The Mindanao Cross | May 13, 2023

More BARMM scholars, OFWs from Sudan coming home

Upi school closed after insecticide downs about 100 pupils

Mother’s Day special MOTHER’S LIFE AFTER MISERY

LUTAYAN, Sultan Kudarat - Fifteen years ago, Josie Concepcion was walking with her son near a market here when she heard a massive explosion. Chaos and confusion ensued. In the next few minutes, she heard sirens blaring and people screaming for help.

Shaken, Josie’s immediate instinct was to check on her son. To her relief he had escaped with a minor wound. She however sustained serious injuries. Doctors later said the explosion caused extensive trauma on her left leg with multiple fractures.

The 40-year-old laundrywoman went through a series of surgeries but they could not restore the full use of her leg. At the hospital, a volunteer of the Philippine Red Cross gave her a pair of crutches.

“I cried and screamed in fury and threw the crutches away. I refused to accept that I would not be able to walk without them and questioned why such a tragedy had struck me,” Josie shares.

Her struggle

Life seemed to have stopped for Josie as she battled a range of emotions, swinging from being in denial to being

Parliament members treat Maranao eye patients

By John Felix Unson

TWO members of the Bangsamoro parliament extended medical interventions for 70 eye patients from Marawi City and from nearby towns in Lanao del Sur during a community engagement last week.

The eye specialist Kadil Sinolinding, Jr. and Khalid Maamor Abdullah, both members of the 80-seat interim parliament of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, together facilitated the two-day outreach activity in Marawi City.

Sinolinding, also known as the “Doctor sa parlyamento ng Bangsamoro,” has markedly been active in treating poor eye patients in the local communities.

Sinolinding and Abdullah have said in separate statements Wednesday that they are grateful to the physicians Tahir Mindalano of the Mindalano Specialist Hospital sa Marawi City and Allen Minalang of the Integrated Provincial Health Office-Lanao del Sur for supporting their two-day humanitarian mission for mostly Maranao eye patients.

Sinolinding said the Ministry of Health-BARMM also supported

283 candidates begin 6-mo Army training

A total of 283 women and men will have commenced Wednesday the 6-month rigid training as candidate soldiers of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, the military said.

Major General Alex Rillera, 6th Infantry Division commander, welcomed the trainees who belonged to Candidate Soldiers Course Class 759 and 760-2023 and urged

By Edwin O. Fernandez

them to persevere during the training so they can serve and help protect the Filipino people.

“While undergoing training, you will develop discipline in you, values to serve and respect for everyone,” Rillera told candidate soldiers during acceptance program held Tuesday afternoon at the division grandstand, Camp Siongco, Awang,

BARMM’s public markets to boost local economy - MILG

By Edwin O. Fernandez

Maguindanao del Norte. The candidate soldiers will undergo rigid basic military training at the 6th Division Training Center in Barangay Semba, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.

“Always remember that from now on all you do is not only for yourselves but for your family and especially to our country,” said

THE Bangsamoro Government's public market construction project in Amai Manabilang, Lanao del Sur, which is being overseen by the Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG) is nearing completion.

On Wednesday, Interior Minister Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo said the long awaited public market will soon be realized by its inhabitants as one of the dividends of peace deal between Manila and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The project, he said, is expected to increase and improve economic activities

in the locality and empower economy players to deal with its neighboring economics in Lanao Sur at Bukidnon.

He said the PHP25 million project is divided into two sections.

First, is the market's hard and infrastructure component.

Second, and most important component is the soft component, which entails educating the LGU in order for it to establish its MEEDO, or Municipal Economic and Enterprise Development Office, which will be its corporate arm in charge of managing and

DID YOU KNOW? Month of the Ocean

The Month of the Ocean (MOO) is celebrated annually in the Philippines during the month of May. By virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 57 issued in 1999, the month of May was declared as the MOO. Activities to be conducted in observance of the MOO aims to highlight the importance and significance of conservation, protection, and sustainable management of Philippine coastal and marine resources.

READY TO SERVE. The 283 candidate soldiers will commence basic military training Wednesday at the 6th Infantry Division in Barangay Semba, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.

Photo courtesy of 6th ID photo

Kalibo diocese to host CBCP assembly in July

SAVING OCEAN. An diverenvironmentalist removes crown of thorns starfish at the strict protection zone in Barangay Kapatan, Glan, Sarangani Province during the Month of the Ocean this May.

Photo by DENR-12

More BARMM scholars, OFWs from Sudan coming home

MORE scholars and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) displaced by armed hostilities in Sudan are expected to arrive in the region, the Ministry of Social Services and Development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MSSD-BARMM) said.

Bai Fatty S. Accoy, Bangsamoro Critical Assistance for Indigents in Response to Emergency Situations (B-CARES) Program focal person, in a statement, said 109 repatriated Bangsamoro scholars and OFWs affected by the ongoing military conflict in Sudan are expected to arrive soon.

Armed conflict erupted in Sudan in April, sending Filipinos there to run for their lives, including Bansamamoro scholars and OFWs.

The Philippine government has evacuated hundreds of OWFs out of Sudan before the conflict goes out of control.

Norhad Lagiles, an Islamic scholar taking his Master’s Degree

in International School of Africa, said he and the rest heard series of gunfire about 10 days before Ramadan ends.

The Philippine embassy in Sudan transported them to the Cairo, Egypt where they processed the necessary documents for their immediate repatriation.

"Hearing the gunfire pushes us to leave and immediately called our family and the BARMM Government for assistance," Lagiles said in his facebook post.

Last May 9, MSSD-BARMM welcomed Lagiles and 48 other scholars and OFWs who separately landed in Zamboanga, Davao and General Santos City Airport.

They were given P10,000 cash

assistance through the Ministry's Bangsamoro Critical Assistance for Indigents in Response to Emergency Situations (B-CARES) Program.

Social workers have also conducted assessment and profiling to determine other interventions for them

Lagiles expressed gratitude to the BARMM for all the interventions given them.

The BARMM Government along with other concerned agencies promised to provide support and assistance to the repatriated Bangsamoros as they reintegrate into their communities and recover from their experiences in Sudan. Mark

Anthony Tayco

BARMM investment venues highlight in Dubai Expo

THE Bangsamoro Board of Investment (BBOI) has showcase potential investment venues in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) at the 9th Annual International Conference and Exhibits 2023 from May 1 to 3 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Held at the Grand Hyatt Dubai, the event provided a platform for BBOI, enabling the BARMM investment body to highlight and open more doors to investments in the region.

The team led by BBOI Chairman Mohamad Omar Pasigan invited participants to explore the region's beauty and investment potentials of its diverse range of industries.

Other members of the BARMM delegation to Dubai are Board of Governor Datu Habib Ambolodto, and Bangsamoro Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) Executive Director

Atty. Sukarno Abas. The officials gave emphasis on BARMM being a “thriving hub of innovation, progress, and growth.”

“Our region is more than just a pretty face. It is a thriving hub of innovation, progress, and growth, with a diverse range of industries that provide endless opportunities for businesses of all sizes,” said Pasigan.

Pasigan added that it is home to cutting-edge technology companies, leading research institutions, world-renowned universities, and “a range of innovative startups that are making waves in the global economy.”

The event was attended by more than 1000 participants, including free zone delegations, senior policymakers, global business leaders, multilateral organizations, investors, and academics from over

100 countries around the world.

With the theme "Global Trade 2.0: Zones, An Ecosystem of Trust Driving Prosperity," the event was spearheaded by the World Free Zones Organization (World FZO), a global association representing the interest of free zone stakeholders.

Pasigan said: "We persuaded them to consider bringing investment to the region because when they do, they will be investing in a brighter future for themselves, their businesses, and the Bangsamoro community as a whole."

With multidimensional changes in economic, social, and technological spheres, the expo was a crucial tool to engage with counterparts and peers internationally to exchange ideas, share information, and have strategic discussions, Pasigan said.

Nash B. Maulana and Kasan Usop, Jr/BIO

LANAO del Sur Governor Mamintal A. Adiong, Jr. and his family cheered the fast case resolution of his near fatal ambush on Feb. 17, where four of his companions died, and vowed not to take any retaliatory action in the tradition of “rido,” or clan wars.

The leader of the attackers, Oscar Capal Gandawali, known to authorities as the head of a criminal gang engaged in gun-for-hire and illegal drugs, was killed last week in a gunfight with policemen who tried to arrest him.

Cases had also been filed against the gunmen who attacked the convoy of Mr. Adiong in Maguing, Lanao del Sur.

“I am grateful to the Police Regional OfficeBangsamoro Autonomous Region and the Lanao del Sur Provincial Police Office for the rigid investigation on the incident, which is a step forward in our quest for justice,” the governor said on Wednesday.

Mr. Adiong, a scion of Lanao del Sur’s politically influential Adiong ang Alonto clans, said he will never resort to retaliation to set an example to his constituents in the province’s 39 towns and the capital Marawi City.

“We shall leave

everything to the judiciary,” he said.

Rido is rooted in traditional settlement processes, such as a means of extracting swift justice especially in cases involving clan honor and pride. It persisted in areas in southern Philippines where the government’s justice system is considered weak.

Lanao del Sur accounts for most cases of still unresolved clan wars in the Bangsamoro region that also covers Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, and the cities of Marawi, Cotabato and Lamitan.

