The Mindanao Cross | May 20, 2023

BBOI INVESTMENT APPROVAL HITS P1.77-B

By Edwin O. Fernandez

THE Bangsamoro Board of Investments (BBOI) on Thursday announced that it approved a total of P1.77 billion worth of investments during the first five months of 2023, more than double the investments it approved during the same period last year.

“From January to May 2023, BBOI has approved a total of nine (9) new projects worth P 1.77 – billion investments, which is higher as compared to the approved investments on the same period in 2022,” BBOI Chairperson Mohamad Omar Pasigan said in a statement.

The increase in the investments came about when four new projects were approved during a May 16 board meeting. These projects include an academic school located in Cotabato City, an oil depot in Polloc Port, Maguindanao del Norte, a shipping company in Tawi-Tawi

Central gov’t workers in BARMM to get pay on time

By Drema Quitayen Bravo

MORE or less 3,700 civil servants, mostly health providers, under nationally funded programs directly supervised by the Bangsamoro government ministries, offices, and agencies will now receive their wages and other remunerations on time.

This after the region’s Bangsamoro Transition Authority approved on third

and final reading a bill that would allot a P1 billion revolving fund for the timely payment of their salaries. With 49 affirmatives, no negatives, and no abstentions, members of the Bangsamoro Parliament passed into law BTA Bill No. 41, or the Bangsamoro Revolving Fund Act of 2023, on Wednesday evening, May 17.

Tawi-Tawi athlete shines in SEA Games

THE Philippine Soft Tennis Team scores big by winning the gold medal during the 32nd South East Asian (SEA) Games in Phnom Penh.

Fatima Ayesha Amirul who is from Tawi-Tawi helped in clinching the gold

DID YOU KNOW?

By Nash Maulana

medal.

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) particularly hailed the top platform win for the gold with homegrown Amirul who is from Tawi-Tawi.

May is National Heritage Month

By virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 439, s. 2003, the month of May has been annually celebrated as the National Heritage Month. This observance aims to create among the Filipino people a consciousness, respect, and love for the legacies of the nation’s cultural history.

The Bangsamoro Sports Commission (BSC) congratulated Amirul for her crucial part with the team bringing honor to the country from the Cambodian-hosted 32nd South East Asian (SEA) Games from

and a first ever beach resort located in Timako, Kalanganan, Cotabato City with a total of P1.17 billion worth of investments.

Pasigan said the new investments are expected to provide employment to about 300 workers.

Pasigan attributed the higher investment approvals to the leadership of Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim and his advocacy that was aimed at attracting both local and foreign investors.

“We believe that we are now reaping the results of the

BARMM police gets

By John Felix Unson

COTABATO CITY — The Bangsamoro government on Tuesday provided the regional police with four more new patrol vehicles to boost its lawenforcement activities and efforts to address religious extremism via diplomatic interventions.

Brig. Gen. Allan Nobleza, director of the Police Regional OfficeBangsamoro Autonomous Region, received the four brand new Toyota Hilux pick-up trucks from the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government during a turn over rite Tuesday at the capitol here of the Bangsamoro

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

“We in PRO-BAR are grateful to the office of Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo for his capacity-building interventions for all of our units,” Nobleza said at the sideline of the event.

Sinarimbo is chairman of the multi-sector Regional Advisory Group of PRO-BAR that supports peacebuilding activities of police units in the region.

No fewer than 40 patrol vehicles were released by the MILG-BARMM to units of PRO-BAR in the past 24 months.

4 more new vehicles P3 P3

PRO-BAR covers the

provinces of Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao Norte, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi and the cities of Lamitan, Marawi and Cotabato.

The four police cars that PRO-BAR got from the MILG last Tuesday were procured with allocations from the Transitional Development Impact Fund, or TDIF.

The TDIF is earmarked for programs intended to address underdevelopment in most towns in the autonomous region.

Ministries under the regional government have various projects bankrolled via the TDIF.

City hosts security workshop for “Araw,” “BARMMAA”

2 Kidapaweños slain in Kabacan ambush

NEW POLICE VEHICLES. The four new police vehicles the Police Regional OfficeBangsamoro Autonomous Region received from the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government. Photo courtesy of BIO

-National Library of the Philippines

SPECIAL PEOPLE. Persons with disabilities avail of government monetary assistance through BARMM Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD).

Photo by MSSD-BARMM

City hosts security workshop for “Araw,” “BARMMAA”

COTABATO City Mayor Mohammad Bruce Matabalao has met with security sectors in the city as it prepares to host two major events in the coming days.

The city is host of this year’s Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Athletic Association 2023. It is also expected to celebrate this year’s Araw ng Cotabato in June.

Present during the security plan workshop were personnel from the City PNP, Marines, National Intelligence and Coordinating Agency (NICA-BARMM), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and community leaders.

Security preparations also included 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK)

Elections.

Security officials discussed the firearms and security risks, threat assessment, case tracking and status of targeted threats, security strategies, and defense measures and communication operations.

Mayor Matabalao also reminded the security forces to strengthen its checkpoint and mobile patrol operation as delegates from other provinces are expected to arrive in the city starting next week for the athletic meet.

Additional security personnel will be detailed, specially in crowded

areas such as terminals, airport and other transport hubs in the city.

He also reminded everyone that peace and order should be the top priority.

"We would like to send a message to those not residing in Cotabato City that our City is peaceful and nothing to be feared of,” Mayor Matabalo said.

The City LGU is also now coordinating with the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) in preparation for the BARMMAA meet. Mark Anthony Tayco

Priority codes okay before BTA term ends

LEADERS of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), serving a three-year transition extension period, have vowed to pass the remaining priority codes before June 2025 when their term ends.

“We can even disregard all other proposed measures, what is important is we will be able to pass the remaining priority legislation that is mandated of us by the national government,” BTA Deputy Speaker Atty. Yasser Omar Sema said during a news conference after the opening of the second regular session, which started Monday and will conclude in February 2024.

To date, the Parliament has passed administrative, civil service, education, and electoral codes.

“We hope to pass the

local governance, revenue, and indigenous peoples’ rights codes in due time,” Sema added.

If there are still pending priority bills that failed to hurdle the third and final reading before the current BTA term ends, Sema said the regular Parliament elected in the May 2025 regional balloting may continue the process.

“If these bills remained unacted, we will put on record in the legislative mill that those measures have undergone committee deliberation are important measures for their consideration,” he added.

“This is the fourth priority code that we have enacted; let us build on this positive momentum to finish the remaining priority codes and other important legislation as

soon as possible,” said Ebrahim.

Since 2019, BTA Speaker Atty. Pangalian Balindong said the regional legislative body have passed 35 measures, an indication of the Parliament’s dedication and hard work in fulfilling its mandate of crafting laws that "will shape the future of the Bangsamoro region."

"These legislative measures cover a wide range of sectors and issues, all aimed at bringing about positive change and addressing the needs of the Bangsamoro people," Balindong said.

