The Mindanao Cross | December 17, 2022

Various activities have been lined up to highlight the celebration that included the reenactment on the arrival of Shariff Mohammad Kabunsuan along the banks of “Masla Pulangi” (now known as Rio Grande de Mindanao), in the 16th century to introduced Islam in Mindanao, according to City Administrator Atty. Aelan Arumpac.

Also to be highlighted is the Inaul

ENVIRONMENT officials released back to its natural habitat a stranded young adult male Dolphin after undergoing rehabilitation following his stranding in the coast of this city on Dec. 6.

Veterinary Dr. Roy Mejorada, Sarangani Protected Area Management Office inhouse veterinarian, on Wednesday described the Dolphin as “a young adult male Spinner Dolphin.”

For education and documentation purposes, Department of Environment and Natural ResourcesProvincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Maria Elvira

By Edwin O. Fenandez

fashion show this evening at the Cotabato State University (CotSU) gymnasium.

“This is the first time that city government and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) are jointly commemorating the history of the arrival of Islam in our land,” Atty. Arumpac said in an interview over “Alerto Bangsamoro program” of International Alert and

By Edwin O. Fernandez

Lumayag and Protected Area Superintendent Joy Ologuin named the Dolphin “Yoyó.”

“Yoyó” was stranded and rescued on December 6 in the shores of Barangay Bula, General Santos City and was released back into Sarangani Bay (SarBay) early Friday morning, December 9.

Mejorada said Yoyó underwent rehabilitation in the Circular Tank Facility at the aquaculture farm of Alsons Aquaculture Corporation in Alabel, Sarangani prior to his release on Friday.

Mejorada said Yoyó was rescued by villagers in Barangay Bula.

“The Marine

Mammals Rescue Team, the City ENRO of Gensan, DENR community, ENRO Buayan, and BFAR, immediately provided supportive care being the first responders,” he said.

Mejorada said first responders tried to send the mammal back to the sea the next day.

“We sent him back to the sea for assessment and we found out the Dolphin’s swimming and buoyancy appears to be not perfect,” Mejorada said.

He said after three hours of supportive care, Yoyó suddenly swam faster to open waters but ended up re-stranded at Makar Port area in General Santos

Notre Dame University over DXMS Radyo Bida.

“We invite you to join us,” said Atty. Arumpac who also speak for and in behalf of Cotabato City Mayor Bruce Matabalao.

BARMM’s Bureau of Tourism (BOT) Director Marites Maguindra revealed that this year’s Shariff Kabunsuan Festival is expected to be the “largest” celebration.

“Different groups and sectors will be joining us in this celebration, and I am positive that this will be the largest event ever for Shariff Kabunsuan that we will be witnessing,” Maguindra said.

In his message, BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim called on every Bangsamoro to join in the celebration.

“And right before we close this year’s chapter, Bangsamoro

Grateful Muslim, Christian alumni travel back to Datu Piang’s NDDI

By Nash B. Maulana

TODAY, December 17, all roads lead to Datu Piang, home to one of the oldest Catholic schools in the old Cotabato Province.

About 800 old and young alumni will literally march back to the Notre Dame of Dulawan Inc. (NDDI) in Datu Piang, now part of Maguindanao del Sur, for their Grand Alumni Homecoming.

NDD was often described in the past

as the “center-of-gravity” of Christian-andMuslim understanding in coexistence, a tradition that has bred harmony among followers of Islam and Christianity in this part.

Hanalyn S. Piang, NDDAA President, said the last time NDD alumni had their grand homecoming was nearly seven years ago in December 2015.

Piang said some 800 Muslim P5

2 BARMM doctors, one service agenda

THE new Bangsamoro health minister and the former health secretary of the defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao have agreed to cooperate in serving constituent communities.

The physicians Rizaldy Piang, newly-

By John Felix Unson

appointed health minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and Kadil Sinolinding, Jr., reached a consensus last week to help each other push the activities of the BARMM health ministry forward.

DID YOU KNOW? Misa de Gallo

Misa de Gallo is the Spanish phrase for Midnight mass, more literally translated as “Rooster’s Mass”. It is said that the “Rooster’s Mass” owes its name to the idea that a rooster would have been among the first to witness the birth of Jesus, and thus be the one to announce it.

A Simbang Gabi is a nine day Roman Catholic ritual novena performed in the Philippines over 9 days starting on December 16 and ending on December 24. Simbang Gabi, which translates to Mass at dawn is usually performed as early as 4 or 5 in the morning. The last day of the Simbang Gabi, which is Christmas Eve, is called Misa de Gallo, which literally translates to “Rooster’s Mass” - Livejournal.com

Sinolinding, an eye specialist trained in India, is a member of the 80-seat Bangsamoro Transition Authority, most known as the interim parliament of the autonomous region under Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim. P4

Bangsamoro icon shines in Qatar

Pope Francis to ask heads of state to pardon prisoners as Christmas gesture

STRANDED, RESCUED, FREED. Dr. Roy Mejorada (left), Sarangani Protected Area Management Office in-house veterinarian, and environment officials assist a stranded young adult male Spinner Dolphin recover its balance and swimming ability in Alabel, Sarangani province prior to his release back to his natural habitat. Photo courtesy of Sarangani PIO

THIS year’s celebration of Shariff Kabunsuan Festival commemorating the arrival of Arab and Malay missionary who introduced Islam in mainland Mindanao is, for the first time, most colorful, grandest and the largest ever since it is a joint celebration of the Bangsamoro region and Cotabato City government.

