The Mindanao Cross | July 9, 2022

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Vol. LXXIV| No. 22| Cotabato City | Saturday, July 9, 2022 |8 Pages | P10.00

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OFWs want justice for missing packages

CHURCH / P4

Manila archbishop to Marcos: Pursue the path of justice, peace

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

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Senior MILF leader killed in ambush

REVIVING PHIL. CULTURE. A symbol of Philippine culture, the “Bahay Kubo” display competition in Tampakan, South Cotabato depicts the country’s most nurtured value called “Bayanihan.” This “kubo” is competing as part of the Tampakan 53rd Foundation Anniversary and 19th Lum’alay Festival. Photo courtesy of Travelling James

COTABATO CITY COPS PRO-ACTIVE STANCE

By Edwin O. Fernandez

THE city police and local government have applied a pro-active stance against crimes by deploying more police on city streets at night, even during wee hours until dawn in a bid to reduce criminality.

Colonel Querubin Manalang Jr, newly designated city police director, said aside from the deployment of regular “police on the block,” police patrols have been roaming around the

city’s crime prone areas from 6 p.m. to 4 a.m.

“We are on the streets while all of you are asleep to ensure your safety,” Colonel Manalang told city residents in

Region 12 “kasambahays” get pay hike

KORONADAL CITY — The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board in Soccsksargen Region (RTWPB-12) has set a new minimum wage for domestic workers or “kasambahay” starting July 16, 2022.

RTWPB-12 Board Secretary Jessie Dela Cruz said Wednesday the board unanimously approved the PHP500 increase in the salary of “kasambahay” after a public hearing held in Koronadal City on June 28.

Under the new wage

order, household workers employed in cities and first-class municipalities will receive a monthly salary of PHP4,500 while those in other municipalities should get PHP3,500.

Dela Cruz said the agency has not received any petition for salary adjustments for domestic workers and the increase was through the initiative of the RTWPB. “We did it based on the principle of 'motu propio' because like our workers in the private sector,

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a radio interview.

This after Cotabato City Mayor Mohammad Bruce Matabalao said the curfew hours being implemented in the city will be lifted, but in its place, should

be a more effective strategy – police visibility.

Sometime in 2020, following the pandemic, the city government imposed a 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. curfew

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“Kap” faces charges for unlicensed FAs THE Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region has filed corresponding cases against a barangay chairman from whom its agents seized seven rifles and a

By John Felix Unson pistol last weekend.

Usop Sanggacala Aron, chairman of Barangay Ruminimbang in Barira, is now detained at the office here of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Bangsamoro

Autonomous Region.

Aron, who lost in his bid for the vice mayoral post of Barira during the May 9, 2022 elections, is now clamped down in a detention facility here of the

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Family, BHRC seek speedy probe over death of Amierkhan THE Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission (BHRC) has strongly condemned the death of Amierkhan Mangacop, a 19-yearold Grade 9 student of Davao City, who was shot seven times by a non-uniformed personnel and a doctor of the Police Regional Office – Region 11 on last week.

By Edwin O. Fernandez “We remind that no life or liberty shall be taken without due process of law and that primary duty bearers, which include personnel and members of the police force, are duty-bound to protect individuals, peoples, and no less than the youth, from acts or omissions by government

or non-government actors that would constitute human rights violations or abuses,” the BHRC said in a statement posted on its FB page Thursday.

Mangacop was allegedly shot seven times outside Lugar Café and Bar reportedly

by Marvin Rey Andrew R.

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DID YOU KNOW? July is Nutrition Month Presidential Decree 491, in 1974, declared that Nutrition Month shall be held every July to create greater awareness of the importance of nutrition among Filipinos.

The Philippines National Nutrition Council celebrates National Nutrition Month to raise awareness among families on strategies to prevent malnutrition and the importance of a healthy diet.

Dr. Juan Salcedo Jr. is considered the father of nutrition in the Philippines.

BLOOD FOR LIFE. Patrolman Leonique Ogatis of Lebak municipal police office in Sultan Kudarat poses with Miscell Carbon (left), 36 of Barangay Taguisa, Lebak, Sultan Kudarat who suffered postpartum hemorrhage after giving birth. A relative and a nurse look on. (Story on page 2) Photo courtesy of Lebak MPS

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July 9 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

OFWs call on NBI to look into missing packages AROUND 500 overseas Filipino workers in the United Arab Emirates, among them from Region 12 provinces, are griping over missing packages they sent home that a courier has not delivered for many months now.

The OFWs have sent letters to media outfits in Mindanao last weekend, asking help to connect them to Philippine agencies that can investigate why the All Win Cargo Dubai cannot give them a clear explanation on where their packages are now.

“The courier firm has been ignoring us,” an OFW said in one of the letters

sent to media entities in key Southern Mindanao cities.

O n e o f t h e complainants, Marichel Esperat, is a sister of a broadcaster in a radio station in Zamboanga City.

“We are bothered by this saddening development,” the news reporter, Carina Rebollos Dela Cruz, said Saturday.

The affected OFWs, among them Muslims from different Mindanao provinces, said even the contact in Manila of the All Win Cargo Dubai, the Cargoflex Haulers Corporation that facilitates deliveries in the Philippines of parcels and cargoes sent to the country, is ignoring their complaints.

The office of the

Cargoflex Haulers Corporation is in Lot 1A, Unit A in Canaynay Avenue in Martinville Subdivision in Manuyo, Las Piñas City.

The complaining OFWs have also asked the National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine National Police to check the controversy.

John Felix Unson

BTA MPs to continue working despite Palace memo AN official of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has directed all Members of Parliament (MPs) to continue to hold office and discharge functions as lawmakers.

“BTA Members of Parliament may still continue to hold office and discharge their functions beyond June 30, 2022,” BTA Speaker Pangalian Balindong said in his July 4, 2022 memorandum to all BTA members.

“This office holds that by virtue of Republic Act No. 11593, notwithstanding the end of the term of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, all members of the BTA parliament are allowed to continue in office and discharge their official functions, duties and responsibilities, consistent with the intentions of the law until June 30, 2025,” he said.

Balindong added: “This is without prejudice to the constitutionallygranted power of the current President to appoint a new set of BTA parliament within his term.”

The President Duterte has approved the postponement of the BARMM elections to May 2025 by approving Republic Act 11593 that extended the transition period for three more years or until June 30, 2025.

It would have ended last June 30 this year since its constitution in 2019.

On June 30 this year, Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez issued Memorandum Circular 1 that triggered confusions among BTA

members and BARMM legal minds.

The MC1 declared as vacant “certain positions in the departments, offices, agencies and bureaus in the Executive Department” effective noon of June 30, including “all Presidential appointees whose appointments are classified as coterminus.”

Not covered Many legal luminaries, including the netizens, in BARMM have opined that since BTA members, including Chief Minister Ahod “Kagi Murad” Ebrahim, are covered by MC1 and must also step down.

But Minister Naguib Sinarimbo said BARMM is not covered by MC1.

“We are an autonomous region with an asymmetric relation with the national government,” Sinarimbo, a lawyer, said.

“The BTA, as the Parliament combines the legislative and executive powers of the Bangsamoro Government and is not under the executive,” he said, adding that “in fact in the Bangsamoro Organic Law, the BTA relates to Congress thru the Congress- Bangsamoro Parliament Forum.”

Sinarimbo further explained that “this evolution of the relationship between the Bangsamoro Government and the National Government as well as the consequent powers granted by law for the exercise of self-governance has been achieved by the MILF thru its struggle and the resultant peace negotiations that it painstakingly pursued.”

In the meantime, 4th BTA

regular sessions continue.