It also approved a total of 324 resolutions.

Sema said from now on the legislators are expected to always bear in mind the request of Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim asking the

lawmakers to enact the Local Governance Code and the Bangsamoro Revenue Code.

Also in the pipeline is the proposed transfer of the BARMM regional seat from its current location in Cotabato City to Parang town in Maguindanao del Norte.

The BTA has 24 months to pass the priority codes or until June 30 when their terms ends and the regular Parliament members shall have assumed office.

During Monday’s opening session, the Parliament had approved of a resolution designating Member of the Parliament Said Salendab as the acting “Wali” of the Bangsamoro government.

The “Wali” is considered as the ceremonial head of the region. Edwin O. Fernandez

Traders see progress with new town market

MUSLIM merchants in Amai Manabilang, Lanao del Sur are certain of improvements in their trade ties with Christian counterparts in Bukidnon province in Region 10 once the P25 million worth market building project in their municipality gets done.

Many of the farmers in the hinterland Amai Manabilang town in the first district of Lanao del Sur in the Bangsamoro region are former guerillas of the Moro National Liberation Front and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, now producing potatoes, lettuce and other high-value short-term crops.

Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong, Jr. said last weekend, May 13, that they are grateful to the Ministry of the Interior and Local GovernmentBangsamoro Autonomous

Region in Muslim Mindanao for providing Amai Manabilang with a P25 million market building project.

“It is so necessary in invigorating the economy of the municipality, somehow stunted by security issues in decades past,” he said.

Amai Manabilang is not too distant from Butig, also in the first district of the province and hometown of the slain siblings Omarkhayam and Abdullah Maute, founders of the now virtually nonexistent Maute terror group that government forces purged after its five-month siege of more than a dozen barangays in Marawi City in 2017.

Hakim Mansur, a Maranao vegetable dealer, said he and his partners have long wished for a good market building in the town proper of Amai Manabilang

MARKET BUILDING RISING. The Bangsamoro government’s P25 million worth market building project in Amai Manabilang, Lanao del Sur, expected to improve trading among local farmers and merchants from outside

Arakan floods destroy 10 homes, plantations too

KIDAPAWAN CITY — Heavy down pour in Arakan, North Cotabato early this week have triggered flashfloods and landslides that washed away at least 10 houses, the town spokesperson said Wednesday.

Leonardo Reovoca, Arakan information officer, said the Kulaman Valley River have overflowed and swept away houses along the riverbanks, a multi-cab vehicle, a motorbike and a horse.

Several landslides shut down portions of the Cotabato-Bukidnon highway. Reovoca said landslides occurred in the villages of Kabalantian, Meocan, Anapolon, Malibatuan and Sabang.

No one was reported injured in the calamity that occurred at daytime.

The LGU listed 37 individuals who lost their homes and temporarily housed at the village covered courts

and isolation facilities. Most of them received food and non-food items from LGU.

Reovoca said eight families in Kulamay Valley have expressed desire to be relocated by LGU.

He said banana and corn plantations were also flooded. The town agriculture office is still assessing the damages brought about by the flooding. Williamor

A. Magbanua

Photo courtesy of PRO-BAR

Photo courtesy of MILG-BARMM

ADDITIONAL FIREPOWER. Police forces in the Bangsamoro Region get additional mobility and fighting equipment as the region’s security forces double efforts to curb criminality across BARMM.

Central gov’t workers in BARMM to get...from P1

_Under Bangsamoro Autonomy Act o BAA No. 36 known as Bangsamoro Revolving Fund Act of 2023, revolving fund will ensure the timely payment of salaries and other remunerations of national-funded employees in case of a delay in the transfer or downloading of funds by concerned national government agencies.

BARMM has about 1,700 workers under Ministry of Social Services and Development and almost 2,000 under the Ministry of Health. Their complaint – six-month wage payment delays.

These workers are being paid through national line agencies such as Department of Social Welfare and Development and Department of Health, in which downloading of funds for their

wages and salaries take longer time.

The Ministry of Finance, Budget, and Management Ministry will handle revolving fund in accordance with its cash management and disbursement system and procedures, subject to all existing government accounting and auditing rules and regulations, according Finance Deputy Minister Atty. Ubaida C. Pacasem.

After paying the wages and salaries of workers, the concerned BARMM agencies will return the fund to the Bangsamoro Treasury Office.

The bill was among BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim priority legislation laid down during the opening of second regular session on Monday.

Tawi-Tawi athlete shines in SEA Games...from P1

May 5 to 17.

The BSC commended Amirul for her hard work, dedication, and perseverance that have paid off with her exceptional athletic abilities and her spirit of teamwork, sportsmanship, and national pride.

The BSC noted that Amirul's victory is a testament to the Philippines' commitment to sports excellence and lauded her for her contribution to the sport of soft tennis.

The triumph of the Philippine Soft Tennis Team for which Amirul played with

exceptional skills in that sports event is a milestone for the Philippines at the SEA Games.

The BSC said Amirul and her team’s victory is a source of pride for the Bangsamoro people and the entire Philippines, inspiring future generations of athletes to strive for excellence and bring honor to the country.

"You have brought honor and glory to our country, and we are grateful for your contributions to the sport of soft tennis […] keep up the good work, and may the future endeavors be just as

successful and fulfilling," the BSC further stated. Meanwhile, Amirul expressed her gratitude on her Facebook account, stating that their months of preparation for the SEA Games had finally paid off with a gold medal and a historic achievement.

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.

New leadership will further strengthen Caritas’ mission — Filipino bishop

CARITAS Philippines has welcomed the election of Archbishop Tarcisius Isao Kikuchi of Tokyo as the new president of Caritas Internationalis, a Vatican-based confederation of more than 160 Catholic charities around the world.

Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, president of the national Caritas, said Kikuchi’s election “reaffirms our commitment to prioritizing the needs of the marginalized”.

“We believe his leadership will further strengthen our collective efforts to uplift the lives of those in need,” said Bagaforo, who is currently in Rome for the confederation’s 22nd general assembly.

“We look forward to working closely with him to advance social justice and integral human development,” he said.

More than 400 delegates taking part in the assembly elected Kikuchi, who is also the current secretary general of the Federation of

Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC), on May 13 to serve a four-year term.

Replacing Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, the former archbishop of Manila who has been leading the Dicastery for Evangelization since 2019, Kikuchi is the second president of Caritas Internationalis from Asia.

The archbishop has been associated with Caritas since 1995, starting as a volunteer in the Refugees’ Camp in Bukavu, Zaire.

The assembly on May 15 also elected Kirsty Robertson as the new vice president of Caritas Internationalis and Mr. Alistair Dutton as the new secretary general for a mandate of four years.

Robertson has been the CEO of Caritas

Australia since 2019. She previously held various positions at Caritas Australia including Pacific Programs Coordinator and Communications Group Leader.

