The Mindanao Cross | May 28, 2022 by The Mindanao Cross

BIFF dead, 5 wounded in airstrikes

CHURCH / P4

Pope Francis: Life ‘is always sacred and inviolable’

Sanduguan: Assessing the conduct of the May 9 elections

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

R-12 PAY HIKE BEGINS JUNE 9; BARMM PRIVATE WORKERS WAIT By Edwin O. Fernandez

T H E N a t i o n a l Wa g e s a n d Productivity Commission (NWPC) has given the green light for the implementation of new wage order for private workers in the Soccsksargen region beginning June 9. The National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) has given the green light for the implementation of new wage order for private workers in the Soccsksargen region beginning June 9. Meanwhile, workers in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) are still awaiting word from RTWPB-BARMM. Raymundo Agravante, DOLE XII regional director and chairperson of Regional Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB-12) said the NWPC has affirmed Wage Order No. RBXII-22 on May 20 and is currently being published as mandated by law. In a statement, Agravante said starting June 9, 2022 the new daily minimum wage rates of private sector workers in SOCCSKSARGEN Region will be P352 for workers in the NonAgriculture Sector and P331 for those in the agriculture, retail and service sectors. An addition of P16 per day increase will be implemented beginning September 1, 2022 that will make the minimum wage up to P368 for nonagriculture and P347 for agriculture, retail, and service, he added. The new minimum wage rates was approved unanimously by the RTWPB on May 18. It shall apply to all minimum wage workers in the private sector in the region, regardless of

B O L A H I N D I B A L A . F r. R o m e o Saniel, OMI, speaks in front of sports for peace participants who are awaiting the distribution of volleyball and basketball from the PSC. Contributed Photo

6th ID’s Maj. Gen. Uy retires By John Felix Unson PEACE activists bade goodbye to the retiring commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division who was instrumental in the surrender of 314 religious extremists in the past 18 months. Army Major Gen. Juvymax Uy, who graduated from the Philippine Military Academy in 1989, was succeeded by Brig. Gen. Eduardo Gubat, who shall, meantime, lead the 6th ID as acting commander. The retirement rite for Uy in this Army camp was led by the commander of the Philippine Army, Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner, Jr. The event was attended by many members of PMA’s Class ’89 and leaders of various sectors in central Mindanao. Susana Anayatin, a member of the Bangsamoro regional parliament, said she is grateful to Uy for his peace-building initiatives focused on propagation of unity among Muslims, Christians and indigenous people in provinces covered by 6th ID. Anayatin is chairperson of the 6th ID’s multi-sector advisory board, whose members include Muslim and Christian religious leaders and representatives from the business sector, civic groups and the media. The 6th ID covers the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, South Cotabato and North Cotabato and the cities of Cotabato, Tacurong, Koronadal and General Santos. Uy, in a message, acknowledged the support of the local communities to his peace-building programs while 6th ID commander. He said among those who had supported the 6th ID’s peace and development initiatives while he was at the helm of the division were North Cotabato’s Vice Gov. Emmylou TaliñoMendoza and Gov. Suharto Mangudadatu of Sultan Kudarat. “I shall cherish the good days I had while in 6th ID,” Uy, who had served in the Army for 37 years, said.

Sports build respect, love among youth of different faiths MIDSAYAP, North Cotabato — A 16-year-old Moro woman has learned to appreciate the value of respect, and yes, love, after joining a joint sports project of a Catholic congregation and the government sports agency held here. “During the 3-day event, I learned to appreciate every religion of my co-participants,” said Lyka Amir Esmael, a

By Edwin O. Fernandez Maguindanaon and one of the the “Bola Hindi Bala 2” (Ball more than 200 participants, not bullets): Mindanao Sports aged 5 to 20 years old, to the for Peace 2022 held at Notre Mindanao Sports of Peace 2022. Dame of Midsayap College here “Even though we belonged last week. to different faiths peace is still Fr. Romeo Saniel of the very possible if there is respect Oblates of Mary Immaculate and understanding,” Esmael (OMI) and Philippine Sports said, adding that it was her Commission (PSC) chair first time to work and play with William “Butch” Ramirez came teens her age from other faiths. up with the project that aimed Esmael has participated in at providing “creative and fun

venue for children in conflict areas so they may see the other side of where they are.” The children also got top notch professional training from the members of the PSC. It also allowed the children to take the step of stripping the stereotype concept of conflict and to trust each other. “The role of playing the game is far more

Body formed to study revision that lifted SoCot mining ban By Roel Osano

KORONADAL CITY — The South Cotabato government has created a Technical Working Group (TWG) to study the Sangguniang Panlalawigan's (SP) amendment to the province's environment code that lifted the open-pit mining ban. In an interview over DXOM Radyo Bida, South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. said his decision on whether to veto or not the lifting of the open-pit mining ban will depend on the TWG’S recommendations. Tamayo said he has yet to receive the amended ordinance. Within 15 days, the governor can veto or approve the amendments to the province’s environmental code before it lapses into law. “An Ordinance providing for the Environment Code of the Province of South Cotabato” was passed on June 9, 2010. “For now, I cannot say because I don’t want to preempt the decision and findings of the TWG, but I assure you that we are looking at what is good for everybody,” Tamayo said. In a meeting Thursday with Bishop Cerilo Alan Casicas of the Diocese of Marbel, who supported the open-pit mining ban, the governor said the provincial government must consider several issues

and concerns before arriving at a decision. “Quarrying is part of an open pit, and what the SP approved in Lake Sebu is also an open pit. It will be contradicting if the open-pit mining ban will not be lifted,” Tamayo said.

“We will sit again together with the Bishop and Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) to talk about what is right or wrong, and it is important that I can come up with the decision two days before the deadline,” he noted.

SHATTERED HOMES. Damaged metal sheets, destroyed concrete slabs are what were left after a huge fire hit densely populated residential areas in PC Hill, Cotabato City on Wednesday night, May 25, 2022. At least 10 homes were gone, 15 families Photo courtesy of Ben Snow affected.

May 28, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

BIFF dead, 5 wounded in airstrikes

A terrorist was killed while five others were allegedly wounded in military air and artillery strikes Monday on lairs of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Datu Salibo, Maguindanao. The outlawed BIFF, operating in the fashion of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, is tagged in all deadly bombings in central Mindanao since 2014. The terror group has a reputation for venting ire on non-military targets to avenge deaths of members in clashes with pursuing state forces. Local officials identified the terrorist killed in the airstrikes as Sadam Salandang, whose cadaver was found by personnel of units under the Army’s 6th Infantry Division dispatched Monday to clear secluded areas in Datu Salibo from BIFF presence. Villagers confirmed, among them evacuees Talib Jonaib and Musib Oting, confirmed

to reporters that five other terrorists, whom they identified only as Samsudin, Muntas, Sanged, Bedoh and Salik, were wounded in Monday’s military air and artillery offensives in four barangays in Datu Salibo. Members of the municipal peace and order councils in Datu Piang, Datu Saudi Ampatuan and Salibo towns corroborated their assertions. Brig. Gen. Eduardo Guba t, acting command er of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said Tuesday their latest offensive against BIFF terrorists in Datu Salibo was a “law-enforcement maneuver” meant to preempt plots to pull off terror attacks in central Mindanao. "We have reports from the

ground that says five BIFF members were hurt in the air sorties and that is something we are trying to confirm yet," Gubat said. He said the operation was premised on tips from vigilant residents in Datu Salibo and nearby towns purporting that BIFF groups led by Abu Turaife and Kagui Karialan were preparing for bomb attacks in central Mindanao. Soldiers out to chase the fleeing BIFF men found along their escape routes two M16 assault rifles, an M203 assault rifle, a .30 caliber Garand rifle, two .30 caliber Carbines, a bolt-action .50 caliber Barret sniper rifle and improvised explosive devices. John Felix