Under the GPH-MILF peace deal, the MILF shall nominate 41 members to the BTA to serve during the transition period (20192022) while the government will nominate 39 members to the regional lawmaking body.

As of yesterday, BTA lost six members. One who died and five have sought elective positions last May 2022 and won.

Member of Parliament Aleem Mohammad Zainoden Bato of Lanao del Sur died last year due to illness and no replacement to take his seat in the BTA. On the other hand, five MPs were elected to office and are no longer part of the BTA. They are BTA deputy speaker Zia Alonto-Adiong who was elected as representative of Lanao del Sur’s fist district for the House of Representatives, Sittie Shahara Ibrahim Mastura who won as First district Representative for Maguindanao, Al-Syed Abdullah Sali elected vice governor of TawiTawi, Khadafeh Mangudadatu who is now the mayor of Pandag, Maguindanao, Datu Tocao Mastura who was elected as mayor of Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao.

A Malacanang source said at least 3,000 individuals have submitted applications before the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process to be named Members of Parliament. The information cannot be independent confirmed from other sources. Edwin

O. Fernandez

Marcos retains Basileño as SPDA head

RESIDENTS of Basilan got elated with the retention

by Malacañang of the Basileño administrator of the Southern Philippines Development Authority.

Gerry Salapuddin, first appointed by former President Rodrigo Duterte, took oath in Malacañang last Tuesday, July 5, as reappointed SPDA administrator.

The position was entrusted to him by the newly-elected President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. Salapuddin is a known peace advocate who had, in recent months, brought in investors from across the country and from abroad into the Bangsamoro region, now venturing into feasible agricultural projects.

He is personally known to the Marcos family since the 1980s.

Salapuddin, a staunch

supporter of Malacañang’s peace process with Moro communities, was thrice wounded in combat while still chairman of the Basilan Revolutionary Committee of the Moro National Liberation Front.

Residents of Basilan had posted on Facebook their gratitude to President Marcos for having reappointed Salapuddin as SPDA administrator.

Lamitan City Mayor Roderick Furigay, also a staunch supporter of the Southern Mindanao peace process, said he is glad with the stay in the SPDA of a fellow Basileño.

“It is important for the SPDA to be managed by someone who understands the intricacies of the Mindanao peace process,” Furigay said. John Felix

Unson

Cop saves mom suffering from postpartum bleeding

ONE good deed a day to be happy.

This is the vision of Police Lt. Colonel Julius Malcontento, chief of Lebak, Sultan Kudarat province even as he recognized the good deed of one of his subordinates.

Patrolman Leonique Ogatis readily volunteered to donate blood for Miscell Carbon, 36 of Barangay Taguisa who had just delivered a baby at Lebak Doctors Hospital Monday afternoon.

“We received a call from a resident of Barangay Taguisa requesting blood donors from the police ranks,” Malcontento said.

“Without hesitation, Patrolman Ogatis

volunteered, its one good deed,” he added.

Malcotento explained that Ms. Carbon had experienced postpartum hemorrhage after delivering her baby who did not survive.

He said all police units across the Soccsksargen region have one project that helps save lives. This is the “PRO-12 Dugo ng Bayaning Pulis Alay sa Kapwa.”

Malcontento lauded Patrolman Ogatis saying he made Lebak municipal police office women and men “very proud.”

He assured the people of Lebak that the PNP is ready to extend and provide assistance to the needy.

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50 homes up for Cotabato City indigents

IT will be a dream come true for about 50 indigent families who have no homes to call their own as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) begins building homes for them.

“Cotabato City is lucky as BARMM poured more infrastructure projects,” Cotabato City Mayor Mohammad Bruce Matabalao said after signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with BARMM’s Ministry of Human Settlements and Development (MHSD) for the construction of 50 housing units in Sitio Bubong, Barangay Kalanganan 2.

MHSD DirectorGeneral Esmael Ibrahim signed the MOA in behalf of BARMM. Director General Ibrahim disclosed that aside from a new home, the beneficiaries will also

get a certificate of land ownership.

"Itong housing units ay parang 3-in-1 (instant coffee), may lupa ka na, may titulo ka na, at may bahay ka pa all for free (It’s like 3-in-1 {instant coffee}, you have a house, a land and a title on your own for free)," Ebrahim said in jest.

He also mentioned that the MOA signing was historic as it was the first ever agreement the city government has entered into with the MHSD. Matabalao said the PHP31.7 million housing project will have units complete with a living room, kitchen, comfort room, and two bedrooms, and will be completed with water and electricity connection.

It is funded through the General Appropriation Act of Bangsamoro (GAAB) 2022.

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ARMS CACHE. The confiscated firearms of Usop Sanggacala Aron. (Story on page 1)

Photo courtesy of CIDG-BAR

Family, BHRC seek speedy probe...from P1 Pepino, a 31-year-old non-uniformed personnel working as a doctor at the Police Regional Office (PRO)-Davao.

As the human rights institution of the Bangsamoro, the BHRC calls for justice for the death of Mangacop.

“We call on the Police Regional Office of Davao and other relevant agencies for an impartial, speedy, nondiscriminatory, fair, just, and prompt investigation of the death of Amier Mangacop,” the BHRC said.

“May this statement

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THE MINDANAO CROSS

July 9, 2022

evoke the entire Bangsamoro Government to condemn the death of the victim, provide the appropriate assistance with this Commission to the family of Amier Mangacop, and ensure that appropriate charges are filed against the perpetrator.”

“The BHRC cannot let this matter come to pass without justice,” it added.

His relatives have been crying for justice and posted on Facebook the information they have.

They described Amierkhan as “kind, obedient and a loving son.

He didn't have any vice; he disliked to drink liquor and hated the smell of cigarette smoke. That was why he was just at home sleeping on that unfateful day, had his cousin not asked to be fetched from the said bar.”

Amierkhan was second in a brood of six. He had many beautiful dreams for himself and his family. He loved to tinker and repair cars and dreamt that one day he would be able to build his own car detailing and repair shop.

“But that dream will remain a dream... forever,” his relatives said.

Cotabato City cops pro-active stance...from P1 hours.

However, Mayor Matabalao believed that police presence along major streets will deter criminal minds from performing robberies, hold-up, even shooting.

“If we need to augment police forces to be deployed at night, we will do it,” Manalang said, suggesting that business owners, especially establishments selling wines and beverages should have a cut off time at 10 p.m. “for their last order of beers or wine.”

“We understand the business side of it and I think that’s a fair suggestion,” Manalang told DXMS Radyo Bida in the

vernacular.

Manalang also appealed to city residents to help the police in the fight against criminality even as he also appealed to report to him any misbehaving police officer in the city.

“People might have noticed increased police visibility along the major thoroughfares in Cotabato City. This should not be a cause for alarm among residents,” Mayor Matabalao said.

He said police officers are there to ensure the people's safety. “This is part of my crime prevention and peacekeeping initiatives,” he said.

“Your police is ready to serve every Lebakeños in whatever way possible,” he added.

Colonel Tom Tuzon, Sultan Kudarat police director, lauded the Lebak Municipal Police Office and urged other police units

to bring services closer to the people by doing good deeds.

Brig. Gen. Alexander Tagum, PRO-12 regional director, also commended Ogatis for a “job well done,” that is, to save lives.

Cop saves mom suffering from...from P2 Edwin O. Fernandez

“Kap” faces charges for unlicensed...from P1

CIDG-BAR. Brig. Gen. Arthur Cabalona, director of the Bangsamoro regional police, earlier said the CIDG-BAR’s operation that led to the arrest of Aron was assisted by personnel of the region’s Special Action Force and the Barira Municipal

Police Station.

“We ought to give the men and officers of the CIDG-BAR a tap on their shoulders for the feat,” Cabalona said.

