The Mindanao Cross | October 2, 2021

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Vol. LXXIII| No. 34| Cotabato City | Saturday, October 2, 2021 |8 Pages | P10.00

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Japan envoy, Adiong, Villar open new Marawi Road

CHURCH / P4

Bishop to voters: ‘Our choice reflects our values’

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Guns, grenades seized from Malabang residents

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

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BEAUTY AND SERENE. A lady gives herself silence and peace of mind by sitting on a rock in the middle of a river near the foot of this breathtaking Tres Andanas Falls in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat.

Photo courtesy of Visit SOX

MANGUDADATU VS. MANGUDADATU IN MAGUINDANAO, SUL.KUD., TOO?

Edwin O. Fernandez Former beauty queen Sharifa Akeel-Mangudadatu is joining the political race in Sultan Kudarat after she declared she is seeking the gubernatorial post of the province, raising possibilities of a showdown between Mangudadatus in Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat

Mayor Sayadi presents “One Kutawato” team for 2022

COTABATO City Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi has announced her team members who will help her lead the city in the next three years.

Sayadi is seeking another term with reelectionist Vice Mayor

Graham Dumama.

With the slogan “One Kutawato,” Mayor Sayadi and Vice Mayor Dumama presented the party candidates for city council.

They are reelectionists Councilors Japal "Jay-jay" Guiani

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Green light on for NDU nursing F2F

Edwin O. Fernandez T H E C h u r c h - r u n Francis Zabala of u n i v e r s i t y h e r e the Oblates of Mary announced it was Immaculate (OMI), granted certificate of p r e s i d e n t o f N o t r e authority to hold limited Dame University, said face to face (F2F) classes i n a s t a t e m e n t t h a t in its Bachelor of Science t h e C o m m i s s i o n o n in Nursing program.

Higher Education On Monday, Fr. (Ched) in the

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Marawi gets new health stations

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John Felix Unson HEALTH authorities in health minister, said the Bangsamoro Region p u t t i n g u p o f h e a l t h in Muslim Mindanao facilities to as many (BARMM) are ensuring areas as it can is among facilities are in place to the priorities of his office. respond to Bangsamoro “We are doing our health needs. best to address the O n T u e s d a y , D r . medical needs of Bashary Latiph, BARMM o u r B a n g s a m o r o

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Councilor, ex-mayor and SP member die due to COVID-19

THE Philippine flag has been flying at half-mast in Tacurong City and in Sto Nino, South Cotabato after two local officials died due to COVID-19.

The 77-year-old Councilor Maximo Casador, a second-

termer member of the Tacurong City council and was supposed to seek reelection, succumbed to the disease on Tuesday dawn. He was to seek his third term in next year’s local election.

DID YOU KNOW? October 5 is National Teachers’ Day

John Felix Unson On Wednesday, former Mayor Antonio Damandaman of Sto Nino, South Cotabato also died due to the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Allan Freno, Tacurong

City information officer, said Tuesday Casador’s remains had been cremated in keeping with state health protocols.

The Philippine flag is flown half-mast at the ground of the Tacurong City hall compound

in honor of Casador.

He died just three months after Tacurong City Mayor Angelo Montilla passed away in a hospital due to complications caused by COVID-19 infection.

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National Teachers’ Day is observed every fifth of October by virtue of Republic Act No. 10743 signed on Jan. 29, 2016 by then President Benigno Aquino III. The annual program of activities to pursue the observance is lead by the Department of Education.

FIGHTING FIRE. Members of Cotabato City Bureau of Fore Protection carry out finishing touches on a fire that hit a residential area in Barangay Bagua Mother, Cotabato City at pat 3 a.m. Friday, Oct. 1, 2021.

Contributed photo

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October 2, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Japan envoy, Adiong, Villar open new Marawi Road

MARAWI CITY — Governor Mamintal “Bombit” Alonto Adiong, Jr. and Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa together with Public Works Secretary Mark Villar opened today (Wednesday) the Marawi City Trans-central Roads Project in Lancaf, Marawi City.

The Ambassador said the new road (extending Road 8) in Barangay Lancaf, formed part of Japan’s grant support program through Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Marawi City.

Adiong said he and Mayor Majul Gandamra of Marawi City, along with the residents, were grateful to the government of Japan and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the project.

He said the project, implemented by the Roads Management Cluster 1 (Bilateral)-UPMO of the DPWH headed by Undersecretary Emil

Sadain, effectively reconnects the city to its neighboring towns.

Gandamra, Villar and Sadain joined the road opening ceremonies.

P r o v i n c i a l Information Office Director Jennie Alonto Tamano said Governor Adiong lobbied the project with JICA and the DPWH during the Marawi siege, realizing that diversion roads were needed in Marawi City in emergency situations.

On the second day of the Marawi siege, residents escaped the city for Iligan City via the Emi Road where heavy traffic jam clogged the northbound lane in hours, recalled Tamano. Nash B.

Maulana

Chargé d’Affaires Heather Variava Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa and Public Works Secretary Mark Villar, with Undersecretary Emil Sadain and Mayor Majul Gandambra, are joined by grateful residents in the opening of the new Marawi City Exit Road from the city’s Barangay Lancaf.

Doctors want free RT-PCR tests in GenSan

GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The medical community here want the city government to provide free reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests, to local residents.

Physician Fidel Peñamente, president of the Philippine Medical AssociationGeneral Santos City Chapter, said Thursday free RT-PCR tests can boost detection of local coronavirus infection cases.

The PMA-GenSan chapter’s appeal was announced by Peñamente via the media a day after local health authorities reported having recorded 191 more

COVID-19 cases here.

He said the high cost of RT-PCR test - ranging from P4,500 to P5,000 - is one reason why residents are reluctant to undergo testing even if they have symptoms of the coronavirus infection.

"This should be offered for free by the local government. This way, we can detect and isolate more infected individuals, and prevent them from transmitting the disease,” Peñamente said.

He also recommended the expansion of anti-COVID-19 vaccination roll outs in General Santos City. John Felix Unson

MOH seeks MRL’s help to quell fake news on COVID-19 THE Ministry of Health in the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOH-BARMM) has taken one step ahead in crushing misinformation about anti-COVID-19 vaccination in the region.

On Wednesday, MOH-BARMM Minister Dr. Bashary Latiph led a forum that helped educate Muslim Religious Leaders (MRLs) who are expected to advocate for vaccination through their daily sermon on mosques and places of worship.

“In the absence of an effective treatment or vaccine, researchers have pointed out that managing the pandemic

response will require leveraging insights from the social and behavioural sciences, particularly with regard to non- pharmaceutical interventions and containing the spread of misinformation about Covid- 19,” Dr. Latiph said in a statement.

Led by Latiph, health officials in the region have met with the Ulama Sector informing them about COVID- 19 misinformation during a consultation meeting held in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

The Ulama is a body of Muslim scholars recognized as having specialist knowledge of

Islamic sacred law and theology.

The activity was aimed to equip the participants with knowledge in mitigating the proliferation of fake news and misinformation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and to encourage their active and meaningful participation in addressing Covid- 19 vaccination programs and health issues Dr. Latiph said it also aimed to ensure that the voice of Ulama sector being heard, navigating the challenges in this pandemic and to continue to establish new modalities for

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Escort dies, village kagawad hurt in ambush

UNIDENTIFIED gunmen riding tandem on motorbike ambushed Wednesday a village councilman of Datu Salibo, Maguindanao while traveling along the national highway in Datu Saudi Ampatuan town.

Col. Jibin Bongcayao, Maguindanao police provincial director, said Sam Zailon Esmael, who was driving his silver Toyota pick-up vehicle, was slightly injured but his wife and children were safe.

His escort, Pax Mohammad Madidis, who was seated at the back of the pick-up truck died on the spot, according to Lt. Melvin Laguting, Datu Saudi Ampatuan municipal police chief.

Initial investigation conducted by Datu Saudi Ampatuan municipal police office said one of the two suspects on board a motorcycle opened fire on the victims along the highway in Barangay Elian, DAS at past 11 a.m.

Eamael was said to be eyeing the mayorship of the vice mayoral post of Datu Salibo, Maguindanao although he is yet to file his certificate of candidacy.

In 2019, Esmael run for mayor of Datu Salibo, Maguindanao but did not make it. His electoral protest of massive fraud remained unsolved to date.

Colonel Boncayao said manhunt is still on going. Edwin O. Fernandez

Photo courtesy of JTA

SoCot gets oxygen supply donation

KORONADAL CITY — The South Cotabato provincial government received 20 oxygen tanks each from the Pitmaster Foundation, Inc. as capacitybuilding support to boost its emergency response capability, the Mindanao Cross learned this week.

Rolly Doane Aquino, acting Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer, said Saturday South Cotabato

Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo is grateful to Atong Ang, president of the Pitmaster Foundation, Inc. and its executive director, the lawyer Caroline Cruz, for facilitating the donation.

The provincial government received the provisions last September 23, according to Aquino.

The South Cotabato provincial government had earlier procured ambulances for the

PDRRMO’s calamity and disaster response operation and anti-COVID-19 initiatives.

Aquino had quoted Tamayo as saying that the 20 tanks of oxygen provided by the Pitmaster Foundation, Inc. could help save lives of South Cotabato residents who would need emergency medical intervention from the PDRRMO. John Felix

Unson

Creation of BARMM Economic Zone Authority pushed

A Member of the Bangsamoro Parliament has filed a bill that aims at promoting and accelerating economic development in the region through the creation of a regional ecozone agency.

