The Mindanao Cross | May 21, 2022

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Vol. LXXIV| No. 15| Cotabato City | Saturday, May 21, 2022 |8 Pages | P10.00

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CHURCH / P4

Same-sex marriage issue did Leni in

CBCP head: Fight against social evils must go on

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P3.7-M worth shabu seized from slain dealer

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

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S AV I N G E A R T H.Environmentalists in Region 12 collected over 7,000 kilos of non-biodegradable wastes along the coasts and rivers of Soccsksargen in celebration of Month of the Ocean.

Photo courtesy of DENR-XII

MASSIVE VACCINATIONS GOING ON IN BARMM

By Edwin O. Fernandez

HEALTH authorities launched the Special Vaccination Days in the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao to reach herd immunity before the month ends, officials said.

Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao had the SVDs this week that ended Friday, May 20.

“This is for the protection of everybody, I hope people will cooperate because anywhere you go vaccination card is required,” Dr. Alinader Minalang, Lanao

del Sur provincial health officer, said to help convince unvaccinated Maranaos to avail of the health services.

“If you still do not cooperate or submit yourselves for vaccination, that is you right,” he said, adding that “you may skip vaccination

in Lanao del Sur but when you go to Davao or Cagayan de Oro, vaccination is required so what you do.”

Minalang explained that the vaccines against the deadly virus is “halal,” meaning allowed by the Muslim Religious Leaders to

Young Moro bets top provincial races

By Nash B. Maulana YOUNG Moro bets topped races in local elections even in provinces where Muslims are a minority.

In Basilan, Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat and Cotabato provinces, not only did Muslim residents vote for Christian bets for local and national posts; Christians, too, voted for potential local Muslim candidates: In Sultan Kudarat, for instance, Datu Pax Ali Sangki Mangudadatu, 24, was voted on May 9 and has been proclaimed governor of that province of 60 percent Christians.

A number of young people and some officials were on a feast mode Sunday in a neighborhood of majority Ilongo residents in Libungan town in Cotabato province.

The occasion: An outgoing Muslim official bade them goodbye and is being succeeded by young daughter Sittie Eljorie Antao, who placed third among Provincial Board members-elect in Cotabato’s first legislative district. Her brother has also been elected first-termer as municipal councillor of the town.

The Antaos expressed gratitude in behalf of Maguindanaon Muslim residents of the province to governor-elect Lala Taliño-Mendoza for supporting the peace process between the national government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Local political observers said

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FORMER Maguindanao Congressman Datu Guimid “Jimmy” Matalam died early morning on Wednesday, an immediate member of his family said. He was 84.

Sarah Matalam, daughter of the former congressman, said her father died peacefully at past midnight. Of late, the older Matalam had been rarely seen

Ministry of Health (MOHBARMM) in partnership with International Office for Migration (IOM), Community and Family Services International (CFSI), United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef), National IATF and Bangsamoro IATF.

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Maguad siblings’ killers get 30+ years in jail KIDAPAWAN CITY — The teenagers nabbed for the murder of siblings in Mlang, North Cotabato last December were sentenced to more than 30 years in jail, the Regional Trial Court Branch 16 in Kabacan, North Cotabato ruled Thursday.

But the victims’ parents Louvella and Cruz Maguad, were not satisfied with the ruling for they expect

By Williamor A. Magbanua “maximum justice.”

Judge Alexander Betoya, presiding judge of RTC-16, sentenced the adopted daughter of Maguad family to 31 years in jail and the other perpetrator, an altar boy, was meted 37 years in jail.

Both accused were minors and remained in the custody of Department of Social Welfare and Development.

The court also ordered that there is no parole in both cases.

The Maguad couple arrived at the Kabacan Hall of Justice 1:20 in the afternoon hoping to get a maximum justice that they wished for their two children who were brutally murdered by the perpetrators their own residence in Barangay Bagontapay, Mlang Cotabato in December

Post-election grenade attacks

“Jimmy” Matalam dies, 84

By Nash B. Maulana in public because of lingering illness, his relatives have said.

As member of the first post-martial law Congress, Matalam was best remembered as one of two principal sponsors of the consolidated bills on the creation of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The other lawmaker-sponsor was Congressman Pablo

be injected to Muslims or Islamic believers.

“It has been proven time and again that this is the most effective way to fight the virus,” he stressed.

More than 3,000 health frontliners have started massive vaccination organized by the

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By John Felix Unson

Garcia Sr., who chaired the House Committee on Local Government, while Matalam was then the chair of the Committee on Muslim Affairs.

The measure had been passed into law as RA 6734, the Philippines’ first autonomous region law, from Matalam’s draft and from another draft bill written by then Maguindanao

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THE police and military are still trying to identify who were behind two seemingly politically-motivated grenade attacks over the weekend, one in Pualas, Lanao del Sur and the other on Sultan Kudarat.

Suspected partisans on Friday last week blasted a fragmentation grenade at the residential compound of the newlyelected mayor in the politically-troubled Pualas town in Lanao del Sur. Col. Christopher Panapan, Lanao del Sur’s police director, said Saturday no one was hurt in the attack, but the blast triggered panic among villagers in Barangay Danugan, Pualas where the

residence of mayor-elect Amanoden Ducol is located.

Ducol and his relatives had told reporters they are certain the bombing was politically-motivated. They refused to elaborate, however.

Witnesses said two men perpetrated the bombing, both at large.

Panapan said personnel of the Pualas Municipal Police Station are still trying to identify who were responsible for the grenade attack.

The incident was followed by another grenade attack in Maguindanao on Sunday last week.

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May 21, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Same-sex marriage issue did Leni in

THE Bangsamoro government apparently overlooked Vice-President Leni Robredo’s policy statements in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage in the country, experts and officials have said, explaining a probable “last-minute” turnaround in Moro voters’ choice for Marcos during the May 9 balloting.

It can be recalled that Chief Minister Al-Hadj Murad Ebrahim of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) had endorsed Robredo in his base in Maguindanao’s Camp Darapanan toward the last two weeks to the May 9 national and local elections.

Lawyer Datu Michael Mastura, a member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) negotiating panel at one point, said the Bangsamoro Mufti may have overlooked Robredo’s position on same-sex marriage which would have made MILF leaders reject outright her bid to the presidency.

But things may have changed along the way, “because of situations that push us back to the Age of Jahiliyya,” the head of the Bangsamoro Dharul Ifta (House of

Opinion) said.

In a statement sent to news organizations, Ebrahim has congratulated presumptive presidential frontrunner Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. BARMM Mufti Abubakar Abu Huraira Udasan told the Moro people on social media that some situational realities could be bringing an unwitting generation of Umma (followers of Islam) back to the Age of Jahiliya (Ignorance), and that they had to be pulled back to the teachings of the Qur’an and Hadith (the Prophet’s Tradition).

Mastura, a Moro constitutionalist who taught in Catholic schools, said the clergies might have set aside the issue for the May 9 polls, given the Church's known stand against legalizing same-sex

“Jimmy” Matalam dies, 84...from P1 First District Congressman Michael Mastura, chairman of the Committee on Public Information.

Matalam had been two-term Maguindanao Congressman of the Second District of Maguindanao (1987-1992; 2001-2004), Speaker of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao-Regional

Legislative Assembly (ARMMRLA) from 1993 to1996; ARMM Vice-Governor (1996-2001); ARMM Department of Agrarian Reform Regional Secretary (1996-1998), and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Mational undersecretary (2009 2010).

marriage. But he said he did not expect the Mufti to uphold any initial "consensus," with that crucial issue at hand factored-in for a political endorsement.

Political observers said a “last minute turnaround” drove individual voters to silently make their own choices of candidates and went against the will of the Amir (leader), who had wanted them to vote for Robredo during her well-applauded campaign visit to Camp Darapanan on April 23.

The MILF has organized the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), and so has the Moro National Liberation From formed the Bangsamoro Party (Bapa) to support local and national candidates with a regional party machinery.

