The Mindanao Cross | December 11, 2021 by The Mindanao Cross

CHURCH / P4

BARMM peacekeepers complete training, ready for deployment

OND Jubilee celebration

BARMM chief minister condemns murder of Basilan mayor

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UK RENEWS SUPPORT TO BARMM’S COVID RESPONSE

By Edwin O. Fernandez The UK government has reiterated its support to the Bangsamoro government in its fight against COVID-19 and other programs that will benefit the Bangsamoro people.

LIWANAG NG PASKO. Festival of lights is now reliving the Filipino traditional Christmas celebrations and is happening at the Cotabato City plaza and the old city hall building. Come and enjoy the lights and feel the spirit of holiday season. Photo courtesy of City PIO

MILF cites Christian leaders’ help in 70s war

Cotabato LGU lights up city plaza THE City Government of Cotabato officially started its celebrations for the Christmas Season during the launching program of the “Maliwanag ang Pasko sa Cotabato City.” “This simple lighting activity gives hope to all of us Cotabateños who

remained steadfast and resilient amidst all the struggles and challenges we encountered,” said City Administrator Atty. Jarissa G. Guiani who represented Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia J. Guiani-Sayadi. “This also serves as a heartwarming reminder

to be thankful for the little joys, little successes, and little triumphs we had the past year,” she deed. Beginning Monday night, the City Plaza and the Rizal Park are lit with bright and colorful lights to provide amusement to everyone.

MTIT gears up for Shariff Kabunsuan Festival 2021

IN line with the annual commemoration of the arrival of Arab Missionary Shariff Muhammad Kabunsuan this coming Dec. 15-19, the Ministry of Trade, Investments and Tourism (MTIT) is gearing up for a series of activities in the region. This will include the conduct of a week-long trade fair, tourism exhibit, photo gallery, among others. The activities will also promote locally produced products and connect the local market presence of micro, small, and medium enterprises

DID YOU KNOW?

(MSMEs) to individuals and institutional buyers. The highlights of the festival include the ‘Guinakit’ Fluvial Parade [or the bancas – refers to Moro boats colorfully decorated with Maguindanaon inspired cloth in vivid colors of yellow, red, and green] at the mouth of Rio Grande de Mindanao, where a reenactment of the landing of Sharif Kabunsuan shall be done (on Dec. 19). It will also feature authentic dishes and delicacies (with a twist) thru Kandulang at Grand Pagana on

By Nash B. Maulana CARMEN, North Cotabato — The back to communities on orders of BARMM Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Al-Hadj celebrates peace in Christian communities Murad Ebrahim. During the groundbreaking of that it cites at ceremonies here for taking care of Muslim families even during the BARMM’s barangay hall projects here on Tuesday, Commander Kenig Inalang, heights of the wars in the 70's. Interior and Local Governments chairman of the MILF Kapalawan Minister Baguib Sinarimbo said the Provincial Committee sat side by side Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in with Philippine Army Col. Juvencio Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is giving Gonzales, chief of the 602nd

4 exhibitors join Cotabato City’s Shariff Kabunsuan fest

AS part of our Shariff Kabunsuan Festival 2021 celebration, four identified exhibitors participated in the Halal Food Showcase yesterday (December 10) at the People's Palace Lobby. Participating Exhibitors are the following: LaBrie (Pastries), Samra's Muslim Delicacies (Maguindanao Delicacies), D&M Catering Services (Filipino Cuisines),

Lashirah Kitchenette and Catering Services (Arabian Cuisines). The showcase was opened by City Vice Mayor Graham Nazer G. Dumama, together with Dr. Danda N. Juanday, Secretary to the City Mayor Atty. Kitem D. Kadatuan, Jr., and the city's Halal advocates. Anyone can check and purchase the displayed Halal Food products at a

very reasonable price. Visitors may also participate in the raffle promo and become one of the lucky winners of POCKET WiFi with load from SMART Communications Inc. The activity was also participated by RC Cola. “Come, enjoy, and don't miss out our homegrown Halal products,” the city information office said. City

PIO

December 10 is Human Rights Day

Human Rights Day is observed every Dec. 10 by virtue of Proclamation No. 347 signed on Oct. 21, 1952, by then President Elpidio Quirino. On Dec. 10, 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. National Human Rights Consciousness Week is also observed annually from Dec. 4 to 10 by virtue of Republic Act No. 9201 signed on April 1, 2003.

HALAL FOOD SHOWCASE. Former Cotabato City administrator Dr. Danda Juanday welcomes the participants to the Shariff Kabunsuan festival Halal Food showcase at the city hall lobby. Photo courtesy of City PIO

December 11, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

BARMM peacekeepers complete training, ready for deployment

OFFICIALS of the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have witnessed the closing ceremonies for the 4th Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST) training here Wednesday.

Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo, BARMM interior minister and Bangsamoro spokesperson, was the guest of honor and speaker during the program held at PNP-BARMM parade ground here in Parang, Maguindanao. “The combined 142 successful participants from police, Army and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are now confirmed as full-pledged members of the JPST,” Brig. Gen. Eden Ugale, BARMM police regional director, said. “The graduates will be deployed in the areas mutually agreed between the GPH and the MILF tasked to track and document private armed groups, and help in the reduction and control of weapons,” he added. The JPST is a mechanism that will support the observance

of the existing ceasefire agreement to address and prevent hostilities, work on security arrangements for activities and personalities involved in the peace process and support dispute resolution initiatives on the ground. Ugale said the training was designed to equip the former MILF combatants and government forces to become competent peacekeeping forces and aims to equip the JPST members with needed knowledge and skills to effectively carry out their mandate in ensuring peace and security in areas mutually identified by the government and the MILF. Minister Sinarimbo lauded the perseverance shown by the participants in their 30-day training on peacekeeping and peacebuilding. Edwin O.

SOLDIERS killed the son of a wanted Dawlah Islamiya bomb-maker in a shootout last week. Major Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, told the Mindanao Cross Adsam Indal died from gunshot wounds sustained in the gunfight with pursuing soldiers in Barangay Ganta in Shariff Saydona, Maguindanao. Local officials said Indal, like his father, the BIFF leader Hassan, was also good in the fabrication of improvised explosive devices that can be detonated from a distance using mobile phones.

The younger Indal was killed by a team of soldiers from the 6th Infantry Battalion dispatched to check on his presence in Sitio Ulangkaya in Barangay Ganta as reported by villagers helping the 6th ID drive away Dawlah Islamiya terrorist from the area. The Dawlah Islamiya, operating in the fashion of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, is tagged in all deadly bombings in central Mindanao since 2013. Soldiers found beside Indal’s cadaver an M16 assault rifle and two mobile phones. John Felix

BARMM health ministry resumes massive vaccination HEALTHCARE providers in the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) today resumed its vaccination rollout in the region’s five provinces and three cities. Dr. Bashary Latiph, BARMM health minister, said the recently conducted “Bayanihan, Bakunahan” in the region was considered successful although the region failed to reach the target clients of 940,000. To date, the region has inoculated more than 680,000 out of its 2.9 million target. Latiph said BARMM “bakunadors” will continue, starting today Monday, the campaign as it

increased the number of vaccination hubs to 570. “We are intensifying our vaccination, there are still people out there who have not availed of the immunization, we will continue to reach out to them,” Dr. Latiph said. “Our provincial, municipal and barangay healthcare providers are now out there to continue our job,” he added. MOH-BARMM has tallied a total of 195,440 doses of vaccine administered in the region during the 3-day activity from Nov. 29Dec 1. Data released by MOH showed that 162,352 jabs were entered into

the Vaccine Operations Reporting System (VORS), while 33,088 were manually recorded. As the healthcare providers and “bakunadors” resumed its enormous task of reaching out to the residents in geographically difficult to reach areas, Dr. Latiph lauded the various BARMM government agencies who accompanied MOH during the 3-day activity. “Kudos also goes to men in uniforms, non-government organizations, civil society organizations, and volunteers for the support they have shown during the Bayanihan, Bakunahan,” Dr. Latiph said.Edwin O. Fernandez

Big Lapulapu catch in DBS town

WEIGHING 9.8 kilos, this Lapulapu, or Grouper, could be the biggest catch for Monday in the territorial seas of Datu Blah Sinsuat, Maguindanao. This peaceful municipality, most known

by an acronym, DBS, is now touted as the new off-shore fishing capital of Maguindanao, located in the west of the province. This will sell for about P1,000 in the local markets and, possibly, more than P2,000 in

Cotabato City, where fisherfolk here market their daily catch. This is so ordinary in Datu Blah Sinsuat, according to merchants and local officials. The office of Mayor Marshall Sinsuat, the

municipal police and the 5th Marine Battalion of the Philippine Navy are together protecting the seas here from illegal fishing like use of dynamites, cyanide and fine-meshed nets. John

Felix Unson

Fernandez

Son of Dawlah terrorist slain in Maguindanao

Unson

EXOTIC LAPULAPU FISH. A 9.8 kilo Lapu-Lapu caught less than a mile off Barangay Pura in Datu Blah Sinsuat, Maguindanao. John Felix Unson

MTIT gears up for Shariff Kabunsuan Festival 2021...from P1 Dec. 19, and a fashion show called "Habing Bangsamoro" to showcase designs of famous designers from Maguindanao and Cotabato City on Dec. 17. MTIT Director-General Rosslaini Alonto-Sinarimbo said

the celebration will strictly follow the minimum health protocols. “We will strictly observe minimum public health protocols. Primary concern natin ay iyong health in any celebration or gathering,” she said.

