The Mindanao Cross | November 27, 2021

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Vol. LXXIII| No. 42| Cotabato City | Saturday, November 27, 2021 |8 Pages | P10.00

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CHURCH / P4

Floods affect 8,000 families in NoCot, Maguindanao

Cardinal Advincula urges voters to look at bets’ track record, platform

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2 centenarians avail of NoCot “serbisyo caravan”

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

PNPA’S FIRST MUSLIM GRAD NOW A GENERAL

A POLICE official, once bypassed in political choices of police director in his native Maguindanao in 2009, becomes the first Muslim-Filipino police-general among graduates of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA).

By Nash B. Maulana

Police Brigadier General Esmael Pua Ali currently heads the Regional Learning and Doctrine Development Division (RLDDD) of the Regional Police Office of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Ali’s late father once related that it was a blessing in-disguise that the powers-thatbe at the time declined his son’s potential nomination to become Maguindanao’s police director, weeks before the gruesome Maguindanao Massacre happened on November 23 2009.

After being declined for that post

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BTA member proposes Bangsamoro medical school

By Edwin O. Fernandez A member of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), the lawmaking body of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), has filed a bill seeking the establishment of the Bangsamoro Medical School (BMS).

On Wednesday, Member of Parliament Susana Anayatin, who represents the Christian sector in the 81-member BTABARMM, said her bill seeks to provide accessible, affordable, and comprehensive medical education through the BMS which her colleagues support.

Anayatin, in filing Parliament

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BARMM to give “ayuda” to seniors, PWDs during “Bayanihan, Bakunahan”

By Edwin O. Fernandez SENIOR citizens, differently abled persons, people with co-morbidities stand to get relief aid from the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) if they avail of the nationwide vaccination rollout.

“The Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) is supportive of the Ministry of Health in this massive vaccination drive,” Minister Atty. Raissa Jajurie of the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD),

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DESTROYER CREATURE. Star fish that damage coral reef are collected in Glan, Sarangani to prevent destruction of Sarangani bay’s coral reef. Crown-of-thorns (COTs) starfish (Acanthaster planci) locally known as “Dap-ag” are considered voracious predators and are collected to prevent coral reef decline.

Photo courtesy of DENR Soccsksargen

No new COVID-19 patients in Cotabato City on Nov 21-23

High-ticket Lanao Sur agri venture launched

By John Felix Unson STAKEHOLDERS are optimistic the “The Ministry of Labor and multi-billion agricultural project of the Employment is ready to provide Southern Philippines Development interventions in setting up a good, wellAuthority (SPDA) in Lanao del Sur will protected labor force there,” Sema said. put the Bangsamoro region into Asia’s SPDA Administrator Gerry business map.

Salapuddin, Agriculture Secretary Bangsamoro Labor Minister Romeo William Dar and senior officials of the Sema was among the first to express Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in gratitude to the SPDA and the project’s Muslim Mindanao together launched multinational benefactor for venturing on November 16, the Agro-Industrial into large-scale soya and corn production Development Program (AIDP) covering in Amai Manabilang and Wao towns in Amai Manabilang and Wao towns.

Lanao del Sur. Dar was accompanied to Amai

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THE Cotabato City InterAgency Task Force has announced that no single COVID-19 case was reported in the city from Nov. 21 to 23.

On Nov. 20, only one patients has tested positive of the virus while on Nov. 24, four persons have been confirmed to have the virus.

In a statement, Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia Guiai-Sayadi urged the city residents to continue observing and

DID YOU KNOW?

practicing minimum health protocols, specifically the use of facemasks, face shields when necessary and physical distancing in public places.

The city IATF also urged the residents to come and get vaccinated during the three-day “Bayanihan, Bakunahan” mass vaccination program in the city As of Nov. 23, Cotabato City listed a total of 4,382

November is Environmental Awareness Month November is Environmental Awareness Month by virtue of Republic Act No. 9512 signed on Dec. 12, 2008.

CAPITAL INTENSIVE PROJECT. One of the overly-large tractors intended for the joint large-scale propagation of corn and soya in Lanao del Sur by the Southern Philippines Development Authority, local and foreign partners.

John Felix Unson

The law says the promotion of national awareness on the role of natural resources in economic growth and the importance of environmental conservation shall be done through environmental education.

confirmed cases while 4,214 have recovered. There were 153 fatalities due to COVID-19 related diseases and only 15 are still active.

The 15 active cases are residents of Bagua MB (2), Bagua 1 (2), Poblacion 2 (2), Poblacion 3 (2), Rorary Heights 8 (2), and Rosary Heights 13 (2). Barangays Rosary Heights 9, Tamontaka 1 and Tamontaka 4 have one each. AOF

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November 27, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Floods affect 8,000 families in NoCot, Maguindanao

MORE than 8,000 families in the adjoining towns in Maguindanao and North Cotabato have been displaced by floods that hit low lying communities, disaster officials said Friday.

At least 3,000 families (about 15,000 individuals) in low lying communities here have been affected by floods when the Malitubog-Maridagao river overfloweddue to frequent downpour in northern part of North Cotabato, Bukidnon and Agusan del Sur. Residents in Barangay Talitay have to bring their valuables atop their homes or roofing to save it from flood water.

Tahira Kalantongan, Pikit municipal disaster official, said the local government has already extended emergency aid to families affected by floods who preferred to stay home and wait for the water to subside.

The water rose to neck level since Wednesday and Thursday and now slowly disappearing.

Balumol Cadiding, Datu Montawal

disaster officer, said his office has listed about 5,000 families (about 25,000 people) affected by floods in all 11 barangays.

“Many stay home and wait for the water to recede, many are used to it,” Cadiding said, adding that the town government also extended food packs distributed to each homes of affected families.

“This is a recurring calamity in our town, every time there’s heavy down pour in Agusan, Bukidnon and North Cotabato, our town will automatically be underwater,” Cadiding said in a radio interview Friday.

North Cotabato Gov. Nancy Catamco has ordered the provincial disaster office to extend food and nonfood items to affected families in Pikit.

Edwin O. Fernandez

Bangsamoro overseas workers get aid from MOLE-BARMM

TO cushion the impact of the pandemic to Overseas Bangsamoro Workers (OBW), the regional government has distributed PHP20,000 cash aid to some 400 OBW in the city’s 37 villages.

On Wednesday, Minister Romeo Sema of the Ministry of Labor and Employment in the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), said the cash aid was part of his ministry’s reintegration program dubbed “Hanapbuhay for Bangsamoro Balik Mangagawa.”

Minister Sema has assured distress

Bangsamoro workers from abroad of the government’s intervention when they return home.

He assured that BARMM will continuously provide and promote gainful, inclusive, and genuinely equal employment opportunities for every Bangsamoro.

“This reintegration program is a manifestation of moral governance and of our commitment to serve the people in the region.

Our ministry promotes opportunities within our homeland so that the Bangsamoro people would not have to go outside the country just to find jobs,”

Sema said.

More than 2,000 OBWs from across BARMM provinces are expected to receive similar aid from MOLE. “I never thought the government would still attend to our needs, it is only now that I receive aid of this kind from BARMM,” Bainot, one of the beneficiaries said of the MOLE-BARMM program.

Another beneficiary, Monena Esmael Embong, 46 from Cotabato City, lauded the ministry for coming up with this program because she now has capital for her livelihood mini-grocery store. Edwin O. Fernandez

Lanao mayoral bet linked to murder under “hospital arrest”

ONE of the seven suspects in the fatal ambush of a municipal market administrator of Malabang, Lanao del Sur was arrested Monday and is now under hospital arrest in Ozamis City where he is undergoing medication for a lingering illness.

The detainee, former Vice Mayor Alinader Balindong of Picong, Lanao del Sur, and six others were tagged in the fatal ambush

last February of Rauf Malawani in Malabang town in the same province.

Malawani was market administrator of Malabang.

Police Major Gen. Albert Ferro, director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, announced Wednesday that CIDG agents served Balindong the warrant for his arrest while at the Misamis University

Medical Center in Ozamis City in Region 10.

Ferro said Balindong, most known in Lanao del Sur by his nickname “Dagar,” will remain under hospital arrest based on an interim order issued by a court in Lanao del Sur dated Nov. 22.

The warrant for his arrest in connection with his alleged involvement in the gun attack that resulted in Malawani’s death was issued November 10, 2021

NoCot village officials back Army fight vs. loose guns

VILLAGE officials here have thrown their support to the Army’s campaign against loose firearms and help prevent the use of guns in next year’s elections.

On Sunday, seven assorted rifles from villages were turned over by local officials to the military’s Joint Task Force Central (JTFC) through the Army’s 90th Infantry Battalion, according to 90th IB commander Lt. Colonel Rommel Mundala.

