The Mindanao Cross | November 19, 2022

SECURITY officials assured to support efforts of the Bangsamoro government to resolve the nagging security woes in Pikit, North Cotabato where 34 people perished in gun attacks in the past 19 months.

No fewer than 10 people have also been killed in clashes between heavily armed groups in Pikit since 2020.

Army Major Gen.

Early Recover Plan.

By John Felix Unson

“We are expecting that, barring undue circumstances, all shall be done by early 2023,” Sinarimbo said in a dialogue with reporters on Wednesday morning at the

By John Felix Unson

Roy Galido, 6th Infantry Division, said Tuesday soldiers in Pikit had been directed to help the peace and reconciliation task force, created last Saturday by officials of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), pursue its security objectives in the area.

BARMM’s chief minister, Ahod Ebrahim,

said they will involve leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in addressing the seemingly unending strife in the area.

Most of the bloody incidents in Pikit happened in 22 of its more than 40 barangays that are now under BARMM’s Special Geographic Area (SGA).

The SGA covers 63 barangays in different towns in

Mayor Matabalao condemns city shootings

THE mayor here condemned the series of shootings in the city, the latest of which was the ambush of an Army colonel’s vehicle on Sinsuat Avenue on Saturday night that left one dead.

“We strongly condemn the most recent shooting incident and all the other shooting incidents that have transpired in this city,” Mayor Mohammad Ali Matabalao said in a statement.

Lt. Col. Manago Macalintangui, 49 and his driver, Ramil Laguioman were on board a Mitsubishi Montero (ZAA 8652) vehicle when they were attacked at about 7:20 p.m. by two gunmen riding-tandem on a motorbike.

Laguioman, 34, died instantly from gunshot wounds while the Army official was unhurt in the ambush.

Police found eight empty shells from a .45-caliber pistol at the crime scene.

Brig. Gen. John Guyguyon,

Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region head, was quoted as saying tha police probers are still trying to identify the suspects and the motive of the attack.

Macalingangui is detailed with Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) Cotabato City station.

The shooting came a day after a woman was shot dead along Don Rufino Alonzo Avenue, and the Nov. 4 attempt on the life of a Maguindanao town election officer while in the city.

“I have already given a clear and strong directive to the city police to get to the bottom of these cases and intensify security measures,” Matabalao said.

The mayor has also sought the help of Army-led Task Force Kutawato and all force multipliers in addressing the problem.

capitol here of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Sinarimbo is also overseeing for the regional government its disaster and calamity response contingent, the Rapid

Worst

By John Felix Unson

THE police and military together tightened security in Cotabato City following last weekend’s ambush incident that left a civilian driver dead and an Army officer slightly wounded.

The fatality, Ramil Laguiaman, and companion, Lt. Col. Manago Macalintangui, were together in a red Mitsubishi Montero when they were shot with pistols by men on motorcycles

trailing behind at a stretch of a highway.

The crime scene is near the People’s Palace here, the operations center of the Cotabato City local government.

Laguiaman died on the spot from multiple gunshot wounds.

Brig. Gen. John Guyguyon, director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, said their units in the city and soldiers from

By Nash B. Maulana

CIVIC organizations have pooled resources in aid of displaced residents severely affected by landslides and floods wrought by Typhoon Paeng in Maguindanao.

On its 53rd Founding

Anniversary, the AlMuslimin Brotherhood/ Fraternity added its packages of kitchenware, utensils, foods and garments on a weekend (Sunday, November 14) relief operation in aid of

displaced families in Datu Odin Sinsuat deemed affected most by ‘Paeng.’

The activity followed the members’ assembly in Datu Gindolongan where the relief operation was planned, along

Bangsamoro Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo told reporters Wednesday the regional autonomous government has initially earmarked P1.06 billion for the rehabilitation thrusts via its

Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence, most known by its acronym READi.

hit by Tropical Storm Paeng that ravaged parts of the country from October 27 to 30 are South Upi,

HEALING PAIN. Children and parents queue for some food, utensils and clothings given to them by members of the Al-Muslimin Fraternity of Maguindanao professionals which was founded in Manila in 1968. Photo courtesy of Datu Brahim Balabaran Gulam

THE Bangsamoro government is targeting the full rehabilitation of victims of the Tropical Storm Paeng and reconstruction of villages and infrastructures damaged by early 2023.

PRICELESS SMILE. Children of families hardest-hit by ‘Paeng’ sheltered in evacuation centers get respite and the warmth of caring arms in BARMM MSSD Minister Raissa Jajurie, no less. Photo courtesy of MSSD-BARMM

Edwin O. Fernandez

BARMM hosts play sessions for kids in Paeng hit areas

ALMOST 1,000 children in villages hardest hit by Typhoon Paeng in Maguindanao del Norte have received aid in debriefing plays, capped with gift toys and school supplies in a series of post-disaster outreach activities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

In outreach activities on November 11, some 957 children jubilantly met social workers from the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) for the observance of the 2022 Children’s Month.

MSSD Minister and Member of Parliament Raissa Jajurie led the outreach activities along with Regional Committee for the Welfare of Children (RCWC) and Regional Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (RJJWC) for children who have remained sheltered in evacuation centers here since Oct. 28. They and their parents were displaced by the calamity.

In Kusiong Elementary School, one of the locally designated evacuation centers, 350 children took part in playful stress debriefing sessions, and among them, 0-to 2-year old had received 62 sets of toys and hygiene kits.

Each of the 292 children aged 3 to 15 years old received school bags containing school supplies and hygiene kits.

MSSD workers backed by volunteers from the RCWC and RJJWC hosted children evacuees in observance of the Children’s Month of the year, with the theme: #BangonBatangBangsamoro.

“The theme encapsulates and amplifies the efforts along the Bangsamoro Government’s interventions to (uphold) the rights of the child on development, protection, survival, and participation, with a special focus on children who have psychologically suffered much from their families’ experience during onslaught of Typhoon Paeng,” Minister Jajurie said.

The MSSD has also hosted a similar outreach program in Dinaig Elementary School evacuation center, for a total of 315 children who received 145 sets of school supplies.

During the play therapy, the children participated in parlor games and a talent show. They treated by a Pikachu mascot that took part in the therapy play.

The Ministry of Health diagnostic mobile clinic also backed the outreach activities as BARMM health workers also conducted a medical mission for IDPs sheltered in evacuation centers.

MSSD also distributed school bags stuffed with school supplies along with hygiene kits for 30 children of displaced families staying at the Cotabato evacuation center.

Jajurie together with Deputy MSSD Minister Nur-Ainee Tan Lim, and PSWO Hadja Emma Salik Ali led the outreach program. Also in attendance were representatives from security sector and Bangsamoro Planning and Development Agency (BPDA).

For their part, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, 6ID, distributed relief goods from the PMA Alumni Association. Environment and Natural Resources Undersecretary Jim Sampulna, through his wife, retired POPCOM XI Regional Director, Bai Agnes, donated slippers for the children. Nash B. Maulana

PRO-12 hosts transport security summit to end bus bombing

TACURONG CITY – In a bid to put an end to bomb attacks on commuter buses across the region, the police authorities in Region 12 conducted over the weekend a Transportation Security Summit 2022 in Gen. Santos City.

The summit, presided over by Director Jose A Briones, Jr., Chairman, Office of Transportation Security, Department of Transportation (DOTr), was attended by police, military, coast guard, Mindanao ports officials and bus company representatives.

It came following the Yellow Bus Line bombing

in Tacurong City that left one passenger dead and 11 injured, including the alleged bomb courier who lost his right after the explosion on Nov. 6.

The summit, held at PRO-12 headquarters in Barangay Tambler, Gen. Santos City on Nov. 11 was preceded by an honor program for Director Briones who once served as head of PRO-12 in 2017.

Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg, police regional director for Soccsksargen region, said the summit was organized to address the recurring atrocities involving public transportation

vehicles, noting the three IED attacks to Yellow Bus Line (YBL) units this year.

“It aims to bolster the present security framework implemented in public transportation hubs and terminals to pre-empt further atrocities,” he said.

During the summit, Brig. Gen. Macaraeg reported that manhunt against perpetrators of the previous attacks continue.

He said one of the suspects in the Tacurong bombing was arrested and charged for violating RA 11479 (Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020).

“We will continue

hunting down the lawless perpetrators behind the atrocities to the transport sector,” he said.

During the summit, Brig. Gen. Macaraeg said: “Concurrent with our offensive effort, I saw an urgency to revamp the present security measures implemented in our public transportation hubs and terminals, hence the conduct of the Transport Security Summit 2022.”

Police did not reveal the new security measures that will be implemented to prevent terrorism against the transport sector. Edwin O. Fernandez

US Embassy ‘CAT’ completes PSG training

THE US Embassy Civil Affairs Team (CAT) has completed a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) training to support search and rescue and maritime law enforcement operations.

Following the training, U.S. Embassy CAT turned over 12 sets of dive equipment and emergency medical supplies to the PCG, aboard the MRRV9701 Teresa Magbanua in Palawan on November 5. The vessel is the largest in the PCG fleet.

