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CHURCH / P6

BARMM enhances mentors’ prep in polls

9 heritage churches celebrate 450 years

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3 drug den operators in Maguindanao face charges

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

BARMM’S 2.5-M VOTERS, R-12’S 2.6-M EXPECTED TO VOTE

Nationwide, more than 65 million Filipinos are expected to vote for the May 9, 2022 elections, aside from the 1.697 million Filipinos overseas who have voted, data from the Commission on Elections show.

Sanitarium Hospital now 250-bed facility

By John Felix Unson PERSONNEL of the Cotabato Sanitarium Hospital in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao were elated with the enactment of Republic Act 11715 expanding it into a 250-bed facility. President Rodrigo Duterte signed RA 11715 into law April 29, 2022. Physician Ibrahim Pangato, chief of the CSH in Barangay Pinaring said Thursday they are thankful to President Duterte and to Maguindanao 1st District Representative Ronnie Sinsuat for sponsoring the bill that was to become RA 11715. Pangato said local officials also helped follow up the enactment into law of Sinsuat’s proposal to expand the CSH into a 250-bed hospital. He said credit also has to go to Senator Christopher Lawrence Go, more known as Senator Bong Go, for helping push the passage of RA 11715 forward. Pangato said the RA 11715 is a strong motivation for him and his medical and administrative staff and rank-and-file subordinates to work even harder in serving patients, particularly the poor and needy.

WHERE’S MY NAME?This woman appears to be saying silently as she scans her name on a voters’ list in one of the voting precincts in this photo at Notre Dame Village Elementary School during the last election. File Photo

Dengue cases up in Kidapawan By Williamor Magbanua KIDAPAWAN CITY — Health officials here did not recommend declaration of dengue outbreak despite the “unprecedented” increase of feared disease in at least five big villages. Data from the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) showed dengue cases in the city from January to April 29, 2022, rose by 817 percent or 165 cases as against 18 during the same period last year. Only one of the 165 cases has died. The CESU refused to give exact patients who were hospitalized. Jasna Sucol, city dengue coordinator, said the average of those infected with dengue was from age 0-90 years old, 85 were males and 79 women. “Actually it is a three-year cycle were sudden increase in the number of dengue cases occurred. Remember in 2019, a state if calamity was declared due to dengue outbreak (here),” Sucol said. Densely populated Barangay Poblacion has 42 cases followed by the villages of Sudapin, 21; Balindog, 15; Lanao, 13 and Amas, 12. Fogging Sucol said the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), conducted simultaneous fogging operations as preventive measures to combat the spread of the disease in the nearby villages. “This was in response to the request of our village officials following the surge of dengue,” Sucol said.

Teachers dissent “hasty changes” in poll duties COTABATO CITY — An estimated 200 teachers earlier assigned as electoral board in the city have protested the alleged replacement of their names to serve the May 9 polls by teachers who have no certification from Department of Science and Technology (DOST). “We were surprised to learn about this hasty changes during the orientation, our replacements were mentors of Madaris (Islamic schools) who have not

READY TO SERVE. More than 9,000 police and soldiers have been deployed across BARMM to ensure peaceful conduct of May 9 elections

Photo courtesy of PNP-BARMM

By Edwin O. Fernandez been trained on poll duties, specifically on the handling of vote-counting machines,” one of the teachers told reporters. “There’s no proper explanation why we were replaced by Madaris teachers who were not certified by the (MOST/ DOST) Ministry/Department of Science and Technology on handling VCM,” she said. “MBHTE gave no explanation, Comelec office was close.” The replacements, they were told,

were ordered by the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MBHTE-BARMM). Their replacements came after a new election officer, Eusoph Kari, former municipal election officer in Maguindanao, was designated as acting city election officer, replacing Atty. Norpaisa Paglala who was moved to Marawi.

MILF backs Sara, names 12 senate bets

By Nash B. Maulana AFTER endorsing Vice-President Leni senatorial slots, across national party Robredo for the May 9 national, the lines. They are: Juan Miguel “Migz” political party of the Moro Islamic Zubiri; Actor Robin Padilla; Sherwin Liberation Front (MILF) has endorsed “Win” Gatchalian; Risa Hontiveros; Jel 12 candidates for senator. “Tesdaman” Villanueva; Richard Gordon; Al-Hadj Murad Ebrahim, chairman Loren Legarda; Mark Villar; Samira of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party Gutoc; Chel Diokno; Herbert “Bistek” (UBJP), said the party came up with Bautista; and JV Ejercito. the consensus to support the candidacy Ebrahim said the regional party of 12 senatorial aspirants, after much makes choices of candidates, according deliberation at a top policy-making level to what they believe would protect and of the party. preserve the gains of the Bangsamoro Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo, UBJP Peace Process. secretary general, said the party also Earlier, the MILF’s UBJP hosted a decided to endorse Davao City Mayor Sara grand rally, anointing Ms. Robredo in Duterte for vice president. Camp Darapanan, Maguindanao He named 12 UBJP bets to the 12 on April 23, as its choice to succeed

BARMM enhances mentors’ prep in polls

THE Bangsamoro Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) brace up to polls preparation for teachers who will be serving the May 9 elections in different parts of the five-province Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The MBHTE, BARMM’s equivalent of the Department of Education (DepEd), formed its 2022 Elections Task Force (ETF) composed of teachers who will serve during the elections. It then launched on April 25 the ETF, and conducted an orientation program for the teacher-members of the task force. Under the Omnibus Election Code, teachers are deputized as members of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs) at precinct and of Board of Election Canvassers (BEC) at municipal and provincial canvassing levels. MBHTE Minister Mohaguer Iqbal noted the importance of keeping the mentors prepared for the challenges of serving the coming local and national elections. “Like any logical process flow, we need to be oriented for a role before

going to the field. Or else, we may unintentionally commit an offense that can question the integrity of the May 2022 elections and obstruct Moral Governance,” Iqbal pointed out. BARMM is composed of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, the cities of Cotabato, Lamitan, and Marawi as well as 63 villages designated as Special Geographic Area (SGA) in North Cotabato province (which itself is not part of BARMM). Cotabato City local executives have pending petition to the Supreme Court against the city’s inclusion from the February 2019 plebiscite. The MBHTE, one of the line agencies of the Bangsamoro government, conducted the orientation on April 28 (Thursday) for the teachers who will serve in the polls through the

region’s MBHTE ETF. Covered in the orientation included the teachers’ preparations for the call-of-duty during the elections and their responsibilities as the task force units or group, as well as the operationalization and the flow of polls process. Iqbal assured that the MBHTE will provide the teachers with necessary support mechanisms during this critical period. The MBHTE 2022 Election Task Force was organized to complement the work of the teachers that will be deployed to various precincts. Election for the first batch of elected officials of the BARMM is not included in this year’s political exercise because President Rodrigo R. Duterte approved the resetting of the regional election to May 2025. Nash B. Maulana

9k cops, soldiers deployed for BARMM poll security duties

MORE than 9,000 Police and military have been sent to various provinces in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to help ensure a peaceful conduct of 2022 national and local elections. Brig. Gen. Arthur Cabalona, BARMM police regional director, said 6,347 police personnel and 2,846 military personnel are now on their way to the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. Cabalona said the PNP Personnel that will secure the 1,195 polling centers; five Provincial Treasurer’s Office, 119 city and municipal treasurer’s office where election paraphernalia are stored, 120 COMELEC offices; and 86 canvassing areas. These security forces were sent Wednesday during send-off ceremony at Camp SK Pendatun, the regional

office of PNP-BARMM. Cabalona said the deployment includes 706 Reactionary Standby Support Force (RSSF) personnel for Lanao Del Sur and Maguindanao. Another 405-strong Quick Reactionary Force (QRF) personnel will be on standby and ready to be deployed anytime in case of emergency. Additional police from regional mobile force battalion will augment personnel in Lanao Del Sur, Maguindanao, and Cotabato City while Personnel from RMFB BASULTA will be deployed in the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. Cabalona said there are 2,516 police personnel trained as Electoral Board of Inspectors requested by COMELEC ready to serve as replacement in case some teachers back out on the day of election.

