-51

Fri

Readings: no. 561B, p. 674; BG, p. 463 1st Reading: 722(12): 2 Timothy 4.1-5 Gospel: 724(10): John 10.11-16

Sat

Readings: no. 278, p. 538 1st Reading: Acts 9.31-42 Gospel: John 6.53, 60-69++

THE MINDANAO CROSS

April 30, 2022 EDITORIAL

Unity Moves?

arely two weeks before the national elections, the voters can now see the movements from one party to another by candidates to strengthen their chances of winning the elections. Some candidates have people in high places who have the numbers to reach out to more voters, which is why a group in Congress decided to form the National Unity Party (NUP) to endorse the Presidential bid of Bongbong Marcos and the Vice Presidential bid of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte. This was done on April 1, 2022. The NUP is the biggest political party in Congress. Hopefully, this will not discourage other candidates from pursuing their participation in the election. There are other political parties showing the penchant of Filipinos to create political parties . One of these is the United Nationalist Alliance, a multi-party electoral alliance replacing the former United Opposition (UNO) coalition for the 2013 midterm elections. Before, it was launched as a single political party on July 1, 2015 by Jejomar Binay for his candidacy in the 2016 presidential election. From UNO it became the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA). The Manila Times gave a short history of how political parties fared in the country. “ THE Partido Federalista (Federal Party) was the first Philippine political party allowed by our colonials in the 1900, which pushed for our annexation as a US state. The Nacionalista Party was founded shortly after to advocate for the opposite view - immediate Philippine independence. Several iterations of these advocacies emerged over the years until the liberal wing of the Nacionalista broke away and formed the Liberal Party. These two old groupings were the closest the Philippines had to a two-party system until President Ferdinand Marcos declared Martial Law and Cory Aquino who did not believe in the political party system allowed the proliferation of political parties during her term”. So now, we have a motley of political parties – national, regional, and others – that allowed “political butterflies” to move from one party to another. At the start of the election period, voters had difficulty identifying candidates with the political party they carry. As elections approached, the parties that have been mouthed by followers have gone into oblivion, with the personalities overshadowing the parties as they vie for voters confidence. Even the color coding that the campaign first came up with have now dissipated (or gone to the rainbow?). Cotabato City, which has only two political parties fighting it out, had a clearer presentation of campaign strategies. At least, nobody is persuading each other to withdraw from the race as is happening at the national level. As we go further into Maguindanao, some municipalities have only one set of candidates. Some say this is better than candidates killing each other to win the election. That’s democracy, autonomous region style! It is heartening to see media outlets doing their share of educating the voters, especially now that classes are still suspended due to the Pandemic. This election is going to be fun, so long as armed groups are controlled, and political parties are prevented from buying votes. MC +

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

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

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

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

Member: PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

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

nce again the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, particularly a member of its national directorate, has been red-tagged. In a statement posted on Facebook on the evening of April 13, the guild committed to protect the interests of Filipino working journalists said “a coward hiding under the Twitter handle @shiningtwicexo accused NUJP director Lian Buan, a Rappler journalist, of being ‘one of the highranking officials of the CPP-NPA-NDF’ and claimed that NUJP is a legal front group of the communist armed struggle.” NUJP for the nth time condemned the malicious labelling and repeated that “there is no ideological test for membership in NUJP and we have members from across the political spectrum. Asserting press freedom and advocating for media workers’ welfare are ideals that are part of the democracy that we say we are living in.” “Lian is a valued member of the NUJP and of its directorate as well as of its unofficial bike club. False allegations that she is an official of the CPP-NPA-NDF, even when from a KPop fan account, have implications on her safety, especially while covering the election campaign.” the guild added. Branding an individual or group as a communist and enemy of the state, which specifically targets individuals or organizations critical or not fully supportive of the actions of the incumbent government has been flagged by the United Nations Human Rights Office as a dangerous practice that has been institutionalized in the country. NUJP said in its statement that red-tagging the guild, its members and colleagues in media has come from as high as the Palace to from as low as anonymous social media accounts and intolerant columnists. These are a cause for concern, it said. 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 and humanitarian institutions like the National Council of Churches of the Philippines and Oxfam sa Pilipinas, and as well as progressive public servants and personalities. Red-tagging is not only malicious; it is dangerous as we have said in a number of previous editions of this column. A bill filed in March by Senator Franklin Drilon which seeks to criminalize red-tagging, Senate Bill 2121, seeks to criminalize red-tagging. Supreme Court Justice Marvic Leonen, states that victims of red tagging “become ‘easy targets’ of government military or paramilitary units. This continuing governmental public branding has threatened the very life, liberty and security of the vilified men and

RESIGNED from full-time government service on May 4, 1992, nearly seven months after the Supreme Court proved us right (twice) with finality, by affirming a favorable Decision by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) in 1991 for my reinstatement to office along with some 200 others. By then, I was torn between opting for regular employment and having to go back to being a provincial reporter for the Philippine Daily Globe then. Actually, I would have wanted to resign much earlier in August 1991, the week into my reinstatement to office by the SC. Not because of indifference. But having been a student activist, I took an independent stand from the government offices’ (including ours) collective stand to support the national government’s position to extend the U.S. Bases Agreement which was due for nominal voting by the Senate on September 16, 1991. I joined not the pro- but the rally of the opposite anti-bases camp when President Cory Aquino together with House Speaker Ramon V. Mitra and Defense Secretary Fidel V. Ramos made the last ditch effort on September 9 but failed to convince the 11 Senators perceived to deliver the nay votes against the ratification of an Extended PR-US Bases Agreement beyond September 30, 1991. I spat blood in the previous January and I was diagnosed with pneumonia much later—in 1998. For this, I had to undergo a complete straight three-month medication prescribed by an internist… Alhamdulillah…. The last time symptoms occurred was when I covered the Hajj in February 1999. I was injected with an anti-pneumonia vial in Arafa by one of the doctors in the host country’s round-the-clock medical diplomats. I developed it over time from heavy smoking, allergy from pollution and back sweating that more often dries up unwittingly. In 2004, I received another medical diagnosis and this time of a “weakening” kidney and so I had to slow down on my usual menu, my usual choices of oily foods, to a serious turn to some healthy diets to cleanse my system. Thankfully, I neither had issues of hypertension nor of blood sugar when I underwent a medical check-up then, as that would

Red-tagging: until when?