Omar Yasser Crisostomo Sema,

Former Regional Assemblyman Datu Odin Abdula said Matalam first joined mainstream politics in 1979 when he won a seat to the Sangguniang Pampook of the Region XII Autonomous Government (RAG), representing Maguindanao, and was reelected to that post in 1983.

another Moro lawyer, said the proLeni endorsement of his father MNLF Chairman Muslimin Sema and Ebrahim finds legal basis in Article IV, Section 2 of the Bangsamoro Organic Act (Republic Act 11054) which states as part of selfgovernance that “In the exercise of its right to self-governance, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region is free to pursue its political, economic, social, and cultural development as provided for in this Organic Law.” Still, others said Ebrahim may have wanted it as well, but it was too late to openly undo the Robredo endorsement for another candidate, after having known her would-be policy on legalizing same-sex marriage which is unacceptable in Islam, they said. Nash B. Maulana

Post-election grenade...from P1

A blast ripped through the residential compound of a barangay chairman in nearby Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao Sunday night, May 15, causing panic among villagers.

Guiaber Dalindingan, chairman of Barangay Crossing Simuay, Sultan Kudarat is certain the bombing was politicallymotivated, related to the May 9 elections in their municipality.

Local leaders said Guibar supported the

candidacy of the now Sultan Kudarat mayor-elect Tucao Mastura and, in so doing, angered many of his constituents who favored a rival candidate.

Lt. Col. Sabri Lakibul, Sultan Kudarat town police chief, investigators are still trying to put closure to the bombing incident.

He said investigators have enlisted the help of barangay officials in identifying the culprits for them to be prosecuted in court.

Massive vaccinations...from P1

WHY HE DID IT? Maguad couple in red confronts the parents of an altar boy, one of the two accused (in green hooded jacket), outside the RTC-16 in Kabacan, North Cotabato in Thursday.

Williamor Magbanua

Maguad siblings’ killers get 30+ years in jail...from P1

10, last year.

The perpetrators arrived around 2 p.m. surrounded by police escorts and social welfare personnel.

It was around 4 p.m. when the RTC Judge handed down the verdict.

Louvella Maguad’s emotions ran high and yelled the name of the girl who she adopted but killed her daughter.

"What kind of girl are EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late SPOUSES BASILIO E. YAP, who on died on August 1, 2006 in Zamboanga City and CELINA H. YAP, died on May 3, 2020 in Cotabato City, parcels of properties Lot 20-C, LRC Psd-6; Lot 2, Block 13, Psd-38954; & Lot 3, Block 13, Psd-38954, covered

by Transfer Certificate of Title Nos. T-8204, T-18969 and T-18970, respectively, all situated in Bo. Colina, Cotabato, Cotabato with the total area of 1,056 square meters, more or less are the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Agnes R. De Castro-Jagunap as per Doc. No. 743; Page No. 743; Book No. XXVIII; Series of 2022.

MC: May 14, 21 & 28, 2022

you? You are not human, you are beast," Mrs. Maguad yelled, creating minor commontions inside the jam packed court room.

Clearly the perpetrator did not show any remorse.

She even stood, turned around and gave a sharped head-to- foot look at the victims’ parents.

Cruz Maguad, the victims’ father, also questioned why the social welfare workers failed to rehabilitation the attitude 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 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 Dulce Amor M. Dianon has filed with this office a petition for change of sex from Male to Female in the certificate of live birth of Rastymor Martin Dianon who was born 23 November 2006 at Ginatilan, Pikit, Cotabato to parents Rasty Ceballos Dianon & Dulce Amor Neri Martin.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than June 4, 2022.

(Sgd.) MICHAEL C. TOBIAS, MPA Municipal Civil Registrar MC: May 21 & 28, 2022

of the lady perpetrators while in their protective custody of four months after committing the crime.

Outside the court after the verdict, Louvella the mother of the 17 year old altar boy who accompanied his son during the promulgation.

Mrs. Maguad asked the mother how she raised her child and how come that it reached a point that he is no longer afraid to kill fellow minors.

"Let us talk. Mother to mother. You claimed you are a good mother. How you raised your child. He is beast," Maguad screamed.

Mrs. Maguad was fuming mad seeing in person the girl who slaughtered her children. She claimed the girl has no remorse, not even EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late JOSE D. INOT who died on May 2, 2022, left a Metro Money Market Fund with Metro Bank- Cotabato City Branch under Account No. UT160000071582 is the subject of deed of extrajudicial settlement before Notary Public Atty.

Agnes R. De CastroJagunap as per Doc. No. 965; Page No. 965; Book No. XXVIII; Series of 2022.

MC: May 21, 28 & Jun 4, 2022

asking for forgiveness for what had happened.

The perpetrators remained at the custody of the social welfare's safe house in Mlang and Kidapawan City, despite being convicted of the double murder cases.

The Maguads respect the judgement but said maximum justice is not achieved for losing lovely children who were consistent honor students.

Shocked and disbelief reverberated across Mlang and North Cotabato on December 10 last year when news broke out that Crizzle Gwynn, 18, and Crizzle Louis, 16, were found lifeless, in a pool of blood and with fatal stab wounds in the head and body right inside their home.

Their parents, who are public school teachers, were not around when the grizzly crime occurred. Crizzle Gwynn had 21 stabbed wounds while Crizzle Louis had head injury and stabbed wounds. They died on the spot.

An adopted girl, the third person in the house, was the lone survivor in what she earlier described as an attack by robbers.

It was later found out that the 16-year-old girl has masterminded the twin murder with the help of her male friend who was an altar server Kidapawan City.

MOH says SVDs in Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur and Marawi City that started today will end on May 20, said Saida Diocolano Ali, MOHBARMM information officer.

Dr. Minalang said the five day SVDs in Lanao del Sur aims to reach 30 to 35,000 unvaccinated residents in Lanao del Sur’s 1,159 barangays in 39 municipalities.

In Maguindanao, health officials also aim to reach more than 50,000 individuals to receive first shots of anti-COVID-19 vaccines.

The SVDs also offer second or booster shots to residents of Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur. Health Assistant Secretary of Health for Field Implementation and Coordination Team for Visayas and Mindanao Dr. Abdullah Dumama, BARMM chief Minister Ahod “Kagi Murad” Ebrahim, MOH-BARMM acting Minister Dr. Zul Qarnayen Abas and Maguindanao health chief Dr. Elizabeth Samama were present during the launching of SVDs in Maguindanao.

Dr. Abas told a news conference that MOHBARMM have designed strategies to increase vaccination rete that include “reaching the unreachable.”

“Reaching the unreachable means we need to look for and vaccinate the A2 groups, meaning the senior citizens and the A5, the poor population,” he said.

Dr. Regina Macapeges of IPHO-Maguindanao said the mantra of Maguindanao provincial health office is “Laban lang ng laban at walang sukuan (no retreat, no surrender).”

“I invite all Bangsamoro to avail of this health services, this is for you and for your

children, this is safe, this halal and effective,” Chief Minister Ebrahim said in his message during the SVDs launching.

The state-owned Philippine News Agency quoted Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire as saying Wednesday that BARMM has so far reached 50 to 55 percent of its target population for Covid-19 vaccination.

“Sa kanilang ginawang (During their) special vaccination days for the past few days during this week they were able to vaccinate 299,252 individuals… na-reach nila (they have reached) almost 50 or 55 percent of their target individuals,” Vergeire said in an online media form.

Vergeire noted religion was not the main factor for the low vaccination rate in BARMM. The BARMM is composed of far-flung areas which are difficult to reach, she said.

“Second, health human resources also in BARMM is a challenge. Alam po natin kulang talaga ‘yung kanilang manpower that’s why whenever we do this kind of activities, talagang nakakapagbigay tayo ng (We know that they really lack manpower that’s why whenever we do this kind of activities, we really provide) special assistance for us to deploy special vaccination teams,” she added.

In Lanao del Sur, police and Health police authorities have started implementing a “no vaccination, no travel policy” part of SVDs. However, the Lanao del Sur PNP, in a social media post, said it has removed the policy but still strictly inspect vaccination cards of commuters.

The stricter measures came as the province started SVDs that ended Friday, May 20.