She was also CEO at Mary MacKillop Today and held numerous leadership roles in other faith-based aid and development organisations.

Currently Executive Director of SCIAF (Caritas Scotland), Mr. Dutton has more than 25 years of experience in the humanitarian field and has led projects in more than 70 countries. With more than 25 years of experience in the humanitarian field and has led projects in more than

Pope Francis issues new constitution for Vatican City State

VATICAN— Pope Francis on Saturday issued a new constitution of the Vatican City State that further emphasizes the power of the pope over the sovereign state.

The new constitution, called “the Fundamental Law of Vatican City State,” is the third in history and replaces a law promulgated by St. John Paul II in 2000.

The first constitution

was issued in 1929 following the signing of the Lateran Pacts, which founded the city state of the Vatican and guaranteed its sovereignty.

The new law will go into effect June 7.

In an interview with Vatican News published Saturday, Vincenzo Buonomo, a jurist and rector of the Pontifical Lateran University, noted that the new law now

uses the words “power” and “powers” to refer only to the pope, while other bodies of the state exercise “legislative, executive, and judicial functions.”

Pope Francis said he issued the new fundamental law “to meet the needs of our day.”

The law, he added, which is “the foundation and reference of all other legislation and regulations in the State, confirms the singular peculiarity and autonomy of the Vatican legal system.”

The Governorate of Vatican City State oversees the administration and government of Vatican City. Pope Francis said this body, “with its own organizational structure, contributes to the proper mission of the State and is at the service of the Successor of Peter, to whom it is directly accountable.” Hannah Brockhaus/Catholic News Agency

70 countries, Mr. Dutton first worked with Caritas in 1996.

He is currently the Executive Director of SCIAF (Caritas Scotland). From 2009 to 2014, he served as the Humanitarian Director of Caritas Internationalis.

In 2014, Dutton was also the CEO of the Sphere Project, the international humanitarian standards body. From 2005 to 2009 he was head of the Humanitarian Programmes Unit for Africa of Christian Aid. CBCP News

THE head of the Catholic bishops’ leadership has welcomed the acquittal from drug charge of former senator Leila de Lima, who has been detained for the past six years.

The court on May 12 dismissed one of two remaining criminal charges against de Lima, who was arrested months after launching an investigation into the thenDuterte administration’s brutal drug war.

The former president humiliated de Lima in public speeches and accused her of receiving payoffs from convicted drug lords.

The decision marks the second acquittal out of the three cases filed against de Lima, who has been detained since February 2017.

“Praise the Lord for this news,” Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, president of the bishops’ conference, said in a short social media post.

Caritas Philippines, meanwhile,

ThisSunday we celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension. Simply speaking, Jesus went up to heaven. The Lord ascended to the Father forty days after the resurrection in the sight of the disciples (Acts 1:10-11). He went up to His glory but as the disciples were reminded by the angels, He will come again. Just as He ascended, He will descend for the final judgment. Jesus first descended during the Incarnation when God came among us. The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:14). This is the vertical dimension of the life of Christ. He came from the heavens to the earth and from the earth back to the heavens and again back to earth on the second coming. St. Paul in this beautiful passage from the Philippians wrote, “Though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross” (Phil 2:5-8).

Vertical and Horizontal Directions

Reflections

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

“Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Phi. 2:9-11).

The vertical and horizontal dimensions form the Cross. These directions also point to the pattern of Christian discipleship. We lift up our eyes to the heavens to worship God, and we also look around us in a life of love and service for the well being of our fellowmen and this planet earth. Although His hands were nailed on the Cross, Jesus embraced the whole humanity to lift us up to His Father.

Bishops welcome de Lima’s acquittal The Ascension of the Lord

urged the local court to issue a speedy resolution on the last drug charge against de Lima.

Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, president of the national Caritas, said the court ruling “brings us closer to the realization of justice and emphasizes the importance of upholding the rule of law”.

“Her acquittal, in this case, reaffirms our belief in the merits of her defense, and serves as a testament to the flaws and inconsistencies in the charges fabricated against her,” Bagaforo said.

“We call on the Muntinlupa City RTC Branch 256 to expedite its decision and grant Senator de Lima the opportunity to regain her freedom,” he said.

The bishop added that de Lima’s release from detention “is not only a significant step towards justice, but also a symbol of our collective commitment to safeguarding human rights and ensuring the rule of law”. CBCP News

Daily Scripture Readings

Acts 1.1-11; Ephesians 1.17-23

Gospel: Matthew 28.16-20

Readings: no. 297, p. 584

1st Reading: Acts 19.1-8

To complete the cross, the vertical dimension is not enough. There is the horizontal dimension. There is the earthly life of Jesus who walked among the common folks and leaders of His time. He preached, mostly by parables about the Kingdom of His Father. He showed signs of this Kingdom as fullness of life by performing miracles, feeding the hungry, driving out demons, forming a community of disciples, and even arguing about what is really necessary to join God’s kingdom. He was not always a popular figure. Some listened to His message and others were offended. He finally suffered and died on the cross. The story of Jesus did not end there on the cross.

Jesus rose again and as St. Paul continues,

It is said about St. Edith Stein or St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross who died during the Holocaust that even before her conversion, she would go to the chapel and look at the cross. She did not grow up as a believer. She was a well-known philosopher in Germany who eventually converted to the Catholic faith and became a Carmelite nun. Being known as Jewish she was finally arrested and died in the gas chambers of Hitler.

What went on in the mind of St. Edith Stein as she was looking at the cross? All her philosophical trainings and education were trumped by the cross. Yes, heaven and earth came together on the cross so that the cross becomes a sign of glory. Through the cross, Jesus was glorified. As we live our earthly life, we undergo the ordinary pains of human living, as well as the pains of the consequences of our belief in Jesus. The feast of the Ascension assures us that we too will go up to the glory of God. Jesus went ahead of us and assures us that He will take us with Him, so that where He is we also will be (Jn 14:3). We are being challenged, look up and look around. Worship and serve.

Gospel: John 16.29-33

Readings: no. 298, p. 586

1st Reading: Acts 20.17-27

Gospel: John 17.1-11a

Readings: no. 299, p. 588

1st Reading: Acts 20.28-38

Gospel: John 17.11b-19

Readings: no. 300, p. 591

1st Reading: Acts 22.30; 23.6-11

Gospel: John 17.20-26

Readings: no. 301, p. 594 or no. 570, p. 684

1st Reading: Acts 24.27; 25.13b-21++

Gospel: John 21.15-19

Readings: no. 302, p. 596

1st Reading: Acts 28.16-20, 30-31

Gospel: John 21.20-25

From left, Archbishop Tarcisius Isao Kikuchi of Tokyo, the new president of Caritas Internationalis, his vice president Kirsty Robertson, and Mr. Alistair Dutton, the secretary general. Photo courtesy by CBCP News

St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican.

What’s your development paradigm?