“We need to ensure that the registered voters will be free to vote for their candidates that during the process, they feel safe, secure, and protected,” Cabalona said. Atty. Ray F. Sumalipao, COMELEC BARMM regional election director, shared that the PNP have two vital roles during the elections. First is to act as security personnel and the other one is to act as special members of the electoral board. Also present during the program were Major Gen Eden T Ugale, deputy commander of Mindanao Area Police Western Command, Brig. Gen Eduardo B Gubat, deputy division commander 6th Infantry Division, Philippine Army; Colonel Eric A Macaambac, Brigade Commander and representative from BARMM education ministry. Edwin

O. Fernandez

BARMM’s 2.5-M voters, R-12’s 2.6-M expected to vote...from P1 In the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and in Soccsksargen region, more than 5 million are expected to cast votes. Ten aspirants hope to replace Pres. Rodrigo Duterte who will step down from Malacanang on June 30.

Following are the 10 presidential bets: Ernesto Abella (IND) Leody de Guzman (PLM) Isko Moreno Domagoso (AKSYON) Norberto Gonzales (PDSP) Ping Lacson (PDR) Faisal Mangondato (KTPNAN) Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (PFP) Jose Montemayor Jr. (DPP) Manny Pacquiao (PROMDI) Leni Robredo (IND) The 9 Vice Presidential aspirants are: Lito Atienza (PROMDI) Walden Bello (PLM) Rizalito David (DPP) Sara Duterte (LAKAS) Manny Lopez (WPP) Dr. Willie Ong (AKSYON) Francis Pangilinan (LP) Carlos Serapio (KTPNAN) Vicente “Tito” Sotto III (NPC) There are 65 aspirants to become the new 12 senators and 253 legislative district representatives. Almost 18,000 local seats are up for grabs on Monday. 253 legislative district representatives

May 7, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

81 governors 81 vice governors 782 provincial board members 146 city mayors 146 city vice mayors 1650 city councilors 1,488 municipal mayors 1,488 municipal vice mayors 11,908 municipal councilors

Below are the number of registered voters in BARMM and part of Soccsksargen region from the Commission on Elections website. BARMM has 2,588,193 registered voters Maguindanao with Cotabato City - 939,011 Lanao del Sur - 685,643 Basilan with Isabela City 297,322 Sulu - 433,372 Tawi-Tawi - 232,845 SOCCSKSARGEN 2,606,492 (North) Cotabato 771,206 South Cotabato (with Gen. Santos City) - 975,541 Sultan Kudarat - 497,690 Sarangani - 362,055 In (North) Cotabato, aspirants are to fill in 3 congressional districts, 1 city, and 17 municipalities. (NORTH) COTABATO For governor ADAJAR, MANUEL (Independent) CATAMCO, NANCY (PDPLaban) MAONGKO, REX (Independent) MENDOZA, LALA (Nacionalista Party)

For vice governor DESCALSO, HYNER (Independent) MACAPENDEG, ARMAN (Independent) MACASARTE, NENENG (Lakas-CMD) PIÑOL, EFREN (PDPLaban) 1st District DELA PEÑA, KUY TORING (PROMDI) DILANGALEN, ABDULBASSIT (Independent) SACDALAN, JOEL (PDPLaban) 2nd District CAOAGDAN, RUDY (Nacionalista Party) LABOG, KIER (Independent) 3rd District ROLDAN, RENE (Independent) SANTOS, SAMANTHA (Lakas-CMD) TEJADA, NELDA (PDPLaban)

SULTAN KUDARAT For governor MANGUDADATU, DATU PAX (Lakas-CMD) MANGUDADATU, SHARIFA (Aksyon Demokratiko) For vice governor SAKALURAN, RADEN (Lakas-CMD) SALAZAR, BISHOP DAVE (Aksyon Demokratiko) 1st Congressional District SAKALURAN, BAI RIHAN (Lakas-CMD) VALDEZ, BOTOG (Aksyon Demokratiko) 2nd District ORTIZ, JOSEPH (LakasCMD) SUANSING, TOTO

(National Unity Party)

BASILAN (BARMM) For Governor Alfiya Akbar (Lakas-CMD) Walid Amiril (Pederalismo Ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan) Ismael Garingan (Independent) Jim Hataman-Salliman (PDP-Laban) For Vice Governor Majid Abdil (Independent) Yusop Alano (PDP-Laban) Rahma Jamiri (Independent) Pai Sali (United Bangsamoro Justice Party) LANAO DEL SUR For Governor Mamintal Jr. Adiong (Lakas-CMD) Camar Jr. Banocag (Independent) Haber Dida-Agun (Independent) Alim Ibrahim (Independent) Jahlalodin Lucman (Workers And Peasants Party) Ansary Maongco (Partido Para Sa Demokratikong Reporma) Mansawi Mimbalawag (Independent) Khalfan Molia (Pederalismo Ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan) Abu Mohammad Sarangani (Ummah Party) Gapor Randy Usman (Reform Ph- People’s Party) For Vice Governor Nadjer Abdul (People’s Reform Party) Mujam Adiong (LakasCMD) Hogecar Ala (Partido Para Sa Demokratikong

Teachers dissent...from P1 Sarapia Talapas, Al Hadja was designed by BARMM as acting Cotabato City schools division superintendent, replacing Dr. Concepcion Balawag who was designated as director for Administration and Finance Services of MBHTE BARMM. Atty. Ray Sumalipao, Commission on Elections – BARMM director, stressed that the replacement of teachers was not the works of Comelec. In a radio interview, Sumalipao said “it stemmed from an earlier

memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed between MBHTE and retired Comelec chairperson Sheriff Abas giving MBHTE the power to recommend teachers to serve the polls.” “I only learned about the MOA when I was reassigned to BARMM from Region 9,” he said, adding that only teachers with MOST/DOST certification have the right to serve or operate the VCM. Sumalipao vowed to “settle the matter” by Friday or Saturday. No word from MBHTE despite efforts to reach them.

The fogging operation started in April 30. Prioritized were areas near schools. “This is to ensure that our learners attending the face-to-face classes are safe from the dengue-mosquitocarrier,” Sucol said.

More than 10 public schools will be subjected to fogging after Monday’s elections. Sucol advised the community and the residents to maintain cleanliness and good hygiene to help prevent the spread of dengue.

Republic of the Philippines Province of Cotabato Municipality of Midsayap LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE

Republic of the Philippines Province of Cotabato Municipality of Alamada OFFICEOF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR

Dengue cases up in...from P1

NOTICE FOR THE PUBLIC In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1, Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), notice is hereby served to the public that Joely Caballero Sabando has filed with this office a petition for change of sex from Male to Female in the certificate of live birth of Shantal Juarez Sabando who was born on June 13, 2013 at Midsayap, Cotabato and whose parents are Joely C. Sabando and Jenisa C. Juarez. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this office of Municipal Civil Registrar, Midsayap, Cotabato.

(Sgd.) NORAH B. CABUGWASON Municipal Civil Registrar

MC: May 7 & 14, 2022

Reporma) Abulkhair Alawi (Independent) Alim-Saad Amate (PDPLaban) Bashier Manalao (Reform Ph- People’s Party) Cacayadun Manta (Independent) Maguindanao For Governor Hadji Yasser Ampatuan (Abag Promdi) Dhats Ganasi (Aksyon Demokratiko) Norsalyn Kasim (Independent) Datu Mala Lumbos (Independent) Bai Mariam Mangudadatu (Nacionalista Party) Esmael Mangudadatu (United Bangsamoro Justice Party) For Vice Governor Suraida Abdullah (Independent) Abdulhadi Hasim (Independent) Bai Sandra Sema (United Bangsamoro Justice Party) Bai Ainee Sinsuat (Nacionalista Party) Alpata Utto (Abag Promdi) For Maguindanao Congressional Representative First legislative district: Mohammad Ali Amil (Independent) Baidonna Dilangalen (Kilusang Bagong Lipunan) Jashriya Dilangalen (Partido Demokratiko Sosyalista Ng Pilipinas) Ellas Dimarao (Independent) Dimple Mastura (PDPLaban) Mastura Mokamad (Abag

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1, Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), notice is hereby served to the public that Rowemar A. Maceda has filed with this office a petition for correction of entry in sex from Female to Male in the certificate of live birth of Rowemar Ambot Maceda of Bao, Alamada, Cotabato and whose parents are Robustiano Jr. A. Maceda and Rosalie A. Ambot. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this office not later than May 23, 2022. (Sgd.) MA. LENY B. BUENAFE Municipal Civil Registrar MC: May 7 & 14, 2022