The CIDG-BAR had said earlier its agents found in the house of Aron in Barira five M16 rifles, one fitted with a launcher

for 40 millimeter grenade projectile, an M14 rifle and a .380 caliber pistol.

The CIDG-BAR said Aron failed to show licenses for the firearms recovered in his house that lawenforcement operatives searched Friday based on a written order from a court.

Region 12 “kasambahays” get pay...from P1 the last salary increase for household workers in the region was in 2020,” Dela Cruz said in an interview.

He said the board also took into consideration the present situation that has already affected the families of the domestic workers in the region.

The wage order is intended for domestic workers, whether under stay-

in or stay-out arrangements, such general house helpers, babysitters cooks, gardeners, laundry persons, and any person who regularly performs domestic work in one household or on an occupational basis.

Those who do housework sporadically like family drivers, service providers, and the like are not covered by the order. PNA

Ex-MILF rebels get livelihood aid...from P8

town received measuring cups, mixing bowls, and ovens.

Prior to that, 27 beneficiaries from Sultan Kudarat Islamic Academy Foundation College were also given some carpentry equipment such as pull push rule, claw hammer, spirit level bar, steel square, crow bar, chalk line reel, wood chisel, portable handrill, and portable circular saw.

Kaharodin Piaco, 48, from Barira, Maguindanao, said his family will now start a family business called Muslim cafeteria to have extra income.

“Aside from farming, this cafeteria will give us additional sources of income,” he said, expressing his gratitude to the BARMM. He vowed to improve this aid so it will grow and will also benefit other family members. Edwin O. Fernandez

Pope Francis: ‘I believe it is time to...from P4 said that the situation in Europe today shows that the United Nations “has no power” to stop a war.

“After World War II, trust was placed in the United Nations. It is not my intention to offend anybody, I know there are very good people working there, but at this point, the UN has no power to assert,” he said.

“It does help to avoid wars — and I am thinking of Cyprus, where there are Argentine troops. But to stop a war, to solve a conflict situation like the one we are living today in Europe, or like the ones lived in other parts of the world, it has no power.”

Church teaching on the morality of war is based on a theory expounded by St. Augustine in the 4th century known as just war theory and recognizes a potentially just reason to engage in war under certain conditions.

Theologians told CNA in 2019 that applying this theory to modern warfare, which often involves missile and air strikes rather than pitched battles between troops, is more complicated, yet normative.

The papal interview touched on a number of themes, including the COVID-19 pandemic, intergenerational

dialogue, and climate change.

“You can rest assured that God always forgives, and we, men, forgive every now and then. But nature never forgives. It pays us back. If we use nature for our profit, it will bear down on us. A warmed-up world prevents the construction of a fraternal and just society,” the pope said.

When asked about the Catholic Church in Latin America, the pope said that it has a long history of

being “close to the people.”

Pope Francis said: “In a way, this is the experience of the Latin American Church, although there have been attempts of ideologization, such as the use of Marxist concepts in the analysis of reality

by Liberation Theology.

That was an ideological exploitation …”

“There is a difference between the people and populisms,” he added.

Courtney Mares/Catholic News Agency

CRISANEL PAWNSHOP-MAIN

BRANCH I, II, III & Midsayap Branch

Patalastas ng Subasta

Ang Crisanel Pawnshop ng Cotabato City at Midsayap, Cotabato ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sangla. Ang mga ito ay isinangla magmula pa noong Disyembre 2021 hangang Enero 2022. Ang Subasta ay sa Agosto 4, 2022 sa ganap na ika 8:00 ng umaga hanggang ika 4:00 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

MC: July 9, 2021

NOTICE

VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I AND BRANCH II will hold a public auction sale of all unredeemed and unrenewed items pawned from January to February 2022 on August 10, 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

SUBASTA

Be There, Management

Ang VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I ug BRANCH II magsubasta sa tanan nga wala lukata ug wala tubui gikan sa bulan sa Enero hangtud sa bulan sa Pebrero 2022 sa alas 9:00 sa buntag karung Agosto 10, 2022 sa VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I, Dayao St., ug sa VGM PAWNSHOP BRANCH II, Jose Abad Santos St., Kidapawan City.

MC: July 9, 16 & 23, 2022

Ang Nagdumala

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July 9 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Manila archbishop to Marcos: Pursue the path of justice, peace

A top church official in Manila called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr to serve the common good and lead the country towards the path of justice and peace.

Marcos on Friday attended a Thanksgiving Mass presided over by the cardinal at the San Miguel Parish Church which is close to the Malacañang compound.

In his homily, the Manila archbishop asked Marcos “to seek the good not only of some individuals or particular groups but of the Philippine society as a whole”.

Among those who concelebrated the Mass were Cardinal Orlando Quevedo, archbishop emeritus of Cotabato, and some priests of the Manila archdiocese.

Also in attendance were Vice President Sara Duterte and other members of the Marcos Cabinet.

Addressing the officials, Advincula urged them to “be leaders who give life to our people, especially the needy and disadvantaged”.

“As we meet in our offices and conference halls asking questions in our heads, may we be mindful of our people who ask questions in their empty stomachs,” he said.

“Guided by truth, urged by charity, and passionate for justice and peace, may you spend yourselves in the service of the common good,” Advincula added.

The cardinal then asked the public to pray for the country’s leaders “and patronize their good intentions and initiatives”.

“They need our prayers and cooperation so that their efforts for the good of all will bear fruits,” he also said.

Marcos formally assumed the presidency on June 30 after winning the country’s presidential elections in a landslide victory last May. CBCP News

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (center) poses for a photograph with Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila (right) and Cardinal Orlando Quevedo, archbishop emeritus of Cotabato, after a Thanksgiving Mass at the San Miguel Parish Church in Manila on July 1, 2022.

Photo courtesy of RCAM AOC

CBCP to decide on proposal to create ‘personal prelature’ for Filipino migrants AFTER two years of study, the country’s Catholic bishops will decide on a proposal to establish a “personal prelature” for Filipino migrants when they meet in plenary next weekend.

Msgr. Bernardo Pantin, secretary general of the episcopal conference,

said the proposal will be on the table for decision during the bishops’ assembly from July 9 to 11 in Tagaytay City.

The competent authority to establish such ecclesiastical territory is the Vatican, but only after consultation

with the bishops’ conference involved.

“If the decision is affirmative, the proposal will be sent to Rome for approval,” Pantin said.

A personal prelature is a church jurisdiction without geographical boundaries designed to carry out

particular pastoral initiatives.

This means, according to Pantin, that it will have its own bishop and priests who will look after the pastoral care of Filipinos abroad.

As of 2019, the country’s foreign affairs estimates that

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Pope Francis: ‘I believe it is time to rethink the concept of a just war’

VATICAN— In an interview published Friday, Pope Francis said that he believes it is time to rethink the concept of “just war.”

“I believe it is time to rethink the concept of a ‘just war.’ A war may be just, there is the right to defend oneself. But we need to rethink the way that the concept is used nowadays,” Pope Francis said.

“I have said that the use and possession of nuclear weapons are immoral.

Resolving conflicts through war is saying no to verbal reasoning, to being constructive. …

War is essentially a lack of dialogue.”

T

The pope spoke in an interview that was conducted on June 20

by Télam, Argentina’s national news agency.

A 1-hour video of the interview was published on July 1.

In response to a question about how the lack of dialogue is an aggravating factor in the current state of world affairs, the pope said that there is “an entire infrastructure of arms sales” that supports war today.

“A person who knew about statistics told me, I don’t remember the numbers well, that if weapons were not manufactured for a year,

there would be no hunger in the world,” he said.