Thinking Aloud Carlos C. Bautista caloyb@gmail.com

women. It has resulted to serious human rights violations such as harassments, arbitrary arrests, detentions, and enforced disappearances. In some instances, being redtagged is a prelude to death.” Will this malicious and dangerous practice ever end? In its ardent desire to end the decades-old communist insurgency in the country in the name of upholding and protecting democracy hasn’t this current Philippine government instead put in danger the very democracy it seeks to uphold? In 2020, independent socio-economic research institution IBON Foundation filed an administrative complaint with the Office of the Ombudsman to hold government officials accountable for red-tagging the institution. This is believed to be the first case of red-tagging filed against any government official in the country’s history. Several other similar complaints have been filed against these officials, most prominent of whom is National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict spokesperson for sectoral concerns and Presidential Communications Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy, who at the latest count faces at least 11 complaints for red-tagging activists, human rights defenders, and a journalist. Word still has to come out of the Office of the Ombudsman on its action on the IBON complaint files two years ago and the others that have followed since. When will red-tagging end? Perhaps when the government is led by someone who has always stood for democracy and human rights and has been the victim of the same malicious and dangerous practice. We do not really believe this will end with someone who has been a functionary of the dreaded Philippine Constabulary Metropolitan Command, or MetroCom, during martial law, has been an enabler of moves that stifle dissent, or who has supported legislative actions that could be detrimental to democracy like the passage of the Anti-Terror Law at the helm of government. Neither will it end, we believe, with a scion of a political family that has caused the dark days of democracy in the Philippines residing in that grand old mansion by the Pasig River. MC

Ramadan in crucial decisions in life

Penlight

Nash B. Maulana

nash.penlight@gmail.com

have required me a “lifetime” medication which could have worsened the medical status of my kidney. About that time, I had a collaborative project with a Moro physician to come up with a full-length article for the Inquirer on the medical benefits of fasting on Ramadan. I knew that somehow things could vary as one undergoes medical lab tests more often. And so, as I get older by time, I made some therapeutic projections to manage my kidney issue and for that I would have to make sure that I would not fall ill for another diagnosis that would require me to comply with a more sustained intake of prescribed doses of medical maintenance. I had to restrict myself along that projection that at a certain point in ageing, I would have to give up smoking and live a life of less consumption of things with a high-level content of inorganic components. I thought about having to deal with a state of “doublejeopardy” in spending which could hurt much of the household economy. As a journalist, I saw images of poverty in pensioners living on a constantly deficit budget for foods— and medicines—sustained at the same time over and above one’s level of spending on fixed bills (light and power, water, amortizations, matriculation, etc.). Ramadan makes one realize that cleansing and prevention are much better a cure than any dose of medicines can ever provide. I mean with all due respect, forgive me for saying so, but I came to a point of having to weigh my options, having seen the faces of poverty all around us in simultaneous sustenance in providing for foods, clothing and medicines. MC

10 Common Elderly Health ISSUES (Part 1)

Birds of the feather

True to Form Charlie Señase

csenase@yahoo.com

ODAY’S focal point reminds us of that old cliché – “Tell me who your friends are and I’ll tell you who you are.” We may agree or disagree, that some are into the quandary on supporting presidential aspirants or other candidates in the polls with questionable track records. The political query may be timely right among mortals, but may not be true to our Immortal God, who alone sees the hearts of men. Who are we to judge, for all have sinned and fall short of His glory? Since the start of the campaign trail in the national and local levels, we are witnesses to a flurry of judgmental praises and accusations from all sides of the political arena. This and all others, according to poll experts are part of the so-called “mind-conditioning” that borders on truth and falsehood as some are into the hypocritical “make-believe” stance to entice voters. In anticipation to old election woes coming back, BARMM’s education ministry has launched this week an “Election Task Force” that will closely monitor the conduct of the May 9 balloting. The task force will man established monitoring centers in public schools with BARMM. Let’s hope and pray that the alleged “show of force” during the 2019 Cotabato City plebiscite will not happen again with the mass entry of outsiders and bomb explosion during the balloting proper. Government security forces under Army Major General Juvymax Uy were able to seize assault rifles from a vehicle at a military checkpoint in Midsayap, North Cotabato. The confiscated firearms that include an M-16 was in accordance with the strict enforcement of the Comelec gun ban. And exactly four days after, an improvised bomb exploded inside a passenger bus in Parang, Maguindanao

that injured six of its passengers. Initial police finding showed the blast was not politically motivated but more on transit rivalry. What was more shocking was the deadly explosion inside a mosque in Afghanistan that killed 33 Ramadan faithful in a Friday gathering which authorities blamed on a radical group belonging to the Islamic States of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Man-made disasters are works of the devil out to kill and destroy by sowing hate instead of God’s love for one another that even enemies ought to be cared and loved. The problem with some of us, especially those who are supposed to lead us are the ones promoting animosity due to arrogance and pride. The much talked about smuggling of agricultural products in the country appears unresolved up to now that the incumbent Agriculture Secretary William Dar is blaming his predecessors for the mess; that prompted Emmanuel Pinol, a senatorial aspirant to feel alluded to. In any leadership crisis it hinges on command responsibility. Instead of finger-pointing it is prudent to take the blame. Thus, Pinol voluntarily tendered his resignation as DA secretary due to some enacted measures like the Rice Tariffication Law that he considered detrimental to his being agri-chief. This is what we call delicadeza that most of us seem to ignore the rule-ofthumb worth embracing. We lauded Pinol’s delicadeza and that of Jesus Dureza, a long time peace advocate, when he voluntarily stepped down as President Duterte’s Cabinet Secretary in the Office of the Presidential Assistant on the Peace Process. He tendered his irrevocable resignation when two of his subordinates were linked to alleged irregularities. Being a respected Davao City-based media scribe like Pinol, a known Cotabato broadcast journalist, both have shown the essence of humility and delicadeza as exemplary of birds of the feather. These are traits anchored in faith and love that others should learn to treasure with the hope in God’s promise not to put us to shame (Psalm 25:3). MC

Health Corner

ust two weeks before D-DAY – the city of Cotabato is engulfed with posters and billboards familiarizing voters with the faces of candidates for the election. The billboards and posters are so many that local governments decided to remove those that are in places that are in violation of the Election Code. Some of the faces are very pleasing indeed; with the women candidates beautiful enough to join beauty contests. However, very few family names are new in the political scene, the old names still prevails. In every place one passes by, just one or two family names are carried by the candidates. Mangondadato going south, Sinsuats and Abas as one approaches the city; from the city going north, are the Masturas and Biruars. I miss the Paglas boys. What happened to the Ampatuans, the Sangkis, the Dilangalens? Well, this is local government. Old residents of the region are not surprised with this phenomena as