Promdi) Datu Roonie Sr. Sinsuat (United Bangsamoro Justice Party) Second legislative district: Kadil Kayadtugan (Independent) Bing Mangacop (Abag Promdi) Dong Mangudadatu (United Bangsamoro Justice Party) Tong Paglas (Nacionalista Party) Sulu FOR Governor Tan, Abdusakur (PDPLaban) FOR Vice Governor Tan, Abdusakur II (PDPLaban) SULU DISTRICT First district Tan, Samier (PDP-Laban) Second district Arbison, Munir Jr. (Lakas) TAWI-TAWI FOR Governor Abdul, Darwin (INDEPENDENT) Ibnohajil, Dada (PDPLaban) Sahali, Dick (PDP-Laban) Sali, Mang (Top) Tan, Kennedy (INDEPENDENT) FOR Vice Governor Abubakar, Hji Anuar (PDP-Laban) Akip, Arnold (INDEPENDENT) Sali, Al-syed (Top) Tawi-Tawi Lone district Reyes, Gen Epah (PDPLaban) Sahali, Ruby (PDP-Laban) Sali, Dimzar (NUP) . Edwin

O. Fernandez

May 7, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

May 7, 2022

MANIFESTO

On Elections and Governance in Cotabato City Once again, on May 9, 2022, the electorates will choose leaders who will govern the City Government. It is in this regard that we, the convenors of the MindaNow Movement for Peace (MMP-Cotabato City) inspired by the call for Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together, raise our voices. To the Cotabato City Candidates: We remind those who aspire to be our leaders that: • Good governance starts with peaceful, honest and credible elections. • We will never enjoy our people’s confidence unless we have a clear, coherent, and doable program of action and policy. • The privilege and burden of governing is imbued with Amanah (Trust) • We are divinely accountable for our actions and inaction. To the Cotabateños The Cotabateños must stake their claim in City governance, as a right and as a duty. Good Governance is a democratic principle. The pursuit of Good Governance is our duty. Thus, we, as stakeholders composed of various faiths, public sector, civic groups, academe, and security sector, are pushing our good governance agenda for our leader’s consideration to wit: Our 10 Point Good Local Governance Agenda AGENDA I - LOCAL GOVERNMENT POWERS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Exercise and optimize the powers and functions of the Local Government. Enhance the City Revenue Base Connect the City to neighboring local governments for economic cooperation. Exercise Lawful Fiscal Management Generate Public Accountability

AGENDA II – ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & DELIVERY OF SERVICES 6. 7.

Enhance the Delivery of social services such as education, health, livelihood and other City Government Services. Recognition and empowerment of women and youth in Peace Building, Good Governance and Sustainable Development. 8. Promote mutual co-existence by establishing an institutional mechanism that respect minority rights, welfare and protection. 9. Pursue Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Initiatives with due consideration to climate change adaptation and mitigation. 10. Assert its stake and role in the Peace Process. These governance agenda can be immediately undertaken as soon as City leaders will be elected to address the more pressing concerns of the Cotabateños. Thus, it will improve the quality of life of the Cotabateños. God willing, we pray to find the moral courage, resolve and fortitude to liberate ourselves from our present predicament. This Manifesto is signed and issued on May 01, 2022 at Smith Hall, Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Cotabato City. Convenors: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Al Qalam Institute of the Ateneo de Davao University Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV- Mindanao & Cotabato) Christian for Peace Movement- CfPM Office for Settler Communities- OSC Office of MP Mussolini Lidasan Knights of Columbus - KIDMACO Supreme Student Council of MSU - Maguindanao - SSC - MSU, Maguindanao University Student Council of Cotabato State University - CSU - USC

9. Joint Task Force Kutawato - JTFK 10. Advocates for Sustainable Liguasan - ASuL 11. Community Awareness and Readiness for Emergency - CARE 12. Philippine Air Force Reserves 13. KAPANGALIMUAN 14. Gallant Adolescent New Generation - GANG 15. KAPANGALIMUWAN 16. Episcopal Diocese of Southern Philippines, Maguindanao & Cotabato City 17. City Alliance Evangelical Church (CAEC) Cotabato City

THE MINDANAO CROSS

May 7, 2022

MILF backs Sara, names 12 senate bets...from P1 President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacañang. Ebrahim is president of the UBJP, officially signaling the former revolutionary group’s participation in the country’s political process, with the idea started as early as 2013. It became a reality officially in 2015. Hordes of Filipinos are expected to troop to the polling places for the NLE and vote for a President,

a Vice President, 12 senators, governor, congressman, party list representatives, city and municipal mayors, vice-mayors, and councilors. Figures released by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) showed that the country has 65.7 million registered voters to exercise their right to vote in the coming national and local elections (NLE). “The United Bangsamoro Justice

Party is committed to protecting the Bangsamoro people and safeguard the gains of the Bangsamoro Peace Process. After careful assessment of the track record, conviction, and contribution to the Bangsamoro of candidates for Senators in the 2022 National Elections, the UBJP has decided to officially endorse the following hand-picked candidates for Senators,” the MILF party explained.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC:

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late CRISPIN G A C AYA N A P O L I N A R , who died intestate in Davao City on October 27, 2017, left parcels of land Lot 46A, Psd-11-043487; Lot 46C, Psd-11-043487, covered by TCT Nos. T-101554 & T-101556, respectively, both situated in Little P a n a y, P a n a b o , D a v a o 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

The Bureau of Internal Revenue, Revenue Region No. 18,

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

Koronadal City

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

invites to attend a PUBLIC HEARING on the "REVISION of ZONAL VALUES of REAL PROPERTIES" located in COTABATO CITY and MAGUINDANAO PROVINCE on May 24, 2022 at 9:00AM. Venue will be at Ebrahim Hall, EM Manor Hotel, Sinsuat Avenue, Rosary Heights 9, Cotabato City. May 7, 14 & 21, 2022

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

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

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

Alhamdulillah and Congratulations to all Graduates of Ateneo de Davao University - April 23, 2022 especially to:

BAI POTRI OF NICAAN & IRANUN RAIJANNAH AMPATUA KARIM AMPUAN

CUM LAUDE AND BEST THESIS AB-International Studies Major in Asian Studies

Ateneo de Davao University

Elementary-Valedictorian, Junior High School -Valedictorian and Senior High School -Valedictorian/National Awardee NDVNHS Compliments: Sultan Panuroganan MKSN RHN Abdul Rakim Ampuan, Alhaj, JD, Hajja Qaria Bai Suraida, Bai Mona Potri of RH Sultanate of Alamada & RHN MKSN Rohaniah, Bai a Labi a Panuroganan MKSN RHN Hajja Omaira S. P. Macararab. Maulana, RN, Crown Prince Norfaiz Sabiq, Sultan Panuroganan Norowadin A. K. Ampuan, Bai a Labi a Panuroganan Bai Donna Polayagan of Royal House of Sultanate of the Municipality of Alamada and Bai a Labi sa Mapurk Hajja Rasmia Sangka Ampuan.

May 7, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

9 heritage churches celebrate 450 years

NINE parish churches across the country celebrated 450 years of existence and Christianization of their respective towns on Tuesday, May 3. According to the Augustinian Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus of the Philippines based in Manila, these parishes were erected at the decision of the Second Provincial Chapter on May 3, 1572 when priors were elected for the respective Augustinian convents. The parishes are the Most Holy Name of Jesus (Sto. Niño) of Tondo, Manila; St. Augustine of Lubao and St. James the Apostle of Guagua in Pampnga; St. John the Baptist of Calumpit, Bulacan; Immaculate Conception of Pasig; St. Martin of Tours of Taal, Batangas; St. Augustine of Bay, Laguna; Immaculate Conception of Oton (Ogtong), Iloilo; and St. Monica of Pan-ay, Capiz. In Tondo, Manila, the Archdiocesan Shrine of Sto. Niño de Tondo commemorated the anniversary with activities from April 29 to May 3.