Pope Francis described how he cried during visits to war cemeteries in Europe, including the Redipuglia World War I memorial and Anzio World War II cemetery in Italy.

“And when the anniversary of the landing in Normandy was commemorated, I thought of the 30,000 boys who were left dead on the beach.

They opened the boats and said, ‘get off, get off,’ they were ordered while the Nazis waited for them.

Is that justified? Visiting military cemeteries in Europe helps one realize this,” he said.

The pope also

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Pope Francis during Mass for the World Meeting Families in the Vatican’s St. Peter’s Square on June 25, 2022.

Photo courtesy of Vatican Media

here is a difference Jesus broke the between neighborhood stereotype of racial and and neighborliness. religious boundaries by A neighborhood is a place, turning the story around. whereas neighborliness is The priest and the Levite a quality of the heart. This were religious leaders who eflections Sunday’s gospel tells the serve at the temple. They familiar story of the Good had to observe the law of Rev. Fr. Antonio P. Pueyo, DCC Samaritan (Lk. 10:25-37). purification. Perhaps they tonypoy_dcc0@yahoo.com The story was occasioned passed on the other side by the dialogue between Jesus and a Jewish lawyer. thinking that the victim of the robbery was already The lawyer was concerned with argumentation. His dead. They would not be able to participate in their first question was, “What must I do to receive eternal temple duties once they touch a dead person. The life?” It can also be interpreted as, “What must I do to Samaritan on the other hard came to the rescue of belong to the Kingdom?” Jesus returned the question the man, bathed his wounds and brought him to an to him, “What does the law say?” The lawyer had to inn, instructing the innkeeper to charge whatever answer his own question to show that he knew the expenses to him. And so when Jesus asked the law, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your lawyer, “Who acted as neighbor to the victim?” The heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and answer was very obvious, “The one who had mercy on with all your mind, and you shall love your neighbor him.” And Jesus gave His parting word, “Go and do as yourself.” likewise.” Neighborliness is a matter of the heart. The Jesus then told him, “Excellent answer (Alam mo more important question is “How can I be a neighbor?” naman pala). Now do this and you shall live.” The When it comes to religious matters, some people lawyer knew the Law and all that was needed was for would like to argue about doctrines, beliefs, and him to put it into practice. He was a bit embarrassed teachings. They would even fight to prove who is and he asked another question (Humirit pa), “Who right. I had a friend who was a good lay debater is my neighbor?” Instead of answering him with and defender of the faith. Once he and a partner a definition of neighbor, Jesus told the story of the scheduled a public debate in the plaza against a Good Samaritan. During Jesus’ time there was bad pair of debaters from another religion. The debate blood between the Jews and the Samaritans. The ended up with insults and name calling. Finally, Samaritans were a mixed race that was a product of the debaters had a boxing match on the stage. No the conquest of Israel by the Assyrians. They were the kidding, this happened. I think the audience enjoyed descendants of the Jews who intermarried with their the boxing match more than the debate. enemies. The Jews considered them as an impure Jesus , who is “the Image of the invisible God” race and they would avoid conversing or being close (Col. 1:15), wanted to teach the lesson that religious to these people. In Jesus’ story the Samaritan became faith is not so much measured by the amount of a hero rather than a villain. He broke the stereotype learning but by compassion. As the first reading says, of who is considered a neighbor. The Jews would “my word is very near you; it is already in your mouth think of a neighbor as a fellow Jew, a blood relative, and in your heart, so that you can put it into practice” and one who belongs to the clan.

(Deut. 30:14). “Go and do likewise” (Lk. 10:37). MC

Neighborliness

R

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

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time Readings:

Deuteronomy 30.10-14; Colossians 1.15-20; Luke 10.25-37 In the gospel, a scholar of the law asked Jesus, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”

Jesus responds by saying, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself… and to love our neighbor is to show mercy.” We are invited to act with love and mercy towards others especially when they are in dire need. Love and mercy can be by giving a helping hand to others who are in pain or in difficult situations. We can all be like the Samaritan in the gospel, that in our journey in life, we will encounter people and persons in need of our attention, time and even resources.

And in that situation, may we all show simple love and mercy.

Prayer: Lord, help us to be good neighbors to others. Amen.

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THE MINDANAO CROSS

July 9, 2022 EDITORIAL

The Miracle of Thailand

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ay back in the 1960s to 70s, when I was still in the State University working on my Bachelor’s Degree, we were surprised with the many foreign students who came to study. It was not difficult to spot them because they do not blend with the Filipino students with their broken English, and tall physical structure. Nevertheless, they comprise a big portion of the so called “international students”.

Many of them enroll in Diliman courses, but many are said to the in the Los Banos Campus of UP since the International Rice Research Institute is based there.

Very few among us made the connection that this was a special program in agriculture, sponsored by the Thai government in partnership with IRRI. This is the start of the “miracle” that was witnessed in the agricultural development of Thailand.

According to a study made by the East-West Center of Hawaii. It was a goal for the country to help in the development of the Northeast of Thailand, which was primarily agricultural. “ Although the conventional model was a useful framework for understanding the Northeast until the end of the 1980s, the situation has changed so profoundly since then that it no longer reflects reality and a new “transformational” model has emerged. Adoption of a high-quality glutinous rice known as RD6, combined with mechanization and small-scale supplementary irrigation has largely solved the problem of rural food security while allowing farmers to plant a larger share of their land to jasmine rice, which is raised as a cash crop, providing rural households with a new source of income. Sale of jasmine rice to the market is now the largest single source of agricultural income of farm households.”

Agricultural intensification, diversification, and specialization have occurred to an extent unimaginable a few years ago. Relying on remittances sent back to their families by migrant workers as well as cash earned by engaging in off-farm employment in new factories and service jobs in local urban centers, the new breed of farmers have been rapidly adopting modern agricultural technology. Households continue to rely on a diversified livelihood portfolio. However, it is increasingly based on production of high-value cash crops and livestock, with increased dependence on off-farm employment as the main source of income. There is also a growing dependence on social networks extending far beyond the boundaries of the villages, with connections outside the villages and government assistance providing a safety net to replace the weakened village solidarity. The rural social system is also changing, with declining rates of poverty, increasing levels of economic differentiation, improving levels of education, declining community solidarity, and ever-deepening integration with national and global social and economic systems.

(East West Center).

Is this the kind of “miracle” that we in the Philippines have been pushing for? It may sound superfluous with our country being the host of the International Rice Research Institute, and a whole university system in support for the safety nets that usually occur when an ambitious plan is set forth.

Now that the new administration of Marcos Jr, have identified agriculture as its recipe for development, (especially since we are facing a food crisis), let us look at how the Philippines can copy the Thailand experience. Let us stop importing Jasmine rice and produce our own. 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.

K

idapawan City’s new mayor, 32-year-old Jose Paolo Miguel Evangelista, started his three-year term at the helm of the city government like all other local chief executives in the country on July 1, taking over his father, Joseph E. Evangelista, who has been elected to a post in the Cotabato Sangguniang Panlalawigan, representing the 1st district of the province.

The young Evangelista won in the last election over three other candidates, two of which are seasoned politicians who have both been elected before to the city council and as vice mayor.

Evangelista is a lawyer, graduating in 2013 from the Ateneo de Davao College of Law. He became part of the prestigious school’s faculty, one of its youngest law professors, from 2014 to 2019. He also served as a trial prosecutor of the Davao City Prosecution Office for a year from 2015 to 2016 before going into private practice from 2016 to 2019.

Prior to taking up law, he finished his Bachelor of Science in Nursing course also at the Ateneo de Davao University, graduating Cum Laude, in 2009.

