Issuu

CHURCH / P4

LGU prepares for polls dividing Maguindanao

Winning 2025 Jubilee Year logo unveiled after global competition

4 NPAs yield in South Cotabato

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

MAYOR BRUCE REVEALS P845-M CITY PROJECTS By John Felix Unson

The newly-elected Cotabato City Mayor Bruce Matabalao assumed office on Thursday, June 30. His running-mate, Butch Abu, elected Cotabato City vice mayor, also started working on the same day as second highest elected official here who shall preside over the city council. Matabalao had served as a member of the Cotabato City council for a number of terms. He resigned last year as city councilor to join the BARMM government and, eventually, got anointed as UBJP’s candidate for Cotabato City mayor, along with

Chapel desecrated, schools robbed in NoCot KIDAPAWAN Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo has expressed alarm over the series of robberies in Churchrun Notre Dame schools in North Cotabato. He said the chapel in Tibao, Mlang was also desecrated when unidentified robbers barged inside and forcibly opened the tabernacle. The sacred hosts in the chalice remained intact, police said. Police are also investigating the rash of robberies that hit Notre Dame of Matalam and Notre Dame of Arakan, both in North Cotabato. “This is not the works of organized crime,” Lt. Colonel Bernard Tayong, deputy police director, said in an interview over DXND. Tayong said police probers are inviting people who have access to these schools. He did not say if the police are seeing “inside job” angle. “All of these are being investigated,” he said. It was not clear when the robberies in schools occurred. Bishop Bagaforo has suspended the church activities of the chapel in Barangay Tibao while efforts are underway to find measures that will prevent similar incident in the future.

DXND

MOVE FORWARD. Cotabato City Mayor Mohammad Ali “Bruce” Matabalao asks every Cotabateno to support UBJP brand of governance. He also announces that over P800 million worth of infrastructure projects courtesy of BARMM “will be implemented under our administration.” Photo courtesy of Bangsamoro Media Productions

60 US-bound Pinoy students get P2-M aid each THE EducationUSA Philippines has helped 60 Filipino students become better prepared to hurdle challenges in U.S. universities where they will be admitted for further studies As of June 24 the Filipino students attended their third virtual predeparture orientation (PDO).

By Nash Maulana The U.S. Embassy in Manila said a real-time survey during the event showed that more than half of the PDO participants received financial aid offers from their respective schools amounting to over Php12 million ($240,000). More than half of the undergraduate and graduate students received financial aid awards that

11 die of dengue in BARMM, doc asks public support vs virus

are renewable annually, said a statement from the Deputy Cultural Affairs Office. The statement said the orientation answered timely questions about international study, safety and security, and travel during the pandemic, as U.S. universities returned to in-person classes. The Embassy’s

By Edwin O. Fernandez THE health minister of the Bangsamoro higher as compared to 270 cases during Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) the same period last year. has called on all Bangsamoro to help fight Dr. Abas also said MOH-BARMM the deadly dengue by simply cleaning the has recorded 11 deaths this year due to surroundings and destroying mosquito dengue as against zero fatality in 2021. breeding sites. Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur has “We have reached or surpassed the the highest number of dengue cases so epidemic threshold,” Minister Dr. Zul far, he said. Qarnayn Abas of the Ministry of Health Dr. Abas then urged every (MOH-BARMM) said over DXMS, Bangsamoro to help in the fight against He noted that from January to June this “avoidable disease” by simply this year, the MOH has recorded 966 cleaning the surroundings at home dengue cases across the region, way and in the community.

DID YOU KNOW? July 4 is Filipino-American Friendship Day Filipinos celebrate Filipino-American Friendship Day on July 4 every year to mark their historical alliance with the U.S. The relationship between the two countries started as a hostile one and then, with the intervention of another force, to a friendly one. Filipinos believe the good they enjoyed from America outweighs the bad they suffered from them. They decided to celebrate their friendship with the country. Did you know that America greatly assisted the Philippines to fight the invading Japanese forces during WWII? Well, now you know why their friendship is worth celebrating.

AGE JUST A NUMBER. Nothing is impossible in education for this 65-year-old widow grandma Lilia Bereber who completed her senior high at Banga National High School in South Cotabato. “I am not ashamed, why should I,” she declared. Photo courtesy of Johanna Achurra

July 2, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

LGU prepares for polls dividing Maguindanao

THE new commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division shall follow through his predecessors who played pivotal roles in the surrender of 378 violent religious extremists in the past four years. The provincial government of Maguindanao has set aside P100 million to fund the plebiscite that will ratify or not Republic Act 11550. Republic Act 11550 will create two provinces upon approval by the majority of the votes cast by the voters in 36 municipalities. Atty. Cyrus Torreña, Maguindanao provincial administrator, said the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has set September 17, Saturday, as the day of referendum. The plebiscite to decide whether to ratify or not the law creating Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte. President Rodrigo Duterte signed the law on May 27, 2021 but the Comelec decided to delay the

referendum last year to give it enough time to prepare for the May 2022 national and local elections. Under the law, Maguindanao del Norte will be composed of the towns of Barira, Buldon, Datu Blah Sinsuat, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Kabuntalan, Matanog, Northern Kabuntalan, Parang, North Upi, Sultan Kudarat, Sultan Mastura, and Talitay. Its seat of government will be Datu Odin Sinsuat. On the other hand, Maguindanao del Sur will be composed of Ampatuan, Buluan, Datu Abdulla Sangki, Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, Datu Montawal, Datu Paglas, Datu Piang, Datu Salibo, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Unsay, Gen. Salipada K. Pendatun, Guindulungan, Mamasapano,

Mangudadatu, Pagalungan, Paglat, Pandag, Rajah Buayan, Sharif Aguak, Sharif Saydona Mustafa, Sultan sa Barongis, Talayan, and South Upi. Its seat of government will be Buluan. If the law is ratified, reelected Gov. Bai Mariam Mangudadatu will act as governor of Maguindanao del Sur while Maguindanao vice governor-elect Bai Ainee Sinsuat will be named as governor of Maguindanao del Norte. Torreña said the division of Maguindanao has many benefits to Maguindanaons in far flung areas. “More infrastructure development will come and more basic services could reach the constituents,” Torreña said in a radio interview. Edwin O.

Fernandez

Dr. Rabaya rings “alarm bells” on rising dengue cases

HEALTH authorities in North Cotabato have raised the alarm button on the rising cases of dengue in the province this year. Dr. Eva Rabaya, North Cotabato provincial health officer and head of Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO), said over DXND Radio that a total of 1,136 cases from January to June 27 this year. “This is 390 percent higher as compared to the same period last year,” Rabaya said, adding that North Cotabato’s one city and 17 municipalities have listed only 229 cases in 2021. Rabaya noted that those year is considered by health authorities as epidemic year which means dengue cases rise every three year-cycle. She also revealed that this year eight dengue patients have died. They

were from the towns of Alamada with one, Magpet (1), President Roxas (2), Kidapawan (2) and Mlang (2). In 2021, only one patient have died, she added. In the face of these alarming number, Dr. Rabaya has appealed to all North Cotabateños to simply clean their surroundings described by health frontliners as hitting two birds with one stone. The public are urged to practice the “4S strategy” by doing search and destroy mosquito breeding sites, apply self-protection measures like wearing of long dress and pajamas, seek early consultation with medical experts when symptoms appear and support fogging operation when outbreak occurs. Edwin

O. Fernandez

BARMM opens former rebel camps to agriculture devt amid improving economy

DEADLY ROAD MISHAP. Six persons were killed while seven others were hurt in this road accident Wednesday in Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte. Photo courtesy of Sindangan Municipal Police Office

Vice Gov-elect Efren Piñol takes oath

KIDAPAWAN CITY — North Cotabato Vice Governor-elect Efren Piñol and reelected Board Member Dr. Maria Krista Piñol-Solis on Wednesday took their oath before Judge Arvin Sadiri-Balagot of Regional Trial Court Branch 61 durign simple ceremonies held at Gracewood Garden, Barangay Birada, this city. In attendance during simple ceremonies were Vice Gov. Piñol’s better half May Leoncito-Piñol, his children and grandchildren, former Mindanao Development Authority

(MinDA) and former agriculture Sec. Emmanuel Piñol, the vice governor’s elder brother and the board member’s father, immediate family members, relatives, friends and supporters. Speaking after his oathtaking, Vice Gov. Piñol said his achievements were not materialized without interventions from above. “This is destiny, God has plans and interventions for me since I joined government as provincial administrator in 2004,” he said. “I have to admit with have mixed

feelings that there is pressures,” he stated. “This is a God-given responsibility as a public servant in the province of Cotabato.” “With this new mandate, given by the people of North Cotabato, I have to put once again at the backseat my personal priorities and instead place public interest in the forefront in all my waking hours for the next three years,” he said. Vice Gov. Piñol will be the presiding officer of the North Cotabato Sangguniang Panglalawigan. DXND

Indigents to get more medical aid

THE Ministry of Health in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOH-BARMM) and the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) have joined hands and signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will establish the “Tulong Medical Assistance Program.” On Thursday, BARMM Health Minister Dr. Zul Qarneyn Abas said the medical assistance was funded through the

Transition Development Impact Fund (TDIF) and is intended to promote great accessibility to health services and help the Bangsamoro people to avail needed medicines and medical procedures in hospitals. The program will benefit Bangsamoro indigents through the following health facilities. These include the Amai Pakpak Medical Center, Cotabato City Regional and Medical Hospital (CRMC),

Zamboanga City Medical Center, Basilan General Hospital, Sulu Sanitarium Hospital, Cotabato Sanitarium Hospital, Deseret Surgimed Hospital, Dr. Serapio Montaner Jr. Al Hadj Memorial Hospital, Maguindnao Provincial Hospital, Iranun District Hospital (IDH), and Tamparan District Hospital. “I assure our dear partners from our various end-use hospitals and health care facilities

that the Bangsamoro Government will stand by your side in our quest towards a sustainable development in our health care system in the region,” Minister Abas said. Dr. Amirel Usman, MOH director general, said the projects are proof of the commitment and support to address issues in the health sector and promote equal access to high-quality health care service in the region.