The original image of Santo Niño de Tondo was welcomed on May 2 at San Agustin Church in Intramuros as a commemoration of its original house with the Augustinians. On May 3, an unveiling of commemorative markers was led by Tondo Shrine Rector Fr. Estelito Villegas and Holy Name of Jesus Augustinian Prior Provincial Dante Badoy. The markers recognize Tondo as the first mission church of the Augustinians in Luzon and the first parish church erected by the Order based on its records. The celebration was capped with a Mass led by Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila at 6:00 p.m. followed by a procession of the original image of Santo Niño de Tondo. In Central Luzon, the parishes of Lubao and Betis in Guagua, Pampanga

and Calumpit, Bulacan also celebrated their 450th anniversaries as these parishes were co-erected as visitas of Tondo. According to the official Facebook page Lubao – 450 Years of Christianity, St. Augustine Parish, Lubao holds its anniversary festivities from April 26 to May 5. Last April 30, it launched “Simboriu”, a Zarzuela play about the seed of Christianity in the town. The celebrations will climax on Thursday with the unveiling of the historical marker at the first site in Sta. Catalina Chapel and a Mass to be led by Archbishop Florentino Lavarias of San Fernando. In Bulacan’s Diocesan Shrine and Parish of St. John the Baptist in Calumpit, the festivities was highlighted with a Mass on May 3 at led by Bishop

Dennis Villarojo of Malolos. Also in attendance were Bishop Emeritus Deogracias Iñiguez of Kalookan and the Malolos clergy. The Mass was joined by the parish communities in the Vicariate of St. James the Apostle where the parish belonged to, the Shrine’s Parish Pastoral Council, and St. John the Baptist Catholic School. The said parishes are among the most notable in the country due to their historic role as pioneer parishes. Tondo is remembered as the mother parish of many of the parishes in Manila and nearby provinces, while the parishes of Lubao and Calumpit are the first parishes in Pampanga and Bulacan, respectively. In Pasig, meanwhile, the Immaculate Conception church is now a Cathedral and is mother parish to many churches in the

Southern Tagalog including Taal’s minor basilica which is the largest church in the Philippines and in Asia. In Pan-ay, St. Monica Parish has the largest church bell in the country, while Oton is considered the first parish dedicated to the Immaculate Conception in the country. Due to their well-preserved structure and its heritage and artworks, Betis and Pan-ay are declared National Cultural Treasures by the National Museum of the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. The Augustinians were the first friar missionaries to arrive in the Philippines and to evangelize the local inhabitants during the time of the first Spanish Governor-General Miguel Lopez de Legaspi in 1565.

Kendrick Ivan B. Panganiban/ CBCP News

Cebu’s Mount Carmel Parish declared archdiocesan shrine THE Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish – Recoletos in the heart of Cebu City was formally declared an archdiocesan shrine on April 29. The elevation to its new status was held during Mass presided over by Archbishop Jose Palma of Cebu. In his homily, he noted that “for all of us who have experiences of both joys and difficulties, we know that we have Mama Mary.” “Carmel is Mama Mary and her assurance of protection,” Palma said. In a decree dated March 7, 2022, the archbishop wrote that the shrine will now be called “Santuario Arquidiocesano de Nuestra Señora del Carmen, La Limpia” (Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the Clean One). During the celebration, Palma approached the venerated image to place his gift, an ex-voto medallion with the image of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Among those in attendance were Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Midyphil Billones, Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Antono Rañola, a delegate of the Recollect General Curia in Rome, Recollect Philippine Prior Provincial Dionisio Selma, and priests of the Recollect Order and the Cebu archdiocese. Cebu Archdiocesan Chancellor Msgr. Renato Beltran, Jr., also announced during the event that the shrine received a “special year of grace” wherein a plenary indulgence is granted to pilgrims who come to the

shrine from April 29, 2022 to April 29, 2023. Another highlight of the celebration was the procession of the Mount Carmel image at the newly-inaugurated Cebu – Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX), now the longest bridge in the country. The parish, currently found within the main campus University of San José – Recoletos under the Order of Augustinian Recollects – Province of San Ezekiel Moreno, was dedicated to Our Lady of the Mount Carmel since their arrival on the island in 1621. Formerly known as Ermita de La Limpia Concepción (Hermitage of the Clean Conception) under the Augustinians, the stewardship of its church and community were entrusted to the Recollects and marked the 400 years of Recollect presence in the province (1621-2021). Last Jan. 8, the image of Nuestra Señora del Carmen, La Limpia was also granted an episcopal coronation by Archbishop Palma. Also, last April 24, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Charles John Brown visited during the closing rites of the 500 years of Christianity celebration in Cebu and offered an ex-voto on behalf of Pope Francis. Cebu Archdiocese has the largest number of local shrines in any diocese in the country. It has one minor basilica (Sto. Niño, Cebu City), two national shrines (Virgen de la Regla, Lapu-Lapu City and St. Joseph, Mandaue City).

A Time to Choose

Cebu also has 22 other archdiocesan shrines: Sacred Heart of Jesus, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Lourdes, San Nicolas de Tolentino, San Roque, St. Therese of the Child Jesus, St. Arnold Janssen, and San Pedro Calungsod in Cebu City; Our Lady of Fatima in Mandaue City; Jesús Nazareno, Our Lady of Schoenstatt, and St. Teresa of Avila in Talisay City;

B. Panganiban/CBCP News

Archbishop Jose Palma of Cebu leads Mass to elevate the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish – Recoletos to archdiocesan shrine status, April 29, 2022 Photo courtesy of Archdiocese of Cebu

HE Fourth Sunday of to be shared, homes to be Easter is designated built, services and basic as Good Shepherd necessities to be provided. Sunday. Coincidentally, it Perhaps. is also the day before the This being Good national and local elections Shepherd Sunday let us eflections in the Philippines. It is see what it means to be a the time to choose our good shepherd. The image Rev. Fr. Antonio P. Pueyo, DCC own shepherds, as befits of the shepherd is an iconic tonypoy_dcc0@yahoo.com a democratic country.The one in the bible. It recalls airwaves, the social media, and vacant spaces become the great King David who was a former shepherd venues for campaign slogans and pictures. I thought and fought off wild animals to protect his flock and there was a beauty contest going on in some places but later the giant warrior Goliath to defend his people. when I looked closer, the contestants were political We recall the beautiful psalm 23, which states, “My candidates. shepherd is the Lord, nothing indeed shall I want, The candidates promise the people many things. in green pastures he makes me lie down, to peaceful They are there to serve and look after the people’s waters he leads me, to revive my drooping spirit. Even welfare. Just to show their good will some candidates if I walk through the dark valleys I fear no evil for shower the communities with gifts. In one parish you are with me with your rod and your staff. This where I was formerly assigned, young people took the summarizes the tasks of the shepherd. He nourishes occasion to obtain uniforms, balls, nets, and basketball and protects the flock. Jesus took the image of the courts. I do not really blame people if they make some shepherd to refer to Himself, “I am the good shepherd. cash during this period when candidates come around. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John Gifts from any political source are welcome. Isn’t it 10:11). a good feeling to be cared for, loved and wanted – at A good shepherd focuses his attention towards the least for a while. This may be the reason why elections care of the flock. An irresponsible shepherd soon loses hold a special fascination for us. Every three years, we some of his flock when they stray or are devoured by are made to feel as if we are the most special people wild beasts. The flock soon begin to know the voice of in the planet. Candidates woo us, shake our hands, their shepherd and as the gospel states, they follow seek us out, and like jealous lovers can even become the voice of their own shepherd and no one else’s. The prone to violence. shepherds even live with their flock, so much so that in After elections, some candidates make good on biblical times they are avoided because they smell like their promises, while others conveniently forget them. the sheep. Pope Francis even uses this imagery when But hope springs eternal in the human heart and we he spoke to the priests and said that they should smell wait for the next three years when the circus comes to like the sheep. What he really wanted to emphasized town. The circle starts all over again. Perhaps, next was that the priests should be present among their time we will not be disappointed. Perhaps, we will people to care for them. really get good leaders. Perhaps, we will have good Shepherding is not just for priests. It is the task of shepherds who will nourish and protect us, rather than parents, political leaders, business managers, teachers, feed on us. Perhaps, we will get lucky next time. Who and anybody in a position of leadership and responsibility. knows, perhaps there will really be golden treasures Tomorrow, choose your shepherds well. MC

Theotokos and St. Catherine of Alexandria in Carcar City; St. Vincent Ferrer in Bogo City; St. Francis of Assisi in Naga City; St. John of Sahagun in Toledo City; Immaculate Heart of Mary in Minglanilla; St. Michael the Archangel in Argao; St. Anne in Barili; St. Anthony of Padua in Tuburan; and Santiago Mayor, Compostela. Kendrick Ivan

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

4th Sunday of Easter Readings:

Acts 13.14, 43-52; Revelation 7.9, 14b-17; Gospel: John 10.27-30 The fourth Sunday of Easter is what we call the Good Shepherd Sunday. For this year 2022, this Sunday is also the Mother’s Day. What a wonderful celebration we have today as our gospel reading speaks about the unique image of God a good shepherd. A good shepherd protects his sheep at all costs, and he would do anything just to keep them safe in his arms. Mothers are also quite the same. They have the heart that keeps beating for their children. Mothers are very special for which God allows them to bear in their wombs their children for months. The care, patience, love, sacrifices – all these are being exemplified by every mother in the world. And so as we celebrate these two meaningful celebrations, let us always cling to God in prayer and in humility as our Good Shepherd and for all our mothers all over the world may they continue to be blessed for all the love and care they have shown to all of us. Happy Mothers’ Day! Prayer: God, we pray for all mothers. May they be filled with love, happiness, blessings, and constant assurances of support from their families. Amen.