Unson

CONFISCATED CACHE. The firearms left behind by beleaguered members of the Bansgamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters as they fled from Datu Salibo town to escape from air and air artillery attacks by the 6th Infantry Division. Photo courtesy of 6th ID

Mlang opposes SoCot mining due to future effect on NoCot KIDAPAWAN CITY — The Mlang Sangguniang Bayan, in a resolution unanimously approved, has expressed opposition to the South Cotabato council decision to lift open-pit mining ban. Vice Mayor Joselito Piñol, SB presiding officer, said he will personally hand over the resolution to South Cotabato Vice Gov. Vicente de Jesus next week. Piñol said the people of Mlang will be directly and indirectly affected by the open pit mining in Tampakan once the cooper-gold project pushes through. Piñol said 10 of the 37 villages in Mlang are areas situated near the Liguasan marshland which served as sources of local freshwater fish sold public markets

in Mlang and nearby towns. He said huge volume of Taiwan Bangus, Haluan (mudfish) and “hito” are among the foods that fisherfolks in Mlang and nearby towns of Tulunan, Kabacan, Matalam, and Kabacan sourced from the marshland. He also urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to consider the greater majority of people opposed to mining and help stop the project. "It saddened me because the present Secretary of DENR who is from Cotabato (refering to Sec. Jim Sampulna) seemed silent with regards to the issue,"

Vice mayor’s brod hurt in gun attack MIDSAYAP, North Cotabato — A barangay chairman was seriously wounded in a gun attack here last weekend. Nestor Rabara, chairman of Barangay Lower Glad here, was dining in his house when a man shot him thrice with a .45 caliber pistol through an open window. He is now recuperating in a hospital, according to

Midsayap’s municipal police chief, Lt. Col. Rolly Oranza. Rabara is older sibling of Midsayap Vice Mayor Manuel Rabara, who got elected as member of the North Cotabato provincial board during the May 9 elections. Oranza said investigators are still trying to identify the culprit, who had escaped

after the attack using a getaway motorcycle parked nearby. Oranza said they are not discounting the possibility that the attempt to kill Rabara could be politicallymotivated, or possibly related to his being incumbent chairman of Barangay Glad, an interior barangay here.

John Felix Unson

Mauler of town poll exec arrested

THE police clamped down last weekend a man who mauled a poll official in a voting precinct in Datu Piang, Maguindanao during the May 9 elections. The 34-year-old Mike Paglas Gaga voluntarily turned himself in when a police team arrived at his hideout in Barangay Balanaken in Datu Piang town to serve him an arrest warrant from a local court. Gaga is wanted for beating a member of the Board of Election Inspector inside a polling site in Datu Piang during the May

9, 2022 synchronized local and national elections over a misunderstanding on voting procedures. His arrest was confirmed by the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. Police said Saturday Gaga was also implicated in the July 26, 2022 fatal shooting of a barangay chairman in Datu Piang. He is also wanted in another court for the murder of the barangay official. John

Felix Unson

the media in democratic societies. “It is important for our democracies and for our future that we find ways to make media freedom a reality. We need to protect these freedoms on the digital frontiers and in traditional media,” said CDA Variava. During her trip, CDA Variava also engaged with local government officials, met with the Armed Forces of the Philippines Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi Commander Brig. Gen. Romeo Racadio, and toured the American Corner at the MSUTCTO. CDA Variava’s discussion with Brig. Gen. Racadio, alongside members of U.S. Special Operations Task Force 511.2, focused on working together to strengthen maritime security posture and address security challenges in the South China Sea and the Sulu Archipelago, a statement from the U.S. Embassy in Manila said. The U.S. Embassy statement said that the task Force 511.2

KORONADAL CITY — A man who threatened to shoot people in a rampage here before dawn Monday was shot and wounded by a soldier for aiming at him a replica Glock 17 airsoft pistol that he thought was real. The suspect, Ronel Roxas Millan, is now in a hospital, guarded by policemen and to be prosecuted for his offense that sent diners in an eatery along a stretch of the GenSan Drive in Barangay Zone 2 here. Army Private 1st Class Joemar Marcelo, who was in the establishment,

attempted to peacefully stop Millan’s rampage, but shot him instead when he resisted and aimed at him an airsoft pistol that he and witnesses assumed as a Glock 17 handgun that can fire 9 millimeter ammunition. The wounded Millan tried to escape leaving his airsoft pistol behind but was eventually nabbed by responding policemen. In a statement, the Koronadal City Police Office said corresponding criminal charges shall be filed soon against Millan.

John Felix Unson

ASF hit 10 Pigcawayan barangays PIGCAWAYAN, North Cotabato — Ten barangays here are now under surveillance for local African Swine Flu cases, the Department of Agriculture-12 said early this week. Local officials said personnel of the municipal agriculture office are helping livestock health experts from DA-12

partners with the Western Mindanao Command and has teams embedded directly with Philippine forces throughout the area. Since 2003, the U.S. governmentsupported American Corner Tawi-Tawi has been a library and community resource space for the MSU-TCTO community. Housed on two floors of the MSU library, the American Corner features books and reference materials about American history, culture, and institutions, plus information about studying in the United States. It also features a mural that is part of the Embassy’s FriendsPartners-Allies Mural Project, incorporating U.S.-Philippine shared values and traditional elements of Tawi-Tawi culture. Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Heather Variava and Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi Commander Brig. Gen. Romeo Racadio,with members of the PH and U.S. armed forces on the background. Nash B.

Maulana

Williamor A. Magbanua

Drunken man shot for gun prank

US Envoy in Tawi-Tawi on World Press Freedom Day THE Chargé d’Affaires (CDA) of the U.S. Embassy in Manila visited the Mindanao State University on Thursday to celebrate the World Press Freedom Day at the MSU College of Technology and Oceanography in far Tawi-Tawi, an Island Province in the Southern Philippines. U.S. Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Heather Variava visited Tawi-Tawi to promote shared U.S.Philippine values in press freedom, as well as to further strengthen an already robust collaboration with local partners for inclusive peace in the region, according to an official statement released this previous Monday by the Office of the U.S. Press Attaché in Manila. CDA Variava addressed an audience of more than 100 among students and faculty members of the MSU-Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography (MSU TCTO) on World Press Freedom Day event, as she emphasized the significant role of

Piñol told local radio station dxND Radyo Bida in Kidapawan City. Piñol feared that what happened to Zamboanga Sibugay in 2017 will also happen in Tampakan once the government allow the operation of open-pit mining. The tragedy resulted to mudslides that destroyed houses, killed work animals and buried people alive. "Is these what they want to happen in Tampakan?" Piñol asked. "The people of Mlang is one in protecting our environment. I myself as a leader will join the protesters to air our sentiment," The vice mayor said.

address the problem. Residents here rely mainly on livestock raising and farming as main sources of income. DA-12 officials said one issue being confronted by their technicians is the lack of cooperation on remedial hog depopulation to prevent the spread of ASF in more barangays

here and in nearby towns. The police and the military are helping the LGU guard against shipment of swine meat to buyers outside without clearance from the local personnel of DA-12. The LGU here and DA-12 have scheduled a dialogue with hog raisers on local ASF concerns.