Mundala said the surrender of unlicensed rifles was made possible with the help from village officials of seven remote villages of Pikit.

They are active Army partners from the villages of Pamalian, Punol, Macasendeg, Damalasak, Kolambog, Silik, and Pulangi all under Pikit Municipality.

The surrendered firearms include two US Carbine Cal 30 rifle, one US Cal 30 M1 Springfield rifle, two M1 Garand Rifles, and two M1917 Enfield rifles.

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Colonel Jovencio F Gonzales, commander of 602 Infantry Brigade, has acknowledged the role of the community in realizing this achievement towards peace.

"The people of North Cotabato along with the Local Government Units have been our active partners in the attainment of peace and stability in the Province," Col. Gonzales said in a statement released by the 6th Infantry Division.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, 6th ID commander and head of JTF Central, has appealed to other local officials in North Cotabato to replicate the efforts made by Pikit, North Cotabato in sanitizing their localities of the presence of loose firearms.

"A community without loose firearms indicates that it is stable and peaceful, free from any threat influence," Maj. Gen. Uy said. Edwin

O. Fernandez

Diving for the Star: The CMAS one-star dive certification

ZAMBOANGA CITY – An ongoing WBA dive training in this city will run up to November 29 and is conducted by the Dive Center of the Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology (ZSCMST).

The assessment and certification is through CMAS Philippines.

CMAS stands for Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques. In English it is known as the World Underwater Federation, and uses the French acronym CMAS in its logo. It was organized in the 50s, with renowned explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau as its founding president.

CMAS offers several training programs, such as recreational diving, snorkelling, specialty diving, technical diving and leadership diving with specialty grades. CMAS is recognized by international organizations, such as the Olympics, The World

Games, Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF), World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), UNESCO and International University Sports Federation (FISU).

The WBA dive training is geared towards CMAS One Star Diver certification (also known as CMAS diver or CMAS).

CMAS defines a one start diver as one “who is competent in the safe and correct use of all appropriate open water scuba diving equipment in a sheltered water training area and is ready to gain open water diving experience in the company of an experienced diver”.

The academics part of one star diver training program covers the selection, purpose and function of diving equipment, including the effect of weather and tides, hazards, importance of conservation, among others.

The practicum side of one star diver training program covers assembly and fitting of scuba equipment; entry and exit; surface swimming with full scuba equipment; proper weighting, buoyancy; clearing and replacing mask and mouthpiece; outof-air emergency procedures, using a secondary air supply; controlled buoyant lift; diver assistance techniques, towing and landing a casualty; employing expired air ventilation and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation; underwater removal and replacement of scuba and ballast systems; and simple under-water navigation. This practicum includes confined and open water dives.

For the 22 WBA trainees, lectures will be at the La Azotea, Garden Orchids Hotel; confined water practicum at the hotel's swimming pool; and the open water practicum will be at the Simariki Ancestral

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BAYANIHAN SPIRIT. Police, village watchmen, civilians and people from all walks of live join hands to clear Rio Grande de Mindanao in the borders of Datu Odin Sinsuat and Kabuntalan towns in Maguindanao of water hyacinth that clogged water flow under the boundary bridge.

Photo courtesy of Kabuntalan Mps Pcr

November 27, 2021

PNPA’s first Muslim grad now a general...from P1

12 years ago, Ali has since been groomed for nomination to RPO director’s post in BARMM. However, his rank then as police superintendent fell one level short of the traditional holders of the position, that is, at least a one-star police general.

Ali is a member of the PNPA Sandigan Class of 1994 for a second degree course in Bachelor of Science in Public Safety at PNPA. He finished Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at the Notre Dame University in Cotabato City as a full state scholar in 1990.

Fresh from PNPA graduation, Ali was sent to a peacekeeping deployment in Basilan where an encounter with terrorist group Abu Sayyaf once became inevitable in 1994. His father recalled he prayed hard for his son’s safety in an imminent encounter with Abu Sayyaf, and Esmael telling him later that thick clouds engulfed that part of the island and darkness was all over, which kept dangers at bay.

At UN Peacekeeping Missions Ali had been to the Philippine Police Contingents to the United Nations Peacekeeping Missions in East Timor through the UNTAET (United Nations Transitional Administration at East Timor), and later the UNMISET (United Nations Mission of Support).

Ali was again posted to a foreign assignment in the Philippine Contingent of Police Officers to the United Nations Interim Administration Mission (UNIAM) in Kosovo in the former Yugoslavia from 2003 to 2004.

Following his promotion to police

brigadier general, Ali went home to native Datu Piang, Maguindanao to meet members of his immediate family, and old friends.

His network of friends and fellow professionals now want him to give it a second try to be nominated — not anymore as police provincial director — but to BARMM RPO’s top post, 12 years after a sheer luck spared him the brunt of Maguindanao Massacre.

and the Association of Philippine Medical Colleges (APMC).

APMC will be in charge of determining and approving the organizational structure for the facility's management and operations.

On the other hand, the BARMM's education ministry will promulgate the implementing rules and regulations of the bill.

Anayatin said one of the BARMM government's

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC Be it known that the Libungan River Watershed Forest Reserve (LRWFR), an area covering 52,820 hectares, located within the eight (8) barangays of Municipality of Libungan & fourteen (14) barangays of Municipality of Alamada in the Province of Cotabato, LIBUNGAN ALAMADA Montay

Camansi

Grebona

Paruayan

Nicaan

Pacao

Malengen

Kitacubong

Palao

Mirasol

Sinapangan Polayagan Kiloyao

Mapurok

Kapayawi

Barangiran Rangayen Macabasa Raradangan Pigcawaran Lower Dado Dado

BTA member proposes Bangsamoro...from P1 Bill 150, said her proposal aims to serve "Bangsamoro young people from different territories in BARMM and may extend its services to other existing medical schools in Mindanao."

Anayatin said the medical school will be built under the “capacity and capability” required by the licensing standards and regulation of the Commission on Higher and Technical Education (CHED) of the Philippines

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THE MINDANAO CROSS

top priorities, as stated in the Bangsamoro Organic Law, is to develop a complete and integrated system of quality education that will serve as a subsystem of the national education system.

The law mandates the Bangsamoro government must also create an educational framework relevant and responsive to the needs, ideals, and aspirations of the Bangsamoro people.

having been proclaimed as a Watershed Forest Reserve by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 563 dated May 3, 1990 and designated as an Initial Component of the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) and its implementing Rules and Regulations of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2, Series of 1992, is now on the process of proclaiming LRWFR as a Protected Area by virtue of Republic Act No. 11038 otherwise known as the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (ENIPAS) Act of 2018 and to be known as Libungan-Alamada Protected Landscape (LAPL). LRWFR was categorized as Protected Landscape based on the result of the Protected Area Suitability Assessment (PASA) conducted in 2019 which refers to areas of national significance which are characterized by the harmonious interaction of man and land while providing opportunities for public enjoyment through the recreation and tourism within the normal lifestyle and economic activities of these areas.

MC: November 27, 2021

Maguindanao Rice Farmers graduate from the MAFAR-BARMM School-on-the-Air program

IN a place where Internet connection is both weak and costly, educators have turned to the most reliable communication tool whose reach is far and wide and won’t cost a fortune, the radio, as radio remains to be useful tool in reaching farmers on a large scale.

A Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform project in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency, School on the Air, is a one-hour radio program launched on Aug. 1.

Now 550 farmers across Maguindanao are equipped with modern farming technology and effective techniques to increase productivity and income after they graduated last Nov. 15-16, 2021.

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform Mohammad S. Yacob Ph.D., who attended the graduation of the farmers at MAFAR-BARMM premises, said the enrolled farmer-beneficiaries, who are from the 14 municipalities of Maguindanao, learned the MAFAR program on farm mechanization and food security.

Moreover, he said the farmers also learned about effective means to combat infestation like black bug attacks, which was one of their problems then, thereby increasing their productivity and profits.

Yacob urged all farmers in the region to participate in all MAFAR programs that primarily aim to improve production and income for the region’s agriculture sector.

Information Officer Musrifa Mago, said that SOA is a distance learning technology package on agriculture-related matters. It is a sequence of radio programs that systematically and progressively present agricultural subject matters and aired for a period of not less than three months with 16 episodes.

“This effort is very effective to be able to reach out to our farmers. We only target close groups or associations so that movement will be minimized,” she said.

The program includes enhancing mechanisms or

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform Mohammad S. Yacob, Ph. D together with Hoshi Hirofumi, Chief Adviser of UCPB-JICA and one of the graduates of the School-on-the-Air.

tools, such as short messaging system (SMS), Internet, and telephone. A certificate is given to the enrollees after completion of the course.