THE MINDANAO CROSS

May 7, 2022 EDITORIAL

Cars in Cotabato City

ust a few days before election day, we simple minded Filipinos (no offense intended) prepare for the event that will tie us up for the next six years – in abject poverty, or in economic betterment. The latter has been promised by all those who are running for the highest position in the land, and (supposed to be with the help of those who win the election). We will sit back to observe how they fulfill this very difficult promise, considering that this cannot be done by just one person, but by the team who will work to achieve this goal. This is why the choice of VP and senators will impact greatly on the performance of the winning president. While browsing in the internet for topics for other interesting topics, I was surprised to find an article about “Cars in Cotabato”. This touched my curiosity because at the end of the Ramadan (fasting) season, we had difficulty navigating the roads on our way home because of the many (numerous!) vehicles double parked along the roads of the city. For a person who was born and grew up in the city, seeing that many vehicles was a surprise! Before, few families in the city can afford to buy the latest models of cars, especially the SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles). Now, almost half of the vehicles that clog the roads are SUVs. Even the smallest homes have SUVs park in front because of the lack of garages. This phenomenon started when the BARMM went into operation, and was synchronized with the stoppage of the use of the Quirino Bridge. Fortunately for out of town visitors, the Delta Bridge was operational, and so is the third bridge called the Diversion Road Bridge. In terms of entry and exit for the city, the commuters were saved from delays in their business. Honestly, many of us are asking the following question: First, who own the cars that are now familiar part of the traffic scene of the city; second, are the authorities aware of the this oversupply of transportation in the city, and third, what are the authorities doing to minimize the negative effect of the traffic problem? The Land Transportation Office (LTO) should step in and do their part in regulating not only the erring drivers, but also the ownership of vehicles. If the buyers do not have a garage to keep the vehicles, they should be prevented from buying new ones. The LTO should also step in to prevent the sale of vehicles which are available for almost zero down payment. Whenever I see haulers bring in a fresh supply of motorcycles, I suddenly see the accidents caused by motors in the highway. It seem impossible for motorcycles to be involved in head on collisions when the roads that we have are now wide enough for even four units driving safely at one time. Going back to our Election Day, may we all vote using our analytical faculties, better discernment, and future expectations. Six years is a long time. Hopefully, we will not be accused of being simple minded, especially when we discover that we voted for a person because just like the car that we drive, we can reach one point from here to another point over there without considering what happened before, and what will happen after. 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.

he 3rd of May 2022 is celebrated worldwide as World Press Freedom Day. It came into being as a worldwide celebration courtesy of a proclamation by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1993 acting on the recommendation of UNESCO’s General Conference. It commemorates the Declaration of Windhoek, sort for Windhoek Declaration for the Development of a Free, Independent and Pluralistic Press, a statement of press freedom principles by African newspaper journalists in attendance at a UNESCO seminar in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, from 29 April to 3 May 1991. The Declaration was adopted on May 3 and has since been viewed as widely influential, the first in a series of such declarations around the world, and as a crucial affirmation of the international community’s commitment to freedom of the press. On its official website, UNESCO said Press Freedom Day “acts as a reminder to governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom and is also a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics” as well as “a day of remembrance for those journalists who lost their lives in the pursuit of a story.” Locally, the day was set for a virtual forum “The State of Media Freedom in the Philippines: Journalism Under Siege” organized by the Freedom for Media, Freedom for All Network and the Wag Kukurap Coalition Eleksyon 2022, where it was noted that the country has slumped to its lowest press freedom ranking in eight years. The Philippines slipped nine spots down to 147th out of 180 countries in the 2022 World Press Freedom Index by Paris-based Reporters Without Borders (RSF), two steps lower than its rank of 149th in 2014. There is more than enough reason for this to slump in the country’s ranking in the Press Freedom Index to happen. According to Melinda Quintos-De Jesus of the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility, the current administration has not only been the least interactive with media; it has also been hostile towards the critical press, an attitude which contaminated all organs of government like a virus. In his World Press Freedom Day 2021 message President Rodrigo Duterte said “the press must be protected from all forms of threat and intimidation so that they may fully serve the best interest of our people.” Yet the numbers of journalists killed and those subjected to various forms of threats and attacks speak of a different reality. Since Duterte came into power in 2016 until his

P Leni Robredo who is inching her way up close to the homerun should distance herself from the current Delima phenomenon that is, to say let justice take its course on her (the former justice secretary—lest supporters of President Rodrigo Duterte think he VP would be any part of a “vindictive” plan to send the President to jail if she wins, to give instant justice to the ex-justice secretary and may even appoint her back to that post, in the second year of her presidency the soonest possibly it could happen. At any rate, that pre-polling perception would be a loss not to all the presidential aspirants but to VP Robredo who is a fellow LP of Delima. VP Leni should know that she is the logical choice of the MILF-UBJP in the context of the anti-Marcos sentiments from the 1970’s. And if Mayor Isko Moreno showed better ratings in the surveys, he would have been the more logical choice to the Muslims in general, because of his known closeness to his Manila Muslim constituents. As Congressman then, Ms. Robredo may have been part of the pro-block in past deliberations on the BBL that was trashed in 2015 on the orchestration of the Mamasapano debacle by her President no less.. The Filipino people will understand the “reinvention” of the LP into the Pink worn by supporters of VP Leni, because never before has the old LP been disliked by Filipino constituents, than in 1951 after the brutal murder of Nacionalista gubernatorial candidate Moises Padilla in Negros by LP stalwarts. The Padilla story sent a strong signal of an imminent Nacionalista presidency in Defense Secretary Ramon Magsaysay in the November 1951 National Election against LP giant and incumbent President Elpidio Quirino. DND is a post held fairly by good men that I knew: Rafael Illeto, Fidel Ramos and Gibo Teodoro, and Delfin Lorenzana, a very grateful man. Two of them ran for President in 1992 and in 2010; one won, one lost; one did not and never will. Co-Notre Dame alumnus SND Delfin Lorenzana

‘Journalism Under Siege’

Thinking Aloud Carlos C. Bautista caloyb@gmail.com

closing months in office 23 journalists have been killed in line with their work, 258 other threats and attacks inclusive of libel cases, red-tagging, and closure of media organizations have been recorded. Leading the list of perpetrators at 145 are state agents: 63 from the national government, 37 from local government units, 37 from the police, and 6 from the military. So much for the Philippines having the freest press in Southeast Asia if not the whole of Asia. World Press Freedom Day this year falls two days short of the second year anniversary of the most celebrated case of closure of a media organization in the Philippines in recent years – the ABS-CBN shutdown on May 5, 2020. It was a move described by the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas of which the network is a leading member as “unfair not only to the network and the thousands who depend on the network for their livelihood but, even more important, to the millions of people served by the Network through its broadcasting activities.” The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, which counts many rank and file employees of the network among its members, described the denial of ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal as “an underhanded assault on freedom of the press and of expression.” The guild said the move “stems from President Rodrigo Duterte’s personal vendetta against the network, whose franchise renewal he pledged to block.” Duterte though was not the first to shut down ABSCBN. Ferdinand Marcos, Sr. did it first when he declared martial law on September 23, 1972 and ordered network’s television and radio stations sequestered. Duterte did it without declaring martial law; he did it simply by his influence on a House of Representatives beholden to him. In the face of these realities, doesn’t Duterte’s approval of a law designating August 30 as National Press Freedom Day in honor of patriot Marcelo del Pilar, who is regarded as the father of the country’s journalism, sound hollow? MC