KIDAPAWAN CITY — Rice and corn farmers in Matalam, North Cotabato blamed crop switching and siltation of rivers as contributors in the devastating floods the destroyed agricultural crops and farm animals during weather disturbances. Felomino Nonesa, chair of the agriculture committee in Barangay Sta. Maria, Matalam disclosed that newly planted rice and corn crops have been washed away by floods were last week, losing thousands of farmers’ investments. Nonesa said their village served as the catch-basin of the excess water from the three neighboring villages

namely Minamaing, Alimojan and Taguranao. More than 50 hectares of rice fields were inundated affecting more than 30 farmers and about P70,000 worth of crops. "The costs of damages will increase as we are waiting from other affected farmers to report to us with regards to the effect of the flash floods to their farms," Nonesa said. Nonesa observed that climate change is real, at least in their villages. He said floods normally come only once every three years but this year alone at least five flooding incidents have been reported. The village official revealed that more than 40 hectares of

John Felix Unson

Farmer claims crop switching, siltation cause flashfloods

Farmer claims crop switching, siltation cause...from P2

mountain slopes were converted into banana plantations which he believed contributed to

the flooding. It used to be filled with trees but crop switching into banana made the

mountain unable to hold water, thus, flashfloods easily occur. The Matalam LGU has

already extended seeds and fertilizers assistance to the affected farmers.

Williamor A. Magbanua

Body formed to study revision that lifted SoCot...from P1

Meanwhile, Casicas said he hopes the governor will decide "based on the wisdom of the majority" of South Cotabato residents. During Thursday's meeting with the governor, the bishop led a group of some 3,000 protesters to the provincial grounds.

“The most important factor is the wisdom of the people more than our voices and SMI,” Casicas said. Meanwhile, Board Member Ester Marin Catorce, an anti-mining advocate, denied the amended ordinance was recalled by the SP majority group.

On Monday, 11 of 15 SP members approved the measure to lift the 12-year-old open-pit mining ban in the province. The SMI has been pursuing the Tampakan gold project in the province for years amid stiff opposition, primarily from the local Catholic diocese.

Sports build respect, love among youth of different faiths...from P1 therapeutic in treating trust issues. One develops confidence, trust and teamwork all along the game,” Fr. Saniel said. Nu-man C. Caludtiag, chairman of BARMM Sports for Peace, also joined Fr. Saniel and Chairman Ramirez in promoting peace via sports. Aladin Manial, a basketball-volleyball Moro athlete from Midsayap, said: “Because of this sports for peace game here, I became open minded and welcomed children my age from different religions.” “I overcome my fear that these people might harm me, I now realized that religion should not hinder me from making friends, I now have plenty of friends,” Manial said enthusiastically. Raymhar Manjero, 18, a Christian player, said he felt he has become a new person after the event. “I am now a changed man.” “The trauma healing session helped me love myself more, and pardon people who hurt me, playing games with them was a major contributor,” Manjero,

THE MINDANAO CROSS

May 28, 2022

who plays volleyball, said. “The counsellors taught us so many lessons and we treasure them,” Manjero added. “It’s not just games, it’s a way to help build peace in our communities.” Asnia Sapal, a Moro woman DepEd teacher and guardian of Muslim players, was elated seeing her athletes so excited to play games with players from other faiths. “Many first for them,” she said, referring to the children she accompanied with from Moro communities of Cotabato to the Mindanao Sports of Peace 2022. “I’m teary-eyed seeing how excited Moro children playing for the first time in a rubberized basketball court, and first time to own personal basketball courtesy of PSC and first time to eat at Jollibee,” she said. Fr. Saniel said sports activity was not only about games. “More than that,” he said. “First, sports clinic in basketball, volleyball, and badminton. Second, trauma healing and

counselling sessions and third, countering violent extremism as part of the OMI Inter-Religious Dialogue (IRD) advocacy. Fr. Saniel said the youth and children who are victims of armed conflict are experiencing the following: traumas brought about by violence and war, hatred and mistrust, and drug abuse. “These negative experiences are utilized by extremist groups in the areas in their recruitment. They become most vulnerable to join the ISIS movement,” he said. “The Mindanao sports for peace attempts to respond to these economic, social and

psychological problems. It is believed that sports can transform the lives of these innocent victims,” Fr. Saniel said, adding he also aims to “plant love among our youth who will become our leaders someday.” He added: “The sports clinic activity can help young people to play and become healthy. The trauma healing activity can help heal their traumatic experiences. And, the inputs on countering violent extremism can help to prevent them from joining the group.” Similar events were held in Notre Dame of Jolo College on May 20 and in Pikit, Cotabato on May 2729.

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, 2021

R-12 pay hike begins...from P1 position, designation, or status of employment and irrespective of the method their wages are paid. It will benefit workers in the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong and Kidapawan. Jessie Dela Cruz, RTWPB board secretary, explained that exemptions from compliance with the new wages order may be granted, upon application and as determined by the Board to retail and service establishments regularly employing not more than 10 workers; and to establishments affected by calamities such as natural and human-

induced disasters. Deadline for filing of application for exemption is on August 7, 2022. Meanwhile, private workers in BARMM are still covered by the November 2019 Minimum Wage Order No BARMM 01 and are getting P300 per day for non—agriculture workers while agriculture sector gets P290 per day. For workers in Cotabato City and 63 villages of the Special Geographic Area (SGABARMM), the daily rate is P325 for non-agriculture and P300 agriculture sector. The Philippine national minimum wage in 2021 was P537 pesos a day, it has not changed since 2019.

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

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with R.A. No. 10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that Justine S. Mirabueno had filed with this office a petition for change of sex from Female to Male in the birth certificate of Justine S. Mirabueno who was born on 12 September 2003 at Kidapawan City, Cotabato and whose parents are Francisco T. Mirabueno and Lorna P. Suico. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office.

In compliance with R.A. No. 10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that Allen S. Nahilat had filed with this office a petition for change of sex from Female to Male in the birth certificate of Allen S. Nahilat who was born on 28 May 1985 at Kidapawan, Cotabato and whose parents are Rolando R. Nahilat and Nilda Salazar Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office.

(Sgd.) MERCEDES P. TOLENTINO Acting City Civil Registrar

MC: May 28 & June 4, 2022.

May 28, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Pope Francis: Life ‘is always sacred and inviolable’

VATICAN— Pope Francis praised a pro-life event in Rome and offered comments defending the dignity of life on Sunday. According to the website for the national Scegliamo la vita (Let’s Choose Life) event, the May 21 gathering intended to affirm the dignity of human life from conception to natural death. The pope greeted participants in the event after praying the Regina Caeli in St. Peter’s Square in Rome. “I thank you for your dedication in promoting life and defending conscientious objection, which there are often attempts to limit,” he said. “Sadly,” the pope continued, “in these last years, there has been a change in the common mentality, and today we are more and more led to think that life is a good at our complete disposal, that we can choose to manipulate, to give birth or take life as we please, as if it were the exclusive consequence of individual choice.”