Stranded baby Dolphin rescued, sent back to the sea in SarBay

RELIVING HISTORY. The

boat) fluvial parade opens this year’s colorful tradition of celebrating Shariff Kabunsuan Festival to commemorate his arrival to Rio Grande de Mindanao. Shown here several boats decked in flaglets and vibrant-colored fabrics reenacted a major Islamic history.

Photo courtesy of Nanardz Navarro.

5 fall in P476K NoCot shabu sting

LIBUNGAN, North Cotabato — Anti-narcotics agents seized P476,000 worth of shabu from five dealers entrapped in Libungan town Saturday.

Naravy Duquitan, director of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 12, said Sunday suspects Tuad Razul Ibrahim, Amer Akmad Mentang, Faisal Paolas Mentang, Mohadjerin Aliman Sendad and Razul Akmad Mentang are now detained.

Duquiatan said all five of them are to be prosecuted for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous

Drugs Act of 2002.

The five suspects, all from nearby Maguindanao province, were immediately frisked and cuffed after selling P476,000 worth of shabu to non-uniformed PDEA 12 agents in a tradeoff at past 9:00 a.m. Saturday in Barangay Baguer in Libungan town in the first district of North Cotabato.

Duquitan the sting that led

to their arrest was assisted by personnel of the municipal police in Libungan and in nearby Pigcawayan town, also in North Cotabato.

PDEA 12 agents also impounded the minivan of the five suspects that they used in delivering shabu to contacts in different towns in the adjoining North Cotabato and Maguindanao provinces. JMU

Kampilan now has 224 new Army privates

MAJ . Gen. Roy Galido, 6th Infantry Division commander, on Tuesday welcomed the 224 new Army privates who completed basic military training and will be deployed to various division units across southcentral Mindanao.

Members of the Candidate Soldier Course Class 732-2022 took their oath during graduation rites held at the 6th Division Training School Annex in Camp Paulino Santos, Barangay Upper Dado, Alamada, North Cotabato.

Private Czarice Kate Macabacyao bested other candidate soldiers for registering 97 percent rating. Coming next to her was Private Roxanne Duco (95.10 percent) and in the third spot was Private John Mark Calumno (94.80 percent).

“This is historic, I will serve and protect the country,” Private Macabacyao told her family and friends after the graduation ceremonies.

In a rare accomplishment, Private Jojo Toralba received the Top Gun Award from Maj. Gen. Roy Galido, 6th Infantry Division commander, for achieving 100 percent raining in basic marksmanship.

For leading his batchmates in physical fitness test, Private Danilo Taruc Jr received the Physical Fitness Proficiency Award while Private Marvin Quiapo, class president, received the Leadership Award.

Before their deployment to various Army units in the area of operation of the 6th ID, the 224 Army privates have to hurdle the Infantry Orientation Course (INFOC) that will last for 45 days.

Maj. Gen. Galido reminded the soldiers that they are now public servant and protector of Filipino people and that they should always do good and do what is right and legal. EOF

Army destroys 300 NPA, BIFF firearms

SECURITY officials in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have been finding longterm solutions to the peace and security issues that affect peace and development programs for the region communities.

On Wednesday morning, Minister Hussein Muñoz of the Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS) said MPOS gathered law enforcers and stakeholders to find lasting solutions to “avoidable” security issues.

According to Minister Muñoz, the gathering specifically aimed to institutionalize the mechanisms in preventing and addressing the occurrence of violent conflicts such

as “rido” (family feuds), reduction of loose firearms in the hands of lawless elements, private armed groups, illegal drugs, and all forms of criminality.

Muñoz said the regional government, under Chief Minsiter Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, is strongly strengthening its coordination with law enforcement agencies to ensure peace and harmony in the Bangsamoro homeland.

"We see peace and harmony as the direction to take towards a developed Bangsamoro and Mindanao. Without it, it will be impossible to attain progress and prosperity,” Muñoz said, adding

MID-level managers of regional agencies completed on Sunday an eight-track course on Public Financial Management Competency Program (PFMCP).

The Ministry of Finance, and Budget and Management of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MFBM-BARMM) organized the PFMCP as part of the continuing capacity-building track of heads of offices for efficient delivery of service, officials of the MFBM.

MFBM Minister Ubaida Pacasem said the ultimate goal and objective in holding the PFMCP is to sustainably shape public management in human capital through systematic technical processes.