Bangsamoro Local Government Minister Naguib G. Sinarimbo said he is thankful to Mr. Adiong for his non-confrontational stance despite the deadly ambush.

“His restraint is admirable. His relatives are towing the line. It is good,” Mr. Sinarimbo said on Wednesday.

Mr. Adiong and his office aide, Ali Tabao, were badly wounded in the attack that killed driver Hassanor Pundaodaya and their police escorts, Mohammad Jurai Mipanga Adiong, Johanie Lawi Sumandar, and Jalil Ampuan Cosain. John Felix Unson

PSA: Stable BARMM economy as inflation rate drops

THE inflation rate in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has dropped 1.1 percent from 7.6 percent in March to 6.7 percent in April, the Philippine Statistics Authority's (PSA-BARMM) reported on Wednesday, May 10.

PSA-BARMM Officerin-Charge Regional Director Engineer Akan Tula said the main factors contributing to the decrease of the region's inflation rate were the reduced costs

of food and non-alcoholic beverages, transport, housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels.

"At some point, this deceleration of the inflation rate in BARMM can be considered as one of the indicators that the region's economy is going stable," said Tula.

Of the country’s 18 regions, BARMM is the fifth among the country’s regions after the National Capital Region (NCR) to have slowed down their inflation rate in April 2023.

BARMM used to have the sixth highest inflation rate.

"In the month of April 2023, BARMM inflation rate is 6.7 percent with 1.1 percent decrease as compared to 7.8 percent inflation rate in the previous month of March 2023," Tula stressed.

Among the provinces in BARMM, Tawi-Tawi recorded the highest inflation rate at 10.8 percent, followed by Basilan at 9.4 percent, Sulu at 6.6 percent, Lanao Del Sur at 5.4 percent

with the lowest inflation rate and Maguindanao at 6.1 percent. All five have posted corresponding decreases in their inflation rates.

The PSA-BARMM also reported Cotabato City posted a lower inflation rate to 4.9 percent in April 2023, from 5.5 percent in March 2023.

The country’s inflation rate has dropped 1.0 percent to 6.6 percent in April from 7.6 in March 2023. Kasan Usop-BIO with Nash B. Maulana

MORE than 220 corn farmers in North Cotabato town of Carmen have received their indemnity checks for the damages incurred in recent cropping season, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in North Cotabato announced Thursday.

DAR and the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) released the indemnity checks over the weekend to farmer beneficiaries with a combined amount of P708,515 in Carmen, North Cotabato.

Cheryll Camariñas, Carmen Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer (MARPO), said that 227 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) from the different barangays of Carmen received their insurance claims as payment for their damaged crops.

One of them, Rosemary Calawigan, a corn farmer of Barangay Kimadzil, was all smiles as she received the

P9,000 worth of check from the PCIC representative.

"The amount we received will give us the opportunity to buy inputs and restart another cropping after we failed in the previous cropping season," Calawigan said in the vernacular.

She is one of the 227 ARBs who received their insurance claim, together with other ARBs in Barangays Malapag, Palanggalan, Aroman, Bentangan, Kibenes, Ranzo, Tunganon, Tupig, Liliongan, Macabenban, and Poblacion.

The releasing of checks was facilitated by PCIC Personnel Jumnar Luib and Marjorie Lyn Arcala, and was witnessed by DAR municipal office officials and personnel.

The ARBs were insured under PCIC's Free Insurance Coverage and were also registered in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture. Edwin O. Fernandez

SELLING BARMM. BARMM investment executives--BBOI Chairman Mohamad Omar Pasigan (middle), Board of Governor Datu Habib Ambolodto (left), and Bangsamoro Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) Executive Director Atty. Sukarno Abas (right), all in black coat--.enunciate the region’s investment potentials at the 2023 Dubai Expo May 1-3.

NoCot farmers get indemnity checks form PCIC

Lanao Sur governor won’t retaliate on ambushers

Photo courtesy of BBOI

BTA’s public order, safety committee tackles security issues

Members of the Bangsamoro Parliament’s Public Order and Safety Committee deliberated on proposed resolutions referred to the committee. Among the proposed resolutions presented are those concerning alleged killings in Pikit, land disputes, and the state of peace and order in the

provinces of Maguindanao, Basilan, and the BARMM Special Geographic Area. Three technical working groups

were formed to thoroughly investigate the measures. Presiding Chair Deputy Speaker Atty. Lanang Ali Jr. said that each TWG

is expected to conduct parliamentary inquiries into the assigned resolutions, and submit a report to the mother committee.

Ways and means committee okays internal rules and procedures

THE Bangsamoro Parliament’s Ways and Means Committee approved on Wednesday, May 10, its internal rules and procedures.

In the committee meeting, CMW Chair Atty. Paisalin Tago emphasized the importance of the revenue code, urging members to look into a version of the law that is consistent with the religious and cultural standards of the Bangsamoro people.

The Bangsamoro Revenue Code is one of the priority legislation that the Parliament should enact during the transition period.

The CWM shall have jurisdiction on all matters relating to income, revenues, taxes and fees, loans and borrowings, credit and bonded indebtedness, and their sources and forms of revenues.

Finance, Budget, Management Committee approves measures to pay nationally funded workers

AFTER almost seven hours of deliberation, the Bangsamoro Parliament's Finance, Budget, and Management Committee approved the proposed measure, which would allot a revolving fund to pay salaries and other benefits to nationally funded workers supervised by BARMM offices.

The BTA Bill No. 41, or the Bangsamoro Revolving Fund Act of 2023, will set aside a P1-billion revolving fund to ensure that salaries and remunerations are paid on time.

The proposed measure will include a mechanism that requires the funds utilized by the ministry, agency, or office to be reimbursed

immediately when the concerned national government agency has transferred or downloaded the national funds.

According to Deputy Floor Leader Atty. Jose Lorena, who presided over today’s meeting, the CFBM aims to submit the committee report before the second regular session resumes.

Sulu farmer associations, coop get tractors, farm implements from MP Loong’s TDIF

SELECTED farmer associations and cooperatives from Sulu received front-wheel-drive farm tractors and farm implements from the Office of Member of the Parliament Engr. Don Mustapha Loong.

The agricultural equipment will help farmers improve their efficiency and productivity in farming operations, resulting in higher yields and increased income.

The distribution was supported through the Transitional Development Impact Fund (TDIF) of MP Loong, in partnership with the BARMM’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform.

Cotabato City healthcare workers get cash aid from MP Ismael

BARANGAY healthcare workers in Cotabato City received cash incentives from the Office of Member of the Parliament Rasul Ismael as a way of motivating and rewarding them for their hard work.

MP Ismael acknowledges the vital role of frontline workers in delivering fundamental medical services in the barangays. The initiative was funded under the Transitional Development Impact Fund (TDIF) of MP Ismael, through the Ministry of Health, in cooperation with the Cotabato City government.

Lanao Sur town gets solar powered streetlights from MP Ramos, MPW

The BARMM’s Public Works Ministry, in partnership with the Office of Member of the Parliament Diamila Disimban-Ramos, has completed the installation of solarpowered streetlights in Barangay Tuca Maul, Marantao, Lanao del Sur.

The installation of the streetlights is part of the Bangsamoro Government’s efforts to ensure the safety of Bangsamoro constituents.

The initiative was funded under the Transitional Development Impact Fund (TDIF) of MP Disimban-Ramos.

Kalibo diocese to host CBCP assembly in July

THE Diocese of Kalibo in Aklan province will be hosting the plenary assembly of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) this coming July 8 to 10.

Monsignor Bernardo Pantin, CBCP Secretary General, said it will be a period of prayer, sharing, reflections and deliberations concerning the Church and society.

Slated to be held at the Marzon Hotel, the 126th CBCP plenary assembly will be preceded with the bishop’s annual retreat from July 4 to 6.

Pantin said among the agenda of the meeting is the election of CBCP officers for the term December 2023 to November 2025.

Bishop Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan and Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara of Pasig are currently on their first terms as president and vice president, respectively.

CBCP officials have a two-year term in office, or a total of four to include a possible second term.

Pantin said that other agenda items of the meeting are still to be decided by the CBCP Permanent Council in the coming weeks.

Decisions ranging from election of CBCP officers to subject matters of pastoral statements and revision of liturgical books require either a simple majority, or a vote of twothirds of the member bishops to be approved.

Active bishops are eligible to vote on particular items. Retired bishops are welcome to attend the assemblies and participate in discussion, but they are not eligible to vote.

The episcopal conference is currently composed of 88 active bishops. It also has 37 honorary members, who are retired or resigned bishops, and two diocesan priest administrators.

The bishops also make use the gathering to meet with other prelates of their region to discuss items that are more specific to their individual dioceses.

The plenary assembly, which is the highest decision-making body of the CBCP, meets twice a year, in January and July

Between plenary assemblies, the deliberations and decisions of the conference are undertaken by its Permanent Council. CBCP News

Filipino among newly sworn-in Papal Swiss Guards

THE Pontifical Swiss Guard on Saturday welcomed 23 new recruits, including a full-blooded Filipino.

Davao City-born Sebastian Esai Eco Eviota and 22 others joined their ranks in an elaborate swearing-in ceremony at the Courtyard of Saint Damasus in the Vatican.

The men were joined by their families and delegates of the Swiss Confederation and Swiss Bishops.