Former journalist and now Member of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority Amir Mawallil, filed Parliament Bill No. 129, otherwise known as the Bangsamoro Economic Zone Act of 2021 which seeks to create the Bangsamoro Economic Zone Authority or the BEZA. According to the bill, the creation of the BEZA will generate jobs, especially in the rural areas, increase their productivity and their individual and family income, and ultimately to improve the level and quality of their living condition.

In particular, the bill intends to promote the flow of investors into the region, which would then generate employment opportunities for the Bangsamoro people and ensure that products unique to the region gain

considerable access to the domestic and global markets.

Under Article XIII, Section 28 of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) that created the BARMM covering “Economic Zones, Industrial Estates, and Free Ports,” the Bangsamoro Government “may establish economic zones, industrial estates, and free ports in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, including the establishment of a Bangsamoro Economic Zone Authority which shall have similar powers as those of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority. The Parliament may provide such additional powers and functions to the Bangsamoro Economic Zone Authority as may be necessary to meet the special circumstances of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.”

That same provision of the BOL states that, "Once the Bangsamoro Economic Zone Authority is created, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority shall no longer create

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Bello extends aid to DOLE program beneficiaries

LABOR Secretary Silvestre Bello III has led the distribution of monetary aid his department has prepared for various sectors in North Cotabato.

Accompanied by North Cotabato Gov. Nancy Catamco, Sec. Bello first handed over a check worth PHP5.4 million intended for 280 beneficiaries of Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP).

Bello also turned over a farm tractor and check worth P993,000 for members of Malmar Agricultural Farmers Association (MAFA) in Pikit, North Cotabato.

A b o u t 1 5 0 beneficiaries of “Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers” (TUPAD) from Mlang, North Cotabato received P5,000 each from the labor secretary.

Bello also handed over checks for 10 students who

worked under the DOLE’s Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) in Makilala town.

Two associations of former OFWs in Mlang and Kidapawan City also received funds from DOLE through the “Tulong-PUSO program” and “Balik Pinas, Balik Pinay” programs of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

OWWA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac joined Sec. Bello in

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October 2, 2021

Mangudadatu vs....from P1 Sharifa is the wife Maguindanao Second District Rep. Esmael Toto Mangudadatu who is also running for governor of Maguindanao.

“It’s always the right time when it comes to rendering public service,” Shariffa, the 2018 Mutya ng Pilipinas and Miss Asia Pacific International, said in her social media account Wednesday.

“With same conviction, purpose and enthusiasm, we are now making our own way to start for a change,” she added, referring to her desire to seek public office in Sultan Kudarat and her husband in Maguindanao.

Sharifa is challenging incumbent Sultan Kudarat Gov. Suharto “Teng” Mangudadatu who is in his first term as provincial governor.

However, Gov. Suharto has changed residency and in fact admitted he has registered as a voter in Maguidanao.

Suharto’s wife Bai Mariam is currently the governor of Maguindanao Suharto is the cousin of Rep. Mangudadatu.

Their fathers, Datu Pax Mangudadatu and the late Mayor Pua Mangudadatu, are siblings.

Rep. Mangudadatu and his wife Sharifa are expected to file separate their certificates of candidacy on Friday, Oct. 1, the start of filing of COCs for 2022 national and local elections.

Meanwhile, Gov. Suharto told local media that he has transferred residency and registered as voter of Datu Abdullah Sangki, Maguindanao because “I want to try the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao or BARMM’s top post if Pres.

Duterte will appoint me.”

“May be it is now time to let my father, former Gov. Pax Mangudadatu or my son, (Datu Abdullah Sangki) Mayor Pax Ali Mangudadatu, try the governorship of Sultan Kudarat,” Gov. Suharto said.

Atty. Paisalin Tago, Maguindanao election supervisor, said until after the filing is over it remained uncertain who are running for what positions in the province.

MILF joins elections The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), through its political party, the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), has named local candidates it will support in next year’s balloting.

Local spirants, both re-electionists and newbies in Maguindanao, have announced alliances and

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THE MINDANAO CROSS their desire to run and serve the Bangsamoro.

Filing of COCs has started Friday. Last day of filing is on Oct. 8, also a Friday.

Chief Minister Murad Ebrahim, also head of the MILF and United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), has endorsed Rep. Mangudadatu and former First District Rep. Bai Sandra Sema as the party gubernatorial and vice gubernatorial candidates for Maguindanao.

Ebrahim, during political gathering inside the BARMM compound, also endorsed the reelection bid of Rep. Roonie Sinsuat who is seeking his second term as Maguindanao first district solon. Ebrahim also endorsed the reelection bid of Board Member Datu Bimbo Sinsuat and Datu Jam Sinsuat.

The UBJB endorsed candidates who will be facing the candidates of “Family Alliance” led by reelectionist Gov. SangkiMangudadatu.

On Saturday, Family Alliance endorsed the candidacy of Bai Ainee Limbona-Sinsuat, wife of incumbent Vice-Governor Lester Sinsuat as their official candidate for vicegovernor.

Incumbent Vice Governor Lester Sinsuat will run as mayor of Datu Odin Sinsuat.

The “Family Alliance” also endorsed Datu Paglas town Mayor Ibrahim “Tong” Paglas to be is official bet for the 2nd congressional district of Maguindanao and BARMM Member of Parliament Sittie Shahara Dimple Ibrahim-Mastura for the 1st district of Maguindanao with Cotabato City.

Topmost criteria set forth by the MILF and UBJP was how the candidates supported the cause of the Bangsamoro.

Rep. Mangudadatu and Rep. Sinsuat have been the prime movers of the passage of BTA extension bill that will extend the transition government until 2025.

Former Rep. Sema was also a key figure in the crafting of the Bangsamoro Organic Law. BARMM Interior Minister Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo, UBJP secretary general, said the local candidates that the UBJP will push are UBJP members.

The UBJP has no named candidate for Maguindanao second congressional district as well as in Cotabato City.

A party member said “they will be known once they file their COCs.”

Mayor Sayadi presents...from P1

III, Abdila Lim, Michael Datumanong, Eduardo Rabago, Hassan Biruar, Sukarno Sema, Cotabato City administrator Dr. Danda Juanday,

Barangay Rosary Heights 13 chair Omboy Ala, Barangay Poblacion chair Romeo Lidasan and city disaster officer Reynaldo Ridao.

The mayoral post left vacant by his demise was taken over by his brother, Vice Mayor Lino Montilla, based on the rule of succession set by the Local Government Code.

At the Sto. Niño Municipal ground, the Philippine flag is flown at half-mast to mourn the death Damandaman.

Incumbent Mayor

Solly F. Villalobos of Sto Nino said Damandaman is the first elected Mayor in this Municipality (19881998).

He also served the South Cotabato as SP member from 1998 to 2007. After his term as SP member, he was again elected as Sto Nino municipal mayor from 2007-2016.

Soccsksargen region and the Bangsamoro Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) have separately granted NDU a certificate of authority.

“NDU has been found to have complied the minimum requirements set by Ched and the Department of Education through the joint Memorandum Circular No. 2021-001,” Fr. Zabala said in a statement.

He clarified that the limited F2F authority only applies to the college of nursing and not in other discipline and programs.

“Let us all continue our efforts and precautionary measures to ensure our safety on campus and pray for everyone’s good health and for the university sustainability so that we can continue educating

our students for social transformation,” Fr. Zabala told NDU faculty and staff.

NDU online classes have started on Sept. 8, 2021 while the face to face classing for nursing will be announced shortly.

Established in early 1950s, NDU is the lone private university in Cotabato City serving students in the nearby provinces of MaguiNdanao, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and parts of Lanao del Sur and Bukidnon.

It is owned and managed by the OMI, a congregation of missionary priests who are active in Mindanao education and peace building activities serving mostly Moro communities in mainland Mindanao and Sulu.

constituents”... These facilities are for our people in the Islamic City of Marawi,” Minister Latiph said in a statement.

Latiph led the turnover ceremonies for three Barangay Health Stations with medical equipment in Marawi City.

These health stations are located in Barangay East Basak, Barangay Bacolod Chico and Barangay Amito Marantao.

He said the fully functional with equipment health station is worth PHP3.3 each funded under the government’s Marawi Recovery Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Project.

During the program, Minister Latiph urged the people of Marawi and Lanao del Sur to submit themselves for inoculation and not entertain misinformation about the vaccination program.

“Public health is

all about precaution...I invite all the people of Lanao del Sur to get vaccinated as soon as possible,” Minsiter Latiph added.

Minister Latiph quoted the residents as telling him that they have no barangay health station since the village was created 26 years ago.

“So this is like a dream came true for all of us," Minister Latiph said, quoting a 60-year-old resident who was teary eyed seeing her village now has health facility.

Saida Ali, MOHBARMM information chief, also handed over 400 booklet of “Usapang Bakuna” to the barangay health station workers and Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) Lanao del Sur for added information and understanding about the COVID-19 Vaccines.

Minister Latiph said more health stations are under construction in the five provinces comprising the Bangsamoro region.

Councilor, ex-mayor and...from P1

Green light on for NDU...from P1

Marawi gets new health...from P1

Pope Francis asks young people to ‘testify...from P4 of you: ‘Arise!’ I fervently hope that this message may help us prepare for new times and a new page in the history of humanity. Yet we cannot begin anew without you, dear young people. If our world is to arise, it needs your strength, your enthusiasm, your passion.”