The young Evangelista was criticized by his opponents in the election as “lacking experience” in governance. He has in fact been elected and served as barangay kagawad for a single term. He was also the City’s legal officer from 2014 to 2015 and again from 2019 to 2021. He also headend the city government’s information office for a year. These responsibilities have apparently given him valuable insight into the state of Kidapawan City and the concerns that need to be addressed to enhance its socio-economic status and provide the best possible services required by its 160,000 plus residents.

Among the key questions Evangelista was asked in a radio forum featuring the city’s mayoralty candidates was how to uplift local agriculture and ensure better income for Kidapawan’s farmers and their families, how to improve growth opportunities for local small and medium enterprise, and enhance the city’s image as the City of Fruits and Highland Springs amid the challenged of climate change and while ensuring environmental protection.

He was also asked what he plans to do with the

O

NE U.S. Institution, a center for excellence to academics and researchers has recently expanded its institutional services and functions to include press wires services. Yes. But copies from the East-West Center wires services go broad-and-deep, relative to the often poetry-in-a-hurry old school tradition of the dominant wires in the field of international reporting of world events worth- (or unworthy) reading.

Reporting on Mindanao, particularly, the Morodominated provinces had not gone an inch farther than crime stories that form (and substance, if any) that exaggeration would often play on.

The BARMM, for its part, wants that old school of editorial story treatment updated a bit with new emerging facts that certainly pertain to changes from the old story-setting style.

The new facts jumpstarts from BARMM’s statistics of declining poverty incidence; increasing GRDP growth rates; and the hidden realms of virgin Tourism Paradise in what now is emerging as the Last Frontier of the South— Tawi-Tawi.

Well, the world of media really has changed since Atty.

Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency’s unorthodox dialogue with the media that is “annoying”—to say the least—to its institutional representatives, and media entity owners.

But mind us that Duterte may have some points in these changes: The East-West Center hosts the 2022 International Media Conference in Honolulu, attended media scholars who, the Center said, “offer plenty of evidence but few answers for the ongoing erosion of public confidence in news.”

A Quick Take: Experts at the recent East-West Center International Media Conference “admitted the problem now seems intractable.”

The center says: “‘Good journalism’ isn’t always

Demanding accountability Thinking Aloud Carlos C. Bautista caloyb@gmail.com

city’s four percent poverty incidence in case he wins. His straightforward response was to reduce it to one percent.

But campaign promises and governance plans are one thing. Putting them into practice and achieving targets is another thing.

Perhaps it is fair to say that those who decided to give their votes to the young Evangelista, better known as Attorney Pao, expect him to do a Vico Sotto, re-elected Mayor of Pasig City, known for his successful and nononsense policies and programs to address the problems besetting Mandaluyong during his first term as the city’s local chief executive. Evangelista is about the same age as Sotto, both being born in 1989. Whether their expectations will be met is still to be seen. This writer believes what the young Evangelista will do in his first 100 days as Kidapawan City Mayor will somehow point to the direction his administration will take (we still have to know, by the way, what his fist 100 days targets are).

It is said that majority of us Filipinos are not so keen about demanding accountability from those we vote into office. We choose and vote our leaders, treating them as idols to applaud and cheer for instead of leaders who are supposed to serve us and the community at large.

Many of us do not care so much when they fail to fulfill their promises.

But as Diocese of Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, who is also NASSA-Caritas Director, said: “TAPAT DAPAT… Pangako saan na!” Such is the attitude expected of us as responsible citizens. We should keep in mind that our responsibility as citizens does not end in voting our leaders, but continues on into ensuring that these leaders we elect serve as they are expected to by the nature of their public office which is a public trust. MC

The East-West Center on ‘Media in Crisis of Trust’

Penlight

Nash B. Maulana

nash.penlight@gmail.com

enough, with some respected news sources receiving low trust scores after receiving political attacks.”

Quoting studies, the experts say “many people feel the news is not made for them, including those who mistrust the media as a part of their political identity.”

This segment of the population may probably include the likes of Duterte and other political leaders that Manila reporters often dislike.

Exposing misinformation is just one part of the battle, panelists said, adding that journalists also need to understand why people consume it (i.e. fake news even).

The wires dispatch from the East-West Center that once took me in on board as a resource person for 300 USD (on local issues), says even more. Datelined Honolulu, the June 6, 2022 EWC dispatch reads more critically, from quotes of experts (on the issue of news mistrust in the age of fake news) from among 40 speakers at the East-West Center 2022 International Media Conference in Honolulu.

“Lack of trust in the news media is hardly news itself these days. But amid fresh evidence of the problem, ‘there is something deeply different about the current crisis’,” according Hong Kong Media Studies professor Cherian George, one of more than 40 speakers. “It feels more intractable, and beyond the control of the profession.” George pointed out. MC

“‘Good journalism’ isn’t always enough, with some respected news sources receiving low trust scores after receiving political attacks.”

6

revoking their police powers due to suspicion that they may be sleeping with the enemy.

Then Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia GuianiSayadi expressed surprise to have been lumped in the seven governors and 132 mayors that NAPOLCOM implicated in its July 4 Press Release contrary to the twin resolutions issued by NAPOLCOM on June 8 where the name of Mayor Sayadi was not included.

Resolutions 334 and 335 are deemed for local executives to lose their police powers as NAPOLCOM deputies.

The lady mayor admitted to have been hurt by the questionable report that also adversely affected the moral of peace-loving citizens. A letter of appeal for just validation of the NAPOLCOM list was being readied by her legal luminaries, wondering why most if not all in the list are Muslim executives, and a number of them were already dead.

Sayadi, who chaired the city peace and order council, said the revival of the Task Force Kutawato, a joint policemilitary-and-paramilitary forces was a clear manifestation of the local government’s support to the nationwide drive against terror and illegal drug trade. She said the same sentiments were aired by other implicated officials of Muslim Mindanao.

And five years after that and all other lapses and malpractices, why do man-made and natural calamities keep haunting us?

And the world has to look up for divine answers: "For the wrath of GOD is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, changing truth for a lie by having to worship creatures instead of the Creator because what may be known of GOD is manifest in them" (Romans 1:1819).

Rule Of Thumb: Whoever does good and not to impress but assist others in need, finds favor from the LORD; but trouble will come to those whose deeds are clandestinely for a show. And it follows that the God-fearing are blessed but the wicked are doomed; for the hope of the righteous is joy but the expectation of the unrighteous perishes.

The irony of too much education is pride and arrogance, and the problem of progress and development is a congested and polluted human race. MC

Just do it Right True to Form

K

Charlie Señase

csenase@yahoo.com

EEP God’s command and walk in His ways is something that government leaders must heed. For it is written that, “All peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they shall be afraid of you. And the Lord will grant you plenty of goods, in the fruit of your body, in the increase of your livestock, and in the produce of your ground, in the land of which the Lord swore to your fathers to give to you.

The Lord will open to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand. You shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow. And the Lord will make you the head, and not the tail” (Deuteronomy 28:9-13).

Under the new government set-up PH Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has named three DOJ-attached agencies as corrupt laden that need thorough cleansing.

These are the Land Registration Authority (LRA), Bureau of Immigration (BOI) and the Bureau of Corrections (BOC).

Remulla’s DOJ predecessor Menardo Guevarra who heads Task Force Against Corruption cited these agencies as “corruptfilled.” This is where syndicated extortion, human trafficking, illegal drug trading and protection racket abound, Guevarra said reminding his successor to be on guard against possible wrest back.

As always department heads and chief executives have their own ways of resolving kinks anchored on individual vested interest. Thus, the essence behind having to police own rank on possible anomalous transactions in bribery and other monetary consideration and concessions. For most often than not vested interest is stealthily clothed with hidden agenda for some to abuse and misuse constitutional rights and prerogatives for self-aggrandizement.