May 21, 2022

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THE MINDANAO CROSS

4MT of Bangus yield during harvest at Kalanganan II COTABATO CITY— The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform highlighted Maguindanao United Agrifarm Producers Cooperative (MUAPC) as they enjoyed more than four metric tons (4 MT) of Bangus (Milkfish) on their 7th harvest on Sunday, May 15, 2022, at Kalanganan II. It is a part of recognizing the efforts and sacrifices of the Bangsamoro farmers and fishers in ensuring food security and sustainability in this year’s celebration of National Farmers and Fisherfolk Month with the theme "Modernisasyon

at Industriyalisasyon tungo sa masaganang ani at mataas na kita."

Esmael T. Lanta, Al-hadj, Vice Chairman of the Cooperative, said that they were grateful to MAFAR for continuous support of their project, especially for the technical assistance. As a result, from one fish cage, they were now able to manage more than 20 fish cages.

“As fisherfolks who start from nothing, we can now consider our coop as one of the fast-growing cooperatives in our area”, Lanta added.

He further encourages other farmers and fishersfolks to work hard and seek knowledge on how to increase their productivity by following what the technicians teach them.

The festival yielded more compared to the February 5, 2022 harvest, which only gained 3 MT; hence the fish farm has been providing jobs for many individuals in the community.

Moreover, the activity was spearheaded by the Fisheries Production Division led by Norhainie A. Pendulat, Sr. Aquaculturist. MAFAR-BARMM

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May 21, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

CBCP head: Fight against social evils must go on

THE head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has called on the faithful to keep the fight against ‘evil’ in the society going.

Bishop Pablo Virgilio David stressed the need to “keep a good attitude” and remain focused on issues that affect the nation “as we move forward together”.

“We should not surrender our hope to the forces of evil at work in our society,” David said in a message released a week after the country’s local and national elections.

The recent polls, the bishop said, had “made more obvious” the factors that continue “to challenge our democratic institutions”.

He was referring to “well-funded trolls” behind massive disinformation

and rampant vote-buying “now made easier by online cash transfers”.

But if there’s anything to be hopeful for, according to him, “it’s the reawakened sense of patriotism among many sectors in Philippine society”.

The CBCP head, who is also the bishop of Kalookan, particularly cited the young people “who have discovered the power of solidarity for the common good”.

“Their desire to give a more concrete expression to responsible citizenship as the key to achieving good governance has been

strongly manifested in their many spontaneous acts of volunteerism,” David said.

The prelate even went on to call it as “a rediscovery of what we used to call ‘people power’.”

“Now it has to be harnessed through the creation of well-thought out, well-planned, and better organized mass movement that will not only protect our democratic institutions but will also contribute proactively towards community development on the grassroot level and the formation of a better, more mature political culture,” he said. CBCP News

Cardinal Zen may be in Hong Kong court next week VATICAN— Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun is scheduled to appear in court May 24, according to a report by the British daily The Guardian.

“A source close to him said the cardinal was set to appear in court on 24 May, adding it was possible that he would be further detained, should charges be laid,” Sum Lok-kei wrote in a May 16 article in The Guardian.

Cardinal Zen was arrested May 11 under China’s national security law with at least four others for his role as a trustee of the 612 Humanitarian Relief Fund, which helped pro-democracy protesters in the special administrative region of Hong Kong to pay their legal fees.

He was released on bail later that day.

Cardinal Zen, who was Bishop of Hong Kong from 2002 to 2009, has long advocated for underground Catholics in mainland China.

Bishop Malloy of Rockford, chair of the U.S. bishops’ international justice and peace committee, said May 12 that the cardinal’s arrest “indicates the downward trend in respect for fundamental

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freedoms and human rights in Hong Kong.”

The president of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ conferences, Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Yangon, expressed May 14 “profound concern about the situation for human rights and threats to religious freedom in Hong Kong” in light of Cardinal Zen’s arrest.

While Hong Kong, a British colony until 1997, “used to be one of Asia’s freest and most open cities,” it is now “transformed into a police state,” Cardinal Bo said, noting that freedoms of expression, press, and assembly “have all been dismantled.” He added there are signs that religious freedom “is threatened” and that religious leaders are self-censoring.

“To see a government in China break its promises made in an international treaty, the Sino-British Joint Declaration, so repeatedly and blatantly, is appalling.”

Regarding the supposed crimes of Cardinal Zen, the Burmese cardinal said: “In any system where the rule of law exists, providing assistance to people facing prosecution meet their legal fees is a proper and

accepted right. How can it be a crime to help accused persons have legal defence and representation?”

Nancy Pelosi, the speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, wrote May 13 that since the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and massacre, “the Chinese Communist Party’s appalling human rights record and repression of political freedoms have only worsened.”

In an opinion piece at The Washington Post, the California Democrat called Cardinal Zen “a critical voice of conscience: an embodiment of moral fortitude, who has been a constant presence as Hong Kong has led a decades-long pursuit of the freedoms

promised with the handover from British rule.”

She too noted China’s failure to uphold the terms of Hong Kong’s handover: “Nearly 25 years later, China’s pledges have been utterly abandoned. Any pretense that Hong Kong’s rights would be respected has been shattered by violence and intimidation.”

The Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, told journalists May 12 his “most concrete hope is that initiatives like this cannot complicate the already complex and not simple path of dialogue between the Holy See and the Church in China.”

Catholic News Agency/ CBCP News

Cardinal Joseph Zen

his Sunday’s gospel the council arrived at the was taken from Jesus’ decision, (Acts 15: 28-29). farewell discourse to It was with the help his disciples at the Last of the Holy Spirit that Supper. This was to prepare peace was achieved. The them for the time when He Spirit is Jesus’ gift to His eflections would no longer be with followers, “ From now on them. Next Sunday we will the Helper, the Holy Spirit Rev. Fr. Antonio P. Pueyo, DCC be celebrating the feast of whom the Father will send tonypoy_dcc0@yahoo.com the Ascension of the Lord. in my name, will teach For forty days after the Resurrection, Jesus was with you all things, and remind you of all that I have told his disciples from time to time in his resurrected and you. Peace be with you. My peace I give to you; not glorified body. Comes the time when he would no as the world gives peace do I give it to you” (John longer be physically present among them. However, 14:26-27). The peace of the world at that time was He would leave them a Helper or an advocate who achieved through war and conquest. The so-called would be their guide, source of strength, reconciler, “pax Romana” was enforced by Roman legions in and peace-maker. Jesus gave them the gift of His places they conquered, such that Tacitus, a Roman presence in the Holy Spirit. Jesus would not be totally historian commented, “They have made a desolation absent. He would be present in a new way, (John and called it peace” (Solitudinem fecerunt, pacem 14:23-29). appelunt). The peace that Jesus brings is not one The presence of the Holy Spirit in the church imposed through a balance of power, or fear, but a was shown by the resolution of a crisis that the harmony that comes from love and justice. As the early Church faced in Antioch. There were two second reading shows, it is a peace inspired by a factions of the church at that time. There were the vision of a new heaven and a new earth where God Jewish Christians who saw Jesus as the fulfillment reigns (Rev. 21:22-23). of the hopes of Israel. They were called the The age of the church is the age of the Holy Judaizers. Therefore, anyone who comes to Jesus Spirit. If we truly believe in the Spirit’s power and must first be initiated into the Jewish practices presence, we would be more devoted to the Spirit. We such as circumcision. On the other hand there were would start the day praying for the Spirit’s guidance.

Christians, particularly the Gentile converts of Paul We would begin our meetings by welcoming the who did not observe the Jewish prescriptions. What Spirit of the Lord into our assembly. When we are mattered for them was baptism and faith in Jesus. To troubled or confused, we seek the Spirit’s peaceful resolve the crisis, the first Council of the Church was presence. When we are afraid, we invoke the Spirit called, the council of Jerusalem. Paul and Barnabas as companion on the journey. When we are to make presented their case to Peter and the elders of the an important decision we say, “Come Holy Spirit, fill church and a decision was made, “We with the Holy the heart of your faithful.” When we are more devoted Spirit have decided not to put any burden on you to the Spirit then we reap the fruits of this devotion, except what is necessary: You are to abstain from “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from kindness, generosity , faithfulness, gentleness and prohibited marriages.” As shown in this decision, self-control” (Gal. 5:22). Let us live by the Spirit of the Spirit is affirmed as the Advocate who helped the Lord. MC

A New Presence

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Caritas Philippines to Elected Officials:

Magsisimula na Kaming Manghingi ng Resibo

“We congratulate all the winners of the recent electoral process in the country. but we would like to remind all that as you take oath, remember your covenant with the people, remember your promises to us, because we will not forget. Magsisimula na kaming manghingi ng resibo,” Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, national director of Caritas Philippines stated after taking part in the accompaniment visit in the Archdiocese of Manila.