Inour previous issues, we talked about development and growth around areas surrounding this region. The general observations included the designation of other areas as priority for investment, which made some areas like Cebu City experience rapid growth and development. Some areas were targeted for government spending, while some seem to be left behind. One of these areas which is glaringly in the “backwoods” is Cotabato City and its environs. This has been a bone of contention for the separatist movement who points at these deficiencies as their perceived barrier to growth and development.

The word development is a controversial one, especially with the rise of concerns for the poorer sector of society. Development has been synonymous to higher production and better infrastructure, which although provide benefits to the population, usually redound only to those who have access to these benefits – the higher middle class. Humanitarian projects are therefore ignored by the poor due to this. Sociologists have now refocused development not only to the Gross National Product, but should include the increase in income and social status of those who are mired in poverty. Every development project should take into consideration that portion of the poorer society who can rise above their present status and contribute to the national income.

This was recognize by many so that “at the beginning of the 21st century there is the need for a new development paradigm that recognizes that ‘government failure’ is a much more important problem than ‘market failure’. A study came to the conclusion that ‘Privatisation’ of government services by its employees and government’s monopoly of power are the real problems today. The new paradigm must be based on a clear and non-ideological recognition of the strengths and the weakness of the state and the people.”

…..” A democratic society has enormous potential for entrepreneurship, innovation and creative development. The people, their diverse forms of activity and association such as companies, cooperatives, societies, trusts and other NGOs must be allowed and encouraged to play their due role. The state must focus on what only it can do best and shed all activities that the people can do as well or better.”

This is an eye opener to the BARMM which is still in the transition stage. Hopefully, it will hit the right ingredients to cook a better approach to development, that which is more people oriented. The present practice of government which is more distortive of laws, rules, red tape must be removed so as to give more power to the people. The state should confine itself to managing the economy so as to “accelerate employment and income growth in a self-sustaining manner, ensure that all citizens receive their basic entitlements of basic public goods and services and empower the poor so that they have equal rights (and responsibilities) with the better off citizens”. This is clearly the correct way of empowerment specially of women, providing employment that benefits the poor, giving entitlement to those who are been marginalized for so long like the indigenous people. MC

May 5 this year, as it has been since 1993, was celebrated as World Press Freedom Day. The annual celebration was proclaimed as such by the United Nations General Assembly to serve as an occasion to inform citizens of the violations of press freedom. It is also meant to remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression enshrined under Article 19 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

In the Philippines, having a government that is not openly hostile to the press does not mean that the situation for media workers has improved and will continue improving. In a statement issued on the 30th anniversary edition of World Press Freedom Day last May 5, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines said: “we remind ourselves that while there have been victories — in court, with the acquittal of Maria Ressa and Rappler of tax cases, for example — many, far too many of us are still facing threats and that our freedom is still fragile.”

As of April 30, 2023 according to the NUJP, 60 “violations against the free press” have been recorded under the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. – 2 killings, 19 cases of surveillance and verbal harassment, 12 cases of red tagging, 9 cyberlibel and libel cases, 6 death threats, and cases of judicial harassment, denial of coverage, arrests, online attacks and harassment, censorship, cyber-attacks and physical attacks.

On May 5, two days after World Press Freedom Day, NUJP Chairperson Jonathan de Santos and the entire NUJP leadership were red-tagged by Lorraine Badoy, and NTF-ELCAC spokesman Jeffrey Celis during their daily TV show “Laban Kasama ang Bayan,” on SMNI, the broadcasting arm of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy. They claimed that De Santos had been active in the “underground operations” of the communist rebellion in his younger years. The duo also red-tagged his media outfit Philstar.com, former Philippine Daily Inquirer correspondent and former NUJP Chairperson Nestor Burgos, and Rappler.

Days later Badoy once again red-tagged De Santos in a public Facebook post on her personal account, labelling him “an urban operative of the CPP NPA NDF.”

THE Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao effectively keeps security threats off provincial boundaries in Lanao del Sur by constructing the standard Philippine National Police municipal police station (MPS) buildings designed to withstand heavy fire discharges during attacks.

General Allan Nobreza, BARMM Police Regional Office chief, says the Bangsamoro government has completed and turned over seven MPS in different towns of BARMM.

In a statement issued following the redtagging of De Santos and the NUJP leadership, the Commission on Human Rights expressed “grave alarm” on this repeat incidence of redtagging by this SMNI program]. It added: “As we have repeatedly warned, red-tagging exposes the tagged party to intimidation, violence, and unnecessary state surveillance, which directly impede journalists’ human rights, most notably their right to the freedom of opinion, expression and the press.” It also mentioned its CHR Report on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders, which said red-tagging has also resulted to the endangerment of the life, liberty, and security of targeted individuals or groups.

The CHR statement said the Commission “reminds the state of its obligation to protect these freedoms as a state party to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both asserting that all people have the right to freedom of expression, opinion, and information through any media. When red-tagging is used to suppress these freedoms, it becomes a tool to shrink civic space. Further, it creates a climate of fear and silence that is not conducive to open exchange of views and ideas, which is essential to a free press that must bring to light legitimate social concerns.”

So while this administration may show no hostility to the press, the tactics and approaches by several of its functionaries against members of the press who do not see things their way or who they perceive to be antagonistic to their agenda or whose views are inconvenient to them, highlight the real situation of press freedom in this country.

As NUJP states, “on World Press Freedom Day and despite all these, we remind ourselves that we will continue to insist on being free.”

Fr.

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

John

NORTH / SOUTH COTABATO CORRESPONDENTS

Williamor Magbanua, Romer “Bong” Sarmiento & Louige Allan Tutor

CARTOONIST

Lourd Jim Diazon

According to Nobreza, eight more MPS buildings were being constructed and soon will be turned over to the BARMM PRO.

Minister Naguib Sinarimbo of the BARMM Ministry of the Interior and Local Governments (MILF), said the MPS here worth P 6.5 million was built with the modern standard rooftop vantage area designed with the hard concrete walling to effectively repel attacks at the first instance.

It can be recalled that the Marawi City siege in 2017 had snowballed from the takeover of Butig town.

Engineer Abibazar Sali, chief of the Project Management Development Division (PMDD) under Sinarimbo’s office, said similar projects under MILG’s Support to Local Moral Governance (SLMG) Program has funded since 2021 the construction of MPS buildings in Maimbung, Talipao, Northern Kabuntalan, Tandubas, Tawi-Tawi and Hadji Mohammad Ajul in Basilan. Seven more will be built under the 2022 SLMG funds.

Lt Dan Ducot, COP Gen Allan Nobreza chief of police of Amai Manabilang said the town “has positioned itself as one of the most peaceful towns,” adding that the residents—among them, followers

of traditional religions and the indigenous people’s coexist peacefully in the town.

Interestingly, the BARMM government is supporting sustainable programs in Pagayawan town including conflict management, the town being the passage way of ISIS-inspired extremists during the Marawi siege in May 2017.