This brings to mind a five-year old controversy when Mindanao chief executives and avid constituents had mixed emotions over a National Police Commission report

nomination and at the awarding, as well as those who died after the establishment of the award in 1972 but were Filipino citizens at the time of their death. B) artists through the content and form of their works have contributed in building a Victoria R. Franco, RPh, MS Pharmacy Filipino sense of nationhood. c) franco1573victoria@gmail.com Artists who have pioneered in a resident Rodrigo Roa Duterte conferred mode of creative distinction and the Order of National Artist to 8 making an impact on succeeding generations outstanding Filipino Artist in the field of artists. d) Artist who have contributed of dance, theatre , film and broadcast arts, substantial and significant body of works literature, music and fashion design in a and/or consistently displayed excellence in ceremony held earlier at the Rizal Hall of the practice of their art form thus, enriching Malacanyang. artistic expression or style. E) Artists who In attendance and receiving the medallion enjoy broad acceptance through: prestigious and certificates are National Artist Agnes national and/or international organizations Locsin (Dance), Ricardo Lee (Film and such as NCCA Haraya Awards ; critical Broadcast Arts) Gemino Abad( Literature) acclaim and/or reviews of their works and and Fides Cuyugan-Asencio (Music) respect and esteem from peers.

Representing National Artist Nora Aunor National artist for Film and Broadcast (Film and Broadcast Arts) are her children, Arts Nora Aunor was unable to accept Actor Kristoffer Ian Villamayor de Leon, and personally her award due to health problems Ma. Nora V. Estrada. Receiving the award which necessitated her stay in the hospital, on behalf of National Artist Salvacion Lim President Duterte however set aside time to Higgins (Fashion) is her son Mark Lewis hand over her award. No longer around to Lim Higgins while the award for National claim their award were Fashion National Artist Marilou Diaz Abaya is received by Artist .Salvacion Lim Higgins, National Artist her son, actor and musician Ramon Marc Marilou Diaz Abaya, and National Artist for Abaya. National Artist for Theatre Antonio theatre Antonio Mabesa. Noted by UP is the Mabesa’s award was received by his niece, fact that 5 of this year’s awardees are UP Maria Elizabeth Oca. graduates The Order of National Artist of the Benefits of being a national artist: Philippines is an order bestowed by the National Artists are entitled to receive material Philippines on Filipinos who have made and physical benefits such as cash award, significant contributions to the development personal monthly stipend, yearly medical and of Philippine art. Members of the Order hospitalization benefits, life insurance and a are known as National Artists. Originally place of honour in state functions, national instituted as an award, it was elevated to the commemorative ceremonies and all other status of order in 2003. cultural presentations.

The order of National Artists (Order Some famous National Artist and their ng Gawad Pambansang Alagad ng Sining) works: Fernando Amorsolo, the first Filipino is thus a rank, a title, and a wearable to be distinguished as the Philippine’s award that represents the highest national National Artist in Painting. He developed recognition given to Filipinos who have made a backlighting technique, his paintings are distinct contributions in the field of the arts mostly colourful Filipino scenes and letters. It is jointly administered by Jose Joya- pioneer of abstract the National Commission for Culture and expressionism. His harmonious colours are the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center influenced by Philippine landscapes and of the Philippines (CCP) and is conferred tropical wildlife. by the President of the Philippines upon Pacita Abad- is noted to have worked on recommendation by both institution. more than 5000 pieces of art, her masterwork Criteria for selection: The Order of being Alkaff Bridge, Singapore.

National Artist shall be given to artists who Ang Kiukok – born to Chinese immigrants, have met the following criteria: A) Living he pioneered Philippine modern figurative artists who are Filipino citizens at the time of expressionism MC

Lupus (Part 3)

(Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)

Health Corner

W

A reprint from Cleveland Clinic.Org

hat are the symptoms of lupus?

There are a wide variety of symptoms you might experience if you have lupus. Not everyone with lupus will have the same set of symptoms. Also, many of these symptoms overlap with what you could experience with other medical conditions. This is one of the difficulties in diagnosing someone with lupus.

The symptoms of lupus can be slow to develop. You may notice new symptoms over time. The severity of your symptoms can also change over time. Sometimes symptoms may barely be present (in remission), while other times they could flare up. A flare-up is when a symptom is suddenly more severe than before.

Symptoms of lupus can include: Joint pain, Muscle pain, Rashes, Fever, Sensitivity to sunlight, Mouth sores, Dry eyes, Fatigue, Chest pain, Stomach pain, Shortness of breath, Swollen glands, Headaches, Confusion, Depression, Issues with the kidneys, heart or lungs, Seizures, Blood clots, Anemia, Raynaud’s phenomenon.

What are the symptoms of lupus in women?

A majority of the people diagnosed with lupus are women. Women tend to experience the general symptoms of lupus, but they can also have complications that impact various parts of the body. These complications can include kidney problems (more commonly seen in African-American and Hispanic women than other groups), osteoporosis and heart disease.

What is the lupus rash?

A skin rash is one common symptom of lupus. Rashes from lupus are often from prolonged sun exposure, and usually last days to weeks. You can have a rash on your face, hands or wrists. When you have a rash on your face, it typically extends across the bridge of your nose and onto each of your cheeks. This is often referred to as a “butterfly rash” because of the

Conferment of National Artist Award The Stuff of Life

P

July 9 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Why does lupus cause hair loss?

One of the complications of lupus can be damage to your skin and hair loss.

People with lupus can develop scarring on their skin and scalp from rashes. This can cause your hair to thin and fall out. You could also experience hair loss as a side effect of some medications that treat lupus — hair loss can be a side effect of steroids.

If your hair is thinning or falling out, talk to your healthcare provider. Sometimes, changing your medications can help with this issue. Your provider might also recommend using gentle shampoos (baby shampoo).

Why does lupus cause weight gain or weight loss?

Many people with lupus may experience weight loss. This can be caused by the medications that are used to treat lupus or from the discomfort of the disease itself. On the flip side, some people may gain weight if they find that they are inactive due to joint pain. It’s important to maintain a healthy diet when you have lupus. Talk to your healthcare provider — and possibly a nutritionist (a food specialist) — to determine the best diet for you.

How is lupus diagnosed?

The diagnosis process can be long and difficult for lupus. The symptoms that you might experience with lupus can overlap with those of other conditions — for example, diabetes and arthritis.

Symptoms of lupus may also take time to develop, adding to the challenge of diagnosing the disease.

Your healthcare provider will typically start with a family history to see if lupus runs in your family. Then, your provider will want to discuss any symptoms you’ve experienced. After talking to you about your symptoms, your provider will typically do some lab tests. These tests are looking for things like low blood cell counts, anemia and other abnormalities. MC 24 June 2022 meetings.

These decisions will influence an increase in the lending rates of banks and other financial institutions though not necessarily in the shortterm.

The National Statistics Authority (PSA) called a press conference in the middle of the first week of July to discuss the latest inflation figures. The head of the agency reported that annual inflation rate of the country has risen to 6.1% in June 2022 compared to 5.4% in May 2022. The latest annual inflation rate is a four-year high since October 2018 and exceeded the consensus forecast of 5.9%.

As of 07 July 2022, the US Dollar to Philippine Peso ended at P55.90 but touched P55.98 on intra-day trading.

This is a 9.61% depreciation compared to the end December 2021 exchange rate of US Dollar 1,00 = Philippine P51.00.

These negative economic and financial figures can still be attributed to two external factors: the COVID-19 pandemic and the continuing war between Russia and Ukraine.

How would this current economic realities affect different sectors and individuals?