Edwin O. Fernandez

MORO provinces in the south are taking-off from age-old conflict into productivity in improving economic performance and emerging peace efforts, and even turning erstwhile rebel camps into production areas for agriculture. Earlier, foreign mission representatives visited Camp Darapanan in Maguindanao to launch continuing support programs to the peace process between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The government is represented in both programs by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPPRU) under Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. The first program will restore legal personality for decommissioned former combatants who have lived in hiding and many of them in assumed name as guerrillas. The second program is bilaterally designed to turn former rebel camps into agricultural production areas. Lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, spokesman of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), said all roads literally lead to the region’s development aspiration, adding that poverty incidence in BARMM is now down by 20 percent to 59 percent in 2021 from 39 percent in 2019. European Union Ambassador Luc Véron said the EU has invested in the peace process “because we see remarkable achievements

in the Bangsamoro, from developing its government structure to the organization of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority.” The envoy added, however, that a lot still needs to be done.” UN Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez said peace and development “must go hand-in-hand,” adding that: “Today, we celebrate another milestone in this complex but a rewarding journey.” Galvez said the twin programs would strengthen ground support for the continuance of the Peace Process. Under the second program which is being supported by the European Union, Spain and Australia, the MILF leadership is opening to massive agricultural development its Camp Darapanan which lies between Maguidanao’s Polloc Freeport and Cotabato City. Politically, MILF’s Camp Darapanan was the place where the top BARMM leadership endorsed the presidential bid of then VicePresident Leni Robredo. Economically, the same camp is now being opened by Bangsamoro leaders to massive production area for agricultural development— in support to the economic agenda of the new administration, officials have said. Quoting figures from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Sinarimbo noted that BARMM’s Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) rose in 2021 by 9.4 per cent to 7.5 percent from 1.9 per cent in 2019. Nash

B. Maulana

Mayor Bruce takes oath, announces...from P1 Abu as running-mate. Senior UBJP officials and BARMM executives attended Matabalao’s symbolic assumption to office, held at the Cotabato City People’s Palace, seat of the local government unit. Matabalao had earlier said his administration will focus on peace and development initiatives centered on all three groups in the city, the Moro, non-Moro, or Christian communities and the indigenous people.

THE MINDANAO CROSS

July 2, 2022 He had also said he shall work closely with the barangay governments, the Cotabato City Police Office and the military, through Task Force Kutawato (TFK) in maintaining law and order in all four corners of Cotabato City “Let’s move forward, the election is over,” Matabalao said in his inaugural address at the City Peoples Palace (City Hall). Matabalao then announced over

P845 million worth of infrastructure projects from BARMM. “It will be implemented under our administration, including the P269-M housing projects and P75 drainage system, and Sangguniang Panglungsod legislative building, among others,” he said. “Tuloy ang paggawa at pag-aayos ng kalsada sa mga barangay, drainage and waterways lalarga na para hindi na tayo bahain,” Matabalao said.

11 die of dengue in BARMM, doc asks...from P1 “We should clean, we should remove stagnant waters because it is there that the dengue carrying mosquitoes thrive and reproduce,” Dr. Abas said. By doing so is like “hitting two birds with one stone” since the surroundings will be cleaned and the breeding sites are eradicated. The health chief said the onset of rainy season, even when it is supposedly summer in the country, is one of the factors that contributed in the rise of dengue cases, not only in BARMM, but across the country. Dr. Abas revealed that eggs laid by dengue carrying mosquitoes could

survived for nine months to one year even without water. A mosquito lays its eggs on the walls of water-filled containers in the house, old tires, flower bases, drainage canals. “These must be destroyed to also kill the mosquitoes,” he said, adding that MOH-BARMM is pushing for “4S strategy.” “4S” stands for “Search and destroy” mosquito breeding sites; “Secure selfprotection measures” like wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts, and daily use of mosquito repellent; “Seek early consultation” and “Support fogging/ spraying when there’s an outbreak.”

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

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the application of KALTIMEX RURAL ENERGY CORP. with official address at Barangay Pahut, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi for registration with the Regional Bangsamoro Board of Investments-BARMM under Title III of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) as amended by CREATE Act, as Expansion of Off Grid Diesel Power Plant, with capacity of Eight (8) MW/year is officially accepted on June 29, 2022 and is currently being processed. Any person with valid objections to or pertinent comments on the above-mentioned application may file his/her objection, in writing and under oath, with the Regional Bangsamoro Board of Investments-BARMM within one (1) week from the date of application.

ATTY. ISHAK V. MASTURA CHAIRMAN MC: Jul. 2, 2022

60 US-bound Pinoy students get...from P1

The agency under the leadership of secretary Roy Cimatu, however, reversed Lopez’s order in 2021 to boost state revenue and prop up the pandemic-hit economy. The Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM), a coalition of around 100 organizations nationwide, lamented that “mining has again become active in the island” since then. It reported that Altai Philippines Mining Inc. also resumed its mining activities and has been going around communities to convince residents of the supposed benefits of mining. CBCP News

Consular Section joined the event to answer questions related to student visas. Participants also heard from EducationUSA program alumni who shared their experiences and provided advice to the outgoing students: Marian May Cedeño attending University of the Incarnate Word, Jerrilee Laspinas, a Rutgers Alumna USTRIDE Scholar, and Atty. Jill De Dumo-Cornista with Georgetown Law School. Participants learned as well about classroom culture, campus life best practices in travel planning, safety and security, and ways to make the most of their time outside the classroom. “I am excited to see what your future studies have in store for you,” said U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Deputy Cultural Affairs Officer Jennifer Goldstein. “I wish you all an amazing U.S. college experience.”

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

Some priests join protesters during a demonstration in San Fernando, Romblon against the proposed large-scale mining project in Sibuyan Island, June 28, 2022 Photo courtesy of Vatican Media

Romblon clergy nixes mining ...from P4 environmental advocate Armin Marin during a rally. The incident triggered more protests that resulted in the suspension of the company’s mining

permit in 2011 due to lack of social acceptability. In 2017, former environment secretary, the late Gina Lopez, ordered a ban on open-pit mining in the country.

NDVNHS students hurdle academic excellence awards By Zenaida A. Estabillo, Teacher-III AT least 74 Grade-10 students from Notre Dame Village National High School (NDVNHS) will be receiving their academic excellence award on June 30 – July 1, 2022 on the culmination exercises for the academic year 2021–2022 following a careful deliberation by the academic excellence awards committee. The selection was based on the students’ academic grades that have reached a general average of 90 to 94 percent (With Honors), 95 to 97 percent (With High Honors), and 98-100 percent (With Highest Honors). The deliberation of the final list of honor students was attended by Mrs. Catalina I. Evasco, the Grade 10 Academic Chairperson, Mrs. Nora B. Mendoza, the Academic Coordinator, Mrs. Precious Tharhata U. Salimama, the ICT Coordinator, Mrs. Lady Jane L. Tolosa, the Master of the Ceremony and Class Advisers: Ms. Chelle F. Daquil, Mrs. Zenaida A. Estabillo, Ms. Kimberly Ann T. Cabañog, Mrs. Ruby Grace B. Aquita, Mrs. Felipa C. Tee, Mrs. Elenita A. Camensi, Mrs. Ya-el S. Ebus and Ms. Normalyn S. Omnes. This was done last June 14, 2022. Mrs. Jeanette Abas Gaudiano, the School head, officially declared virtually the student awardees to the parents. The 74 awardees were led by Shahanna Macalawan of Grade 10 – Star who received the “With High Honors” award with a general average of 96 percent. These students came from different sections of the Grade-10 level. No one among the students got the “With Highest Honors” award.