“The U.S. Embassy CAT is honored to continue its work with the PCG in Palawan to ensure that all crew members are prepared to respond to various maritime situations,” U.S. Embassy CAT Leader Capt. Stephen Coleman said at the turnover ceremony.

The equipment turnover marked the culmination of a fiveday medical training led by the U.S. Embassy CAT to enhance the PCG’s trauma care and lifesaving capabilities during maritime security operations.

“This medical first responder training is

useful to our personnel here in the PCG district in Palawan. This is especially important for the members of the Special Operations Group who are the first responders during emergencies, including humanitarian response and disaster relief operations,” PCG District Palawan commander Commodore Rommel Supangan said in Filipino. “This training gives them more knowledge to enable them to fulfill their missions.”

The training was based on U.S. military guidelines for trauma life support in pre-hospital combat medicine.

U.S. Embassy CATs are a part of U.S. efforts to build shared capabilities with partner nations around the world. In the Philippines, they have collaborated with local government units, provincial disaster risk reduction and management offices, and the PCG on several initiatives, including disaster preparedness, medical first responder training, and support to local COVID-19 response. Nash B. Maulana

Army, police together in .. .from P1

the Army’s anti-crime, anti-terror Joint Task Force Central, under the 6th Infantry Division are cooperating in preventing more gun attacks in all of the barangays here.

Major Ge. Roy Galido, commander of 6th ID, said personnel of their intelligence units have also been tasked to help the police put closure to the ambush here on Saturday night that

resulted in the death of Laguiaman and left Macalantangui slightly wounded.

The bloody incident was preceded, two weeks before, by the fatal shooting in a busy street here of a barangay councilor, followed by another that left Raufden Mangelen, election officer of nearby Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, wounded.

Army, PNP support .from P1

North Cotabato.

“Our troops in Pikit are also helping the local government unit there reconcile families locked in rido (clan wars) as part of a collective, multi-sector initiative to foster peace in the municipality,” Galido said.

Brig. Gen. Jamili Macaraeg, director of the Police Regional Office-12, said Tuesday they were elated with the creation by the BARMM government of a peace and reconciliation task force to focus on peace and order problems besetting Pikit.

“It’s creation augurs well with our law-enforcement and peacekeeping operations in the municipality,” Macaraeg told reporters.

Maguindanaon fraternity aids ‘Paeng’ victims

with ceremonies for new members on Saturday.

The fraternity’s relief operation was initiated by senior and able members former Maguindanao Vice-Governor and Bangsamoro Parliament Member Datu Midpantao "Datu Antao" Midtimbang, Datu Nasser S. Ulama of the 12th Regional Trial Court; Datu Brahim Balabaran Gulam, principal of Sarilikha Village National High School, Datu Pendatun Pandita of Datu Guindolongan, Engineer Hadji Akas Basilan of the National Irrigation Administration, retired DSWD ARMM operations chief, Puasa Enok, Paglat Mayor Engineer Hadji Abdulkarim Langkuno; Atty. Datu Norodin Sapal of the Sharia Law Center in Bangsamoro, Chamber of Commerce and Industry head Datu Haron Uko Bandila, Palimbang National High School School Principal Dr. Pangi Balubugan of Palimbang Sultan Kudarat, Municipal Administrator Datu Nur Mamaluba of Datu Hofer Ampatuan

...from P1

Municipality, and Hadji Pendatun Alim. Hadji Akmad Noor and Hadji Ahmad Sakilan who have since retired from the Department of Finance in the national government, and Engineer Modrika Abdullah of the civil society non-government sector.

Datu Bong Nur of Maguindanao Provincial Government was in charge of transportation that delivered the goods to the evacuation site in Kusiong, said Dr. Brahim Balabaran Gulam, principal of the Sarilikha Village National High School.

The recipients were children and parents of families displaced from calamitystricken villages and are incidentally, followers of different religions.

Resources were pooled from financial contribution from, among others, Engineer and Philippine Army Major Alihar Mama, businessman Ma'aruph Maulana, Engineer Mando Alim, LTFRB Director Haron Nul, Commander Shariman Malaguiok, Samad wahab, and retired Department of Budget

and Management (DBM) Executive Taha Guinomla.

Some Moro individuals have raised on social media concerns that publishing good deeds might fall on a "Riyyah" which means an act of "overt or displayed extravagance," as opposed to the Hadith and Gospel about the proverbial "left hand not seeing what the right hand does in deeds of charity".

But Muslims involved in post-calamity aid and relief operations seek to reserve the “finest of intention (nia’h) for (the Creator’s) Judgment alone.”

Its founders in 1968 originally named the group “Al-Muslimin Alpha Phi Fraternity” in Manila. However, the assembly last Saturday adopted a resolution seeking to drop the Greek letters Alpha and Phi from its name, and to permanently call it “Al-Muslimin Brotherhood.”

Other members seek to draw a thicker line of distinction for the Al-Muslimin Brotherhood/ Fraternity from the old

militant political movement in Egypt, called Iqhuanun Muslimun which translates to “Muslim Brotherhood.”

Democratic institutions opposed to extremism have since blacklisted and referred to that militant group simply as the “Brotherhood.”

Members of the Al-Muslimin Brotherhood/ Fraternity have assured the public and state security institutions that this Philippine Muslim fraternity run by Maguindanaon individuals, has absolutely no association with, and is neither connected nor affiliated with that political movement called “Muslim Brotherhood,” or the “Brotherhood” as is referred to in the context of democratic security institutions.

But as the popular Moro artist Datu Khomeini Camsa Bansuan says, the AlMuslimin Brotherhood/ Fraternity, is a potential platform for conflict management in this day and age of kinship-based rifts that are often stirred by divisive politics.

MURKY AND SILTED. This is the Tamontaka River that connects to the Liguasan Delta, flowing downstream to the western sea coast of Cotabato City. The other river from the delta, also drains at the city’s coastal area, is the Rio Grande de Mindanao. Both are heavily-silted now, according to experts.

Photo by John Felix Unson

Congratulations to Congratulations to

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that Ma. Elvie T. Amar has filed with this office a petition for change of first name from Elve to Ma. Elvie in the birth certificate of Elve Nonol Tradio who was born on July 15, 1963 at Kidapawan, Cotabato and whose parents are Mario M. Tradio and Eugenia P. Nonol.

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

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

MC: Nov. 19 & 26, 2022

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late LILIA TACLASTABINGO and MODESTO T. TABINGO, who died intestate on February 2, 2000 and March 4, 2012, respectively at Laak, Davao de Oro, left a parcel of land Lot No. 556, Pls222, containing an area of 47,543 sq. mts., more or less, situated in Sibsib, Tulunan, Cotabato, covered by OCT No. P-35840 is subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with deed of absolute sale before Notary Public Jose Robelle C. Portaje as per Doc. No. 230; Page No. 67; Book No. LXXXII; Series of 2022.

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. No. 9048/10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that Ivy Banggos Sabanal has filed with this office a petition for change of gender from Male to Female in the birth certificate of Ivy Banggos Sabanal who was born on November 1, 1998 at Molimoc, Balabagan, Lanao del Sur and whose parents are Ricardo O. Sabanal and Evelyn Josol Banggos.

Any person adversely affected by the said petition may file written opposition with this office not later than November 14, 2022.

(Sgd.) NIDA MAUTE MAMENTING Municipal Civil Registrar

MC: Nov. 19 & 26, 2022.

AFFIDAVIT

Notice is hereby given that the late ECONG MACALONANG, who died intestate on November 2, 1989 in Kalanganan II, Cotabato City, left a parcel of land Lot No. 2, PSU227388, situated at Kalanganan, Cotabato City, containing an area of 57,050 sq. mts., more or less is subject of affidavit of adjudication by sole heir before Notary Public Atty. Agnes R. De Castro Jagunap as per Doc. No. 5216; Page No. 5216; Book No. XXVIII;

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. 9048/R.A. 10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that Genevive R. Comia has filed with this office a petition for change of date of birth from October 21, 1983 to October 23, 1983 in the birth certificate of Genevive Barotilla Comia, who was born on October 23, 1983 in Parang, Maguindanao and whose parents are Delfin Ricablanca Comia and Emma Magallanes Barotilla.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than November 23, 2022.

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

MC: Nov. 12 & 19, 2022

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late WAHIDA K. LU, who died on January 6, 2021 in Cotabato City, left a parcel of land Lot 2-G-1-A, Psd-12021543, situated in Brgy. Poblacion, Cotabato City, containing an area of 200 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. T-41272 is subject of deed of extrajudicial settlement of estate with sale before Notary Public Atty. Hanamir P. Nul-Emblawa, CPA as per Doc. No. 326; Page No. 66; Book No. IX; Series of 2022.

MC: Nov. 19, 26 & Dec. 3, 2022

for passing the recent for passing the recent Physician Licensure Examination Physician Licensure Examination

Kinder ND Cathedral Elementary ND Cathedral High School ND Cotabato, Inc

Premed San Pedro College, Davao City Med Brokenshire College School of

Rev Fr Jose Colin M Bagaforo, DD Mama Evelyn Siblings: Bea & Kathy

Nephew: Chuky Relatives & Friends

Greetings from:

Educational Background: Medicine Davao City

Republic of the Philippines Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Parang, Maguindanao

Republic of the Philippines Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Balabagan, Lanao del Sur

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

November 23 is ‘Red Wednesday’

With the theme “Blessed are the Persecuted”, this year’s main celebration will be held at the Antipolo Cathedral.