PASTIL

DUDUL

power tend to change hands (or rather change clans). With the approaching elections, every day brings in news of ambushes, bombing, assassinations. The hopes of something new are shattered with all these bad news. Journalists who studied the election climate in this region points at two negative factors – the presence of armed groups, and the proliferation of unlicensed firearms. Did all these prevent the celebration of a holy Ramadan for Muslims? The preparation of special food for those who are breaking the fast continued every night. Only the weather served to dampen the festivities. In Cotabato City, a big area is prepared at the BARMM compound which attracted a lot of spectators. Another one is at the Al Nor Complex, with a third one at the city plaza. Food is really a favorite of city residents; and this is fortunate because the old traditional menus like the “dudul”, the “tinapayan”, the “buluwa”, including the ever present “pastil” are given a boost by the Ramadan celebration. There is really nothing new this month, thank God. MC

by Suzannah Smith

etting older can seem daunting¬— greying hair, wrinkles, forgetting where you parked the car. All jokes aside, aging can bring about unique health issues. With seniors accounting for 12 percent of the world’s population¬–and rapidly increasing to over 22 percent by 2050–it’s important to understand the challenges faced by people as they age, and recognize that there are preventive measures that can place yourself (or a loved one) on a path to healthy aging. 1. Chronic health conditions According to the National Council on Aging, about 92 percent of seniors have at least one chronic disease and 77 percent have at least two. Heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes are among the most common and costly chronic health conditions causing two-thirds of deaths each year. The National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion recommends meeting with a physician for an annual checkup, maintaining a healthy diet and keeping an exercise routine to help manage or prevent chronic diseases. Obesity is a growing problem among older adults and engaging in these lifestyle behaviors can help reduce obesity and associated chronic conditions. 2. Cognitive health Cognitive health is focused on a person’s ability to think, learn and remember. The most common cognitive health issue facing the elderly is dementia, the loss of those cognitive functions. Approximately 47.5 million people worldwide have dementia—a number that is predicted to nearly triple in size by 2050. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease with as many as five million people over the age of 65 suffering from the disease in the United States. According to the National Institute on Aging, other chronic health conditions and diseases increase the risk of developing dementia, such as substance abuse, diabetes, hypertension, depression, HIV and smoking. While there are no cures for dementia, physicians can prescribe a treatment plan

What’s New, Cotabato? The Stuff of Life

BULUWA

April 30, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

3. Mental health According to the World Health Organization, over 15 percent of adults over the age of 60 suffer from a mental disorder. A common mental disorder among seniors is depression, occurring in seven percent of the elderly population. Unfortunately, this mental disorder is often underdiagnosed and undertreated. Older adults account for over 18 percent of suicides deaths in the United States. Because depression can be a side effect of chronic health conditions, managing those conditions help. Additionally, promoting a lifestyle of healthy living such as betterment of living conditions and social support from family, friends or support groups can help treat depression. 4. Physical injury Every 15 seconds, an older adult is admitted to the emergency room for a fall. A senior dies from falling every 29 minutes, making it the leading cause of injury among the elderly. Because aging causes bones to shrink and muscle to lose strength and flexibility, seniors are more susceptible to losing their balance, bruising and fracturing a bone. Two diseases that contribute to frailty are osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. However, falls are not inevitable. In many cases, they can be prevented through education, increased physical activity and practical modifications within the home. 5. HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases In 2013, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 21 percent of AIDS cases occurred in seniors over the age of 50 in the United States, and 37 percent of deaths that same year were people over the age of 55. While sexual needs and ability may change as people age, sexual desire doesn’t disappear completely. Seniors are unlikely to use condoms, which, when combined with a weakened immune system, makes the elderly more susceptible to contracting HIV. Late diagnosis of HIV is common among older adults because symptoms of HIV are very similar to those of normal aging, making it more difficult to treat and prevent damage to the immune system. MC

became readily available to those with access to the digital world and have money to spend or invest. The subsequent introduction of digital currencies as a medium of exchange and as an investment instrument (as digital currencies appreciate in value and currencies such as Bitcoin have seen its value rise exponentially, from a fraction of a dollar to more than $60,000). After the success of Bitcoin, other digital currencies were introduced to the market with mixed results. Some encountered great success while others led to losses to investors as their trading platforms were hacked (such as the very wellknown Binance which lost $40 million to hackers) or the operators were schemers who duped their clients. One of the characteristics of selling or trading of products in the digital world is their being largely unregulated especially in less developed countries. Many of the online sellers are still unregistered and their operations not keenly monitored by government agencies. Digital currencies operate outside government control and investors have n legal recourse when things go wrong. Should one engage in digital transactions? Doing things online is definitely more convenient and could have much lower transaction and delivery costs. However, there are also dangers to doing online transactions and we must be very careful and do our own due diligence. In the Philippines, it not uncommon to receive an item that is greatly different in appearance and quality from what was advertised by the online seller. There is a challenge for government to protect investors and buyers in good faith from being taken advantaged off by unscrupulous businessmen. A special unit at DTI or other agencies could be created to regulate and monitor digital transactions. Those engage in selling products or services on the digital world should be duly registered and made accountable for any violations they commit. MC

On Digital Transactions…

Market Driven

Danny Buenbrazo

danny_buenbrazo@yahoo.com

his piece is somehow related to the column’s topic last Saturday, cryptocurrencies, which is one of the “coolest” things that those with access to the internet or the so-called digital world. We are seeing the confluence of the elements of trade and commerce moving into the digital world or that space where people transact without physically meeting to exchange goods and services. The more popular big players in the digital world for the exchange of goods are Amazon, eBay, and Alibaba of world-famous Chinese billionaire, Jack Ma. On these digital platforms, goods belonging to the company itself (e.g. books of Amazon) are offered for sale to institutions, enterprises, and individuals with access to the internet. Initially, payments were made through bank transfers, use of credit cards, and cash payment to the courier upon delivery of the item or items to the buyers. Later there were payment enablers like PayPal, an American financial technology company that specialized in facilitating online payment system across different countries. The attractiveness of the online payment system and issues with the services of PayPal (higher fees that common merchant accounts, high chargeback fees, account suspension that could freeze one’s money for months) ushered the birth of similar companies such as XOOM, Google Wallet, and WePay. These companies also enabled companies and people to send money within a country and across national borders. Development in technology further expanded the transactions that are being done online or digitally as more products and services were made available to people and institutions. Products like investments, insurance,, and others

and medications to manage the disease.