The ministry will be collaborating with Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (BCPCH) and the Association of Tourism Officers of Maguindanao (ATOM).

BIO

Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism Director General Rossalaine Alonto-Sinarimbo presents the Shariff Kabunsuan festival schedule of activities during a news conference. Photo courtesy of BIO

14 more BIFF members yield to Army

FOURTEEN more members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters surrendered to the Army’s 57th Infantry Battalion in Upi, Maguindanao Monday. The 14 BIFF members, who turned a dozen assault rifles, four fragmentation grenades and a 60 millimeter mortar, returned to the fold of law through the intercession of local leaders and officials of the 57th B. Their names were withheld pending their relocation to areas far from reach of their hardcore companions. Major Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said Tuesday the 14 men shall be reintroduced to mainstream society by the 57th IB and the local government units in their respective

hometowns. Uy, also commander of the anti-terror Joint Task Force Central, said they are expecting the surrender soon of more BIFF members. “Our units have been receiving surrender feelers. More are to yield soon,” Uy said. More than a hundred members of the three factions in the BIFF surrendered to the 6th ID in the past six months. The biggest of the three BIFF factions is led by Karialan, leader of the 14 men who surrendered to the 57th IB. Karialan is wanted for more than 30 heinous cases in different courts in central Mindanao. The BIFF, operating in the fashion of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, is tagged in all deadly bombings in central Mindanao since 2014. John Felix Unson

December 11, 2021

UK renews support to BARMM’s COVID...from P1 In her meeting with Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and development partners, British Ambasador Laure Beaufils stressed that collaboration and partnership can make things happen. "Only through these types of partnerships can we make things happen. We have partnerships of trust, genuine understanding, and two-way learning that we can get things done and make sure sustainable. We are proud to have supported the work you have done," Ambassador Beaufils said. She was referring to the ongoing UK Government grant in partnership with UNICEF Philippines in support to COVID-19 prevention efforts in the autonomous region through a project called “Improving COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance and Overcoming COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Refusal in BARMM.” It aims to build stronger capacities of BARMM Government institutions in risk communication. “The UK government is proud and happy partnering with the Ministry of Health, the Bangsamoro Information Office, Bangsamoro Youth Commission, UNICEF, and IOM. We are proud to have supported the work you have done,” she added. BARMM health minister Dr. Bashary Latiph said the intervention from UK government did not only help the region’s fight against COVID-19 but other health programs as well. “We hope to have conversations that will not only help augment the COVID-19 response in the region, but will also have an impact on the overall development of health systems through the Ministry of Health,” Latiph said in

a statement delivered by Saida D. Ali, MOH's information officer." Ambassador Beaufils explained that the UK government is investing in the future, through education and health, in order to build the ideal communities for the children. She highlighted the need to focus on mental health, given how challenging the pandemic has affected the young people in particular. She said while the partnership have helped reduced virus infection rate in the region, Ambassador Beaufils admitted that there is a lot more risk out there. “We should all continue to focus on vaccination and prevention. Vaccination is really essential, it is our first line of defense, and we are happy to support it here. It is a priority for us nationally,” she said. Dr. Amirel Usman, Director General of the Ministry of Health said that the support given by the UK to the BARMM government has been timely and valuable in terms of helping the Bangsamoro, including the adolscents and young people, get correct information on COVID-19 prevention and vaccination. "We must collaborate to combat COVID-19 and keep Bangsamoro people healthy, safe. The Bangsamoro government will do whatever it takes, collaboration with development partners and communities, to help Bangsamoro get through this crisis and rebuild better once the virus has been defeated,” Dr. Usman said. The UK government recently donated an additional 5.2 million doses of Aztraseneca vaccines to the Philippines through the COVAX facility, with 415,000 doses given bilaterally, bringing the total to approximately 5.6 million doses.

RENEWED COMMITMENT. UK Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils smiles as she wears the beautiful Moro-made “colorful malong” as a remembrance from MOH-BARMM handed over by Dr. Amirel Usman, MOH-BARMM director general. Ambassador Beaufils says her government will continue helping BARMM in fight against COVID-19. Photo courtesy of MOH BARMM

OND Jubilee celebration...from P4 presence to others in the various mission they continue to collaborate. After the Jubilarians Prayer of Commitment, Sr. Erlinda C. Hisug, the OND Superior General expressed her message assuring them of the OND Community’s prayer as they once again freely and willingly profess the evangelical counsels to imitate the chaste, poor, and obedient Christ who came to do the will of his EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late ROMIE DUI who died on October 8, 2001, parcels of land Lot 7, Block 8, Psd-(ARMM)-000519 and Lot 8, Block 8, Psd (ARMM)-000519, situated at Tamontaka, K a p i t o n a n d Ta n w i l l , Dinaig, Cotabato(now Maguindanao) with the total area of 400 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT Nos. T-15207 and T-15208, respectively, are the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with waiver of rights and deed of donation before Notary Public Atty. Agnes R. De Castro-Jagunap as per Doc. No. 3329; Page No. 3329; Book No. XXVII, Series of 2021.

MC: Dec. 11, 18 & 25, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Father. She also urged them to continually strive to live their religious commitment with joyful and generous heart. Bishop Bagaforo cited an abundantly blessed consecrated life as what Sr. Angelina and Sr. Susan lived in 60 and 50 years thus far, was lived as such, not because of reason but because of love. As tribute to the Blessed Virgin, bouquet of flowers and roses for Mary was offered by the Jubilarians. Sr. Bolanio, OND, the Golden Jubilarian delivered her message of thanks to one and all. Meanwhile, Sr. Imelda Mission, OND, was joined by the OND Bongao community sisters, the OND ZAMBASULTA

area superior Sr. Elisa Caballero, OND, the Notre Dame of Bongao community and the Our Lady of Holy Rosary Parishioners and friends, in a solemn Eucharistic Celebration at the Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish and presided by Fr. Rito Daquipil, OMI. The OND sisters also had their renewal of vows witnessed by the parishioners of OLHRP. A festive program and lunch followed at the Notre Dame of Bongao, Inc. Sr. Imelda fittingly proclaimed once more her motto: “I delight in the Lord who has chosen me,” exhorting in her message of thanks, her gratitude in the many ways God has molded her in her missionary life. Sr.

Marilou Fernandez, OND

MILF cites Christian leaders’ help in 70s...from P1

Brigade. Both men spoke of development and peace. Cotabato Board Member Kelly Antao said since the erstwhile parties in war ceased to be at odds he had had given up chairmanship of the Peace and Order Committee and shifted membership to the agriculture committee and head the infrastructure committee. “I have given up the chairmanship of the peace and order (in the Provincial Board), because the war is over and we now have to shift to reconstruction, to infrastructure programs, because we are celebrating peace—and seeing MILF Commander Kenig and Col Gonzales sitting next to each other shows best our celebration of peace,” Antao said. Section 15, Article IX (the Basic Rights provisions) of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, provides that “The Bangsamoro Government shall ensure that the settlers (the Settler Communities) enjoy the rights guaranteed in this Organic Law,” Sinarimbo, a lawyer, said. Commander Inalang publicly acknowledged the help of his Christian neighbors that he considered as his granddaughter Samantha Talino, the daughter and representative of Vice Governor Lala Talino-Mendoza at the groundbreaking ceremonies. “She is like our granddaughter; her family, her grandfather treat the Muslim community here kindly,” Inalang said, referring to Samantha and her grandfather, former Carmen Mayor Roge Talino, his contemporary. Carmen is a place of several massacres—the infamous Manili Massacre on June 19, 1971, and Liliongan Massacre on December 24, 1992. The suspect in the latter has since been named; while not one particular identity among the plotters or perpetrators of the first incident has been known.