Mayor Khalida Palao Sangila said conflict management program includes a distinct scheme of mandatory imposition of municipal ID System for residents 18 year old and above, in addition to the National ID system.

The lady mayor said madaris or Arabic schools in her town are usually “sanitized” from lessons possibly “imported” in from the Afghanistan experience which breeds extremism.

She said the same khutba or sermons are delivered in the town’s mosques during the Friday Muslim congregation. This, she said, is to protect the town from some foreign ideology that would introduce extremism to the locals.

Sangila says it is a matter of choice in leadership to be firm or the new generation would tend to repeat the same mistakes that their forebears had committed.

COTABATO CITY / ARMM CORRESPONDENTS

M. Unson, Ferdinandh B. Cabrera, Nash B. Maulana, Mark Anthony Tayco & Drema Quitayen Bravo

Everything Has To End

Charlie Señase csenase@yahoo.com

The vogue saying that nothing is permanent but change holds true among mortals till now. And as perceived, people come and go from generation to another only to finally sigh adieu. Like Dr. Jose Rizal’s incredible feat as the country’s leading national hero had to leave us with his unforgettable last farewell in Mi Ultimo Adios.

Early this week, a close tennis buddy passed away in his late 70s. The peaceful adieu of lawyer Melquides “Milky” Cedeno brings to mind the much earlier parting of three other colleagues Jose “Ping” Estaniel, Wilfredo “Willie” Bueno and Dr. Rogelio “Roger” Chua. We were like siblings of old mingling and sharing sports, professional and social issues of concern for decades, and now leaving us nothing but memories of them. As it is written, all visible things are temporal but the unseen things are eternal that we have to prepare while still up-and-about.

As residents of Cotabato City, the recent performance rating of City Mayor Mohammad Ali “Bruce” Matabalao is praiseworthy to be the PH’s Top 6 performer with a rating of 70 percent compared to last year’s ranking of 15th place. Congratulation is in order, but Matabalao has yet to improve his peace and order program to surpass his predecessor, the first and only city mayor of Cotabato from the distaff side to have ruled with impact.

Former City Mayor Atty. Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi was so impressive that during her tenure, it was the “safest city” in Mindanao and second only to Puerto Princesa in the whole country. The Sayadi accolade was considered a breakthrough at a time when the city had been tagged as the PH’s “killing field and kidnap capital.” This is a challenge for her male counterpart

to surpass such feat now that the city is again marred with frequent shooting incidents and other lawless violence as reminiscent of city’s past monicker. Sayadi’s deployment of the PH Marines had contributed greatly in the restoration of law and order as perceived by the national government.

Cotabato City which is now the sole regional seat of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Government with some villages in Lanao Norte and North Cotabato under its administrative control, police and LGU reports of ambuscades and shooting incidents appeared to have worsened.

At midweek, a Kidapawan City resident was killed and a Moro companion was seriously injured when their Toyota Hi-Lux was ambushed at Barangay Kayaga in Kabacan, North Cotabato.

Based from the official Bangsamoro Police Regional Office report, it showed a total of 211 shooting incidents in 2023 from January to May 9. And accordingly, these incidents were either motivated by intense political rivalry as village polls near, vendetta or personal grudge, land-ownership dispute or labor-employment conflict.

PRO-BARMM Chief Brig. Gen. Allan Nobleza said that out of the 211 shooting incidents, 13 were meant against local government officials. This prompted his command to tighten security after a National Irrigation Administration local staff was shot to death recently at the Kabulnan irrigation range. This was followed by an assassination plot that killed a lowly public utility driver in Sultan Kudarat town of Maguindanao Norte.

Oftentimes, people ask: What’s new and Who’s who in the news today? And their next query is: Why and How? It’s about time that we ought to know that everything has its time and purpose in life as in – Time to congratulate and time to condole for the living to realize that what we sow or plant we will surely reap on harvest time for earthly life is sunrise and sunset. MC

Good Job Guys!

LastMay 5th to 17th, 2023, the eleven member Southeast Asian Countries ‘athletes converged at Phnom Phenh, Cambodia for the 32nd SEA Games . Athletes from 11 nations compete for medals across 37 different sports with 581 medals

dominated the competition, garnering 205 golds, while the Philippines had only 52, putting us on the 4th place, below Thailand, and Indonesia. The last time the Philippines hosted the SEA Games was 2019, held simultaneously in several places in Luzon. The Motto:”

We win as One” so inspired our athletes that they dominated in practically all events of the games. The host Philippines emerged as the overall champion for the first time in 14 years breaking its own medal count record in 2005. Vietnam, Thailand Indonesia, Cambodia are the frequent competitors of the Philippines for Gold and the overall championship.

EJ Obiena resets is previous SEAG record, cleared the 5.65 meter mark to win the gold. He continues to collect gold in different competitions, in preparation for his Olympic sojourn in Paris, soon.

Efren “Bata” Reyes was still treated like a winner as cheers from a predominantly Vietnamese crew at Ha Dong Gymnasium poured on all the way to the exits for the Filipino legend. Reyes may not be the biggest star in this year’s Games but his legacy and impact on the sport are invaluable, while his charisma remains undeniable. He lost 100-55 to star struck Tranh of Vietnam.

Vaccination and Immunization

at stake.

Six countries , Burma (now Myanmar), Cambodia, Laos, Malaya (now Malaysia) Thailand and the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam) were the founding members of the SEA Games. These countries agreed to hold the game biennially in June and the SEAP Federation Committee was formed.

The first event of 1959 was held in Bangkok, Thailand., while the next event will be held , every odd year, in 2025 at Bangkok , Chonburi and Songkhia, Thailand. The SEA Games is one of the five subregional Games of the Olympic Council of Asia.

The Philippines first sent athlete to the Southeast Asian games in 1977. Prior to 1977, the Southeast Asian Games were known as the Southeast Asian Peninsular Games. The country has hosted the games four times; in 1981, 1991, 2005 and 2019.

In the 31st SEA Games, Vietnam

Six time world medallist Carlos Yulo won the individual all-around gold SEA Games with Vietnam retaining team title. Disappointment ensued as Yulo who was the first world champion gymnast was unable to achieve his goal of replicating that feat on the Olympic stage.

Even without Hidilyn Diaz, Philippine weightlifting still got a pair of gold medals with Elreen Ando . Vanessa Sarno also set a new SEA Games. Six Gold medals were from Dexter Bolambao, Crisamuel Delfin, Maria Ella Alcoseba, Charlotte Tolentino , Jedah Mae Soriano and Trixie Lofranco for Arnis.

Basketball fans were initially frustrated wih the showing of Gilas Piliupinas who suffered a painful 79-68 loss at the hands of a rejigged Cambodia side. It appeared that Cambodia had six naturalized players. In the end, Gilas Filipinas defeated Cambodia just in the nick of time, adding another gold to the golden harvest.