Pope Francis said that Paul’s life-changing encounter with Jesus underlined the need for humility.

“St. Thérèse of Lisieux, like so many other saints, loved to say that humility is truth,” the pope recalled.

“Nowadays we fill up our time, especially on social media, with any number of ‘stories,’ often carefully constructed with backdrops, web cameras, and special effects. More and more, we want to be in the spotlight, perfectly framed, ready to show our ‘friends’ and ‘followers’ an image of

ourselves that does not reflect who we really are.”

“Christ, the noonday sun, comes to enlighten us and to restore our authenticity, freeing us from all our masks. He shows us clearly who we are, for that is exactly how he loves us.”

The Vatican released pastoral guidelines in May for local celebrations to encourage Church leaders to “give more importance to the diocesan celebration of WYD.” The guidelines outlined six “cornerstones that must be at the heart of every WYD,” whether diocesan, regional, or international. These include making the event a joyful festival of faith, an experience of ecclesial communion, an opportunity for discernment, and an experience of

pilgrimage.

Young people themselves should play an active role in organizing local celebrations, according to the guidelines.

The pope concluded his message: “I hope that all of us can experience these steps along the way as true pilgrims, and not merely as ‘religious tourists.'”

“May we be increasingly open to God’s surprises, for he wants to light up our path. May we be more and more open to hearing his voice, also through the voices of our brothers and sisters.”

“In this way, we will help one another to arise together and, at this troubled time in our history, we will become the prophets of a new and hopefilled future! May the Blessed Virgin Mary intercede for all of us.” Catholic

News Agency

NEWSBRIEFS Army up alert status, brace for BIFF attacks

MILITARY forces have been placed on heightened alert as the Army in Maguindanao brace for possible retaliatory attacks from outlawed Moro gunmen.

On Sunday, On Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, has alerted all Army units in the province to prevent atrocities by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

This after clashes

in Shariff Saydona Mustapha town left three BIFF members and a soldier killed on Saturday.

The slain soldier, identified as Sgt. Jungie Dizon of the Army Scout Rangers Battalion, was among the members of Joint Task Force Central (JTFC) deployed to check on the presence of armed men in Barangay Dasawao, Shariff Saydona Mustapha.

THE 9-month old child who accidentally swallowed a pushpin Tuesday is now safe, his mother said Wednesday.

Angel Mae Dinaguit of Barangay Poblacion, Kidapawan City said the pushpin was found after her son defecated Tuesday night.

Dinaguit said she was waiting for her iced tea order from a roadside stall when her son found a corkboard and pulled the pushpin from it.

She found out her son was chewing the pushpin and eventually swallowed it. Edwin O.

GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The Regional Trial Court (RTC) here has recalled a warrant of arrest issued last week against a retired police officer and five other active personnel who were implicated in a nearly PHP2-billion investment scam in 2019.

Lawyer Nena Santos, counsel for two of the accused, said Wednesday RTC Branch 59 Judge Renato Tampac ordered the move in line with a pending motion from the camp of the concerned personalities.

In an order issued last Monday, Tampac ordered the City Prosecutor’s Office to

comment within 10 days regarding the motion filed by the accused.

Santos earlier questioned the warrant of arrest issued on Sept.

21 by RTC Branch 59 against retired Col. Raul Supiter and other police officers since they were already cleared from the case by the courts.

The arrest warrant, which named 10 respondents, was for swindling (estafa) and syndicated estafa or violation of Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code as amended by Presidential Decree 1689. No bail bond was recommended for the respondents. PNA

Edwin O. Fernandez

Pushpin in Kidapawan boy’s stomach now out

Fernandez

Arrest order vs Supiter, et al, recalled

Six shabu traffickers in Sulu...from P8 when they sensed they were dealing with anti-narcotics operatives.

A brief shootout ensued as PDEA-BARM agents and policemen gave chase that resulted in the death of Manglawi and forced his accomplices to yield peacefully.

The six drug traffickers are now detained, to be prosecuted for violation of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

The PDEA-BARMM said it was local officials and vigilant barangay leaders who provided information on the activities of the group, enabling the agency to lay the sting that resulted in

the arrest of the six shabu dealers and the confiscation of their P13.6 million worth illegal merchandise.

Thursday’s seizure of two kilos of shabu from the seven-member drug trafficking gang was the second in just three days.

PDEA-BARMM agents arrested last Tuesday in Indanan town in Sulu drug dealer Yahiyah Kadjuri after selling two kilos of shabu to agents disguised as drug dependents.

Kadjuri, who is now in the custody of the Sulu provincial police, had been charged with violation of the RA 9165 using the shabu confiscated from him as evidence. John Felix Unson

Silos Murcia in Negros Occidental.

Two BIFF members perished in last week's encounter in Shariff Saydona Mustapha, according to barangay residents and traditional community elders in the municipality.

“We’ve been receiving reports about that but we can’t confirm because we don’t have actual body count of alleged enemy fatalities,” Uy said.

Villagers identified the BIFF fatalities as Murshid

and Jaamil, whose cadavers were reportedly carried by their companions as they fled when they sensed that Army reinforcements were closing in.

Uy said the BIFF has been trying to create an impression that the surrender of more than 300 members since 2017 did not affect its capability to engage tactically with pursuing military units.

Close to 300 BIFF members have surrendered to units of 6th ID since 2017. John Felix Unson

2 BIFF men, soldier killed in...from P8

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October 2, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Bishop to voters: ‘Our choice reflects our values’ A Catholic bishop called on voters in next year’s elections to vote responsibly, saying that how they vote reveals who they are.

Bishop Jose Collin Bagaforo of Kidapawan, national director of Caritas Philippines, said the votes people cast are a mirror of them.

“Our choice reflects our values,” Bagaforo said. “It is an expression and affirmation of our human dignity, a foundational principle of Catholic social teaching.”

According to him, voting is God’s gift to people “and how we use this is our gift to our country”.

“It is a fulfilment of one’s responsibility to participate in and influence the social, political affairs of our nation,” he said.

The bishop made the statement

during the virtual launching of Halalang Marangal 2022 Coalition on Tuesday.

With the many issues and challenges besetting the country, he said that Filipinos deserve “leaders with servant hearts”.

But to be a true and working servant leader, he said, requires “competence, experience, compassion, kindness, passion and perseverance”.

“A functioning leader provides direction and inspires God’s family to work tirelessly to improve the condition of all Filipinos with preferential attention to the marginalized and excluded,” Bagaforo said. CBCP News

Pope Francis asks young people to ‘testify joyfully that Christ is alive’ VATICAN— Pope Francis encouraged young Catholics on Monday to “testify joyfully that Christ is alive.”

In a message for World Youth Day 2021, released on Sept. 27, the pope invited youth to join a “spiritual pilgrimage leading to the celebration of the 2023 World Youth Day” in Lisbon, Portugal.

Reflecting on the dramatic conversion of St. Paul the Apostle, the pope made a series of appeals to young people ahead of the annual celebration on Nov. 21.

He said: “In Jesus’ name, I ask you: Arise!

Testify that you too were blind and encountered the light. You too have seen God’s goodness and beauty in yourself, in others, and in the communion of the Church, where all loneliness is overcome.”

“Arise! Testify to the love and respect it is possible to instill in human relationships, in the lives of our families, in the dialogue between parents and children, between the young and the elderly.”

“Arise! Uphold social justice, truth, and integrity,

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human rights. Protect the persecuted, the poor and the vulnerable, those who have no voice in society, immigrants.”

He continued: “Arise!

Testify to the new way of looking at things that enables you to view creation with eyes brimming with wonder, that makes you see the Earth as our common home, and gives you the courage to promote an integral ecology.”

“Arise! Testify that lives of failure can be rebuilt, that persons spiritually dead can rise anew, that those in bondage can once more be free, that hearts overwhelmed by sorrow can rediscover hope.”

“Arise! Testify joyfully that Christ is alive! Spread his message of love and salvation among your contemporaries, at school and in the university, at work, in the digital world, everywhere.”

As well as international World Youth Day (WYD) gatherings typically held every three years, the Catholic Church also sponsors local youth day events for which the pope sends a message each year.

This year, WYD will be

celebrated at the diocesan level on the Solemnity of Christ the King with the theme “Arise! I make you a witness of what you have seen,” inspired by Jesus’ words to St. Paul recorded in Acts 26:16.

In his message dated Sept. 14, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the pope praised young people for their resilience throughout the coronavirus pandemic, which has claimed more than 4.7 million lives worldwide.

“All over the world, we saw great numbers of individuals, including many young people, helping to save lives, sowing seeds of hope, upholding freedom and justice, and acting as peacemakers and bridge builders,” he wrote.

“Whenever a young person falls, in some sense all humanity falls. Yet it is also true that when a young person rises, it is as if the whole world rises as well. Young people, what great potential you have in your hands! What great strength you have in your hearts!”

“Today too, God is saying to each one

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Caritas Philippines national director Bishop Jose Collin Bagaforo of Kidapawan speaks during a virtual press conference to launch “Halalang Marangal 2022 Coalition” on Sept.

28, 2021.

Photo courtesy of CARITAS PHILIPPINES

Church groups launch movement for ‘righteous elections’

WITH less than a year before the 2022 elections, various faith-based organizations banded together to work for a “clean, accurate, responsible and transparent” polls.

“Halalang Marangal 2022” is a coalition of more than 20 church and civic groups that are committed to ensure “righteous elections”.

Among its main activities include a campaign for voters’ registration, voters’ education and poll monitoring.