Pope Francis flatly rejected that view. “Let us remember that life is a gift from God!” he said. “It is always sacred and inviolable, and we cannot silence the voice of conscience.” Pope Francis’ pro-life comments came after he offered a reflection on Jesus’ words to the disciples at the Last Supper in Sunday’s Gospel reading from John, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” The Holy Father said that “no one can leave others peace if they do not have it within themselves”, emphasizing that the peace that Jesus is referring to comes from the Holy Spirit and is a “gift of God.” Pope Francis’ comments defending life come at a time when the highest court in the United States nears the possible overturning of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 landmark decision that

Participants in Italy’s pro-life demonstration in Rome on May 21, 2022.

legalized abortion nationwide. In early May, a draft of a Supreme Court opinion that showed the court was poised to overturn Roe was leaked by the news outlet Politico. Shortly after the leak, pro-abortion advocates began protesting at the court, in front of justices’ homes, and even in Catholic churches around the country. Additional security measures have been taken to protect the justices and the court itself, as a fence has recently been built surrounding the court. However, if Roe is overturned, abortion will not be outlawed nationwide. The Mississippi abortion case in consideration, Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, would give states the exclusive right to legislate on abortion. Joe Bukuras/Catholic

News Agency

BENEDICTINE Sr. Mary John Mananzan and La Salle Brother Armin Luistro have been chosen for the 2022 Pro Deo Et Patria Award from the country’s largest association of Catholic schools. The recognition is the highest award presented by the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines to those “who manifest an exemplary attitude of love for God and country”. The award, according to CEAP, is also given to those who displayed “faithfulness to Catholic teachings as part of service to God”. Sr. Mananzan was cited by Women Deliver as one of the 100 inspiring persons in the world on the

occasion of the 100 years of the International Women’s Day celebration in March 2011. Currently, she is the Vice-President for External Affairs of St. Scholastica’s College. Br. Luistro was recently elected as the 28th Superior General of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, the first Filipino to hold such office. He also served as the Secretary of the Department of Education from 2010 to the year 2016. The awarding ceremony will be on Oct. 26, the first day of the 2022 CEAP National Convention with the theme “Pilgrims of Hope: Moving Forward in Synodality”.

CBCP News

Photo courtesy of Daniel Ibañez/CNA

he Church is a Pilgrim Spirit who gives the strength Church. It is a Church and impetus for mission. In on a journey. It is a fact, the Spirit of the Lord synodal church, in the who renews the face of the sense of a people walking earth has gone ahead of the together towards their goal missionary. Wherever there eflections which is the fulfillment of is goodness, compassion, love, the Kingdom of God. It is and communion, then the Rev. Fr. Antonio P. Pueyo, DCC a Church that has for its Spirit is at work. It is for the tonypoy_dcc0@yahoo.com mission the manifestation of evangelizer to look for these God’s Kingdom here on earth while looking forward in seeds of the Spirit and nourish them in whatever culture hope to a new heaven and a new earth and a restoration they find themselves. of all things in Christ (second reading, Heb. 10:23). Technology is secondary to human presence and This journey began with Jesus’ ascension into heaven. relationship. The early disciples relied mostly on foot Before He ascended He gave his disciples a mission as power and the power of the Word to spread the story of mentioned in the first reading, “you will be my witnesses Jesus. This is exemplified by the apostle Paul. Wherever in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, even to the the Spirit brought him, he would look for an audience ends of the earth” (cf. Acts 1:1-11). They were still gazing and start preaching. He usually began in the synagogues up to heaven when two men dressed in white said, “Men of but if he was unwelcome he would go somewhere else. Galilee why do you stand here looking up at the sky?” It is The field of mission is wide. On this day, we give due time to begin the proclamation. It is the time for mission, recognition to technology as this Sunday is declared as until Jesus comes again, “He will return in the same way World Communications Sunday. The technology of you as you have seen Him go up to heaven.” The same communications has gone a long way from the days of the scene is described in this Sunday’s gospel (Lk. 24: 46-53). slow mail, the telegraph, radio, and television. Nowadays However, Jesus did not leave the disciples as orphans. we can communicate with each other wherever we are He promised to send them the Holy Spirit who will be in the world in a matter of nano seconds. This is a great their Companion, Helper, and Guide on the journey. The development and there are many possibilities for the use Spirit is their “power from on high.” They will be vested of social media in spreading God’s Word. However, the with power when the Spirit comes upon them. What a human element is still important. Behind the computer, power these disciples would receive. This little “band of the cellphone, and the internet is a human being. brothers and sisters” would spread out from Galilee to all Technology can be used to proclaim the Truth or to spread the ends of the earth. They were ordinary people. They lies and disinformation. Technology is a tool to be used were not from the upper crust of society. They were people or abused by humans. in the margins, but three hundred years later, they would A great man once said, “A journey of a thousand conquer the great Empire of Rome, not by the sword but miles begins with the first step.” Others have started by their persistence amidst suffering and persecution. The the journey before us and we continue the journey of blood of martyrs became the seed of Christian civilization. Proclaiming Jesus and His kingdom. Sometimes we Three hundred years later, Christianity became the official just want to rest but as a poet once said, “The woods are religion of the Roman Empire. lovely, dark, and deep, but I have promises to keep and What lessons can be gleaned from this? Evangelization miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep” is not due to our human efforts alone. It is the Holy (Robert Frost). MC

The Journey

CEAP’s highest award goes to Sr. Mananzan, Br. Luistro

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

The Ascension of the Lord(s) Readings:

Acts 1.1-11; Ephesians 1.17-23 or Hebrews 9.24-28; 10.19-23; Luke 24.44-539

This Sunday is the Ascension of the Lord. The gospel tells us that, with his return to the Father, Jesus completes his mission on earth. In his Ascension into heaven, Jesus enters fully into the life and glory of God. This should be our guiding force in life. Let us remember that our hope is secure because our hope rests in Jesus’ death and resurrection. In other words, no matter what situations we may face, we are assured that we will still have our victory. We are strangers no longer to God. We can live in confidence because God is with us to strengthen and comfort us. No greater challenges and trials can ever harm us for the Lord has shown us the way to the Father. And for as long as we cling to Him, God will never abandon us. Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for offering us a share in your heavenly life. Amen.

THE MINDANAO CROSS

May 28, 2022 EDITORIAL

Some vignettes on election

lmost a month has passed since we went through the process of electing the top officials of the land. This happens only every 6 years, since the president and the vice president are limited to a term of 6 years without reelection as provided in the Philippine Constitution. To get the pulse of the electorate, the Mindanao Cross asked a number of people to assess the recently concluded elections. The result of the mini survey can be found at the back page of this paper. The assessment made by the survey respondents may be described as the same problem experienced during the past elections. This is the reason why we asked for recommendations designed to improve the conduct of future elections. But aside from the conduct of the elections, we would like to take note of other problems that almost always accompany or are an off-shoot of the elections. The first is that when an incumbent mayor is defeated in the election, he or she cannot discharge her duties although more than a month is given to allow for the proper closing of papers and transaction of the old dispensation. In many cases, existing contractual personnel no longer show themselves for many reason: this could be because they are scared away by new would be appointees who say they are taking the place of the old; or they are told that their seats have been given away by the new dispensation. Also regarded as a problem is the transfer of the offices (such as in the case cited by journalist Ed Lingao,). In his paper, he quotes a Bobby Taguntong, “The problem we have observed in Maguindanao is the new Governor always transfers the provincial capitol,” says Taguntong, Maguindanao spokesman for the Citizens Coalition for ARMM Electoral Reform or CCARE, a civil society group pushing for reforms in the election process in Mindanao. “Maybe we can suggest to the national government to make the provincial capitol mobile, perhaps even install tires.” Since Maguindanao is now divided into two – the problem of where to locate the capitol is even more pressing. Not only is the location of the capitol a problem, one observes that during election day, there is always a failure of election in some Lanao Sur municipalities. It seems to be part of election for violence to occur, to enable the re-scheduling of election to a later date. Ask a Maranaw voter why this happens, and they will surely give you a smile. The Maguindanao massacre goes down in history as the worst case of election related violence. But there are many more that did not hit the headlines. News from fellow journalists included a good friend who is an official of a Maguindanao municipality, who was “adopted” or hidden by Lanao Sur officials after a price was placed on his head for not delivering a zero vote to a presidential candidate. (He said it was statistically improbable, but they will not listen). Alas, the killer was probably already paid, so wherever he goes, his life was in danger. He was finally shot and killed a few years after the said election. Lets look at how the survey respondents assessed the recently concluded election and the recommendations they gave to solve the problems met. 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.