Thus, after the May 9, 2022 national and local elections, Caritas Philippines is set to start its nationwide post-election accountability program.

According to Bishop Bagaforo, “now the real work starts, and we are serious with our commitment to make our elected officials accountable to their election promises.”

The program, aimed to sustain the increased participation of the lay faithful to principled politics, is designed to 1] fight misinformation and disinformation, 2] assess and improve engagement of the church in social transformation, and 3] establish community-based good governance and responsible citizenship movements.

“Government accountability will only happen if people in the grassroots are empowered and equipped to ask questions and claim their inherent right to government information, quality public service, and better governance,” added Bishop Bagaforo.

Thus, according to Fr. Antonio Labiao Jr., Caritas Philippines executive secretary, and one of the pioneers of Ugnayan ng Barangay at Simbahan (UBAS) in the country, “how the church will respond to the urgent need to organize, capacitate, and support community leaders and organizations will determine the level of maturity of our next political exercises.”

The details of the program will be presented during the 40th National Social Action General Assembly in General Santos City, South Cotabato.

Good governance, alongside ecology, are the priority programs of Caritas Philippines and the Social Action network starting this year. Caritas

Philippines

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

6th Sunday of Easter Readings:

Acts 15.1-2, 22-29; Revelation 21.10-14, 22-23; Gospel: John 14.23-29

“Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”

In this sixth Sunday of Easter, Jesus continues to comfort his disciples as he will soon be leaving them. This words of Jesus were very significant in the future mission and faith-journey of his disciples in proclaiming the gospel of Jesus to the world. We, too, are being reminded during this season of Easter to remain courageous and hopeful amidst the many faces of trials and difficulties that we face each day.

We have different experiences of fears, doubts, frustrations, and uncertainties that often put us into discomforts, indifference, anger, and other sorts of troubles. “Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid,” Jesus reminds us. We believe that God never abandons his people for we are always in the love, care, and hand of God. Prayer: Lord, help me to remain steadfast in loving and trusting you. Amen.

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THE MINDANAO CROSS

May 21, 2022 EDITORIAL

More than a unified team

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n the recently concluded election, we witnessed the success of political parties that formed themselves into unified teams. The BBM and Sara tandem is a very good example. The resources of both parties were pooled together, and that each party availed of the votes that the other party still remain uncompromised. This may have contributed to the big margin that this unified team gained over the other candidates running for President and Vice-President.

In every aspect of our life, unity is always a factor that give positive contributions.

Nowhere is this more anticipated than in the implementation of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, where the Moros are starting the practice of self determination in a region which was formerly populated by the Bangsamoro, Indigenous Tribes (Non-Islamic tribes) and Migrant Settlers who are predominantly Christians. It has been a challenge in the past to bring these groups together to attain unity.

Hopefully, the BARMM will be successful in unifying the people. As discussed during the presentation of the book on the Organic Law by the Institute of Autonomy and Governance, it is not a tall order, if everyone looks at the North Star as its guide (according to Atty B. Bacani).

Just this week, we already heard of unpleasant remarks referring to interactions among the three group of people. If you listen to the exchanges of drivers who are affected by the terrible traffic that is presently going on in the city, one of the car owners whose driver parked illegally, informed a complainant that he is with the “ministry”.

Is this a valid excuse to break traffic rules?

At this early stage, shouldn’t top officials of BARMM be sensitive to instances that pose a danger to our pursuit of unity? Will there be more interaction similar to this?

Since presumptive mayor Bruce Matabalao is known to champion the rights of the marginalized, cant he bring his crusade to his political party> If we look at the number of SUVs and other vehicles that now ply the streets of Cotabato City (and who seem to be at a loss where to park), the LTO and the LGU should start looking into this problem. Our biggest fear is for Cotabato City to be forever buried in the dumpsite of metal and rubber, not only of four wheeled vehicles but of motorcycles as well.

Providing means to avoid future problems which become irritants to the movement to foster unity among the people of Cotabato City is an immediate concern. If all the kinks and holes are straightened out, the city may boast of a unified front to the country…and be the model that everyone aspires it to be. MC +

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

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

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

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

Member: PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

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

I

t was definitely not just for show.

What the United Bangsamoro Justice Party did following the plebiscite on the Bangsamoro Basic Law on January 21, 2019 they did all over again following the May 9, 2022 elections which saw the fledgling party fielding local bets and supporting national candidates.

Less than a week after the elections, UBJP volunteers went around taking down political campaign materials like posters and tarpaulins in Cotabato City and elsewhere just as they did in 2019. For us, that is a show of how principled this party borne out of the Bangsamoro Peace Process between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front can be. Few candidates and political parties do such a thing whether they be winners or losers.

It was not only the UBJP that took a similar action of cleaning up their campaign materials. Knowing that gives us something to cheer for, that in the midst of seemingly widespread disregard for social responsibility among many of those who run for public office and their supporters there are those who are really not just clanging cymbals when it comes to being responsible public officials and community leaders.

In Pampanga, supporters and staff of Third District board member-elect Mica Gonzales and San Fernando councilor-elect Brenz Gonzales removed the campaign materials left behind in public places within five days of the May 9 national and local polls in the City of San Fernando and all the towns of the third district. According to reelected Third District Representative Aurelio Gonzales, Jr., it is the responsibility of elected officials, as well as those who did not win in the elections, to remove their campaign paraphernalia.

In Davao City, candidates Luna Acosta who placed second in the first district City Council race and Mags Maglana, who was one of three candidates who challenged the reelection bid of Rep. Paolo Duterte, were among the first to organize teams to retrieve their campaign materials not only in public places but even on private property. In a Facebook post dated May 16, Maglana said they were able to retrieve about 2000 posters and tarps still in good condition that community-based livelihood initiatives, one ran by PWDs, and a women’s NGO will distribute to their community partners to use as covers

(F

LASH: Here’s a crucial period [May 20-26] in preproclamation events of street protests, capped by an urgent Supreme Court petition by converging anti-Marcos forces in a bid to halt the canvassing, and thus, the proclamation of a new President and a Vice-President, by the Congress sitting in Special Joint-Session as the National Board of Canvassers for the two top posts. IF the SC decides in favor of the petitioners, the High Tribunal is imminently headed to a standoff, on a constitutional collision with Congress).

Datu Guimid “Jimmy” Matalam-- was a two-term Congressman of the Second District of Maguindanao (1987-1992; 2001-2004), ARMM RLA Speaker (19931996); ARMM Vice- Governor (1996-2001); DAR Regional Secretary (1996-1998). He was briefly DILG National Undersecretary for Muslim Affairs under GMA (2009-2010).

Where does one begin writing about a man engaged in many diverse fields of political endeavor? I first heard of him during the first regional elections in 1979 when he ran for assemblyman of the Sangguniang Pampook, representing Maguindanao to the Lupong Tagapagpaganap ng Pook.

That election was particularly memorable to me being my first time to vote. I had the feeling that he would do justice to people affected and displaced by the armed conflict.

The real politics of the first wave of peace negotiations occurred when the position of chairmanship was to be relinquished to a Moro secessionist leader who would deeply commit to support and become active part of the peace dialogue pace of the post-conflict pacification campaign. But by Governor Ali Dimaporo’s assessment to Marcos, Abul Khayr Alonto, a member of the MNLF Top 90, may not be able to handle the pacification campaign with much of his attention focused on bridging economic ties between Mindanao and his network of Malaysian and Singaporean business connections.

I finally met Datu Guimid “Jimmy” Matalam in person in 1980 at the residence of his father in-law and uncle, the former Senator Salipada Pendatun on 172 Paterno St. in San Juan (then part of Rizal). I would take up with him things that I had heard he was into, including his terms and projects as elected regional assemblyman, and an ancestral conflict revived in his generation somewhere between Pagalungan and Kabacan. He would say the situation was then back to normal.