THE MINDANAO CROSS

April 30, 2022

MULING IHALAL

RABAGO COUNCILOR

MGA MAHAL KONG COTABATEÑO: Malapit na ang araw ng halalan. Umaasa ako (kami, sa Team Guiani) na alang-alang sa inyong mga anak, kamag-anakan, sa inyong barangay, at sa ating mahal na lungsod, ay dadagsa sa inyong presinto upang bomoto sa darating na halalan (Mayo 9). Umaasa ako (kami sa Team Guiani) na ang inyong pipiliin mamuno sa ating pamahalaang lungsod ay tanging mga kandidato lamang na subok na ang kakayahan, karanasan at katapatan sa serbisyo publiko. Sa inyo po nakasalalay ang kinabukasan ng ating mahal na lungsod. Ako (kami, sa Team Guiani na pinamumunuan ng ating Punong Lungsod Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi at Bise Alkalde Graham Nazer Dumama) ay nakahandang palakasin, palawakin at ipagpatuloy ang pagparating ng mga tunay na serbisyo publiko sa inyong lahat, kung ako (kami, sa Team Guiani) bilang isa, ay siya ninyong ihahalal sa halalang ito.

1 ATTY. FRANCES CYNTHIA GUIANI-SAYADI

City Mayor

2 GRAHAM NAZER G. DUMAMA City Vice Mayor Paid for by: Maura Dawang- Gensan City

NMIPs conduct IPS Summit COTABATO CITY — With support from the office of Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Member of Parliament (MP) Romeo Saliga and Institute for Autonomy and Governance, the Indigenous Political Structures (IPS) together with the Indigenous Peoples Organizations (IPOs) of different Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples (NMIP) communities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) convened for a 3-day summit here from April 1921, 2022.

DR. EDDIE

Team Guiani

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 DR. DANDA JUANDAY

24 SUKARNO SEMA

The activity aims for the formulation of action plan to serve as roadmap in advancing the rights and well-being of NonMoro Indigenous Peoples in the BARMM during the extended transition period and beyond, as well as to walk through the community leaders and members on the current status on the implementation of policies and programs in the BTA. Several government and non-government personalities from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission, Ministry of Indigenous Peoples' Affairs, United Nations Development Program, and Consortium of the Bangsamoro Civil Society have expressed their support and commitment to push for the target goals and directions stipulated in the plan. More than 300 community leaders joined the Walk for Peace on April 21 that followed the summit as part of the continuing call towards genuine recognition and implementation of their rights in the Bangsamoro. Meanwhile, key leaders shared insights on pressing issues and concerns confronting their respective communities before media personalities in a press conference held after the conduct of Walk for Peace.

April 30, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late CRISPIN GACAYAN APOLINAR, who died intestate in Davao City on October 27, 2017, left parcels of land Lot 46-A, Psd11-043487; Lot 46-C, Psd-11-043487, covered by TCT Nos. T-101554 & T-101556, respectively, both situated in Little Panay, Panabo, Davao with the total area of 49,999 sq. mts., more or less, and a land covered by TCT No. T-35516, registry of deeds for Sultan Kudarat Province, HV-14067 with an area of 49,421 sq. mts., more or less are the subject of deed of extrajudicial settlement before Notary Public Atty. Janris Jay G. Relampagos as per Doc. No. 716; Page No. 143; Book No. II; Series of 2022. MC: Apr. 23, 30 & May 7, 2022

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

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC In compliance with R.A. 9048/10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that Johaina Kasim Midtimbang has filed with this office a petition for correction of clerical error in her certificate of live birth bearing Registry No. 2004-3577 particularly her first name from Baiko to Johaina pursuant to the rules and regulations of R.A. 9048/10172. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this office not later than May 10, 2022. (Sgd.) ILO L. NOR Municipal Civil Registrar MC: April 30 & May 7, 2022

Cops to man poll center in Pikit...from P1 the withdrawal of six public school teachers. It has about 1,000 voters. Enged said that Moro clans are locked in family feud and the teachers fear they might be caught in the crossfire during election so they opted not to serve. She said police are allowed to

carry guns while administering the balloting on May 9. "Barangay Talitay is a nonBARMM village, and still form part of the town of Pikit," Enged explained. Of Pikit’s 42 villages, 22 have joined the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim

No victim shall be left uncompensated...from P1 jumpstart recovery of the people of Marawi. This is one of the most important laws passed under the Duterte Administration,” Pacasum, the convenor of Lanao del Sur Early Response Network. “With the president’s signing of this law, he delivered justice and equal priority to the Maranaos who have lost and sacrificed so much in the past 5 years,” Pacasum said of Duterte’s move. Another MRCW member, Dr. Fedelinda Republic of the Philippines Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Upi, Maguindanao OFFICE OF THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to Section 5 of R.A. No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that Maria May Belangbelang-Demaocor has filed with this office a petition for change of first name from May to Maria May in the certificate of live birth bearing Registry No. 67 of Maria May Alila Belangbelang duly registered at the Office of the Local Civil Registrar of Upi, Maguindanao and whose parents are Ernesto C. Belangbelang and Luzviminda E. Alila. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this office not later than May 13, 2022. (Sgd.) JEAN P. BACAS Municipal Civil Registrar

MC: Apr. 30 & May 7, 2022

Tawagon, said: “Profound thanks to President Duterte for approving the Marawi Compensation Law. We salute you for your sincerity in helping us rekindle our hope for a better future. We hope that its implementation will be smooth, fair, and just.” “This law is a moral and legal victory for the Meranaw IDPs whose lives have been suspended in the long process of rehabilitation and EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late MUAWEYA ABUBAKAR MASABPI, who died intestate on August 10, 2020 in Maguindanao, bank accounts with the Bank of Philippine IslandsShaw Boulevard under account numbers 3303-2103-92, 33032238-34 and 33095083-93 are subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public A t t y. M o h a m m a d Jameel A. Singh as per Doc. No. 36; Page No. 8; Book No. 18; Series of 2022.

MC: Apr. 30, May 7 & 14, 2022

AFFIDAVIT

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late TERESITA A . FA L A L I M PA , w h o died intestate on May 6, 2012 at Nuro, Upi, Maguindanao, left portion of a parcel of land Lot No. 1916, Pls519, situated in Nangi, Upi, Maguindanao under Tax Declaration No. 30 with an area of 6 hectares, more or less is subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with waiver rights before Notary Public Atty. Rolando L. Chew as per Doc. No. 3108; Page No. 311; Book No. 22; Series of 2021.