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular Guidelines in implementation of Administrative Order No. 1, series of 2012 (IRR on R.A.10172), notice is hereby served to the public that, Huzaifa Abdullah Abdulhamid has filed with this office a petition for correction of sex/gender from Female to Male in his certificate of live birth bearing registry No. 97-1665, registered at the Local Civil Registrar of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao and whose parents are Abdulmaguid A. Abdulhamid and Badriah Mohamad Abdullah. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than June 30, 2022.

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular Guidelines in implementation of Administrative Order No. 1, series of 2012 (IRR on R.A.9048), notice is hereby served to the public that Alinor Datusapadas Zainal has filed with this office a petition for change of first name from Oteng to Alinor in his certificate of live birth bearing registry No. 2009-1356, registered at the Local Civil Registrar of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao and whose parents are H. Esmael Lamping Zainal and Epa Guianalad Datusapadas. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than July 15, 2022.

(Sgd.) LESAIDA O. SABAN Municipal Civil Registrar

MC: Jul. 2 & 9, 2022

Increasing access to international education in the United States is among the embassy’s top priorities, especially as it celebrates 75 years of diplomatic relations with the Philippines. EducationUSA encourages all students accepted to U.S. universities who were unable to attend the event to reach out to EducationUSA advisers with any questions or concerns at manila@ educationusa.org or cebu@ educationusa.org. EducationUSA provides free advising services to prospective international students in more than 170 countries and offers students resources and tools to help navigate the five steps to U.S. study: researching schools, identifying financial aid opportunities, completing applications, obtaining a student visa, and preparing for departure. There are more than 4,700 accredited higher

education institutions in the United States, and an EducationUSA adviser can help students narrow their options, define their priorities, and plan their college careers. EducationUSA does not offer scholarships but can assist students in identifying scholarship and financial assistance opportunities, the statement said

EXTRAJUDICIAL PARTITION

AFFIDAVIT

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late TAPIMPI KAM who died intestate, a parcel of land situated in Barangay Adaon, Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Maguindanao, covered by Original Certificate of Title No. P-25506 is subject of extrajudicial partition of estate with deed of Absolute Sale before Notary Public A t t y. M o h a m m a d Jameel A. Singh as per Doc. No. 94; Page No. 18; Book No. 15; Series of 2021.

MC: Jun 18, 25 & Jul 2, 2022

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late JOJI TONIO PARCON, who died on March 07, 2022 in Parang, Maguindanao, left a bank deposit with LBP Parang, Branch under Account No. 2661-0676-27 is subject of extrajudicial settlement with waiver of rights before Notary Public Mimbalawag T. Mangutara, Jr., CPA as per Doc. No. 506; Page No. 103; Book No. LXVI; Series of 2022. MC: Jun 25, Jul 2 & 9, 2022

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late LAURETA S. CAPULONG and WILDRIED SEHORZ, who died intestate on April 1, 2021 and November 15, 2015, respectively in Davao City, left a parcel of land Lot No. Lot 24, Blk. 21, Pls-59, containing an area of 50,323 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. T-85695 is subject of affidavit of self-adjudication by sole heir before Notary Public Atty. Hector Gerald C. Belisario as per Doc. No. 44; Page No. 9; Book No. 106; Series of 2022. MC: Jul. 2, 9 & 16, 2022

July 2, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Winning 2025 Jubilee Year logo unveiled after global competition VATICAN— The Vatican evangelization chief unveiled on Tuesday the winning logo of the 2025 Jubilee Year, chosen after a worldwide competition. Archbishop Rino Fisichella, proprefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, presented the logo and the preparations for the Catholic Church’s next holy year at a June 28 press conference. A jubilee is a Holy Year of grace and pilgrimage in the Catholic Church, which typically takes place every 25 years. The motto of the 2025 Jubilee is “Pilgrims of Hope” — “Peregrinantes in Spem” in Latin. Fisichella said there were 294 entries from 48 countries entered in the logo competition. Participants ranged in age from six to 83 years old. “In fact, many were hand-made drawings by children from all over the world, and it was truly moving to review these drawings that were the fruit of imagination and simple faith,” the archbishop said. A panel narrowed the selection to three projects, which were presented to Pope Francis, who chose the logo designed by Italian Giacomo Travisani. A Vatican press release described the logo as “four stylized figures to indicate all of humanity from the four corners of the earth.” “They are each embracing another, indicating the solidarity and brotherhood that must unite peoples,” it continued. “It should be noted that the first figure is clinging to the cross. The underlying waves are choppy to indicate that the pilgrimage of life is not always on calm waters.” “Oftentimes personal circumstances and world events call for a greater sense of hope. This is why the lower part of the cross is elongated, turning into an anchor, which dominates the movement of the waves. As is well

known, the anchor has often been used as a metaphor for hope,” it said. The logo may be freely used by bishops’ conferences and Catholic communities for pastoral reasons, Fisichella said, while noting that commercial use is prohibited by a copyright maintained and managed by the Dicastery for Evangelization. Fisichella said the official website of the 2025 Jubilee Year will launch after the summer. The Catholic Church’s last Great Jubilee was held in 2000 with the motto “Christ Yesterday, Today, Forever.” In 2015, Pope Francis called for an extraordinary Jubilee, a Holy Year of Mercy. Archbishop Fisichella said the year before the Jubilee, 2024, will be dedicated to prayer in preparation of the Holy Year, while 2023 will be focused on promoting the major documents of the Second Vatican Council. “The year 2023 will be devoted to revisiting the fundamental topics of the four Council Constitutions so that the Church can breathe anew the profound and timely teaching produced by Vatican II, whose 60th anniversary will be celebrated on October 11,” the evangelization chief said. “For this reason,” he added, “a series of user-friendly resources, written in appealing language, are being produced to arouse curiosity in those who have no memory of the event and to help them enter into the essence of the Council in order to discover the innovative longing that enabled the Church to consciously enter the third millennium of its history.” Hannah Brockhaus/Catholic

News Agency

Archbishop Rino Fisichella, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, presents the logo for the 2025 Jubilee Year, June 28, 2022 Photo courtesy of .Vatican Media

Romblon clergy nixes mining in Sibuyan island CATHOLIC priests in the Diocese of Rombon added their voices to the growing chorus of opposition to the proposed large-scale nickel mining project in Sibuyan Island. Speaking during Mass Tuesday at the end of a five-day march against mining, Fr. Julius Ambulo said the diocese is committed to save the island from environmental despoliation. “We are one with you in shouting ‘no to

mining,'” said Ambulo, who is also the diocesan youth director of Romblon, at San Fernando town plaza. To further demonstrate their solidarity with antimining residents and advocates, he revealed that their clergy meeting will be held in the town next month. Bishop Narciso Abellana of Romblon, he said, will lead the meeting in the second week of July. “This is our way of

showing why we priests are against mining,” Ambulo added. Dubbed as “Baktas Talakayan,” the march was aimed to protest the mining project in Sibuyan, often referred to as the “Galapagos of Asia” because of its unique and pristine remoteness from all the mainlands. In 2007, a security officer of Sibuyan Nickel Properties Development Corp. shot to death councilor and

Caritas Philippines to New Admin: Address the Problems Affecting Filipinos

CARITAS Philippines, the social action arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, urges the incoming administration to address the pressing issues affecting Filipinos today. On the eve of the inauguration of President-elect Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., Caritas Philippines national director Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo calls on the government to tackle the problems head-on.

Among these problems is the alleviation of poverty especially in the countryside. As reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) last December 2021, the poverty incidence among the population increased to 23.7 percent during the first half of 2021 from 21.1 percent in the same period of 2018. This translates to 3.9 million more Filipinos living in poverty. (1) Rising prices of basic goods have also affected the daily

lives of Filipinos. An impending food crisis in the last quarter of 2022 brought by the effects of the pandemic, will also be a challenge for the government, the Russia-Ukraine war which has disrupted the delivery of food products across the globe, and the oil price hike which has also affected the transport sector. (2) As the president-elect will also be the secretary of the Department of Agriculture, he

also needs to address the plight of farmers versus imported agricultural products. This was worsened in particular by Republic Act No. 11203 (Rice Tariffication Act), a law that paved the way for more imported rice to reach the Philippines. (3) Bishop Bagaforo also reiterated Caritas Philippines’ call for the government to push through with the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections this year as suspending