“Everyone is welcome as we pray and stand in solidarity for Christians around the world being persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ,” said the Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) Philippines in a social media post.

Red Wednesday is an initiative of ACN to pray for, and draw attention to,

THE traditional events related to the feast of the Child Jesus in Cebu City will make a comeback next year after largely being put on hold for the past two years because of the pandemic.

The Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu announced Tuesday they have decided “to resume all religious activities of Fiesta Señor”.

This, it said, includes the “Penitential Walk with Jesus” on Jan. 5; Novena Masses from Jan. 5 to 14; and “Penitential Walk with Mary” on Jan. 13.

There shall also be the

Christians who suffer and are persecuted for their faith.

“If possible, the building façade of the churches, schools, and participating institutions is to be illuminated or decorated in red,” said Msgr. Gerardo Santos, ACN Philippines’ chief operating officer.

Red is the color of martyrdom in the Christian faith and studies have shown that Christians remain the most

persecuted faith group in the world, particularly in the Middle East and Africa.

ACN is the official papal charity for persecuted Christians worldwide with at least 23 offices around the world and one of them is in the Philippines.

“Where there is violence and terror, ACN aids and materially responds to the call of the mission to promote ecclesial and spiritual communion between those who suffer for their faith in Jesus Christ, and

Cebu’s Fiesta Señor activities to return next year

“Traslaciones” to the cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu; fluvial procession; and the procession of the image of Sto. Niño de Cebu on Jan. 14.

Local church authorities urged the devotees and pilgrims to continue adhering to the existing health protocols against Covid-19.

“We appeal to all devotees, pilgrims, and guests to adhere to all protocols, which are being implemented for a safe, orderly, and solemn conduct of our religious celebration. Let us be mindful,” the basilica official said.

In Manila, some activities related to the Feast of the Black Nazarene in January 2023 remain suspended for the third consecutive time.

Fr. Early Allyson Valdez of Quiapo Church earlier said there will still be no “Traslacion” next year but other activities such as the Mass at the Quirino Grandstand would push through.

He added that instead of the traditional “Pahalik,” devotees will be allowed to approach and touch the image of the Black Nazarene. CBCP News

those who possess a compassionate and generous heart,” Santos added.

Red Wednesday was first organized in the United Kingdom in 2016; a number of dioceses in the Philippines started joining the campaign in 2017.

In January 2020, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) declared Red Wednesday as an official church activity in the Philippines. CBCP News

Hate crimes against Christians on the rise in Europe, report says

ROME— Hate crimes against Christians are on the rise in Europe, according to a new report published this week.

The Observatory for the Intolerance and Discrimination Against Christians (OIDAC) in Europe documented more than 500 anti-Christian hate crimes — including four homicides — in Europe in 2021.

Since 2005, the Vienna-based organization has tracked cases of discrimination and other hate crimes against Christians. These range from vandalism to homicide. The data collected is on public record, and anyone can check the figures and see the source of the incidents. The report denounced a “chilling effect among victims” and a lack of media coverage.

The new report runs 65 pages long [PDF] and is filled with case histories as well as two expert commentaries and a testimony. The report also provides some final recommendations.

According to the new figures, in 2021, OIDAC documented anti-Christian hate crimes in 19 European countries. There were 14 cases of physical assault, and four Christians were murdered.

Out of 500 anti-Christian hate crimes documented in 2021, approximately 300 were acts of vandalism, such as graffiti,

damage to property, and desecration. There were about 80 cases of theft — ranging from religious objects and consecrated hosts to church equipment.

Beyond that, there were approximately 60 arson attacks or cases of intended arson.

Underpinning these numbers is the concern that hate crimes against Christians may often be downplayed or overlooked, while it is common to acknowledge cases of Islamophobia or anti-Semitism.

Part of the problem, the report noted, lies in one typical objection that says: “Christians cannot be discriminated against in Europe because they are in the majority.”

On this question, the report noted that “while minorities can be more vulnerable to discrimination, it is a wrong and unsubstantiated belief that majority groups cannot be discriminated against, as history shows.”

“Rather than numbers, it depends on which groups have more power to shape the political discourse, to discriminate, insult, or attack a certain group without facing the consequences. At the same time, it is important to differentiate between cultural Christianity, which is still a majority in Europe, from those practicing Christians.”

As we celebrate today the solemnity of Christ the king, let me tell a story by the famous writer Mark Twain about the Prince and the Pauper. In his novel, Mark Twain described the life of two boys who were born on the same day and looked similarly, although one was the prince who would succeed as king of England and the other was a poor boy who suffered abuse from his father. The two became friends and they changed places. The poor boy enjoyed the luxury of the palace and the prince suffered the indignities of being a beggar and living in squalor, until he met an old soldier who protected him and cared for him. When the old king died, the real prince went back to the palace to be crowned as king but nobody believed him, until he produced the Seal of the King of England which he had hidden. To make the story short, the pauper was restored to his proper place as king and due to his experiences of suffering as a pauper, he ruled wisely . His friend was rewarded with a high position as the king’s adviser.

Of Rulers and Kings

Reflections

The report also wrote about a lack of media coverage and awareness stemming from self-censorship. This was identified in five areas of life: education, the workplace, the public sphere, private social interactions, and on media platforms.

Among the stories that did not grab the wider media headlines were attacks against two public Catholic processions in France: one by an extremist left-wing group of activists on May 13 and another in December by a group of radical Islamists.

In August 2021, a Christian preacher was questioned by U.K. police for reading the Bible out loud, in a calm tone, outside a railway station in London. It was one of several cases of street preachers running afoul of authorities in public streets for preaching Christian values.

According to the report, these incidents happen because “ambiguouslyworded hate speech laws and public order legislation have undermined the right to Freedom of Speech.”

In 2021, media and political groups subjected Christians to increased stereotyping, the report added. Christianled organizations were banned from social media platforms for expressing dissenting beliefs, while insulting and violent speech against Christians was permitted on the same platforms.

and found the answer: life is suffering, there is a cause of suffering which is desire, there can be an end to suffering, there is the method or the path to follow in order to end desire and end suffering. Until today, Buddhism is followed by millions of people in Asia and around the world.

An OIDAC press release noted that “in journalistic articles, Christianity was described as a ‘dangerous ideology’ and believers were called ‘stupid religious fanatics.’ For example, a Spanish politician described a Catholic procession as a ‘Taliban’ event, and another politician commented that the 7,000 murdered Catholics during the Spanish Civil War ‘should have been more.'”

Germany, Spain, and the U.K. saw the push for “safe access buffer zones” around abortion clinics. This “criminalizes activities including prayer vigils, conversations with the public, and other forms of peaceful activism,” the report said.

The report also included two wellknown cases: that of the former Finnish minister Päivi Räsänen, who was charged with “hate speech” for tweeting a passage from the Bible on homosexuality.

The other case concerned two Swedish midwives who refused to perform an abortion and, for that reason, were allegedly denied employment.

“Unfortunately, the European Court of Human Rights dismissed the case, setting a precedent for future cases and prompting legal scholars to urge for a formal examination of the case,” the report said. Catholic News Agency

Daily Scripture Readings

There is another story of a prince who chose to leave behind his life of luxury to search for the meaning of life. He was Prince Siddharta Gautama, otherwise known as the Buddha. When he was born 2,500 years ago, it was prophesied that he would either be a great king or a great religious leader. His father wanted him to be a king so Gautama was protected and pampered from his youth until one day he ventured out from the palace and saw suffering in the form of illness, old age, and death. He also saw a religious ascetic and this made him question his life. What is the purpose of living if at the end one just grows sick, grows old, and dies? At the age of 29 he left his wife, his palace, and became a religious seeker. After many years of searching he achieved enlightenment

The third story is of course the story of the King of the Universe, Our Lord Jesus Christ. He was not just a prince of a palace. He is Prince of the whole world. He reigned with His Father, from the beginning, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). But then this King left His exalted position and joined the miserable human condition, “and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us: (Joh 1:14). Jesus joined the life of the poor, the paupers, and the underprivileged. Not only that, he also saw the reality of suffering and embraced it by his suffering and death on the cross. The cross became a way of salvation. Those who believe in Jesus as Master and Lord, follow His way by renouncing selfishness (which causes so much suffering), and by being a living sign of God’s love and goodness in the world. The disciple does not run away from the world but makes the world closer to the growing Kingdom of God by being an active advocate of peace, compassion, and justice. Prayer and worship become ways of uniting ourselves to God’s own heart and mind and knowing Jesus more and more. Love is the way out of suffering. We have a unique King. He is crowned with thorns. His throne is the cross, he is not dressed luxuriously, he has no army and bodyguards. He doesn’t use force but instead knocks on the doors of our hearts. Let us welcome Christ the King. Vival el Cristo Rey.