Notice is hereby given that the late MOCTAR D. MAMACO, who died intestate on February 14, 2022 at Kalaan, Buldon, Maguindanao, left a Savings Account with Union Bank of the Philippines-Magsaysay Branch, Davao City under Account No. 109577900055 is the subject of deed of extrajudicial settlement with special power of attorney/authority before N o t a r y P u b l i c A t t y. Cairoden P. Pangunotan as per Doc. No. 796; Page No. 60; Book No. II; Series of 2022.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late LUCIBAR P. PAMOCOL, who died on November 15, 2018, a parcel of land Lot 11A-1, Psd-12-056633 AR, situated in New Panay, Pigcawayan, Cotabato, containing an area of 14,672 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. CT-27401 is subject of Affidavit of Adjudication by sole heir with simultaneous deed of absolute sale before Notary Public Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 436; Page No. 48; Book No. CCLXXXVI; Series of 2022.

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

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

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

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

In compliance with R.A. No. 10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that Gener Abdullah P. Martinez has filed with this office a petition for change of sex from Male to Female in the birth certificate of Lanze Rein P. Martinez who was born on 21 March 2010 at City of Kidapawan, Cotabato and whose parents are Gener Abdullah P. Martinez and Lorena D. Palattao. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office.

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1, Guidelines in the Implementation of Administrative Order No. 1 series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), a notice is hereby served to the public that Baidido A. Alon has filed with this office a petition for change of sex from Male to Female in the certificate of live birth of Mynor Alon Gambao, who was born 02 April 2005 at Balong, Pikit, Cotabato to parents Lapulapu Solaiman Gambao and Baidido Angeles Alon. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than May 7, 2022.

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1, Guidelines in the Implementation of Administrative Order No. 1 series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), a notice is hereby served to the public that Johannie N. Olvido 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. 98-00075 of Johannie Napata Olvido, duly registered at the Local Civil Registry Office of Upi, Maguindanao and whose parents are Leovin Dagol Olvido and Helen Pacardo Napata. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than May 11, 2022.

MC: Apr. 23, 30 & May 7, 2022

(Sgd.) RAUL A. MALALUAN City Civil Registrar MC: Apr. 23 & 30, 2022

Mindanao (BARMM) Police and poll officials have designed safety measures to ensure the Vote Counting Machines (VCMs) reach the voting centers on time for the election. Pikit has about 30 villages underwater due to continuous rains the past days and may

MC: Apr. 23, 30 & May 7, 2022

(Sgd.) MICHAEL C. TOBIAS, MPA Municipal Civil Registrar MC: Apr. 23 & 30, 2022

MC: Apr. 9, 23 & 30, 2022

(Sgd.) JEAN P. BACAS Municipal Civil Registrar

MC: Apr. 23 & 30, 2022

recovery of Marawi City and its people,” Tawagon, also president of Dansalan College in Marawi City, added. Jalilah Sapiin, MRCW member said: “With the passage of this Act, we now have a stronger resolve to move forward, begin rebuilding our damaged properties and trace our path to recovery.” “This will provide the financial means to recover from the devastation brought by the war,” Sapiin, a worker Republic of the Philippines Province of Cotabato City of Kidapawan LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION In compliance with R.A. No. 10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that Roberta A. Rongcodo has filed with this office a petition for change of sex from Male to Female in the birth certificate of Roberta Englis Sulpot who was born on 01 November 1956 at Kidapawan, Cotabato and whose parents are Francisco Sulpot and Honorata Englis. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office. (Sgd.) RAUL A. MALALUAN City Civil Registrar MC: Apr. 23 & 30, 2022

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late PALAO M. UNAS, who died intestate on September 10, 1994 at Macasampen, Guindulungan, Maguindanao, an untitled parcel of land Lot 448, Pls-586, situated at Bagan, Guindulungan, Maguindanao, with an area of 33,279 sq. mts., more less is subject of extrajudicial settlement of untitled estate before N o t a r y P u b l i c A t t y. Gapor G. Quituar as per Doc. No. 228; Page No. 46; Book No. LXVIII; Series of 2022. MC: Apr. 9, 23 & 30, 2022

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late Spouses GUIALEL ALAMADA and ZUBAIKA H. MOKAMAD and co-owner DODONG ALAMADA, who died on August 1, 2007, November 25, 2017 & January 12, 1986 in Cotabato City, respectively, a parcel of land Lot 246-B-6-B, Psd12-003763, situated in Bo. Kakar, Cotabato City, covered by TCT No. T-23272, containing an area of 9,083 sq. mts., more or less is subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Agnes R. De CastroJagunap as per Doc. No. 824; Page No. 824; Book No. XXVIII; Series of 2022. MC: Apr. 9, 23 & 30, 2022

remain so until election day. Enged said she is coordinating with the Comelec provincial office on measures to ensure continuity of election despite the floods. Tahira Kalantungan, Pikit disaster officer, said most of the flood villages are beside the Liguasan marshland.

of Bangsamoro Region education ministry. Another MRCW member, Dr. Rolanisah Dipatuan-Dimaporo, was a bit surprise of the news. “When we started the struggle and fight for the rights of Marawi Siege victims and survivors, it was an uphill climb all the way. We never even thought we would witness this day will come. But we did,” she said. “ W i t h d e e p gratitude, we thank our representatives and our senators for standing up for us. Finally, we thank President Duterte,” Dimaporo who works at the BARMM health ministry said. “Today, we celebrate the passage of truly landmark legislation. This is a very big deal. This

critical law marks the most significant action for the full recovery of Marawi, mechanisms and processes where people who lost their loved ones and owners of properties that were demolished and destroyed during the fivemonth Marawi siege will now be established and victims now may file their claims for compensation.” MRCW member McMillan Lucman, also Lanao Sur provincial MILG officer, also lauded Pres. Duterte. He also lauded lawmakers who paved the way for the passage of this landmark legislation. “I hope this will help heal the wound caused by Marawi siege,” said MRCW member Mohammad “Khalil” Abas. DXMS

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late FELISA MARQUEZ TECSON, who died intestate on February 21, 2009 at Libungan, Cotabato, left a parcel of land Lot No. 205, Pls-134, situated in Montay, Midsayap (now Libungan), Cotabato with an area of 64,608 sq. mts. more or less, covered by OTC No. V-12074 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous sale before Notary Public Atty. Emmanuel G. Ferenal as per Doc. No. 156; Page No. 82; Book No. XCVIII; Series of 2022.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late RICA JOY DALAGAN CAÑAS, who died intestate on December 21, 2020, a parcel of land covered by TCT No. T-47390, consisting an area of 374 sq. mts., more or less is subject of extrajudicial settlement of real property with waiver of rights before Notary Public Hilary Romeo A. Escobar as per Doc. No. 157; Page No. 32; Book No. IV; Series of 2021.