Mago said the SOA was aired every Sunday from 7:30-8:00 AM in the local radio stations with anchor Dr. Kadiguia R. Abdullah, it can also be watched live on the MAFAR-BARMM Facebook page.

Chief of Operations Tong Abas said that the farmers learned a lot from this program including the use of recommended varieties, land preparation, planting method, seed production up to the postharvest.

Information caravan for agriculture will soon roll out in Maguindanao to familiarize farmers with other programs the agency offers. As part of the Rice Awareness Month, other related training will be held for farmers and farm workers, agricultiral extension workers, as well as members of cooperatives and associations. Irribani Datusakaludan/MAFAR-

BARMM

GRADUATES. Farmers from Maguindanao join the graduation ceremony of the School-on-Air on Upland Rice Farm on Monday. The radio-based learning program composed of 16 episodes.

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November 27, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Cardinal Advincula urges voters to look at bets’ track record, platform

With the election season beginning to heat up, a top Catholic official urged the electorate to study the track record and platform of candidates.

Cardinal Jose Advincula, the archbishop of Manila, said that voters must look at the integrity before choosing candidates to support in the May 2022 elections.

“We pray that there will be a deep assessment of the programs and platforms of every candidate, as well as their track records,” Advincula said in Radio Veritas.

One thing to do, according

to him, is to form “circles of discernment” among lay people to guide them in their choice of political candidates.

He said it is imperative for voters to deeply discern as a community on the characteristics and track record of each candidate.

“It is our call for the people to create their ‘circles of discernment’ so that we can

Cardinal Jose Advincula, Archbishop of Manila

hear and follow the will of God,” Advincula said.

The cardinal also encouraged voters to consider the position of candidates regarding respect for human dignity, common good, social justice, and societal charity.

“We hope that these will be the prevailing considerations of the people in choosing our next leaders,” he said. CBCP News

Photo courtesy of Maricar Santos/RCAM-AOC

Vote buying is ‘mark of the devil’, says archbishop

A Catholic archbishop has advised the electorate to vehemently refuse vote buying, which he branded as a ‘mark of the devil’.

Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan urged the voters to help end vote-buying by not selling their votes.

“Vote buying is a mark of the devil. It puts a price on the person of the voter,” Villegas said.

“It is even worse when the vote buyer puts a price on their votes and tempts the poor,” he said.

The former head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines noted how politicians are baiting the poor during elections.

“During elections, the poor are like fishes looking for food.

But instead of feeding them, the politicians put out bait as vote buyers,” Villegas said. “They fed the poor, but they also hooked them.”

The archbishop also lamented how vote buying destroys the heart of democracy and the people who make up the nation.

“When a fish is made boneless, it cannot grow anymore. It flails. Democracy flails if we don’t destroy vote buying,” he said.

Villegas made the statement as he lamented vote buying has already started in the guise of giving “ayuda” (assistance).

“This is not early assistance.

This is early corruption. They are working hard to bait poor people. It has begun,” he said.

CBCP News

Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan gives the homily as he celebrates Mass for the feast of Christ the King at the St. John the Evangelist Cathedral in Dagupan City Nov. 21, 2021.

Photo courtesy of Father Soc Youtube channel

Bishops to youth: Never give up on truth, justice THE youth arm of the Catholic Church exhorted young Filipinos not to give up on justice and care for the country.

The bishops of the Episcopal Commission on Youth urged the young people to dream not only for themselves and their families, but also for their community and the needy.

“Arise! Let us not give up on kindness and charity.

Let us not give up the search for truth and justice,”

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the bishops said. “Let our mercy and compassion overflow.”

“Dream for your fellow young people, your brothers and sisters, especially those in the margins,” they said.

The call was contained in a message for this year’s National Youth Day on December 16 and signed by the commission’s head, Bishop Rex Andrew Alarcon of Daet, and its member bishops.

here are two seasons part of an environment or a in the church calendar culture that accepts as right that call for repentance, what is wrong. There are reconciliation and renewal. many historical examples These are penitential seasons: of this. There was a time Advent leading to Christmas, in the history of civilized and Lent in preparation for nations when slavery was Easter. These seasons are acceptable. It was the normal Rev. Fr. Antonio P. Pueyo, DCC symbolized by the use of thing. Slavery may not exist tonypoy_dcc0@yahoo.com the color violet in liturgical widely today but there is activities, a penitential color. In both seasons the color discrimination against people because of their color, social rose or pink is used just before the last week , a sign of status, gender, religion, and economic status. In terms of gladness and rejoicing, to indicate the nearness of the birth politics and governance, corruption is deemed acceptable of the Lord and the Resurrection. Violet and rose, sorrow as SOP or “standard operating procedure.” In this time of and gladness, sin and redemption are the themes of these elections, citizens, including religious leaders can become seasons. victims of “creeping bribery”. We can be sure that there All the three readings of this first week of Advent call for will be many offers for church projects, for basketball moral renewal. In the first reading the prophet Jeremiah courts, and for personal projects. Before we know it, a looks forward to the shoot that will sprout from David’ s certain political figure or group owns us. I remember line (Jer. 33:15). He will practice justice and righteousness one election season, when for the sake of name recall, a in the land. The Messiah will be a moral leader. In the politician offered masses everyday “in thanksgiving.” Of second reading, Paul exhorts the Thessalonians, “We urge course, three months of hearing the same name at mass you to live in a way that pleases God, just as you have everyday worked. The candidate won. learned from us” (1Thess. 3:12). In the holy Gospel, Jesus There are two ways to effect moral renewal. First, is talked about the end times and warned his hearers, “Be on to work from inside through moral education that changes your guard; don’t immerse yourselves in a life of pleasure, mind-sets and offers a better alternative, or a paradigm drunkenness, and worldly cares, lest that day catch you change. This takes a longer time because some mind-sets unaware like a trap” (Lk. 21:34). such as prejudices are deeply embedded. Second, is to Moral renewal happens in the inside, as St. Paul work from outside through policies, rules, rewards and encourages his early community, “May the Lord strengthen punishments, that hopefully create habits and internal you internally to be holy and blameless before God our conviction. This approach has more immediate results Father” (1 Thess. 3:13). Such an interior moral renewal but the renewal may just be a matter of compliance if is also called “metanoia” or conversion. It is turning not internalized. Take away the structure of rules and towards God, and turning one’s back to sin. It is to seek regulations and the inappropriate behavior reappears. and embrace redemption and stopping the momentum to Conversion is an internal process. It is recognizing perdition. Indeed, sin has its momentum, the longer we that we are not the best person we ought to be or the are engaged in it, the harder to stop. community we are called to become. When we realize The problem with sinfulness is that it does not just that this deficiency harms us and others, then the path to corrupt individual persons. Sin can become structural, renewal opens up. Let this season of Advent be a time or institutional. Without being aware of it, we become of moral renewal. MC

Moral Renewal

REFLECTIONS

In the context of next year’s local and national elections, the bishops also urged the youth to fight selfishness, indifference by “making good choices”.

“Our freedom is perfected by constantly choosing the good. Choosing evil is an abuse of our freedom,” the bishops said.

“Arise and dream once again for our beloved country, the Philippines. Let us save our country together,” they added. CBCP News

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

1st Sunday of Advent Readings:

Jeremiah 33.14-16; 1 Thessalonians 3.12 – 4.2; Luke 21.25-28, 34-36

The first Sunday of Advent opens with an invitation to be vigilant. Our destiny as pilgrims reminds us of the Coming of the Lord. And as His coming is near, we must wait eagerly and welcome Him in our lives. By being watchful, we prepare ourselves for His presence among us. And so may we remove the darkness in our lives and replace our stony hearts with love and compassion.

God is coming, let us be watchful.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, open our hearts to welcome you for your coming. Amen.

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THE MINDANAO CROSS

November 27, 2021 EDITORIAL

Advent is here!

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hey say that the Philippines has the longest Christmas season in the world.

With the onset of the …ber…months, you can already hear the sounds of Christmas carols and see Christmas decors in many homes and commercial establishments.

Nobody can blame us. During the year, so many catastrophes and calamities visit the country – pandemic, earthquakes, heat waves, volcanic eruptions, storms, floods – that we look forward to the Christmas season as a respite from the heartaches that all these brings.

But how do we look at Christmas? Is it the season to wear our favorite clothes, cook our favorite food, and be with the loved ones that we haven’t seen because we spent our time scrounging for money the whole year through? Is this what makes Christmas different from the rest of the year?

We wish to keep the record straight.