“Through this Competency Program, we aim to equip the participants with necessary PFM skills required for the effective and efficient delivery of public services, ultimately contributing to the

THE office of Maguindanao del Sur Governor Bai Mariam Sangki Mangudadatu said she will answer an administrative complaint filed by the town vice-mayor of Pandag before the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Lawyer Israelito Torreon, representing Pandag Vice-Mayor Bai Zihan Mamalinta Mangudadatu, said the complaint stemmed from an incident video recorded and posted on social media showing an apparent commotion inside a room, following a brief confrontational mode between the two women.

Sangki-Mangudadatu’s reaction has been sought by reporters, following a videoed interview with Torreon exclusively over the KutangBato Vlog through which the lawyer disclosed an administrative complaint of “several counts” was filed against the governor

that “peace is the only way to stop injustice and conflicts in the region."

"It is our hope to establish an enduring peace through our unified efforts as agencies of government, co-advocates towards promotion of peace, and committed to deliver the expectations of the people to whom our service is dedicated," he added.

Chief Minister Ebrahim directed MPPOS to always consult stakeholders in formulating mechanisms to resolve various social problems, human rights violations, and other forms of criminality.

The Chief Minister said threats of peace and order "affects poverty and underdevelopment." EOF

attainment of the Bangsamoro public sector goals,” Pacasem said.

“This specific course for middle managers is designed to enhance the technical competencies of core public finance practitioners; reinforce existing standards on finance and budget; and adopt those which may be tailored fit to the needs of the Bangsamoro Government,” he added.

Pacasem said: “The Bangsamoro Government’s overarching agenda of Moral Governance constitute the core of all the initiatives towards sound public financial management, along with our shared mission of ensuring the necessary conditions for a sustained socio-economic development in the region.”

“A sound PFM entails transparency, accountability, responsibility and integrity in public service delivery,” said Pacasem, a CPA-lawyer by profession.

before the BARMM.

The BARMM chief minister will then constitute an arbitral forum to hear the complaint, according to sources independently sought for legal explanation for this story.

Reporters said blue guards stationed at the gates of the Provincial Capitol would only allow visitors with prior approved appointments to get in—citing what they said were the busy schedules of the governor.

Though, one clear outward signal from inside was that the governor’s office would answer once it received an official copy of the complaint.

Torreon said an administrative complaint cites Governor Mangudadatu for allegedly “implementing a court order” before the appeal period prescribed or expired, allowing the assumption of Mohajeran “Odjie” Balayman as the

Soldiers destroyed in Camp Siongco in Maguindanao del Norte last weekend 300 firearms from exenemies of state in the presence of the chief-ofstaff of the Armed Forces, Lt. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro.

The cache consists of assault rifles, grenade launchers and bolt-action sniper rifles.

The event, held at Camp Siongco in nearby Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, where the headquarters of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division is located, was jointly led by Bacarro and 6th ID’s commander, Major Gen. Roy Galido.

While at Camp Siongco,

Bacarro was briefed by 6th ID officials on peace and security issues besetting central Mindanao.

No fewer than 400 members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and the Dawlah Islamiya and the NPA have surrendered to units of 6th ID in the past three years.

Bacarro, in a message, urged personnel and officers of 6th ID to help sustain the improving public trust ratings on the Armed Forces via local peace-building programs meant to put closure to violent religious extremism and communist insurgency in areas covered by the division. JMU

The PFMCP is divided into three phases: the first was held Sept. 14-16 in Davao City in which was explained the budget cycle from preparation, legislation, execution and accountability, and fiscal planning. The second phase focused on the performance-informed budgeting (PIB) and program expenditure classification (PREXC); while the third highlighted the budget execution documents, budget and financial accountability reports, as well as agency performance review.

MFBM officials said it will continue its partnership with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and steer a series of budget and finance related activities next year.

Sunday’s graduation ceremony was held at the Cotabato Regional Medical Center Auditorium. NBM

mayoral candidate garnering a “plurality of votes,” according to a decision issued by Presiding Judge Annabelle Piang of the 12th Regional Trial Court.

The administrative complaint was filed before the Office of BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ibrahim, Torreon said. But Governor Mangudadatu and Balayman are also known for questioning BARMM’s jurisdiction over local government units.

BARMM interior and local governments Minister Naguib Sinarimbo said the Bangsamoro Organic Law (RA 11054) retains the provision of the Expanded Autonomy Act (RA 9054) on administrative supervision over LGUs.

Sinarimbo added that part of that function devolved under RA 9054 is that the autonomous region’s interior and local government agency keeps the lists of succession of local officials in its official

records.