Caritas Philippines head Bishop Jose Collin Bagaforo encouraged the faithful to join the movement to achieve its cause.

“We need to share the burden of managing and administering the electoral exercise with the Commission on Elections,” Bagaforo said.

“We need to help fill gaps in the entire process, help explain how automated systems work and reinforce trust and confidence now at an all time low in elections,” he said.

The electoral process, according to him, consists of several stages that citizens should understand and involve themselves with “dynamism and courage”.

He asked the laity to familiarize themselves with the process and know how each stage in the voting chain contributes to transparent and honest elections.

“We have this special responsibility in times of serious moral, economic, health, food security, livelihood and leadership

partnership is an that would justify a woman association between seeking divorce). When Jesus persons where they gave his opinion he brought have joint efforts and are them back to the original sharers and partakers in any intention of God in the book of undertaking for their mutual Genesis. He did not give any benefits. There are business ground for divorce, saying partnerships, and professional that the law of Moses allowed Rev. Fr. Antonio P. Pueyo, DCC partnerships usually governed it for accommodation due tonypoy_dcc0@yahoo.com by some laws and regulations. to their stubbornness. God There are personal partnerships where two or more people intended the marital partnership for life. may commit themselves to further their bonds and achieve The indissolubility of the marriage bond is a very their goals. Very close friends of either sex may choose controversial issue in the Philippines. It is only in the to become partners in any endeavor. In team-building Philippines and the Vatican where divorce is illegal. activities, a common instruction is “get a partner” and There is an exception for Muslims who married under “stay with your partner.” Today’s gospel reading talks of Muslim laws and Muslim rites. They may get a divorce. the partnership in marriage.

The Philippines under its Family Code also allows for the The first reading from the book of Genesis gives the annulment of marriage on the ground of “psychological creation narrative of the first man and woman. It was incapacity”. An annulment is a declaration that there was God Himself who came up with this partnership, “It is no marriage at all. It is a declaration of nullity rather than not good for Man to be alone; I will give him a helper who an annulment of a previously valid marriage. Therefore will be like him” (Gen. 2:18). God caused the first man it is not a divorce. Philippine laws also allow for legal to a deep sleep and God took one of his ribs, from which separation. Legal separation is an action taken by one God fashioned the first woman. When God brought the spouse who believes that the marriage has no more hope woman to him, the first man said, “Now this is the bone of working. Since there is no divorce in the Philippines, to of my bone and flesh of my flesh” (Gen. 2:23). From that get out of an unhappy or failing marriage, legal separation moment on man and woman were intended to become is allowed as a recourse. A husband or a wife may file a partners. The most intimate kind of partnership is in petition for legal separation based on one or several of the marriage when a man leaves his father and mother and reasons listed in the Family Code. The first of these refers attaches himself to his wife so that they are no longer two to repeated physical violence or abusive conduct. but one flesh (MK. 10:8).

Looking at this issue of divorce, the moral dilemma In the Gospel, Jesus reiterated this original ideal of seems to be on upholding the moral ideal which the book of partnership in marriage of man and woman for life. A Genesis and Jesus Himself supported – the indissolubility of question was brought to Jesus regarding the lawfulness of the marriage bond and on the other hand there is the reality divorce. During the time of Jesus there were two prevailing that not all marriages turn out well. There are marriages schools of rabbinical thought regarding divorce. The school where partners become abusive and even threatens the of Shammai upheld the conservative opinion that only life of the partner and the children.

While the debate adultery on the part of the woman can justify divorce. continues, the Church takes the attitude of Jesus. Uphold The school of Hillel was more liberal. Divorce may be the moral ideal, and take a “pastoral approach” to every granted if the woman cannot cook well, or quarrels with her case of marriage break-up and assist those who may have mother-in-law. (Note: nothing is said about the man’s faults problems with regards family life. MC

Partners REFLECTIONS

crises,” Bagaforo said.

“Apathy and indifference are unforgivable and jeopardize our democracy and help perpetuate Godless values,” he said.

Aside from Caritas, the coalition is composed of the bishops’ Commissions on Indigenous Peoples and Commission on Youth; the Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines (AMRSP); Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas; and the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP).

Other coalition members are the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP); De La Salle Brothers Philippines; Network for Justice and Compassion (NetJC); People Empowerment via Transformative Electoral Reforms (PETER); Philippine Misereor Partnership (PMPI); Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan (SLB); Bawat Isa Mahalaga (B1M); The Faith Initiative; and Radio Veritas846.

The national Caritas is hoping that the coming together of various groups will lead to a continuing communal discernment and action.

“We are doing this for the sake of our country and to protect the sacredness of our votes,” said Fr. Antonio Labiao, its executive secretary.

“I hope that we elect leaders whom we can rely on for real peace, justice and for life in this country,” he said. CBCP News

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

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Readings:

Genesis 2.7ab, 15, 18-24; Hebrews 2.9-11; Mark 10.2-16 (or shorter) How do we know the will of God for us? How do we know that what is happening in our lives is God’s ultimate intent and desire? You see, there are signs in which we can determine that such a situation or event is God’s will. But often, we are doubtful and filled with complaints because our minds tell us that this is not what we ever prayed or wanted in the first place. That is why God calls us to be humble before Him – to follow Him and trust that He knows exactly what is best for us. Let us be humble then in this life for whatever we have are caused by God’s love and grace. Remember, God loves us and that He will make sure that everything will be in place, in His time.

Prayer: Lord, help me to be humble and to follow your will unreservedly. Amen.

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THE MINDANAO CROSS

October 2, 2021 EDITORIAL

Are you in full support of COVID statistics?

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veryone talks about the longest Christmas season in the world….found only in the Philippines. Maybe, it is the weather that makes the …”ber” months pleasing to us. After the long hot summer, it is a relief to wake up to the cool mornings that new season brings with it.

But take note, the hot season is also said to help control the spread of COVID-19.

Unfortunately, the new season brings with it the worsening of the Pandemic which has been raging for two years now. The new variants of COVID-19 is more aggressive, and is finding it easy to look for new hosts. Since the Pandemic is new, with very few knowledge about it, the world is monitoring closely the statistics that are reported by every country. The News Network CNN daily monitors the COVID cases around the world and in its September 27, 2021 report based on the Johns Hopkins University findings, showed that the Philippines has an average of 35 deaths per 100,000 population; Indonesia has 52 per 100,000 population while Malaysia has 80 per 100,000 population. United States has 210 per 100,000 population, and surprisingly, China where the COVID virus was first heard about only has less than 1 per 100,000 population. Hopefully, at the end of the “ber” months this year, the Philippines will have a downward trend in its statistics; although the coming election on May 2022 might make the people forget the health protocols set up to control the Pandemic.

I am one of those who do not rely much on trends based on statistics because first, I doubt the accuracy of data kept by the hospitals, and second, these data is subject to tampering due to the system of payments and refunds designed for the COVID program. Although many charity patients are happy that their hospitalization bills are free in the program, we hear of patients complaining that they have not shown the symptoms of COVID-19 but are reported as COVID cases. This cause the data to increase in hospitals that report very high cases, and in turn allow them to get bigger refunds for their expenses.

But of course, it is better to distribute the allocated funds to hospitals than to allow a single corporation to corner the programmed funds and give themselves fat salaries and high class sports vehicles. I am not saying that this has not been done in the past; but when the purpose for the funds is to provide better protection to the citizenry, our public officials should take extra precautions for the proper utilization of government funds. And did the chosen corporation take note of the statistics for the past one a half years in their decisions to purchase COVID paraphernalia?

I do hope that the data gathered from this COVID experience will be used as a guide in all aspects of the program, not just for trending. The goal to require a Land Use Plan for every LGU can get basic data from here. Planners will find it useful in setting aside land use for cemeteries, or for hospitals and isolation areas. Hopefully, the Pandemic will become a learning experience for all of us. MC +

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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

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NORTH / SOUTH COTABATO CORRESPONDENTS

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

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t 12 noon after the Angelus on a Sunday four months ago, church bells tolled nationwide to encourage Filipinos to go out and register in order to vote in the national elections of May 2022. It was part of an initiative to get all eligible Filipino citizens involved in the 2022 electoral exercise, which Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines President Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles said is a “sacred duty, not only as Filipinos but as Christians.”

Earlier this week, as the registration period was ending (amid calls for an extension), the CBCP’s Episcopal Commission of Social Action, Justice and Peace issued a statement reminding Catholic faithful in particular and Filipinos in general that voting is “an act of prayer, an act of spirituality.” And while the statement points out the role of those in power “to conscientiously create the conditions that protect people’s right to freely choose leaders,” and states that the burden of managing and administering the electoral exercise rests with the Commission on Elections, citizens and patriots are called upon to unite, organize and participate in ensuring transparent and honest elections: “We need to help fill gaps in the entire process, help explain how automated systems work and reinforce trust and confidence, now at an all-time low, in elections. We have this special responsibility in times of serious moral, economic, health, food security, livelihood, and leadership crisis,” It added: “Apathy and indifference are unforgivable and jeopardizes our democracy and helps perpetuate godless values.”

In a previous edition of this column, we said getting people to register and vote is one thing; getting them to vote intelligently and with consideration for the things that really matter is another. That is the bigger challenge.