The focus of Christmas is not ourselves, but the birth of Jesus Christ. Due to commercialization, we have lost track that Christmas is all about Jesus Christ; how He was born in a manger to show that like us, He also undergo all the hardships that the earth had to give. Thus, His birth is a happy occasion. We all look forward to His birthday, and despite the Pandemic and all the calamities, we celebrate the best we can.

Looking forward to this celebration is the season of Advent – the coming.

Last year’s advent was a sad one. The COVID 19 Pandemic was on the rise, and the people who best look forward to Christmas had to follow health protocols. The old ones, and the young ones, are told to stay at home.

No Christmas parties, no visiting of relatives, no buying of gifts. We have to hear mass on television and on our tiny cellphones.

This year, with the pandemic slowing down, the oldies can go shopping and the children are allowed to go to entertainment venues. Hopefully, advent this year will be different from last year.

Or will it be? 28 days before Christmas, every song we try to play on social media is interspersed with campaign materials for the May elections. I was hoping that playing Christmas carols will condition myself for Christmas Day, and assimilate the joy that the songs bring on the coming of Christ. But lo and behold, all of us are being conditioned to vote for certain people who have the money to pay on social media. Some children ask if this is what Advent is all about – persuading us to vote for those candidates. Maybe, the caroling will be more profitable if the carolers sing the jingles of politicians and not the preparation for the coming of Christ.

Please, COMELEC! Make our Christmas experience be happy. If there are protocols for the Pandemic, there should be protocols for the coming election. MC +

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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

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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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ovember 23, 2009 has gone down in infamy as the day when the worst killing of journalists in history happened in the Philippines. In what was dubbed by the Committee to Protect Journalists as the single deadliest event for journalists in the world, 32 journalists (along with 26 other civilians) were brutally murdered in Ampatuan, Maguindanao. Twelve years is a long time, but it is definitely not enough for closure to come to the families of the innocent victims of the Ampatuan Massacre.

This despite the December 19, 2019 court decision which convicted 28 of the accused of planning and carrying out that most gruesome crime along with 15 others as accessories.

The cry for justice for the deadliest single attack on journalists in the world continues, according to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, which has since stood with the families of the victims in their quest for justice. While acknowledging the guilty verdict handed down in December 2019 as a victory, it is “only partial justice and one that we must be vigilant about losing.”

In September last year, a broad group of organizations and individuals sent an appeal to United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, or UNESCO, calling its attention on the classification of the Ampatuan massacre case as “resolved.” They reminded UNESCO that “while there has been a verdict, the Ampatuan convictions can still be and, in fact, have been appealed. Brothers Zaldy Ampatuan and Andal Ampatuan, Jr. have filed their appeals before the Court of Appeals, while another brother, Anwar Ampatuan, and his two sons, Anwar Ampatuan, Jr. and Anwar Sajid Ampatuan, have appealed before the trial court that convicted them.”

They also pointed out that “nearly 80 more suspects, 15 of them surnamed Ampatuan, remain at large more than a decade after the mass murder. All of them should be tried, but as of February 20, 2020, only four, two of them policemen, have been arrested and are on trial.

Another principal accused, Sajid Islam Ampatuan, brother of Zaldy, Andal Jr. and Anwar Ampatuan, was acquitted even if he was present at the meeting when the massacre was planned.”

The appeal prompted the UNESCO to maintain the classification of the Ampatuan Massacre legal case as “unresolved.”

According to NUJP, only five out of the 80 suspects still at large since 2019 had been arrested. Aside from the 197 individuals convicted in 2019, It said the families HE Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) opened the first of 150 barangay hall buildings the region is constructing this year to improve on governance at community level.

Banubo, a historic village in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, hosted Thursday officials at the opening of the first-ever completed BARMM-standard barangay hall, and it was accepted by residents and village leaders in mixed expressions of gratitude and emotion.

The old tradition of “bayanihan” (hand-in-hand) is very much the same tradition that prevails in working for common good in Banubo, as residents had exuded in the construction of their two-story fully-furnished barangay hall, says Armela Bansil, principal of the Maguindanaon Elementary School in Banubo.

In the book Muslim in the Philippines, Banubo is mentioned by historian Dr. Cesar Adib Majul as the village where Maguindanao Sultan Jalaludin Pablo held his court until his death in 1888.

In his acceptance of the newly constructed barangay hall, Barangay Chairman Hyder Abas says he’s being grateful to BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim and BARMM Interior and Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo and their working teams in bringing the regional governance closer to the people.

Abas cites a firm leadership in Sultan Kudarat Mayor Shameem Biruar Mastura for much of the town’s progress, as well as stewardship of peace and security of the community and residents.

Sinarimbo says barangay halls will better serve the interest of service-oriented governance, as these are the first-line of government engagements with the people Abas also says credits were forever due to the blood, sweat, tears and the lives of unnamed Moro Mujahideens for the fruits of development that the Moro people now reap.

Lawyer Marvin Mokamad, MILG-BARMM interior affairs director, says Banubo is a historical landmark for the Bangsa (nation of) Maguindanaon—for its residents were first to be called “Maguindanaons”, a contention shared by many.

Some debatable issues in Maguindanao Sultanate have remained unresolved by historians in terms of “indigenous identity” “nationality” and “dominion.” (Note: The United Nations [UN] defines “nationhood” in three evolutional stages in history, namely: 1] imperial nations; 2] indigenous nations and 3] colonial nations).

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Twelve years of tears

Thinking Aloud Carlos C. Bautista caloyb@gmail.com

of the victims also filed a separate complaint against 49 others before the Department of Justice. Only eight were found with probable cause to file murder charges, while the remaining 41 are on appeal. The appeals process of the 2019 verdict has been slow-moving, according to a Rappler report, with the submission of briefs still to happen.

Without the resolution, the families of the 57 victims will not receive the damages yet, the report said.

The appeals process is also important to the family of Reynaldo Momay, Jr, the 58th victim who was excluded in the 2019 verdict of Quezon City judge Jocelyn Solis Reyes because his body was never found. Momay’s daughter, Reynafe Momay-Castillo, has filed an appeal with the Court of Appeals to include Momay, citing his dentures found at the crime scene. According to the Center for International Law which represents Momay-Castllo, they still have to receive notice from the CA relative to the appeal.

In a press conference on Tuesday, Momay-Castillo said: “Hindi ko alam kung kinonsider nilang tao, o hayop, ‘yung tatay ko. Nawala na lang ang nanay ko na hindi nasisilayan ang hustisya, ayaw kong mawala na lang din ako na hindi ko ‘yun nasisilayan kaya ilalaban ko hangga’t nandiyan kayo.”

NUJP said it will stand with Momay-Castillo, for whom justice is even more elusive, adding: “Forgetting is not an option and will never be an option.”

“The Ampatuan Massacre is a symbol and a symptom of the culture of impunity on the attacks on media and other civilians,” NUJP said in a statement issued on the 12th year of the gruesome event. “It is a grim reminder of the rottenness of the political system ruled by dynasties and warlords. This day calls upon us to remain vigilant and continue defending democracy against tyranny and it is for calling for accountability for these attacks that we can help keep our colleagues safe.” MC

BARMM opens first standard Barangay Hall in Banubo, a historic village

Penlight Nash B. Maulana

nash.penlight@gmail.com

We hold that the Sultans of Maguindanao were of the Bangsa Iranun or had heavy lineage of the Iranun bloodline—and that their dominion was called “Maguindanao.”

Maguindanao as a sultanate dominion or “indigenous nation” (read: “first nation” in some tradition of demographical separations) was broadest in the time of Sultan Muhammad Dipatuan Kudarat that it expanded up to Ternate in a present-day Indonesian territory in 1632. In about that time, Kudarat settled in Ternate and anointed his son Dundang Teduray as the successor to his throne.

Soon, Dundang died and Kudarat returned to Maguindanao proper to reassume the sultanate.

Kudarat had his first amity treaty with Governor General Diego Fajardo in 1645, who was represented in the signing by Jesuit Padre Melchor Lopez, to cede Caraga, Camiguin and Tamontaka territories to Spain.

Several succeeding sultans had had similar amity treaties of cession of territories to Spain either by donation for religious purposes, an in many cases in the representation of the Jesuits (as it was in the case of the Caraga, Gamiguin and Tamontaka territoris).

Kudarat’s namesake great, great grandson Sultan Qudratullah Untong also entered into a friendship treaty with Spain on the opening of Maguindanao’s trade center, the present-day Cotabato City, for a Spanish-controlled trading in 1645, or 200 years after the Kudarat-Lopez Treaty.