Observers' Scenarios

Observers see possible political scenarios from such legal controversy: 1) BARMM effectively gains jurisdiction over LGU Maguindanao, in particular; 2) Mangudadatu and Balayman may ignore the administrative complaint, because they do not recognize BARMM's jurisdictional powers over LGUs; and 3) the governor may elevate the controversy with the Office of the President through the Department of the Interior and Local Government which may invite the parties to cordially settle the issue pending resolution of “two opposite writs standing”—one from the court for Balayman and another from the Comelec by which prior proclaimed Mayor Khadafe Mangudadatu gets reprieve.

One lawyer asked by the Manila P5

CHRISTMAS IS FOR CHILDREN. Pupils of Notre Dame Cathedral of Cotabato City sing Christmas carols during the first Misa de Gallo at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral Friday after a two year hiatus due to the pandemic. Photo by Karl John Daniel

Ampad,

The

Ampad

in

City.

The Philippine National Police Maritime and BFAR responded, rescued and transferred Yoyó to Alsons Aquaculture farm on Wednesday afternoon.

“Our rehab efforts were back to zero, we feed him manually and observed his balance,” Mejorada said.

“On Thursday, we noticed some improvement, his condition is improving and Thursday night he needs no human support,” he said, adding that Yoyo glides and dances in his natural habitat.

He said the Dolphin had no major injuries. “So far, he has minor scratches but as to why he was stranded we can’t really answer that,” he said.

“Yoyo is healthy. Robust and at hindi payat,” he added.

Mejorada suggested an analysis that the Dolphin has suffered no pain, not injured or hit by a sea vessel prior to the stranding. “Maybe, there was a sudden stimulus or impact that resulted

Ebrahim appointed Piang as BARMM’s health minister only about three weeks ago.

Sinolinding had served as health secretary of the erstwhile ARMM government that got replaced with BARMM in 2019 as a result of the 22year peace talks between the government and the MILF.

Sinolinding started as a “doctor to the barrio,”

to disorientation thus he was beached.”

Praying Yoyo will no longer be stranded again, still Majorada appealed and alerted coastal villages and city people along the coast for possible stranding again of Yoyo in the coming days.

“Hopefully, not anymore,” the optimistic Mejorada said.

Lumayag said DENR will continue monitoring for similar cases “because Sarangani Bay is full of marine mammals. That’s why we are trying to strengthen our enforcement to protect our marine life.”

Sarangani Bay is a haven of marine mammals that include Dugong or Seacow, Dolphins, and marine turtles. Dugong was considered as the Sarangani Bay’s flagship specie.

Alsons’ operations manager, Israel Mosquera, said their company and with former Sarangani Governor Miguel Rene A. Dominguez, are known to “always have the heart to help, rescue, and protect Sarangani Bay.”

while municipal health officer of Pagalungan in Maguindanao del Sur more than two years ago and has since treated more than 20,000 poor patients, many of them in what are now BARMM barangays in different towns in Cotabato province grouped together as the Special Geographic Area.

Piang and Sinolinding’s cooperation in serving indigent

patients began in 1989 in the Cotabato Regional Medical Center.

“After 31 years, we are back as partners in the delivery of health services for residents of BARMM,” Sinolinding said.

Piang had expressed appreciation of Sinolinding’s having reached out to him to assure of his support to the health ministry’s operation.

50 BIFF men rejoin.

..from P10 and components for improvised explosive devices before they pledged allegiance to the government in the presence of local executives.

The BIFF and its allies, the Al-Khobar and the Dawlah Islamiya, together tagged in deadly bombings in central Mindanao in recent years, are known for fomenting hatred for non-Muslims.

Officials of the 90th IB and Col. Donald Gumiran, 602nd Infantry Brigade, commander, also asked reporters to keep, meantime, the names of the 44 BIFF members for their safety.

More than 200 members of the BIFF, the Dawlah Islamiya and the Al-khobar have surrendered in batches to units of 6th ID in the past 10 months. JMU

Reintegration of 28...from P10

of local officials in Sarangani province and the commander of the 38th IB, Lt. Col. Michael Angelo Candole.

Candole said Wednesday local officials are supporting the 38th IB's effort to reintroduce the former NPAs to the local communities.

"We are now doing that," Candole said.

More than a hundred NPAs have surrendered to units of the 6th ID in different towns in central Mindanao since January this year.

Eight from the 28 NPAs who surrendered Friday have confessed to their roles in collecting “protection money” on a monthly basis from traders in different towns in Sarangani.

The 38th IB withheld the names of the 28 NPAs pending their relocation to areas far from reach of

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. No. 9048, notice is hereby served to the public that Arsenio E. Sarmiento has filed with this office a petition for change of first name from Arsenio Hector to Arsenio in the birth certificate of Arsenio Hector E. Sarmiento, who was born on September 19, 1956 at Cotabato City and whose parents are Ampelo R. Sarmiento and Maria M. Ebreo.