Many Filipino voters are easily swayed by jokes, entertainment gimmicks like candidates singing and dancing to the latest beat, or the latest social media trends like Tik Tok. Many who run for public office win simply because they are famous, can sing and dance, are relatives or members of a big and known political clan, or moneyed. Campaigns to get voters to choose their candidates more wisely have somehow made headway in several local government units, where voters have been serious enough to elect people who are responsible enough to ensure good governance, but these have been the exemption rather than the rule. Still few are those who get elected because they have a clearly defined program

F

IRST, it was Carmelo Martinez Acuna of the Foreign Correspondents’ Association of the Philippines (Focap) who succumbed to respiratory issue, secondary to body oxygen-drop, when stricken by COVID-19 last month along with his wife Jhona and their nephew.

Late this month, it was Casiano “Nonong” Navarro Jr. on the OBIT—too soon after he decided to come home for good, after having settled for years with his children in Colorado, U.S.A. I first met Nonong in 1988 when everyone was eager to squeeze then NFA Administrator Emilo Ong for a follow-up from a running story on a government-chartered barge loaded with NFA rice that sank off Romblon, the previous week.

Navarro, then a business beat reporter for the Manila Bulletin, covered Ong’s visit to Cotabato City then.

Bobby Capco, former Philippine Star reporter and later, desk person, also wrote “30” last month from lingering heart illness that made him vulnerable to COVID-19 attack.

Andy “DyxAndy” Orobia, former DJ at dxOL, signed-off on September 5.

Bobby, a widower, was alone in most of his later years, and having been sickly, he had been in-andout of hospital. I knew him from his reportorial beat days to his years with the Philippine Star newsroom as a desk person. I met him again when he was Press Secretary under President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

When afflicted with the dangerous virus, Melo called me up August 24 to say COVID-19 hit him and Jhona. I advised him to immediately call up the Quezon City Health Office, so they could be promptly designated to safe isolation along with

Leaders, not rulers

Thinking Aloud Carlos C. Bautista caloyb@gmail.com

of governance meant to address the real problems experienced by the people.

The task to change this lamentable reality is a big and dauting one. But for Eleksyon 2022 Koalisyon, a non-partisan, multi-sectoral coalition of 29 civic and religious organizations which includes the CBCP’s National Secretariat for Social Action, and several individuals, “the dream that everyone, regardless of their age, status and personal viewpoints, can collectively unite to achieve a brighter and better future for all, especially the poor and marginalized” is something that can be done and should be worked on.

The Episcopal Commission of Social Action, Justice and Peace headed by Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo reminds us that “voting is God’s gift to us, and how we use this right is our gift to our country. Our choice reflects our values. It is an expression and affirmation of our human dignity, a foundational principle of Catholic social teaching. It is a precious right millions of people in the world do not enjoy. It is a fulfillment of one’s responsibility to participate in and influence the socio-political affairs of our nation.”

It encourages us to “resolve to resist the powers which have brought this nation down into the depths of sadness and near despair,” to take concrete actions like organizing groups to be watchdogs for each of the stages of the election process, and calling on our own household, neighbors, barangays, neighborhood associations, office colleagues and civic clubs to mobilize and monitor one or several of the stages of the election process in their localities, among others.

It calls on us to choose leaders, not rulers; public servants and not overlords, true and working servant leaders with competence, experience, compassion, kindness, passion, and perseverance; leaders who would provide the direction and inspire God’s family to work tirelessly to help improve the condition of all Filipinos with preferential attention to the marginalized and excluded.

May we collectively heed that call. MC

They wrote ’30’ or signedoff— one after the other

Penlight Nash B. Maulana

nash.penlight@gmail.com

their nephew. He said he already did that.

Later (August 25), he would post for prayers imploring for relief from a dropping body oxygen syndrome—for, he might be sent to the ICU with all the life support oxygen tanks and other emergency medical equipment mounted beside him.

This happened later—and early morning Friday (August 27), our common friend Atty. Zel Lozares of the BIR Bicol Region, wrote on my messenger that Melo had expired! He succumbed to respiratory issue, within three days of confinement as a COVID-19 patient.

The day before he died he had texted me “Salamat....” which he sent Thursday afternoon at about 2:00 p.m. while oxygen tanks for a life support system were probably being mounted in an ICU room he was assigned in.

Melo was closer to the MILF leadership than was the late Fr. Jun Mercado OMI. Acuna was the kind who felt free, almost like a member of the top MILF leadership’s family, serving himself a cup of coffee or tea whenever he would reach “Inside” Camp Darapanan, the residence of MILF Chairman, now Chief Minister Al Hadj Murad Ebrahim, or of the First Vice-Chair, the late Ghazzali Jaafar. MC

The day before he died he had texted me “Salamat....”

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presence in the Spirit is assurance enough of a well-being here and the hereafter. For what is life all about without God Almighty, who commanded us to love one another by keeping to heart His Charlie Señase precepts. “For God will csenase@yahoo.com bring every act unto n anything there’s a so-called judgment, including precipitation of an act that in the court the hidden ones, whether good or of law a felon in a crime has to express evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). As it is and show real intent for the unlawful act. appointed for men to die once, and after True intent is a motivation from the heart which the judgment (Hebrews 10:27). on whether to act on it or not. And the Blessed are the dead who are with motive may either be good or evil. the Lord that they may rest from their Ask people who would be filing their labors, for their deeds will surely follow COCs in time for the 2022 national them (Revelation 14:13). and local polls. What prompted them There’s a lot of money in politics that to seek an elective post in the midst of many are enticed to join government, all the problems? Most would say they thinking that in life money is everything are the solutions to prevailing woes on unaware that there are priceless things shameless corruption, disorderliness and that we have to treasure. In truth there’s socio-economic insecurity. And same old peace and prosperity. familiar political sounds and promises In a Parable, the LORD has spoken are back. about the kingdom of heaven which is What really motivates them to run like a treasure hidden in a field that is within heart’s desire if not for fame a man found and hid. And for the joy and fortune? of it he goes around and sells all his In life’s adventure they could have possessions in order to buy that field thought of the happy and sad ending of (Matthew 13:44). death from COVID and other threats Godliness with contentment is which are inevitable regardless of one’s great gain. For we brought nothing status in life, for death is an appointed into this world and it is certain we can time with the LORD. carry nothing out. Food and clothing In death, expect the unexpected to are enough to be contented with. For be vulnerable among the young and the whoever desires to be rich will fall into old, the good and the bad, the rich and temptation and snare with harmful lusts the poor, the learned and the unschooled which drown men to destruction and or the beauty and the beast will have to perdition (1 Timothy 6:6-9). go in God’s perfect time.

What does it profit a man if he gains Reminding all and sundry that the whole world and loses his soul? For earthly life is temporal, but the life whoever desires to save his life will lose hereafter is eternal. And while still it, but whoever loses his life for God-sake alive let’s use our God-given freewill for will find it (Matthew 16:25-26).

His glory, to serve Creator first before World unity is a common aspiration fellow creatures and merit God’s favor among politicians that even peacemakers in abundance. are astounded that reality on coexistence For the tragedy of life is what dies is dim for light and darkness as in truth inside us while we live. It is natural for and falsehood wont mix. a child to fear darkness, but the real Let’s live for life for the God of tragedy is when grown-ups are afraid Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is not the God of the light. of the dead, but of the living that Christ While still young, children ought on the biblical issue of death said: “Let to be God-fearing because it provides the dead bury their own dead” (Matthew wisdom, peace and contentment. God’s 22:29-32). MC

Essence of Motivation

True to Form

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our barangay captain if we needed something else. Since we were senior adults, we were assigned an “errand” who are on call any time As the smallest units of the local government can enact Victoria R. Franco, RPh, MS Pharmacy ordinances, levy taxes and other revenue measures; they franco1573victoria@gmail.com provide for the construction and maintenance of barangay bout 10 o’clock 2 nights ago, we were roused by the sound of the siren facilities and other public works; they which we mistook as coming from regulate use of public utilities, including the fire truck. We learned later that is was waterworks. Each barangay is headed by a barangay captain and barangay coming from the LGU ambulance.

An ambulance racing along the assembly each elected by the citizens of highway is a usual occurrence to me since the barangay. The barangay assembly is my work is close to the hospital, it seemed composed of seven council members plus to be all in a day’s work, until that evening the barangay captain and the chairperson when the patient they were picking up was of the local barangay Youth Council. someone close to us. At the hospital too, the For instance, disputes, whether family , doctor in charge of the Ward was waiting, property , neighbors are first settled in the ready to receive his patient regardless of barangay before it gets to the court, which whether the patient was his colleague or oftentimes are settled on that level.

Many LGUs grapple with problems not. One of my ritual prayers is that none of us in the family would leave our homes related to poverty, peace and order, social vices, as well as environmental change in an ambulance.

I am awed, amazed, and grateful and natural disasters. They are burdened to the driver and the nurse who waited by bureaucracy or red tape, limited long enough until the patient was ready financial and human resources as well as to embark, and then disembark at the corruption. On top of these, apathy from hospital. They too are heroes in our external (community) as well as internal struggles to fight and control the spread (employees) stakeholders continue to of Covid19. We see PPE’d, masked, gloved challenge the LGUs. Republic Act 7160, or the Local individuals on TV doing their thing, but we cannot tell who are the nurses and the Government Code of 1991 authored by doctors except from the tasks they perform former Senator Aquilino Pimentel, aimed to “liberate provinces, cities, municipalities in the hospitals.