Many things to consider indeed

Penlight

Nash B. Maulana

nash.penlight@gmail.com

recalls to nephew and co-NDD alumnus Datu Lowell Lumenda Macabangen that he went to the Philippine Military Academy from one rare opportunity he had together with my brother Rasul M. Buisan then in ROTC uniform, in meeting then Cotabato Congressman Salipada Pendatun at his residence on Almonte (now named after him). By SND Lorenzana’s recollection, SKP spoke to my brother and said to him “you’d better be sent to the Philippine Military Academy.” My brother said, “much as I would want to Sir, but I cannot, because my parents want me to become a doctor.” Then the old man turned to the then very young ROTC cadet Lorenzana, and how about you? “From where is he,” the congressman asked my brother, “He is from Parang; and he is an Ilocano.” Then the old man spoke to ROTC Cadet Delfin in Ilocano, and then reverted back to English and said to him, “Once you get there (at PMA), just be productive; just be productive.” And the rest is history. How grateful this man is; that he once visited the nieces of Pendatun in SK Pendatun Municipality, and related to them the story of his path through the academy—and thence to military service, enciating to them how thankful he is beyond words. I learned that Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has been looking for my brother for a similar gesture, and who he has said he admired much during their student years at the then Notre Dame Colleges, the forerunner of what is now Notre Dame University.. MC

10 Common Elderly Health ISSUES (Part 2)

Biblical wisdom on leadership

True to Form

Charlie Señase

csenase@yahoo.com

HOICES matters most as the crucial May 9 polls approach, with the thought behind our human frailties and imperfection unless with divine guidance. That we may plan and chart our ways but allow God to direct our steps. Who has the proprietary right to lead? For in faith, there are ways that we ought to follow and adhere to. In the midst of flourishing corruption and lawless violence, those embroiled and enticed to these evil deeds are ungodly: “The fool has said to his heart there is no God. They are corrupt and have done abominable iniquity; and there is none who does good” (Psalm 53:1). Would-be leaders and the electorate ought to know that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. That if we submit ourselves to God, the devil will flee and for us to enjoy God’s peace, provision and protection (James 4:6-7). God envisioned man to lead not woman for Adam was first before Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman who fell into transgression in the garden of paradise. And God said to her, “I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; in pain you shall bring forth children, and your desire shall be for your husband and he shall rule over you. And to Adam, God said, “Because you heeded the voice of your wife and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you – You shall not eat of it, then cursed is the ground, for dust you are and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:16-19). Among Christians, the head of every man is Christ, the head of a woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. This is leadership in true Christian faith as inscribed in 1 Corinthians 11:3). God commanded the Messiah, His only begotten Son: “You shall speak My words, whether they hear and accept or others may refuse because they are

rebellious. Open Your mouth and eat what I give You. My words are truth and life” (Ezekiel 2:7-8). By now, whoever are in our political list of candidates is ours to keep for not all public endorsements are true unless its from the heart. Especially so that nowadays hypocrites, like faked news abound for the love of self and money. What’s the fuss about Comelec “secret balloting” with political endorsers’ threat to disown party mates or fraternal members not voting for what has been agreed upon? Indeed, it’s rare and seldom do we have people who truly walk their talk. Small wonder, no one sees the heart of man but God who knows us inside-out. While most, here at home, are focused on the coming political exercise and its outcome, nations of the world are glued on the still raging armed conflict between Ukraine and RWars and rumors of war have been prophesied that we hope and pray of God’s protection as our only refuge and sustenance for such threat would usher-in foretold starvation and diseases. As soaring prices of goods and services are contributory to these trying times, we brace up to choose good and reliable leaders, that as of now, national and local political aspirants appear to be the solutions that “they mouth peace but armed to the teeth.” Life is a cycle of sort that what has been is what will be as others would say “history repeats itself,” new characters but same old plots on pride, envy and greed that spring-out stubbornness, violence, corruption, betrayal, ungrateful and ungodly. Look around, despite the Comelec gun-ban, we hear of shooting and bomb explosions that we don’t have to enumerate for its public knowledge with our advanced information and communication technology nowadays. It’s time to repent and reconcile with the LORD through respect and honor whoever are elected leaders, good or bad they may be. God allowed it to happen for a reason that we subject ourselves to them for there’s no authority except from God; and all authorities that exist are God’s appointed (Romans 13:1). MC

groups are being used as a backdoor to further entrench their political and economic interest” Kontra Daya said in a statement recently. Among the 177 party list groups vying in the May 9 elections, at he tuff of ife least 44 groups are controlled by political clans; 21 are Victoria R. Franco, RPh, MS Pharmacy franco1573victoria@gmail.com connected with big business and at least 32 groups are ne of the contentious issue during connected with the government or military. the presidential debate held in April Twenty six (26) groups fielded 2022, was the Republic Act No. 7941, incumbent local officials as their nominees better known as Party List System. The and at least 19 groups have pending court Philippine version of the Party List system cases or criminal charges. Kontra Daya Act was meant to provide the marginalized found at least 34 party list groups to have and unrepresented sector a voice in “unknown or unclear advocacies and Congress. All the Presidentiables agree representations. that this would be one of the pressing issue There are two kinds of representative the shall look into on whoever is elected. which a person may vote for namely, a For this coming election on May 09, district representative (for his legislative 2022, 270 party list groups applied for district) and a party list group which has accreditation with the Comelec. 93 were no geographical limitation. Three different rejected, 165 groups were accredited while groups may participate in the party list 12 groups obtained restraining order from system, national parties or organizations, the Supreme Court, making a total of 177 regional parties or organizations and Party List groups participating in this sectoral parties or organizations. year’s election. The party list representative shall Kontra Daya, an election watchdog, constitute 20% of the total number of noted, that based on their analysis, at representatives including those under the least 120 or 67 percent of the 177 party party list. (1987 constitution) The party list list groups accredited were connected to garnering at least 2% of the total votes cast political clans, big business, incumbent for the party list system shall be entitled to politicians, the government or military; one seat each Party. or have pending court cases or criminal On April 04, 2022, President Rodrigo charges; or have dubious backgrounds. Duterte criticized the exploitation of the In 2013, the Supreme Court revised country’s party-list system, saying the the previous ruling and allowed political rich use it to lobby for their interest in parties and groups not representing Congress. He said the party-list system marginalized and underrepresented sectors should have been the mechanisam to to participate in the party list race. give the unrepresented sectors of society Whether or not it is easier to get elected a voice in Congress, he revealed in his as a Party List candidate depends on the visit at the Mataasnakahoy evacuation name recall, the popularity of the candidate Center in Batangas. He then called for the and his affiliation to an original group. amendment to the 1987 Constitution which Some popular Party List Congressmen are created the party List System. former Manila City Mayor, Deputy Speaker Duterte also appeared to slam political Lito Atienza, Former Senator Mike dynasties, himself the patriarch of a Defensor, have served their term in their political dynasty that has gained a foothold respective Districts thus are prohibited by in Davao City. “Itong nakita ko lang, Comelec to run for their previous elective magasawa, anak, party list kaniya pa. hindi positions. Thus, they organized or enlisted talaga maganda at mali ito.” Politicians, themselves in party list system. their spouses, siblings and children pack “The country’s party list system the party list race, For years experts and continues to be hijacked by the rich and groups have lng advocated for party list powerful. Around 70 percent of party list reforms. MC

Health Corner

by Suzannah Smith

. Malnutrition Malnutrition in older adults over the age of 65 is often underdiagnosed and can lead to other elderly health issues, such as a weakened immune system and muscle weakness. The causes of malnutrition can stem from other health problems (seniors suffering from dementia may forget to eat), depression, alcoholism, dietary restrictions, reduced social contact and limited income. Committing to small changes in diet, such as increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables and decreasing consumption of saturated fat and salt, can help nutrition issues in the elderly. There are food services available to older adults who cannot afford food or have difficulty preparing meals.

other health conditions. Oral health issues associated with older adults are dry mouth, gum disease and mouth cancer. These conditions could be managed or prevented by making regular dental check-ups. Dental care, however, can be difficult for seniors to access due to loss of dental insurance after retirement or economical disadvantages. 9. Substance abuse Substance abuse, typically alcohol or drug-related, is more prevalent among seniors than realized. According to the National Council on Aging, the number of older adults with substance abuse problems is expected to double to five million by 2020. Because many don’t associate substance abuse with the elderly, it’s often overlooked and missed in medical check-ups. Additionally, older adults are often prescribed multiple prescriptions to be used long-term. The National Institute on Drugs finds that substance abuse typically results from someone suffering mental deficits or taking another patient’s medication due to their inability to pay for their own.