Readings: no. 503, p. 1743 or no. 680, p. 1876

1st Reading: Revelation 14.1-3, 4b-5 Gospel: Luke 21.1-4

22 Readings: no. 504, p. 1744 or no. 681, p. 1876

1st Reading: Revelation 14.14-19 Gospel: Luke 21.5-11

Readings: no. 505, p. 1747

1st Reading: Revelation 15.1-4 Gospel: Luke 21.12-19

Readings: no. 506, p. 1749 or no. 683A, p. 1877

1st Reading: Revelation 18.1-2, 21-23, 19.1-3, 9a Gospel: Luke 21.20-28

Readings: no. 507, p. 1752

1st Reading: Revelation 20.1-4, 11-15; 21.1-2 Gospel: Luke 21.29-33

Readings: no. 508, p. 1754

1st Reading: Revelation 22.1-7 Gospel: Luke 21.34-36

Thousands of devotees join the procession of the Santo Niño icon on the eve of the feast of the Child Jesus in Cebu City on Jan. 18, 2020 Photo courtesy of Sammy Navaja

Rev. Fr. Antonio P. Pueyo, DCC tonypoy_dcc0@yahoo.com

EDITORIAL

Are we lacking in integrity?

Timeand time again, that gray area in our government pops up, casting a doubt on the values that many of our officials are supposed to personalized. When these officials ran for public office, or were considered for appointment to sensitive positions, we Filipinos try to analyze whether they are fit for the position. We all wanted our leaders to be epitome of values, so that their actions will not be questioned. We ourselves try hard to show that we have these values, and we pushed for being exemplary Filipinos. However, when our leaders show some deviation from the right path of values, particularly that of integrity, many of us, especially those in the media, try to push for corrective measures. And this is why some of our fellow journalists end up dead.

First of all, what is integrity?

According to Shona Waters, integrity means “being honest and having strong moral principles. A person with integrity behaves ethically and does the right thing, even behind closed doors.” She gave as an example, “informing a cashier that they gave you too much change or going back to the store to pay for something you forgot to pay for are two examples of showing integrity in everyday circumstances”.

The examples above is for everyday life. In case of leaders occupying high positions in government, integrity would be more complex, and in many ways connected to the decision making leaders do, particularly in relation to people under their care, and the finances under their care. This is where “behind closed doors” is a very important aspect of the behavior. There are times when a behavior is done so frequently that the people involved do not anymore see the ethics even when they consciously know that what they are doing is against standard valued procedures. This is what we see so often in controversial cases. The leader justifies the behavior because it has been done in the past, and a bigger number of witnesses do not see anything wrong with it.

If there is a small margin that separates ethical behavior and loss of integrity, how do we predict the “honesty and strong moral principles of a leader”? In many elections in the past, this is always a subject of discussion, particularly when the leader is branded as “weak” due to the lack of instances for her to show where her moral values lie. But more crucial is the appointment of leaders to important positions, especially if the leaders come from a certain sector in society.

Hopefully, the integrity we seek in our leaders will only be there under wraps, and will not be questioned when controversial cases arise. Politicizing our appointments may benefit those who win during the election, but the downfall is how those in sensitive positions will react when their integrity is at stake. MC

Atthe recent United Nations Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review, where the UN member-states’ human rights records are assessed and violation and abuses are addressed if they occur, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla stressed that harassment and intimidation of rights defenders, and extra judicial killings are not state policies.

““Let me say this in no uncertain terms: There is no state policy to attack, harass or intimidate human rights defenders, including environmental rights defenders, lawyers and other practitioners of the legal profession, and the media,” Remulla said, even as he described the Philippines as a “vibrant democracy” where freedom of expression, including the right to hold dissenting opinions, and the right to peaceful assembly is protected.

A number of UNHRC member-nations have urged the Philippines to take action to protect and promote human rights. They called for the solution of the cases of summary executions in the anti-drug campaign and the protection of human rights defenders. They also called on the Philippines to take swift action on the killing of journalists, the amendment of the Anti-Terrorism Act, and the enactment of a human rights defenders protection bill.

In responding to the calls, Remulla cited “resolute and proactive” actions taken in the case of the killing of journalist Percy Lapid or Percival Mabasa, as instructed by President Ferdinand Marcos. Jr. The justice secretary pointed out that a complaint has been filed against a high-ranking government official and others for Lapid’s killing. It was indeed with “uncharacteristic speed” that authorities acted on the fatal shooting of Lapid, bringing charges against the alleged gunman, a top corrections bureau official for ordering the killing, and several others within a month.

But the swift action taken on the Lapid case is an exception rather than the rule.

The Philippines remained the seventh worst country in the world where journalist killers get away with murder, according to the 2022 Global Impunity Index released by the Committee to Protect Journalists. CPJ said in its report that the Philippines, where 85 journalists were killed between 1992 and 2022, had 14 unsolved murders involving reporters. Recent murders under the new administration of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. have “raised fears that the culture of violence and impunity will endure,” it said, referring to the

murders of radio journalists Mabasa and Renato Blanco, a Cebu City broadcaster who was shot while leaving work at radio station DyRB on September 18, and died upon arrival at hospital. These most recent murders have raised concerns because it happened in urban areas. Most journalist killings have taken place in the countryside.

In a statement following the release of the CPJ 2022 Global Impunity Index, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines said “The resolution of cases of attacks against our colleagues as well as the assurance that threats against us will be taken seriously are among the best ways to ensure that we can report without fear of reprisal.” It also expressed hope that the CPJ findings are not dismissed and instead prompt the government to “redouble efforts to solve the cases.”

Another civic group, the Council for People’s Development, said in a separate statement that the impunity in the Philippines impedes freedom of expression and the people’s right to access reliable information. “Freedom of expression is compromised by a climate unfavorable to exercising basic freedoms,” it said, adding that tagging of journalists critical of the government as communists and terrorists had led to illegal arrests and harassment. “Ultimately, when… basic rights are attacked, journalists are all too frequently the first casualties, and in the end, the Filipino people are the victims.”

Following all that, we look forward to swifter actions on unresolved cases of media killing like what was done in the Percy Lapid case. Consistent action is key in proving the government’s commitment to human rights, freedom, and democracy. At the same time, we look forward to an end in red-tagging both of journalists and human rights defenders, though that may be expecting too much from a government that is seemingly fixated on a red scare.

ITRAVELLED

last Wednesday to an interior village, one of the 63 SGA BARMM Barangays in Cotabato Province, for a brief tribute vigil in honor of a departed kin from whose family comes one of my family’s closest of friends. Barangay Pedtad (Kabacan Cluster) Chairman Datu Adan Mantawil was pointing to my shoes as he noticed that mud was all over one or both. “Kadsukol (thankfully),” I said (in Maguindanaon), that “my white polo and pair of (khaki) pants were spared, as I walked through that short section of unlit muddy farm-to-road,” when the small ride stuck on a, deeper pothole of the rest. Then, he had a good laugh! He told me that a better road we should have taken was a shorter route with an almost complete pavement. Thanks to BARMM.

Chair Datu Adan said we had actually taken the longer route on our dark way to his family’s farm. We were on a night road trip to condole with his family, the family of his wife, Bai Ramellah Sarip Mantawil -- who along with her siblings are left (totally) orphaned by the demise of Babo Bai Babay Piang Mantawil-Sarip.

Bai Ramellah’s family had been so close to ours. Her maternal grandfather Datu Tugaya Piang Mantawil, also Datu Adan’s grandfather, supported my father with human resources of the workforce among the male residents of the Piang-Mantawil Family’s vast tract of land in Pinggiaman (Datu Piang). The old man and his first cousin Datu Abdul Piang had inherited the property from their parents who were children of Datu Piang.

How they repossessed the territory from an instance of a covert clonial deception is a long story that dates back to the Cotabato visit of Governor-General Leonard Howard Taft as head of the Philippine Commission in 1901. One Jose Fernandez Cuevas, aka “Reina Regente” (regent of the queen, referring to Spain’s Isabella) claimed he was a priest representing the Queen of Spain in 1868.

Datu Piang as well as Sultan Matagmama of Barongis and Datu Utto took it up with Taft that America’s assumption of possession of territories labelled “Reina Regente” (i.e. the Kabalukan Hills and its environs) on the colonial map in the possession of Fernandez, was a “misrepresentation” on the part of Fernandez himself who wanted to “buy” the territory in the name of Spain’s Reina Isabella, but was declined by Sultan Bayao. The sultan did instead offer a part of Kudaranggan which was

why America, early in its colonial tenure, built there the Kudaranggan Agricultural School that was operationalized under the Department of Mindanao and Sulu in 1914.

The U.S. colonial government, however, did not provide the datus with a one-stop-shop short cut solution. They or their descendants still had to formally convince the U.S. government of their assertion through a court petition for a homestead possession or repossession. This followed the issuance of the first Public Land Act which had some of its initial survey references based on and from a “Reina Regente” territorial labelling.

Eventually, the territory had been repossessed by the descendants of the Piangs, through Datu Abdullah Piang, and for Sultan Matagmama through his grandchildren, the Pendatun siblings (Bai Tinumimbang, Salipada, Abubakar and Bagotao Pendatun) in a landmark decision of the Philippine Supreme Court. For their part the descendants of Datu Utto had hardly contested for their repossession. And the rest is history.