The impact of higher interest rates, high inflation, and depreciating local currency is generally negative, however, there are segments of the economy and individuals that could still benefit.

Business firms and individuals that take on loans would be suffering from higher cost of lending (as banks and other institutions raise lending rates) and getting less for their money due to higher inflation rates. Lenders could be getting higher nominal income from lending but a reduction in the volume of borrowings could offset such gains.

The primary beneficiaries of the depreciating Peso are those earning in US Dollars and other appreciating foreign currencies and families receiving remittances from abroad. Exporters would also be happy with the falling Peso, assuming that their costs is not drastically affected by imported components. MC

Emerging Economic Conditions: Winners and Losers

Market Driven

F

Danny Buenbrazo

danny_buenbrazo@yahoo.com

ive months ago, this column speculated on the challenges that would confront the elected national and local officers come 11 May 2022.

The challenges of governance foreseen at the local levels were the recovery and rehabilitation that officials need to plan and implement to address the problems caused by COVID-10 particularly on the business establishments and their workers as well as the added responsibilities that they will be given (in view of higher share of the Internal Revenue Allocation or IRA).

For the national government level, the major challenges that the executive and legislative branches is predicted to face include: measures must be in place to manage possible COVID-19 resurgence, revitalization of the economy, the ballooning Philippine external and domestic debts, and rising interest rates.

Well, the national and local elections have passed and the transition of power from the outgoing officials to the newly elected officials had generally been peaceful and orderly except for a few localities. It helped that the people in the outgoing and incoming administrations were generally in good terms, if not total political allies.

In the first week of the new administration, the emerging economic landscape is becoming more apparent with the announcement of monetary policies, changes in the exchange rate, disclosure of data on inflation rate, among others.

During last two meetings of the Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the Board decided to raise the interest rate on the overnight repurchase facility by 25 basis points (or 2.5%) on both the 20 May 2022 and

shape across your face.

Skin rashes can be uncomfortable and itchy.

These rashes can sometimes fade after a short period of time. However, some rashes and sores on your skin can be permanent.

7

THE MINDANAO CROSS

July 9, 2022

CBCP to decide on proposal to create ‘personal prelature’ for Filipino migrants...from P4 there are over 10 million Filipinos overseas, 3 million of which are temporary migrants of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

“This is unique… if approved it will be a first in the whole Church,” Pantin said.

Discussion on the matter started in January 2020 when a Filipino priest serving in the U.S. Diocese of San Diego discussed with the CBCP about the necessity of such a prelature.

Fr. Agustin Opalalic said the idea was based on a dissertation, which he wrote during his canon law studies in Rome 25 yeas ago.

To further study the proposal, the bishops created an ad hoc committee composed of 4 episcopal commissions: canon law, migrants,

clergy and seminaries.

“This is really to

take care of Filipinos all over the world,” Opalalic

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

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

said. “The priests will not just go to their places NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

as guests but as their pastors.”

“If this happens, there will be Filipino priests who will be assigned to their places. This priest will be trained, formed, and oriented so that they can EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that Alma G. Jumao-as has filed with this office a petition for change of first name from Teresita to Alma in the certificate of live birth of Teresita Gesulga who was born on October 4, 1957 at Inug-ug, Pikit, Cotabato to parents Alipio Gesulga and Regina Oquias.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than July 25, 2022.

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that Ma. Ninfa B. Castro has filed with this office a petition for change of first name from Ninfa to Ma. Ninfa in the certificate of live birth of Ninfa Z. Betita who was born on May 27, 1956 at Genio Edcor Farm, Midsayap, Cotabato and whose parents are Cornelio Betita and Guadalupe Zuluaga.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than July 20, 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.) MICHAEL C. TOBIAS, MPA Municipal Civil Registrar

(Sgd.) MA. LENY BUENO BUENAFE Municipal Civil Registrar

(Sgd.) LESAIDA O. SABAN Municipal Civil Registrar

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late Spouses BERNARDO OLMOGUEZ and ANGELITA ARBOLADA who died on March 25, 1998 and October 8, 2000, respectively at Alamada, Cotabato, a parcel of land Lot No. 2745-B, Csd12-000814-D, situated at Gumaga, Libungan, Cotabato, containing an area of 19,272 sq. mts., more or less, covered by OCT No. P-50180 is subject of extrajudicial settlement with simultaneous deed of absolute sale of a portion before Notary Public Noel A. Gretare, CPA as per Doc. No. 6,198; Page No. 78; Book No. XCI; Series of 2022.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late HONORATO A. JAUOD who died intestate on May 19, 2001 in Cotabto City, a parcel of land Lot No. 587, Ts-264, situated in Poblacion, Pikit, Cotabato, containing an area of 728 sq. mts., more or less, covered by OCT No. P-60330 is subject of extrajudicial settlement with simultaneous deed of sale before Notary Public Roland D. Jungco as per Doc. No. 237; Page No. 49; Book No. 152; Series of 2022.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late LOURDES TELLORO and DEMETRIO TELLORO, SR. who died on December 01, 2009 and August 16, 2013, respectively at Midsayap, Cotabato, a parcel of land Lot No. 157, PLS-620, situated in Milaya, Midsayap now Cawilihan, Aleosan, Cotabato, containing an area of 29,163 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. CT-11042 is subject of extrajudicial settlement with simultaneous deed of absolute sale before Notary Public Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 423; Page No. 85; Book No. CCXCV; Series of 2022.

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.

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that Venus Aujero Fusi has filed with this office a petition for change of first name from Jan Paul to Heinrich Alven in the birth certificate of Jan Paul Aujero Fusi who was born on 25 January 2006 at New Leon, Aleosan, Cotabato and whose parent is Venus A. Fusi.

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

MC: Jul. 9, 16 & 23, 2022

MC: Jul. 9, 16 & 23, 2022

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

MC: Jul. 9 & 16, 2022

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

MC: Jul. 9 & 16, 2022

MC: Jul. 9, 16 & 23, 2022

MC: Jul. 2 & 9, 2022

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

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 Republic of the Philippines Aleosan, Cotabato LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE

(Sgd.) MARILOU G. NANLABI Municipal Civil Registrar MC: Jul. 9 & 16, 2022

take care of them,” he said.

Roy Lagarde/CBCP News AFFIDAVIT 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

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC 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.

(Sgd.) LESAIDA O. SABAN Municipal Civil Registrar

MC: Jul. 2 & 9, 2022

ADJUDICATION

BY SOLE HEIR

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

AFFIDAVIT OF ADJUDICATION

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

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.

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.

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

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

MC: Jul. 2, 9 & 16, 2022

MC: Jul. 2, 9 & 16, 2022

MC: Jul. 2, 9 & 16, 2022

MC: Jul. 2, 9 & 16, 2022

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

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

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

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

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

(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

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

MC: Jul. 2 & 9, 2022

MC: Jul. 2 & 9, 2022

MC: Jul. 2 & 9, 2022

MC: Jul. 2, 9 & 16, 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 25, Jul. 2 & 9, 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 25, Jul. 2 & 9, 2022

8

July 9 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Senior MILF leader killed in ambush

GUNMEN killed a senior member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in a daytime ambush in Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao Wednesday, July 6.

The fatality, Iskak Amil, was one of the ranking commanders under the MILF’s 105th Base Command.

The motorcycleriding Amil, alias Commander SK, was attacked by armed men

while motoring through a farm-to-market road in Sitio Borogot in Barangay Tuayan, an upland area in Datu Hoffer.

He died on the spot from multiple bullet wounds.

Lt. Billy Fontanilla,

Datu Hoffer municipal police chief, said Thursday responding probers found spent M16 and M14 empty shells around the spot from where his attackers fired at him.