“There are often effective medical treatments, and older adults should not be embarrassed to discuss with their physicians”

7 . S e n s o r y impairments S e n s o r y impairments, such as vision and hearing, are extremely common for older Americans over the age of 70. According to the CDC, one out of six older adults has a visual impairment and one out of four has a hearing impairment. Luckily, both of these issues are easily treatable by aids such as glasses or hearing aids. New technologies are enhancing assessment of hearing loss and wearability of hearing aids.

8. Oral health Often overlooked, oral health is one of the most important issues for the elderly. The CDC’s Division of Oral Health found that about 25 percent of adults over the age of 65 no longer have their natural teeth. Problems such as cavities and tooth decay can lead to difficulty maintaining a healthy diet, low self-esteem, and

10. Bladder control and constipation Incontinence and constipation are both common with aging, and can impact older adults quality of life. In addition to age-related changes, these may be a side effect of previous issues mentioned above, such as not eating a well-balanced diet and suffering from chronic health conditions. The Mayo Clinic suggests maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly to avoid these elderly health issues. There are often effective medical treatments, and older adults should not be embarrassed to discuss with their physicians. Visit the Program for Healthy Aging to learn more about preventative measures for common elderly health issues. MC

GNP grew by7.08% in 2010. Philippine inflation rate in 2008 spiked to 8.26% from 2.70% in 2007. It decelerated to 4.22% on 2009 (the pre-election year) and further went down to 3.79% on election year 2010, despite heavy spending associated with the campaigns of those vying for national and local posts. In the year prior to the last presidential election of 2016, the country was enjoying a good GNP growth rate of 6.21% and the lowest inflation rate (since 1986) of 0.67% in 2015. On election year 2016, the Philippines registered a 6.76% GNP growth rate and commodity prices rose by a modest 1.25%. Those studying the Philippine economy are not too confident that the usual upward movement would occur this year, being a presidential election year. What accounts for this uncertainty? There are external and internal factors that indicate that things may not be rosy this year. Externally, the COVID-19 has not yet been totally dealt with and there is also the war between Ukraine and Russia. The US and its allies, supporters of Ukraine, have imposed economic sanctions on Russia which is also retaliating in its own way, primarily by controlling the sale of oil and petroleum products to EU and NATO member countries. Aside from disrupting the supply and prices of oil products, the conflict has also disrupted the world supply of wheat and other agricultural products being produced by the two countries at war. Domestically, we have to be watchful of inflation and growing national debt. The inflation rate for April 2022 was at a 40-month high of 4.9%, above the level predicted by the government. As of end February 2022, total national debt hit a record-high of P12.09 trillion and forecasted to breach P13 trillion be year-end. Will it be better after May 2022? Let’s wait and see. MC

Post-Election Economic Scenario…

Exploitation of the Party List System T S L

May 7, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Market Driven

Danny Buenbrazo

danny_buenbrazo@yahoo.com

hould businessmen and ordinary Filipinos be worried with the Philippine economic scenario postMay 9? Traditionally, a rally in the stock market is expected to happen atter each Philippine presidential election. The amount of money spent by candidates to promote their respective candidacies before election day benefits media, food outlets, and other businesses that provide goods and services related to the campaigns. An election where the winning candidates obtained clear margin of victories and seemed free from manipulations and/or cheating provides a sense of relief and stability to the nation. As such, the confidence of businessmen to invest and the confidence of consumers to purchase are boosted. These twin sense of confidence gives a lift to business and the economy in general. Compared to previous presidential elections, however, we cannot claim with high degree of certainty that all will be well for the entrepreneurs and the consumers when the winners are determined and proclaimed after the 09 May 2022 national and local elections. What’s different between this election year and the previous election years? The immediate past two presidential elections were in 2010 and 2016, respectively. In 2010, the world was recovering from the global financial crisis that started in 2008 and lasted till most of 2009. From a good Gross National Product (GNP) of 6.29% in 2007, the global financial crisis (brought about by the problems encountered by American banks with mortgages) slowed down Philippine GNP growth to 4.63% in 2008 and 3.62% in 2009. On the year of the presidential election, Philippine

THE MINDANAO CROSS

May 7, 2022 EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

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 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.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late S p o u s e s M A RT I N O G . JOROLAN and ESTHER DIAZ-JOROLAN, who died on October 27, 2017 and April 13, 2014 at Libungan, Cotabato, respectively, a parcel of land Lot 2751-C-2K-2-B, Psd-12-060859 (AR), situated in Poblacion, Libungan, Cotabato, with an area of 3,216 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. 152-2012000262 is subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous deed of absolute sale of a portion before Notary Public Noel A. Gretare, CPA as per Doc. No. 5,224; Page No. 93; Book No. LXXXIX; Series of 2022.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late FELIPE INTES FEROLIN, who died on July 29, 2010 in Davao City, a parcel of land Lot No. 2442-B, Bsd4619, situated in Lower Katingawan, Midsayap, Cotabato, with an area of 38,168 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. T-8663 is subject of deed of extrajudicial settlement and partition of intestate estate with waiver of rights before Notary Public Marylyn B. Flauta-Lim, CPA, LLM as per Doc. No. 151; Page No. 31; Book No. XCIV; Series of 2021.

MC: May 7, 14 & 21, 2022

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

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

Republic of the Philippines BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO REGIONAL BANGSAMORO BOARD OF INVESTMENTS Cotabato City

FSD Mindanao is hiring: 1 Junior Accountant

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the application of MT. KALATUNGAN AGRI-VENTURES, INC. With official address at Barangay Comara, Amai Manabilang, Lanao del Sur, BARMM for registration with the Regional Bangsamoro Board of Investments-BARMM under Title III of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) as amended by CREATE Act, as new export producer of Banana Cavendish, with capacity of 339,538 boxes / year is officially accepted on May 4, 2022 and is currently being processed. Any person with valid objections to or pertinent comments on the above-mentioned application may file his/her objection, in writing and under oath, with the Regional Bangsamoro Board of Investments-BARMM within one (1) week from the date of application.

ATTY. ISHAK V. MASTURA CHAIRMAN MC: May 7, 2022

The duration of the contract will initially be from May 2022 to 30 Nov 2022. With a possibility of extension. Applicants must: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Be Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Have a minimum 2 years’ experience in General Accounting and Auditing. Have a basic knowledge of Local Reporting. Have good command of the English language both written and oral. Be computer literate. (Word/Excel/PDF etc.). Have good interpersonal skills and be able to communicate verbally with confidence. Be prepared to work from FSD’s Cotabato office on a daily basis Be prepared to spend extended periods of time away from home. Well organized, mature with a high sense of responsibility. Fit and healthy.

CVs, with character references, addressed to FSD Mindanao Programme Manager should be submitted by email to: mindanao@fsdfrance.fr on or before 12 May 2022. Shortlisted candidates will be notified direct on the 13 May 2022

OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVANT: A. ELECTED CITY COUNCILOR: 1988,1992,1995/ 2004,2007,2010/ 2016,2019: * ATTENDANCE: Answered the roll call at 1,294 out of 1,297 Regular and Special sessions of the Sangguniang Panlungsod/City Council covering the period of twenty-two (22) years. - Participated in the deliberations of the City Council as an enlightened, nonpartisan and responsible fiscalizer. - Have not been involved in any anomaly, controversy, or abuse of my being an elected official of the city. * AUTHOR and PRINCIPAL SPONSOR OF: Sixty-eight (68) Regulatory Ordinances and relevant and meaningful Resolutions which touched a wide range of issues: education, economy, health, sanitation, social services, transportation, traffic, infrastructure. * COMMITTEE CHAIRMANSHIPS HELD: a) Health and Sanitation - Local Health Board; b) Way and Means; c) Market and Slaughterhouse – Local Market Board; d) Social Services; e) Transportation and Communication Traffic; f) City Plaza Beautification; g) Over-all Chairman, Araw ng Kutabato Celebration in 1988.