Bai Ramellah;s late father Bapa Daly Sarip joined our father in 1963, helped our late old man’s buy-and-sell and water transport business grow, and never abandoned our old man through the thinnest and toughest of times.

I like their relationship; they never hated each other until they had to part ways much later to life’s varying priorities.

I would think about how life would have turned, if Bapa Daly and his workmate Bapa Ibrahim “Blah” Mamasalanao had not kept our old man their good company when we were young? And what if Datu Adan’s and Bai Ramella’s influential grandpa and their granduncle Datu Abdul Piang did not allow the men of their farm village to provide their services for my father’s interest? Gratefully, they were there at the right place in their own time.

COTABATO CITY / ARMM CORRESPONDENTS

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

NORTH / SOUTH COTABATO CORRESPONDENTS

Williamor Magbanua, Romer “Bong” Sarmiento, Roel Osano & Drema Quitayen Bravo CARTOONIST

Lourd Jim Diazon

Chronic kidney disease

Nobility in selflessness h e A lth c o R ne R

Charlie Señase csenase@yahoo.com

Inthese trying times of live and let live, rare would conceptualize life for someone willing to suffer and die so others may live. And thank You LORD to have shown the way for human redemption that by Your stripes we are healed and through Your precious blood we are saved. And Christ Jesus, the same yesterday, today and forever has been prophesied to return to judge all the dead, and for the living to prepare and face the inescapable White Throne of God (Revelation 20:11).

Life is short that world leaders must lead by example to exemplify the true essence of “public servants” which is servant of all servants. For someone to be great, he must be the least in God’s standard.

So often, we hear government executives mouthing political reforms in the midst of worsening abuses by concerned authorities who are supposed to be role models of good manners and right conduct for others to emulate.

The dire need to police our own rank of scalawags and misfits must start from the so-called Bureau of Corrections, an agency directly under the Department of Justice that takes charge of custody and rehabilitation of national offenders. But recent statement issued this week by relieved BuCor head Director-General Gerald Bantag boggles the imagination. That he was responsible in the construction of a mysterious tunnel at the maximum-security compound because he loves “scuba diving.”

The newly discovered underground tunnel came about when Bantag’s successor conducted thorough cleansing that unearthed several contraband items within the prison facility. If indeed Bantag, who is charged of murder for the suspicious death of an inmate, believed to be the “middle man” in a gun-for-hire case that killed radio commentator Percy Lapid, he ought to voluntarily surrender instead of resisting arrest.

Utilization of hardcore inmates in

criminal activities by men in uniform is gross violation of their sworn duties and responsibilities to uphold the law and ensure citizens’ security and safety. Is BuCor not a misnomer with what’s happening inside? It’s about time for government officials to walk their talk to be credible and earned respect of subordinates and citizenry.

Rampant shooting incidents in the country, prompted authorities to come up with defensive measures and strategies. With existing death threats among legitimate media practitioners in Metro Manila, the PNP Press Club members at Camp Crame were allowed to possess licensed handguns and taught them how to safely use them in case of emergency.

The marksmanship training this week for print and broadcast media led by PNP Chief Director General Rodolfo Azurin, Jr. has completely evolved to the ancient saying that “the pen is mightier than the sword” that took the life of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal.

Early this week, a civilian driver of Lt. Col. Manago Macalintangui was shot dead while the Army officer was slightly injured while aboard their Montero SUV along Cotabato City national highway near the People’s Palace. Authorities said the motorcycle riding-in-tandem suspects immediately fled after the broad daylight ambush. The incident prompted the Army’s 6th Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Roy Galido to institute strict compliance on laws against loose firearms and intensity the “Balik-Baril Program campaign within coverage areas of BARMM and Region-12.

As this developed, a Maguindanao farmer Madato Sendad, 37, was shot dead in Datu Odin Sinsuat town which is the homebase of 6th ID’s Camp Siongco. BARMM officials along with military and police operatives have been mapping out plans unceasingly for peace and sobriety to reign.

The good moves may sound timely yet long overdue to contemplate from the time when Cotabato City used to be the safest city in Mindanao and second safest city in the country attained for the first time by a city chief executive from the distaff side. Along with this nationwide citation was being a Child and Business Friendly City. MC

What is kidney disease? An expert explains

Learn more from kidney doctor Andrew Bentall, M.D.

Chronic kidney disease, also called chronic kidney failure, involves a gradual loss of kidney function. Your kidneys filter wastes and excess fluids from your blood, which are then removed in your urine. Advanced chronic kidney disease can cause dangerous levels of fluid, electrolytes and wastes to build up in your body.

In the early stages of chronic kidney disease, you might have few signs or symptoms. You might not realize that you have kidney disease until the condition is advanced.

Treatment for chronic kidney disease focuses on slowing the progression of kidney damage, usually by controlling the cause. But, even controlling the cause might not keep kidney damage from progressing. Chronic kidney disease can progress to end-stage kidney failure, which is fatal without artificial filtering (dialysis) or a kidney transplant.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of chronic kidney disease develop over time if kidney damage progresses slowly. Loss of kidney function can cause a buildup of fluid or body waste or electrolyte

problems. Depending on how severe it is, loss of kidney function can cause:

• Nausea

• Vomiting Loss of appetite

• Fatigue and weakness

Sleep problems

Urinating more or less

• Decreased mental sharpness

• Muscle cramps

Swelling of feet and ankles

• Dry, itchy skin

• High blood pressure (hypertension) that’s difficult to control Shortness of breath, if fluid builds up in the lungs

• Chest pain, if fluid builds up around the lining of the heart

Signs and symptoms of kidney disease are often nonspecific. This means they can also be caused by other illnesses. Because your kidneys are able to make up for lost function, you might not develop signs and symptoms until irreversible damage has occurred.

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor if you have signs or symptoms of kidney disease. Early detection might help prevent kidney disease from progressing to kidney failure.

If you have a medical condition that increases your risk of kidney disease, your doctor may monitor your blood pressure and kidney function with urine and blood tests during office visits. Ask your doctor whether these tests are necessary for you.

If you don’t use it, you will lose it, so the saying goes. If you stop driving a vehicle, you lose the skill to do so later on. If you don’t practice playing the piano, you can’t play as before, if you stop thinking, you lose your ability to think or comprehend.

Thus, I keep in touch with things going on here and abroad ; I spend time for International CNN so I can continue to think in English. Bourgeois mentality. The Midterm elections have not been completed 10 days after the ballots are cast; so far the Reds or Republicans narrowly won the House of Representatives; while the Democrats, the blues could have a majority in the Senate.

The conduct of their campaign and voting is unlike ours. They have drawn the line for the two party system. No turncoats, they have only two parties, the Democrats and the Republicans. In this mid-term elections, former President Donald Trump poised himself as a front liner in the 2124 US elections; that is why he was everywhere, all over. Though party mates blame him and his presence in the rallies for the hard climb to victory .

Two years away, already the future contenders have expressed their availability to run against each other for the Presidency. Don’t be surprised, the Liberal Party has been recruiting membership for a new repackaged Liberal Party. I only wish there will be 2 party system here as well, stop the party hopping, butterflies, the balimbings.

As I feared before, I had a strange

feeling entering the banks I needed to visit. Having stayed home all of 3 years, I was surprised that transactions were automated, one has to get a number before anything else, and etcetera. I also have forgotten the faces of the ladies I used to deal with, and had to ask them to lower their masks so I recognize them. They did not recognize me either.

As I browsed through an on-line platform, I was intrigued by an ad with an amazing presentation, so believable. I ordered immediately; I swear by its effect on my feet. It sends electrical shocks up one’s legs; when that is done in 10 minutes you feel relaxed, as though some slugs were removed from your veins and arteries.

This is the EMS Foot Massager. It claims improving circulation to reduce inflammation and swelling; it increases mobility and flexibility in the feet; it boosts the immune system; it helps reduce stress and tension from the day; it treats muscle strain in the feet and elevates the mood and increased serotonin levels.

The package is light, folds like a folder, has two electrodes which signals the flow of electric current. The electric current is so slight, not shocking but easily felt. I use my Massager 3 times a day as I would Take my medications. Check it out in Lazada for 499 pesos only

Have you noticed? We are getting more share of rains these days. The previous victims have yet to be rehabilitated, another tranche of rain is coming in. With this comes water borne diseases, aside from the usual cough and cold, fever and flu.

Laugh a little:

I asked my daughter to give me the phone book. She laughed at me, called me a dinosaur, and lent me her phone. So the spider is dead, the phone book is broke.

Building Up the Local Coffee Industry….

Among the three economic sectors, it is the service sector that most often provides the highest value added, followed by the industry sector, and the agricultural sector being at the tail-end. However, enterprises in the services and industry sector are usually capital-intensive (uses high technology and equipment), thus, they tend to employ less people compared to basic agriculture and agri-based enterprises.

In 2021, the Services Sector contributed 61.05% of the Philippine Gross Domestic Product (GDP, while the Industry Sector provided 28.89%, and the Agricultural Sector a paltry 10.07%. By employment, the Services has the highest contribution at 59.9%, followed by Agriculture at 22.6%, and Industry contributing 17.5%.