The ceremony is held every May 6 to commemorate the heroic sacrifice of 147 Swiss Guards who died protecting Pope Clement VII during the Sack of Rome in 1527.

Prior to the ceremony, the new Swiss Guards celebrated Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by a meeting with Pope Francis in the Apostolic Palace.

The pope urged the new recruits to make “good use of the time” of service at the Vatican to deepen and put into practice their Catholic faith.

“Every situation, every meeting can represent

Have you made promises? Did anyone make promises to you? Were you faithful to your promises?

an opportunity to put the Gospel of Christ into practice, to learn from him and to live fraternal love in his name and with his Spirit,” the pope said.

“Your mission here in the Vatican is a path that the Lord has opened for you to live your Baptism and bear joyful witness to your faith in Christ,” he said.

Born in 1998, the 24-year-old moved to Switzerland in 2009 together with her elder sister on a family reunion visa.

His father, Diomedes, is from Surigao City while his mother Editha, who died in 2000, was from Agusan del Sur province’s Esperanza town.

In Switzerland, Eviota joined the Youth for Christ, the youth ministry of the Couples for Christ (CFC).

Eviota was a second lieutenant at the Swiss Army before he was admitted to the Swiss Guards in January 2022 to complete his basic training.

While Eviota is the second Filipino to be included in the Swiss

Guards after SwissFilipino Vincent Lüthi, whose mother is from Cebu, he is its first member of full Filipino origin.

The Vatican approved an expansion of the size of the Pontifical Swiss Guards five years ago from 110 to 135 men. Despite the new recruits, it still remains the smallest army in the world.

The Promise

In our human life, we have a natural tendency to make promises – to children, business associates, partners and friends. It is part of being a person. Keeping promises is a measure of character and integrity. We trust a person who keeps her promises and we lost trust in a person who breaks his promises.

Reflections

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

Making promises has some elements: it is an assurance for a future, it is based on a relationship or trust, it imposes an obligation for the one who makes the promise. A promise is future-oriented, a hope about something to come true. People who make promises to one another are joined by a bond, whether it is a bond of friendship or even business. A promise imposes an obligation so that a promisemaker is obliged by his word given, by his signature on a contract, or by a handshake to seal an agreement. We have a saying, “palabra de honor” or being true to one’s word. A sure way to break relationships is to break one’s promise. Do not play with promises lightly, even to a little child. Children remember the promise made to them.

Christian living is also about trusting the Lord’s promises. The Lord Jesus has spoken many promises but these are my favorites: “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (Jn. 14:18) taken from this Sunday’s gospel. Also, from the same gospel, “I will ask the Father and He will send you another Advocate to be with you always” (Jn. 14:15). And most of all, this promise which I always mention in my funeral homilies, “I will come back and take you with, so that where I am you also may be” (Jn.

Founded by Pope Julius II in 1506, the Swiss Guard is a military body made up of Swiss citizens, whose main task is to protect the pope and his residence.

Among their duties are also to accompany the pope on apostolic journeys and to protect the College of Cardinals during the vacant see. CBCP News

ARCHBISHOP Gilbert

Garcera of Lipa is leading efforts to “strengthen” the Columbian Squires, a leadership and character development program for Catholic young men.

The archbishop on Saturday gave a marching order to “organize all Catholic schools and youth ministries” in his archdiocese to recruit more members of the organization.

The Columbian Squires is the official youth organization of the Knights of Columbus for young Catholic men between the ages 10 to 17, who are members of a unit called “circle”.

“If we do that, vocations to the priesthood will no longer be a challenge,” said Garcera, who is also the K of C Luzon State Chaplain.

The archbishop made the statement on the last day of the 12th K of C National Convention of the Knights of Columbus at a hotel in Manila.

The first Columbian Squires circle was instituted in the U.S. in 1925. In the Philippines,

the organization was first established in Cebu and had since then spread out to other dioceses and parishes.

However, in recent years, the Squires have been slowly “disappearing” not just in the country but throughout the world. The K of C Luzon North Jurisdiction, for instance, used to have more than 400 circles but it only has 34 active units at present.

In the Luzon South Jurisdiction, active units are only at 10 out of its around 300 circles. In Mindanao, only less than 100 out of its more than 200 circles are active.

“Our Columbian Squires have been under siege,” said K of C Supreme Director Emeritus Jose Reyes, who is also a retired Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.

“I really hope that we could reactivate or revive our Squires,” he said.

Squires’ activities are many, varying from spiritual to active service for the Church and community. CBCP News

14:3). And who can forget the promise made to the repentant thief during the crucifixion, “This day you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43).

Jesus made promises and being the Lord He is faithful to His promise, just like God the Father who was always faithful to the Covenant made with His chosen people. The question for us believers is “Do we have faith in Jesus’ promises?” If we trust His promises then our life will be lived in accordance with our belief . Sometimes we lost direction in life because we set aside or forget the Lord’s promise. For example, do we really believe that the Lord will prepare a place for us and will come back to take us with him? Do we really believe in Eternal life? Do we have trust in His promise of sending us an Advocate who will help us and walk with us on our pilgrim journey?

We are approaching two big feasts, that of the Ascension and Pentecost. The Lord went up to the Father but He did no leave us orphans. The Lord Jesus may no longer be physically present with us but His Spirit is with us and guides the Church and each believer so that we can walk in the way of Jesus. We have Jesus’ Spirit as companion on the journey. The Spirit is also called the Advocate. An advocate is one who defends a person in a court of law. The Spirit is our own defender and guide. Banking on the Lord’s promise of the Advocate, it is good to develop a devotion to the Holy Spirit. During troubled periods in our life we can invoke the help of the Holy Spirit. Jesus is true to His promise and His spirit will not abandon us. Let us have more faith in the Lord’s promises and let us also be faithful to the promises we made.

6th

Acts 8.5-8, 14-17; 1 Peter 3.15-18 John 14.15-21

Readings: no. 291, p. 571

1st Reading: Acts 16.11-15

Gospel: John 15.26 – 16.4a

Readings: no. 292, p. 572

1st Reading: Acts 16.22-34

Gospel: John 16.5-11

Readings: no. 293, p. 575

1st Reading: Acts 17.15, 22 – 18.1

Gospel: John 16.12-15

Readings: no. 294, p. 577

1st Reading: Acts 18.1-8

Gospel: John 16.16-20

19 Readings: no. 295, p. 579

1st Reading: Acts 18.9-18

Gospel: John 16.20-23a

Readings: no. 296, p. 582

1st Reading: Acts 18.23-28

Gospel: John 16.23b-28

Catholic bishops during their 125th plenary assembly at the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center in Manila on January 28, 2023.

Photo courtesy by CBCP News

Sebastian Esai Eco Eviota (center) is among the 23 newly sworn-in members of the Pontifical Swiss Guard. Photo courtesy of DANIEL IBÁÑEZ/CNA

Ijustarrived from Cebu City to attend the funeral of a very good friend who was born and studied in Cotabato City. Most of those who consoled were Cotabatenos who relocated to the bigger city during the late 90s. These were the people who witnessed the growth of the city, but left due to important reasons: they were faced with the threats of kidnapping, extortion, and other crimes which our security forces were helpless to control at that time.

Now they are contributing to the development of that city which is considered the second growth area, next only to Manila. What could have been the Cotabato area if all the resources that we poured outside have been channeled inside? Have we reached that level, that when a long week-end holiday is announced, our local population will go shopping within the city and spend their leisure money in improvements that our people will love to experience?

Allow me to digress and cite some very important points that may help our national planners. We have witnessed the efforts of local government to expand the livable parts of the city towards the Timako on the west, to the swamps of Kabuntalan on the east, the hills of Upi on the south, and Parang on the north. We find happiness to see the transportation hub already including these areas. Without the barriers posed by nature, the population will voluntarily move towards the sparsely populated areas. We are still waiting for the circumferential road which will connect Lebak and other centers on the west to Cotabato City.

Last issue, we talked about the invisible barriers to development. Now we talk about the physical and very visible barriers which we have to overcome to contribute to the forward growth of the city.

The first one is the transportation factor. How many have seen the airport which service our people? A few years back, the airport terminal was torn down to give way to its modernization. How long must constructing an airport terminal take place? Many years after, the same torn down terminal is being used to the discomfort of the flying public. The Cebu airport was constructed at a very short time of only 3 years, and you can witness the admiration of travelers, particularly tourists who feel that they are being pampered so they will decide to come back to Cebu City. In Cotabato City, tourists and residents alike have to sweat it out whether departing or arriving in this airport. Where did the government go wrong?

Even the seaport does not have any plans for improvement. The grapevine says that the passengers have a hard time with porters and other “travel facilitators”, that lead to the use of other ports nearby like Davao and Gen. Santos Cities. With all our God given resources, can’t we make use of these efficiently for the sake of our people?

Communication facilities seem to be no problem at all, even in the surrounding areas. Even our basic services seem to have geared itself to a bigger growth orientation.

Hopefully, the BARMM will introduce new services in this area, so that we can realize the development which we are all waiting for. In God we trust. MC

Onegood news the Philippine Statistics Authority had for Filipinos early this month was the easing down of inflation in April. This was the third consecutive month that Inflation eased due to slower increases in food, transport and utility prices, the PSA announced.