‘Wrong implication’ But in political seasons, like this, the old man Roger Talino who was a payroll constabulary officer in the 1970’s, is wrongly implicated in some campaign speeches elsewhere, into the Manili Massacre. But things have become clearer to more Moro residents that the perpetrators were leftist elements from the Visayas that had evolved into government militias, from an event called “Oplan Terrorize Panay” hatched by then Defense Secretary Ramon Magsaysay for an anti-insurgency campaign in 1951. The preceding Quirino presidency had been adversely affected by agrarian uprising of Hukbalahap elements embracing the Partido Kumunista ng Pilipinas (PKP) after the war in the 1950’s. In Capiz, they had the so-called “Stalin University,” a military and socialist academic training ground for young PKP members turning into pro-government forces. Edcor Settlement Evolving from socialist political commitment to rightist government militias, the Panay armed militias were promised by some high officials the prize land ownership in Cotabato’s Edcor Settlement. Indeed, they were the first forces engaged by Moro guerrillas at the onset of the Mindanao conflict in 1970. In 1971, then Governor Datu Udtog Matalam and Congressman Salipada Pendatun told a pacification council created by Marcos that the ancestral lands of the Alamadas were intensely covered by the Edcor Settelement. Marcos invited both officials in 1971 to Malacanang and that year, Marcos issued the proclamation amending the Edcor Settlement to create the Alamada municipality in honor of Datu Alamada, also known as Amai Buliok, patriarch of the owners of ancestral land affected by the Magsaysay settlement program.

‘Ilaga,’ ‘Barakuda,’ ‘Senor Sagrado’ Paramilitary elements from that group, many clad in constabulary uniform stormed Mindanao Moro communities with intense violence from 1969 to 1971. Some of them were tagged “Ilaga” militias that operated in Cotabato province, and others as “PC Barakuda” and “Senor Sagrado Corazon” in Northern Mindanao, including the two Lanao provinces. The Ilagas were hosted by seven local officials of Cotabato province, who were left with the consequences of militia excesses, as a hit-and-run perpetrator of atrocities towards the Muslim. They, however, had made amends with Muslim constituents and leaders, realizing they were all victims of a third force instigation.

L-R: Manarapan Barangay Chairman Ingco Dalid, Commander Kenig Inalang, Philippine Army Col Juvencio Gonzales, chief of the 602nd Brigade, Atty. Marvin Mokamad, MILF Director for Interior Affairs and Senior Local Governments Operations Officer Zairon Abas, and Minister Naguib Sinarimbo standing at the rostrum. Nash B. Maulana

Philippine Church launches ‘Men of St. Joseph’...from P4

heart”. During the event, the OSJ through its provincial superior, Fr. Jason Andaya, formally accepted the task of being the propagator and spiritual guide of the new movement. Fr. Erwin Mendoza, priest-in-charge of the MOSJ, said the organization aims “to increase our love for this great saint, to encourage us to implore his intercession and to imitate his virtues and his zeal”. Among its envisioned objectives, he said, are

‘Terrorize Panay’ Through the help of Magsaysay’s friend in the movement named Pablito Gepana, alias Commander Milan, “Oplan Terrorize Panay” won back many of the insurgents then settled in the mountains of Capiz's interior villages. As a smuggler at that time, Milan was said to have had both economic and political connections in Mindanao. Magsaysay died as the seventh President of the Philippines, in a plane crash in 1957, and was succeeded by Vice President Carlos P. Garcia. Some sources hint that Milan allegedly plotted the June 23, 1970 ambush of then Congressman Salipada Pendatun in Sta. Mesa Manila. Pendatun was a staunched anti-communist Mulsim leader. Incidentally Milan was in Manila in 1980 (to watch the premier of the movie about his life) during the court promulgation of cases stemming from Pendatun’s ambush. The following month, Pendatun returned to Manila from self-exile in the Middle East. But he never got to meet Gepana, who was shot dead, shortly after his return to Capiz from his Manila trip.

“to sanctify work and promote the dignity of labor in society and to serve the needs of the Church and society through corporal and spiritual works of mercy”. Any Catholic man of at least 18 years of age, who is willing to learn and commit himself to imitate the virtues of St. Joseph, may become a member of the organization. “We call all Catholic men, at least 18 years of age, who are willing to learn and commit themselves to practice the virtues St. Joseph,”

Mendoza said. The MOSJ is also one of the CBCP’s legacies for the Year of St. Joseph, which concluded on Dec. 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The year began last Dec. 8, 2020, according to a decree authorized by Pope Francis in honor of the 150th anniversary of the saint’s proclamation as patron of the Universal Church. The pope had also granted special indulgences to mark the year. CBCP News

December 11, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

OND Jubilee celebration A Jubilee is a time for looking back and looking forward; an occasion of grateful remembrance of the past events; of rejoicing for the graces received; of recognition of God’s faithfulness. On Wednesday, December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the Congregation of the Oblates of Notre Dame (OND) celebrated the 60th year of vowed life of pioneering OND sisters namely Sr. Leonor Bernardo OND, Sr. Hilda Tajonera, OND, and Sr. Angelina Ricabar, OND; 50 years of vowed life of Sr. Susan Bolanio, OND, and 25 years of vowed life of Sr. Imelda Mission, OND. Sr. Leonor Bernardo, OND was not able to join the celebration as she was confined at the OND St. Therese Care Home after she suffered stroke. Sr. Hilda Tajonera, OND marked her 60th year of vowed life as an OND, proclaiming her gratitude for the many wonders God has designed in her missionary life, echoing her motto: “Lord, give me the grace and do with me what You will.” The OND National Capital Region Sisters, with their Area superior Sr. Vilma Esmael, OND joined Sr. Hilda in a Eucharistic Celebration at the OND Abada Mission House. Their mass presider was Fr. Ross Kapunan, OMI. Sr. Angelina Ricabar, OND and Sr. Susan Bolanio, OND rejoiced in jubilation together with the OND Sisters, their families, relatives,

and friends in thanksgiving for the gift of 60 and 50 years of Consecrated Life.

Eminence Kidapawan Diocese Bishop Jose Collin Bagaforo, DD was the main presider and homilist within the Eucharistic celebration at the Our Lady of Hope Chapel, OND Compound in Tamontaka with the theme: “God with me, I don’t fear.” During the Introductory part of the Eucharistic Celebration, a symbolic mission landscape was slowly carried by Sr. Susan and Sr. Angelina to the altar as the commentator read the following excerpt: “With grateful hearts, we retrace with you, Sr. Susan and Sr. Angelina, the missional landscapes within which you responded to the call of the mission during the last 50 and 60 years in order to reach communities in the margins, you dared to walk or ride on horseback uphill; or sailed the turbulent seas; at different periods and places, you both spent time encountering peoples of all walks of life and different orientations if only to witness the kingdom values of love and hope, justice and peace, forgiveness and reconciliation. Your presence in the mission reflects your inmost desire: “Make

my heart like unto Thine” is the motto of Sr. Angelina while Sr. Susan follows the disposition of the apostles who said, “God with me…I do not fear!” The Jubilarians renewed their commitment before God’s presence and the community gathered as witnesses, fully aware of the new challenges of the contemporary world and with the help of the lifegiving Spirit They also commit themselves anew to serve the Church in the ministry entrusted to the Oblates of Notre Dame choosing to give a prophetic witness to the Gospel and to denounce the values of the society today which compromise them, with high hopes to be continually nourished by the Word of God, to be always animated to live the OND charism and spirituality in context and to passionately engage in the building of the Reign of God in partnership with the other agents of Church renewal. On this season of Advent, they are challenged to grow deeper in their faith and find ways of sharing it with others, fully alive, effective, and reconciling members of the Church founded on the Apostles and following Mary’s journey, a pilgrimage of faith and of consecration, radiating Jesus’

Pope appoints first Filipino bishop in Japan

POPE Francis on Wednesday appointed a Filipino missionary priest as bishop in the Japanese diocese of Sendai. Fr. Edgar Gacutan’s nomination makes him the first Filipino to be named bishop in Japan. Upon his appointment, the 57-year-old was serving as parish priest of Matsubara Catholic Church, located in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo. Born in Cagayan province’s Enrile town in 1964, he studied Philosophy at St. Louis University in Baguio City from 1981 to 1985 and Theology at Maryhill School of Theology in Manila from 1986 to 1989.

In February 1990, he was transferred to Japan as a seminary student. After 3 years of internship in Japan, he returned to Manila to complete his theological studies at the same seminary. Gacutan was ordained priest for the Congregatio Immaculati Cordis Mariae (CICM) or the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in 1994. A month after his ordination, he was sent back to Japan, where he served as an assistant pastor in Kongo church, Osaka from 1994 to 1997, then joined the team ministry in Osaka for 6 years until 2003.