We see shadows getting on and off and barangays from over-dependence the ambulance delivering patients in and upon central government by increasing out of the hospital. Indeed, they are as their powers and share in the taxes and much “soldiers” as the doctors and nurses. wealth of the nation”. He is known also as They too are exposed to the ravages of the Father of the Local Government Code. this pandemic, maybe more so. The LGU Incidentally ,the late Senator is also the or barangay is the backbone not only founder of PDP-Laban which is currently during the pandemic but all year round. headed by his son, Senator Aquilino They guard the streets to prevent us from Pimentel, Jr. The Mindanao Cross would like to roaming the streets, they take charge of locking down, quarantine, isolating the extend condolences to the families of healthy from the infected. They know more two beloved ladies who recently joined about their “constituents” and become their Creator - Estrella “Lily” Uy and Clarita Tan – who were always visible influential especially during elections.

During the two lockdowns our in the activities of the church and the barangay underwent, we were provided government of Cotabato City. The Rabago with “ayuda” consisting of some canned and Franco clan, and all those whose lives goods and rice, and were free to call they touched, mourn their passing. MC

Challenges of the LGUs

The Stuff of Life

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October 2, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

of how much and what types of food you eat, as well as the beverages you drink.

Try to replace foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat protein A reprint from the National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and foods, and fat-free or low-fat Kidney Disease dairy foods.

Fruits and Vegetables s you get older, you’re able to start Make half of your plate fruits External making your own decisions about a lot of things that matter most to you. link and vegetables External link. Dark You may choose your own clothes, music, green, red, and orange vegetables have and friends. You also may be ready to make high levels of the nutrients you need, like vitamin C, calcium, and fiber. Adding decisions about your body and health.

Making healthy decisions about what tomato and spinach—or any other available you eat and drink, how active you are, and greens that you like—to your sandwich is how much sleep you get is a great place an easy way to get more veggies in your meal. to start.

Grains About 20 percent of kids between 12 Choose whole grains External link like and 19 years old have obesity. But small changes in your eating and physical whole-wheat bread, brown rice, oatmeal, activity habits may help you reach and and whole-grain cereal, instead of refinedgrain cereals, white bread, and white rice. stay a healthy weight.

Choose whole grains, like whole-wheat How should you manage or control bread, brown rice, oatmeal, and wholeyour weight?

Some teens try to lose weight by eating grain cereal.

Protein very little; cutting out whole groups of Power up with low fat or lean meats foods like foods with carbohydrates, or “carbs;” skipping meals; or fasting. These like turkey or chicken, and other proteinapproaches to losing weight could be rich foods External link, such as seafood, unhealthy because they may leave out egg whites, beans, nuts, and tofu.

Dairy External link important nutrients your body needs. In Build strong bones External link with fact, unhealthy dieting could get in the way of trying to manage your weight because fat-free or low-fat milk products. If you it may lead to a cycle of eating very little can’t digest lactose—the sugar in milk that and then overeating because you get too can cause stomach pain or gas—choose hungry. Unhealthy dieting could also affect lactose-free milk or soy milk with added calcium. Fat-free or low-fat yogurt is also your mood and how you grow.

Smoking, making yourself vomit, or a good source of dairy food.

Healthy Eating Tips using diet pills or laxatives to lose weight • Try to limit foods like cookies, may also lead to health problems. If you make yourself vomit, or use diet pills or candy, frozen desserts, chips, and fries, laxatives to control your weight, you could which often have a lot of sugar, unhealthy have signs of a serious eating disorder fat, and salt.

• For a quick snack, try recharging and should talk with your health care professional or another trusted adult right with a pear, apple, or banana; a small bag away. If you smoke, which increases your of baby carrots; or hummus with sliced risk of heart disease, cancer, and other veggies.

• Don’t add sugar to your food and health problems, quit smoking External drinks. link as soon as possible.

• Drink fat-free or low-fat milk and If you think you need to lose weight External link, talk with a health care avoid sugary drinks. Soda, energy drinks, professional first. A doctor or dietitian may sweet tea, and some juices have added be able to tell you if you need to lose weight sugars, a source of extra calories. The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines External and how to do so in a healthy way. link call for getting less than 10 percent of Choose Healthy Foods and Drinks Healthy eating involves taking control your daily calories from added sugars. MC

Take Charge of Your Health: A Guide for Teenagers

HEALTH CORNER

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members of an organization

Engaging a Service Provider remains the most popular mode for human resource for Capacity Enhancement…development since there

can be more participants and cost can be lower per capita.

Danny Buenbrazo Assuming that the danny_buenbrazo@yahoo.com organization has decided to engage a professional n two successive Saturdays in August 2021, we discussed the trainer or a training service firm, what importance of organizational should be your major considerations design and developing the capacity in procuring the services of a thirdof personnel to ensuring effective and party service provider or an individual efficient functioning of an organization. training professional for your capacityThe first article dealt with the need building needs?

The unit or persons in charge of to properly design the organization, providing for departments (line or hiring a service provider, a firm or an operation units) that would ensure individual, should have a set of criteria effective and efficient attainment of for determining which person or firm the primary objectives for which the to contract with.

First, the legitimacy of the firm agency or firm was created. Equally important is the creation of supporting or the professional resource person units that would support the line must be verified. This can be done by department/s to include: finance, requiring the submission of evidences administration, legal, and other units of business registration with the (depending on the size and complexity Department of Trade and Industry or the Securities and Exchange of the organization).

The second piece tackled the Commission as well as business permit necessity to determine the needs obtained from the local government of the officers and personnel of concerned.

If necessary, evidences should the organization for professional development to enable them to improve also be required to prove the financial their competencies vis-à-vis their capacity of the service provider. This current and future responsibilities is done when payment to the service in the firm or agency. In undertaking provider is done in tranches and he or the needs assessment of personnel, the firm should first spend for expenses consistency with the requirements related to the training.

It is important to prove the capacity of the organization must be ensured.

Failing to establish alignment of staff of the training service provider vis-à-vis development with organizational needs the type of service that will be rendered would result in the waste of financial to the organization. Potential service resources of the institution or business providers should submit the list of similar and related training that they entity.

Enhancing the competencies of the have previously conducted for other officers and staff of an organization can clients. Details such as the date of the be realized through different modes training and the contact information of to include formal studies (enrolling in the previous client should be obtained short-term course or gaining a master’s for purpose of verification.

There are training service providers degree), study missions to similar but more advanced organizations, and that are definitely competent, however, engagement of a firm or individual they may not be familiar with the expert to provide training to all context of the organization of the area or a number of the organization’s where it operates. Thus, the firm that personnel. Engaging the services of an may appear to be the “best” may not be expert or a firm to conduct training to selected on this account. MC

Market Driven

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MOH seeks MRL’s help to quell fake news..from P2 citizens to express their views at a time.

Due to misinformation proliferating in the social, MOH-BARMM sees it fit to reach out to influencers in the Bangsamoro.

“Our sisters and brothers have high respects for our Ulamas so hopefully they can help quell misinformation,” Dr. Latiph said.

Simultaneous with the dialogue and consultation, MOH-BARMM “Bakunadors” (vaccinators) have inoculated members of the Bangsamoro Darul Ifta (Islamic Scholars) and

employees.

The IPHO- Maguindanao, led by Dr. Muhammad Ariff A. Baguindali and the Ministry of Health facilitated the vaccination of the Ulama and Ustadzes together with their families. Sheikh Abdulrauf Guialani, the Deputy MuftiBDI, was among those newly vaccinated.

Dr. Latiph said the activity was to eradicate the notions and false information about the vaccination, to boost encouragement to the Bangsamoro people and to show that it is not against the Islam religion. Edwin O. Fernandez

Bello extends aid to DOLE program...from P2

extending aid to former OFWs. “I thought I will no longer receive monetary aid from the government,” Aling Gloria Santos, one of the beneficiaries under the TUPAD program said.

“At least I have something to start with, I can now fulfil my dream of having decent source of income through small business,” Susan, a former OFW who received P30,000 cash aid.

Sec. Bello lauded Gov. Catamco for her unwavering support to DOLE-12 program that benefits her constituents.

“This clearly shows that when leaders cooperate, thir constituents get aid and have reasons to celebrate,” Bello told the beneficiaries as they roared in applause during the program held at the provincial gymnasium in Kidapawan City.Edwin O.

Fernandez

Guns, grenades seized from Malabang...from P8 raids that resulted in the confiscation of the firearms and the arrest of owners.

“The Malabang municipal police and the Marines alone cannot function efficiently without the support of the Malabang local government unit,” EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Lumawag said.

Brig. Gen. Eden Ugale, director of the Police Regional OfficeBangsamoro Autonomous Region, said Thursday he has directed the Malabang police to prosecute the owners of the firearms and EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late VICENTE ARTIL, who died on October 7, 2019 in Poblacion, Parang, Maguindanao, left a bank account with China Bank Cotabato, bearing Account No. 2930191812, is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Agnes R. De Castro-Jagunap as per Doc. No. 5094; Page No. 5094; Book No. XXVII; Series of 2021.

Notice is hereby given that the late MARIA LEA L. LEAL, who died on September 14, 2021 in Cotabato City, left a Savings Account at Banco de Oro (BDO) bearing Account No. 003340151207 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty.

Agnes R. De CastroJagunap as per Doc. No. 702; Page No. 702; Book No. XXVII; Series of 2021.

MC: Sept. 18, 25 & Oct. 2, 2021

MC: Oct. 2, 9 & 16, 2021

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

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

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1, Guidelines in the Implementation of Administrative Order No. 1 series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), notice is hereby served to the public that Marriot Mobantan Pia has filed with this office a petition for correction of entry in the child’s sex/gender from Female to Male in the Certificate of Live Birth bearing registry number 2006-379 of Marriot Mobantan Pia duly registered at the Local Civil Registry Office of Upi, Maguindanao and whose parents are Antonio Moanggot Pia and Lydia Mobantan.