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

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

Team Guiani

1 ATTY. FRANCES CYNTHIA GUIANI-SAYADI

City Mayor

2 GRAHAM NAZER G. DUMAMA

City Vice Mayor

Councilors:

2 AL HAASHIR ALA

14 ROMEO LIDASAN

5 HASSAN BIRUAR

15 ABDILLAH LIM

8 MICHAEL DATUMANONG

21 DR. EDDIE RABAGO

10 JAPAL GUIANI III

22 REYNALDO RIDAO

11 DANDA JUANDAY

24 SUKARNO SEMA

May 7, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

3 drug den operators in Maguindanao face charges

DATU ODIN SINSUAT, Maguindanao - The three drug den operators arrested in Barangay Awat here last weekend are now facing criminal charges. Anti-narcotics agents seized P102,000 worth of shabu from them, entrapped in Barangay Awang here. Julieto Bansigan Obregon, Marvin Orchia Ramos and Melchor Orchia Ramos, were immediately arrested after selling their illegal merchandise to non-uniformed agents of the Philippine Drug

Enforcement Agency-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. In a statement, the PDEABARMM said the sting that resulted in the arrest of the three men was premised on reports by tipsters privy to their peddling of shabu and operation of a clandestine drug den

in Paniggusan in Barangay Awang. The three men are now clamped down in a detention facility of the PDEA-BARMM in Cotabato City. The PDEA-BARMM has charged them with violation of the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 using the P102,000 worth of shabu confiscated from them as evidence. John Felix Unson

NoCot exec warns commuters of rock-fall, landslides KIDAPAWAN CITY — Commuters passing along the President RoxasAntipas highway in North Cotabato were stranded for more than an hour after landslides and rock fall hit portions of a highway in Pres. Roxas town. Heavy downpour that lasted for several hours triggered fall of huge rocks and landslide at around 8 a.m. in Barangay Poblacion Pres. Roxas. Alfonzo Caluna Jr., Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Second Engineering District field worker, narrated how scared he was when he saw huge rock falling near him. That made Caluna to run for his life until he reached a safe area where he parked his vehicle. “I saw a huge rock falling, trees have collapsed beside the highway,” Caluna narrated. The incident forced

commuters to stand by and wait for public works personnel to complete clearing operations. Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) President Roxas personnel were also sent to help fast tract clearing operation, using heavy equipment Pres. Roxas Mayor Jonathan Mahimpit said a series of smaller landslides also occurred in the same stretch of the highway last week due to torrential spawned by Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). He appealed to commuters to remain on alert and avoid cruising the highway during heavy downpour. As precautionary steps, the LGU put up signage along the highway reminding the public of possible danger. Williamor

CAMP SK PENDATUN, Maguindanao - Authorities finally cornered over the weekend in Indanan, Sulu an elusive suspect in the murder a police lieutenant and other victims in separate attacks in recent years. Alvinner Kiyarra yielded peacefully when policemen, led by Major Sapa, chief of the Indanan Municipal Police, and agents from the Sulu Provincial Police Office and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group arrived in his hideout in Barangay Tagbak to arrest him. Kiyarra is principal suspect in the murder in 2019 in Sulu’s capital town, Jolo, of Lt. Sali Sam, an agent of the provincial police’s intelligence unit. The operation that led to the arrest of Kiyarra was assisted by military units in

Sulu and a company of the police’s elite Special Action Force based in the island province. Kiyarra is wanted for separate multiple murder, multiple frustrated murder and multiple attempted murder cases pending in local courts. Senior officials of the Police Regional OfficeBangsamoro Autonomous Region said Thursday Kiyarra has links with the Abu Sayyaf terror group and did errands for the long wanted terrorist Mudzimar Sawadjaan. He also has ties with local groups distributing shabu in different towns in Sulu. Kiyarra had eluded more than a dozen attempts to arrest him in separate police operations early on.

A. Magbanua

Alleged cop killer in Sulu arrested

EID’L FIT’R WORSHIP RITE. Worshipers converged around the Camp Siongco mosque in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao for their Eid’l Fit’r outdoor prayer rite last Monday. John Felix Unson

Soldier, 5 DI men dead in Lanao hostilities

MARAWI CITY — A soldier and five Dawlah Islamiya gunmen were killed while four others were wounded in gunfights over the weekend in Butig, Lanao del Sur. In a report, a copy of which was obtained by the Mindanao Cross, the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade here identified the slain soldier as Corporal Rutenvic Jaralve of the 5th Infantry Battalion. Another soldier, name withheld pending notification of family, was also reportedly wounded in yesterday’s clashes between 5th IB servicemen and Dawlah Islamiya members in Barangay Ragayan in Butig town in Lanao del Sur. Butig was the hometown of the slain siblings Omarkhayam and Abdullah Maute, founders of the Mauter terror group that instigated the Marawi siege. Traditional Maranao community leaders told reporters five members of the Dawlah Islamiya, initially identified only as Sariguidan, Ipad, Salman, Undih and Sahidi, were killed in the series of encounters in Barangay

Ragayan. Lt. Col. Romulus Rabara, 5th Infantry Battalion, said Friday their anti-terror operation in Barangay Ragayan was premised on reports by residents about the presence in the area of Dawlah Islamiya terrorists. Rabara said the skirmishes erupted when terrorists opened fire on soldiers approaching their hideout in Barangay Ragayan from two directions. The gunfights waned only after the heavilyarmed terrorists scampered away when two AW109 attack helicopters hovered above them and provided soldiers with aerial fire support. The Dawlah Islamiya members left four assault rifles, a shoulder-mount rocket launcher and a dozen 40 millimeter grenade projectiles that can be fired from an M203 rifle, and other provisions, as they fled in haste carrying their five dead companions. Three other Dawlah Islamiya members were wounded in the ensuing encounters, according to local officials. John Felix

Unson

John Felix Unson

9 NPAs in SulKud surrender to Army

LEBAK, Sultan Kudarat - Nine members of the New People’s Army surrendered here last week and pledged allegiance to the government. The group belonged to the NPA’s self-styled West Daguma Front-Far South Mindanao Region, whose top leaders are mostly wanted by different courts in central Mindanao for heinous crimes. Major Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, told Mindanao Cross this

week the nine NPAs surrendered through the intercession of local executives in Sultan Kudarat’s adjoining Lebak and Kalamansig towns and officials of the 37th Infantry Battalion and the 603rd Infantry Brigade. They turned in two AK-47 assault rifles, a 5.56 millimeter M653 carbine, an M16 assault rifle, two .45 caliber pistols, a 9 millimeter machine pistol, an MK2 fragmentation grenade, components

for improvised explosive devices and booby traps. More than a hundred NPAs surrendered to units of 6th ID in central Mindanao in the past 14 months, now being reintroduced to mainstream society by the division and local government units in the region. No fewer than 50 of them yielded to local leaders and officials of units of 6th ID deployed in Sultan Kudarat province. John Felix Unson

Killer of Maranao Ustadz identified, charged

COTABATO CITY — The police have identified and charged the suspect in the brutal killing of a Maranao Islamic preacher in Marantao, Lanao del Sur last week. The cadaver of the missing Ustadz Emran Langco Macadato, a Maranao, who went missing early this week, was found Friday in a secluded area in Barangay Maul in Marantao, Lanao del Sur. He was stabbed repeatedly with a knife, according to investigators from the Marantao Municipal Police Station. The Lanao del Sur Provincial Police said early this week that a suspect had been identified, to be prosecuted for his offense. The police, however, declined to identify the culprit for fear relatives of the slain preacher would retaliate on members of his clan. Relatives, among them a politicianlawyer, said Macadato was to collect payment for an overdue account from

a friend in Marantao and has not returned home since. In a statement Saturday, the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region said probers are trying to put closure on the murder of Macadato. Macadato was popular for his involvement in da’awah (preaching) activities meant to address violent extremism and foster interfaith solidarity among Muslims and nonMuslims. Col. Christopher Panapan, Lanao del Sur police police director, said they now have “persons of interest” and are to file criminal charges immediately after investigators have sifted through pieces of evidence and accounts of people who had contact with Macadato before he disappeared. Gov. Mamintal Adiong, Jr., chairperson of the Lanao del Sur provincial peace and order council, has condemned the atrocity and called on local officials in Marantao to help the

police investigate on the incident. A 20-year-old Muslim cleric, Mutilan Como Ajanab, a Yakan, was killed with assault rifles in a daring attack by gunmen in Sapa Bulak in Sumisip town in Basilan six days before the lifeless body of Macadato was found in Marantao. Four companions of Ajanab, Rashid Hajibain Suraman, Abdulmalik Suraman Jumlatal, Hafidz Suraman Jumlatal, and Harisa Hajibain Hadjail, were wounded in the attack. They just emerged from a mosque in Barangay Sapa Bulak, after a nighttime Ramadan taraweeh prayer, when men brandishing assault rifles shot them from a distance and hurriedly escaped. Basilan Gov. Jim Salliman has directed the members of the Sumisip municipal peace and order council and barangay officials in Bulak Sapa to help the police identify the killers of Ajanab for prosecution. John Felix

Unson