Fr. Edgar Gacutan, CICM, has been appointed by Pope Francis as the new bishop of the Diocese of Sendai in Japan on Dec. 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. Photo courtesy of CICM

Philippine Church launches ‘Men of St. Joseph’

from left to right: Sr. Jo-Anne Lorilla, OND, Sr. Erlinda Hisug, OND - OND Superior General, Sr. Angelina Ricabar, OND, Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, DD, Sr. Susan Bolanio, OND and Sr. Maria Teresa Diaz, OND. hen was the last time W you felt real joy? You were bubbling with so much

Photo courtesy of OND

There can be momentary pleasures or bursts of joy that come into our life but happiness that you would they can be fleeting. They like to shout it out or jump do not last. Pope Francis with joy. When we are full refers to a more lasting of joy we are like a boiling kind of joy, a peaceful, pot of water that bubbles steady current beneath Rev. Fr. Antonio P. Pueyo, DCC over. We want to share our the turbulent waves of life. tonypoy_dcc0@yahoo.com happiness with others. We Just like the sea, life can like to celebrate. There could be many reasons for be calm or stormy on the surface, underneath are being joyful. We have reached a goal in life. We the steady ocean currents that direct the waters obtained what we have so long desired. We shared around the globe. Christian joy is deeper and more joyful moments with friends and loved stable than momentary pleasurable ones. We received good news. moments. This kind of joy that comes This Sunday is Gaudete Sunday, from living the gospel is the assurance or the Sunday of Joy. In the second that no matter what happens on the reading, St. Paul encouraged the surface of life’s ocean, we have the Philippians, “Rejoice in the Lord steady current of God’s loving hand always. I shall say it again: rejoice” giving purpose and direction to our (Phil. 4:4). The reason for rejoicing life. Joy is the assurance of God’s is the Lord who is near. The prophet love. Zephaniah in the first reading has We can then ask ourselves, “What a similar exhortation for his people gives me joy in life?” There are who were awaiting the Messiah, “Sing natural sources of joy such as the joyfully O Israel …the Lord your God warm company of friends, dreams is in your midst” (Zeph. 3:14 ff). In fulfilled, the presence of loved ones, the gospel, St. John the Baptist gave tasks accomplished, and so on. We practical advice to those who asked, “What should we wish that the joy we experience in these moments do?” (Lk. 3:10). To the tax collectors, he said “Stop can be more lasting -- forever if possible. Don’t these collecting more than what is prescribed.” To the momentary joys point to something more lasting? soldiers he said, “Do not practice extortion.” Do not Just like the people in St. John’s time we ask, abuse your authority. The coming of the Messiah “What then should we do?” If Jesus is the source calls for a renewal of heart. This renewal is a cause of Christian joy, shouldn’t we give space to Jesus for joy not only for those who underwent conversion in our life? The first action is to accept Jesus into but also for those who were victims of injustice. our life as our Messiah and Savior. It is to say The reason for joy is the acceptance of Jesus “Maranatha, “ Come Lord, take over my life. By our into our hearts and into our midst as a community own efforts alone, we may not be able to turn away of disciples. In the words of Pope Francis in his from practices and habits that bring us misery and encyclical Evangelii Gaudium, “The joy of the gospel sadness instead of joy. Come Lord Jesus, I surrender fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus.” myself to you. You are my joy. MC

Rejoice!

REFLECTIONS

Joy is the assurance of God’s love.

THE Philippine Catholic Church on Wednesday declared the institutionalization of the Men of St. Joseph (MOSJ), a lay Catholic association of men committed to Jesus and consecrated to his foster father. The launching followed the national consecration of the Filipino familes to St. Joseph led by Bishop Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), at the

San Roque Cathedral in Caloocan City. The new movement is a collaborative initiative of the CBCP, the Council of the Laity in the Philippines, and the Oblates of St. Joseph (OSJ). The MOSJ is the bishops’ response to the call of Pope Francis in his apostolic letter, Patris Corde, urging the Church “to reflect upon the role of St. Joseph in caring and loving our Saviour… with the Father’s

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

3rd Sunday of Advent Readings:

Zephaniah 3.14-18a; Philippians 4.4-7; Luke 3.10-18

Amidst his influence and authority to the people, John the Baptist knew that there is someone still better than him and that is Jesus. We might have all the privileges in this world – prestige, wealth, power, success, but we must look back and recognize that in everything that we have and are, everything that we have achieved and still to dream, the future successes and achievements, there is someone who deserves all the credit, all reverence and gratitude – Jesus Christ. Let’s acknowledge Him in our lives and be transformed by His might. Our mantra for this week: God is mighty and He is able. Prayer: Lord Jesus, I acknowledge your power over me. Amen.

THE MINDANAO CROSS

December 11, 2021 EDITORIAL

The Immaculate Conception

or someone who was born and lived in Cotabato City her whole life, this writer tried to recall and document the progress of Christianity in this mixed tribal and religious area in the central-southern part of Mindanao. This week, we celebrated the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. But a look at the history of our Catholicism in the city shows that it was not this way at the start. The older Cotabatenos had a different feast to celebrate before, which is honoring St. Hermenegildo, a Catholic martyr who was the son of King Liuvigild of the Visigothic Kingdom in the Iberian Peninsula and southern France. After imprisonment at the tower of Seville, he was beheaded when he refused to accept the Eucharist from an Arian bishop. He was the Patron Saint of Cotabato until the coming of more missionaries – originally Jesuits and later the Oblates of the Mary Immaculate who came in 1939. Today, the city no longer celebrates the feast of San Herminigildo. Instead, it focuses on the feast of the Immaculate Conception, an important feast for Cotabato City celebrated every December 8th. This is in honor of the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. The feast of the Immaculate Conception refers to the conception of the Virgin Mary. It does not refer to Jesus conception by the Virgin Mary. Through the centuries the Church has become ever more aware that Mary, “full of grace” through God, was redeemed from the moment of her conception. That is what the dogma of the Immaculate Conception confesses, as Pope Pius IX proclaimed in 1854: The most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Saviour of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin. The Virgin is the daughter of St. Anne and St. Joachim. The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains that “to become the mother of the Saviour, Mary “was enriched by God with gifts appropriate to such a role.” The angel Gabriel at the moment of the annunciation salutes her as “full of grace”. In fact, in order for Mary to be able to give the free assent of her faith to the announcement of her vocation, it was necessary that she be wholly borne by God’s grace.” The feast of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated in the Cathedral found in the center of the city. The OMI missionaries turned over the cathedral as the seat of the Cotabato Archdiocese. The first church dedicated to the Immaculate Conception can be found in Tamontaka. which was built by the Jesuit priests in1872. The original structure, which was Spanish inspired, was destroyed during the 1976 earthquake but was rebuilt and opened again in 1978. It also survived the destruction of the Second World War. The church is found along the highway to the airport, beside the Tamontaka River. We can thus say that the church of the Immaculate Conception has survived the ravages of time. Hail Mary, full of grace! MC +

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Fr. Rogelio Tabuada, OMI, Chief-Executive-Officer Eva Kimpo - Tan, Editor-in-Chief Edwin O. Fernandez, News Editor Gemma A. Peñaflor, Administration and Marketing Executive Julito P. Torres, Circulation Officer Karl John B. Daniel, Graphic-Layout Artist COTABATO CITY / ARMM CORRESPONDENTS

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

NORTH / SOUTH COTABATO CORRESPONDENTS Williamor Magbanua, Romer “Bong” Sarmiento, Roel Osano & Drema Quitayen Bravo CARTOONIST Lourd Jim Diazon

Member: PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

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

ven as the country’s economy continues to reel under the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic, hog raisers are being hit hard by the continued presence of African Swine Fever. The Department of Agriculture first confirmed ASF has reached the Philippines in September of 2019 when Agriculture Secretary William Dar disclosed that blood samples sent to a United Kingdom laboratory tested positive ASF. A highly contagious and dangerous disease for pigs first discovered in Sub-Saharan Africa at the start of the 20th century, ASF can decimate entire populations. The disease is hemorrhagic in nature, causing infected pigs to die within a matter of days. There is currently no cure or vaccine for the disease, which is why governments have resorted to culling as the only solution to preventing its spread. According to latest reports, losses due to ASF has reached a combined amount of P68 billion. As of May 7 this year, the animal virus already resulted in the culling of 472,000 hogs. The disease has affected 2,652 barangays across 12 regions in the country and has caused the country’s total hog inventory to decline by 24 percent from 12.79 million in 2020 to 9.71 million so far for this year as shown by data from the Philippine Statistics Authority. Only last week, it was reported that losses due to ASF in the town of M’lang in Cotabato Province has reached P5.8 million. According to municipal agricultural officer Arlyn Encarnacion, the local government unit has depopulated 1,618 hogs to prevent the spread of the disease which has affected hogs of 341 raisers in the barangays of New Lawaan, New Antique, Lika, Dalipe, Katipunan, and Inas. With the issuance recently of Proclamation No. 1143, the entire Philippines is now under a state of calamity for a period of one year due to ASF. According to Agriculture Secretary William Dar, the proclamation will pave the way for the release of more public funds to eradicate ASF and bankroll the government’s massive hog repopulation plan. Dar said the Department of Agriculture now needs an additional P6.6 billion budget to arrest ASF spread and fund a three-year massive hog repopulation program, which will both cost the government at least P27 billion. This will also help the government allocate funds for regular testing of pigs and the eventual vaccination, he said. Even with this, the government’s Bureau of Animal Industry believes it will take it will take two to three years, or until 2023, for local hog raisers to recover from the dreaded virus.