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

(Sgd.) EDRES A. SAMAMA

Asst. City Civil Registrar OIC- City Civil Registrar

MC: Dec. 17 & 24, 2022

ROAD MISHAP. The vehicle of Police Lt. Col. Sandro Ampad that collided in Kakar area in Barangay Rosary Heights 8, Cotabato City Monday. Photo by John Felix Unson

the Cotabato-Maguindanao Diversion Road in an interior area in Barangay Rosary Heights 8 in this city.

then on his way to the Maguindanao Provincial Police Office in Shariff Aguak town, about 50 kilometers away, was badly injured in the accident.

driver of the light truck that hit Ampad’s sports utility vehicle, Alvin Ferolino, immediately turned himself in to policemen who responded to the accident.

is now confined in a hospital. JMU

Death of teens

accident amicably settled...from P10 Stranded baby Dolphin rescued, sent back...from P1

2 BARMM doctors, one service agenda...from P1

former companions in the terrorist group. JMU

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

Grateful Muslim, Christian alumni travel back to Datu Piang’s NDDI...from

and Christian graduates have signed up for the homecoming with the theme, “Grateful NDDI Alumni: Onward from 65 years of Spearing the Culture of Peace in Coexistence.”

She said the homecoming theme is inspired by the Human Fraternity Document (HFD) signed by Pope Francis and Grand Imam Tayeeb Ahmad of the Al-Azhar University on February 4, 2019 in Abu Dhabi.

The UN General Assembly has

adopted the HFD on February 4, 2022, and has declared the 4th of February of every year as Human Fraternity Day.

Among the school’s alumni now in high places are: Agriculture Career Undersecretary Datu Zamzamin L. Ampatuan CESO I; Bangsamoro Members of Parliament Haron Abas and Atty. Sittie Fahanie S. Uy-Oyod MPA; PNP Brig Gen Esmael P Ali, PRO Region I, Philippine Army Colonel Taharudin Ampatuan PAO Jolo, Sulu, PAF Gen

Standard for this story (albeit anonymously for being a non-party to the case), said the Comelec injunction also prevents BARMM from further acting on anything related to the electoral issue.

In addition, a status quo ante order has been issued by the Department of the Interior and Local Government on the contending parties, and for local and the police authorities to help implement the DILG order. However, the administrative complaint, he said, stands independently of the election controversy. BARMM is a special LGU and thus, its officials are deemed local government authorities.

Another lawyer said courts and quasi-judicial bodies like Comelec and other forums sitting as arbitration bodies, have had varying appreciation of recorded materials used as evidence. But the bottom line is a requirement for intervention of established technical expertise as to concurrence or non-concurrence for an authenticity of video materials used in administrative or criminal procedures.

If “spliced” for use as prosecution or defence evidence, a corresponding certificate of “faithful reproduction” would have to be secured by either party.

Past Instances, Reference

In the House of Representatives then, Paranaque Congressman Roilo Golez once accused House Justice

ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sanla. Ang mga ito ay isinangla magmula Nobyembre hanggang Disyembre 2021 . Ang Subasta ay sa Disyembre 31, 2022 sa ganap na ika 8:00 ng umaga hanggang ika 4:00 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar. MC:Dec. 17 & 24, 2022

EXTRAJUDICIAL

SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late RASOL S. RAGUIA who died on October 29, 2022 at Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, left three (3) Bank Accounts: Savings Account No. 102660349769 - BDO Makakua Branch; Savings Account No. 405160141385 – PNB Cotabato City-Makakua Branch and Savings Account No. 3-074-351760 – Metrobank Makakua Branch are subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with waiver before Notary Public Atty. Mark Esmael R. Nor, CPA as per Doc. No. 405; Page No. 80; Book No. IV; Series of 2022.

MC: Dec. 17, 24 & 31, 2022

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with R.A. 10172, notice is hereby served to the public that Julivie J. Gantuangco has filed with this office a petition for change of sex from Male to Female in the birth certificate of Julivie D. Josol, who was born on July 8, 1988 at Kidapawan, Cotabato and whose parents are Nelson R. Josol and Lunelita C. Dayanan.

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

(Sgd.) MERCEDES P. TOLENTINO Acting City Civil Registrar MC: Dec. 17 & 24, 2022

P1

Guiono P Guiamelon, the late Police Colonel Datumama P Mokalid, and the late flamboyant Congressman Didagen Piang Dilangalen.

Ampatuan, concurrent member of the Government Peace Implementing Panel, would most likely be the homecoming alumni guest speaker of the event.

The school closed in school year 1976-1977, after a grenade attack on its Section A sophomore class killed seven of its students on June 14, 1976, then

waiting for the teachers' shifting from the first guidance period to the second period that was supposed to be algebra. The incident ended ended a 19-year tenure of the American Maryknoll Mothers as the school's administrators.

NDD which has now evolved into NDDI has since been run, developed and improved a lot by Catholic nuns of the Oblates of Notre Dame (OND), now under Sr. Marilou D. Tolentino OND, as its principal and directress.