The treaties have since reduced “Maguindanao” the varying Maguindanao dominions into the size of the Banubo village where Sultan Jalaludin Pablo held his court away from political enmity and the trading rivalries of his time. In Cotabato City, the colonizers had merely left as the sultanate’s landmark the creek discharging from the Tantawan interior rainwater drainage towards the Matampay River and Manday River as the “Lawas a Maguindanao. MC

6

Either we are of God or Satan, Light or darkness, blessing or curse, Rightist or leftist.

Here’s the LORD’s assurance to the God-fearing: I will strengthen, help and uphold you with “My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

Charlie Señase Twelve years-ago csenase@yahoo.com till now, loved ones and contemporaries of 58 people ITH all the news headlines that trigger global instability killed (32 of whom were media practitioners) as it borders on wars and its have not cease with their united plea for rumors with advanced and developing justice on a crime of conspiracy. “Never countries preparing for possible nuclear Again” reverberates the voices of unison armed conflict while still in the brink for the 2009 Maguindanao Massacre in of containing the deadly pandemic that Ampatuan town which hope can only be already annihilated and infected millions, had through faith and love.

Despite life’s threats and uncertainties, we are at a loss.

And suddenly stumble on a biblical we learn of people known as centenarians passage that reads: Whatever God does, it to have lived more than a hundred years. shall be forever. Nothing can be added and Just this week, a native of Kabankalan taken from it. God does it that we should City in Negros Occidental had survived up fear Him. For what has been is what will to 124 years, considered the oldest in the be that God requires an account of what is Guinness Book of World Records. Francisca Susana, born in 1897 was able to celebrate past (Ecclesiastes 3:14-15).

What’s there in government if not her last natal day on September 11 before politics to have invaded even sectarians she passed away on Nov.22.

Many are puzzled on man’s longevity and the conservative segment of society, when death comes even much earlier to mostly for the love of self and money?

World and domestic leaders are essential health and science experts. It’s because molders of truth and righteousness to their death is God’s appointed to mortals like flock as citizens expressed disbelief that us then His judgment on where will be a self-proclaimed pastor from Mindanao our eternal destination. Our fear of God, has been charged by a US court of alleged reverence to parents and elders are secrets child-women trafficking and acquisition of to a long life of joy and contentment.

We don’t have to be bitter and furious questionable ill-gotten wealth. Indicted is Pastor Apollo Quibuloy, a known ally of amid intimidation by so-called super powers President Duterte, who’s blind item this on territorial ownership claim in selected week of a cocaine-user presidentiable has areas within the West Philippine Sea. On China’s recent claim of Ayungin Shoal after stirred speculation on who’s who?

Perhaps alluded to, Ferdinand it succeeded in claiming Scarborough Shoal “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has been cleared by during past administration, President DOH central as negative for illegal drug-use Duterte and other allied countries as shown by an official health certificate consider it encroachment and violative of this week which copy was also furnished international laws on sovereignty. The full to the PNP to avoid arrest. This prompted utilization of legal tools must be applied national and local governments units along to ensure that South China Sea remains with COMELEC to agree whether to make a sea of peace, stability and prosperity, it official and mandatory for all candidates the President said during recent ASEANin the May 2022 polls to undergo drug test China Special Summit on the controversial ownership issue. for justification.

As this developed, the US has affirmed As a Divine standard of justice: In the place of judgment both wickedness to support allies like the Philippines that and righteousness were there. For God uphold international maritime laws; that any shall judge the righteous and the wicked armed assault against PH vessels in South according to time, purpose and every deed. China Sea would invoke US commitments In life we don’t have to be neutral, for we under the Mutual Defense Treaty. Good is cannot serve two masters at the same time – enough than to be the beast. MC

Better or Beast

True to Form

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most popular Christmas decoration in the Philippines.

Christmas Eve is very important in the Philippines.

Many people stay awake all night into Christmas day! During Christmas Eve evening, Christians go to church to hear the last ‘simbang gabi’ or the Christmas Eve mass. This is followed by a midnight feast, called Noche Buena.

The Noche Buena is a big, open house, celebration with family, friends and neighbors dropping in to wish everyone a Merry Christmas! Most households would have several dishes laid out and would normally include: lechon (roasted pig), ham, fruit salad, rice cakes (bibingka and puto bumbong are traditional Christmas foods) and other sweets, steamed rice, and many different types of drinks.

One very special person who helps people in the Philippines celebrate Christmas is Santa R-Kayma Klaws.

He is a Filipino citizen, in his 70s and is of Irish descent. He has been spreading Christmas cheer among poor Filipino children by dressing up as Santa Claus during charity missions and corporate events in poor areas of the Philippines for over 50 years. He has a ‘giant motor sleigh’ (an air-conditioned bus!) that is used in many missions all over the Philippines. Santa R-Kayma Klaws owns the Philippines’ only reindeer farm at Mt. Isarog in Barangay Sta. Cruz, Ocampo, Camarines Sur. The farm is open to the public for free.

The Philippines has eight major languages, here’s how to say Merry Christmas in some of them! In Tagalog, Happy/Merry Christmas is ‘Maligayang Pasko’; in Ilocano it’s ‘Naragsak nga Paskua’; in Ilonggo it’s ‘Malipayon nga Pascua’; in Sugbuhanon or Cebuano it’s ‘Maayong Pasko’; in Bicolano they say ‘Maugmang Pasko’ in Pangalatok or Pangasinense they say ‘Maabig ya pasko’ or ‘Magayagan inkianac’; and in Warey Warey you say ‘Maupay Nga Pasko’ MC

Christmas in the Philippines

THE STUFF OF LIFE

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November 27, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

www.whychristmas.com

eople in the Philippines like to celebrate Christmas for as long as possible! The playing of Christmas carols in shops can start in September!

The formal Christmas celebrations start on 16th December when many people go the the first of nine pre-dawn or early morning masses. The last mass is on Christmas day.

The Christmas celebrations continue to the First Sunday in January when Epiphany or the Feast of the Three Kings is celebrated.

In the Philippines the early masses held before Christmas are called the ‘Misa de Gallo’ or ‘Simbang Gabi’ in Filipino.

Most Filipinos are Christians with about 80% of people being Catholics.

It’s the only Asian country with so many Christians.

Because of this, Christmas is the most important holiday in the Philippines.

December is actually one of the ‘cooler’ months of the year in the Philippines. The Philippines only has two real seasons, wet (June to October) and dry (April and May).

December is one of the months in between the wet and dry seasons.

Christmas customs in the Philippines are a mixture of western and native Filipino traditions. (Christianity became widely known in The Philippines in the 1500s when missionaries from countries like Portugal and Spain traveled to the area.) So people in the Philippines have Santa Claus (or ‘Santa Klaus’), Christmas trees, Christmas cards and Christmas carols from western countries!

They also have their own Christmas traditions such as the ‘parol’ which is a bamboo pole or frame with a lighted star lantern on it. It’s traditionally made from bamboo strips and colored Japanese paper or cellophane paper and represents the star that guided the Wise Men. It is the

Christmas is the most important holiday in the Philippines.

Is diarrhoea a symptom of COVID-19?

What other symptoms of COVID-19 are common alongside diarrhoea?

Diarrhoea is most likely to occur alongside other symptoms. Which symptoms these are depends on age and A Reprint from the ZOE COVID SYMPTOM study whether you have a localised ata from millions of ZOE COVID COVID-19 affecting mostly Symptom Study app contributors your gastrointestinal system or an infection has shown that diarrhoea can be a that affects more of your body. symptom of COVID-19. Here’s how to spot In adults, most of the time diarrhoea it and what it feels like. comes alongside fatigue and headaches. In addition, adults tend to experience diarrhoea What is diarrhoea like in COVID-19? with loss of smell (anosmia), and it is Even though diarrhoea is a less well- reasonably common alongside a sore throat known symptom of COVID-19, it affects a and skipping meals. In children, diarrhoea reasonable proportion of people during their tends to occur with fatigue and headaches illness. and sometimes with abdominal pain, a sore Having COVID-19 diarrhoea alongside throat and anosmia. many other symptoms is associated with an Diarrhoea has also been associated increased risk of needing hospital support. with a greater risk of needing hospital Diarrhoea caused by COVID-19 is similar support, particularly among people also to the upset tummy you might get from a reporting abdominal pain and unusual regular stomach bug, such as rotavirus or muscle pain. norovirus. Diarrhoea is common in children Depending on your age and sex, you and adults and usually clears up by itself. should contact your doctor if you have We think COVID-19 causes diarrhoea multiple different symptoms of COVID-19 because the virus can invade cells in in the first week of being ill. the gut and disrupt its normal function.