O HELP manage a small (non-violent) conflict-in-belief and in reckoning between two persons both close to me, here are lessons one should have learned in acquiring a real estate property: one must involve the service of a legal counsel backed by a legal research, before deciding on acquiring a real estate property, be it through residential government housing loan, or by any means available to the buyer. The case of the Doña Soledad Subdivision in General Santos City is a classic example of how systematically legal actions filed in Metro Manila by the rich and able can make them possess or own vast tracts of land in Mindanao. One occupant of the subdivision’s residential houses applied and had his unit sometime in 1997. But mind he that the court cases involving that real estate have dragged on in time since September 1957. Juridical persons acquiring residential lots from a developer whose purchase of the real estates for housing projects intended for government employees in General Santos City had been disapproved by then President Ferdinand Marcos in 1974. So in another case, the settlers could not also blame the late Mr. Banisil of the Moro National Liberation Front for representing the Natives (mostly the B’laans), seeking for land repossession rights under the IPRA in 2003. Banisil, also known as “Bad Boy,” had secured for the Natives a number of land titles under IPRA in the old Buayan Municipality (old name of General Santos City) from the Land Registration Authority (LRA), approved by then by Department of Justice Secretary Simeon A. Datumanong. Now, some non-Christian agrarian officials seek to invalidate the LRA-issued land titles as an alleged case of “land speculation,” and that some residents had accused Mr. Banisil of illegally selling to some individuals the land titless he had won back for the Natives at the LRA-DoJ in 2003. Back to the Doña Soledad Subdivision: Mind we also that the courts’ decisions on the disputes involving the Soledad estate, including that of the Supreme Court (GSIS vs. Santiago), barely or do not at all mention General Santos as the location of the area that was the subject of the legal controversy. Most probably, the old land titles still bore the city’s old name Dadiangas or even Buayan Municipality, and that the Justices of the Court of Appeals (Court of First Instance at the time) and the Associate Justices of the Supreme Court did not anymore want to delve on such details as the evolution of political districts or municipalities to cities, and the change of the city’s name. According to the Supreme Court Decision in GSIS vs. Santiago, “(the) (d)eceased spouses Jose C. Zulueta and Soledad

Hog raisers, rice farmers in the same boat

Thinking Aloud Carlos C. Bautista caloyb@gmail.com

But the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura, or SINAG, is critical of the DA’s moves relative to ASF with SINAG Chair Rosendo So saying that indemnification for ASF-affected raisers is slow and that it takes seven months to one year before the raisers get paid for their culled pigs. Because of this, he said, a lot of hog raisers don’t want to surrender their pigs once ASF hits their areas. SINAG is also critical of DA’s proposals that will result in the entry of an unprecedented volume of imported pork into the country. The Department has proposed the higher minimum access volume allocation for pork and the temporary tariff cut on pork imports. The moves are likewise opposed by the National Federation of Hog Farmers, Inc. even as it complained about the minimal support from government for hog and poultry growers, noting that the rice industry usually corners a chunk of the agriculture department’s annual budget. In a letter to Vice President Leni Robredo, the NFHFI said the industry was left on its own, with very little financial support, when ASF hit. “Instead of helping the sector repopulate, the Department of Agriculture and the economic team used inflation as a reason to approve massive importation at lowered tariffs to bring down the prices of pork,” it added. The group also said that without an ASF vaccine for the next few years, the industry needs concrete measures to mitigate and reduce the risks of infection and needs incentives to encourage swine farmers to repopulate. As it is with rice farmers who continue to suffer the impact of liberalized rice importation under the Rice Tariffication Law, so is it with the local hog industry. Both agricultural sectors badly need leaders who will not rely on importation for food security but would instead enhance and strengthen self-sufficiency with adequate government support. MC

How Mindanao Natives lose and win lands via legal actions in Manila

Penlight Nash B. Maulana

nash.penlight@gmail.com

Ramos obtained various loans from defendant GSIS for (the) period September, 1956 to October, 1957 in the total amount of P3,117,000.00 secured by real estate mortgages over parcels of land covered by TCT Nos. 26105, 37177 and 50365. the Zuluetas failed to pay their loans to defendant GSIS and the latter (GSIS) foreclosed the real estate mortgages dated September 25, 1956, March 6, 1957, April 4, 1957 and October 15, 1957.” The Court noted that: “On August 14, 1974, the mortgaged properties were sold at public auction by defendant GSIS submitting a bid price of P5,229,927.84. Not all lots covered by the mortgaged titles, however, were sold. Ninety-one (91) lots were expressly excluded from the auction since the lots were sufficient to pay for all the mortgage debts. A Certificate of Sale (Annex F, Records, Vol. I, pp. 23-28) was issued by then Provincial Sheriff Nicanor D. Salaysay.” But all throughout the period of the litigation in decades, the court proceedings were done outside General Santos City and not even in Mindanao, but in a court in Pasig and the documents were in the custody of the Register of Deeds in Rizal. It was a case of litigation by the documentary evidence subpoenaed by courts to effectively acquire jurisdiction over the case (according to lawyer friends) But how could the potential clients of the developer overlook such a glaring detail of the history of the land? “On March 6, 1980, the defendant GSIS sold the foreclosed properties to Yorkstown Development Corporation which sale was disapproved by the Office of the President of the Philippines. The sold properties were returned to defendant GSIS,” the Court said. The Register of Deeds of Rizal cancelled the land titles issued to Yorkstown Development Corporation. On July 2, 1980, TCT No. 23552 was issued cancelling TCT No. 21926; TCT No. 23553 cancelled TCT No. 21925; and TCT No. 23554 cancelling TCT No. 21924, all in the name of defendant GSIS. MC

commander of the Philippine Army Major General Romeo Brawner reminded men-inuniform to closely coordinate with the police and other lawmen to ensure that the 2022 synchronized national and local polls are orderly and Charlie Señase peaceful. csenase@yahoo.com Brawner, who replaced Retired General Andres n life things happen for a divine reason, whether it’s fortune or misfortune. And Centino, was a senior staff in the Army’s it’s about time to believe that as mere 6th Infantry Division in Maguindanao creatures there is an immortal Creator of all then became 4th ID commander officer things, that humanity’s existence hinges on in Cagayan de Oro City before finally Him. Liken to a Vine we are His branches assuming the highest post in the Philippine Army. that without Him we are nothing. The armed forces, the police and all Early this week, the Bangsamoro autonomous government in Muslim other law-enforcement agencies have agreed Mindanao was stunned by a bloody pre- to remain non-partisan or apolitical that election report that according to initial we hope not only in words but in deeds to findings by authorities could be a clan war ensure a peaceful political exercise. In fact, fueled by politics as the May 2022 polls neutrality in law enforcement must not only be among security forces but to all and near. Two Basilan town mayors were sundry - That truth in righteousness must ambushed by still unknown gunmen while always be the rule of thumb. British envoy to the Philippines Laure disembarking from a seacraft that docked at a Baliwasan shoreline in Zamboanga City. Beaufils, who was in Cotabato City this The December 6 incident confirmed the week to check how BARMM is doing with death of Al-Barka Mayor Darussalam Lajid its anti-COVID immunization drive was and a close aide, while Akbar Mayor Alih impressed to know that her government’s Salih was hospitalized and under closed donation of 5.2 million doses of vaccines are in order. watch by security forces. The Ministry of Health under Minister Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman has expressed sorrow with crossed-fingers that Bashary Latiph and its Director General the perpetrators are soon unmasked and Ameril Usman has reported that in a week’s prosecuted. As former ARMM governor, time BARMM was able to inoculate more Hataman was dismayed for the bloody than one million of its constituents. Out of attack to fellow public servants while still the more than 15,000 positive cases at least recuperating from the Dec.4 conflagration over 14,000 had recovered. Thus far, only that struck the port area of Isabela City 626 deaths in the span of nearly two years that destroyed some 200 residential houses of the health pandemonium, said MOH in two adjacent villages. Hataman’s wife information officer Saida Ali. The UK envoy lauded BARMM’s Sitti Djalia Tuarabin-Hataman, a former House memember, is currently Isabela regionwide vaccination effort with assurance to continue providing support City mayor. Local Government Minister Naguib to a partnership that borders on mutual Sinarimbo said the ambushed town mayors trust and genuine understanding to pursue from Basilan were on their way to Davao the Bangsamoro goals and make them City to attend a local government meeting. sustainable. OLD RANDOM THOUGHTS Both casualties are members of the United Death is inevitable irrespective of Bangsamoro Justice Party, he said. BARMM Interim Chief Minister Ahod persons. So, what’s life all about? Fear God “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim has condemned and keep His commandments for this is the attack as dastardly act and urged for man’s all. God’s wisdom is deep and proverbial the early resolution of the case. With this development, government as against man’s wisdom which is high and security forces are on their feet to counter philosophical. It’s humility vs pride that it election-related crimes. Newly installed takes one to fathom. MC