xpect your favorite “pandesal” to shrink in size if it does not increase in price in the coming days courtesy of the Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The war between the two countries, which account for a combined 29% of the world’s wheat exports, has triggered a huge spike in prices of the commodity, the primary ingredient in making bread including the Filipinos’ favorite breakfast and “merienda” fare. But it is not Russia and Ukraine alone that has stopped exporting wheat as a consequence of the war. Wanting to ensure national supply, other countries have also enforced a ban on the export of wheat. In a Facebook post dated May 19, former Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol said India is currently imposing a ban on wheat exports until the end of December this year. Oher wheat exporters like Kazakhstan, Kosovo, and Serbia have done the same. And it is not only wheat exports that are banned. Other agricultural commodities essential to food production and manufacturing have been included – palm oil and palm kernel oil from Indonesia, soybean oil from Argentina, and many others. Iran has also included potatoes in its export ban along with tomatoes and onion. So there is indeed reason to believe an observation by a member of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-North Cotabato Board of Directors that there seems to be a noticeable shortage of fries in a number of famous fast-food chains. While Juergen Voegele, the World Bank’s Vice President for Sustainable Development, believes that stopping food exports is “the wrong thing to do,” one cannot blame countries doing exactly that “to manage the overall food security of the country.” Voegele believes it’s important “that we don’t just focus on the immediate crisis and the short term measures, but every country going forward needs to continue to transform its food systems and make it more resilient in the long term.” Voegele said governments, private businesses, and international partners need to work towards more productive, more resource-efficient, more diverse, and more nutritious production systems to ensure that food and nutrition security is there in the face of rising climate conflict and

S FAR as I can recall, he wore his glasses in his public engagements—and as he did at home in times I saw him whenever my grandma needed his help writing the U.S. Veterans Office in Manila, she then being a beneficiary pensioner after the demise of my grandpa. Indeed, as dependent-college students I and my siblings benefitted from those acts of kindness by the late Judge Felix B. Draper. May he rest in Eternal Peace. Two of his and his better-half Mrs Leonor Draper’s daughters are my high school classmates and fellow alumni of the Notre Dame of Dulawan in Datu Piang, Maguindanao. Ma. Leofe Draper-Lu is our class valedictorian of NDD Batch 1979-1980. His nephew, the late Omar Draper was my elementary and high school classmate. Otherwise, the Drapers are good in mechanical innovation and engine works: Pitong Draper and their other sibling brother Serafin were both into motor and engine workshop. Bapa Pitong specialized in industrial machinery like farm tractors and rice and corn mill systems. Their in-law Bapa Abdul Sumail was also a motor shop mechanic. People went to see Atty. Felix B. Draper in his office as then the Municipal Judge of Datu Piang, and in his residence along Datu Pindililang Piang St., mostly to seek help writing official letters to high offices, as did my grandmother, and as well as for free legal advices. But the late Judge Draper had effectively managed such conflict as those emanating from civil actions—at the pre-trial level of exploring amicable or off-court settlement. I am pretty sure he had established an excellent relationship with the local traditional council of the so-called Agama Court, along with his Clerk of Court the late Bapa Datu Norodin Piang Nul—whose mother, Apo Bai Hadja Bakalat Piang-Nul was at the helm of the traditional “Walay na Kukuman.” Such was an influential social status she had inherited from her father, the old Datu Piang, no less. And this was long before the codification of the Philippine Code of Muslim Personal Law through Presidential Decree 1083 in 1982. On July 4, 1976, the Philippine-American Friendship Day as celebrated at the Municipal Plaza of Datu Piang, was well attended by high officials, including then Maguindanao Governor Zacaria A. Candao and Brigadier General Delfin Castro of the Central Mindanao Command. This was the first fiesta official that took place in the town after the June 14, 1976 grenade attack on the Room 10 of NDD in which seven students were killed and 34 wounded. General Castro, in his turn to speak onstage, talked

‘Threat of food crisis is real’ Thinking Aloud Carlos C. Bautista caloyb@gmail.com

economic risks. This focus on improving national agricultural production towards self-sufficiency demands equal focus on improving the environment, Piñol believes. In December last year, the former Agriculture Secretary scored the need for a law that would declare the “regreening of bald mountains” as a national campaign. Aside from his and Food Self-Sufficiency Advocacy, Piñol has launched his own Green Philippines program which advocates for the propagation of giant bamboo nationwide. For Voegele, public spending needs to be repurposed so that it enhances food sufficiency and sustainability. “It needs to be redirected in a way that actually achieves those more resilient, more nutritious, and less climate damaging outcomes.” At the same time, he says, it is “Important to mobilize private funding and investing in innovation and research and development,” adding that the challenge is “to produce more nutritious, more diverse, more high value food for a growing population and to do this with less water and fertilizer while limiting the land use and greenhouse gas emissions.” Climate smart agriculture, he calls it. What lies ahead for Philippine agricultural, fisheries, food production and food self-sufficiently and security remains to be seen as the new administration prepares itself to take over the reins of government. What the incoming administration will do relative to agriculture and the environment will either spell disaster or salvation for all Filipinos. One thing it should not forget is the fact that food security and self-sufficiency are both matters of national security. So is environmental stability. MC

Judge Felix B. Draper 1926 – 2022

Penlight Nash B. Maulana

nash.penlight@gmail.com

about the NDD grenade attack incident, and he was patently against rebel forces he accused were behind the fatal grenade throwing incident. I was seated on ground, about five meters from the foot of the stage listening to the officials’ speeches. But this one from General Castro particularly got me literally on a standstill, and momentarily at loss of words. General Castro said in mix of Filipino and English: “If truly you are brave then attack not the schools nor kill the schoolchildren; we are here and our soldiers are better ready and prepared for your attacks.” In ending, he said: “I hope Judge Draper here can translate what I have just said into the local dialect so that I will be better understood my many of you here.” Judge Draper did not at once stand up to the challenge of the general. But after a few minutes, he stood and spoke in Maguindnaon, saying: “Dikena ko nia di kaped sawal sa general ania I nginto egkagilkan ako sa mga nia sa ludep a. Ugeda nia ko ipegkagilek na tabia diko magaga tanan edtalo sa basa ta I languna pidtalo nin antu na saki menem I igakaat salkanin andu salkano a mga taw a madakel.” (It is not that I am afraid of those waging war against the government. But I fear that I may not be able to effectively translate all that he said, and in that case I will be doing him—and all of you—an injustice). In any favorable act in conflict management, one does not tell an elaborate ill part of the message. True enough, Judge Draper paraphrased and euphemized on the military language into a very civil, diplomatic notes. After saying that, the crowd overheard two explosions, albeit quite far to the west of the venue, and which sent the crowd in commotion just the same, and on the rush seeking refuge for safety. I remember seeing the two high officials escorted to a riverside house, the residence of the late Bapa Ebrahim Ebus. That’s how it was; that’s how we were in our time. Alhamdulillah…. Thankfully, no one was hurt. MC