COVID-19 can be transmitted through poo What should I do if I have diarrhoea and contaminated surfaces or hands. It’s and think it might be COVID-19? critically important to wash your hands If you have diarrhoea and think it might thoroughly and regularly clean bathrooms be COVID-19 you should: if you, anyone you live with, or someone • Follow the NHS guidelines and selfyou’re caring for has diarrhoea, to prevent isolate at home to help protect the people the infection spreading. around you and the wider community.

Make sure you keep your bathroom When does diarrhoea happen in clean and wash your hands after using COVID-19? the toilet.

Diarrhoea is an early sign of COVID-19, • Download the ZOE COVID Symptom starting on the first day of infection and Study app and log your symptoms to be building in intensity during the first week. offered a test through the app.

It usually lasts for an average of two to three • Also log your health daily in the app, if days, but can last up to seven days in adults. you’re not already, to help us understand Some people can suffer from ongoing more about how COVID-19 affects bouts of COVID-related diarrhoea, and these people and contribute to life-saving are commonly reported in people with long scientific research.

COVID or post-COVID syndrome.

Check out our tips on looking after yourself if you are sick with COVID-19, How common is diarrhoea in monitoring your health at home and staying COVID-19? hydrated.

Diarrhoea isn’t a very common symptom If you have diarrhoea, it’s important of COVID-19 but the likelihood of having it to keep drinking and eating if you can. The increases with age. 10% of children, 21% of NHS has more advice for treating diarrhoea. adults aged 16-35 and around 30% of adults Diarrhoea increases the risk of spreading aged over 35 experience diarrhoea during infection to others in your household, so it’s their illness. Only 2% of people who were ill essential to wash your hands thoroughly and with COVID-19 reported diarrhoea as their keep bathrooms clean and tidy. only symptom.

Stay safe and keep logging. MC

HEALTH CORNER

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An Easy Way to Property Investing…

Universal Life (VUL) products that are insurance policies with a saving component that allows for investment of the cash value in baskets of stocks that include those heavy Danny Buenbrazo danny_buenbrazo@yahoo.com on property companies (e.g.

Ayala Land, Megaworld, NVESTING in property is touted Century Properties, among as one of the best ways to get sure others). A VUL can be amortized, and high rate of returns. There are usually over a period of ten-years, with numerous books written by prominent payment done quarterly, semi-annually, persons that extoll the advantages of real or annually. property investing.

Banks also offer Unit Investment In his book “Rich Dad, Poor Dad”, Trust Funds (UITFs) that may include Robert Kiyosaki recounted how his products invested in property stocks “Rich Da” was able to enrich himself by and other real estate-linked ventures. engaging in business, particularly in real Investment in UITF is done by a oneestate investing. He also co-authored a time payment with the investor having book with Donald Trump, the former US the option to buy more units as extra President that dealt with investing in funds become available to him. real estate. Trump made a name with The Philippine Stock Exchange (is his numerous property investments that a venue for purchasing listed-property include lending his brand to one of the companies or special corporations (Real projects of local property firm Century Estate Investment Trust companies) that Properties located near Kalayaan placed a number of income-generating Avenue and Makati Avenue. properties as one unit and offering shares Many who have read about or to the public. heard the merits of property business An investor earns from shares in are attracted to invest in the sector, these traditional real estate companies however, the minimum amount required (Suntrust, Robinsons Land, Ayala to acquire real properties and turn into Land, and Vista Land) through stock them cash-producing assets is beyond appreciation and from distribution of the reach of ordinary people. Buying dividends. a piece of land in a good location and REIT companies are formed as a constructing a structure there to be vehicle to increase investments in incomerented out for residential, commercial, generating properties of companies and other purposes would certainly set primarily engaged in leasing real estate. you back by P2,000,000 or more.

They are attractive investments since the With such high bar to entry into the companies are mandated to distribute real estate business, is there any other 90% of their income to shareholders aside way for a Filipino with less than a million from potential gains from stock value pesos or even just few thousand pesos appreciation. to invest and reap the benefits of a real Ayala REIT, a subsidiary of Ayala property business?

Land was listed in the PSE in August Fortunately for us, there are a 2020. And sold at P26, now it has reached number of investment instruments that a high of P50 per share.Subsequently, were invented that would allow people c o m p a n i e s l i k e D o u b l e D r a g o n , with limited capital to invest in and Megaworld, Filinvest Land, Robinsons receive the gains of real estate businesses. Land created their own subsidiaries and Some instruments can be accessed listed shares on the PSE. through insurance companies, banks, REITs are not yet that popular in and the Philippine Stock Exchange or the Philippines, it is likely that listed PSE. companies will continue to appreciate Insurance companies sell Variable in value. MC

Market Driven

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High-ticket Lanao Sur agri venture...from P1 Manabilang, where the symbolic rite was held, by DA’s undersecretary, Zamzamin Ampatuan, and Regional Ministers Eduard Uy Guerra and Dickson Hermoso of the Bangsamoro public works and transportation and communication ministries, respectively.

The 26,000-hectare agricultural project, whose benefactors include the multinational Asia Pacific Precision Agriculture Group (ASPC-AG), is focused on large-scale propagation of soya and corn in both towns, to be marketed in Islamic countries in the Middle East and in Asia.

Bai Sandra Siang, president of the Muslim Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Kutawato Incorporated, said she is certain the AIDP will usher in economic boom in Amai Manabilang and Wao towns.

“Many former Moro guerillas now covered by the peace process between Malacañang and the BARMM government shall gain from this project in terms of livelihood opportunities,” she said.

Mohammad Pasigan, president of Bangsamoro Business Club, said he is convinced the AIDP, a proof that it is safe now in most parts of the autonomous region, will entice other foreign investors to put up viable agricultural ventures in the area.

He said the improving business climate in the Bangsamoro region is an apparent dividend of the government’s southern Mindanao peace process that

aims to put a diplomatic closure to the Moro issue hounding the country since the early ‘70s.

“This colossal AIDP supports the socio-economic agenda of Malacañang and the newly-established Bangsamoro government. A steady source of income for our people will catalyze peace in the autonomous region,” Salapuddin said.

Local officials told reporters Saturday no fewer than 20,000 Muslim and Christian farmers in Lanao del Sur’s adjoining Amai Manabilang and Wao towns stand to benefit from the project.

The project is also supported by the local government units of Lanao del Sur, one of the five provinces inside BARMM’s core territory, and the office of Gov. Mamintal Adiong, Jr. The ASPC AG brought to Amai Manabilang costly farming equipment, including overly-large remote-controlled farm tractors early on, something that fascinated local residents and the business communities in nearby Bukidnon province.

“The SPDA is grateful to Agriculture Secretary Dar for attending the symbolic launching of the project,” Salapuddin said.

ASPC AG representatives Wilson De Vera and a companion, the US citizen Johnny Brown, officials of the Lanao del Sur Corn Development Corporation and former Secretary Emmanuel Piñol of the Mindanao Development Authority were also present in Tuesday’s activity.

SYLS hails BARMM education Minister...from P8 (Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibuguey); Liza Castanares (Camarines Sur); Jimuel Diva (Agusan del Sur); Gregorio Cyrus Elojorde (Balamban, Cebu); Ernie Estrella (Plaridel, Bulacan); Ednalyn Fajardo (Gugua Pampanga); Aldren Fuentes (Pilar, Capiz); Shaffa Guiani (Cotabato City); Mohaguer Iqbal (Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao BARMM); Debra Manubag (Ozamiz City); Paterno Marquez (Puerto Princesa Palawan); Gary Mosquito (Palo, Leyte); Edgar Olua (Villasis, Pangasinan); Anthony Penso (Butuan City); Thelma Quitalig (Jabong, Samar); Gina Raakin (Davao City); Florentina Rancap (Lumban, Laguna); Susan Ortouste Sabelita (General Santos City); Cristine Tingcag (Ozamiz City); Jose Tria (Birac, Catanduanes); and Nelson Tumala Jr. (Ozamiz City) Notably, Iqbal spearheaded efforts to rid the region’s education personnel of non-eligible and “ghost” teachers, Meling said, adding that: “the BARMM has inherited the issue over the years from the early to the last years of its forerunner,

the defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Indeed, past ARMM administrations had coined the term “ghosts,” referring to teachers in rural areas who would report to school midmorning; leave the classroom for “noon break” and return at midafternoon, and again leave the school premises an hour or two later.

Until recently, affected mentors kept being reappointed in “casual status,” by seeking mandamus court orders to compel appointing officials to uphold a “continuity” of (their) official tenure in BARMM in the interest of public service.”

In a statement, the SYLS said: “Through our international partners and links, MiTP awardees have participated in several international conferences in the Asian region, coled in SYL international programs in the ASEAN region and spearheaded vital projects that involved teachers, youth and the local government units in the Philippines.”