National Statistician Dennis Mapa said the overall rate of increase in the prices of consumer goods and services, slowed down to 6.6 percent in April from 7.6 percent in March. This is however still much higher than the 4.9 percent recorded in the same period last year.

One of the key concerns raised by rallying workers in different regions of the country on May 1, Labor Day. It has they said continued to erode the purchasing power of workers’ wages which at the current rate is below the poverty threshold, the average amount a family of five needs monthly to adequately survive. The situation has continued to worsen the situation of the ordinary workers in the National Capital Region and in most other, if not all, regions in the country including the Bangsamoro.

IBON believes that despite easing down in April, the country’s inflation will likely remain high, unless the government of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. takes decisive steps to lower prices.

In his Labor Day message, President Marcos Jr. acknowledged inflation as something that needs to be addressed to elevate the living and social conditions of workers and their families. Such acknowledgement however is mere rhetoric unless solid moves are taken by the Marcos Jr. administration.

According to IBON, various groups have clamored for the removal of the 12% value added tax on goods and services as well as taxes on oil. High taxes on fuel increase the price of oil which in turn affects the price of other products. But the Marcos Jr. administration has refused to heed these calls, IBON said. The last time the inflation rate was 6.6% was in August 2018 or eight months since the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion or TRAIN law imposed new taxes on oil, sweetened beverages, and other consumer goods, IBON added.

Another problem IBON sees is the country’s being a net importer of oil which makes the movement of local prices of goods overly dependent on the global oil market. Virtually all of the country’s oil needs are imported so the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict which caused global

WE were on a queue till late Thursday for the Institute of Bangsamoro Studies among lays, specialists and a generalist by profession (me in between) on the defense of our R&D proposal before the MOST-BARMM Management Committee sitting as a Panel of Review for the Research and Development (R&D) Services.

Indeed, we were on the last of the two days forum and the last presenter to the agency’s call for proposals released last year. This, after a long period of review, evaluation and assessment by a panel of experts invited by MOST-BARMM to help determine the scientific and technological values of proposals submitted to the agency for the call.

Our patented energy conversion utility model (UM) passed that pre-defense technical screening among several proposals that went through review, evaluation and assessment by independent experts.

Added community relevance of developing the UM through R&D is our preference of the concept of social marketing over capital marketing, taking into consideration that many BARMM communities have been through 40 to 50 years of armed conflict, lagging behind other areas in more aspects of human development.

oil prices to spike was a major factor in the recent spate of soaring inflation since November 2022, IBON said.

IBON added that since less than 4% of the national budget is allocated for agriculture and agrarian reform, assistance for food producers is limited which hampers productivity and prevents food prices from being substantially lowered. The government’s recentlyannounced P26.6- billion cash aid for the 9.3 million poorest households supposedly include farmers and fisherfolk but this only amounts to P500 per family per month while peasant groups estimate the need for a P15,000 production subsidy.

IBON stressed that in the medium and long-term the Marcos Jr administration should address the economy’s chronic vulnerabilities such as weakened production sectors.

Meanwhile, in the short run, the government should heed recommendations to relieve the people of consumption taxes and increase purchasing power with wage hikes and substantial cash assistance to lowincome families. It should also already start aggressively supporting local production to lower food prices including support for micro, small and medium enterprises. These supply-side measures are more effective than, for instance, interest rate hikes to reduce aggregate demand by slowing economic activity. It should also adopt a longterm strategy of building a self-reliant and independent national economy.

We do not know if the government headed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will indeed take this route to improve the lives of millions of Filipinos, and indeed lower the prices of rice and sugar as he has promised and end massive agri-importation which kills local agri-production. We are sure of one thing, though. Acknowledging problems may be a necessary start but it is definitely not enough.

COTABATO

We are profoundly thankful to the members of the MOST-BARMM Panel chaired by Dr. Nasrudin Buisan with MOST Deputy Minister Said Sheikh, DirectorGeneral, Engineer Abdulrakman Asim, Dr. Norodin Salam, and Engineer AbdulWahid Sendad, chief of Planning Services, as members—and to my grandnephew, Chemical Engineer Erschad D. Pabillan and to his betterhalf, Anisha Malaguiok-Lingga of IBS for all the support.

I also heard with much delight about Dr. Norodin Kuit being one of the defenders with his untiring, dynamic advocacy for Halal Development, not only in the region but the entire country. I join the growing “shipload” of calls for support to this advocacy.

Technically, I have developed the UM in the past three years, leaping through time from an old traditional technology concept that boggled my mind as a young man during a school year-long “vacation” (i.e. prompted by the forced closure of Notre Dame of Dulawan, after a grenade blast incident on one of its classrooms on June

14, 1976). Forty-four years thereafter, the works went on a meager budget with occasional incurrence of wastage in my procurement program. When she read about this energy conversion UM, Maria Leofe Draper-Lu, our high school class valedictorian, asked me if this was in anyway inspired by our high school science classes. May be partly, but incidentally, I first saw the mechanical transmission setup of pulley revolving on a shaft-onpillow block bearings, in the craftsmanship of her uncle, the late Hadji Pitong Draper, a traditional technology giant of my generation, and an industrial mechanic par excellence. The elder Draper had worked for my father as a machinist, handling a small four-cylinder GMC with unaltered original transmission that worked well, albeit on a hard-slow reverse speed for that waterway application. Or so it was, as I was told two decades later in childhood about that small launch M/B Anita long after she was dried-dock beyond use in 1957. Later, my father had bigger sized motor launches built which navigated the old Pulangi waterway and served the local commerce and economy in the 60’s through the early 70’s. The later part, were the years of my exposure to traditional technology.

Traditional Technology (Trad-Tech) is conventionally defined as “any tool or infrastructure that is passed from generation to generation such that it is sustained over time. It is about continuity from the past.”

On the S&T proposal, we made sure that we are guided along by the finest and purest of inspirations and intention, and the right information as well as the appropriate legal framework as our bases and guiding lines. From a dialogue with a lawyer-friend, the legal framework includes: RA 2067, RA 1606; Section 30 of RA 8293, RA 10055 and RA 11054.

Charlie Señase csenase@yahoo.com

INlife, avoid the rush in confronting the unexpected with prudence that things happen for a reason. Whether we like it or not, it’s there to ponder while we seek the wisdom on high.

In the midst of the global trying times that wreck lives with despair and frustration, former PH Vice President Leni Robredo launched this week a book of timeliness “Tayo ang Ilaw” (We are the Light) during the first anniversary celebration of People’s Campaign held in Manila.

The biblical Light is Christ, who came into the world to brighten-up, but people loved darkness than light because their deeds were evil (John 3:19). Since then, till now, men’s wickedness has turned from bad to worst based from our daily news headlines: Assorted high-powered firearms seized by PNP personnel in Libungan, North Cotabato inside a car driven by Cotabato City resident Norodin Osop; 3K cops being investigated by the National Police Commission for their alleged involvement in illegal drugs and other criminal activities; Two police generals and 2 colonels face drug raps in court; House member Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. of Negros Oriental seeks asylum that DOJ considers as evasive move linking him to political killings.

BARMM has its own peace and order mess but overlapped by a more positive and responsive governance such as, allout funding and other material support amounting to millions and billions to all socio-economic and security needs of its constituents and government partners. Its regional MSSD reported this week to have extended social pension benefits to senior citizens and centenarians that availed each of P6K cash incentives per year. Last year MSSD served a total of 155,940 recipients out of 170,174 of which the remaining unserved indigents have to be reached out in 2023.

Let us not stop or even hesitant to serve constituents, especially the so-called

Lifting of COVID-19 global emergency status not end of pandemic

Take your time H eal TH C orner

Afewmeters from the Sinsuat Ave. high way down Pansacala St is a cozy red-white and blue eating place named Kai’s Lounge. The hubby and I have been going around places to have our snacks, or dinner or take outs. It has been 3 years since I have taken over the kitchen for lack of helpers, as in many other households. Bless chef Tony who delivers our lunch, prepared as a true gourmet would; and we can always rely on Reese with their inimitable baby back ribs, puchero, crispy tadyang, pinangat pompano, and many more.

It seems this red-white-blue watering hole is a favourite of the younger sets who prefer the informal setting, the not so pricy choices in the menu, and relaxing ambiance, with piped in music, toned down. The lounge is another thematic diner, reminiscent of US movies, American heroes , artists and actors.

under-privileged. For God Himself commanded – Not to be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).

Let’s nurture among the youths the fear of the LORD, especially so when reports came out that 24K MILF combatants out of the estimated 40K have successfully been decommissioned in the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Friends from the MILF and all other former armed rebels should take it to heart. That whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for God-sake will find it (Matthew 16:25). And corollary to it, the LORD said: Do not fear those who kill the body, but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear God who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell (Matthew 10:28).

In the first week of May, a US-based journalist Joe Pinkstone of the Telegraph wrote in his article that scientists reported to have witnessed what the end of the world could have looked like. They said as people want to know the time and nature of their own demise, the fate of planet earth is sealed. In the span of five billion years, it will likely be engulfed by the sun and devoured by a stellar inferno.

This article brings us back to the biblical prophesy of the Great Tribulation that such has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved, but for the electsake, those days will be shortened (Matthew 24:21-22).