This goes true to the country’s elected President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara DuterteCarpio that according to the Commission on Elections are set to be proclaimed this week. President Duterte, who is going to relinquish his post next month, has expressed thanks and gratitude to all by admitting to have done his best to resolve the country’s surmountable problems but his time is not enough. Leaders and other government officials must walk their talk as role models of righteousness. Amid differences of opinion, a God-fearing leader allow all his plans enforced and executed with Divine guidance. Our outgoing President this week slammed his Russian friend and counterpart Vladimir Putin’s indiscriminate killing in Ukraine, saying: “I kill criminals, but I don’t kill children and the elderly,” Duterte was quoted to have said. His statement this week coincided with his signing into law RA 11766 that allows media and medical practitioners, priests, cashiers, and bank employees to carry licensed firearms. The significant event this week happened along with a breaking news headline: Gunman kills 18 children and 3 school teachers in Texas, USA. Violence and other disasters have caught public attention that here at home also this week reported the death of seven passengers from a burning ferryboat near Quezon seaport. Initial findings showed an unknown explosion precipitated the blaze of fire. It’s good to know that the 6.1 magnitude quake in Batangas had no reported damage or casualties, thus far as of this writing. That we been forewarned to brace-up with frequent tremors, wars and its rumors, pestilences (COVID and its variants, dengue, African swine fever, and Monkeypox) and ultimately the prophetic global starvation that could be brought about by soaring prices of basic goods and dwindling sources of food supplies due to the effect of climate change and global warming. As prophesied in Matthew 24 and declared as not yet the end but the beginning of sorrows. The LORD is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). MC

Chickenpox (Part 1)

What Lies Ahead? True to Form

Charlie Señase

csenase@yahoo.com

OOK around, and we see new-and-old familiar faces in the audience while wondering - Where have all the others gone? A reminiscent of the unstable law and order in Cotabato City way back in the late 1980s when kidnap-for-ransom was at its peak. And victims were prominent business entrepreneurs and prominent pioneering migrants that prompted some to move out to safer neighboring cities when weekly at least one or two were victims of abduction. But gone were the days of Abogado Bago, alias “Kumander Mubarak, tagged by authorities as the brain behind the security menace that besmirched Cotabato City with the moniker as the country’s kidnap capital. It happened during the reign of President Corazon Aquino and ended when President Fidel Ramos took over. In the time of President Marcos, Marawi City in Lanao del Sur, had been labeled as the country’s cheating capital during elections and other political exercises. Indeed, this ugly imagery of Cotabato City as favorite “killing field” in the defunct Region Autonomous Region which later evolved to become ARMM and BARMM prompted its past and present stewardships to capitalize on inclusive and moral governance anchored on transparency and accountability. However, Cotabato City that used to be the provisional seat of Muslim Mindanao autonomous region and now BARMM’s permanent seat of government should sustain the accolade of Cotabato as the “safest city” in Mindanao and second safest in the country next to Puerto Princesa City in Palawan. Cotabato City’s new peaceful image that attracted more investors came about for the first time under a lady mayor, Atty. Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi who unfortunately failed in her re-election bid to BARMM-backed mayoral aspirant and newly installed Mayor Bruce Matabalao. It will be a challenge for Matabalao, a former city councilor and his running mate Vice Mayor Butch Abu to surpass the achievement of past administration.

2024 to be held in Paris. It will be the biggest event ever organized in France. The games will take place from 26 July to 11 August 2024. My generation has lost again another movie icon, he tuff of ife the dream girl of our time. She was dubbed “The face Victoria R. Franco, RPh, MS Pharmacy franco1573victoria@gmail.com that refreshes”, truly she has that and more. There ood job Justice Edgardo Alcaraz was never a negative talk about her. Camello of the Court of Appeals. I She was handled with “glove hands” by cannot recall anyone in Cotabato Sampaguita pictures, the way they did who has reached the pinnacle of his Gloria Romero. Amalia Fuentes was career at such a young age, as Justice her rival for the throne of queen of the Camello, or Meloy to his friends. He movies then. is a graduate of the University of the Her famous quote ‘ang sinungaling Philippines School of Law and later was a ay kakambal ng magnanakaw”, thrown topnocher of the Bar. For his retirement at the Presidential candidate who “stole” ceremony, it was the only second time the elections from her husband Fernando in history that an en banc session was Poe Jr. How will Coco Martin continue held in Mindanao. Around 50 past and or end “Ang Probinsyano” now that Lola present Court of Appeals Justices were Flora is gone. Abangan. Rest in peace in attendance , a testimonial to their Susan Roces. Your mission is finished colleague’s illustrious performance at his at 80. sensitive and delicate endeavour. Now comes Monkeypox, with 80 Noted at the symbolic and pompous confirmed cases in 11 countries across ceremony were the presence of all 5 Europe and North America and in proud siblings, children, grandchildren, Australia, a rare occurrence for a virus notable guests, his staff mostly wearing largely confined to central and western filipiniana outfit. Once again, radiantly Africa. The US confirmed its first beautiful Maryanne, the love of his life, monkeypox case of the year last week. As dug into her treasured heirloom of baro of Friday, France, Germany, Sweden and at saya. the Netherlands have each confirmed one Justice Camello expressed gratitude recent case, Canada has reported 2 cases, for everything that God made him and Belgium and Italy 3 cases. UK’s total experience in his life. He thanked is up to 20, Portugal’s 23 and Spain’s everyone he met in his journey from 30. Most of those countries have more childhood to the present. His speech suspected cases awaiting confirmation. was in Filipino which was very much Monkeypox belong to the family of applauded; more applause when lovely poxviruses, which include smallpox. wife, MaryAnne Buenaventura Camello, Humans can get monkeypox from a former ballet dancer and instructor, animals either through bites or scratches tripped to the light fantastic to the or preparing meat from wild game. melodious song “ngayon at Kailanman”. Monkeypox typically starts with fluTeam Philippines closed out the 31st like symptoms such as fever, headache, Southeast Asian games (SEAG) finished muscle aches and exhaustion. Patients fourth overall in Vietnam, with a total of may develop a rash on their face or other 52 gold, 70 silver and 104 bronze medals. parts of the body within one to three days Ironically, when SEAG was hosted in of the fever. The rash can look similar Hanoi in 2003, the country also finished to chickenpox, syphilis or herpes, but fourth in the overall ranking. The top a distinguishing feature is fluid filled three countries were also the same order. blisters called vesicles on the palms of the Host Vietnam ranked first followed by hands. Symptoms can develop anywhere Thailand and Indonesia. Most of our from 5 to 21 day after someone is infected. gold medalists aim for the Olympics come Most people recover after 2-4 days. MC

Health Corner

Reprint from Mayo Clinic

hickenpox is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It causes an itchy rash with small, fluid-filled blisters. Chickenpox is highly contagious to people who haven’t had the disease or been vaccinated against it. Today, a vaccine is available that protects children against chickenpox. Routine vaccination is recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The chickenpox vaccine is a safe, effective way to prevent chickenpox and its possible complications. Symptoms The itchy blister rash caused by chickenpox infection appears 10 to 21 days after exposure to the virus and usually lasts about five to 10 days. Other signs and symptoms, which may appear one to two days before the rash, include: • Fever • Loss of appetite • Headache • Tiredness and a general feeling of being unwell (malaise) Once the chickenpox rash appears, it goes through three phases: • Raised pink or red bumps (papules), which break out over several days • Small fluid-filled blisters (vesicles), which form in about one day and then break and leak • Crusts and scabs, which cover the broken blisters and take several more days to heal New bumps continue to appear for several days, so you may have all three stages of the rash — bumps, blisters and scabbed lesions — at the same time. You can spread the virus to other people for up to 48 hours before the rash appears, and the virus remains contagious until all broken blisters have crusted over. The disease is generally mild in healthy children. In severe cases, the rash can cover the entire body, and lesions may form in the throat, eyes,

Market Driven

Danny Buenbrazo

danny_buenbrazo@yahoo.com

eginning from the post-EDSA Revolution era, the construction industry had been one of the brightest and most resilient sectors of the Philippine economy. Before the start of the 21st century, the activity of medium to large construction firms were generally confined to constructing public infrastructure (roads, bridges, and edifices) and erecting private commercial buildings and residences. While it is unfair to say that there were firms, prior to the Ramos Administration in the 1990s that were already engaged in building malls and townships, projects such as those were still and handful and not as large and integrated as we see these days. In the middle 1990s and onwards, perception of a more stable Philippine political and economic situation spurred existing firms and encouraged new ones to join the construction industry. One of the noticeable changes in the construction industry is the venture of some firms into the property development sector, thus, they were not only accepting contracts for erecting edifices or making roads but have branch out into the real estate development industry. Firms purchased large tract of lands to build malls, subdivisions, or a combination of both. They were no longer just building a mass of houses or a large commercial complex but actually building new communities. Some of the more popular companies that are now engaged in creating masterplanned communities include Ayala Land, Megaworld, Filinvest Land, Vista Land, and Century Properties. A notable endeavor of some construction and or property development companies is their involvement in providing public infrastructures through the PublicPrivate Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

and mucous membranes of the urethra, anus and vagina.