Though the country has seen rapid urbanization, majority of Filipinos still live in areas classified as rural and with agriculture as dominant economic activity, thus, it is important that the development of agri-based industries be given a high priority by government.

For a country that has frequently suffered from natural calamities and changes in weather pattern, developing the agricultural sector in many regions is challenging.

Mindanao has 64% of the total land area planted with coffee and, more importantly, has 69% of all fruit-bearing trees in the country. The nearby province of Sultan Kudarat is the country’s largest producer of Robusta and Arabica varieties while Sulu is the leading producer of Excelsa and Liberica.

In this part of the Philippines, coffee of different varieties can be found, some people harvest for their own consumption while others are attempting to increase their incomes

by selling fresh berries or processed coffee. There are still no substantial contiguous coffee plantations, regular exporter, or popular coffee processor from the surrounding provinces, there are attempts to accelerate the development of the local coffee industry to create more entrepreneurs, have more jobs, and increase incomes.

What could be done to accelerate the development of the local coffee industry?

Increase the number of coffee trees ensuring that the right varieties are planted in the areas with the right soil condition and elevation. Arabica is most ideal to be planted in areas with elevation of at least 1,000 meters above sea level while the Robusta variety can be planted in lands with lower elevations but areas of 300 meters or more above sea level is still highly recommended.

Farmers should be taught how to properly plant coffee trees (e.g. spacing, application of fertilizers, weeding, and pruning) and also to harvest properly (gather only the mature or red cherries to have good quality beans and to be able to fetch high prices from coffee buyers. Proper drying and storage are also important to ensure product quality.

Most farmers could not hold on to their coffee beans for a long time and need to dispose them to get money as soon as possible. Thus, it is necessary to have a marketing cooperative with enough resources to buy all the produce of farmers or to be able to link with buyer or buyers with a sense of social responsibility who would buy coffee beans at fair prices.

It would also be helpful if some local individual or corporation could produce high quality beans (dried or roasted) and processed coffee for the popular coffee shops or even be able to crack the export market.

Finally, promoting the consumption of coffee and preference for local coffee would create a domestic market that will be beneficial for upstarts.

Victoria R. Franco, RPh, MS Pharmacy

“If you don’t use it, you will lose it”

A reprint from Mayo Clinic

AR ket d R iven

Danny Buenbrazo danny_buenbrazo@yahoo.com

GUIAMANO, Petitioners, x-----------------------------------------------x

ORDER

Filed with this court is a petition for approval of the will of Silay Kayob Guiamano, deceased. The petitioners, Dr. Faizal Danseco Guiamano and Fahad Danseco Guiamano alleged, inter alia: That petitioners are the sons and the executors named in the last will and testament of Silay Kayob Guiamano who died on September 01, 2022 in San Juan City; That the decedent executed and left said last Will and Testament in accordance with the formalities of P.D. 1083; That the subscribing witnesses are Ustaz Mohammad Noor Dimaocor and Ustaz Haroun Joves Mahilum; That the petitioners be allowed to serve as such with the required bond; That the properties left by the decedent is Fifty million (P50,000,000.00) Pesos, more or less; That the testator at the time of the execution of said Will was 69 years old, of sound and disposing mind, and not acting under duress, fraud, force or undue influence; That the decedent was survived by his estranged First Family, namely Dolores S. Guiamano, Rizabel Jehan S. Guiamnao-Salva, May-Anne S. Guiamano-Saba, Ramadan S. Guiamano and Lyza S. Guiamano-Yu, all residents of No. 509 Int. J.P. Rizal St., Lamuan, Marikina City; and was also survived by his Second Family namely Marisa D. Guiamano (deceased), Faizal D. Guiamano, and Fahad D. Guiamano, all with address at 3rd Rod, SPDA, Barangay Semba, DOS, Maguindanao, BARMM.

The Court, after reading the petition, finds it sufficient in form and substance.

WHEREFORE, premises considered, the Case is set on November 23, 2022 at 8:30 o’clock in the morning. The petitioners are directed to cause the publication of this Order, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation. Anyone who maybe prejudiced by this petition may submit an opposition thereto or appear on the said hearing and show cause why this petition should not be granted. Send copy of this Order to the Honorable Solicitor General for information and proper representation.

SO ORDERED.

Marawi City for Cotabato City, Philippines, October 4, 2022.

(Sgd.) RASAD S. LAGUINDAB Acting Presiding Judge

MC: Nov. 19, 26 & Dec. 3, 2022

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the late DATUCAN D. ABDULA who died on August 12, 2019 in Cotabato City, a parcel of land Lot 305-B-1, Psd(ARMM)-000714, situated in Tenorio, Dinaig now Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, containing an area of 3,834 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. T-14727 is subject of extrajudicial settlement with simultaneous sale before Notary Public Atty. Gapor G. Quituar as per Doc. No. 186; Page No. 38; Book No. LXXII; Series of 2022.

MC: Nov. 5, 12 & 19, 2022

BARMM: Storm-wracked areas fixed by early 2023 .. .from P1

Upi and the seaside Datu Odin Sinsuat and Datu Blah towns, all in Maguindanao del Norte in BARMM.

A number of bridges and hundreds of houses were

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late ROSARIO C. BITACURA, who died intestate on 24 April 2022 in Davao City, left 1/2 share of conjugal properties: A red 2004 Toyota Revo SR DSL2.4 under CR No. 18485133, Plate No. MCD256 and Chassis No. LF82-6005066; parcels of land situated in Bo. Kakar, Cotabato City, Lot 15, Block 6, LRC-Pasd-79683, TCT No. T-14650; Lot 16, Block 7, LRC-Pasd-79683, TCT No. T-20277, containing the total area of 760 sq. mts, more or less; Lot 6244-A, Cad-124711-005271, area of 31,676 sq. mts., OCT No. P-57163, situated in South Manuangan, Pigcawayan, Cotabato; Lot 5181, C-1, Cad. 363-D, Lot 844-B, Cad10-016055, area of 2,042 sq. mts., OCT No. P-13252, situated in Brgy. Bugang, Sagay, Camiguin; Lot 663-A, Psd-10-053071, area of 2,237 sq. mts., TCT No. T-2768, situated in Brgy. Mayana, Sagay, Camiguin; Lot 2281, C-4, Cad. 473, area of 375 sq. mts., OCT No. P-12788, situated in Brgy. Balbagon, Mambajao, Camiguin; and Lot 26, Blk. 18, Pcs-11002331, area of 72 sq. mts., TCT No. 146-2011006681, situated in Brgy. Bago Gallera, Davao City; Together with all improvements existing thereon are subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Mehrab U. Bahri as per Doc. No. 01; Page No. 01; Book No. I; Series of 2022.

MC: Nov. 12, 19 & 26, 2022

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late CARMEN NACIS and JOSE TORRES, who died on January 5, 2004 and October 26, 1984, respectively in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, left a parcel of land Lot 1411A, (LRC) Psd-140270, containing an area of 10,000 sq. mts., more or less, situated in Salaman, Lebak, Cotabato, covered by TCT No. T-45747 is subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous sale before Notary Public Aurelio C. Freires, Jr. as per Doc. No. 71; Page No. 16; Book No. 10; Series of 2017. MC: Nov. 19, 26 & Dec. 3, 2022

NOTICE

VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I AND BRANCH II will hold a public auction sale of all unredeemed and unrenewed items pawned from May 1 to June 30, 2022 on December 12, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. at VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I, Dayao St., and VGM PAWNSHOP INC. II, Jose Abad Santos St., Kidapawan City

Be There, Management

destroyed by rampaging floods and mud and rocks that cascaded from hillsides, causing the death of 63 residents.

Sinarimbo said at least 16 residents of the stormstricken BARMM towns are still missing.

He said 1,475 displaced families have since remained in evacuation sites.

“Their houses were totally destroyed by floods and landslides,” he said, citing latest reports from local government units, from the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, the police and field personnel of READi.

He said the regional autonomous government is also focused on a more pressing concern --- the heavy siltation of rivers crisscrossing Maguindanao

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late FELICIDAD NOBLE JULAILA and RODOLFO JULAILA, who died on November 19, 1983 and October 18, 2012, respectively in Pasay City, left a parcel of land Lot 1411-A, (LRC) Psd-140270, containing an area of 10,000 sq. mts., more or less, situated in Salaman, Lebak, Cotabato, covered by TCT No. T-45747 is subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with sale before Notary Public Rene D. De Manuel, Jr. as per Doc. No. 381; Page No. 77; Book No. 65; Series of 2021.

MC: Nov. 19, 26 & Dec. 3, 2022

del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte and the 220,000-hectare Liguasan Delta in the upper part of both provinces.

The Liguasan Delta is a catch basin for large rivers that springs from mountain ranges in Bukidnon, Cotabato, South Cotabato, Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat provinces.

It drains via rivers flowing downstream, straddling through a number of towns in Maguindanao del Norte and Cotabato provinces, towards the Illana Bay via the western seacoast of Cotabato City.