When Christ was asked when will this Great Tribulation be? He said: “For the precise day and hour, no one knows, not even the angels from heaven, but My Father only. As the days of Noah, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. As in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be (Matthew 24:36-39).

With all these trials and predicaments in life, don’t panic nor be anxious about it, but instead allow God to be closer to our hearts. A reminiscent of crooner Matt Monroe’s “You’re Closer

It is a refreshing change from the usual or ordinary diners.

The menu consists of choices of known Chicken recipes, pasta, fish and shrimp dishes. Dine-in or take out or delivery are part of their services. While we were enjoying our cheeseburger , pancake, mais con yelo, a group of happily chattering ladies came in in their best garments. I learned they just came from the graduation of the apple of everybody’s eyes, the only daughter of Bai Oldie Boldie Mentang and hubby.

All the dotiing aunts, and many family members enjoyed their get together in the privacy of the second floor. Bai Aleeyah Mustapha graduated with the degree of Master in Public Administration from the Saint Benedict College of Cotabato Inc. Notably in attendance were the graduate’s father and the indomitable uncle, Manny Balabaran.

Good to see you Manny after all these years. You’ve come a long way man, from a bright, active young Chemistry student of mine, to a respectable leader of your community. Proud of you, Manny, may your tribe increase.

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor

a global health threat. Salvaña noted that the public health emergency status for Covid-19 in the country has not been renewed since January.

MANILA

– The coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic has not ended yet and people must continue to protect themselves, a health expert said Monday.

In a televised public briefing, infectious disease expert Edsel Salvaña clarified that the World Health Organization’s lifting of the global emergency status for Covid-19 does not mean the coronavirus has ceased to exist.

“Iyong Covid, nandiyan pa, pero natuto na tayong mabuhay nang malaya, iyong hindi tayo nagtatago sa ating mga bahay (Covid is still there, but we have learned to live freely, we no longer hide in our homes),” he said.

Covid-19 cases may rise but hospitals are not overwhelmed by admissions as transmission of the virus is prevented by vaccination and other health protocols such as wearing of face mask, he added.

On Friday, the WHO ended the global emergency status for Covid-19 but it did not announce that the disease is no longer

“Titingnan natin kung iyong mga natitira pa nating mga restriction ay maaaring dahan-dahan na nating i-trim down katulad diyan iyong mga quarantine, iyong mga isolation, iyong mga pagre-require ng mga vaccination in certain areas, nakikita natin. For instance, hindi nga tayo nagtse-check ng mga vaccine card doon sa mga incoming travelers. (We’ll see if our remaining restrictions can be slowly trimmed down like the quarantine, isolation, vaccination requirement in certain areas. For instance, we see that we no longer check vaccination cards for incoming travelers),” he said.

The Department of Health will meet with the Inter-Agency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases to discuss and reassess policies and other guidelines concerning Covid-19.

As of March 20, more than 78.4 million have been fully vaccinated, more than 23.8 million have received first booster doses and almost 4.4 million got second booster shots.

Oneof the peculiarities of doing business in the Philippines (and probably in other less developed countries) is the high number of establishments operating without securing or complying with the requirements of registrations with various government agencies and local government units (LGUs). Various government agencies and local government units have taken cognizance of this seeming “anomaly” and have undertaken information drive to persuade the “informal” business firms to legitimize their operation.

Why do many enterprises refuse or do not bother to register their firm and gain legitimacy?

The basic legal requirements for an individual or a group to operate a business include establishing a legal identity. This means securing a business name from the Department of Trade and Industry (Ministry of Trade, Investment, and Tourism in the BARMM), registration as partnership or corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or registration of a cooperative with the Cooperative and Development Authority (Cooperative and Social Enterprise Authority in the BARMM).

In the case of cooperatives, the members and officers are required to undergo a series of training on topics such as cooperative governance, conflict resolution, financial management, among others. Only CDAaccredited trainers or personnel of the CDA itself are permitted to conduct these mandatory training.

After proper registration with the DTI, SEC, or CDA, a business entity must also register with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and secure a business permit with the local government where it has its principal business address. Business firms need also to register with the Department of Labor, PhilHealth, Social Security System, and the Home Development Mutual Fund (or Pag-Ibig) for the social benefits of their workers.

Additionally, certain types of business operations may require registration with specialized agencies of the government (such as the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board for those in the construction business or the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas for money changers, pawnshops, and lending institutions).

Under the procurement rules and regulations of the Philippine Government, only companies that are registered with the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System or Phil-GEPs are qualified to enter into contract for works, supply of goods, and provision of services to government agencies and local government units.

The registration of an enterprise to obtain legal identity and to be able do business legitimately entail time and money. Some business owners have probably weighed the pros and cons of registering their business entity and ascertained that remaining “informal” is more beneficial.

In the case of cooperatives, some people joke that complying with the mandatory training will deplete their capital contribution that they would end up as a “legitimate” business entity but with insufficient money to conduct a meaningful level of operation.

It is best that all entities doing business in the Philippines should have a legal identity and comply with all mandated registration and accreditation required by law. However, if the challenges faced by enterprises (especially the smaller ones) are not considered by policy makers and regulatory agencies, the legitimization effort would remain as an uphill battle.

If compliance would remain burdensome in terms of documentary requirements, costs, and time-consuming, the present situation (many businesses opting to remain “informal”) will continue to persist.

The establishment of “one-stop shops”, usually an initiative of local government units, helps encourage some firms to go “formal” but more reforms are needed. Registration requirements must be lessened, processing time shortened, and costs reduced.

To Me.” MC

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late SILVESTRE B. RAMIREZ, JR., who died intestate on February 2, 2015 in Samantha Homes, Bago Gallera, Davao City, left parcels of land Lot No. 834-A, Csd-12-000143 in Brgy. Ragandang, with an area of 49,985 sq. mts., covered by OCT No. P-45435; Lot 36-A-1, (LCR) Psd-12-240055 in Brgy. Tibpuan, with an area of 29,366 sq. mts., covered by TCT No. T-47983; and Lot 1453-A-1, (LRC) Psd240050 in Brgy. Tibpuan all in Sultan Kudarat Province, with an area of 10, 263 sq. mts., more or less are subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Carlos L. Valdez, Jr. as per Doc. No. 241 Page No. 50; Book No. V; Series of 2016.

MC: May 6, 13 & 20, 2023

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late Spouses SEGUNDINA ANTATICO and TEOFILO S. NERASA, who died on December 24, 2005 and January 4, 2001 in Libungan & Midsayap, Cotabato, respectively, left a parcel of land Lot 2464-E-5-C, Psd-12033170, situated in Pob. 8, Midsayap, Cotabato, covered by TCT No. T-99655, with an area of 2,009 sq. mts., more or less is subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous sale before Notary Public Atty. Rolando D. Jungco as per Doc. No. 36; Page No. 08; Book No. 84; Series of 2020.

MC: May 6, 13 & 20, 2023

ADVERTISE WITH US call : 421-7161

AFFIDAVIT

Notice is hereby given that MUHAMMAD YUSOPH M. PENDONG, owner of a Sports Utility Vehicle Wagon with Engine No. 2KD6952438, Chassis No. MHFZR69G003034314, O.R. No. 1236000000014894, C.R No. 257320070, MV File No. 139100000115132 is subject of affidavit of change color from Dark Steel Mica to Stealth Gray before Notary Public Atty. Sittie Rayhana M. Santuring as per Doc. No. 97; Page No. 20; Book No. VI; Series of 2023.

MC: April 29, May 6 & 13, 2023

DECLARATION OF HEIRSHIP

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late SERINO P. TIRASOL and LUISA E. TIRASOL, who died on November 6, 1982 and June 10, 1975, respectively, a parcel of land Lot 2550 and Lot 2551, Ts-215, both situated in Parang, Cotabato, containing with a total area of 1,200 sq.mts., more or less is subject of declaration of heirship with waiver of rights before Notary Public Leonardo S. Santed as per Doc. No. 87; Page No. 19; Book No. 376, Series of 2017.

MC: May 13, 20 & 27, 2023

Republic of the Philippines

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late MAIMONA M. PENDONG, who died intestate on October 24, 2022 in Cotabato City, left a Fortuner 4x2 2012 model, Sports Utility Vehicle Wagon Type,Engine No. 2KD6952438, Chassis No. MHFZR69G003034314, MV File No. 139100000115132,O.R. No. 1236-000000014894, C.R No. 257320070 is subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with waiver and renunciation of rights before Notary Public Atty. Sittie Rayhana M. Santuring as per Doc. No. 98; Page No. 20; Book No. VI; Series of 2023.

MC: April 29, May 6 & 13, 2023

AFFIDAVIT OF SELF-ADJUDICATION

Notice is hereby given that the late MEDTIMBANG N. MAMINTENG, who died intestate on August 13, 2015, left a parcel of land Lot 4, Block 12, Psd79683, situated in Kakar, Cotabato City, covered by TCT No. T-15922, containing an area of 494 sq. mts., more or less is subject of affidavit of self-adjudication by sole heir with absolute sale before Notary Public Atty. Gapor G. Quitar as per Doc. No. 112; Page No. 23; Book No. LXXVIII; Series of 2023.

MC: April 29, May 6 & 13, 2023

BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO BANGSAMORO BOARD OF INVESTMENTS

Cotabato City

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the application of LPT Mining and Trading, Inc.