When to see a doctor If you think you or your child might have chickenpox, consult your doctor. He or she usually can diagnose chickenpox by examining the rash and considering other symptoms. Your doctor can also prescribe medications to lessen the severity of chickenpox and treat complications, if necessary. To avoid infecting others in the waiting room, call ahead for an appointment and mention that you think you or your child may have chickenpox. Also, let your doctor know if: • The rash spreads to one or both eyes. • The rash gets very red, warm or tender. This could indicate a secondary bacterial skin infection. • The rash is accompanied by dizziness, disorientation, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, tremors, loss of muscle coordination, worsening cough, vomiting, stiff neck or a fever higher than 102 F (38.9 C). • Anyone in the household has a problem with his or her immune system or is younger than 6 months. Causes Chickenpox infection is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It can spread through direct contact with the rash. It can also spread when a person with the chickenpox coughs or sneezes and you inhale the air droplets. MC

Of New Communities and Government Centers….

Uppers and Downers of the Week T S L

May 28, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

The PPP made possible the construction of expressways, bridges, airport terminals, and in the case of the project of Megawide Corporation, construction of publicschool buildings. In some of the road-related PPPs, the private construction company is allowed to develop certain properties along the highway as a sweetener to the contract. The PPP system fast-tracks the construction of public infrastructure and facilities while sparing the government from spending for the projects. With a new administration in place, policies should be formulated to provide incentive to the establishment of planned communities in less developed towns and cities. Instead of the government pushing for individual or locally sponsored housing projects, it could harness the expertise and resources of the big players to accelerate the development of housing and commercial activities. There could also be a policy to mandate the rationalization of government centers so that these can be built in the best location and in high building construction standard. When government offices are in one location, it will less travel cost and transaction time for clients. The emergence of firms engaged in establishing planned communities is not without its controversies as people raised concern with the accumulation of land in the hands of large corporations, the conversion of agricultural land into commercial or residential classification, and possible abuse of some politicians or those with access to power by getting favorable policies or influencing publiclyfunded projects (e.g. roads that pass by or through properties they own) for their interests. If government, however, can check the abuses of some companies, construction or real estate developers can be harnessed to provide integrated communities in less developed areas or to centralize regional or provincial government centers to improve dispensation of public service and make them accessible to their constituents. MC

ADVERTISE WITH US

THE MINDANAO CROSS

May 28, 2022

call : 421-7161

DEED OF ADJUDICATION Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late VICENTE VALDEZ, who died on March 22, 1987 in Midsayap, North Cotabato, a parcel of land known as Plan Si-11322, situated at Bo. Burungutan, Municipal District of Awang, Cotabato (now Upi, Maguindanao), containing an area of 196,249 sq. mts., more or less, described in OCT No. RP-21(37) is subject of deed of adjudication before Notary public Atty. Agnes R. De CastroJagunap as per Doc. No. 2007; Page No. 2007; Book No. XXVII; Series of 2021.

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.

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.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late Spouses GREGORIO A. FILIPINAS SR. and ZENAIDA C. FILIPINAS who died on November 29, 1997 and April 25, 2016 in Kabacan, Cotabato and Iligan City, respectively, parcels of land Lot No. 3306, Ts268 and Lot No. 3586, Ts- 268, both situated in Bo. Poblacion, Mlang, Cotabato, containing the total area of 1,915 square meters, more or less covered by Original Certificate of Title Nos. P-59969 and P-59970 are the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with waiver of rights before Notary Public Regerick L. Benito as per Doc. No. 68; Page No. 14; Book No. CXVII; Series of 2017.

MC: May 28, June 4 & 11, 2022

MC: May 14, 21 & 28, 2022

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

MC: May 21, 28 & Jun 4, 2022

MC: May 28, June 4 & 11, 2022

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

NOTICE

ANNOUNCEMENT

SUBASTA

Ang G-ROCE Pawnshop sa Cotabato City at G-ROCE Pawnshop Damosa, Davao City, ay magkakaroon ng “Subasta Sale” sa darating na Hunyo 30, 2022 sa ganap alas 8:00 ng umaga hanggang alas 4:30 ng hapon para sa mga hindi natubos na sangla sa buwan ng Enero 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

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. MC: May 14, 21 & 28, 2022

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT 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

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

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 MC: May 21 & 28, 2022

Upang hindi maremate ang inyong mga alahas magbigay ng interest bago dumating ang araw ng subasta.

Ang Nagdumala

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

MC: May 28, 2022

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.

MC: May 21, 28 & Jun 4, 2022

ANNOUNCEMENT

Ang Feroce Pawnshop & Money Changer-Main at Branches I, II, S.K. Pendatun, Sinsuat Avenue, sa Cotabato City, Branch III sa Midsayap, Kidapawan Branch, Isulan Branch at San Pedro Branch sa Davao City ay magkakaroon ng “Subasta Sale” sa darating na Hunyo 30, 2022 sa ganap alas 8:00 ng umaga hanggang alas 4:30 ng hapon para sa mga hindi natubos na sangla sa buwan ng Enero 2022.

Ang Feroce Pawnshop & Money Changer Inc.- Main, Duterte, Davao City, at Branches I, II, III, IV, V, VI sa Cotabato City, Branch VII sa Parang, Maguindanao, Pigcawayan Branch, Midsayap Branch, Pikit Branch at Kabacan Branch sa North Cotabato, ay magkakaroon ng “Subasta Sale” sa darating na Hunyo 30, 2022 sa ganap alas 8:00 ng umaga hanggang alas 4:30 ng hapon para sa mga hindi natubos na sangla sa buwan ng Enero 2022.

Upang hindi maremate ang inyong mga alahas magbigay ng interest bago dumating ang araw ng subasta.

“Sa Feroce Pawnshop na tayo kumpleto na ang serbisyo”

MC: May 28, 2022

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

Be There, Management

Republic of the Philippines Midsayap, Cotabato LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE

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

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

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

MC: May 28, 2022

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

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

In compliance with the In compliance with the publication publication requirement and requirement and pursuant to pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines Guidelines in the Implementation in the Implementation of the of the Administrative Order No. Administrative Order No. 1 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), notice is hereby served 10172), notice is hereby served to the public that Dulce Amor to the public that Emie F. Seloterio has filed with this M. Dianon has filed with this office , a petition for correction office a petition for change of of entry in sex from Female to sex from Male to Female in the Male in the certificate of live certificate of live birth of Rastymor birth of Emie Francisco Seloterio Martin Dianon who was born 23 at Raradangan, Pigcawayan, November 2006 at Ginatilan, Cotabato and whose parents Pikit, Cotabato to parents Rasty are Protacio Seloterio & Vilma Ceballos Dianon & Dulce Amor Francisco. Neri Martin. Any person adversely Any person adversely affected by said petition may affected by said petition may file file his written opposition with his written opposition with this this office not later than June office not later than June 4, 2022. 2, 2022. (Sgd.) MICHAEL C. TOBIAS, MPA (Sgd.) MA. LENY B. BUENAFE Municipal Civil Registrar 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

May 28, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Sanduguan Mindanaw is the public journalism page of The Mindanao Cross. It comes out every last Saturday of the month. The stories covered in Sanduguan are selected by the staff based on the criteria that these are the issues that matter most to the communities in the ARMM and Central Mindanao; that these stories educate, explain, empower, and help readers understand what is happening around them; and at the same time enabling them to be advocates for change. The name of the section connotes ONE BLOOD for peace.