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that Mary Jane Laureano Roales has filed with this office a petition for change of First Name from Jeane to Mary Jane in the birth certificate of Mary Jane Laureano Roales who was born on February 5, 1970 at San Vicente St., Cotabato City and whose parents are Cirilo Lumibao Laureano and Eleanor Sagado Aguilar.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than October 9, 2021.

(Sgd) JEAN P. BACAS Municipal Civil Registrar MC: Oct. 2 & 9, 2021

7

THE MINDANAO CROSS

October 2, 2021

explosives to the fullest extent of law. John Felix

Unson

any other economic zone within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region."

The proposed bill specifies that the economic zones that will be established shall be developed into decentralized, self-reliant, and sustainable agroindustrial and commercial investment centers, which shall be operated and treated as a separate customs territory.

Once created, these Bangsamoro Economic Zones, which will be developed in different key areas across the region, will assist the Bangsamoro Government to entice international markets, as well as local and foreign investors to take notice of the resources and investment desirability of the BARMM. It will also facilitate the marketing and export of goods and services produced by several

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

AFFIDAVIT OF SELF-ADJUDICATION

Notice is hereby given that the late CRESENCIO CARILLO, who died at San Bonifacio, San Miguel, Pangasinan, left a parcel of land Lot No. 2885, B.L. Cad-107, covered by OCT No. V-1089 with an area of 61,849 sq. mts., more or less is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous deed of absolute sale before Notary Public Atty. Romeo T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 326; Page No. 68; Book No. CXCII; Series of 2017.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late GABRIEL ESTRADA and CARMENCITA CATADA ESTRADA, who died intestate on October 11, 2019 and February 8, 2017 at Kabacan, Cotabato, respectively, a parcel of land Lot C-9B-13-A, Psd-12-001645 at Poblacion, Kabacan, Cotabato, covered by TCT No. T-77512 is the subject of affidavit of self-adjudication before Notary Public Atty. Froilan R. Melendrez as per Doc. No. 146; Page No. 31; Book No. I; Series of 2021.

MC: Oct. 2, 9 & 16, 2021

MC: Oct. 2, 9 & 16, 2021

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

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

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. 9048/10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that Heber M. Gupid has filed with this office a petition for change of sex from Male to Female in the birth certificate of Hesan Basalo Gupid who was born on January 1, 2004 at Brgy. Making, Parang, Maguindanao and whose parents are Heber Maca Gupid and Susan Montuerto Basalo.

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 given to the public that Hadiguia S. Abas has filed with this office, a petition for the correction of clerical error in the gender from Male to Female in the certificate of live birth of Aljory Solaiman Abas who was born at Bagoinged, Pikit, Cotabato on 23 December 2011 and whose parents are Jojo L. Abas and Hadiguia R. Solaiman.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than October 9, 2021.

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

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than October 18, 2021.

(Sgd.) TOHAMY M. LAUBAN City Civil Registrar

(Sgd.) KARIM O. OMAR, MPA Municipal Civil Registrar

MC: Sept. 25 & Oct. 2, 2021

Creation of BARMM Economic Zone..from P2

MC: Sept. 25 & Oct. 2, 2021

(Sgd.) EDITHA I. MONTERDE, MAEd Municipal Civil Registrar MC: Sept. 25 & Oct. 2, 2021

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late Atty. COROCOY D. MOSON, who died intestate on January 9, 2010 in Ccotabato City, left parcels of land Lot No. 10, Block 8, Psd-62555, Lot 1, Block 8, Psd-62555 and Lot 182-B-2-J-8-3, Psd-53246 covered

by TCT Nos. T-5725, T-13671 and T-7206, respectively, are the subject of extrajudicial settlement with simultaneous sale before Notary Public Atty. Agnes R. De Castro-Jagunap as per Doc. No. 5091; Page No. 5091; Book No. XXVII; Series of 2021.

Notice is hereby given that the late MACAUNGON POLAYAGAN, who died on September 20, 1997, left one-half portion of a parcel of land Lot No. 1616, RS-12-000144, situated at Polayagan, Alamada, Cotabato, covered by OCT No. CO-2651 with an area of 65,452 sq. mts., more or less is the subject of extrajudicial settlement with simultaneous deed of absolute sale of a portion before Notary Public Noel A. Gretare, CPA as per Doc. No. 1509; Page No. 7; Book No. LXXV; Series of 2021.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late JOSE PIO D. DOMINGO, who died intestate on 22 June 2021, has been extrajudicially settled by and among his heirs as per Extrajudicial Settlement of the Estate of Jose Pio D. Domingo dated 23 August 2021 and known as Doc. No. 2; Page No. 1; Book No. C C X LV I I ; S e r i e s o f 2021 of Notary Public Atty. Alberto T. Eramis of the Province of Cotabato.

MC: Sept. 18, 25 & Oct. 2, 2021

MC: Sept. 18, 25 & Oct. 2, 2021

Notice is hereby given that the late ERNESTO TIBUNGCOG, who died on October 15, 2015 in Poblacion, Libungan, Cotabato, left a parcel of land Lot No. 6, Block 12, covered by TCT No. T-120869, with an area of 411 sq. mts., more or less is the subject of extrajudicial settlement with simultaneous waiver of rights before Notary P u b l i c A l b e r t o T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 291; Page No. 59; Book No. CCXXXII; Series of 2021.

MC: Sept. 25, Oct. 2 & 9, 2021

MC: Sept. 18, 25 & Oct. 2, 2021

industries. In fact, the emerging global and regional opportunities for Halal and Islamic finance, as well as the strong support of President Duterte’s administration to peace and development promises well for the region’s socioeconomic development, through the creation of the BEZA. The BEZA Act is likewise consistent with the development thrusts of the national government and sustainable development goals, as well as the 12-point priority agenda of the Bangsamoro Government which includes the activation of job-generating industries and the exploration of the economic potentials of the Bangsamoro.

Mawallil is confident and optimistic that the passage of the BEZA Act will capitalize on the rich natural resources that BARMM has, in addition to several comparative advantages that can be utilized to improve the current state of the region, its government, and its people.

The bill is supported and co-sponsored by other Members of the Bangsamoro Parliament: Laisa Alamia, Baintan Ampatuan, Suharto Ambolodto, Don Mustapha Loong, Rasol Mitmug Jr, Abraham Burahan, and Dimple Mastura.

Despite the limited time for the transition, MP Mawallil believes that it is still incumbent upon the regional government to deliver the needed reforms and services through the

NOTICE OF LOSS Notice is given to the public that Rural Bank of Midsayap, Inc. Stock Certificate No. 327 for 47 common shares, Stock Certificate No. 407 for 22 common shares, and Stock Certificate No. 427 for 17 common shares issued in favor of Pio D. Domingo were declared lost in the Joint Affidavit of Loss executed by the heirs of Jose Pio D. Domingo, namely: Fe D. Domingo, Vincent Anthony D. Domingo, Catherine Irene D. Uy, Geraldine Elaine D. Luqui, and Marvin Anthony D. Domingo, and recorded in the notarial register of Atty.

Alberto T. Eramis on 6 September 2021 as Doc. No. 395; Page No. 79; Book No. CCXLVIII; Series of 2021.

If no adverse claim regarding the above Certificates of Stock are presented to the Corporate Secretary of the Rural Bank of Midsayap, Inc. at Quezon Avenue, Poblacion 4, Midsayap, North Cotabato, within (1) year from the last publication of this notice, the right to make such claim shall be forever barred and the Corporation shall cancel in its books the above Certificates of Stock and issue new certificates in lieu thereof.

MC: Sept. 25, Oct. 2 & 9, 2021

establishment of necessary structures, systems and processes and enactment of key legislation and other deliverables as contained in the Bangsamoro Organic Law. Republic of the Philippines SUPREME COURT 1ST SHARI’A CIRCUIT COURT 5th Shari’a Judicial District Cotabato City

SCC Civil Case No. 2021-1878 -forCONFIRMATION OF TALAQ LAILA MAE ALI NANDING, Petitioner, versusABDULLAH ALI S. ALGHASHAM Respondent. x-------------------------------------x SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION TO: ABDULLAH ALI S. ALGHASHAM Pursuant to the September 10, 2021 Order of this Court authorizing service of summons by publication, you are hereby required within sixty (60) days from the publication of the summons and petition to file this court and serve on the petitioner your answer to the petition or any such responsive pleading. If you fail to appear and answer within the time aforesaid, this Court will motu propio hear the case ex-parte, upon which judgment may be rendered.