It added: “They have become models of inspiration, leadership and influence to bring in the change for the self, thus, ensuring stronger families and communities

Republic of the Philippines Province of Cotabato City of Kidapawan

LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE

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

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. Act No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that Jenife M. Ragel has filed with this office a petition for correction of clerical error of the date of birth from March 23, 1979 to March 3, 1979 in the birth certificate of Jenife G. Maslog who was born on March 23, 1979 at Kidapawan, North Cotabato and whose parents are Wilfredo Maslog and Rita Garfin.

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

(Sgd.) RAUL A. MALALUAN Municipal Civil Registrar MC: Nov. 20 & 27 , 2021

7

THE MINDANAO CROSS

November 27, 2021

In compliance with 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 Rely T. Morente has filed with this office a petition for correction of entry in the child’s sex from Male to Female in the Certificate of Live Birth bearing registry No. 29 of Rely Colcol Taganos duly registered at the Local Civil Registry Office of Upi, Maguindanao and whose parents are Ricardo Taborete Taganos and Leticia Sapon Colcol.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than December 7, 2021.

(Sgd.) JEAN P. BACAS Municipal Civil Registrar MC: Nov. 20 & 27, 2021

for a better and safer Philippines- the most valuable legacy of a Saceda Youth Lead experience.”

The Formation Training and Formal Awarding Ceremony had been earlier scheduled on July 20-22, 2021 in Dumaguete City.

However, changes emerged accordingly, amid developments from varying health monitors on the current pandemic.

The SYLS named the National Judges to MITP nominees as: Grace Padaca (Ramon Magsaysay Awardee 2008), Dr. Henry A. Sojor (First University President of Negros Oriental State University), Prof. Nestor V. Tebio (Outstanding Filipino Teacher of the USA), Rev. Father Mark Anthony Vilos (Representing the Church), Prof. Zacarias C. Mansing (Gawad Geny Lopez Bayaning Pilipino Awardee) and Dylene M. Daclan (MIT 2013). Nash

B. Maulana

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late TONG PALAO BALABARAN and LORNA GAYANANDANG BALABARAN who died intestate on October 16, 2014 and October 6, 2006, respectively; that Tong Palao Balabaran left a certain amount on his PNP claims from 2018 & 26 months pension deferential is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with waiver of rights before Notary Public Atty.

Mohajiroe M. Lauban as per Doc. No. 29; Page No. 6, Book No. VI; Series of 2021.

MC: Nov. 27, Dec. 4 & 11, 2021

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Intestate Estate of the late ANNABELLE SUNIO BUENAFLOR was extrajudicially settled among heirs, as per Doc. No. 166, Page No. 82, Book No. 14, Series of 2021 before Notary Public Atty. Evelina G. Villegas for Taguig City with Appointment No. 14 (2020-2021)(Valid until December 31, 2021) Roll of Attorney No. 24279.

MC: Nov. 20, 27 & Dec. 4, 2021

BARMM to give “ayuda” to seniors...from P1 said Wednesday.

She said her ministry will support the vaccination drive through provision of relief aid to indigents who will get their jabs during the 3-day campaign.

She did not say whether or not the “ayuda” would include cash or goods only.

“It’s an inter-agency whole of government strategy so we can reach herd immunity,” she said.

The national

government will hold a three-day massive Covid-19 vaccination drive dubbed “Bayanihan, Bakunahan” on November 29 until December 1.

“MSSD is an active partner of MOH-BARMM in this whole of government approach in vaccination rollout,” she added.

BARMM is one of the regions across the country that have low vaccination rate owing to the fact that many refuse to get

vaccinated due to myth and fake news.

Minister Bashary said as of November 21, the MOH has already administered first dose of Covid-19 vaccine to 311,578 individuals while 314,877 are already fully vaccinated.

More than 6 million doses of vaccines have arrived in the region and are now kept in the storage facilities in BARMM’s provincial health offices.

Lanao mayoral bet linked to murder under...from P2

by Judge Alberto Quinto of the Regional Trial Court Branch 11 in Malabang, Lanao del Sur. Six others, Al-Rashid Balindong Abdul, Ghair Lingas Balindong, Saud Balindong Mangandog, Tohami Balindong, Fairus Sammer Balindong and Alibana Balindong Hadji Awad, were also named respondents to the case. They all remained at large.

The now detained Balindong, whom relatives said is in his late 60s, is candidate for mayor of Malabang, an old seaside town in the second district

of Lanao del Sur. Local officials said the CIDGBangsamoro Autonomous Region, along with witnesses, was instrumental in the build-up of the criminal case against him and the six other suspects.

Relatives of Malawani on Thursday told reporters in central Mindanao that they want the case litigated in a court anywhere outside of Lanao del Sur and its capital, Marawi City.

Lawyers helping them prosecute the suspects are now trying to work that out. John Felix Unson

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late EXEQUIL BENOSA who died intestate on September 9, 2021 in Pigcawayan, Cotabato, left a parcel of land Lot 101, Pls664 at New Igbaras, Pigcawayan, Cotabato, with an area of 29,294 sq. mts., more or less, covered by OCT No. P-58568 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous sale before Notary Public Ronald D. Jungco as per Doc. No. 507; Page No. 101, Book No. 123; Series of 2021.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of EDUARDO ORDIZ, who died intestate on April 14, 2007 in Buug, Zambuanga, Sibugay, a parcel of land Lot 2485-D-3-B-3 (LRC) Psd228372 in Bo. 5 Poblacion (formerly Katingawan), Midsayap, Cotabato, covered by TCT No. 1522021004476 with an area of 650 sq. mts., more or less is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of real estate with simultaneous deed of absolute sale before Notary Public Esmael M. Guro as per Doc No. 166; Page No. 34; Book No. 176; Series of 2021.

MC: Nov. 27, Dec. 4 & 11, 2021

MC: Nov. 13, 20 & 27, 2021.

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

MC: Nov. 27, 2021

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, 2021 on December 13, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. at VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I, Dayao St., and VGM PAWNSHOP INC. II, Jose Abad Santos St., Kidapawan City

SUBASTA

Be There, Management

Ang VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I ug BRANCH II magsubasta sa tanan nga wala lukata ug wala tubui gikan sa bulan sa May 1 hangtud sa bulan sa Hunyo 30, 2021 sa alas 9:00 sa buntag karung Disyember 13, 2021 sa VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I, Dayao St., ug sa VGM PAWNSHOP BRANCH II, Jose Abad Santos St., Kidapawan City.

MC: Nov 13, 20 & 27, 2021

Ang Nagdumala

CONLUCK PAWNSHOP - SK PENDATUN CONLUCK PAWNSHOP - BONIFACIO & CONLUCK PAWNSHOP - ORC BRANCH COTABATO CITY

ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sanla. Ang mga ito ay isinangla magmula Oktubre 2020 hanggang Nobyembre 2020. Ang Subasta ay sa Nobyembre 30, 2021 sa ganap na ika 8:00 ng umaga hanggang ika 4:00 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

MC: Nov. 20 & 27, 2021

Diving for the Star:...from P2

Domain. Written and practical assessment will be on the last day of training and passers will be issued the CMAS onestar dive certificate and identification card.

WBA is the first inter-LGU cooperation in Basilan Province and is being capacitated by the Spanish aid agency AECID-funded MILAB 2 Project, implemented by the Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG) in partnership with the provincial and selected municipal governments.

IAG

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late JESUS MILANES, who died intestate on August 15, 1981 in Datu Piang, Maguindanao, a parcel of land Lot 29-C-2-C, (LRC) Psd-25331 in Poblacion, Datu Piang, Maguindanao, covered

by TCT No. T-11402 with an area of 503 sq. mts., more or less is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous sale before Notary Public Atty. Abbyr Ahmad Nul as per Doc No. 154; Page No. 31; Book No. XXVIII; Series of 2021.

MC: Nov. 20, 27 & Dec. 4, 2021.

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

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION In compliance with 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 Alvee Joy P. Andil has filed with this office a petition for correction of entry in the child’s sex from Female to Male in the Certificate of Live Birth bearing registry No. 2003-0246 of Alvee Joy Pablo Andil duly registered at the Local Civil Registry Office of Upi, Maguindanao and whose parents are Virgilio Palindac Andil and Aida Martin Pablo.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than December 7, 2021.

(Sgd.) JEAN P. BACAS Municipal Civil Registrar

MC: Nov. 20 & 27, 2021

8

November 27, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

2 centenarians avail of NoCot “serbisyo caravan”

KIDAPAWAN CITY - His body might be weak but his mind and eye sights are still in good condition despite his age.