By their actions you shall know them Thinking Aloud Carlos C. Bautista caloyb@gmail.com

for houses and in informal economic activities.

Maglana said candidates should take responsibility for the campaign materials they post instead of just riding on the government’s clean-up drive even as she urged government offices to also have repurposing or upcycling in mind rather than just plain collection of what they already regard as trash. “There are viable options for repurposing/up-cycling materials,” she said.

Why the need to clean-up all these campaign materials? Davao City-based environmental group Interfacing Development Interventions, or IDIS, said uncollected piles of campaign materials “can cause choking of drainage systems, urban wildlife ingestion, and waste pollution, and grow larger and may attract both solid and hazardous waste dumping, thereby generating an adverse impact on humans and the environment.”

While on a bike ride which took us around a number of areas in Kidapawan City last weekend, we noticed political campaign materials still posted along the sides of roads; some have fallen to the ground, potentially to end up in canals and waterways courtesy of the summer rains that continue to visit the city. Given what we have witnessed in previous elections, we believe the same is true in many other areas. Hopefully, it doesn’t take another week before these political campaign materials are collected and disposed of properly, not only by the LGU or other government agencies, but by the candidates themselves with the help of their supporters and volunteers.

“Clean-up of election litter is the first order of business after the polls,” according to Interior Secretary Eduardo Año. Actions taken or not taken by candidates who ran in the May 9 polls, be they winners or losers, reflect on their character.

By their actions, or inaction, you shall know them. MC

Datu Jimmy Matalam, a Moro leader I came to know by close-range

Penlight

Nash B. Maulana

nash.penlight@gmail.com

Unknown to many, Datu Jimmy was the leader behind the digging of the waterway that came to be known as the Kulanguan Diversion Channel for the Moro people to reclaim on Ligawasan Marsh, by the manmade river that cuts across Tunggol (in Datu Montawal), now connected on both sides of riverbanks by the Tunggol Bridge. In my early years as a news correspondent for the Philippine Daily Globe, the construction of the Tunggol Bridge in 1987 was of particular interest to me as a frequent traveller.

Commuters in those days were transited to and from Cotabato and Tunggol, and to cross that diversion channel on a ferryboat. But Mintranco buses where too heavy for the stream cabled ferryboat with inboard engine. So another set of bus units at the other side of riverbank were parked in for the Tunggol-Davao leg of the trip.

Elected to Congress for the Second District of Maguindanao in 1987, I would see him more often in the House of Representatives where he chaired the Committee on Muslim Affairs in 1988.

There, Datu Jimmy shone through at his best by the Plenary Rostrum during his sponsorship of the consolidated bills on the creation of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Matalam who then chaired the House Committee on Muslim Affairs, was firm yet hilarious in his deliberation amid hard interpellation

by Cebu Congressman Pablo Garcia Sr. At one point he told Garcia not to mind much anymore about what he and the Moro people thought were good for them, as anyway, Garcia’s district of Cebu was not anywhere near the area of the proposed autonomous region. Datu Jimmy swore in Speaker Ramon V. Mitra Jr. to Office, following the House speakership election which Mitra won against Rizal Congressman Francisco Sumulong, an uncle of then President Cory Aquino. MC

6

Blend for God-sake

True to Form Charlie Señase

W

csenase@yahoo.com

ITH the ripple in a stream of opposing political forces, let the sunshine-in to brighten-up dark corners of the Philippine horizon.

Blinded by our human frailties and biases for or against a questionable would-be President of the Republic, let duly constituted authorities in government decide; and for God-fearing citizens to subject themselves peacefully.

Where confusion, intrigue, strife and division are, the devil is at work.

The Light has come, but many prefer darkness because of their evil deeds.

Whoever is installed by the Comelec as new head of state whether Marcos or Robredo, so be it without resorting to violence and bloody uprising. Let’s trust the Almighty by upholding what’s good and pleasing to Him which is peace and love for one another.

For the LORD Himself said He will punish the ungodly wicked and liars with thunder and earthquake with storm, tempest and the flame of devouring fire (Isaiah 29:6).

Anything that happens, whether we like it or not, God, who is in control, allows it to happen for a reason. Thus, the wisdom of our godly saying – “Thy will be done.” For His thoughts and ways are fathomless unlike ours confined only to congratulations and condolences for everything has to end.

God made the rich and poor precisely to compliment each other that the poor may be rich and rich may be poor only to be blessed if done in righteousness and according to the ways of the LORD. Allow us to pause in memory of a bosom friend who passed away this week due to old age. Datu Guimid Matalam, fondly called “Jimmy” was former ARMM vice governor and Speaker of the Regional Legislative Assembly.

He was the illustrious son of the late Governor Udtog Matalam of the defunct Empire Cotabato Province that rolled

into one North and South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao.

His other demised siblings that we dearly missed include former Maguindanao Gov. Norodin Matalam and then Pagalungan Mayor Udtog Matalam, Jr. We hope and pray that we will all end up in God’s eternal kingdom devoid of sorrow and pain through immortal transformation.

During the Ramos dispensation, Congress passed a law which was perceived to resolve the cascading fuel prices in the market when there were only three authorized outlets of petroleum products then – Mobil, Shell and Caltex. From centavos per liter in the 50’s and 60’s and gradually moved up into pesos that at present, “My God,” it’s almost P100 per liter.

The enactment of the Oil Deregulation Law in the mid-90’s was meant to open gas stations to all interested entrepreneurs to compete, thinking that free competition would allow gas owners to peg gas prices that would attract consumers. But contrary is reality that government has intervened to peg uniformed prices based on supply and demand.

Unless we develop our own gas and oil resources which the Philippines has to tap abounding at the Liguasan Marsh and Sulu Sea among other areas in the archipelago, petroleum products would remain a lucrative commodity to reckon with.

The new administration has to find ways and means to resolve the country’s socio-economic and health-related woes wrought by COVID-19 and new variants.

Albay Rep. Joel Salceda, House Ways and Means Committee Chair said the government needs to set-aside P326 billion yearly to settle its foreign debts brought about by the pandemic.

If elected government officials from top-to-bottom would voluntarily set-aside their huge monthly stipend as donation for government and people, we will surely recover. And such unusual move will no doubt blend us queer to make this nation great again. But who will dare in the days of perilous times? MC

and BBM is one of those that will be sacrificed. Prior to the elections, we still have up to 2025 to pay for the Philippines’ previous debt/loan. The National Government ended 2021 with P11.7 trillion in debt he tuff of ife and a record P1. 67 trillion budget deficit. The outstanding Victoria R. Franco, RPh, MS Pharmacy franco1573victoria@gmail.com debt of the government is projected to hit a new annual s I write this, VP Leni Robredo and record high of P13.42 trillion by end 2022 . her three daughters, Trisha, Aika and THANK GOODNESS THERE Jillian are winging their way to New Are CALOY YULO AND EJ OBEANA York City to attend the Commencement harvesting gold at the Southeast Asian Exercises of youngest daughter Jillian who Games in Hanoi, Vietnam. So far, gymnast is graduating from New York University Carlos Edreil Yulo has 5 golds and 4 silver with a dual course in Mathematics and and 1 bronze medal tucked under his belt, Economics. cementing his reputation as the country’s It will not be surprising if VP Leni will most outstanding Filipino athletes at the be honoured with a standing ovation or a 31st Vietnam Southeast Asian Games. wild applause when Jillian’s name will be “My goal is for gymnastics to be bigger called; or Taylor Swift calls her out when in the Philippines like basketball is the she delivers her graduation message. One biggest sport. That when people speak of of Taylor Swift’s song was a favourite rally the Philippines, they will think gymnastics.” message.

Ernest John EJ Obiena, ranks 6th All three daughters are outstanding in the list of Men’s Pole Vaulter. The in their chosen courses.. Tricia is a Doctor Philippines almost missed his record of Medicine Degree holder as well as an breaking achievements when the Phil.