ast Sunday, Jesus spoke by the venomous snakes and of the cost of discipleship scorpions in the desert. Of where He challenged course they are rejoicing the would-be disciples about over their successes and the realities of following the popularity that power Him. This Sunday’s gospel brings. Jesus had to remind eflections narrates the sending of the them that more than these disciples to proclaim the successes they should rejoice Rev. Fr. Antonio P. Pueyo, DCC news of the coming of the because they are drawing tonypoy_dcc0@yahoo.com Kingdom. They were sent on closer to God in heaven. a test mission. They were sent for an exposure experience A disciple is one who is under training at the feet to go ahead and prepare the people in the towns where of the master. He and she are students who are being Jesus intended to go. Just like John the Baptist, they formed and disciplined for a mission. But then, the were to prepare the way for Jesus. There were seventy- master or teacher may test the disciples to see how far two of them, a bigger group than the twelve apostles. they have progressed in their learning. They may even These disciples were given specific instructions on be sent for exposures or test missions as Jesus did with how to conduct themselves in their missionary journey: his disciples. 1) to go two by two so that they can work as a team and We usually identify such formations in discipleship encourage each other, 2) to pray that there may be more with those in seminaries and religious formation houses workers for the harvest, 3) to have courage in difficult such as novitiates. There come times when those who circumstances even if they feel like lambs in the midst are in these religious training programs are given a of wolves, 4) to go with the barest necessities “without taste of what they are about to encounter by being purse, or bag or extra sandals” so that they can focus sent for pastoral exposures and missions. Among lay on their mission relying on God’s providence, 5) not to people who belong to covenantal or intentional lay dilly-dally along the way when they meet acquaintances, groups, training may also be done through seminars, 6) when they enter a house that welcomes them, they conferences, and assemblies. More experienced members must greet the occupants with, “Peace be to this house,” also act as shepherds to further the growth of the younger staying in that house and eating whatever is served them members. Even secular groups and business groups while proclaiming the good news about the Kingdom of conduct trainings for their members before sending them God and healing the sick, 7) if they are not made welcome for their mission. in any place, they must go the market place and proclaim And so we can ask. What kinds of formations and the good news there then wipe the dust from their feet trainings, are being conducted in our churches and when they leave, to show that responsibility for God’s parishes for the growth of our members. How are our judgement lies on the inhabitants, but the message has lay people being trained for discipleship and eventually been proclaimed. for becoming apostles who have a mission to fulfill. We The disciples came back elated by the success of appreciate our lay people who went beyond attending their mission. Like Jesus they were able to heal and masses on Sundays to more active participation in do exorcisms. They have overcome the evils of illness, Evangelization by being catechists, lectors, choir ignorance, and possession by the evil one. Jesus members, lay leaders, financial advisers, lecturers and encouraged and affirmed them saying that they were other ministries that promote the growth of the church given the power to overcome the Evil One symbolized within and the proclamation of the gospel without. MC

Mission Sending

the polls would reflect how our national political leaders undermine the importance of barangay level politics in the exercise of our democratic rights. “It is not right for the government to suppress electoral processes, especially that the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections are seen as the most accessible and organic form of citizen’s engagement in public service and governance,” he added. Caritas Philippines

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

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Readings:

Isaiah 66.10-14; Galatians 6.14-18 Gospel: Luke 10.1-12, 17-20 (or shorter) In our gospel today, Jesus sends out his disciples (72 others) to proclaim that the kingdom of God is at hand. He tells them that the task would not be easy. They will be like “lambs among the wolves.” Yet, as He reminds them that they will face adversities along the way, they are promised that God will provide them all their needs. Each of us are like the “72 others” who are reminded that God is in complete control. No matter what the circumstances and obstacles in our lives, we must do our job - to proclaim the kingdom of God. We may not see the immediate effects of God’s action, but we are assured that everything will be taken cared of for God is a God of might and power. He is God who never abandons his people. Prayer: O Lord, help me be an instrument of your love in everything I do trusting that you will always be near me. Amen.

THE MINDANAO CROSS

July 2, 2022 EDITORIAL

Changing of the guards

ith the settling down of the election “hulabaloo”, the people are now faced with the inevitable changes that an election brings with it. The winners are rejoicing, the losers are protesting, and the rest sit on the sidelines watching what will happen next. In the days of yore, despite the efforts to make such change take place in a more peaceful manner, many countries experience the turmoil that is injected by many parties (sometimes not even recognized as part of the government transition). Fortunately, as the world becomes more matured, this event loses its violent aspect, and settles with the more diplomatic way of transition. This is the reason why many would rather adopt the description of “changing of the guards”. The phrase “changing of the guard” was originally used to refer to the event when the guards of Buckingham Palace (in England) would change so that new guards would replace them to take on a different shift. This event became an elaborate ceremony which people still watch today. It has developed into an elaborate pageantry, and since the impact is pleasing to all those watching, it becomes an awaited event. The recent election in this country carried with it the suspense, like a thriller, of what comes after the changing of the guards. What makes it doubly exciting is that a lot of extraneous factors, especially at the national level, are expected to influence the changing of the guards. With the winning president who is expected to “revise history?” the choice of people who will execute his program for the next six years will really matter. At this point in time, the names of the people who were chosen to be part of the new president’s circle have been announced. With many of the names “recycled” from several terms ago, would they still be effective? Would they function like a fresh wind that will bring the country to higher fruition? The local setting seem to be providing a different impression. Where are the new guards that will change the previous ones? This brings with it a lot of expectation considering that the winning candidate belongs to a political party that has not been tested yet, or new to the political landscape. With the local election fraught with controversies, expect the changing of the guards to take longer and more intense in terms of selection. Who will eventually benefit from the new faces that we may find in the new political set up? Will the new guards be contributing to the new direction that almost all new political systems would like to introduce? Will the new directions be in accordance to the aspirations of the residents and constituents of the region? Abangan ang susunod na kabanata! MC +

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e are writing this a day before Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. officially takes over the reins of government as the 17th President of the Republic of the Philippines. His inauguration is set at the National Museum in Manila on June 30, President Rodrigo Duterte’s last day in office. Over the past weeks following his election, the son and namesake of the man who kept the entire country under martial law from September 27, 1972 to January 17, 1981 – Ferdinand E. Marcos, Sr. – has worked on putting up a cabinet that will help him address the problems facing the country. He describes these people as “the best and the brightest.” While the incoming president is upbeat with his Cabinet, Marcos was not under the illusion that everything would be a cakewalk moving forward, according to news reports. Indeed, the current state of the nation is not a rose garden without thorns. This is how economic think-tank IBON Foundation sees things. Higher inflation has pushed the real value of wages to even lower levels making basic food and transport services even more unaffordable. Citing data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, the research group said May 2022 inflation increased to 5.4% from 4.9% in April and 4.1% in May 2021. In the National Capital Region, or NCR, inflation rose to 4.9% in May 2022, over three times the 1.3% rate in January at the start of the year. NCR inflation has driven the real value of the minimum wage there to 10% less than at the start of the Duterte administration. Measured in 2018, the real value of the NCR minimum wage was P538 in June 2016 falling to just P484 in May 2022. Philippine Statistics Authority figures also show that the number of employed persons fell by a huge 1.3 million from almost 47 million in March 2022 to 45.6 million in April 2022. The number of labor force participants meanwhile fell by 1.5 million, from 49.9 million to 48.4 million over the same period. IBON also pointed out that the economy is shedding full time work. By hours worked, the number of those working 40 hours or more collapsed by a huge 1.9 million from 30.8 million in March 2022 to 28.9 million in April 2022. On the other hand, part-time workers grew by 426,000 from 15.9 million to 16.3 million and those “with a job, not at work” grew by 138,000 in the same period. Earlier this year, IBON said the Philippines has the highest inflation rate in the Southeast Asia and the second

E welcome the appointment by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. of Solicitor-General. Jose Calida as Chairman of the Commission on Audit. Atty. Jose Calida is also a former Undersecretary of the Department of Justice in 2003. Not many Moro Muslims know how Calida become part of collective efforts that pushed for the continuity of the Peace Process when it was stalled by the the Buliok airstrikes on February 11, 2003 the charging of top leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in the Davao City bombings the following month. Promptly, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo created the Feliciano Truth Commission to probe on the Davao City bombings in which military complaints were filed by police with different Fiscal’s Offices. Some of the complaints with Moro leaders named respondents were filed in court—and corresponding arrest warrants were issued by the courts. At the Feliciano Commission, the accused MILF leaders were represented by Atty. Naguib G. Sinarimbo. The usual procedure is that government cases are represented in any legal, judicial or quasi-judicial forums by the solicitor-general under the DoJ. To his credit, Senior Grade Antonio Trillanes IV’s media exposé in an open of statement about a “psy-op” involved in the incidents helped shape a public opinion on the contrary—even if his was not an officially signed statement filed in fiscal’s office or in court.. In some official efforts in that case never meant for media hype, Justice Secretary Simeon A. Datumanong in 2003 sent DoJ Undersecretary Jose Calida (instead of the solicitor-general) for a greater mandate of representation for the Department of Justice and not merely the cases in behalf of the government prosecution. The wisdom being was that sending Calida to the Feliciano Commission provided a room for a dialogue while the complaints were under review by state prosecutors for probable cause—as in contrast to a possible legal confrontation if the Sol-Gen was sent there instead with his specific prosecution specific mandate.