Responding to reporters’ queries, Datumanong, a lawyer, said he would request for a “faithful reproduction” of that portion, if any, of the TV interview video cited, once Golez formally filed his complaint with the House Committee on Ethics. Golez, a non-lawyer, was hard-put to secure and comply with the technical requirement of a “faithful reproduction” in accordance with the Rules of Court.

SULTAN PAWNSHOP

House lawmakers had previously agreed to adopt the Rules of Court on Evidence, whenever applicable, in all impeachment complaints filed before the House Justice Committee. Northern Samar Representative Raul Daza, also a lawyer, commented that the Rules of Court are crafted “in the language of lawyers.” NBM

Notice for Auction

corner Bonifacio and Don Rufino Alonzo Sts., Cotabato City MC:Dec. 17 & 24, 2022

Ang Sultan Pawnshop ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sangla. Ang mga ito ay isinangla noong Mayo 2022. Ang subasta ay sa Enero 2, 2023 sa ganap na ika-8:00 ng mga umaga hanggang ika-4:30 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

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 Disyembre 1-30, 2021 at 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Main 4J Bldg. Corner Jose Lim Sr., and Don Roman Vilo St. Cotabato City. Auction sale will be on Disyembre 28, 2022.

Patalastas ng Subasta

RANEN PAWNSHOP MAIN, BRANCH I, II & III Don Rufino Alonzo &

Martinez Sts, Cot. City

Notice for Auction

All unredeemed articles pledged on May 2022 will be auctioned on January 2, 2023 at 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Please come before January 2, 2023 for renewal or redemption.

Patalastas ng Subasta

Lahat ng sangla noong Mayo 2022 ay ipagbibili ng Subasta sa Enero 2, 2023 sa ganap na ika-8:30 ng umaga hanggang ika-4:30 ng hapon. Kung maari ay pumunta bago ang Enero 2, 2023 para sa pagbayad ng tubo o pagtubos.

MC:Dec. 17 & 24, 2022

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 1-30, 2021 sa alas 8:00 ng umaga hanggang alas 4:00 ng hapon sa Agencia de Oro - Jose Lim Branch, corner Jose Lim Sr, and Don Roman Vilo St., Cotabato City sa Disyembre 28, 2022.

MC:Dec. 17 & 24, 2022

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), notice is hereby served to the public that Eman Daguit Ayao has filed with this office a petition for correction of sex/ gender from Male to Female in the certificate of live birth of Eman Daguit Ayao, who was born on March 27, 2001 at Bugawas, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao and whose parents are Eddie Abdullah Ayao and Wardah Daguit Salez.

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

(Sgd.) PRINCESS ESNAIRA M. NUR Municipal Civil Registrar MC: Dec. 17 & 24, 2022

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), notice is hereby served to the public that Enrico Jr. Y. Selibio has filed with this office a petition for correction of child’s date of birth from June 17, 1971 to May 17, 1971 in the certificate of live birth of Enrico Jr. Y. Silibio who was born on June 17, 1971 at Magpet, Cotabato and whose parents are Enrico Sr. Sapalo Silibio and Pilar Barrientos Yap. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this office not later than January 3, 2023.

(Sgd.) CHONA M. PROVIDA, MPA Municipal Civil Registrar MC: Dec. 17 & 24, 2022

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that Sahara I Macacua has filed with this office, a petition for change of first name from Sittie Zaiba to Sahara in the birth certificate of Sitie Zaiba Intang Macacua who was born on January 26, 1983 at Parang, Maguindanao and whose parents are Kusain Macacua and Intan Ambuludto.

Any person adversely affected by the said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than December 22, 2022.

(Sgd.) KARIM O. OMAR, MPA Municipal Civil Registrar MC: Dec. 17 & 24, 2022

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), notice is hereby served to the public that Godofredo Jr. O. Valenzuela has filed with this office a petition for correction of date of birth from February 15, 1977 to January 27, 1977 in the certificate of live birth of Godofredo Jr. O. Valenzuela at Pacao, Alamada, Cotabato and whose parents are Godofredo C. Valenzuela and Angelita C. Ofngol.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this office not later than December 27, 2022.

(Sgd.) MA. LENY B. BUENAFE Municipal Civil Registrar MC: Dec. 17 & 24, 2022

Vice mayor Mangudadatu charges Gov. Mangudadatu ...from P2

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

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

Republic of the Philippines

Magpet, Cotabato OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR

Republic of the Philippines Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE

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

CONLUCK PAWNSHOP MAIN CONLUCK DON RUFINO BRANCH CONLUCK PAWNSHOP BRANCH 4 & CONLUCK PAWNSHOP PLAZA Cotabato City

Don Tomas

Committee Chairman Simeon Datumanong of having answered prematurely a prejudicial question asked of him in a TV interview on the second impeachment complaint filed in his committee against then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in 2005.

Pope Francis to ask heads of state to pardon prisoners as Christmas gesture

The invitation to make a “gesture of clemency” will be sent “on the occasion of the upcoming Christmas,” a

Dec. 12 communication said.