Success and Goal-Setting…

If you happen to have a room full of students, professionals, or a group of entrepreneurs, try to ask them who would like to be successful. It would be a surprise if less than 90% would raise their hand to indicate a “yes” to the question they were asked to answer.

Assuming 90 out of 100 affirmed their intention to become successful in the future, how many of them would really be able to achieve success? In most likelihood, only around 10% would be truly successful. If we go by the success rate of of micro and small enterprises in the Philippines, less than 5% of those who went into business would manage to survive.

Why the low success rate for entrepreneurs, professionals, etc.?

In an article published in the website Reliable Plant, Douglas Vermeeren cited ten (10) reasons why people fail to successfully reach their goals.

One of the primary reasons why people do not become successful is because few people care to set goals. An article published by Nina in the website Goals Calling claim that only 20% of people actually set their goals (which means that 80% do not set personal goals).

Goals need to be written down as putting your thoughts to paper have beneficial effect. A study done by Dr. Gail Matthews of the Dominican University of California found out that participant who wrote down their goals have a 42% chance of being successful. The more challenging the goals that are written, the higher the rate of achieving these goals.

Brian Tracy, one of the world’s

best known motivational speaker and author of numerous books on success, said studies of Americans reveal only 3% of them write their goals and only 1% review and revise their goals regularly. I wonder what would be the percentage of Filipinos who care to set goals, write them down, and review them periodically? With our lower financially literacy rate, it is highly likely that 1% or less of Filipinos have written goals.

Tracy cites the five common reasons why people don/t write their goals.

The first reason is that they are simply not serious. Many would express desire to be successful but that does not translate to taking the time to write down things they want to achieve.

The second reason why people don’t set goals is that they don’t understand the importance of goals. Some people think that they can be successful without the necessity of specifying the goals that would define the success they want.

The third reason why people don’t set goals is because they don’t know how to do it. Goals have to be specific and time-bound and people may not have the opportunity to hear about this and take the time to know the nitty-gritty of goal setting.

The fourth reason why people don’t set goals is fear of rejection. Some life goals depend on the acceptance and cooperation of others; thus, one could have reservation on getting the cooperation of others.

The fifth reason why people don’t set goals — and perhaps the most important reason of all — is the fear of failure. It is said that we are naturally failure-averse, that is, we would like to avoid failing. It is, therefore, “safer” not to set goals and share it with others (and then failing to accomplish said goals).

“Goals need to be written down as putting your thoughts to paper have beneficial effect.“

Traders see progress with...from P2

to whose occupants they can sell farm products from the cold hinterlands of the municipality.

“This market-building project is very important to us,” he said. The project, bankrolled by the BARMM government, is being implemented jointly by the local government unit of Amai Manabilang and the office of Regional Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo. John Felix

Unson

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late JOSE R. RABAGO, who died intestate on February 24, 2022 in Cotabato City, left certain properties: parcels of land Lot 14 Blk 1, PSD-12-014942, under Title No. T-30212 with an area of 125 sq. mts.; A two (2) storey building on (Lot 14 Blk1, PSD-12-014942) with an area of 172.15 sq. mts; Lot 3 Blk 1, PSD12-014942, under Title No. T-30211 with an area of 125 sq. mts., more or less and Bank accounts with Philippine National Bank (PNB)- Makakua Branch under Account Nos. 4051700001754 and 405160011381 are subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Froebel Kan Balleque as per Doc. No. 263; Page No. 52; Book No. 45; Series of 2023.

MC: May 20 & 27 & June 3, 2023

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

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

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 9048-10172), Notice is hereby served to the public that DANIEL R. FERENAL has filed with this office, a Petition for the CORRECTION in SEX from "FEMALE to "MALE" in the Certificate of Live Birth of GLANDIX REMOLADO FERENAL, who was born at Pikit, Cotabato on 29 DECEMBER 2006, and whose parents are DANIEL RIVERA FERENAL and CECILE SCINDO REMOLADO.

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

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

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.

CONLUCK PAWNSHOP MAIN

CONLUCK DON RUFINO BRANCH

CONLUCK PAWNSHOP BRANCH 4 & CONLUCK PAWNSHOP PLAZA

Cotabato City

ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sanla. Ang mga ito ay isinangla magmula Abril hanggang Mayo 2022 . Ang Subasta ay sa Mayo 31, 2023 sa ganap na ika 8:00 ng umaga hanggang ika 4:00 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

MC: May 20 & 27, 2023

RANEN PAWNSHOP MAIN, BRANCH I, II & III

Don Rufino Alonzo & Don Tomas Martinez Sts, Cot. City

Notice for Auction

All unredeemed articles pledged on October 2022 will be auctioned on June 1, 2023 at 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Please come before June 1, 2023 for renewal or redemption.

Patalastas ng Subasta

Lahat ng sangla noong Oktubre 2022 ay ipagbibili ng Subasta sa Hunyo 1, 2023 sa ganap na ika-8:30 ng umaga hanggang ika-4:30 ng hapon. Kung maari ay pumunta bago ang Hunyo 1, 2023 para sa pagbayad ng tubo o pagtubos.

Notice for Auction

Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Main, Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Roman Vilo Branch, SK Pendatun Branch, Mabini Branch, ORC Branch, Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Branch I, II, III, IV in Parang Branch, Carmen Branch, Pikit 1 and Pikit 2 Branch, Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Dalican 1, Dalican 2, Shariff Aguak Branch of Cotabato City, Parang North Cotabato, Datu Odin Sinsuat and Shariff Aguak announce the Auction Sale of all unredeemed pledges contracted May 2-31, 2022 at 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Main 4J Bldg. Corner Jose Lim Sr., and Don Roman Vilo St. Cotabato City. Auction sale will be on May 31, 2023.

Patalastas ng Subasta

Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Main, Agencia de OroPawnshop Inc. Roman Vilo Branch, SK Pendatun Branch, Mabini Branch, ORC Branch, Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Branch I, II, III, IV sa Parang Branch, Carmen Branch, Pikit 1 and Pikit 2 Branch, Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Dalican 1, Dalican 2, Shariff Aguak Branch of Cotabato City, Parang North Cotabato, Datu Odin Sinsuat and Shariff Aguak ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sangla. Ang mga ito ay isinangla noong Mayo 2-31, 2022 sa alas 8:00 ng umaga hanggang alas 4:00 ng hapon sa Agencia de OroJose Lim Branch, corner Jose Lim Sr, and Don Roman Vilo St., Cotabato City sa Mayo 31, 2023.