With an activity of mining and quarrying located at Barangay Bakikis, Kapatagan, Lanao del Sur for registration with the Bangsamoro Board of Investments-BARMM under Book I of the Omnibus Investment Code of 1987, otherwise known as Executive order No. 226 as amended by R.A. 11534 or CREATE Act, has been officially accepted on May 08, 2023 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 Bangsamoro Board of Investments-BARMM within one (1) week from the date of application.

MOHAMAD O. PASIGAN Chairman

ADJUDICATION BY SOLE HEIR

Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the late ENCARNACION P. PANLASIGUI, who died on January 6, 2011 in Libungan, Cotabato, parcels of land Lot Nos. 4096-A, (LRC) PSD70909, and Lot 4096A (Lot 2968-B-1) Psd4976), LRC Cad, Rec. No. 599, both situated in Bo. Sinawingan, Libungan, Cotabato and covered by TCT No. T-44440, containing the total area of 1,000 sq.mts., more or less are subject of adjudication by sole heir before Notary Public Noel A. Gretare, CPA as per Doc. No. 3182; Page No. 70; Book No. LV, Series of 2018 MC: May 13, 20 & 27, 2023

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late Spouses DIONISIO L. ASETRE and ANDREA C. ASETRE, who died on June 13, 1981 and September 8, 1997, respectively in Cotabato City, parcels of land Lot 8, Block 6, (LRC) Psd-28701, covered by TCT No. T-22426 with 1unit residential house and machineries and Lot 1, Block 24, (LRC) Psd6212, covered by TCT No. T-6447 both located at Barrio Matampay, Cotabato City with the total area of 801 sq. mts., more or less are subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Felipe Vicente A. Velasco as per Doc. No. 103; Page No. 21; Book No. IX; Series of 2023.

MC: May 13, 20 & 27, 2023

Republic of the Philippines

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late GUMBAY LUCAS MANTAWIL, who died on October 15, 2020 in Cotabato City, parcels of land Lot 33-B-1-B-2, Psd-12-028375, covered by TCT No. T-40846 with an area of 286 sq. mts., and Lot 33-B-1-B-7, Psd12-028375, covered by TCT No. T-40851 with an area of 10,866 sq. mts., more or less, all situated in Kalanganan, Cotabato City are subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Abbyr A. Nul as per Doc. No. 359; Page No. 72; Book No. XLIII; Series of 2023.

MC: May 13, 20 & 27, 2023

BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO BANGSAMORO BOARD OF INVESTMENTS

Cotabato City

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the application of ALFRAZAN SHIPPING CORPORATION

With an activity of cargo shipping located at Darussalam, Fort Languyan, Province of Tawi-Tawi for registration with the Bangsamoro Board of InvestmentsBARMM under Book I of the Omnibus Investment Code of 1987, otherwise known as Executive Order No. 226 as amended by R.A. 11534 or CREATE Act, has been officially accepted on May 09, 2023 and is currently being processed.

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

MOHAMAD O. PASIGAN Chairman

MC: May 13, 2023

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

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the application of Rockfort Hotel

With the activity of tourist accommodation facilities located at Lot 2, Block 2, San Isidro Avenue, Cotabato City for registration with the Bangsamoro Board of InvestmentsBARMM under Book I of the Omnibus Investment Code of 1987, otherwise known as Executive order No. 226 as amended by R.A. 11534 or CREATE Act, has been officially accepted on May 08, 2023 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 Bangsamoro Board of Investments-BARMM within one (1) week from the date of application.

MOHAMAD O. PASIGAN Chairman

MC: May 13, 2023

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that EVA

CARDINES AFRICANO has filed with this Office a petition for change of First Name from "FE" to "MARIA FE" in the certificate of Live Birth of FE BLANCA

CARDINES who was born on July 28, 1959 at Poblacion 2, Midsayap, Cotabato and whose parents are ALEJANDRO E. CARDINES and ANTONIA M. BLANCA.

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 6 &13,2023

In compliance with Section 5 of RA 9048/10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that Lily Alimpang Mangeren has filed with this office a petition for Correction of Clerical Error in the birth certificate and Marriage Certificate of Mamco Sangkay Mangeren bearing registry number 2010-134 and 2013188 respectively who was born on March 16, 1952 at Barira, Maguindanao from March 03 to March 16 and whose parents are Sayaga Bangon Sangkay and Mangeren Hadji Loks.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than May 26, 2023.

(Sgd.)NAJAT GUBAT HASHIM Municipal Civil Registrar MC: May 13 & 20, 2023

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with the publication requirements 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 MARILYN SORONGON GABAO has filed with this Office a petition for change of day and or month of birth from “NOVEMBER 18, 1974” to “26 FEBRUARY 1974” and child’s first name from “MERYLYN” to “MARILYN” in the Certificate of Live Birth of MERYLYN CANTOMAYOR SORONGON who was born on November 18, 1974 at Midsayap, Cotabato and whose parents are DONATO T. SORONGON and EVELYN C. CANTOMAYOR. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this Office of Municipal Civil Registrar, Midsayap, Cotabato.

MC: May 13, 2023

Republic of the Philippines Local Civil Registry Office Province of Cotabato CITY OF KIDAPAWAN

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with R.A. Act No. 10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that Airyn G. Olita has filed with this office a petition for change of SEX from FEMALE to MALE in the birth certificate of Angelou Olita Obedencio who was born on 27 May 2011 at Kidapawan, Cotabato and whose parents are Ronald D. Obedencio and Airyn G. Olita. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office.

(Sgd.) Marcedes P. Tolentino Acting City Civil Registrar MC: May 6 & 13, 2023

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

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. 9048/10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that Restie T. Maglasang has filed with this Office a petition for Change of Sex from MALE to FEMALE in the birth certificate of RHISTY TALAGTAG MAGLASANG who was born on November 27, 1986 at Making, Parang, Maguindanao and whose parents are Alejandro W. Maglasang and Maria Mae A. Talagtag

Any person adversely affected by the said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than May 16, 2023

(Sgd.)KARIM O. OMAR, MPA Municipal Civil Registrar MC: May 6 & 13, 2023

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

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. Act No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the Public that DATU MEDZ A. DATUBUDA has filed with this office a petition for Change of First Name from SITTIE to SITTIE NUR SHAFAYTAH in the birth certificate of SITTIE NUR-SHAFAYTAH DATUBUDA who was born on November 10, 2014 at Cotabato City and whose parents are Datumedz A. Datubuda and Sittie Norjannah G. Mohama

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

(Sgd.)

Republic of the Philippines Local Civil Registry Office Province of Cotabato Municipality of Midsayap

Mother’s Day special: DJF, ICRC help mother regain footing, income .. .from P1

overcome by anger and then depression. She says she felt like a burden to her family and useless as a mother.

Her struggles was worsen by the ridicule she faced for using crutches and limping. “I felt all eyes on me whenever I stepped out or attended Mass. People would say, ‘Here comes the cripple.’ It was painful. I wanted to end my suffering, but I thought of my family and held on,” she says.

Josie says her husband was her steady support. “I never felt his affection fade and never feared that he would abandon me because of my disability. My husband reminded me that I was not alone and that I should be grateful that I was still alive,” she says.

With her husband’s support, Josie decided to keep pushing on in life. She also kept going to church and prayed for a happy and productive life.

Renewed hope

In 2018, life took a turn during a visit to a doctor with her husband when a provincial social worker asked Josie if she wanted to walk without crutches. The social worker explained that the right kind of

prosthetics could help her be independent and told her about a program at Davao Jubilee Foundation (DJF) that helps victims of armed conflict.

The DJF program, sponsored by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), provides custom-fabricated mobility devices to people affected by armed conflicts. The ICRC provides partial funding for DJF’s physical rehabilitation services besides providing food items and transportation facilities for beneficiaries.

Josie was skeptical but she also wanted to give it a shot. “I was tired of using crutches, so I called the social worker and we visited DJF’s office,” she says.

Health-care professionals at DJF said her legs were not of the same length and fitted her with orthoprosthesis. As Josie learned to walk with her new mobility device, she felt a second chance at life begins. “I hadn’t thought I would ever walk again without crutches. I sobbed uncontrollably at the possibility of moving around comfortably and doing household chores by myself,” she says.

Regaining her confidence a step at a time, Josie opened a small (sari-sari) store through the ICRC’s Microeconomic Initiatives project. The program provides grants to help conflict-affected people in Mindanao to start or revive their own businesses and generate income.

“The sari-sari store gives me something significant to do every day and brings income to help the family. We were able to celebrate the baptism of my youngest child and my grandchild. We couldn’t have managed it with just my husband’s salary,” she says. “I want to go up on stage and proudly hang a medal on my son’s neck one day. I want to be there for him now that I can walk without the help of crutches,” Josie says.

Exploring new ideas

Josie is now exploring ways to improve her business and ensure that customers keep coming back to her store. “When I set up the store there was no competition but now three of my neighbors have also opened their own stores. So, I encourage my customers to hang around

near my store and enjoy some conversations over small bites. The longer they stay, the more snacks they buy,” she says, smiling.

Levelling up her game even more, she is also offering Wi-Fi services to customers for a fee and plans to sell gasoline too. “I used to think I was useless and I didn’t know what to do. But I have realized that I must strive hard for my children. There are people who love me unconditionally and give me a reason to not give up,” says Josie.