MC: Apr. 23, 30 & May 7, 2022

Alerto Bangsamoro

MC: Apr. 30, May 7 & 14, 2022

SULTAN PAWNSHOP

corner Bonifacio and Don Rufino Alonzo Sts., Cotabato City

Ang Sultan Pawnshop ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sangla. Ang mga ito ay isinangla noong Setyembre 2021. Ang subasta ay sa Mayo 2, 2022 sa ganap na ika8:00 ng umaga hanggang ika-4:30 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar. MC: Mar. 23 & 30, 2022

PMARK PAWNSHOP MAIN, PMARK PAWNSHOP - BRANCH I & PMARK PAWNSHOP BRANCH II Patalastas ng Subasta PMARK Pawnshop Main Branch ng S.K. Pendatun Avenue, Cotabato City, PMARK Branch I - Parang, Maguindanao, at PMARK Branch II Supermarket Site, Cotabato City ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sangla. Ang mga ito ay yaon pang isinangla magmula pa noong Nobyembre 2021. Ang Subasta ay sa Hunyo 01, 2022 sa ganap na ika 9:00 ng umaga hanggang 4:00 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar. MC: April. 30, 2022

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

Notice for Auction

All unredeemed articles pledged on September 2021 will be auctioned on May 2, 2022 at 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Please come before May 2, 2022 for renewal or redemption.

Patalastas ng Subasta Lahat ng sangla noong Setyembre 2021 ay ipagbibili ng Subasta sa Mayo 2, 2022 sa ganap na ika-8:30 ng umaga hanggang ika4:30 ng hapon. Kung maari ay pumunta bago ang Mayo 2, 2022 para sa pagbayad ng tubo o pagtubos.

MC: Mar. 23 & 30, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

April 30, 2022

Fasting amid daytime heat, rainy nights ...from P1 O ye! Who Believe! Fasting is prescribed unto you as it was prescribed unto those before you that ye may learn to fear God in self-restraint. (Qur’an II: 128) But fasting is no reason to be physically weak, inactive nor unproductive: The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) under Chief Minister Al-Hajj Murad Ebrahim, exudes busy days in office hours and a workforce in nights of entrepreneurship serving cooked foods and selling farmers’ products in some evening-only stalls dotting all roadsides of the regional government center. The month-long nightly Ramadan Fair is a project of the Office of the Chief Minister and the Ministry of Trade Industry and Tourism (MTIT) in partnership with other BARMM, agencies and local chambers of commerce and industry. Also in a 40-year old memorandum circular, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) tends to have reduced the work-hours for the country’s Muslims during Ramadan. However, on closer look, the modified daily work office hours prescribed for Muslim under the circular is 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with no noon break, and so is the same as the eight-hour ordinary work days for the rest of the Philippines' workforce. Politically, Ramadan is the season of no-backbiting, no mudslinging and no speaking ill of one’s political

opponents in private or in public speeches. During political rallies staged by the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), there were no mentions of proper names in innuendoes of political speeches. The UBJP leadership has endorsed the Presidential candidacy of Vice-President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo, but there was neither a mention nor attacks on other presidential candidates, not Ferdinand Marcos Jr, during the political anointment ceremonies in Camp Darapanan, Maguindanao on April 23. This is the first time in recent history that the election period falls within fasting weeks in Ramadan— as well as the traditional Holy Week among Christians. The most common astronomic formula for conversion of the Hijri Islamic Calendar date to its Gregorian counterpart is to use a corrective factor (354 divided by 365) ≈ 0.97. Stories of fasting as practiced by biblical prophets and personalities are told in Exodus 34:28; Daniel 10: 2-3l; Isaiah 58:6; Joel 2:12; Matthew 6:16-18; Matthew 4:2 and Acts 13:3—among many other verses. There’s no Recess either in the Bangsamoro Transitional Authority (BTA) working double-time on unfinished legislative agenda. And it’s workdays as usual in most Bangsamoro government agencies like the

Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG). On April 21, 2022, the Mindanao Humanitarian Team convened by Interior and Local Governments Minister Naguib G. Sinarimbo with United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Gustavo Gonzales. Discussed during the year’s first MHT was addressing states of humanitarian situations in the Bangsamoro region, including the recent flooding in Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur, and parts of the Special Geographic Are (SGA) in Cotabato province. “We convened today (April 21) the first Mindanao Humanitarian Team (MHT) meeting for 2022 with our Co-chair UN Resident Coordinator/Humanitarian Coordinator Mr. Gustavo Gonzales to discuss our cooperation in addressing several humanitarian situations in the region, including the recent flooding in Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur,” Sinarimbo said. Sinarimbo said the MHT is “the platform for coordination and cooperation between the Bangsamoro Government and the UN Humanitarian agencies and other partner organizations operating in the region.” Extended UN humanitarian agencies have long been helping the peace process from way back in term of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) through the current BARMM.

Local execs mount...from P1 should not be complacent,” Adiong said. Two of Lanao del Sur’s 39 towns - Tubaran and Malabang - had reportedly been placed under Comelec control due to recent election-related incidents in both areas. Gunmen fired assault rifles and pounded with 40 millimeter grenade projectiles several houses in one of the barangays in Malabang last week. Mayor Tomas Macapodi has condemned the attack. Macapodi, also town peace council chair, has urged the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region and the 1st Marine Brigade of the Philippine Navy to deploy more personnel in the municipality to restrain armed partisans from moving around. Major Gen. Juvymax

Uy, commander of the Army's 6th Infantry Division, said they shall tightly secure Malabang with the guidance of Comelec. The 6th ID has operational control over the 1st Marine Brigade securing Malabang and nearby towns in the second district of Lanao del Sur that are inside the so-called “area of responsibility” of the division. “The 6th ID, the 1st Marine Brigade and the PRO-BAR are together in full control of the situation in Malabang,” Uy said. Basilan Gov. Jim Salliman, chairperson of their provincial peace and order council, said the police and the military are also both “on top of the situation” in all of the 11 towns and two cities in the island province.