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

MC: May 6, 13 & 20, 2023

Republic of the Philippines Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Province of Maguindanao del Norte OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR Municipality of Barira

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

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

NOTICE

MC: May 13 & 20, 2023

VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I AND BRANCH II will hold a public auction sale of all unredeemed and unrenewed items pawned from November 1 to December 31, 2022 on June 6, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. at VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I, Dayao St., and VGM PAWNSHOP INC. II, Jose Abad Santos St., Kidapawan City

SUBASTA

Be There, Management

Ang VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I ug BRANCH II magsubasta sa tanan nga wala lukata ug wala tubui gikan sa bulan sa Nobyembre 1 hangtud sa bulan sa Disyembre 31, 2022 sa alas 9:00 sa buntag karung Hunyo 6, 2023 sa

VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I, Dayao St., ug sa VGM PAWNSHOP BRANCH II, Jose Abad Santos St., Kidapawan City.

MC: May 20, 27 & June 3, 2023 Ang Nagdumala

SULTAN PAWNSHOP

corner Bonifacio and Don Rufino Alonzo Sts., Cotabato City

Ang Sultan Pawnshop ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sangla. Ang mga ito ay isinangla noong Oktubre 2022. Ang subasta ay sa Hunyo 1, 2023 sa ganap na ika-8:00 ng umaga hanggang ika-4:30 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

MC: May 20 & 27, 2023

A. Gretare, CPA as per Doc. No. 3182; Page No. 70; Book No. LV, Series of 2018

MC: May 13, 20 & 27, 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 Local Civil Registry Office Province of Cotabato Municipality of Midsayap

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that MARVIN DY CABALTICA FLAUTA has filed with this Office a petition for change of First Name from "MARVIN" to "MARVIN DY" in the certificate of Live Birth of MARVIN CABALTICA FLAUTA who was born on December 15, 1968 at Midsayap, Cotabato and whose parents are BENEDICTO F. FLAUTA and ERLITA C. CABALTICA. 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 20 & 27, 2023

MC: May 20 & 27, 2023

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

MC: May 20 & 27, 2023 Republic

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

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is h ereby given that the late VICENTE PATEÑO and FELOMENA DOMINGUEZ, who died intestate at Kapayawi, Libungan, Cotabato on August 27, 1982 and November 17, 1972, respectively, left parcel of land Lot 56, Pls-357, situated in Nica-an, Midsayap, (now Kapayawi, Libungan), Cotabato, covered by OCT No. V-3049 with an area of 38, 281 sq. mts., more or less is subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with deed of absolute sale before Notary Public Celestino R. Rapacon as per Doc. No. 321; Page No. 66; Book No. I; Series of 1984.

MC: May 20, 27 & June 3, 2023

Republic of the Philippines Pigcawayan, Cotaabto Office of Local Civil Registrar NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guideliness in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1. Series of 2012 (IRR on RA. 10172), Notice is hereby served to the public that RHINE CADIAO GALIT has filed with this Office, petition for correction of sex from MALE to FEMALE in the certificate of live birth of RHINE BOSTON CADIAO at Pigcawayan, Cotabato and whose parents are RUPERTO ALONSABE CADIAO and LUCITA CASTILLON BOSTON. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office with this office not later than JUNE 3, 2023

(Sgd.)EVELYN B. LAGDAMIN Municipal Civil Registrar MC: May 20 & 27, 2023

SCC CIVIL CASE NO. 2018-1577 -for-

PETITION FOR DIVORCE BY FASKH

ARNEDA SAILILA MOHAMAD, Petitioner, -versusABDALLA MOHAMMED TOURE and The Local Civil Registry of Ampatuan, Maguindanao, Philippines. Respondents. x-----------------------------------x

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

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

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1, Guidelines in the implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), notice is hereby served to the public that Norey Relatado Mantiles has filed with this office, a petition for correction of child’s sex from Male to Female in the certificate of live birth of Norey Relatado Mantiles at Arakan, Cotabato and whose parents are Nilo C. Mantiles and Necitas E. Relatado.

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

(Sgd.) RODRIGO L. FAJANELA, JR. Municipal Civil Registrar MC:

MC: May 20 & 27, 2023

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late Spouses DIONISIO L. ASETRE and ANDREA C. ASETRE, both died in Cotabato City on June 13, 1981 and September 8, 1997, respectively, left parcels of land Lot 8, Block 6, (LRC) Psd-28701, TCT No. T-22426, area of 418 sq. mts. with (1) unit residential house and machineries; Lot 1, Block 24 (LRC) Psd 6212, TCT No. T-6447, area of 383 sq. mts.; and Lot 11 Block 8, (LRC) Psd 11122, TCT No. (T-3160) T-1106, area of 405 sq. mts., all in Matampay, Cotabato City; Lot 26, Block 16, (LRC) Pcs 10718, TCT No. (T33227) T-1239, area of 354 sq. mts. and Lot 24, Block 16, (LRC) Pcs 10718, T-1238 (T33225), area of 300 sq. mts., both in Landasan, Parang, Maguindanao; Lot 1, Block 31, (LRC) Pcs 2091, TCT No. T-13884, area of 411 sq. mts. and Lot 12-A, Block 31, (LRC) Pcs-2091, TCT No. T-13885 area of 100 sq. mts., both in Domalangcog, Municipality of Nuling; and Agricultural land covered by TCT No. CT-1239 CLOA 00060649 with an area of 50,000 sq. mts., more or less, located at Bagolibas, Aleosan, Cotabato are subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Felipe Vicente A. Velasco as per Doc No. 103; Page 21; Book No. IX; Series of 2023.

MC: May 20, 27 & June 3, 2023

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late CARLOS ww 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. 4252-G-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

2 Kidapaweños slain in Kabacan ambush

KIDAPAWAN CITY — Unidentified motorcycle riding gunmen killed two men on a pick-up truck in a daring daylight ambush along the national highway in Barangay Kayaga, Kabacan, North Cotabato on Tuesday afternoon.

Major Maxim Peralta, Kabacan town police chief, identified the victims as Ronie Samelo of Barangay Binoligan Edwin Cartagena of Barangay Lanao, both in Kidapawan City. They both died in the hospital here.

Cartagena was the driver and owner of the Toyota Hi-lux.

Videos taken by netizens shortly after the ambush and posted in the social media showed that the pickup truck hit a roadside wall and the victims were seen still inside the vehicle.

Police said investigation showed victims and suspects might know

each other based on the mobile phones recovered at the crime scene.

Peralta said the duo were heading to Datu Montawal for still unclear reasons.

Motive and identities of the attackers remained unknown as of posting. Louige Allan Tutor

BARMM now issuing public transport franchises

THE Bangsamoro regional government is now regulating the public transport sector in the region four years after the new political entity was born in Mindanao.

Starting Monday, the Bangsamoro Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (BLTFRB) has started the administration of public transport franchises in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Minister Atty. Paisalin Tago of the Ministry of Transportation and Communication said the assumption of responsibilities in managing the franchises of public transport sector came after the historic turnover of assets, responsibilities, and related documents

from the LTFRB Region 12 at the LTFRB main office in Quezon City.

It was not clear why it took LTFRB about four years to transfer the functions to BARMM which started to function as regional autonomous government in 2019.