He is Apo Andaiz Embog Magao, 112 years old. He was among those who benefited from the services of Philippine Statistic Authority (PSA) under the Serbisyo Caravan program of the North Cotabato province.

Magao belonged to an Obo Menuvu tribe and lived in the mountainous portion of Arakan Valley Complex.

Though he can no longer remember his parents’ names, he was quick to say his birthplace and birthday.

Also on Tuesday, Apo Sabas, a centenarian four years older then Magao, showed up to avail of the “serbisyo caravan.”

Sabas is a 116-year-old member of the

Bagobo Tagabawa-Matagsilog Indigenous Peoples community. He was able to process his birth registration Municipal Civil Registry Office and the PSA. Sabas was among the 191 residents who were able to process their birth certificates in Barangay Kulaman Valley, former conflict affected area and is now beneficiary of the government’s End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC).

According to Magao, he was born on November 13, 1909, in Barangay Tinanan, Arakan, Cotabato and presently residing in Barangay San Miguel, Arakan.

He explained that the reason he applied for a birth certificate because he lost the document during the World War

II. He also wanted to avail government program such as the senior citizen pension while still alive and other benefits for the centenarian like him.

Like the oldest centenarian in the Philippines Francisca Susano, who died on November 22 at age 124, Magao might be the second oldest living Filipino alive in 19th Century, next to Sabas.

“During the war, American helicopters dropped bombs in our place,” Magao told Governor Nancy Catamco who visited and personally talked to him on Friday.

"As bombs were exploding here and there, we dropped for cover but I was hit by shrapnel in my hip, a Japanese soldiers helped me,” he narrated.

Police kill bomb maker in South Cotabato

2 LONG LIFE SECRET. North Cotabato Gov. Nancy Catamco listens to Apo Andaiz Embog Magao, the 112 year-old centenarian in Arakan, North Cotabato as he narrates what made him live longer.

Williamor Magbanua

SYLS hails BARMM education Minister Iqbal, Cotabato City principal

THE Saceda Youth Lead School in Dumaguete City has awarded the education minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), along with 28 other individuals, along with principal Shaffa Guiani of Cotabato City as among the 2021 Most Inspiring Teachers of the Philippines (MITP).

BARMM Education Deputy Minister Haron Meling said Minister Mohaguer Iqbal was bestowed the annual educators’ award in recognition of his stewardship of reforms in the region’s Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education

(MBHTE).

Just this month, Iqbal declared an end to “contractualization” in MBHTE-BARMM, when a Regional Trial Court Branch in Cotabato City upheld the agency’s position “to end the cycle of rehiring non-eligible teachers, in order to professionalize the ranks of the region’s educators.”

The SYLS and its significant partners presented the 2021 Most Inspiring Teachers of the Philippines Awards in Dumaguete City on November 22, according to the school’s website.

Iqbal, former information head and chief negotiator for the Moro

Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), said the region’s educational reforms formed a “continuing struggle inspired by the MBHTE Motto” that “No child shall be left behind.”

The SYLS named the individual awardees as: Rogen Ferdinand Alcantara (Davao City); Anna Zenaida Unte Alonto (Marawi City); Wilma Baguntoc (Capiz); Josette Talamera Biyo (Iloilo); Ramon Blaquera Jr. (Cavite); Gina Fontejon Bonior (Negros Occidental); Generick Bato (General Santos City); Jerick Brillo (Roxas City); Jenalyn Callueng (Cagayan Valley); Jenifer Cardente

6 bandits surrender to 40th IB

Six followers of a wanted leader of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters surrendered Wednesday and pledged allegiance to the government.

The six henchmen of Kagui Karialan, leader of one of three factions in the BIFF, yielded through the intercession of officials of the Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion and leaders in Datu Paglas town in Maguindanao.

The BIFF operates in the fashion of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria and has a reputation for bombing commercial establishments and public conveyances if owners refuse to shell out “protection money” on monthly basis.

Major Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said Thursday the six men also turned in an

P7

M16 rifle, a 5.56 caliber Ultimax light machinegun, an M14 rifle, two boltaction Barrett sniper rifles and a B40 anti-tank rocket.

“Local officials and the 6th ID will cooperate in reintroducing them to mainstream society,” Uy, also commander of the Joint Task Force Central, said.

Four other followers of Karialan surrendered four days ahead to the Army’s 34th IB and local officials in Midsayap, North Cotabato.

More than 300 BIFF members, among them followers of Imam Bongos and Abu Toraife, leaders of two other factions in the group, have surrendered in batches to 6th ID since 2017. John

Felix Unson

He recalled having experienced famine and wild pigs saved his meal in the forests. Magao said he has been sharing his WW II experience with his grandchildren and other tribespeople.

Magao known in the community as father of all tribesmen and IPs in other communities still look up to him.

The LGU-Arakan is now preparing the documents for submission to the Department of Social Welfare and Development Office, for Magao to enjoy the P100,000 centenarian monetary compensation.

Magao attributed his long life to eating more of vegetables than pork or meat. Williamor Magbanua

POLOMOLOK , South Cotabato — Authorities shot dead a bomb maker in the Dawlah Islamiya terror group in a brief gunfight in Barangay Lapu here Thursday.

The slain Dawlah Islamiya member, Esmael Sambial, and 15 companions are wanted for acts of terror and other heinous offenses.

Sambial was good at fabricating improvised explosive devices that can be detonated from a distance using a mobile phone, according to Army and police intelligence sources.

A police team was to arrest Sambial and other Dawlah Islamiya members peacefully but the operation turned haywire when they resisted and opened fire, provoking a gunfight that resulted in his death.

Sambial’s companions scampered away when they sensed that more policemen were closing in, leaving his bullet-riddled cadaver behind.

Sambial was a henchman of Zadee Nilong, leader of a Dawlah Islamiya group tagged in recent deadly bombings in central Mindanao.

The Dawlah Islamiya is connected with the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters whose bastions are in the adjoining North Cotabato and Maguindanao provinces.

Both terror groups are using the flag of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria as banner and have a reputation for bombing commercial establishments and public conveyances if owners refuse to shell out “protection money.” John

Felix Unson

Cop in shabu sale charged

FOR selling only P500 worth of shabu, a police corporal landed in jail, to face a criminal case and could be booted out from service via administrative proceedings.

A criminal case had been filed against the suspect, Police Corporal Jomar Chio, detained in a facility of the Cotabato City police.

This was confirmed Thursday to the Mindanao Cross by Brig. Gen. Eden Ugale, director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PRO-BARMM).

Chio belongs to the municipal police force in nearby Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao.

A police team seized from Chio P500 worth of shabu during a tradeoff with non-uniformed policemen in a

sting past 4 p.m. Saturday, November 20, along the busy Gov. Gutierrez Avenue here.

Ugale said the operation that resulted in the arrest of Chio was premised on tips from vigilant informants privy to his illegal activity.

Besides the criminal case to be filed against him, he shall also be facing an administrative case that could kick him out of the police organization.

The entrapment of Chio was a joint initiative of the Cotabato City police, the Sultan Kudarat municipal police and the Regional Highway Patrol Group.

Ugale said Chio had been charged with violation of the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, also known as the Republic Act 9165, using the shabu confiscated from him as evidence. John Felix Unson

4 BIFF men yield in North Cotabato

FOUR bomb couriers in the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters returned to the fold of law Monday this week.

Sanny Boy Satol Mamalumpong, Ato Menis Sandato, Satol Gamblay Butuan and Darang Katog pledged allegiance to the government in the presence of Col. Jovencio Gonzales, 602nd Infantry Brigade chief, Lt. Colonel Edgardo Vilchez Jr, 34th Infantry Battalion commander and representatives from the municipal government of Midsayap, North Cotabato.

The surrender rite, held in Midsayap, North Cotabato, was capped

off with their turnover of three bolt-action sniper rifles and an M14 assault rifle.

Major Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said Mamalumpong, Sandato, Butuan and Katog belonged to a BIFF faction led by Kagui Karialan.

Karialan is wanted for more than 30 criminal cases in different courts, including multiple murders for his alleged role in deadly bombings in central Mindanao in recent years.

The four followers of Karialan who surrendered to the 34th IB confessed to reporters their role in

many of the bombings that he pulled off, either as lookouts or couriers of improvised explosive devices.

Uy said the four men shall be reintroduced to mainstream society together by the local government of Midsayap and Lt. Col. Edgardo Vilchez, Jr., who helped convince them to surrender via backdoor dialogues.

More than 300 BIFF members have surrendered in batches to units of 6th ID since 2017.

More than a hundred turned themselves in voluntarily in groups in the past 13 months. John

Felix Unson