MBA Degree from the Ateneo School of Athletics Track and Field Association Medicine and Ateneo Graduate School. (PATAFA ) accused him of late payments While Aika has a degree in Management through Obiena’s coach. Philippine senators Engineering and a Master Degree in Public quickly came to Obiena’s defense, calling Administration both on full scholarship unproven accusations of harassment against from Harvard University Massachusetts, an athlete considered a national treasure USA. And our latest outstanding graduate , and passing a motion to recall the budget of Jillian. To date, Jillian already has a couple PSC. The senators later approved the PSC of job offers in the USA. budget with the condition that PATAFA will This is what VP Leni said before her rectify the grave injustice done to Obiena’s departure “Allow yourselves to Cry. But reputation. (more on Obiena next week) when you’re ready to wipe away your tears, The Fil-American artistic gymnast prepare yourself, strengthen your heart Aleah Finnegan, member of the United because we have work to do. The “bobo”and States Women’s National Gymnastics Team “lugaw”presidential candidate VP Leni is from 2019-21 is currently representing the keeping her vow of a revolutionary kind Philippines in the SEA Games in Hanoi of love upon her return, when the Angat Vietnam. She lived and trained in the US, Buhay Foundation shall be launched . her mother is a Filipina. She contributed The difference between VP Leni and 2 golds, and 2 silver to the Philippines Pres. Elect Bongbong when he lost the haul of medals. “The Philippines ended the elections last 2016, he paid an estimate of 66 artistic gymnastics tournament as the top million pesos for electoral protest while Leni performing country, winning a total of seven this 2022 has decided to create an NGO. It’s gold, four silver and one bronze in the men’s only the position he was after, or his family and women’s action.(Rappler.com). was after.

The Philippines’ overall ranking as of Former Socio Economic Planning Sec. May 18, 2022 is 3rd place with 132 medals; Ernesto Pernia warns of fiscal crises coming. 2nd place Thailand with 164 medals and 241 Government spending shall be curtailed medals for topnotcher Vietnam. MC

Vitamins (Part 2) Health Corner

V

T

S

Reprint from MEDLINER PLUS

itamin B6 Vitamin B6 is present in many foods and is added to other foods. The body needs vitamin B6 for many chemical reactions involved in metabolism. Vitamin B6 is involved in brain development during pregnancy and infancy. It also is involved in immune function.

Source: National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements Vitamin B12 Vitamin B12 helps keep the body’s nerve and blood cells healthy. It helps make DNA, the genetic material in all cells. Vitamin B12 also helps prevent a type of anemia that makes people tired and weak. Vitamin B12 is found naturally in a wide variety of animal foods. It is also added to some fortified foods and is found in most multivitamin supplements.

Source: National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements Vitamin C Vitamin C is an antioxidant. It is important for your skin, bones, and connective tissue. It promotes healing and helps the body absorb iron. Vitamin C comes from fruits and vegetables. Good sources include citrus, red and green peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, and greens.

Some juices and cereals have added vitamin C. Source: NIH MedlinePlus Vitamin D Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium. Calcium is one of the main building blocks of bone. A lack of vitamin D can lead to bone diseases such as osteoporosis or rickets.

Vitamin D also has a role in your nerve, muscle, and immune systems.

You can get vitamin D in three ways: through your skin (from sunlight), from your diet, and from supplements.

Your body forms vitamin D naturally after exposure to sunlight. However, too much sun exposure can lead to skin

Back to the old Grind

A

May 21, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

aging and skin cancer, so many people try to get their vitamin D from other sources. Vitamin D-rich foods include egg yolks, saltwater fish, and liver. Some other foods, like milk and cereal, often have added vitamin D. You can also take vitamin D supplements. Check with your health care provider to see how much you should take.

Source: NIH MedlinePlus Vitamin E Vitamin E is an antioxidant. It plays a role in your immune system and metabolic processes. Most people get enough vitamin E from the foods they eat. Good sources of vitamin E include vegetable oils, margarine, nuts and seeds, and leafy greens. Vitamin E is added to foods like cereals. It is also available as a supplement.

Source: NIH MedlinePlus Vitamin K Vitamin K helps your body by making proteins for healthy bones and tissues.

It also makes proteins for blood clotting.

There are different types of vitamin K. Most people get vitamin K from plants such as green vegetables and dark berries. Bacteria in your intestines also produce small amounts of another type of vitamin K. Source: NIH MedlinePlus Vitamins Vitamins are substances that our bodies need to develop and function normally. They include vitamins A, C, D, E, and K, choline, and the B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and folate/folic acid).

Source: National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements Water-Soluble Vitamins Water-soluble vitamins include all the B vitamins and vitamin C. The body does not easily store water-soluble vitamins and flushes out the extra in the urine.

Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases MC

is a basis of investor confidence, the initial reaction is quite negative as the PSEI Index was all negative during the four trading days following election day and losses exceed 5% at the end of the trading week. The stock market recovered a bit on the first three days of this week but then loss 1% by Thursday despite the announcement of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) that the Philippine economy grew by 8.3% during the first three months of the year.

A day after election day, the PSEI saw intra-day low exceeding 3% but pared its losses to close slightly down to 6720.93. It further dropped by 85.04 points on 11 May 2022 or a 1.26% dayon-day loss.

Other than popular expectations on leaders being able to revive the economy, there are varied other expectations at the national and local levels.

At the national level, people want to see political reforms (most popular being the proposed shift to a federal form of government), higher wages (including the adoption of a uniform wage rate), lower prices of basic commodities (the winning presidential candidate having promised rice at P20 per kilo), and a call for some to do away with the K plus 12 educational system.

With a more connected world, the pronouncements and acts of our leaders are being watched by both internal and external audiences. Some statements and actions may be popular domestically but could be frowned upon by outside people and institutions. For example, increasing minimum wages for the whole country would definitely be applauded by workers within the country but could adversely impact our competitiveness discourage investors from the outside especially if the rate of increase is significant.

Thus, our new leaders should consider both local and foreign audiences when they make decisions for their constituents. MC

Expectations and Challenges….

Market Driven

L

D

Danny Buenbrazo

danny_buenbrazo@yahoo.com

espite some questions on the figures that were being released during the initial transmissions of national electoral posts, that there was a trend in the margin of certain aspirants for the national positions, the 09 May 2022 elections were relatively a success. There were a few localities were failure of elections was declared on 09 May 2022 but the Commission on Elections had been able to subsequently hold the special elections for these local government units (including those in Lanao del Sur) peacefully.

By this time, all local elected officials had been proclaimed either on 09 May 2022 or immediately after that.

The senatorial candidates that made it to the so-called Magic 12 were officially proclaimed on 18 May 2022 by the Chairperson and the Commissioners of the COMELEC. With the wide margin garnered by the leading candidates for the presidential and vice-presidential positions, their proclamation by the members of the Senate and the House of Representatives will simply be a formality.

With these new sets of elected officials at the national and local levels, there is a lot of expectations for those placed in positions of power to make good on their electoral promises.

Whether the elected officials did or did not make a promise to improve the economy, their constituents are waiting for their policies, programs, and projects to boost existing businesses, generate new investments, create employment, and other produce other positive results.

One of the early barometers on investor confidence is the direction of trading on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) on the days following the 09 May 2022 elections. If that

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7

THE MINDANAO CROSS

May 21, 2022 RANEN PAWNSHOP MAIN, BRANCH I, II & III Don Rufino Alonzo & Don Tomas Martinez Sts, Cot. City

Notice for Auction

All unredeemed articles pledged on October 2021 will be auctioned on June 1, 2022 at 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Please come before June 1, 2022 for renewal or redemption.

Lahat ng sangla noong Oktubre 2021 ay ipagbibili ng Subasta sa Hunyo 1, 2022 sa ganap na ika-8:30 ng umaga hanggang ika-4:30 ng hapon. Kung maari ay pumunta bago ang Hunyo 1, 2022 para sa pagbayad ng tubo o pagtubos.

MC: May 14 & 21, 2022

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late MINDA D. DELA SERNA, who died intestate on April 30, 2022 at Libungan, Cotabato, a bank account maintained with BDO Network Bank- Libungan Branch under Account Number 040350002584 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Noel A. Gretare, CPA as per Doc. No. 5,428; Page No. 29; Book No. XC; Series of 2022.