The transfer was in accordance with Board Resolution No. 025, that states the transfer of all assets, digital records, franchises, special permits, provisional authority, and other corresponding documents for routes under BARMM from the LTFRB 12 was deemed necessary after the BLTFRB was granted authority to oversee franchise areas within its jurisdiction.

LTFRB Chair Teofilo Guadiz III led the turnover of the tasks and digital

copies of franchise documents for routes under BARMM's jurisdiction to Minister Tago who represented the BLTFRB.

“This day not only marks the turnover of records and responsibilities but also represents the culmination of the centuries-long dream of our brothers in the south for autonomy," Guadiz said during the turnover.

He stressed that the LTFRB national has full support for BARMM leaders.

Minister Atty. Tago said he was elated with the historical milestone for the BARMM region.

“This is not just a turnover of documents but also a transfer of responsibility and commitment by the LTFRB,” Tago said.

P20/kilo rice now in Kidapawan

KIDAPAWAN CITY – Hundreds of people from all walks of life trooped to the city gymnasium here on weekends to avail of rice sold at P20 per kilo.

This is under the “Mercado Kidapaweno” program of the city government where food supplies and basic goods are sold at cheaper price. Today is the 8th Mercado Kidapaweno event.

The city government has earmarked P11 million fund assistance to agriculture sector where accredited farmers get P20,000 loan, only pay half of it in due time and

the city agriculture office buys their produce at P19 per kilo.

Only five kilos are sold per customer, with valid ID, so the program could cater as many clients. Non-city residents are disqualified.

Mayor Jose Paolo Evangelista said request to expand the program to the barangays level is still under consideration. He said requirements are needed, including a letter to the Office of the President to allow the LGU to sell cheap rice to the villages.

Evangelista is hoping to see Pres. Marcos in person to personally make an appeal even as he assured

“We are grateful to the LTFRB for implementing the provision of the Bangsamoro Organic Law,” he said.

“(This is) another step that gives life to Bangsamoro Organic Law or BOL," LTFRB Board Member Atty. Mercy Jane Paras-Leynes said.

“It will implement what is being said on that law which will help the continuous development and achievements of the BARMM region,” ParasLeynes added.

Tago said while BLTFRB is now working independently from the LTFRB national, it will continue to collaborate and cooperate with its counterpart in other parts of Mindanao and the country. Edwin O. Fernandez

the public of sufficient supply for the program.

Ahead of the actual cheap rice dispersal, several residents from far villages have camped inside the city plaza after being told that it was “first come first served basis.” They were later allowed to sleep at the city gym.

“I hope NFA will allow us to activate our ‘Bigasan sa Barangay’ so that our villagers will no longer go here the city proper and stay overnight just to avail the program,” Evangelista said.

Williamor A. Magbanua

BBOI investment approval hits P1.77-B...from P1

BARMM administration’s investment initiatives. In fact, another two projects are lined up for approval on May 31, 2023 and we will generate a total of P2.7 billion investments, expected to surpass the P2.5 billion investments target for FY 2023,” Pasigan said.

As the pandemic has slowed down and

the BARMM delegates’ successful trade mission in Dubai, Pasigan has expressed confidence more investments will pour in during the second semester of this year.

On May 1-3, the BBOI showcased potential investment venues in the (BARMM) at the 9th Annual International Conference

and Exhibits 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

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

Pasigan personally invited participants to explore the region's beauty

and investment potentials of its diverse range of industries.

“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.

Man killed for refusing to pay for liquor

A drunken man stabbed his cousin dead for refusing to provide money for additional liquor during a drinking spree Sunday in Libungan town in Cotabato province.

Capt. April Rose Soria, information officer of the Cotabato Provincial Police Office based in Kidapawan City, on Tuesday identified the fatality as Ronald Palac Doroon, 46, who was declared dead on arrival at a hospital where he was rushed for treatment.

The local police, in a report to the Cotabato

PPO, said Doroon was attacked with a knife by his 45-year-old cousin, Sanny Palac Moreno, after he refused to provide money, as counterpart, for another bottle of liquor while drinking with relatives in Barangay Gumaga in Libungan.

Responding policemen under Major John Minidel Calinga, Libungan municipal police chief, managed to immediately arrest and detain Moreno, who had confessed to having killed his cousin.

John Felix Unson

Bounty up for suspect in Tulunan girl’s murder

TULUNAN, North Cotabato — Mayor Ruel “Pip”

Limbungan has offered P50,000 reward money for anyone who can provide information that would lead to the arrest of the suspect in the murder of a 14-year-old girl on Sunday.

The bounty rose to P75,000 after the barangay government of Bual also offered P25,000 cash reward.

Limbungan said victim Wilrose Tamonan Eliptico had multiple stab wounds in the body allegedly inflicted by the suspect, Joven Tanguirido, 30, a resident of Barangay Maybula, Tulunan.

The mayor called on the suspect to surrender, warning him the people of hunting him down. Williamor A. Magbanua

Deadly Lanao Norte `rido’ settled

TWO rival Maranao groups in Lanao del Norte province reconciled Wednesday, ending a longtime clan war that exacted no fewer than 30 fatalities on each side.

Leaders of the Dimasangkay and Disomimba clans ended their “rido,” meaning family feud in the Maranao vernacular, by swearing over the Qur’an to put closure to their animosity for each other, triggered by political differences and squabbles for control of territories in the towns of Nunungan and Pantao Ragat, both in Lanao del Norte.

The two clans agreed to end their rido through the joint intercession of Col. Sandy Vales, director of the Lanao del Norte Provincial Police, Gov. Imelda Quibranza Dimaporo and the local government units of Nunungan and Pantao Ragat.

The symbolic reconciliation rite that Vales and Dimaporo, who, as governor, sits as chairperson of the Lanao del Norte multi-sector peace and order council, was held at the provincial capitol in Tubod town.

John Felix Unson

BARMM builds human development training center

ADVANCING the region's commitment to infrastructure development, the Ministry of Human Settlement and Development (MHSD) commenced construction on May 15 for a one-story Multi-purpose Human Development Training Center at Brgy. Poblacion 8 in this city.

Through the establishment of the Human Development Training Center, the BARMM region takes a significant step forward in promoting inclusive growth and empowering its communities.

The groundbreaking ceremony was led by BARMM Senior Minister Abunawas Maslamama, MHSD Director General Esmael Ebrahim, and Member of Parliament (MP) Romeo Sema, signaling a collaborative effort toward progress.

MHSD Director General Esmael Ebrahim highlighted the ministry's dedication to fostering growth in the City, reaffirming the commitment to future infrastructure projects.

With a budget of Php7.5-million sourced from the 2022 Transitional Development Impact Fund (TDIF) of MP Sema, this project is set to be completed within 160 working days. BIO

BACK TO WORK. Members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) sing the Philippine national anthem during the resumption of regular sessions of BARMM’s legislature on Monday.

Photo courtesy of BTA-Media Office