Fontanilla said they are still trying to identify

who the culprits were.

He said there are indications that the incident could be related to Amil’s having had deep-seated animosity with another armed group hostile to the MILF. John

Felix Unson

Victims confirm slain robbers real

THEY were positively identified by their victims and so there is nothing more to talk about, according to local officials.

Policemen shot dead Tuesday night, July 5, two men who had reportedly divested several victims of belongings at gunpoint in attacks in recent weeks.

The cohorts Miguel Villadar and Jonathan Solaiman of Barangay Labungan here died on the spot from bullet wounds sustained in the clash in Barangay Awang here with policemen searching for them after having robbed another victim about an hour before.

Personnel of the Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipal Police Station and the 1st Provincial Mobile Force

Company under the Maguindanao Provincial Police Office were to frisk Villadar and Solaiman for inspection but neutralized them instead when they pulled out guns and opened fire.

Col. Christopher Panapan, Maguindanao provincial police director, said Wednesday policemen were dispatched to search for them after an off-duty security guard reported having been robbed of his money by the duo at Purok Fatima in Barangay Tamontaka here.

Residents, among them a minor named Jonil Obpon, have confirmed to officials of the municipal police force the spate of armed robberies the slain suspects had perpetrated early on. John Felix Unson

50 homes up for Cotabato City...from P2 Matabalao said since his assumption to office on June 30, the Bangsamoro Government has already poured in about P900million worth of infrastructure

projects to the city.

During the ceremony, MHSD also turned over the check amounting to to P31,785,700.00 for the project’s implementation.

Both Matabalao and MSHD vowed to work hand-in-hand to ensure that the project will be fully implemented and goes to deserving beneficiaries. Edwin O. Fernandez

Village kagawad suspended over 4Ps KORONADAL CITY — A barangay official in the South Cotabato town of Banga is facing a twomonth suspension after refusing to surrender his membership in the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) for indigents.

The quasi-judicial body of Banga's municipal council found San Vicente, Barangay Councilor Dexter Donasco guilty of Violation of Norms and Conduct of Public Officials and Employees under RA 6713, and for Overtly Committing GrossDishonesty provided in the Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160).

The complaint stems from the resolution submitted by the Barangay Council of San Vicente.

The decision, signed by then outgoing Banga Mayor Albert Palencia on June 28, took effect on June 29.

Elpidio Patarata, San Vicente village chairperson, said Donasco became a member of 4Ps in 2009. He was first elected as a barangay councilor in 2012.

“The grievance committee of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) told Donasco to give up his membership in the 4Ps in 2014, but he refused. They returned again in 2020, still he refused,” Patarata said in an interview Wednesday.

Patarada said Donasco, who is now in his second term, did not give up his 4Ps membership because his children are still going to school.

He added that when they saw again the name of Donasco in the list of 4Ps beneficiaries, they immediately reported the matter and the village official was delisted by the DSWD-12. (PNA) Patarata noted that being a barangay councilor, Donasco is receiving a monthly honorarium of PHP11,000 which disqualifies him to be a beneficiary of the government’s antipoverty program.

“Under the 4Ps guidelines, only government workers with a monthly honorarium of P5,000 and below are eligible for the program,” Patarata said. PNA

5 Tampakan drug suspects sued

HOUSING FOR THE POOR. Cotabato City Mayor Mohammad Bruce Matabalao (seated right), Ministry of Human Settlement and Development (MHSD) Director General Uztads Esmael Ibrahim sign the MOA for BARMM housing project in the city. Atty. Aelan B. Arumpac, city administrator also signs the MOA. Photo courtesy of CITY PIO

3K MJ plants found, shabu peddler nabbed

A police team uprooted 3,000 marijuana shrubs in the Tugaya, Lanao del Sur while a man was nabbed for peddling illegal drugs in the same town.

Col. Jibin Bongcayao, director of the Lanao del Sur provincial police, said Wednesday their operation was premised on tips by villagers in Barangay Bagoa-Ingud in Tugaya about the propagation of marijuana by an armed group in the area.

Bongcayao said combined personnel of the Lanao del Sur Provincial Police Office, the Tugaya municipal police force and units under the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region together destroyed the marijuana farm on Tuesday afternoon.

“Our personnel immediately set the plants on fire after collecting samples to be used as evidence in filing cases against its propagators,” Bongcayao said.

The gunmen guarding the marijuana plants managed to scamper away when they sensed that lawmen were approaching their location from three directions.

Bongcayao said local officials and barangay leaders have assured to help identify the culprits for prosecution.

Also on Tuesday, policemen seized P13,600 worth of shabu from a dealer entrapped in the same town.

Col. Bongcayao said Hamza Bayabao Dilabayan is now in the custody of the

Tugaya Municipal Police Station, to be prosecuted for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Dilabayan was arrested after selling shabu to nonuniformed police agents during a tradeoff Tuesday afternoon in Barangay Campong-Talao The sting that led to his arrest was jointly carried out by the Tugaya municipal police force and personnel of units under the Lanao del Sur Provincial Police Office and the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

Bongacayao said the operation was premised on tips from relatives of Dilabayan privy to his shabu peddling activities.John Felix

Unson

KORONADAL CITY — The five persons, two of them shabu den operators, entrapped in Tampakan town in South Cotabato last weekend had all been charged for violating Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-12 said Wednesday.

PDEA-12 agents seized P74,000 worth of shabu from two drug den operators and their three accomplices entrapped in Tampakan on July 2.

Gilbert Basulgan Baban and his brother, Jessie, fell in a sting Saturday together laid in Tampakan by agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-12 and units of the South Cotabato Provincial Police Office.

Director Naravy Duquiatan of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-12 said three cohorts of the Baban

siblings, Mark Nain Harayo, Rodney Baban Watin and Johnriel Harayo Blanes were also arrested.

The five suspects were immediately frisked and cuffed after selling P74,000 worth of shabu to non-uniformed PDEA-12 agents.

Duquitan said they have been charged with violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, now subject of court proceedings.

She said the PDEA-12 is grateful to Brig. Gen. Alexander Tagum, director of the Police Regional Office-12 for supporting the.

Duquitan said the Tampakan PNP, local officials and barangay leaders also helped carry out the operation that resulted in the detention of the five suspects and the shutdown of their clandestine drug den. John

Felix Unson

Ex-MILF rebels get livelihood aid from gov’t

As part of the government’s implementation of its commitment to the Mindanao peace process, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) distributed tool kits as livelihood support to 176 decommissioned former combatants.

This after these decommissioned Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels underwent a month-long of livelihood skills training with daily allowances.

On Wednesday, officials of the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education - Technical Education and Skills Development (MBHTE-TESD) dispersed the kits as the former rebels shift to income generating projects.

Supported by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) under the Normalization Program or Executive Order No. 79, the activity targets to help the beneficiaries on their transition to peaceful and productive members of society.

Mohamad-Ali Diang, MBHTE-TESD Focal Person, said the BARMM aims to help achieve brighter future for former MILF combatants.

"One of the goals of this program is to help decommissioned MILF combatants start other sources of income," Diang said.

"We are hoping for prosperous livelihood that will be the key to secure a better future for our MILF combatants to normalize their lives,” he added.

The recipients received cookery equipment, such as chef's knives, food tongs, digital weighing scale, measuring cups, measuring spoons, saucepans, mixing bowls, and chopping boards, were distributed to 68 former MILF technicalvocational graduates from Illana Bay Integrated Computer College Inc. in Parang, Maguindanao.

On the other hand, 81 graduates from Ittihadun Nisah Foundation-Bangsamoro Women Skills Training Center Pastry Making in Sultan Kudarat

P3