BARMM’s Iqbal forms poll...from P1 to city schools divisions. Iqbal explained that the task force will also help ensure all MBHTE personnel, teaching and non-teaching, shall be provided with adequate information, technical support, and legal assistance in the course of the performance of their duties as members of the Electoral Board on May 9 elections. “This launching is part of the memorandum between MBHTE and Commission on Elections to ensure the security and safety of our teachers who will serve for the upcoming 2022 election,” he added. The election task forces were launched at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex here. MBHTE legal officials oriented the task force on constitutional provisions, laws, and jurisprudence on electioneering and political partisan activity; participation and preparations for the 2022 NLE; and political neutrality and learner’s

participation in political partisan activity. MBHTE Attorney IV Hamida Mantikayan reminded teachers and electoral board members that they are prohibited from wearing any election paraphernalia promoting candidates, give financial contributions for the benefit of a candidate or party, be a delegate to any political convention, and form groups or organizations for the purpose of soliciting votes. During the launching Wednesday, BARMM Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal has reminded teachers who will serve in the elections to maintain neutrality and stick to what is being implemented by the law. “Let us stay neutral, remember that you have a right to choose your candidates, and just stick to the law and principle for us to have a clean, peaceful, and transparent in the near 2022 election,” Minister Iqbal told more 4,000 teachers across the region.

Deadline : 15 banking days after end of reference quarter Submission: Original copy to Supervisory Data Center (SDC)

COOPERATIVE BANK OF COTABATO Name of Bank Jose Abad Santos Street, Kidapawan City Address AGRI AGRA REPORT - SELECTED ACCOUNTS As of March 31, 2022 CONTROL PROOFLIST Details

Account Code

Parent Bank Amount on Date of Report

Amount on 20 April 2010

Increase/ (Decrease)

A. Total Loanable Funds Generated 1.

Net Amount - Deposit Liabilities

295150000000000000 1,534,152,521.31

Net Amount - Bills Payable

295201000000000000

Net Amount - Bonds Payable

295201500500000000

Redeemable Preferred Shares

220250000000000000

Unsecured Subordinated Debt

295202000000000000

Total Capital Accounts - Net

395000000000000000

547,854,448.02

Total Bank’s Funds

005000000000000000

2,378,353,995.11

Total Deductions

065050000000000000

542,717,280.88

Total Loanable Funds Generated

095050000000000000 1,835,636,714.23

Details

Account Code

Total Loanable Funds Generated

Minimum Amount Required to be Allocated for:

8,052,745.00

287,294,280.78 0.00

1,000,000.00

1,000,000.00 0.00

Parent

147,637,829.14

400,216,618.88

461,327,233.11 1,917,026,762.00 96,591,845.20

446,125,435.68

364,735,387.91 1,470,901,326.32 Total Subsidiary Bank/s

Total

1,470,901,326.32

Agrarian Reform

095050000000000001 147,090,132.63

147,090,132.63

Other Agricultural Credit

095050000000000002 220,635,198.95

220,635,198.95

Compliance with Prescribed Allocation for Agrarian Reform Credit 1.

095050000000000000

295,347,025.78

305,636,658.97 1,228,515,862.34

Amount of Compliance

095050000000100001 357,476,229.36

Direct Compliance

095050000000110001 357,476,229.36

Alternative Compliance

095050000000120001 095050000000210001

0.00

357,476,229.36 357,476,229.36 0.00

Excess/(Deficiency)

210,386,096.73

0.00

210,386,096.73

Excess Compliance of a Bank/ 095050000000220001 Banks Used by Another Bank/ Other Banks

Excess/Deficiency in Agrarian 095050000000230001 Reform Credit

210,386,096.73

E x c e s s C o m p l i a n c e w i t h 095050000000240001 Agrarian Reform Credit Utilized for Agricultural Credit

-196,065,479.94

Total Compliance with the 095050000000200001 Agrarian Reform Credit

161,410,749.42

0.00

161,410,749.42

Percentage of Compliance with 095050000000300001 the Agrarian Reform Credit

10.97

#DIV/0!

10.97

0.00

31,759,336.11

0.00 0.00

210,386,096.73 -196,065,479.94

Compliance with Prescribed Allocation for Other Agricultural Credit 1.

Amount of Compliance

095050000000100002

31,759,336.11

Direct Compliance

095050000000110002

31,759,336.11

b. Alternative Compliance

095050000000120002

Excess/(Deficiency)

095050000000210002

-188,875,862.84

0.00

Excess Compliance with Agrarian Reform Credit Utilized for Agricultural Credit

095050000000240002

196,065,479.94

Excess/Deficiency in Agricultural 095050000000230002 Credit

7,189,617.10

Excess Compliance of a Bank/ Banks Used by Another Bank/ Other Banks

095050000000220002

Total Compliance with the Other Agricultural Credit

095050000000200002

227,824,816.05

0.00

227,824,816.05

Percentage of Compliance with 095050000000300002 the Other Agricultural Credit

15.49

#DIV/0!

15.49

0.00

-188,875,862.84 196,065,479.94

0.00

7,189,617.10 0.00

I hereby certify that all matters set forthin this Publish Balance Sheet are true and correct, to the best of my knowledge and belief. ROLLY R. DELA CRUZ - PRESIDENT Autorized Signatory

April 30, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

P50K reward up for bus bomber

PARANG, Maguindanao — The municipal government here on Tuesday offered P50,000 for any information leading to the arrest of the suspect in Sunday’s bombing of a bus here that hurt six passengers. Parang Mayor Cahar Ibay, chairperson of the municipal peace and order council, told Mindanao Cross Tuesday he will release the amount without question once the culprit is identified and arrested. Bangsamoro Autonomous Region police office has released Monday a cartographic image and photos of the suspect obtained from recordings of the security camera of the bombed out unit of the Rural Tours Bus Company. The suspect was said to have boarded the bus somewhere, planted two improvised explosive devices in its rearmost portion and alighted in the town proper here before one of the two IEDs went off. The bus was bound for Pagadian City en route to Dipolog City. Brig. Gen. Arthur Cabalona, PRO-BAR chief, said their intelligence agents are now trying to locate the suspect with the help of military counterparts. He said there are indications that a group against the operation of the Rural Tours Bus Company on the Dipolog-Pagadian-CotabatoGenSan route could be responsible for the bombing of its unit while in Barangay Makir here. Operators and drivers of air-conditioned

passenger vans plying the Cotabato-Pagadian route had been affected by its operation owing to bus firm’s lower fare rates. Six bus passengers, Feysel Culag, 40, Expedito Ocay, 45, Benjamin Wahab, 32, Pastod Bularon, 53, Elgene Palma, 30 John Paul Capio, 17, were hurt. The perpetrator of Sunday’s bus bombing here planted two explosives but only one went off. Lt. Col. Joseph Macatangay, chief of the Parang Municipal Police Station, said Monday the improvised explosive device used in the attack was identical with what local terror groups had used in recent bombings in central Mindanao. Major Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, who has condemned the bombing, said a secondary explosive was found underneath the seat of the bombed out bus. Responding Army and police bomb disposal experts had promptly deactivated the second IED. Intelligence operatives of 6th ID and the Navy’s 1st Marine Brigade are helping the Parang municipal police and PRO-BAR identify the people behind the bombing. John