Eye Opener True to Form

Orange the World, 2021

people witness it in their own families growing up; others learn it slowly from friends, popular culture, or structural inequalities throughout our society. No matter where they develop such behaviors those who Victoria R. Franco, RPh, MS Pharmacy commit abusive acts make a franco1573victoria@gmail.com choice in doing so- they also s a highly optimistic color, orange could choose not to. represents hope and a future free Anyone can be abusive and anyone from violence against women and can be a victim of abuse. Abuse happens children. regardless of gender, age, sexuality, race Every year, since 2008, The United economic status, ability citizenship status Nation Secretary General’s Unite to End or any other factor or identity. Feelings of Violence Against Women and Children confusion, fear, anger are normal response Campaign with the theme Orange the to abuse, but they may also make you feel World calls for global action to increase isolated. awareness, galvanize advocacy efforts Being abusive is a decision, it’s a and share knowledge and innovation strategic behavior by your partner to create The 16 days of activities against gender their desired power dynamic. Domestic based violence is an annual international violence can also strain the people who campaign that kicks off on 25 November, witness, intervene or simply recognize the International day for the Elimination of the tragic realities of relationship abuse. violence against women and runs until 10th It can be painful and draining-physically, of December, Human Rights Day. mentally, emotionally and financially-to Violence against women is one of the watch the people in your lives abuse or be most pervasive human rights violations in abused. the world, gender inequality, discrimination Types of Abuse: It has been estimated and harmful cultural and social norms. that roughly two-thirds 0f those harming According to UNWOMEN,: a vulnerable adult are family members, * 1 in every 3 women and girls-some most often the victim’s adult child, or 735 Million Women experience physical spouse. Researchers has shown that in and sexual violence in their lifetime, most most instances, the financially dependent frequently by an intimate partner. on the vulnerable adult’s resources and * 137 women are killed by a member of have problems related to alcohol and drugs. their family everyday Physical abuse is intentional bodily * Fewer than 40% of the women who injury. Some include slapping, pinching, experience violence seek help choking, kicking shoving * Globally, violence against women Sexual abuse is nonconsensual sexual disproportionately affects low-and lower act, any unwanted sexual contact. Example middle income countries and regions are rape, sodomy, coerced nudity unwanted Domestic violence stems from a desire touching. to gain and maintain power and control over Mental mistreatment or emotional an intimate partner. Abusive people believe abuse., is deliberately causing mental and they have the right to control and restrict emotional pain. Examples are intimidation, their partner’s lives often either because coercion, ridiculing harassment, treating they believe their own feelings and needs an adult like a child, isolating an adult should be the priority in the relationship from family friends or regular activity, use or because they enjoy exerting the power of silence to control behavior, yelling and over the abused. swearing which results in mental distress. Tactics of abuse (in any form) may Exploitation occurs when a vulnerable be aimed at dismantling equality in the adult or his resources or income are illegally relationship in order to make their partners or improperly used for another person’s feel less valuable and undeserving of profit or gain. Neglect, self-neglect, and respect. Abuse is a learned behavior. Some abandonment are also forms of abuse. MC

The Stuff of Life

December 11, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

The Omicron variant

Use and awareness of the name Omicron variant became more common in news reports and public health communications in late 2021, including those about whether it could potentially be more contagious or more severe than previous variants, such as the Delta variant.

HEALTH CORNER

Reprint from Dicionary.com

OME INTERESTING FACTS FROM THE INTERNET: Alpha, Beta, Gamma…it’s all Greek to us. Quite literally, it’s the Greek alphabet. If you’ve watched the news or spent any time online lately, you might have heard the word omicron and wondered where it came from. In May 2021, the World Health Organisation (WHO) announced that COVID-19 variants would be labelled using letters of the Greek alphabet. Why is that anyway? With so much conversation around COVID-19 in the public sphere, the WHO made the decision to make the referencing of variants as simple as possible. According to their website, scientific names can be difficult to say and record, leading to misreporting. Realistically, media outlets are unlikely to keep referring to variants by their official tags, such as the B.1.1.7 or the B.1.351 variant. It can be much easier to fall back on referring to a variant by the country where it was first detected – not necessarily where it actually originated – which therefore creates the problem of stigma.

WHERE DOES OMICRON VARIANT COME FROM? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Omicron variant was first reported in South Africa in November 2021 and detected in Canada soon after. In the name Omicron variant, the word omicron refers to the 15th letter of the Greek alphabet. The name was used by the WHO as part of their system of using Greek letters to identify major COVID-19 variants. Other major variants were named Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Lambda, and Mu. The B.1.1.529 Variant was first labeled by the WHO as a “Variant Under Monitoring” (VUM). This category includes a large number of COVID-19 variants that may or may not have a higher risk of infection or severity. B.1.1.529 was named Omicron when it was reclassified as a “Variant of Concern” (VOC), a category reserved for variants associated with a higher risk to public health. The VOC classification includes the most severe variants of COVID-19 , including the highly contagious Delta variant. The name Omicron variant came to be well-known in late 2021 due to wide coverage of the variant by international media and international response to its classification by the WHO. Many countries, including the United States, restricted or banned travel to or from South Africa and some neighboring countries in an attempt to limit the spread of the Omicron variant. MC

It was reclassified as a “Variant of Concern” (VOC), a category reserved for variants associated with a higher risk to public health.

WHAT DOES OMICRON VARIANT MEAN? The Omicron variant is a variant of the COVID-19 virus. Omicron variant is the common name used to refer to what is technically known as the B.1.1.529 variant. A variant of a virus is a new strain that has emerged due to a mutation (or mutations) in the virus’s genetic structure.

a computer, internet Silver Linings: The Upsides have connection, and knowledge on how to use online of the Pandemic platforms for meetings and

other interactive events. Those in the transportation sector (land Danny Buenbrazo danny_buenbrazo@yahoo.com transport, water transport, and air transport) were all severely affected by nother week has passed and the epidemic that has ravaged the restrictive rules on mobility and t h e w o r l d a n d o u r c o u n t r y limited passenger capacity at times seems to be gradually defeated in the that they were allowed to operate. Business establishments have Philippines as more and more of the population gets vaccinated. The link to endure forced closures, limitation between vaccination and resistance in number of customers, logistical to COVID-19, despite the emergence problems in getting supplies and of a number of variants, seems to be sending out goods, among a myriad of headaches. Enterprises had to sell becoming firmer. If things continue to progress goods via online and/or social media as they have in the last few months, platforms and engage the services of with reference to the tide of the fight delivery firms for their products to against COVID-19, it is expected that reach the buyers. When COVID-19 is totally things would return to normal within the first semester of 2022 at the most. consigned as a dark portion of the Every person who will have lived country’s history, there may be some through this prolonged pandemic will practices and systems that would be never forget the disruptions in the worth retaining for localities, firms, way people do things and the very and institutions. For one, work-from-home inconvenient measures we had to take individually and collectively to arrangements could be maintained to avoid being part of the grim statistic the advantage of both employer and connected with COVID-19. Everyone employee. This would allow employees needed to buy and wear face masks to save on transport cost, reduce whether you are inside or outside travel time, and lower cost of eating and no one would dispute that this out while in the office premises. On protective practice makes it hard for the part of the employers, they would anyone to breathe, especially those with need smaller working spaces, consume less electricity and water, and save on lung disease and similar afflictions. Students had been unable to go to other expenses. Schools may opt to continue to their classrooms to have classes and interact with their classmates. Schools have online classes for parents and have to resort to online classes which students who are comfortable with in many instances is problematic due this system. They would need less to internet connectivity issues, poorer classrooms and also save on utility students do no have the required bills. On the other hand, students and gadgets or internet connection to their families could spend more time attend online classes regularly, or together and spend less on transport teachers do not have the proper cost and allowance for school-going preparation or lack skills to hold expenses. When less workers and students online classes regularly. Many employees had been forced need to commute daily, there would to totally work from home or to report be less vehicles on the road and the to office only on certain days of the country need not to build so much week. Of course, this work from home additional road and also benefit from arrangement required employees to less pollution and solid wastes. MC

Market Driven

Pope appoints first Filipino bishop in Japan...from P4 In 2004, he was appointed superior of the Japanese CICM Province and served until 2012. Sendai is the largest city in the Tohoku Region and one of Japan’s 15 biggest cities with roughly one million inhabitants. The bishop-elect is not 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

new to Sendai. From 2014 to 2017, he was assigned to the area and worked for the

victims of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.