The Vatican said the letter will invite world leaders to grant leniency

to “those of our brothers and sisters deprived of their liberty whom they deem fit to benefit from such a measure, so that

this time marked by tensions, injustices, and conflicts may be opened to the grace that comes from the Lord.”

The latest figures from the World Prison Population List, published in December 2021, report that there

are an estimated 11.5 million prisoners worldwide. Hannah Brockhaus/Catholic News Agency

Pope Francis celebrates 53 years as a priest

VATICAN— On Dec. 13, 1969, just four days before his 33rd birthday, Jesuit Jorge Mario Bergoglio — who today is Pope Francis — was ordained a priest by Archbishop Ramón José Castellano, archbishop emeritus of Córdoba (Argentina).

That Dec. 13, 53 years ago, was a Saturday, the eve of the Third Sunday of Advent. In the liturgy of the Church this day is known as Gaudete or Joy Sunday, for many the hallmark of Pope Francis’ pontificate, along with mercy. According to the book “The Jesuit: Conversations with Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio,” Francis discovered his vocation to the priesthood while on his way to celebrate Gaudete Day.

When he passed by a church in the Buenos Aires neighborhood of Flores to go to confession, he received special inspiration from the priest who welcomed him. On another occasion the Holy Father recounted that initially his mother did not support his decision to enter the priesthood, even though she was a devout Catholic. However, when her son was ordained, she accepted his

Beginning the 16th of December we celebrate Misa de Gallo. It literally means “Mass of the Rooster.” It is celebrated at dawn when the roosters are crowing. It is a custom started by the Spanish colonizers and preserved in the Philippines as well as in Puerto Rico. Because of changing times when people sleep late and wake up late, we have come up with an alternative in the Philippines called “Simbang Gabi,” which is held in the evenings. The nine days of Misa de Gallo commemorate the nine months that Mary carried Jesus in her womb. This novena before Christmas honors Mary as well as the differed biblical personalities involved in the history of salvation. It is also dedicated for the nation to persevere in the Christian faith.

call and asked for his blessing at the end of the ceremony. Bergoglio continued his Jesuit formation from 1970 to 1971 in Spain. On April 22, 1973, he made his perpetual profession in the Society of Jesus. When he returned to Argentina he served as a professor at the San José School of Theology in the town of San Miguel (on the outskirts of the city of Buenos Aires), rector of the college, and on July 31, 1973, at the age of 36, he was appointed provincial of the Jesuits in Argentina.

On May 20, 1992, Pope John Paul II appointed him auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires, and he received his episcopal consecration on June 27 of that year from the local archbishop, Cardinal Antonio Quarracino.

Bergoglio was appointed coadjutor archbishop of Buenos Aires on June 3, 1997. He assumed the pastoral government of the archdiocese in February 1998 upon the death of Cardinal Quarracino.

Then, in the consistory of Feb. 21, 2001, he was created cardinal by Pope John Paul II.

Misa de Gallo

Reflections

Why did he come? The readings from the Old to the New Testament answer these questions. Going into the biblical story of salvation, beginning with Adam and Eve, God reveals Himself as one who does not abandon His people despite their sin. God wants to bring His people back to His family. God is the God who saves. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Daily Scripture Readings

4th Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 7.10-14; Romans 1.1-7; Gospel: Matthew 1.18-24

We may think it so difficult to wake up at 4:00 a.m to participate in this mass but the churches are so crowded that latecomers could hardly find a seat. Among the devotees there is the belief that one’s special intentions and wishes are granted when the nine days are completed. In the past, it was the church bells that called people to mass. This was the period when villages were gathered “bajo de la campana,” literally under the bell. The Spanishbuilt churches had large bells and tall bell towers. Now it is the recorded Christmas carols over the sound speakers that wake people up. We are still in the season of Advent even as we celebrate Misa de Gallo. Instead of the penitential purple, the celebratory theme is emphasized by the white and gold vestments and the singing of the Gloria and the Christmas carols. The churches are also bright with lights and Christmas decorations. The readings of these nineday masses focus on the question “Who is Jesus?”

God visited His people two thousand years ago. God still visits His people today in many ways: in the Eucharist, in his Word, in our prayer, in events of our life. What we have to cultivate is a sensitivity to God’s presence in our life, in good times or in bad times. May our celebration of the Misa de Gallo bring us closer to our loved ones, to our church community, and to God. May we have a Blessed and a joyful Christmas.

Mon

Readings: no. 195, p. 47

1st Reading: Judges 13.2-7, 24-25a Gospel: Luke 1.5-25

Readings: no. 196, p. 50

1st Reading: Isaiah 7.10-14; 8.10d Gospel: Luke 1.26-38

Readings: no. 197, p. 52

1st Reading: Zephaniah 3.14-18a or 1st Reading: Song of Songs 2.8-14 Gospel: Luke 1.39-45

Readings: no. 198, p. 55

1st Reading: 1 Samuel 1.24-28 Gospel: Luke 1.46-56

Readings: no. 199, p. 57

1st Reading: Malachi 3.1-4; 4.5-6 Gospel: Luke 1.57-66

Morning Readings: no. 200, p. 59

1st Reading: 2 Samuel 7.1-5, 8-12, 16 Gospel: Luke 1.67-79

VATICAN— Pope Francis will send a letter to the world’s heads of state asking them to pardon prisoners, the Vatican announced Monday.