Felix Unson

WAS HE? WASN’T HE? Police released the suspect’s facial composite and Rural Tours CCTV footage of this man last seen leaving the bus in a hurry from the rear portion of vehicle minutes before explosion on April 24 in Parang, Maguindanao. He remained at large. Photo courtesy of PNP BARMM

Cop’s ambushers still unidentified PIKIT, North Cotabato — Army and police intelligence agents have fused ranks to put closure on the ambush here Wednesday of Police Corporal Shanty Ben Marcelo Buagas, who was badly wounded in the attack. Brig. Gen. Alexander Tagum, Police Regional Office-12 regional diretor, said efforts to identify the attackers of the 25-year-old Buagas are now underway. Suspected religious extremists seriously wounded Buagas in an ambush here on

Wednesday morning. Buagas, a member of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 12, a rapid law-enforcement and anti-terror unit of the Police Regional Office-12, sustained multiple gunshot wounds in the attack. In an initial statement, the Pikit PNP said Buagas was riding a motorcycle when he was attacked by two men while motoring through a secluded stretch of a highway in Barangay Batulawan. The two men, armed with .45 caliber pistols, hurriedly escaped using

a motorcycle after they repeatedly shot Buagas. Buagas, who fell from his motorcycle, was immediately rushed to a hospital by responding barangay officials and police personnel. Army and police intelligence units in North Cotabato are now trying to validate reports purporting that the culprits are members of the Dawlah Islamiya. There is presence of the outlawed Dawlah Islamiya, fashioned from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, in Pikit. John Felix Unson

CIDG: 30 Dawlah men face criminal raps THE police have set a precedent by prosecuting together at one time 30 members of the Dawlah Islamiya in Lanao del Sur. The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group charged last week 30 members of the Dawlah Islamiya group with violation of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020. Major Esmael Madin, chief of CIDG-Lanao Sur, told Mindanao Cross the group figured in bloody encounters with units of the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade in Maguing town last month.

A soldier, Pvt. Clint Rey Armada, and seven of its members were killed in the hostilities then in Maguing, located in the first district of Lanao del Sur. Madin said they charged with murder, frustrated murder, illegal possession of firearms and explosives and violation of the AntiTerrorism Act of 2020 the 30 Dawlah Islamiya members before the Lanao del Sur Provincial Prosecutor’s Office in Marawi City. The CIDG-Lanao del Sur presented as evidence in prosecuting

the group, led by the religious extremist Faharudin Hadji Satar, the assault rifles and explosives they left in their lair in Barangay Ilatag, Maguing as they fled. The hostilities left a soldier, Pvt. Ariel Bahala wounded. Many of its members were former loyal followers of the slain siblings Omarkhayam and Abdullah Maute, founders of the Maute terror group that instigated the bloody May 23 to October 16, 2017 conflict in Marawi City. John Felix Unson

Rifles seized from trike driver MIDSAYAP, North Cotabato - Authorities clamped down early this week a tricycle driver for attempting to transport somewhere in this town three assault rifles. Avier Amal, 28, was intercepted by personnel of the Army’s 34th Infantry Battalion at a checkpoint in Kapinpilan area here, his tricycle carrying two M14 assault rifles and an M653 rifle. Amal was said to have come from the border of Midsayap and Datu Piang town in Maguindanao, where there is presence of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters. He was immediately

brought to the headquarters of the 34th IB in Barangay Salunayan here for interrogation and was, subsequently, turned over to the Midsayap Municipal Police Station. The police shall prosecute him for possession of unlicensed firearms. A report on his arrest had also been submitted to the municipal office of the Commission on Elections as basis for his having violated the gun ban the Comelec has been imposing since December in line with the forthcoming May 9 local, provincial and national elections. John

Felix Unson

ADVERTISE WITH US

call : 421-7161

DECENT HOMES. At least 50 indigent families in Upi, Maguindanao are recipients of these homes from Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Photo courtesy of Bangsamoro Information Office

Bird Flu spreading in Mlang villages KIDAPAWAN CITY — Still reeling from effects of African Swine Fever (ASF), farmers in Mlang, North Cotabato have to deal with another devastating infection on domestic chicken and ducks. At least six out of 37 villages have been affected in Mlang, according to Engineer Arlene Encarnacion, acting municipal agriculturist. The bird flu fatalities were first reported in the villages of Bialong and Lepaga. Later to infected chickens and ducks in Barangays New Antique,

Dugong, Bagontapay, and Buayan. Encarnacion said after blood tests confirmed the presence of avian flu among animals, they were immediately culled. This is to prevent further infection in nearby communities. She said the droves of chicken that turned positive for bird flu are all “inclusions” from the provinces of Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato. Mlang hosts to some 100,000 ducks stationed in various villages. More than 4,000 had been culled and buried in

Barangay Tibao, Encarnacion said. She said if she had her way, all the chicken and ducks must be depopulated to really kill the virus. But economic implications are seriously considered among farmers. "If we culled all the flocks, we don’t have funds to pay for the affected duck raisers," Encarnacion explained. The agri-chief disclosed that each flock is composed of 1000 pieces with monetary value worth P70,000. The Mlang agriculture office is now

conducting massive blood samplings to all flocks within its territory. The town council, chaired by Vice Mayor Joselito Piñol, is now drafting a letter address for the Department of Agriculture 12 requesting for assistance to the affected duck raisers. "We have been hit by the ASF and now Bird Flu, but we don’t even hear any words from the regional director since he assumed office last year," Vice Mayor Piñol said. Williamor A.

Magbanua