MC: May 21, 28 & Jun 4, 2022

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

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. 9048/10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that Emma P. Timan has filed with this office, a petition for change of sex from Female to Male in the birth certificate of Nasrallah Pundamdag Timan who was born on November 28, 2006 at Parang, Maguindanao and whose parents are Nash Yu Timan & Emma Makadato Pundamdag.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than May 31, 2022.

(Sgd.) KARIM O. OMAR, MPA Municipal Civil Registrar MC: May 21 & 28, 2022

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, 2021 on June 6, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. at VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I, Dayao St., and VGM PAWNSHOP INC. II, Jose Abad Santos St., Kidapawan City

Be There, Management

SUBASTA

Patalastas ng Subasta

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

NOTICE

AFFIDAVIT Notice is hereby given that the late LOURDES TELLORO and DEMETRIO TELLORO, SR. who died on May 14, 2009 and March 21, 2014, respectively, left a parcel of land Lot No. 157, PLS-620, situated in Milaya, Midsayap now Cawilihan, Aleosan, Cotabato, with an area of 29,163 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. T-38884 is the subject of affidavit of self-adjudication of estate with simultaneous deed of sale before Notary Public Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 423; Page No. 85; Book No. CCXC; Series of 2022.

MC: May 21, 28 & Jun 4, 2022

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

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION I n compliance with R.A.

No. 10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that Arwiel B. Galimba has filed with this office a petition for change of sex from Female to Male in the birth certificate of Arselou Magbanua Galimba who was born on 23 April 2010 at Kidapawan City, Cotabato and whose parents are Arwiel B. Galimba and Roselie S. Magbanua.

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

(Sgd.) RAUL A. MALALUAN City Registrar

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, 2021 sa alas 9:00 sa buntag karung Hunyo 6, 2022 sa VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I, Dayao St., ug sa VGM PAWNSHOP BRANCH II, Jose Abad Santos St., Kidapawan City.

Ang Nagdumala

MC: May 14, 21 & 28, 2022

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late BIENVENIDO CARCILLAR and MAURA CARCILLAR, who died on March 24, 2012 and November 17, 2006 at Alamada, Cotabato, respectively, left a parcel of land situated at Bo. Polayagan, Alamada, Cotabato, containing an area of 630 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. T-70597, is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with deed of absolute sale before Notary Public Roland D. Jungco as per Doc. No. 319; Page No. 65; Book No. 110; Series of 2021.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late FEDERICO R. SANTILLAN and EVELYN S. SANTILLAN, who died intestate on July 6, 1998 & July 27, 2021, respectively, a parcel of land Lot 2053-A, Psd-12-008063, situated in Burungutan, Upi, Maguindanao with an area of 50,000 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. T-8111 is subject of extrajudicial settlement and partition of estate with simultaneous sale before Notary Public Melquiades E. Cedeño as per Doc. No. 238; Page No. 48; Book No. CCCXXIII; Series of 2022.

Republic of the Philippines Midsayap, Cotabato LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE

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

MC: May 21, 28 & Jun 4, 2022

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION 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 Jennylyn Dunque Sasi has filed with this office a petition for change of sex from Male to Female in the certificate of live birth of Jennylyn Dunque Sasi who was born on September 13, 1996 at Midsayap, Cotabato and whose parents are Jaime J. Sasi & Fedelyn F. Dunque.

Any person adversely a ff e c t e d b y s a i d p e t i t i o n may file a written opposition with this office of Municipal Civil Registrar, Midsayap, Cotabato.

(Sgd.) NORAH B. CABUGWASON Municipal Civil Registrar

MC: May 21 & 28, 2022

MC: May 21 & 28, 2022

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

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that Saidah Esmael Umag has filed with this office a petition for change of first name from Sophia to Anne Sofia in the birth certificate of Sofia Esmael Husain who was born on August 19, 1986 at Cotabato City and whose parents are Yusop A. Husain & Hadiguia U. Esmael.

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

(Sgd.) TOHAMY M. LAUBAN City Civil Registrar MC: May 21 & 28, 2022

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

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the Implementation of Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), notice is hereby served to the public that Alexees Mao Bilaro has filed with this office, a petition for correction of entry in child’s sex from Male to Female in the certificate of live birth bearing Registry No. 2007-452 of Alexees Mao Bilaro duly registered at the Local Civil Registry Office of South Upi, Maguindanao and whose parents are Badoy Vicente Bilaro and Lolita Mac Bilao.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than June 3, 2022.

(Sgd) KAHAR B. SANTIAGO Municipal Civil Registrar MC: May 14 & 21, 2022

CONLUCK PAWNSHOP - SK PENDATUN CONLUCK PAWNSHOP - BONIFACIO & CONLUCK PAWNSHOP - ORC BRANCH COTABATO CITY

ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sanla. Ang mga ito ay isinangla magmula April 2021 hanggang Mayo 2021. Ang Subasta ay sa Mayo 31, 2022 sa ganap na ika 8:00 ng umaga hanggang ika 4:00 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

MC: May 21, 28 & Jun 4, 2022

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

MC: May 21 & 28, 2021

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 2021.

Ang subasta ay sa Hunyo 1, 2022 sa ganap na ika-8:00 ng umaga hanggang ika-4:30 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the Implementation of the MC: May 14 & 21, 2022 Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), notice is hereby served to the public that Emie F. Seloterio has filed with this office , a petition for correction Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Main, Agencia de Oro of entry in sex from Female to Pawnshop Inc. Roman Vilo Branch, SK Pendatun Male in the certificate of live birth of Emie Francisco Seloterio Branch, Mabini Branch, ORC Branch, Agencia de Oro at Raradangan, Pigcawayan, Pawnshop Inc. Branch I, II, III, IV in Parang Branch, Cotabato and whose parents are Protacio Seloterio & Vilma Carmen Branch, Pikit 1 and Pikit 2 Branch, Agencia de Francisco.

Oro Pawnshop Inc. Dalican 1, Dalican 2, Shariff Aguak Any person adversely affected by said petition may Branch of Cotabato City, Parang North Cotabato, Datu file his written opposition with Odin Sinsuat and Shariff Aguak announce the Auction Sale this office not later than June 2, 2022. of all unredeemed pledges contracted May 3-31, 2021 at 8:00

A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Main 4J (Sgd.) MA. LENY B. BUENAFE Municipal Civil Registrar Bldg. Corner Jose Lim Sr., and Don Roman Vilo St. Cotabato

Notice for Auction

MC: May 21 & 28, 2022

City. Auction sale will be on May 25, 2022.

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 3-31, 2021 sa alas 8:00 ng umaga hanggang alas 4:00 ng hapon sa Agencia de Oro Jose Lim Branch, corner Jose Lim Sr, and Don Roman Vilo St., Cotabato City sa Mayo 25, 2022.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC: The Bureau of Internal Revenue, Revenue Region No. 18, Koronadal City invites to attend a PUBLIC HEARING on the "REVISION of ZONAL VALUES of REAL PROPERTIES" located in COTABATO CITY and MAGUINDANAO PROVINCE on May 24, 2022 at 9:00AM. Venue will be at Ebrahim Hall, EM Manor Hotel, Sinsuat Avenue, Rosary Heights 9, Cotabato City.

May 7, 14 & 21, 2022

MC: May 14 & 21, 2022

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late S p o u s e s M A RT I N O G .

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

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

MC: May 7, 14 & 21, 2022

MC: May 7, 14 & 21, 2022

8

May 21, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

P3.7-M worth shabu seized from slain dealer

CAMP SK PENDATUN, Maguindanao - Police agents seized P3.7 million worth of shabu and assorted firearms from a dealer they killed in a brief shootout Monday in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.

Brig. Gen. Arthur Cabaluna, director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, on Tuesday identified the slain suspect as Abdurahim Jainal, a large-scale shabu dealer in the province of Tawi-Tawi.

A police team tried to arrest him while in the act of selling P3.7 million worth of shabu to a contact in Barangay Bohe Tanah in Bongao

but neutralized him instead when he pulled out a pistol and opened fire.

Cabaluna said Jainal died on the spot from bullet wounds he sustained in the shootout with a police team dispatched to check on his supposed sale of more than half a kilo of shabu to a buyer in Barangay Bohe Tana.