State of the nation

Thinking Aloud Carlos C. Bautista caloyb@gmail.com

in unemployment rate in the region. Meanwhile, it was reported today that the peso has breached the P55 to $1 mark, trading at an intraday low of 55.15 to a dollar. This was the lowest the peso has gone against the dollar since more than 16 and a half years ago, or Oct. 25, 2005 when trading closed at 55.26:$, said Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort. He said “Since the start of 2022, the peso’s depreciation of 7.4 percent is now the worst in Asean . The peso started this year at 51 to $1. While some see this weakening of the peso against the dollar could provide a boost to local tourism, others see this as putting more pressure on the country in paying its foreign debts which has jumped to $109.75 billion at the end of March this year from $97.05 billion in the same month last year. The national debt, measured against the GDP, has risen to a 17-year high of 63.5 percent as of March, exceeding the international standard of 60 percent. From January to March, the national government borrowed $2.3 billion from official creditors to fund its COVID-19 pandemic response programs and infrastructure projects. Despite this borrowing to finance its pandemic response program, the Philippines lagged behind the performance of other countries in the region, according to IBON Foundation. “This is due not only to its poor COVID response, harsh lockdowns and refusal of economic stimulus, but also due to pre-pandemic mispriorities,” the group said. There is little doubt that incoming President Marcos and his Cabinet are facing an enormous task of turning the state of the nation around. As he himself said, there is no illusion that everything would be a cakewalk moving forward. IBON believes the same strategies as addressing the nation’s problems, especially that of the economy, are expected given that among those in the Marcos Cabinet are people recycled from the Duterte Cabinet. MC

Jose Calida, former Justice Undersecretary, Sol-Gen, as COA Chairman

Penlight

Nash B. Maulana

nash.penlight@gmail.com

Calida may be harsh in the case of Delima who also draws some advocacy-based political sympathy among Moro individuals or groups. But on the other hand, Calida was very liberal and far from being antagonistic to Moro leaders (in absentia) who were unjustly implicated in the Davao bombings, in all the deliberations of the Feliciano Commission. By that time, the fiscal had already “established” “probable cause” and arrest warrants were already out. But as the state prosecutors at DoJ reviewed the fiscals’ cases for probable cause, they found them wanting. The fiscals were then directed to withdraw the cases filed in court for lack of probable cause. Listening to Senator Trillanes’ probe, the media reports that Calida was allegedly into “cornering” contracts by influencing government offices to favor his family-owned security and investigation agency. But acts of “cornering” and influencing on bids and awards of contracts in such government agencies as the DoJ are easier said than done. The Resident Ombudsman in such government offices being so independent and very active. On the other hand, the ombudsman is the most independent and reliable source of news story, and is far better than anyone in the senate, for objective reporting. But what I know from way back 2003 was that Calida had inhibited interest from the ‘Vigilant’ when he was appointed Undersecretary of DoJ. He was just hit hard may be for his participation in the cases filed against Senator Delima, and in the Quo Warranto Petition that led to the ouster of the Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno. MC

be had with our faith in God, whose peace surpasses understanding; unlike fools whose god is their belly nurtured in pride, envy and greed. And this is the twopronged peace that the world has, which we ought to know by now. Where do we belong? For Satan and his devil advocates have their own kind of peace by changing God’s Truth for a lie. Thus, faked news and scams proliferate for conservatives to wonder why? That God made man upright only to be ruined when they sought-out evil schemes (Ecclesiastes 7:29). One too many of our human frailties and iniquities brought about by our stubbornness to ignore God’s precepts, come these world events of human smuggling in San Antonio, Texas, USA where 46 dead bodies were discovered inside a tractor-trailer. Authorities described the incident as the “most deadly case” Of human smuggling in that Mexican border. With the pandemic in Covid-19 still raging with some areas showing improvement, in the Philippines, Dengue, a mosquito-borne disease has reemerged to have alarmed health authorities when it reported nearly 12,000 cases, mostly in Cebu. Thanks God that there’s no report yet of fatalities as of this writing. However, another untoward news from Cebu this week boggles the imagination when a 23-year-old lad armed with scissors stabbed to death her aunt and injured another over the issue of money. The victim refused to give-in prompting the suspect to kill her. Of all places, why Cebu? Of all people, why them? This reminds us again of God’s command to do good always in righteousness that assures life’s blessing instead of curse. To love all, loved ones and foes alike. In our disobedience to change Truth for a lie is corruption spreading like wildfire to contaminate like a deadly virus conspiring to kill one another. Thus, corruption is conspiracy, the involvement of the rankand-file in a crime or unlawful act before God and man. Any God-fearing is law-abiding to be open to any inquiry or investigation as in the controversial Pharmally drug procurement issue and the DA-BFAR-BOC alleged smuggling scandal with both cases involving billions of public funds. MC

Wake-up Call True to Form Charlie Señase

csenase@yahoo.com

hile still young, learn the things that please the LORD Almighty: “Remember your Creator before the silver cord is loosed, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher shattered at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the well. Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to GOD who gave it” (Eccl.12:6-7). “Fear GOD and His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For GOD will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil” (12:13-14). Look around and we see realities in our midst with deceptions abounding to no end with all the promises for a better future only to end-up in despair and frustration. Why are we so embroiled in the love of self and money at the expense of other’s rights to life? Criminal acts are certainly unlawful, yet many are still into illegal drugs, terrorism, lawless violence as in gun-for-hire, extortion and all sorts of dishonesty for the pride of life and money-sake. Just like world peace, a top-most humanitarian issue of concern has not been resolved till now. Thus, domestically the League of Bangsamoro Organizations met this week with a united call for cooperation to sustain a nationwide peace and coexistence by strengthening LGO partnership and convergence to protect the gains of the peace process which they want conveyed to the incoming President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. For like Climate Change, the proponents anticipate a possible change in the current peace set-up under the new administration, knowing that President Marcos’ father during his reign declared Martial Law to cleanse the country of Moro and Communist rebels. Peace, indeed, is variable that those in government would cite development as peace while armed rebels would insist development is not enough without justice to enjoy genuine, lasting and durable peace. But true peace emanates from within amid misery and injustice that can only

Lupus (Part 2)

in the morning. Arthritis may be a problem for only a few days to weeks or may be a permanent feature of the disease. Fortunately, arthritis is usually not crippling. ealth orner • Kidneys: Kidney A reprint from Cleveland Clinic.Org involvement in people with lupus is potentially life hat does lupus do to the body? threatening and may occur in up to half of Lupus can impact many lupus patients. Kidney problems may become different parts of your body. It can apparent when lupus patients feel ill with cause aches and pains, as well as serious arthritis, have a rash, fever and weight complications to your major organs. Because loss. Less often, kidney disease may happen lupus is an autoimmune disease, it causes when there are no other symptoms of lupus. your body to attack itself. This can lead to Kidney disease itself usually doesn’t produce organ damage over time. symptoms until it’s in the advanced stages. It Parts of the body that can be impacted is important that kidney disease be diagnosed by lupus can include the skin, blood, joints, early and treated appropriately. The earliest kidneys, brain, heart and lungs. signs of kidney disease are apparent from a • Skin: Skin problems are a common urine test called urinalysis. feature of lupus. Some people with lupus have • Brain: Fortunately, brain a red rash over their cheeks and the bridge of involvement is a rare problem in people with their nose. Because the location of this rash lupus. When present, it may cause confusion, is the same as the common markings of a depression, seizures and, rarely, strokes. wolf, the name “lupus” (wolf in Latin) was • Heart and lungs: Heart and lung given to this disease many years ago. Other involvement is often caused by inflammation skin problems that may happen include large of the covering of the heart (pericardium) red, circular rashes (plaques), which may scar and lungs (pleura). When these structures (called discoid lupus). Skin rashes are usually become inflamed, you may develop chest made worse by sunlight. Hair loss and mouth pain, irregular heartbeat and build up of fluid sores are also common. around the lungs (pleuritis or pleurisy) and • Blood: Blood involvement can heart (pericarditis). happen with or without other symptoms. Individuals with lupus may have dangerous What causes lupus? reductions in the number of red blood cells, The cause of lupus is currently unknown. white blood cells or platelets (cells that Researchers are still working to learn more help clot the blood). Sometimes, changes in about the reason lupus happens. Even though blood counts may contribute to symptoms of the exact cause isn’t known, there are factors fatigue (low red blood cell count, anemia), that may play into the condition. Possible serious infections (low white blood cell factors that could cause lupus can include: count), or easy bruising (low platelet count). • Hormonal changes: Women are However, many people do not have symptoms more likely to experience lupus than men that indicate blood abnormalities, so it’s and this could be partly due to hormones important to have periodic blood tests in like estrogen. Lupus is often seen in women order to detect any problems. Blood clots during their reproductive years (ages 15 to are seen with increased frequency in lupus. 44) when estrogen levels are higher. Clots often happen in the legs (a vein clot, • Environmental factors: Different called deep venous thrombosis), lungs (a aspects of your environment can also increase lung clot, called pulmonary embolus), or your risk of having lupus. Factors like brain (stroke). Blood clots that develop in the amount of sunlight you’re exposed to, lupus patients may be associated with the medications you take, viruses you might have production of antiphospholipid antibodies. been exposed to, or even stress, can all be These antibodies are abnormal proteins that possible causes of lupus. A history of smoking may increase the tendency of the blood to clot. can also be a possible cause of lupus. • Joints: Arthritis is very common • Your family history: There may be in people who have lupus. There may be a genetic factor to lupus. If you have family pain, with or without swelling. Stiffness members who have lupus, your risk of the and pain may be especially uncomfortable disease is increased. MC

(Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)

The transition

the famous parasol. Sen. Imee Marcos was in strapless one sided aqua long gown with a stringed golden Filipiniana inspired sleeves, and hair fixed on her head in a deviation from he tuff of ife her usual casual hairstyle. Always low-key, Irene stands Victoria R. Franco, RPh, MS Pharmacy out for her ash colored hairstyle franco1573victoria@gmail.com which she has kept all these ike a glistening jewel amidst freshly rain years. bathed foliage, the National Museum The usual social butterflies did not stood resplendent and imposing, a capture the attention of the cameras, maybe fitting venue for the Inauguration of the 17th later at the reception, though I saw, on tv president of the Republic of the Philippines. only, two ladies in flaming red, one was Pres. Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, Jr. Pres. Gloria Arroyo. The President wore Like a bride dressed up for her special day, a simple yet well fitted barong Filipino by she was repainted white, the landscape Pepito Albert, so did his 3 handsome adult trimmed and primed a welcoming ambiance sons. Their mom, Atty Liza wore an unfor important dignitaries and guests. The imaginative pina terno, a so-so, to my mind. National Museum was formerly known as She’s got a lot to learn from her mother in the Old Legislative Building. law…..are they vives?, and sister in law the It has been a long time since we senator.. have witnessed this kind of oath taking, For the first time, we heard Bongbong reminiscent of the pomp and pageantry of speak through a speech. His looks are the Marcos era. President Ferdinand R. getting closer to his father, a little shorter, Marcos Jr. is the 4th President to be sworn does that matter? His voice sounds very into office in the building. The significance much like the former president though he of the Old Legislative Building as the site falters somewhere, repeating some words, of the Marcos’ inauguration is not lost to something his father would never be caught many. It is, after all, such a historic site dead iin. His message as before, is unity. Two that it was declared in 2010 as a National political analysts agreed that the speech was Historic Landmark. a collection of previous speeches of former The building was a silent witness to the presidents, so what is new? Furthermore, transition of three presidents so far: Manuel Prof. Julio Teehankee acknowledged that Quezon in 1935, Jose P. Laurel in 1943 and he was concerned with what were not Manuel Roxas in 1946. It was also the site mentioned, rather than the litany of what of the Constitutional Convention in 1934. could be done to salvage whatever is left of Historian Obet Ocampo noted however: our economy. ”Had the organizers looked closer at the As the usual practice, a parade of our history, they might have opted for another military might was demonstrated, with venue because two of the three presidents jet planes flying overhead. Most touching who took their oath there died in office. though was the inclusion of our unsung All three did not finish their terms.” Other heroes, especially those who kept vigil presidents choose to hold their oath taking over our covid affected countrymen, the at the Quirino grandstand at Luneta, at frontliners-doctors, nurses, pharmacists, the Edsa Shrine – Pres. Gloria Macapagal;, health care workers; those who kept us at Club Filipino-Pres. Cory Aquino; Emilio fed-fisherfolks, farmers; street sweepers, Aguinaldo and Joseph Estrada at the vendors, representatives of people in various Barasoain Church in Malolos Bulacan; walks of life. I give Pres. Bongbong ten depending on the conditions of the time. The points out of ten, for standing up from his choice of venue could not be whimsical as it seat, clapping his hands, smiling as he did is imbued with national interest. so, acknowledging their contributions to the A little fashion here: though age has development of our country. somehow caught up with her at 90+, she Let us give him a chance, his failure was regal and beautiful in a pale blue terno is our failure too, and his success is ours with a huge brooch on her shoulders, sans as well. MC

July 2, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Hobby-Based Business Ideas Part 3: Baking and Cooking

Market Driven

Danny Buenbrazo

danny_buenbrazo@yahoo.com

y this day, the country is already under the new administration of Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and the next months would be a great challenge to his mettle as a leader given the problems that he inherited from the past administration. In his inaugural speech, the new president acknowledges the gravity of the challenges his team faces and promised that they are working on a plan to improve the Philippine economy. Hopefully, greater assistance would be forthcoming for existing and would-be micro-entrepreneurs as the current business environment remains uncertain with COVID-19 and the monkey pox concerns remain and the trouble in Ukraine continuous to wreak havoc on the smaller and weaker economies. This is the now the third installment on the business possibilities that are based on a person’s hobby or interest. Previously, I discussed the advantages of starting an enterprise that takes off from something that you are already doing or immersed in rather than undertaking a business that you have read about as lucrative but not so familiar with or in the realm of your common interests. Among the hobby-based enterprises mentioned include: plants, flowers, and gardening and supplies; pets, pet supplies, and pet care services; arts and crafts; cooking and baking; and carpentry and furniture making. In the first part of this series, the potentials and diverse business possibilities associated with pets, pet care, and pet supplies were explored. Last week, the discussion focused on the business potentials and mechanics of selling plants, garden supplies, and gardening-related services (such as

landscaping). This week, let us take a look at the potentials of transforming our love for cooking and/or baking into a profitable business venture that could provide a hefty return and a stable source of income.

Cooking and Baking During the COVID-19 outbreak, those that were in the food business were really challenged as face-toface interaction and transport were restricted. While most food-related enterprises reeled in the early part of the pandemic,, innovations and creativity came up and new ways of doing the traditional food businesses were invested. Two of the business challenges that were faced by those in the food sector were getting the supplies they need to produce cakes, pastries, bread, and other processed food on one hand and being able to deliver their finished products to customers. Another challenge was how to get noticed by customers when operating physical stores or outlets became difficult at times. The food business is quite diverse but the main distinction is those that involve baking (bread, cakes, pastries, and the like) and others that require cooking or other preparations. Whether it is baked items or other type of food that you want to sell to the market, one should resist producing a very wide range of product at the start of the business. Having a narrower range of products (e.g. 3 to 5 variety of cakes) lessens complications in the operation of the enterprise. When the most sellable products are established and the operation has stabilized then that would be the time to start producing new varieties of cake or to add some pastries. If it is possible to start without a physical store, then that would save you rent money and lower the capital requirement for the business. Take advantage of social media in advertising your products and reaching out to potential customers. MC

THE MINDANAO CROSS

July 2, 2022

ADVERTISE WITH US, call :

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 12th Judicial Region BRANCH 27 Cotabato City

421-7161

Special Proceeding No. 2022-1561

ADJUDICATION BY SOLE HEIR

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

AFFIDAVIT OF ADJUDICATION

Notice is hereby given that the late TERESA SALAZAR FLAUTA, died intestate on September 10, 2019 in Davao City, left a parcel of land Lot-2754-C-3-H, Psd12-001049, situated in Poblacion, Libungan, Cotabato, with an area of 260 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. T-117886 is subject of adjudication by sole heir with simultaneous deed of absolute sale before Notary Public Noel A. Gretare, CPA as per Doc. No. 6,111; Page No. 61; Book No. XCI; Series of 2022.

Notice is hereby given that the late HADJI IBRAHIM DARPING Et’Al, died intestate on March 12, 2014 in Cotabato City, left a parcel of land as coo w n e r, S u b d i v i s i o n Plan of Lot 29, CAD.52, situated in Kalanganan 1, Cotabato City, containing an area of 32,827 sq. mts., more or less is subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous sale of a portion before Notary Public Atty. Abbyr Ahmad Nul as per Doc. No. 29; Page No. 6; Book No. XXXIV; Series of 2022.

Notice is hereby given that the late HADJI MOHAMMAD TUA and HADJA KAWA S. TUA, died December 20, 2017 and July 18, 2018, respectively, left a parcel of land (250 sqm), portion of land from KADISON G. GUIAMAN, Lot No. 8 (OLT), BSD-12-000835, covered by TCT No. T-6 is subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with deed of absolute sale before Notary Public Atty. Bai Sandra U. Sandialan. SH. C. as per Doc. No. 381; Page No. 77; Book No. I; Series of 2022.

Notice is hereby given that the late PARIDA ABDUL ANDAL, died intestate without will or testament on January 8, 2022 in Jeddah, KSA, left a Savings Account with Philippine National Bank under Account No. 405110001532 is subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Keen John T. Usman as per Doc. No. 436; Page No. 88; Book No. II; Series of 2022.