Grateful for the help that she received from DJF and the ICRC, Josie has been telling others of the support that is available.

“I saw two people using crutches and told them about the physical rehabilitation services they can get at DJF because I know how hard it can be. I even went with one of them to DJF. It is not enough that I am now able to walk, I must also help others like me,” she says.

No longer ashamed

Josie has one more dream – to see her children graduate from school. “I have no legacy to leave for them except their education. I encourage my son, who has been consistently passing with honours, to keep up his good work. It is my dream to walk up on stage for his graduation. Previously,

I used to refuse to go on stage when he received an award because I was ashamed of my crutches. Now, I want to proudly celebrate his success,” she Josie, adding, “I have found my confidence. I am no longer ashamed.”

Baipulo Sultan/ICRC

Republic of the Philippines Supreme Court 5th SHARI’A DISTRICT COURT COTBATO CITY

SDC SPCL PROC. NO 2023-584 IN THE MATTER OF PETITION FOR JUDICIAL DECLARATION OF HEIRSHIP AND BENEFICIARY OF LATE SPO4 DELIOSO C. SANDAY MAY SAAVEDRA SANDAY, Petitioner, -versus.CECILIA M. ANSAO, PNP Retirement and Benefits Administration Service Philippine Statistic Authority Respondents, x--------------------------------------x ORDER

Filed with this Court is a petition for Judicial Declaration of Heirship and beneficiary of late SPO4 Delioso C. Sanday. The petitioner, May Saavedra Sanday alleged, among others; That she was married to the late Delioso C. Sanday on July 8, 1988 in accordance with Muslim rites at Sagasab, Parang Maguindanao; That said marriage was registered with the Sharia'ah Circuit Court of Maganoy (now Shariff Aguak), Maguindanao under Registry No. 91-768; That the said spouses entered into second solemnization of their marriage in accordance with civil rites in Manila on May 25, 1990; That they were blessed with four (4) Children; That their first marriage on July 8, 1988 in Parang, Maguindanao is reflected in the Certificate of Live Birth of their son Julkifle Saavedra Sanday; That the late Delioso C. Sanday optionally retired from the PNP Service on September 30, 2010 with the rank of SPO4 and enjoyed his retirement benefits until his death on May 9, 2020; That he died intestate on May 9,2020; That the decedent left properties including life Insurance proceeds and other death benefits/claims due from the government; That Petitioner discovered that her husband had contracted subsequent marriage with private respondent Cecilia M. Ansao on October 23,1989 in Cotabato City and sad to note only their marriage with the petitioner under civil rites on May 25,1990 in Manila was reflected in their CENOMAR; That their marriage under Muslim rites on July 8, 1988 in Parang, Maguindao was not registered with the PSA despite its submission to the National Statistics Office, Manila; That to the dismay of Petitioner, the PRBS rendered Investigation Report that the marriage of the late Police Officer with Cecilla M. Ansao is still subsisting and binding. Therefore May P. Saavedra marriage with the decedent is bigamous marriage; and That Mrs. May S. Sanday is disqualified as legal beneficiary of the late Officer; and That the petitioner is the legitimate legal beneficiary of his late husband Deliosa C. Sanday, together with their four (4) Children as appearing in their valid marriage, being beneficiaries in all the official files of the decedent.

The Court after reading the case in hand finds the petition sufficient in form and substance.

WHEREFORE, premises considered, the case is set for hearing on May 15, 2023 at 1:30 in the afternoon. The petitioner is directed to cause the publication of this Order once a week for three consecutive weeks in a Newspaper of general circulation. Send Summons and copy of the Petition to Cecilia M. Ansao in her given address. Anybody who may be prejudiced by this petition may file his/her opposition to this petition or appear on May 15, 2023 and show cause why the petition should not be granted. Send Copy of this Order to the Hon. Solicitor General's Office for his information and representation.

SO ORDERED.

Marawi City for Cotabato City, Philippines March 8, 2023.

Josie and her granddaughter spend quality time in front of her sari-sari store in Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat.

Rillera, also commander of Joint Task Force Central.

The candidate soldiers have undergone the strict selection process and survived the physical, medical, neurological and psychological examinations.

Lt. Colonel Dennis Almorato, speaking for the 6th ID, said the CSC Class 759 and 760-2023, are composed of 13 women

and 270 male candidate soldiers.

After completing the basic course, they shall be deployed to various Army units in the area of operation of the 6th ID in the provinces of Maguindanao Norte, Maguindanao Sur, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato and parts of Sarangani, North Cotabato and Lanao del Sur.

BARMM’s public mark .. .from P1

maintaining the public market.

Sinarimbo said the physical structure will be reinforced by developing a market code.

According to Sinarimbo, the market, as economy driver, will provide residents with business and employment opportunities.

“Farmers in the eastern part of Lanao who grow high-value crops will be able to sell their produce

at the market,” Sinarimbo said, adding that the former Moro combatants grow some of the highest quality potatoes, lettuce, tomatoes, and other vegetables. “As a result, the local government would be able to generate income, improve its revenue stream, and possibly even improve its income classification, he continued,” he said.

"Our hope is that the public markets that we are establishing in various parts of the BARMM will generate economic opportunities and jobs, as well as accelerate development," he added.

Amai Manabilang is located on a high plateau on the lake's eastern shore and shares a border with Bukidnon. It also has some of the most beautiful roads lined with pine trees.

ARNEDA SAILILA MOHAMAD, Petitioner, -versus-

ABDALLA MOHAMMED

TOURE and The Local Civil Registry of Ampatuan, Maguindanao, Philippines. Respondents.

SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION

TO: ABDALLA MOHAMMED TOURE

Pursuant to the March 10, 2023 Order of this Court authorizing service of summons by publication, you are hereby required within sixty [60] days from publication of the summons and petition to file with this court and serve on the petitioner your answer to the petition or any such responsive pleading. If you fail to appear and answer within the time aforesaid, this Court will motu proprio hear the case ex-parte, upon which judgment may be rendered.

WITNESS the HONORABLE CASIM S. BAILAN, SR., Alhaj, Acting Presiding Judge of this Court, this 13th day of March 2023, at Cotabato City, Philippines.

(Sgd.) FARLENE D. DILANGALEN

Clerk of Court II

MC: May 6,13 & 20,2023

“When completed, the project will be handed over to the Municipality of Amai Manabilang,” Sinarimbo said.

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late CARLOS CAVAÑAS and PURIFICACION CAVAÑAS, who died on January 7, 1995 and January 25, 2000, respectively, left parcels of land Lot No. 4252-D-17, Psd-95277 with an area of 1,183 sq. mts., covered by TCT No. T-27637; Lot 4252-D-18, Psd-95277 with an area of 1,154 sq. mts., covered by TCT No. T-27638; Lot 4252-D-19, Psd-96277 with an area of 565 sq. mts., covered by TCT No. T-27638 and Lot No. 4252G-2, Psd-12-003837 with an area of 600 sq. mts, more less, covered by TCT No. T-63137, all situated at Katingawan, Midsayap, Cotabato are subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Noel A. Gretare, CPA as per Doc. No. 1,024; Page No. 05; Book No. XCVIII; Series of 2023.

MC: May 13, 20 & 27, 2023

CRISANEL PAWNSHOP - MAIN BRANCH I, II, III & Midsayap Branch

Patalastas ng Subasta

Ang Crisanel Pawnshop ng Cotabato City at Midsayap, Cotabato ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sangla. Ang mga ito ay isinangla magmula pa noong Oktubre hanggang Nobyembre 2022. Ang Subasta ay sa Hunyo 3, 2023 sa ganap na ika 8:00 ng umaga hanggang ika 4:00 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar. MC: May 13, 2023

Fear hounds villagers .. .from P12 Army finds grenades .. .from P12 due to armed hostilities between warring Moro families in Barangay Tugal.

are already titled to local farmers.

He said the group terrorizing the villagers are composed of siblings and kins of gunmen who sowed terror in the same village in 1996, making Dugong as war-torn barangay of mlang.

Zabel recalled that the group’s predecessors were behind the attempt on his life in an ambush in 2012. He survived but his bother in law was hit.

The Army’s 90th Infantry Battalion has already sent peacekeepers in Dugong to safeguard the farmers and their farm products.

Mlang Mayor Russel Abonado also directed the municipal social welfare office to extend food packs to displaced families.

Abonado also urged villagers to remain vigilant, especially at night and at dawn.

Williamor Magbanua

A civilian guided the soldiers and bomb experts to the site where the grenades were located.

“Our bomb experts successfully deactivated the grenades,” Rico said.

Brig. Gen. Donald Gumiran, commander of the 602nd Infantry Brigade, said the displaced civilians have been temporarily

staying at the village center. He said the displaced families were from the sub-villages of Mapayag, Labo and Basak where the warring families traded shots due to “rido” (family feud) over territorial disputes.

Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera, 6th ID commander, lauded the civilian for providing the soldiers quick and timely information on the explosives in Barangay Tugal. Edwin O. Fernandez

Parliament members treat Maranao eye patients .. .from P1

the activity that benefited patients from different municipalities in Lanao del Sur and Marawi City, the capital of the province.

“To all of them we are thankful,”

Sinolinding said.