CBCP News

SULTAN PAWNSHOP

corner Bonifacio and Don Rufino Alonzo Sts., Cotabato City

Ang Sultan Pawnshop ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sangla. Ang mga ito ay isinangla noong Mayo 2021. Ang subasta ay sa Enero 03, 2022 sa ganap na ika-8:00 ng mga umaga hanggang ika-4:30 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

MC: Dec. 11 & 18, 2021

CONLUCK PAWNSHOP MAIN CONLUCK DON RUFINO BRANCH & CONLUCK PAWNSHOP BRANCH 4 ng Cotabato City ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sanla. Ang mga ito ay isinangla magmula Nobyembre 2020 hanggang Disyembre 2020. Ang Subasta ay sa Disyembre 31, 2021 sa ganap na ika 8:00 ng umaga hanggang ika 4:00 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar. MC: Dec. 11 & 18, 2021

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

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

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 5 R.A. 9048/10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that Leve G. Anadon has file with this office a petition for change of sex from Female to Male in the birth certificate of Leve Gurrea Anadon, who was born on February 17, 1993 at Sarmiento, Parang, Maguindanao and whose parents are Leo Anadon and Imelda Gurrea. Any person adversely affected by the said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than December 20, 2021.

In compliance with Section 5 R.A. 9048/10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that Jarie Angel M. Valencia has file with this office a petition for change of sex from Male to Female in the birth certificate of Jarie Angel M. Valencia, who was born on July 19, 1986 at Sarmiento, Parang, Maguindanao and whose parents are Manuel P. Valencia and Consolacion M. Valencia. Any person adversely affected by the said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than December 28, 2021.

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that Ginalyn U. Pendaliday, has filed with this office a petition for change of first name from Glenda to Ginalyn in the birth certificate of Glenda Atab Uy who was born on August 6, 1979 in Cotabato City and whose parents are Jose Sy Uy and Porferia A. Atad. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this office.

(Sgd.) KARIM O. OMAR, MPA

Municipal Civil Registrar

MC: Dec. 11 & 18, 2021

(Sgd.) TOHAMY M. LAUBAN (Sgd.) KARIM O. OMAR, MPA City Civil Registrar Municipal Civil Registrar MC: Dec. 11 & 18, 2021

LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE

Republic of the Philippines Midsayap, Cotabato LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with the publication requirements and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1, Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), notice is hereby served to the public that Lilibeth Damian Remoto has filed with this office a petition for change of child’s date of birth from April 29, 1973 to February 1, 1973 in the certificate of live birth of Lilibeth Onia Damian who was born on April 29, 1973 at Midsayap, Cotabato and whose parents are Jose C. Damian and Josefina P. Onia. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this Office of Municipal Civil Registrar, Midsayap, Cotabato.

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that Nida Ciupan Adalla has filed with this office a petition for change of first name from Cenida to Nida in the Certificate of Live Birth of Cenida Jamandron Siupan who was born on May 9, 1960 at Midsayap, Cotabato and whose parents are Ricardo Siupan and Ofelia Jamandron. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this Office of Municipal Civil Registrar, Midsayap, Cotabato.

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that Sampaguita Anaya Cocjin has filed with this office a petition for change of first name from Maria Sampaguita to Sampaguita in the Certificate of Live Birth of Maria Sampaguita Corneya Anaya who was born on December 26, 1951 at Midsayap, Cotabato and whose parents are Graciano Anaya and Monica Corneya. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this Office of Municipal Civil Registrar, Midsayap, Cotabato.

(Sgd.) NORAH B. CABUGWASON

Sgd.) NORAH B. CABUGWASON Municipal Civil Registrar

(Sgd.) NORAH B. CABUGWASON Municipal Civil Registrar

MC: Dec. 4 & 11, 2021

MC: Dec. 11 & 18, 2021

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late WILFREDO BINGIL, who died intestate on September 1, 2021 in Davao Oriental, a parcel of land Lot No. 1, Plan No. PSD-12-068652, situated in Salunayan, Midsayap, Cotabato, covered by TCT No. 1522018000369, with an area of 20,000 sq. mts., more or less is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous deed of donation before Notary Public Noel A. Gretare, CPA as per Doc. No. 3,401; Page No. 71; Book No. LXXVIII; Series of 2021.

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 the late DATU KALIONG SINSUAT, on October 26, 1965 in Manila, an untitled parcels of land Lot Nos. 2247A, 2247-B and 2247-C, situated in Dimapatoy, Dinaig, Cotabato (now Dinaig Proper, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao), with the total area of 151,673 sq. mts., more or less are the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous sale before Notary Public Atty. Gapor G. Quituar as per Doc. No. 452; Page No. 91; Book No. XXX; Series of 2018.

MC: Dec. 4, 11 & 18, 2021

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

Cotabato LGU lights up city plaza...from P1 Mayor Guiani-Sayadi expressed her desire to make her constituents feel that there is a better tomorrow for all of us. “All these little sacrifices that resulted to several achievements have shaped us to become stronger people,” she said, adding:

MC: Dec. 4, 11 & 18, 2021

“May this occasion make all of us become an illuminating light to ourselves, to one another, and to our community.” “And may we all become one and be at peace especially during the season of Christmas,” she said. City PIO

RANEN PAWNSHOP MAIN, BRANCH I, II & III Don Rufino Alonzo & Don Tomas Martinez Sts, Cot. City

Notice for Auction

All unredeemed articles pledged on May 2021 will be auctioned on January 03, 2022 at 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Please come before January 03, 2022 for renewal or redemption.

Patalastas ng Subasta

Lahat ng sangla noong Mayo 2021 ay ipagbibili ng Subasta sa Enero 03, 2022 sa ganap na ika-8:30 ng umaga hanggang ika-4:30 ng hapon. Kung maari ay pumunta bago ang Enero 03, 2022 para sa pagbayad ng tubo o pagtubos.

MC: Dec. 11 & 18, 2021

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 December 1-29, 2020 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 December 22, 2021.

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 Disyembre 1-29, 2020 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 Disyembre 22, 2021.

MC:Dec. 11 & 18, 2021

MC: Dec. 11 & 18, 2021

Republic of the Philippines Midsayap, Cotabato

Municipal Civil Registrar

THE MINDANAO CROSS

December 11, 2021

AFFIDAVIT Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late JUDITHA CULANO who died on November 18, 2008, a parcel of land Lot No. 895-A, Csd 6155, situated at Luayon, Mlang (now) Makilala, Cotabato with an area of 51,687 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. CT-19328 is the subject of affidavit of self-adjudication of the estate with deed of absolute sale before N o t a r y P u b l i c A t t y. Joeyfer Samaniego Villanueva, as per Doc. No. 19; Page No. 5; Book No. XV; Series of 2021.

MC: Dec. 11, 18 & 25, 2021

AFFIDAVIT OF ADJUDICATION Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late Aida P. Bautista, who died on July 18, 2005 in Manila, consisting parcels of land located at Nuro, Upi, Maguindanao, Lot 2, Psd-12-006920; Lot C-1-J-5-D-3, Psd-12006920; Lot C-1-J-1 Psd-12-000406; Lot No. a-1 (LRC) Psd-113485; Lot 8, Psd-12006920; Lot A-15-4, Psd-12000527; Lot C-1-J-3, Psd-12-000406; Lot C-1-J-4-B-1, Psd(ARMM)-04-000658; Lot C-1-J-4-B-2, Psd (ARMM)-04-000658; Lot C-1-J-4-B-3, Psd (ARMM)-04-000658; Lot C-1-J-4-B-5, Psd (ARMM)-04-000658; Lot C-1-J-4-B-6, Psd (ARMM)-04-000658; covered by TCT Nos. T-6705, T-6707, (T3 4 7 3 6 ) T- 6 9 6 , ( T30266) T-821, T-6710, T-983, (T-34736) T-698, T- 2 9 6 1 3 , T- 2 9 6 1 4 , T-29615, T-29617 and T-29618, respectively, with the total area of 63,890 square meters, more or less are the subject of affidavit of adjudication of sole heir before Notary Public Atty. Rolando L. Chew as per Doc. No. 2843; Page No. 285; Book No. 22; Series of 2021.