SANDUGUAN Sanduguan Mindanao MINDANAW MINDANAW

ASSESSING THE CONDUCT OF THE MAY 9 ELECTIONS

Election has always been a much awaited time for Filipinos. Preparations even starts one year before the scheduled date, and very important in these preparations is the ability to establish links and partnerships with people who are sure to help in the winning ability of interested candidates. If observed closely, the process looks like a circus where people are dropped, boosted, and tapped for their “talents” to assist in the campaign of candidates. During the day of the election, candidates and their supporters resort to all kinds of strategies, legal or not. Voters always have something to say about their predicament, which is the reason why Mindanao Cross decided to pool all these complaints, comments, etc. for readers to react to, in whatever capacity. Here are some of the voters who were interviewed:

Carlos

Jimboy In General, how would you assess the latest election? The election process is well commendable because at least we have upgraded in terms of vote counting and the transportation of the result are faster than the traditional. Integrity? This is still a question for me, because based on my observation, and comparing with the previous elections, I guess it is worse today.

-by COMELEC. If ever the automated election will still be used in the future election, then additional VCM, and contingency plan should be in place.

Did you encounter any problem during the voting process? Lack of Vote Counting Machines per precinct caused es of waiting for voters and time consuming as well. Some VCM are defective, some are not functioning well.

-by the “watchers” of candidates. COMELEC should have the proper listing or inventory of all watchers so that only watchers will be present during counting to avoid the chaos

To whom do you attribute or who do you think should be held responsible for the problem that you encountered? It should be the COMELEC, who already anticipated the possible problem, but did not have the contingency plan for it.

-by the election supervisors/teachers. It should be set or identified as early as possible so that there’s always time for a change if the problem arise.

What recommendations can you give to make the next elections peaceful and honest? Come up with the policy that all candidates should be more transparent in their campaign expenditures. Tarpaulins and other campaign paraphernalia should be lessen.

What safety points should be set up to avoid these problem in the future elections?

Did you encounter any problem during the voting process? Not really, but I waited so long …voting started at 10 A.M. instead of 7:00 A.M. To whom do you attribute or who do you think should be held responsible for the problem that you encountered? To the COMELEC because of the late distribution of the voting paraphernalias. Should/can these be avoided by COMELEC? What safety points should be set up to avoid these problems in future elections?

Did you encounter any problem during the voting process? What are these? Not really. One thing good about being a senior citizen is you are given priority. What recommendations can you give to make the next election peaceful and honest? More than band-aid solutions or palliatives, we need real electoral reforms that would

- by the election supervisors/teachers. *Make sure that the BEIs assigned are qualified to handle the tasks, and for the teachers “honesty is the best policy”. -by the “watchers” of candidates *Watch to protect your candidate’s votes not to watch the voters’ vote. What recommendations can you give to make the next election peaceful and honest? To achieve peaceful and honest election, everyone must be honest… from the government leaders, political agencies, politicians to voters. Peace will follow. Choose integrity rather than money.

-by COMELEC *Strictly imposed the election rules and regulations in all voting areas. *Start voting on time and add security forces in every precinct.

ensure genuinely honest and peaceful elections that truly reflect the people’s will. An in-depth review of current election laws and amendments that need to be done is in order for Congress, with the help of election watchdogs like NAMFREL, PPCRV, LENTE, Kontra Daya, and others. Three years are more than enough for that to be done and for needed reforms to be legislated and implemented truthfully without fear or favor. Lastly, all involved in overseeing the electoral process should at all times be beholden to the Filipino people more than anyone else.

Gilbert John In general, how would you assess the latest election? Generally, in our barangay it was conducted peacefully and orderly. Did you encounter any problem during the voting process? Yes, at around 10 am one of the two VCM installed did malfunctioned. Up until 6 pm the replacement VCM was nowhere to be seen.

Sailor In general, how would you assess the latest election? The dirtiest and deceitful election.

In general, how would you assess the latest election? Nothing much has changed.

To whom do you attribute or who do you think should be held responsible for the problem that you encountered? COMELEC

Should/can these be avoided by COMELEC? What safety points should be set up to avoid these problems in future elections? - by COMELEC Should find a way that its technical support responsible for the VCM must be as near as possible. - by the election supervisors/teachers In our case election supervisors/teachers and the watchers of each candidate did their duty very well. What recommendations can you give to make the next election peaceful and honest? Just follow the rules.

Michael In general, how would you assess the latest election? So far, this 2022 election was successful, even some areas had shooting incidents. Did you encounter any problem during the voting process? What are these? The only problem is the failure of one of the voting machines. To whom do you attribute or who do you think should be held responsible for the problem that you encountered? COMELEC. Should/can these be avoided by COMELEC? What safety points should be set up to avoid these problems in future elections?

-by COMELEC Should have a back-up or immediate alternative solutions if incase the voting machine failed. -by the election supervisors/teachers They all work and responsibilities done successfully. -by the “watchers” of candidates The watchers are not only watchers but they have initiative to help those voters who cannot read especially those voter’s with disability. What recommendations can you give to make the next election peaceful and honest? We need to discipline ourselves. Be a person of peace and honesty in order to achieve a peaceful and honest election.

Jazz In general, how would you assess the latest election? This is the worst election ever here in Cotabato. Did you encounter any problem during the voting process? What are these? The long lines are killing me! Spent 4 hours just to cast our votes. We are very tired. Ang init, ang gutom, at ang pagod sa pila. Plus may pandemic pa. Hay naku! To whom do you attribute or who do you think should be held responsible for the problem that you encountered? COMELEC •Should/ can these be avoided by COMELEC? What safety points should be set up to avoid these problems in future elections?

- by COMELEC Sana may signages na malaki sa mga presinto para hindi magkalituhan ang mga tao. Mag provide ng upuan para sa mga nakapila sa labas ng presinto at dagdagan ang mga tauhan na mag-mamando sa loob at labas ng polling precincts. I-update ang masterlist ng voters. Yung iba 15 years ng patay nasa listahan pa rin. - by the election supervisors/teachers Sana ma organize yung instruction kasi magkakaiba ang interpretation ng BEI’s per precinct. - by the “watchers” of candidates Wala po sanang mag-aasist unless pinayagan ng BEI. Nandyan kayo para obserbahan ang nangyayari hindi para maging ‘Marites’ sa bobotohin ng mga tao.

What recommendations can you give to make the next election peaceful and honest? Sana may time limit yung boboto para maging mabilis ang proseso at makaboto lahat. Sana paigtingin pa ang information drive ng COMELEC lalo na sa mga first time voters at yung sa mga malalayong lugar. Marami pa rin hindi alam kung paano bumoto at kung ano ang gagawin. Sa mga tatakbo naman para mahalal ng taumbayan, siguraduhin nyo po na magsisilbi kayo sa publiko. Hindi yung halos magpatayan na kayo para sa posisyon tapos hindi pala kayo magiging totoo sa mga pangako nyo.