Sinolinding first became a “doctor to the barrio” more than 20 years ago, as municipal health officer of Pagalungan, Maguindanao

del Sur. He had also served as regional health secretary of the defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

283 candidates begin .. .from P1

EYE CARE MISSION. The two-day eye care mission of Bangsamoro parliament members Kadil Sinolinding, Jr. and Khalid Maamor Abdullah in Marawi City benefited 70 patients, mostly Maranaos from across Lanao del Sur province.

Photo by John Felix Unson

Upi school closed after insecticide downs about 100 pupils

MAYOR Rona Piang-Flores of Upi, Maguindanao del Norte has ordered the suspension of classes at Mirab Elementary School where more than 100 children were downed after accidentally inhaling mist of insecticides sprayed to coconut trees nearby.

“This is for decontamination, classes will remain suspended until further notice,” Flores told DXMS Radyo Bida. “I want to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our school children and teachers.”

More than 100 schoolchildren from Grades 1 to 6 were rushed to the Datu Blah District Hospital after complaining of severe stomach pain, nausea and some have vomited inside their classrooms.

“The children were

exposed to insecticide sprayed to coconut trees at the back of the school campus,” Flores said.

The Datu Blah District Hospital (DBDH) said in a statement that “identified causative substance was a herbicide which contains organophosphates and aromatic hydrocarbon.”

“As of now, the patients are still under observation as directed by the PGH Poison Management and Control Center,” the DBDH said. Flores said witnesses

told police that a farmer was last seen spraying chemicals onto coconut trees using strong insecticide. The chemicals were carried by air toward the school buildings, probers theorized.

Flores said a municipal executive order is being prepared to prevent spraying of chemicals to coconuts and other crops near schools during class hours.

“This is to avoid similar incident in the future,” she said.

The Bangsamoro Rapid

Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (READi), a quick deployment disaster and calamity response contingent, is helping investigate the incident, Regional Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo said.

Sinarimbo, who is overseeing the operations of READi, said they are supporting the relief interventions of the Upi LGU FOR school children confined in the hospital.

John Felix Unson

Antipas woman killed, cops clueless on motives

ANTIPAS, North Cotabato – Police authorities here have remained clueless as to the motive and identities of gunmen who shot dead here a 35-year-old woman on Tuesday night.

Maryfel Sumpreque

Gargolez, single and selfemployed, was dead on arrival at the Antipas Medical Specialist Hospital.

Major Elmer Parreno, Antipas police chief, said Gargolez was shot in front of her home in Barangay Poblacion at past 7 p.m.

Tuesday.

Parreno said two men riding-tandem on motorbike arrived at the victim’s home and spoke

Moro couple slain over unpaid debt in Aleosan

A tricycle driver in Aleosan, North Cotabato has admitted to an unbelievable crime of double murder of his uncle and his wife over unpaid debt amounting to P123,000.

Major Jennifer Amotan, Aleosan municipal police chief, said Amirudin Tapadan, 40, driver of tricycle or more known as “PayongPayong,” admitted to the gruesome murders of his uncle Berting Tapadan, 54 and his wife Aiza, 58, both of Barangay New Panay, Aleosan.

Sensing the law is running after him, Tapadan first surrendered to a Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) commander-relative in Pagalungan, Maguindanao del Sur.

The MILF official turned him over to Aleosan PNP.

Amotan said the couple had been missing since May 5 and relatives have been searching for them to no avail until Monday when residents in Barangay Upper Minggading Aleosan have complained of foul smell emanating from a roadside shallow grave.

Few diggings on site led the couple’s remains.

Already in advance state of decomposition, relatives immediately buried the couple.

Major Amotan revealed that the grave was only few meters away from the house of Tapadan in Barangay Minggading.

The police office theorized that Tapadan and possibly two or three others, hit the couple with hard objects in their heads until they passed out. Police probers also said the couple was also choked to death.

Amotan said in admitting to the crime, Tapadan also admitted he owed P123,000 from the couple who, at that time, was trying to collect the amount from him.

Now detained, Tapadan and his companions Hasser Balad, 31 and Homide Kalim Balad alias Homide Endo Asid, 33 are facing double murder charges.

The two other suspects have also surrendered to the PNP. Drema Quitayen-Bravo

Army finds grenades in North Cotabato village

ALERT troopers of the 34th Infantry Battalion based in Midsayap, North Cotabato have prevented what could have been a bloody afternoon after they found, and eventually, defused rocket propelled grenades left unattended in the village of Tugal.

Lt. Colonel Rey Rico,

34th IB commander, said soldiers, serving as road security and as back up to the local police, discovered three powerful Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs) left unattended at a makeshift resting place in Barangay Tugal, Midsayap at about 2 p.m.

“These could be owned

by one of the two warring families who figured in a shooting war last week,” Rico said, adding the grenades were properly defused. He said it would have been a disaster if the grenades went to the hands of lawless groups or children who will play with it.

Rico said a team of soldiers was escorting personnel from the Ministry of Social Services and Development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MSSD-BARMM) who were conducting assessment and evaluation of displaced families

Fear hounds villagers as gunmen threaten, extort farmers

MLANG, North Cotabato - Tension remained high in Bangsamoro dominated village here as heavily armed men have been roaming around, demanding

money from farmers near the marshland, a village official said.

Chairman Noa Zabel of Barangay Dugong aside from mulcting the farmers,

ERRATUM: The story headlined “Inventor calls for academic, trad-tech ties” on back page of the MC’s May 6, 2023 print and online editions, inadvertently carried a tagline to the personal credit of the story’s subject. - ED

their presence in the village also sent some 126 families fleeing to safer grounds. They carry valuables, work animals and farm equipment at the covered court.

“The evacuees are staying at our covered court for their safety especially during night time, they

go farming at daytime,” Zabel added, adding that farmers were only allowed to pull out their farm trailer after paying P1,000 to the gunmen camping near their farm.

Zabel said Commander Siga was claiming ownership of the land in Dugong that P11

with her sibling. The two were looking for Gargolez.

As Gargolez went out of the house, one of the two men shot her at close range and fled toward Barangay Kiyaab, police said, quoting eyewitnesses’ accounts.

Pareño said people near the crime scene could not positively identify the assailants as their faces were covered by facemasks and both had bull caps.

Police are looking at “personal grudge” as one of the possible motives. Police probers are reviewing CCTV footages near the scene as investigation continues.

Louige Allan Tutor

Cops nab 2 men in murder of girl in Mlang

MLANG, NORTH COTABATO — Police here arrested two men believed to be responsible in the alleged rape slay of a girl in Barangay Lepaga here.

The remains of the girl, a Maguindanaon, found in a farm in Barangay Lepaga on Wednesday evening.

She was last seen heading for home from school at about 4:30 while picking vegetables for dinner.

The victim, identified as “Jo,” failed to reach home at past 6 p.m., sending her family to conduct search around the village of Gaunan.

About an hour later, her body was found some 300 meters away from her home with bruises and wounds. Probers believed she was hit by hard object in the head.

A pursuit operation led

to the arrest of suspects identified only as “Ador” and “Jojo”.

Witnesses said they were last seen electrofishing near the crime scene. Police believed the girl was raped before being electrocuted, beaten and killed by the suspects.

Vice Mayor Lito Piñol said the suspects vehemently denied the charges against them.

"They are denying, we will see how good our police probers are, forensics are used to determine if the girl was raped, the DNA will not lie,” Pinol said.

He added: “I fully support the family kay pobre intawon ni sila nga pamilya, nagapaningkamot lang na makaeskwela sa ilang anak, nakita nako ni ilang sitwasyon. I hope justice will prevail."

Louige Allan Tutor

Police reconciling warring Malabang clans

THE Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has sent emissaries to the feuding Balindong and Macapodi clans to convince both sides to end animosity to each each other that has exacted fatalities on both sides.

The two groups figured in a clash last week in Malabang town in Lanao del Sur that left four persons wounded, among them a policeman.

A Maranao woman caught in the crossfire, Farida Boloto, who had cardiovascular condition, died of cardiac arrest.

"We are trying our best to settle the conflict with the help of other leaders in Lanao del Sur," Brig. Gen. Allan C. Nobleza, director of PRO-BAR, said Wednesday.

He said he had ordered the officials of the Malabang Municipal Police Station and the Lanao del Sur Provincial Police Office to cooperate in resolving the conflict between the Macapodi and Balindong clans, locked in a deep seated animosity that started during the

May 2022 election period. The four persons wounded in the exchanges of gunfire in Malabang last week, Patrolman Abosali Balindong, Mikel Maliga, Abdullah Minalang and Samsodin Dilawan, were immediately rushed to a government hospital in a nearby barangay for treatment.

The May 9, 2022 local elections in Malabang was marred with deadly gunfights between the two clans that exacted fatalities on both sides.

Followers of the two protagonist groups, armed with assault rifles, clashed on Thursday night in Barangays Tobok and Chinatown in Malabang, a so old municipality markedly underdeveloped owing to the political violence besetting the local communities.

Officials of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao on Thursday assured to help the PROBAR reconcile the feuding clans with the help of the Islamic religious community in Lanao del Sur. John Felix Unson

SAVING CHILDREN. Soldiers from the 57th Infantry Battalion help rush Mirab schoolchildren to the hospital after they accidentally inhaled vapors of insecticides sprayed onto coconut trees nearby. Photo courtesy of Datu Blah Sinsuat District Hospital