WITNESS THE HONORABLE CASIM S. BAILAN, SR., Alhaj, Acting Presiding Judge of this Court, this 13th day of September 2 0 2 1 , a t C o t a b a t o C i t y, Philippines (Sgd.) MOHAMMAD A. ABDULRAHMAN Clerk of Court II

MC: Oct. 2, 9 & 16, 2021

EXTRAJUDICIAL PARTITION Notice is hereby given that the late DR. RENATO C. SARA, who died on April 29, 2008 in Davao City, left real properties, located in Midsayap, Cotabato: parcels of land Lot Nos. 6845-A, Psd-10556 with improvements of hospital and commercial buildings under Tax Declaration Nos K-021063 & K-021064, Lot 5, Pcs12-000575, Lot 2598A, Psd-63301, Lot 2-H-Psd-12-001465, covered by Certificate of Title Nos. P-44038, T-80764, T-31890, T-62950, respectively and two parcels of land under TCT Nos. T-118687 and T-118688 with the total area of 61,988 square meters, more or less; in Libungan, Cotabato: plan H-209817, SWO27783 G.L.R.O. Spc. Proc . No. 83, covered

by TCT No. T-113499 and two lots covered

by TCT Nos. T-36862 and T-3686 with the total area of 387,487 square meters, more or less; in Pigcawayan, Cotabato: Lot 3, Psd88751 covered by TCT No. T-29338 with an area of 76,228 square meters, more or less are the subject of extrajudicial partition of the intestate estate before Notary Public Te r e s i t a C a r r e o n Llaban as per Doc. No. 404; Page No. 81; Book No. XXXI; Series of 2011.

MC: Sept. 18, 25 & Oct. 2, 2021

8

October 2, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS Statement of The Episcopal Commission on Social Action, Justice and Peace

VOTING AS AN ACT OF PRAYER, AN ACT OF SPIRITUALITY TO OUR DEAR SISTERS AND BROTHERS IN CHRIST: God is our Father. We belong to one family.

On May 9, 2022, God’s family will again elect a President, Vice President, senators, congressmen, and thousands of other officials.

We call those in power to conscientiously create the conditions that protect people’s right to freely choose leaders, not rulers. Elections and consent of the governed are the most valuable treasures of democracy.

We call on citizens and patriots to unite, organize and participate in ensuring transparent and honest elections by joining movements like Halalang Marangal 2022, a coalition of organizations driven by faith and service.

Leaders are public servants and not overlords as Matthew said in 20:25–28, “Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave- just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom, for many.”

We deserve leaders with servant hearts who see Jesus in others and serve everyone selflessly. To be a true and working servant leader requires competence, experience, compassion, kindness, passion, and perseverance. A functioning leader provides the direction and inspires God’s family to work tirelessly to help improve the condition of all Filipinos with preferential attention to the marginalized and excluded.

To achieve righteous elections or Halalang Marangal, we need to share the burden of managing and administering the electoral exercise with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). We need to help fill gaps in the entire process, help explain how automated systems work and reinforce trust and confidence, now at an alltime low, in elections. We have this special responsibility in times of serious moral, economic, health, food security, livelihood, and leadership crisis.

The election process consists of several stages or phases that citizens should, as a matter of civic duty, understand and involve themselves with dynamism and courage. Apathy and indifference are unforgivable and jeopardizes our democracy and helps perpetuate godless values.

Let us familiarize ourselves with the electoral process and know how each stage in the voting chain contributes to a Halalang Marangal.

While the attached appendix provides suggestions on what voters should do before, during and after casting one’s vote, following are snapshots of the important stages of voting: • Register, Discern and Vote Sensibly – get as many to register particularly the youth. You cannot vote if you do not register.

• Press COMELEC to comply with all provisions of the law, reactivate public service applications such as Find Precinct.

• The voting and counting machines are key to transparent and honest elections. Citizens should have a basic working knowledge of how these

machines can promote transparent and honest elections, and question it, if not.

• Volunteer to assist citizens’ groups in random manual audits and parallel citizens’ counts • Support proclamation of legitimate winners and peacefully resist fraudulent proclamations • Exercise vigilance and help protect the safety of international observers, volunteers, media, Church groups while in the performance of their duties Sisters and brothers, voting is God’s gift to us, and how we use this right is our gift to our country.

Our choice reflects our values. It is an expression and affirmation of our human dignity, a foundational principle of Catholic social teaching. It is a precious right millions of people in the world do not enjoy. It is a fulfillment of one’s responsibility to participate in and influence the socio-political affairs of our nation.

There are many pressing issues we face today i.e. attempts to block society from raising serious questions about billions spent on face shields and masks and other transactions that use the pandemic as an excuse for cutting corners. Billions more are being spent on “ayuda” and “other projects purportedly to alleviate the worsening job, hunger, nutrition and livelihood situation even as billions of obligated funds inexplicable remain unspent.

We note with deep gratitude, the work of our brethren who continue to pursue, despite the paucity of resources, various programs of kindness and compassion. We express our joy at the admirable initiatives that some civil society groups have carried out in partnership with the Church. Through such work, we witness to the Gospel and enable the Church concretely live out its mission to be the Church for the poor.

As we continue to reflect and discern God’s will, we remind our brethren that the act of suffrage has been historically and literally regarded as a form of intercessory prayer and petitions.

Let us continue to pray, do acts of penance, atone for our transgressions and, for those who are able, to abstain or fast for clean and honest elections.

Let us resolve to resist the powers which have brought this nation down into the depths of sadness and near despair. Let us organize groups to be watchdogs for each of the stages of the election process we outlined.

Let us call on our own household, neighbors, barangays, neighborhood associations, office colleagues and civic clubs to mobilize and monitor one or several of the stages of the election process in their localities. Reach out to each other - to your parishes and they will engage you and link you up with Church-laity groups in your parish or diocese.

We have to be courageous, persevering, and resolute like the disciples of the early church. Let us invoke God’s help and trust in His goodness and power.

After we have done all the good with what we have wherever we are, we bow to God’s will and totally surrender to His grace and proclaim, “Lord, may Your will be done.”

Mabuhay ang Sambayanang Pilipino!

Guns, grenades seized from Malabang residents

MALABANG, Lanao del Sur — Authorities seized 10 firearms and explosives from armed men during law enforcement operation here Wednesday night.

Seven persons were also arrested who were inside the house that the Marines have raided following a series of explosions in the village.

The cache — comprised of a .50 caliber Barrett sniper’s rifle, five M16 assault rifles, an M79 grenade launcher, two .45 caliber pistols, a .38 caliber revolver, a fragmentation grenade and five 40 millimeter grenade projectiles --- is now in the custody of the Malabang municipal police.

Brig. Gen. Jonas Lumawag, commander of the 1st Marine Brigade, said Thursday the firearms and explosives were confiscated by combined personnel of the 5th Marine Battalion and the municipal

police from gunmen holed out in the border of Barangays Curahab and Bunk House in Malabang.

There are Maranao families in both barangays locked in bloody “rido,” a generic term for clan wars in most southern languages.

The joint police-Marine operations that resulted in the seizure of the firearms and explosives were premised on tips by vigilant Malabang residents who noticed the presence of the armed men in their neighborhood.

Lumawag said he is grateful to the Malabang municipal peace and order council, led by Mayor Tomas Macapodi, for helping carry out the

BARMM setting up labor sector service facet

THE labor ministry of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao will soon have a “one-stopshop” service center for the local communities, the Mindanao Cross learned Thursday.

BARMM Labor Minister Romeo Sema said Thursday he led on Tuesday the symbolic start of the construction of the building for the facility inside the Bangsamoro regional capitol compound

in Cotabato City.

He said the building shall house employees of the Ministry of Labor and Employment-BARMM who shall assist clients wishing to connect to Philhealth, to the Philippine Statistics Authority, to the PagIbig and other agencies providing essential interventions promoting welfare of the labor sector.

“This would be like a one-stop-shop center for them,” Sema said.

He said the project is

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in support of the public service goals of BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim.

The main office of MOLE-BARMM’s Bureau of Employment Promotions and Welfare shall have a key role in operating the facility, according to Sema.

He said the second floor and third floors of the building shall be utilized as training and special function facilities. John

Felix Unson

SERVICE FACET RISING.The construction of the building where Bangsamoro labor ministry employees are serve clients was launched September 28, 2021. Its location is inside the 32-hectare capitol of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Photo courtesy of Ministry of Labor and Employment-BARMM

2 BIFF men, soldier killed in Maguindanao

THE 6th Infantry Division will continue to run after recalcitrant members of Bangsa Moro Islamic Freedom Fighters but is ready to welcome and assist many from the group now sending surrender feelers to military and police units, 6th ID's commander, Major Gen. Juvymax Uy, said Thursday.

That, he said, after two members of a local terror group and a soldier were killed in a gunfight Thursday in Shariff Saydona

Mustapha town last week.

Slain Sgt, Jungie Dizon was in a team dispatched to check the reported presence of members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in an interior barangay in Shariff Saydona Mustapha when they were attacked from two directions, provoking a gunfight that resulted in his death.

Uy said the remains of Dizon had been transported to his hometown,

Six shabu traffickers in Sulu bust charged

THE Philippine Drug Enforcement AgencyBangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao had charged with violation of Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 the six shabu dealers nabbed in Parang, Sulu early this week.

Government operatives seized two kilos of shabu from a group after a brief offshore encounter in Sulu province Thursday that left a trafficker dead.

In a statement, the office here of the Philippine Drug Enforcement AgencyBangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao identified the slain suspect as Mirajul Manglawi, who died on the spot from multiple gunshot wounds.

Manglawi’s six cohorts, Ajing Samad, Abdu Haran Nungi, Eyan Dugasan, Ceasar Aradais, Dugasan Istuala, and Mursidin Jalling, voluntarily yielded

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after PDEA-BARMM agents, soldiers and policemen in separate watercrafts had surrounded their small getaway boat not too far from the shores of Barangay Kanaway in Parang, Sulu.

The group was to sell P13.6 million worth of shabu to non-uniformed PDEA-BARMM agents and personnel of the Sulu provincial police but hurriedly escaped

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