Notice is hereby given that the late BENJAMIN BUANDA BELLO, died intestate on May 17, 2021 in Nuro, Upi, Maguindanao, left a parcel of land Lot No. 294-E, Csd-12-000845, s i t u a t e d i n Te n o r i o , Dinaig, Maguindanao, with an area of 25,025 sq. mts., more or less, covered by OCT No. P-03528 is subject of affidavit of adjudication by sole heir of estate before Notary Public Atty. Rolando L. Chew as per Doc. No. 2797; Page No. 280; Book No. 23; Series of 2022. Republic of the Philippines Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Upi, Maguindanao OFFICE OF THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR

MC: Jul. 2, 9 & 16, 2022

PETITION FOR JUDICIAL CONFIRMATION OF MY TRUE AND CORRECT OF DATE OF BIRTH JUNE 07, 1968 AND DECLARATION OF THE 1964 DATE OF BIRTH WHICH IS ERRONEOUS, NULL AND VOID, LITO N. OLANDIA, versus

Petitioner,

THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF COTABATO CITY, Respondent. x--------------------------------------x

ORDER A verified petition was filed by the petitioner, assisted by counsel, praying that after due notice, publication and hearing, an order be issued directing the Local Civil Registrar of Cotabato City, to make the necessary correction of entry in the Certificate of Live Birth of petitioner particularly the birth year instead of June 7, 1964 but the true and correct is June 7, 1968. Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, let this case be set for hearing on July 27, 2022 at 8:30 o’clock in the morning, at which place, date and time, any person who may have interest, if any, may show cause why the petition should not be granted. Let this Order be published in a newspaper edited and of general circulation in the City of Cotabato and Province of Maguindanao, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks prior to the date of hearing at the expense of the petitioner.

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

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 Peter A. Ulep has filed with this office a petition for change of first name from Pedro to Peter in the birth certificate of Pedro A. Ulep who was born on 18 September 1959 at Kidapawan, Cotabato and whose parents are Feliciano M. Ulep and Primitiva A. Alcala. 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 Ryan V. Amor has filed with this office a petition for change of sex from Female to Male in the birth certificate of Ryan V. Amor who was born on 18 March 1989 at Kidapawan, Cotabato and whose parents are Rosalio R. Amor and Hedelina T. Valentino. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office.

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that Pablo A. Bangalan has filed with this office a petition for change of first name from Jacinto to Pablo in the birth certificate of Pablo A. Bangalan who was born on October 29, 1961 at Kidapawan, Cotabato and whose parents are Artemio R. Bangalan and Felomina L. Asupra. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office.

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

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that Ysmael S. Gani has filed with this office a petition for change of first name from Kasanudin to Ysmael in the birth certificate of Kasanudin S. Gani who was born on February 11, 1973 at Alonganon, Datu Piang, Maguindanao and whose parents are Kadil S. Gani and Zulba S. Gani. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office. (Sgd.) TOHAMY M. LAUBAN City Civil Registrar

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late Spouses FELIMON I. MAGTIRA and ROSA TANGHAL MAGTIRA, a parcel of land Lot 13, Block 22, Psd-12010045, covered by TCT No. T-25816, situated in Barrio Bagua, Cotabato City, containing an area of 299 sq. mts., more or less is subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with absolute sale before Notary Public Jonathan M. Jocom as per Doc. No. 388; Page No. 78; Book No. VI, Series of 2003.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of BEKUA ALEM, BOLAWAN MAMENGKAS, ALEM GUNO and HADJI KAHAL SUMAIL, a parcel of land Lot No. 2016, Cad-107, covered by TCT No. T-8681, situated in Dapiawan, Datu Piang, Maguindanao, with an area of 111,740 sq. mts., more or less is subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous deed of sale of a portion before Notary Public Atty. Abbyr Ahmad, Nul as per Doc. No. 166; Page No. 34; Book No. XXXIII, Series of 2022.

Notice is hereby given that the late ERLINDA A. ALLESA, who died on December 03, 2021 in Cotabato City, left deposits of money with METROBANK Cotabato Branches under Account Nos. 074-3-07491996-1, 3-406-03081-5 and 406-3406055648 are subject of deed of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Rodolfo A. Esparagoza as per Doc. No. 05; Page No. 01; Book No. III; Series of 2022.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late JOEL CAMAGOS SR. who died intestate on January 28, 1999 in Midsayap, Cotabato, a parcel of land Lot No. 722, Pls620, situated in Bo. Arizona, Midsayap, Cotabato, containing an area of 33,481 sq. mts., more or less, covered by OCT No. P-57087 is subject of deed of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous sale before Notary Public Roland D. Jungco as per Doc. No. 163; Page No. 34; Book No. 150; Series of 2022.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of WILFREDO F. BINGIL, BENJAMIN F. BINGIL, J R . , a n d J A I M E F. BENGIL, a parcel of land Lot 8, Psd-12068652, situated in Bo. Salunayan, Midsayap, Cotabato, containing an area of 1,391 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. 152-2018000376 is the subject of deed of absolute sale before Notary Public Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 433; Page No. 87; Book No. CCXCII; Series of 2022.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late CARLITO S. EUGENIO, who died on September 3, 2014 in Nalin, Midsayap, Cotabato, parcel of land Lot 1179-33, Psd-124705020095 (AR), covered by TCT No. CT-6791, situated in Montay, Libungan, Cotabato, containing an area of 15,005 sq. mts., more or less 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. 5,795; Page No. 103; Book No. XC; Series of 2022.

Republic of the Philippines Midsayap, Cotabato LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE

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

(Sgd.) MERCEDES P. TOLENTINO Acting City Civil Registrar MC: Jul. 2 & 9, 2022

MC: Jun 25, Jul. 2 & 9, 2022

MC: Jul. 2 & 9, 2022

MC: Jun 25, Jul. 2 & 9, 2022

MC: Jul. 2 & 9, 2022

MC: Jun 18, 25 & Jul 2, 2022

MC: Jul. 2 & 9, 2022

MC: Jun 18, 25 & Jul 2, 2022

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late ALFREDO B. PLAZA, who died on March 5, 2018 in Buhangin, Davao City, parcels of land Lot No. 12, Block 42 and Lot No. 3, Block 42, covered by TCT Nos. T-5462 and T-5463, respectively both located at Bo. Semba, Dinaig, Maguindanao, containing the total area of 480 sq. mts., more or less are subject of deed of extrajudicial settlement of estate with waiver of rights, simultaneous sale and assumption of mortgage before Notary Public Sunny Rye M. Nogalo as per Doc. No. 727; Page No. 48; Book No. II; Series of 2021.

Notice is hereby given that the late ROBERT LU CADULONG, who died intestate on July 23, 2021 in Pikit, Cotabato, left Savings Accounts with Metropolitan Bank & Tr u s t C o m p a n y Midsayap Branch under Account Nos. 334-3 -3342797 2 -0 , 334-3-33412045-8 and 334-3-334416835-3 are subject of deed of extrajudicial settlement with waiver of rights before Notary Public Gregorio Conol Torres as per Doc. No. 910; Page No. 182; Book No. 12; Series of 2022.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late Spouses CLEMENTE M. CUEVAS and ESPERANZA R. CUEVAS, who died on June 30, 1993 and April 30, 2007, respectively in Cotabato City, a parcel of land Lot 183-A-2D-1-C-1, Psd-37034, situated in Cotabato City, covered by TCT No. T-4061, containing an area of 516 sq. mts., more or less is subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Hanamir P. Nul Emblawa, CPA as per Doc. No. 341; Page No. 69; Book No. VIII; Series of 2022.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late ROSA MAHAWAN GALON, who died on August 25, 2021 in Cotabato City, parcels of land Lot 7, Block 10, Pcs12-000773, Lot 9, Block 21, Psd-123804-019622 and Lot 4-A-7-E, Psd12-0204898, all situated in Malagapas, Cotabato City, covered by TCT Nos. T-52184, T-47745 & T-1542020000077, respectively, containing the total area of 448 sq. mts., more or less are the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Abbyr Ahmad, Nul as per Doc. No. 465; Page No. 93; Book No. XXVII, Series of 2021.

MC: Jun 18, 25 & Jul 2, 2022

MC: Jun 25, Jul. 2 & 9, 2022

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to Section 5 of R.A. No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that Noraina A. Sadang has filed with this office a petition for change of first name from Miracle to Bai Nisan in the certificate of live birth bearing Registry No. 2006-560 of Bai Nisan Abdullah Sadang duly registered at the office of the local civil registrar of Upi, Maguindanao and whose parents are Zajano Mapanao Sadang and Noraina Sanday Abdullah. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than July 18, 2022. (Sgd.) JEAN P. BACAS Municipal Civil Registrar MC: Jul. 2 & 9, 2022

MC: Jun 18, 25 & Jul 2, 2022

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

SO ORDERED. Cotabato City, Philippines, this 7th day of June, 2022. (Sgd.) KASAN K. ABDULRAKMAN Presiding Judge MC: Jun 18, 25 & Jul. 2, 2022

MC: Jun 18, 25 & Jul 2, 2022

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1, Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), notice is hereby served to the public that Shane Rollan Basco has filed with this office a petition for change of sex from Female to Male in the certificate of live birth of Shane Rollan Basco who was born on June 15, 2003 at Midsayap, Cotabato and whose parents are Rammy B. Basco and Evelyn G. Rollan. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file written opposition with this office of Municipal Civil Registrar, Midsayap, Cotabato.