“The Liguasan has become so silted and so are the rivers where floodwaters

Republic

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. 9048/R.A. 10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that Khalida Abdullatip H. Musa Bidsuk has filed with this office a petition for change of sex from Male to Female in the birth certificate of Khalida Abdullatip H. Musa Bidsuk, who was born on July 5, 1996 at Miramar, Parang, Maguindanao and whose parents are Abdullatip Bidsuk and Aida B. H. Musa.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than November 23, 2022.

(Sgd.) KARIM O. OMAR, MPA Municipal Civil Registrar MC: Nov. 12 & 19, 2022

SULTAN PAWNSHOP

flow downstream from there. This is why there are floods around after heavy rains,” Sinarimbo said.

He said the problem is something the national government and the BARMM government are together focusing attention on.

"The BARMM government can't address that alone," Sinarimbo told reporters.

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

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with R.A. No. 10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that Kurt Christian Y. Guillano has filed with this office a petition for change of sex from Female to Male in the birth certificate of Kurt Christian Y. Guillano who was born on 11 October 1996 at Kidapawan, Cotabato and whose parents are Candilario T. Guillano and Mylene G. Yaon.

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

(Sgd.) MERCEDES P. TOLENTINO Acting City Civil Registrar MC: Nov. 19 & 26, 2022

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

SDC SPL. PROC. CASE NO. 2022-576

IN THE MATTER OF CORRECTION OF ENTRIES IN THE CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH OF PRECIOUS SHADA GEOLAGA, APRIL ROSE RAMOS GEOLAGA AND IBRAHIM SALEH A. ALSAEED, Petitioners, -versusCIVIL REGISTRAR OF NORALA, SOUTH COTABATO AND PERSONS/ ENTITIES WHO/WHICH MAY BE AFFECTED THEREBY, Respondents.

ORDER

SUBASTA

Ang VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I ug BRANCH II magsubasta sa tanan nga wala lukata ug wala tubui gikan sa bulan sa Mayo 1 hangtud sa bulan sa Hunyo 30, 2022 sa alas 9:00 sa buntag karung Disyembre 12, 2022 sa VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I, Dayao St., ug sa VGM PAWNSHOP BRANCH II, Jose Abad Santos St., Kidapawan City.

MC: Nov. 12, 19 & 26, 2022

Ang Nagdumala

BRANCH COTABATO CITY ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sanla. Ang mga ito ay isinangla magmula Oktubre 2021 hanggang Nobyembre 2021 . Ang Subasta ay sa Nobyembre 30, 2022 sa ganap na ika 8:00 ng umaga hanggang ika 4:00 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

MC: Nov. 19 & 26, 2022

Ang Sultan Pawnshop ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sangla. Ang mga ito ay isinangla noong Abril 2022. Ang subasta ay sa Disyembre 1, 2022 sa ganap na ika-8:00 ng mga umaga hanggang ika-4:30 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

corner Bonifacio and Don Rufino Alonzo Sts., Cotabato City MC:Nov. 19 & 26, 2022

NOTICE OF LOSS

Notice is hereby given that PEDRO JR. S. OCAMPO, acquired a memorial lot at Marian Hills, Memorial Park under Original Certificate of Title No. 0319. The said certificate was missing despite due and diligent search made, and therefore it was declared lost.

Any transaction entered into using the above certificate will not be honored by the management.

Marian Hills Memorial Park MC: Nov. 19, 2022

Notice for Auction

Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Main, Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Roman Vilo Branch, SK Pendatun Branch, Mabini Branch, ORC Branch, Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Branch I, II, III, IV in Parang Branch, Carmen Branch, Pikit 1 and Pikit 2 Branch, Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Dalican 1, Dalican 2, Shariff Aguak Branch of Cotabato City, Parang North Cotabato, Datu Odin Sinsuat and Shariff Aguak announce the Auction Sale of all unredeemed pledges contracted November 2-30, 2021 at 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Main 4J Bldg. Corner Jose Lim Sr., and Don Roman Vilo St. Cotabato City. Auction sale will be on November 30, 2022.

Patalastas ng Subasta

Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Main, Agencia de OroPawnshop Inc. Roman Vilo Branch, SK Pendatun Branch, Mabini Branch, ORC Branch, Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Branch I, II, III, IV sa Parang Branch, Carmen Branch, Pikit 1 and Pikit 2 Branch, Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Dalican 1, Dalican 2, Shariff Aguak Branch of Cotabato City, Parang North Cotabato, Datu Odin Sinsuat and Shariff Aguak ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sangla. Ang mga ito ay isinangla noong Nobyembre 2-30, 2021 sa alas 8:00 ng umaga hanggang alas 4:00 ng hapon sa Agencia de Oro - Jose Lim Branch, corner Jose Lim Sr, and Don Roman Vilo St., Cotabato City sa Nobyembre 30, 2022.

MC:Nov. 19 & 26, 2022

Notice is hereby given that the late Spouses SEVERINO A. ANAUD and ESTHER P. ANAUD, who died intestate on December 1, 2003 and March 4, 2010 at Nuro, Upi, Maguindanao and Cotabato City, respectively, left real properties: Residential house declared under TD No. 126 and parcels of land situated at Nuro, Upi, Maguindanao, Lot C-105-6-B-3-C-A, TD No. 146, area of 628 sq. mts., TCT No. T-13228; Lot-15-2, Psd12-000527, area of 15,248 sq. mts., TCT No. T-31210; Lot C-1-J-5-D-6-B-3-5-B, TD No. 750, area of 2,001 sq. mts., TCT No. T-31213; Lot C-1-J-4-A-2-A, TD No. 1523, area of 399 sq. mts., TCT No. 151-2021000443; Lot C-1-J-4-A-2-B, TD No. 1524, area of 200 sq. mts., TCT No. 151-2021000444; Lot C-1-J-4-A-2-C, TD No. 1525, area of 299 sq. mts., TCT No. 151-2021000445; Lot C-1-J-4-A-2-D, TD No. 1526, area of 407 sq. mts., TCT No. 151-2021000449; Lot-C-1-J-4-A-2-E, TD No. 1527, area of 1,342 sq. mts., TCT No. 151-2021000447; Lot C-1-J-4-A-2-F, TD No. 1578, area of 379 sq. mts., TCT No. 151-2021000448; Lot C-1-J-4-A-2-G, TD No. 1528, area of 462 sq. mts., TCT No. 151-2021000446; Lot C-1-J-4-A-2-I, TD No. 1579, area of 704 sq. mts, more or less are subject of deed of extrajudicial settlement of estate with waiver of rights before Notary Public Atty. Rolando Chew as per Doc. No. 4362; Page No. 437; Book No. 23; Series of 2022.

MC: Nov. 5, 12 & 19, 2022

RANEN

Filed before this court is petition for correction of entries in the Certificate of Live Birth of Precious Shada Geolaga. The petitioners, April Rose Ramos Geolaga and Ibrahim Saleh A. Alsaeed alleged, among others; That they are residing at Unit No. 1106, Tower 2, Linear St., San Antonio Village, Makati City, while the respondent is the Civil Registrar of Norala, South Cotabato; That the petitioners got married on June 29, 2019 at Purok 2, BCV Barangay Labangan, General Santos City and solemnized in accordance with Islamic Law; That petitioners has secured Certificate of Conversion to Islam for their minor child Shada who was born on March 21, 2013 at Barangay Matapol, Nefala, South Cotabato. The petitioners discovered couple of erroneous entries in the Certificate of Live Birth of their child in the “Entry No. 1” which is appearing as precious Shada Geolaga which does not bear the name of her father, Ibrahim Saleh A. Alsaeed, and in Entry No. 9” where it appears that her religion is Catholic instead of Islam; That the reason for the said mistakes is the fact that it was the grandmother of the child who supplies the information and caused the registration of the subject Certificate of Live Birth; That the sought correction is beneficial to the child in order to enjoy her rights as a Muslim child to her Saudi Father when going or living in Saudi Arabia; and That they are asking the Court to correct the said entries, respectively from Precious Shada Geolaga to Shada Ibrahim S. Alsaeed and from Catholic to Islam.

The Court, after reading the petition, finds the same sufficient in form and substance.

WHEREFORE, premises considered, the case is set for hearing on November 23, 2022 at 8:30 o’clock in the morning. The Petitioners are directed to cause the publication of this Order once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation. Anyone who maybe adversely affected may file his/her opposition thereto or appear on the said hearing and show cause why this petition should not be granted. Send copy of the Order and annexes to the Honorable Solicitor General for information and proper representation.

SO ORDERED.

Makati City for Cotabato City, Philippines, October 6, 2022.

(Sgd.) RASAD S. LAGUINDAB Acting Presiding Judge

Nov. 12, 19 & 26, 2022

PAWNSHOP MAIN, BRANCH I, II & III

Don Rufino Alonzo & Don Tomas Martinez Sts, Cot. City

Notice for Auction

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

Patalastas ng Subasta

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

of the Philippines Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Parang, Maguindanao

CONLUCK PAWNSHOP SK PENDATUN CONLUCK PAWNSHOP BONIFACIO & CONLUCK PAWNSHOP ORC

Maguindanao execs turn in unlicensed guns to AFP

Maj. Gen. Roy Galido, 6th Infantry Division commander, lauded the local officials of Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Maguindanao del Sur, headed by Mayor Mary Joy Estephanie Midtimbang, for supporting the government’s disarmament program.