MC: Dec. 4, 11 & 18, 2021

DEED OF SELF-ADJUDICATION

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late CAMILO A. ADVINCULA, who died on May 12, 1999 in Cotabato City, a parcel of land Lot 2463, Kabacan Pls-117, located at Upper Paatan, Kabacan, Cotabato, covered by TCT No. T-37645 with an area of 39,789 sq. mts., more or less is the subject of deed of self-adjudication with deed of donation before Notary Public Maleiha E, Usman as per Doc. No. 470; Page No. 94; Book No. 1; Series of 2021.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late ALIBAY S. LAUBAN who died on September 17, 2002, a parcel of land Lot 1-A-2-A-2-B-4, Psd-123804-019202, s i t u a t e d i n K a k a r, Cotabato City with an area of 200 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. T-30584 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with absolute sale before Notary Public Atty. Ronald Hallid D. Torres as per Doc. No. 405; Page No. 79; Book No. XVIII, Series of 2021.

MC: Dec. 11, 18 & 25, 2021

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

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the application of PAGANA KUTAWATO CORPORATION With activity of Hotel and Restaurant (service facility) located at Rufo Mañara Street, Rosary Heights XI, Cotabato City for registration with the Regional Bangsamoro Board of Investments-BARMM under Book I of the Omnibus Investment Code of 1987, otherwise known as Executive Order No. 226 as amended by R.A. 11534 or CREATE Act, has been officially accepted on December 7, 2021 as is currently being processed. Any person with valid objections to or pertinent comments on the abovementioned application may file his/her objection, in writing and under oath, with the Regional Bangsamoro Board of Investments-BARMM within one (1) week from the date of application.

MC: Dec. 11, 2021

ATTY. ISHAK V. MASTURA Chairman

December 11, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

BARMM chief minister condemns murder of Basilan mayor

CHIEF Minister Ahod Murad Ebrahim of the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao has condemned the murder of a Basilan town mayor and the wounding of another town executive in Zamboanga City Monday. In a statement on Tuesday, Minister Ebrahim also urged the police to identify, arrest and put behind bars the brains behind the murder of Mayor Darussalam Lajid of Al-Barka, Basilan and the wounding of Mayor Ali Salih of Akbar town.

“The Bangsamoro Government condemns the cowardly and brutal attack on the municipal mayors of Al Barka and Akbar,” Minister Ebrahim said. “Not only is this an attack against the people of Basilan, but an attack on the

democratic principles and values of the entire Bangsamoro people,” he added. “In this difficult and emotional time, we call for sobriety and patience. Let us exercise restraint while the investigation is ongoing. These perpetrators shall answer

to justice,” Ebrahim said. The two mayors belonged to the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), the political party of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Edwin O.

Fernandez

MILG to generate jobs for 15 infra-projects in SGA

THE Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG) is set to employ hundreds of masons and carpenters for the 120day construction of 14 barangay hall buildings and one (1) public market in BARMM's Special Geographic Area (SGA). This came following the joint groundbreaking ceremonies held at Brgy. Pedtad in Kabacan and Brgy. Manaparan in Carmen, North Cotabato on Dec. 4, 2021. Under the 63 barangays of SGA, the Brgy. Manarapan is the first cluster and the first of the 63 barangays to receive the MILG’s Public Market project for the Bangsamoro communities. MILG Minister Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo graced the event and stressed that barangay is an important level of governance, saying “our focus is to go down to the very first level of government, which is where the people are — the barangay. That is why it is important to us that the barangay is functional.”

On Monday, Dec. 6, Sinarimbo also inked three (3) Memoranda of Agreements (MOAs) for the erection of three more Municipal Hall buildings for the municipalities of South Ubian, Sibutu, and Turtle Island in the Province of Tawi Tawi. “Our commitment, as directed by BARMM Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim, is for our services to be made available to every corner of the Bangsamoro homeland, no matter the distance. We also hope that these projects will give better service delivery at the level of the Local Government Units,” Sinarimbo stated. This year, the ministry targeted to construct 250 barangay halls across BARMM and it also expands to build public markets, water systems, public terminals, and tourism centers. Last Nov. 25, the first BARMM-standard barangay hall project was completed and inaugurated at Brgy. Banubo in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

BIO

P1.3-M worth shabu seized in Midsayap

MIDSAYAP, North Cotabato — Antinarcotics agents seized P1.3 million worth of shabu from a dealer entrapped here Tuesday. Naravy Duquiatan, director of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-12 said Wednesday the suspect, Nasrudin Minandang, 29, is now detained, to be prosecuted for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Minandang is a resident of Datu Odin Sinsuat town, some 50 kilometers south of his municipality.

He was immediately arrested after selling his P1.3 million worth illegal merchandise to a buyer disguised as a drug dependent during a tradeoff along a highway in Barangay Poblacion 8 here. The sting was laid with the help of the Midsayap municipal police force and the North Cotabato provincial police office. Duquiatan said the PDEA-12 is also thankful to vigilant Midsayap residents who reported Minandang’s drug trafficking activities.

John Felix Unson

EDIFICE FOR LEARNING. A newly renovated MAFAR training center now ready to host participants for transfer of technical knowhow to improve farmers’ productivity, profits. Photo courtesy of MAFAR BARMM

P3.6-M smuggled fuel seized in Sulu

COTABATO CITY — The police foiled last week an attempt to smuggle P3.6 million worth of petroleum products to Sulu from somewhere in the country’s border with Malaysia. Personnel of the police’s Regional Maritime Unit-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region immediately impounded the small vessel, carrying diesel and gasoline in blue plastic drums, that they intercepted while near the island town of Panglima Tahil, Sulu.

The boat captain and members of his crew are now clamped down in a police detention facility. Reports reaching the headquarters of the Police Regional Office-BAR said the boat captain and his companions failed to present even a single document to prove the legitimacy of the shipment. Investigators have found out that the petroleum products came from the Taganak island municipality in Tawi-Tawi.

Tawi-Tawi is known as the southern backdoor of the Philippines, close to Sabah, Malaysia. There are Filipinos in Sabah peddling diesel and gasoline in large volumes at low prices per liter, much lower than those sold in fuel retail stations in Mindanao. The Bangsamoro Regional Maritime Unit has turned over the confiscated fuel cargo to the Bureau of Customs for its disposition. John

COTABATO CITY — A member of the police’s elite Special Action Force and a murder suspect were killed while two others were wounded in a brief clash Tuesday in Lamitan City, Basilan. The SAF team was to serve the long wanted Jerry Harayin a warrant for his arrest in Barangay Baas, Lamitan City but he resisted, provoking a gunfight that triggered panic among villagers. Brig. Gen. Eden Ugale, director of the Police Regional OfficeBangsamoro Autonomous Region, on Wednesday identified the SAF

fatality as Cpl. Nizar Alijam. Another SAF member, Sgt. Sabas Banatao, was wounded in the exchange of gunfire. He was immediately rushed to a hospital in Zamboanga City for treatment. A 15-year-old villager, Hadid Hamdan, was wounded in the ensuing crossfire. SAF members dispatched to arrest Harayin were forced to neutralize him when he shot a vehicle carrying policemen approaching his hideout in Barangay Baas. The warrant for Harayin’s arrest was signed by Judge Grace Capacilio

Tillah of a Regional Trial Court in nearby Isabela City, Basilan. Alijam succumbed to multiple bullet wounds in a hospital, according to Ugale. “The PRO-BAR feels the grief his family feels now. We mourn here too,” Ugale said. Harayin, who sustained gunshot wounds in different parts of his body, died on the spot. Policemen recovered an M16 rifle beside Harayin’s cadaver that the Lamitan City Police immediately turned over to relatives for proper burial. John Felix Unson

SAF, murder suspect killed in Basilan gunfight

P7.6-M worth marijuana plants uprooted in Lanao del Sur

MARAWI CITY — Soldiers destroyed a hectare of Marijuana plants close to a New Peoples Army lair in Maguing, Lanao del Sur whose occupants they first flushed out following an hour-long gunfight. Sources from the police and barangay officials said the marijuana plants were jointly propagated by a group of NPAs and a certain Lumala, a disgruntled Moro guerilla. Local officials and traditional leaders in Maguing said Thursday personnel of the Army’s 5th Infantry Battalion

stumbled early this week on the marijuana plants in an upland area in the municipality while clearing the surroundings of an abandoned NPA hideout nearby. Army officials placed at P7.6 million, based on calculations by their contacts in the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, the value of the marijuana plants that members of the 5th IB immediately uprooted and set on fire. Lt. Col. Romulus Rabara, commanding officer of the 5th IB, said

Felix Unson

Thursday they would not have discovered the marijuana farm if not for the tips from vigilant Maranao informants in Maguing helping push the government’s antinarcotics campaign forward. Rabara said there are people in the municipality with shady personas creating the impression that they belong to a big Moro group that has a current peace overture with the government as a shield from lawenforcement entities. He did not elaborate, however.

John Felix Unson

ILLEGAL PLANTS. A member of the Army’s 5th Infantry Battalion burning one of the 11 piles of uprooted Marijuana plants seized this week in an operation in Maguing, Lanao del Sur. Photo courtesy of Philippine Army