Personnel of the Bongao Municipal Police Station found in his

hideout two. 45 caliber pistols, a 9 millimeter Taurus pistol, a 5.56 M16 assault rifle and a fragmentation grenade.

In a report to Cabaluna, the Tawi-Tawi Provincial Police Office said Jainal was long under surveillance owing to tips by people privy to his peddling of shabu in Bongao in large quantities. John

Felix Unson

ROTC officers may face charges over “hazing”

KIDAPAWAN CITY — At least 11 officers of the Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (ROTC) of the Colegio de Kidapawan here are under probe for hazing of cadets.

If found guilty of violating the anti-hazing law and government health protocols, they may be removed from school.

Army Staff Sgt. Herardo Maria Santiago, the ROTC commandant, said investigations are underway after the officers admitted wrongdoing.

“I told them to gather at 7 a.m. but without my knowledge they assembled (the cadets) at 6:30 where the alleged violations took place,” Santiago told

DXND Radyo Bida.

Santiago said all cadet officers were given time to submit their affidavits following complaints from freshmen cadets who claimed they were forced to eat a candy that was passed on from one cadet to another and exchanges of facemasks among cadets.

Santiago said eating candy was a tradition but was banned due to the pandemic much more the alleged exchanges of face masks.

Pending completion of the investigation, the 11 officers who were not named by Santiago are now suspended. Williamor

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao — Five more members of the New People’s Army from a group collecting “protection money” from farmers in hinterlands in Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat provinces surrendered Wednesday.

The five rebels, under the NPA’s self-styled East Daguma Front-Far South Mindanao Region Command, yielded through the intercession of the Army’s 57th Infantry Battalion.

They turned in assorted firearms before they pledged allegiance to the government in the presence

of senior officials of the 6th Infantry Division and local executives during surrender rites at 57th IB base.

More than a hundred NPAs from Upi and South Upi in Maguindanao and from the adjoining Lebak, Kalamansig and Palimbang towns in Sultan Kudarat surrendered to units of the 6th ID in the past 12 months.

Major Gen. Juvymax Uy, 6th ID commander, said Thursday credit for the feat has to go to local government units that helped secure their return to the fold of law of NPA members through backchannel dialogues.

A. Magbanua

5 NPAs yield to Army

MINING IS DESTRUCTIVE. With this in mind, thousands of South Cotabatenios express opposition to open pit mining after the provincial board lifted its ban.

Photo courtesy of David D’Angelo

2 dead in NoCot anti-drug raid

PIGCAWAYAN, North Cotabato — Authorities seized P204,000 worth of shabu and four firearms from a wanted drug dealer and an accomplice killed in a shootout Wednesday in Barangay Balacayon here.

Naravy Duquiatan, director of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-12, said Thursday their agents immediately neutralized Ebrahim Samama when he and a certain Mamako opened fire at a team approaching their hideout to search for shabu and guns.

Samama was one of more than 20 detainees who escaped in 2017 from the North Cotabato Provincial Jail in Barangay Amas in Kidapawan City.

Armed with a court order, PDEA-12 agents, personnel of different units of the North Cotabato Provincial Police Office

and the Army’s 34th Infantry Battalion were to peacefully search the house of Samama but the attempt turned haywire when he and his men resisted.

Two of Samama’s henchmen, Guiahed Akmad and Ali Kamsa voluntarily yielded to the raiding team.

Both are now in the custody of the Pigcawayan Municipal Police Station.

Duquiatan said besides the P204,000 worth shabu, police forensic experts also found scattered in the encounter scene two M16 rifles, an M14 rifle, two .45 caliber pistols, a military Kevlar helmet and a bulletproof vest.

Duquiatan said the PDEA-12 and the police are to cooperate in prosecuting Samama’s two followers — Akmad and Kamsa - now both detained. John Felix Unson

BARMM, City LGU workers take down poll materials PERSONNEL of the environment office in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and workers of the Cotabato City general services office have removed campaign materials posted in various parts here and in Maguindanao.

Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo, speaking for BARMM, said the “Oplan Baklas” was organized by the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE- BARMM) and its Provincial Office in Maguindanao to remove political posters and campaign materials that were put up in Cotabato City during the 3-month campaign period.

On Friday, MENRE Minister Akmad A. Brahim, who led the “Oplan Baklas,” still urged candidates and political parties to remove

the tarpaulins, posters, and other campaign materials that were put up for the election campaign to avoid visual clutter in the public areas and communities.

“This is in compliance to the directive of Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim to spearhead the clean drive,” Brahim said.

“Clean-up of election materials on the streets should be one of the priorities of the candidates and campaign volunteers after the election polls,” Minister Brahim said, adding that “Oplan Baklas” also ensures disposal of these campaign materials are in line with environmental laws and must not be involved in illegal dumping, open burning, and littering.

“If not disposed, barangay and material recovery facilities of Local

Government Units, if any, should be utilized to collect and restore reusable materials,” her added.

He said publicity materials displayed near the shoreline or rivers must be recalled to prevent them from being dumped in wrong, like ocean and inland water.

Supporters of United Bangsamoro Justice Party and Team Guiani also separately took down campaign posters displayed in various parts of the city.

Sinarimbo, also BARMM interior minister, said UBJP volunteers have removed the posters as they promised before the election on May 9.

However, some posters are yet to be taken down as of Friday, especially those displaced in private homes.

Edwin O. Fernandez

Lightning kills farmer, hurts pal in NoCot

KIDAPAWAN CITY — A farmer in Barangay Linao, Matalam, North Cotabato was killed when a lighting struck while resting in an open field on Saturday last week.

Barangay Councilor Roland Dionio identified the fatality as Roberto Magbanua, a resident of Sitio (sub-village) Bubungan, Barangay Linao and the injured as Joebert Bacus, both residents of Sitio Bubungan, Barangay Linao Magbanua and Bacus suffered burns in their bodies and villagers rushed them to a hospital in Antipas, North

Young Moro bets top provincial races...from P1 Eljorie Antao is the youngest Muslim elected board member of Cotabato since 1961 when Atty. Simeon A. Datumanong was voted to the Provincial Board of the then undivided Empire Cotabato Province at the age of 31 in November1961. Antao has been voted as a candidate of the MILF’s United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP).

Datumanong’s grandson Jay Salliman, 25, also tops the race for the Provincial Board in Basilan’s first district. He is the son of Basilan Governor Jim Salliman and Anisalam Datumanong. The young

John Felix Unson

Salliman’s paternal cousin Amin Hataman, son of Congressman Mujiv Hataman, 19, also garnered the highest number of votes cast for board members in that province’s second district.

In Maguindanao, Datu Sharifudin Mastura, 25, son of returning Mayor Datu Tocao Mastura, also topped the Provincial Board election in both the first and second district of the province.

“In every Cotabateño, unity, understanding and sense of brotherhood and sisterhood, transcend one’s being a

Cotabato where Magbanua was declared dead on arrival.

Bacus was transferred to KIdapawan City for more medical attention.

Dionio said the Magbanua and Bacus were tilling their cornfield when heavy downpour occurred. So they rushed to a shanty nearby.

Dionio said the lightning was powerful that it even tore apart the roof of the shanty where the two victims are resting.

Williamor A. Magbanua

Muslim, an IP (Indigenous People’s Tribe), or being a Christian, as we live as one. Such is the kind of politics I share with you in this province, where I have become known as Board Member Kellie,” said Eljorie’s father Mohammad Kelie Antao, an outgoing member of the Cotabato Provincial Board.

The elder Antao, who finished all three, three-year terms in the provincial legislature, said the Moro people were profoundly grateful to Taliño-Mendoza for her backing of the peace process all throughout.

Eljorie urged other young winners in the just concluded elections to become the “collective voice of the youth and an inspirational strength for the Bangsamoro, particularly in Cotabato province.”

“God-Willing, and with the help of the ‘Serbisyong Totoo’ (the public service mantra of Governor Taliño-Mendoza), we will work hard on our assigned duties and responsibilities as board member of the province. And of course, under the tutelage of my father Board Member Kelly,” the young Antao said in Filipino.