Local officials turned over to Lt. Colonel Samuel Nadala Jr, commander of 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion and 601st Infantry Brigade deputy commander Colonel

Ricky Bunayog, assorted highpowered firearms that included five sniper rifles, grenade launcher, M-16 with M203 grenade launcher, KJ9 rifle, caliber .45 pistol and assorted bullets.

“The instrument of violence must be removed to prevent it from being used to sow violence among us,” Maj. Gen. Galido said. “This is an effort that we, the military can’t do alone. We need the initiative of the people to

surrender their loose firearms. After all, it will serve best for their safety.”

“This is our support to the BalikBaril program of the government,” Mayor Midtimbang said in the vernacular.

“We are elated by the gesture of support of the local chief executive for the campaign against the proliferation of loose firearms,” Colonel Bunayog also said. Edwin O. Fernandez

5 shabu peddlers nabbed in Marawi, Koronadal stings

AUTHORITIES entrapped five drug dealers, two of them with links to the Dawlah Islamiya group, in separate operations Tuesday.

The first to fall were Elias Decampong Batuan, 41, and his female accomplice, Omaira Abedin, 43, detained after selling P20,400 worth of shabu to non-uniformed policemen in a tradeoff in Barangay Loksadatu, Marawi City.

Sources from the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade and relatives of both suspects said Batuan and Abedin remitted parts of their earnings to certain leaders of the Dawlah Islamiya terror group in Lanao del Sur.

Col. Jibin Bongcayao, Lanao del Sur provincial police director, said Thursday the duo is now detained at the Marawi City Police Office, awaiting prosecution for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Bongcayao said the sting that led to the arrest of

Batuan and Abedin was jointly carried out by combined personnel of the Marawi City and Lanao Sur provincial police forces.

In South Cotabato, agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 12 nabbed late Tuesday three shabu peddlers operating a clandestine drug den in Barangay San Jose in Koronadal City.

Naravy Duquiatan, director of PDEA 12, said Wednesday Christopher Panes, 30, Fidel Oraño, 35, and the 28-year-old Raffy Jay Valeriano, are now clamped down in a detention facility.

The three men were frisked and cuffed after selling P81,600 worth of shabu in an entrapment operation at about 8:00 p.m. Tuesday in Barangay San Jose, to nonuniformed agents of PDEA-12 and policemen under units of the Police Regional Office 12.

Duquitan said the suspects operated a small drug den in Barangay San Jose. John Felix Unson

MOH intensifies diabetes awareness in BARMM

THE Bangsamoro Government, through its Ministry of Health (MOH), is intensifying the awareness of the growing burden of diabetes and the ways to prevent its threat to health.

During the commemoration of World Diabetes Day, the Ministry’s NonCommunicable Diseases clusters (NCD), in partnership with Cotabato Regional Medical Center, Care Philippines, and the Rotary Club of Cotabato East, conducted free screening for blood sugar and blood pressure, risk assessment using a risk prediction chart, and diabetes self-management education.

Lectures included diabetes mellitus, sick days in diabetes, foot care management, insulin injection, diabetes mellitus diet, and hypertension awareness to BARMM employees.

Dr. Ehsan Paudac, MOH NCD head, stressed that the NCD cluster has an education campaign for Bangsamoro communities to give awareness of diabetes health issues.

“Halos lahat ng ating limang probinsya ay nagkakaroon tayo ng training. Bawat RHU mayroong representative

upang turuan sila kung ano ang mga tamang pamamaraan para maibahagi nila sa ating mga kababayan kung paano ma-address itong diabetes kasama na rin ang hypertension,” said Dr. Paudac.

He also urged the public to exercise regularly and eat healthy foods.

According to Philippine Statistics Authority's (PSA) data as of October 1, 2022, deaths due to diabetes mellitus recorded 16,970 cases or 6.5 percent share, making it the fourth leading cause of death in the Philippines.

MOH Deputy Minister Dr. Zul Qarneyn Abas emphasized that the region's health ministry and its key partners in different sectors are committed to changing the landscape of diabetes in the Bangsamoro region to ensure the quality of life for all Bangsamoro people.

This year follows the theme "Access to Diabetes Care"—a campaign represented by a blue circle logo that signifies the unity of the global diabetes community in response to the diabetes epidemic. Myrna Tepadan/ BIO

DAR gives ARBs

OFFICIALS of the Department of Agrarian Reform in North Cotabato on Wednesday lauded the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) in Tulunan town for completing the Farmer Business School program that empowered them to be productive farmers.

for their enthusiasm to complete the program.

In her speech during the graduation ceremony, Obrero challenged the graduates and their organization to upscale the services of their association and to turn their group into a Cooperative.

Farmer dead in Pikit ‘rido’ crossfire

A farmer was killed in a clash by rival members of the Moro National Liberation Front and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in the hostile Pikit, North Cotabato.

Lt. Col. John Meridel Calinga, chief of the Pikit municipal police, said Wednesday Nasser Sagubakan Batuwag, 25, died on the spot from multiple bullet wounds.

Calinga said Batuwag was trapped in the crossfire Tuesday in Barangay Balatican between the groups of Commander Gampong of MILF 105th Base Command and Commander Wali who belong to the MNLF.

Both groups are locked in a "rido,"

meaning clan war.

The enemy commanders, both ethnic Maguindanaons, are squabbling for control of productive farming enclaves in Pikit, according to local residents.

No fewer than 10 people perished in deadly clashes since last year among feuding groups in Pikit that are locked in deadly clan wars, mostly sparked by political disputes and land conflicts.

Pikit has been hitting the news for two years now owing to the seemingly unending gun attacks in the municipality.

At least 34 people perished in a gun attack after another in the

municipality since last year, all unsolved.

Local officials told reporters Wednesday they are trying to settle the deep-seated animosity between Gampong and Wali.

Major Gen. Roy Galido, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said Wednesday they will use force to quell both groups if the two commanders refuse to heed calls for them to reconcile.

The running gunfights involving their followers in Barangay Balatican Tuesday sent villagers and pupils in a nearby public elementary school running for their lives. John Felix Unson

Maguindanao execs turn in unlicensed guns to AFP

LOCAL officials in Datu Anggal Midtimbang town in Maguindanao del Sur have turned over to military authorities unlicensed firearms collected by the local government from local residents.

Maj. Gen. Roy Galido, 6th Infantry Division commander, lauded the local officials of Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Maguindanao del Sur, headed by Mayor Mary Joy Estephanie Midtimbang, for supporting the government’s disarmament program.

Local officials turned over to Lt. Colonel Samuel Nadala Jr, commander of 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion and 601st Infantry Brigade deputy commander Colonel Ricky Bunayog, assorted high-powered firearms that included five sniper rifles, grenade launcher, M-16

with M203 grenade launcher, KJ9 rifle, caliber .45 pistol and assorted bullets.

“The instrument of violence must be removed to prevent it from being used to sow violence among us,” Maj. Gen. Galido said. “This is an effort that we, the military can’t do alone. We need the initiative of the people to surrender their loose firearms. After all, it will serve best for their safety.”

“This is our support to the Balik-Baril program of the government,” Mayor Midtimbang said in the vernacular.

“We are elated by the gesture of support of the local chief executive for the campaign against the proliferation of loose firearms,” Colonel Bunayog also said. Edwin O. Fernandez

The graduates were members of New Caridad United Farmers Association (NCUFA) in Tulunan who completed the FBS program.

Charish Paña, DAR North Cotabato Agrarian Reform Program Officer (PARPO II) congratulated the 31 FBS finishers for their unwavering commitment in completing the 25 sessions which started in July this year.

"We hope that we have inspired the farmers, especially the ARBs to put their learning into practice and pursue entrepreneurship for more income generation for their respective families," Paña said a statement released Wednesday.

Paña said the FBS 25 sessions have provided the learners with sufficient knowledge and skills in establishing and managing farm enterprises.

DAR-North Cotabato Enterprise Development and Economic Support (EDES) Section Head Virginia Obrero has admired the graduates

"DAR has already equipped all of you with sufficient knowledge and skills of an entrepreneur. We believe that you can now upscale businesses operation by turning your association into a cooperative for wider reach to boost the income generation of your organization," Obrero said.

Roy Gullos, one of the FBS graduates, welcomed and accepted the challenge to form a cooperative, saying, "the program has really helped us to change our perspective on farming and look at it as an opportunity for business."

Gullos said the program has enhanced their entrepreneurial knowledge such as, but not limited to, farm production, business planning, proper recording, market networking and decisionmaking.

“I believe we are now ready to take on the challenge of becoming a cooperative," Gullos said.

The FBS 25 sessions were facilitated by DAR trained technical experts.

Edwin O. Fernandez

FLOODED. Emergency responders were deployed Thursday in flooded villages at the border of General Santos City and Alabel town in Sarangani to rescue villagers affected by flashfloods.

Photo courtesy of Joy Sunga

LOCAL officials in Datu Anggal Midtimbang town in Maguindanao del Sur have turned over to military authorities unlicensed firearms collected by the local government from local residents.

innovative knowledge via FBS