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 Rogelio Dela Cruz has filed with this office a petition for correction of entry in the date of birth from January 1, 1949 to January 29, 1949 in the certificate of live birth of Rogelio Dela Cruz (LCR copy), who was born on January 29, 1949 at Natividad Pangasinan and whose parents are Lusciano Dela Cruz and Apolonia Pilarta. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file written opposition with this office.

(Sgd.) NORAH B. CABUGWASON Municipal Civil Registrar

(Sgd.) TOHAMY M. LAUBAN City Civil Registrar

MC: Jun. 25 & Jul. 2, 2022

July 2, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

4 NPAs yield in South Cotabato

APPARENTLY, they got so tired of waging a senseless revolution.

Four members of the New People’s Army surrendered one after another in the past four days to the 5th Special Forces Battalion and turned in firearms before each pledged allegiance to the government. Major Gen. Roberto Capulong of the Army’s 6th Infantry said Tuesday the four NPAs from three different towns in South Cotabato yielded through the efforts

of municipal officials and Lt. Col. Zandro Alvez, commanding officer of the 5th SF Battalion. In a report to 6th ID’s headquarters in Camp Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat town in Maguindanao, Alvez said the four NPAs yielded assault rifles, a .45 pistol, a vintage Thompson submachinegun before each promised to reform for good in the presence

of Army officials and community leaders in South Cotabato’s adjoining Lake Sebu, Tboli and Banga municipalities. One of them yielded an old Belgian FN caliber 7.62 assault rifle. The four guerillas, whose names the 6th ID withheld pending their relocation to safer areas, belonged to the NPA’s self-styled Guerilla Front 73-Far South

Lamitan’s Datu Kalun remembered COTABATO CITY — Residents of Lamitan City, Basilan celebrated Sunday their Lami-Lamihan Festival in honor of a Spanish-era Caviteño who became a datu in the province. Barangay officials and sectoral leaders, led by Mayor-elect Roderick Furigay, commemorated the life, works and examples of good governance of Datu Kalon, who was born Pedro Javier Cuevas. While Datu Kalon was a stranger in Basilan, he became a datu whose leadership extended to villages that would later grow into Lamitan City and nearby towns. Datu Kalon was chronicled by contemporary historians to have founded Lamitan, a mixed community of Muslims and nonMuslims, in 1886. Descendants of Datu Kalon have stories of how he settled bloody

conflicts among Yakan clans and how his people pulled off deadly attacks on Spanish colonizers who set foot in Basilan. He was most admired by the Yakans for his strong opposition to Spanish rule, which started while he was in his homeland, Cavite. Who was Datu Kalun? Datu Kalun belonged to a wealthy and educated Christian family in Cavite. At 27, he was incarcerated and sentenced to death, along with two companions, for their militant activities against Spain and for their involvement in the 1872 Cavite Uprising. He bolted from the San Ramon penal colony in what is now Zamboanga City and, from there, proceeded to Basilan, where he was eventually assimilated into the local communities as a datu for his good leadership.

Datu Kalon, to promote interfaith and cultural solidarity among Yakans and non-Yakans, organized the yearly "Paglam-Lamihan" gathering in the old Lamitan to celebrate good harvest and peace. It was in 1983 that the local government revived the activity as an annual event. "Emulate Datu Kalun" In a message on Sunday, Furigay, whose third and last term as vice mayor ends on June 30, called on constituents to keep Datu Kalun's leadership ideals alive. "Let us work together for the attainment of peace and development in the local communities," Furigay said. He also called on Lamitan City residents to support the peace and reconciliation programs of their governor, the now third-termer Jim Salliman. John Felix Unson

P136K worth shabu seized in Maguindanao

AUTHORITIES seized P136,000 worth of shabu from four armed drug den operators, said to have links with local terror groups, entrapped in Buldon, Maguindanao last weekend. Jalil Maguilis, Johaiver Mamalumpong Usop, Jhonari Mamalacat and Alenajer Manalao, who fell in a sting in Barangay Rumidas in Buldon town in Maguindanao are now detained, awaiting

prosecution. In a statement Monday, June 27, the Philippine Drug Enforcement AgencyBangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao said the suspects shall be charged separately with violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and illegal possession of assault rifles. The entrapment operation that resulted

in their arrest was jointly carried out by the PDEABARMM, personnel of the Navy’s 5th Marine Battalion and units of the Maguindanao Provincial Police Office. The PDEA-BARMM said it is thankful to Col. Ariel Macaambac, commander of the 1st Marine Brigade, for helping plot the clandestine tradeoff that led to the arrest of the four men.

The suspects were immediately cuffed and detained after selling P136,000 worth of shabu to non-uniformed antinarcotics agents disguised as drug dependents. Besides their illegal merchandise, the joint PDEA-BARMM, Marine and police team also confiscated from them two M16 assault rifles, an M14 rifle and ammunition of assorted calibers. John

Felix Unson

Mindanao Region Command. The NPA has a reputation for attacking members who have returned to the fold of law and members of their families. No fewer than 80 NPAs in South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat provinces have surrendered to units of 6th ID in the past 14 months. John Felix Unson

P360K worth of shabu seized in Lanao Sur POLICEMEN out to arrest a man for keeping firearms nabbed two men from whom they seized P361,000 worth of shabu instead in an operation in Lanao del Sur last weekend. Brig. Gen. Arthur Cabalona, director of the Police Regional OfficeBangsamoro Autonomous Region, said Tuesday the two suspects are now in the custody of the local police in Marantao town in Lanao del Sur. He declined to identify the suspects pending the arrest of their companion, who managed to escape while personnel of the

municipal police force and the Lanao del Sur Provincial Police were approaching their hideout in Barangay Nataron in Marantao. Police officers who led the raiding team told reporters they caught the two men sniffing shabu in the lair of the person who is wanted for keeping unlicensed firearms. Cabalona said the two suspects from whom policemen had confiscated P361,000 worth of shabu are to be prosecuted for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. John Felix Unson

NEWSBRIEFS 6 killed, 7 hurt in Zambo Norte highway mishap SIX persons were killed while seven others were badly hurt when a wayward hauler truck rammed an ambulance in Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte Wednesday. Col. Rodrigo Maramo, Zamboanga del Norte police director, on Thursday identified five of the six fatalities as Mario Macatual, Joseph Lopena, Analisa Maribojoc, Princess Gold Ejan Sangilan and Julie Jay Sumonglay. The 6th victim remained unidentified. The victims were together in an ambulance, driven by Joseph Lopena, from Liloy town in Zamboanga del Norte, en route to Dipolog City in the same province when they figured in the accident.

John Felix Unson

P5-M worth of supplies lost in MOH-BARMM fire

A fire of still unknown origin destroyed some P5 million worth of supplies, equipment and building inside compound of the Ministry of Health in the Bangsamoro region. Cotabato City Fire Office Spokesperson Fire Officer 2 Garnette Alano said noon conflagration damaged the huge

storage building of what used to be Department of Health 12 regional office. MOH-BARMM assumed the DOH12 compound when it moved to Koronadal City early this year. Arson probe continues. DXMS-

Cotabato

SoCot grandma marches as senior high graduate

A 65-year-old grandmother ignored all the satire comments on her education struggles and marched Wednesday after completing senior high in Banga National High School in Banga, South Cotabato. Lilia Bereber, a widow, proudly marched and gave unsolicited advice to her schoolmates not to spend energy in the social media. “Focus on your education, social media should come later,” she said, adding that she still intends to take college course. Bereber mixed her schooling online with selling home appliances as her source of income. DXOM-

Koronadal

Sec. Piñol: ‘Magtanim ng gulay’

KEEP STRONG. Maj. Gen. Roberto Capulong, 6th Infantry Division commander and head of Joint Task Force Central tells 1st Lieutenant Jomar C Binay-an (Inf) PA, executive officer of Bravo Company, 7th Infantry (Tapat) Battalion. He lauded Binay-an for his bravery following clash with rebels in Sultan Kudarat. Photo courtesy of 6th ID

FORMER Agriculture secretary and Marcos government incoming food security adviser Emmanuel Piñol has urged the people of North Cotabato to plant vegetables and have food. “Save food for the rainy days,” Piñol,

former Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), said. With the inflation rate worsening, cost of living rising, plating vegetables in the backyards could be the best option for the people of North Cotabato, he said. DXND-Kidapawan