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

Pope Francis attends the Immaculate Conception celebration prayer in Piazza di Spagna in Rome, Italy, Dec. 8, 2022.

Photo courtesy of Vatican Media

As a cardinal he participated in the conclave that elected Benedict XVI in April 2005 and on March 13, 2013, he was elected successor of Peter, assuming the name Francis. Catholic News Agency

EDITORIAL

Peace starts with Peace Education

Havingbeen one of the pioneers in the introduction of Peace Education in the Philippines, I am still a staunch supporter of the program. However, some peace advocates believe that the program is very slow in gaining grounds, especially in a region which needs peace badly. Academicians like me want a thorough knowledge on what the peace situation is in Mindanao before moves should be undertaken towards laying down the grounds for peace action. Thus our (considered slow) efforts were overtaken by peace actions which addressed directly the conflicts that were then slowly arising from the grounds.

It was therefore a pleasant turn of events for us peace educators when the DEP-ED agreed on integrating Peace Education in the basic curriculum, and gave the permit for chosen universities to open masters and doctorate degree programs on Peace Development and Education. Professors and consultants from Australian and Canadian Universities came over as visiting lecturers to help in the firming up of peace education in the various schools who joined Notre Dame University and Mindanao State University.

Since the early 70s when the secessionist movement started, the children from the countryside were pupils were already exposed to the basics of Peace Education; and it makes me happy to see many of them occupy high positions in the region. Even if the program was still in its infancy then, it has made people analyze the local conditions through the lens of peace education.

This Christmas, almost all understand that this is the way Christians pay homage to their beliefs. Christmas is peace, as taught in peace education, and those of other religions understand that it is not a question of power tripping. It is a fascinating to hear the schools, who are used to celebrating Christmas parties, chose to continue this as a year-end celebration, making the Muslims feel essentially part of an otherwise religious event. When a shot was fired during the opening of Christmas lights by the mayor in the city plaza, many were furious (including Muslims) about this disturbance of an otherwise peaceful event. We would like to believe that peace education has occupied a spot in the hearts of this mixed population.

We have hopeful scenarios of what the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) can do to this area. I am just thankful that Peace Education came at a time when it can start building a heart in every person to give respect to their fellow men. Thanks a lot for the sacrifice –Dr. Toh Swee Hin, Dr. Ofelia Durante, Fr. Alfonso Carino, and all the pioneers of Peace Education. We can now grow old (and die) thinking that by pushing for Peace Education, we have done a lot for a better future. MC

The commemoration of this year’s International Human Rights Day on December 10, the 74th anniversary of the adoption and proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, marks the start of a year-long campaign to promote the 75th anniversary of the declaration on December 10, 2023.

Volker Turk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, describes the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as “a miraculous text” that “embodies a common language of our shared humanity, a unifying force at the heart of which lies human dignity and the duty of care we owe each other as human beings.”

But Turk adds: “Even as the 30 articles of the Declaration have sparked transformation in all areas of our lives, the embers of racism, misogyny, inequality, and hatred continue to threaten our world.”

“The promise of the UDHR, of dignity and equality in rights, has been under attack,” says the United Nations the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in its official website.

“The world is facing a climate crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing conflicts, economic instability, misinformation, racial injustice, and global setbacks on women’s rights. People are frustrated and have lost trust with what’s being seen as the inaction and irrelevance of governments and institutions in protecting human rights,” it says further.

This observation of the OHCHR is shared by the Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact. In a statement issued on the commemoration of the 74th International Human Rights Day this year, Gam A. Shimray, AIPP Secretary General, hailed the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples adopted in 2007 as one of several important legally binding instruments and declarations that have expanded the system of human rights protection for indigenous people and other marginalized groups across the globe.

At the same time, however, the AIPP laments: “In Asia, most governments have fared badly in translating human rights into their domestic laws and institutional practice despite transitioning towards a democratic polity in the last few decades. In fact, it is shifting towards authoritarianism and autocracy rapidly in the recent years. Political prosecution

IWOULD have to disagree with Sen. Rissa Ho.25ntiveros that decriminalizing the libel and cybercrime laws is the key to greater exercise of the press freedom as a fundamental constitutional right.

In my years of practice in this profession, I’ve seen incidents worth remembering for good old lessons to come and live by, and things kept from experience. Once, members of Cotabato media were united in the tutelage of Atty. Michael O. Mastura, my predecessor in this op-ed page. This was triggered by an intended physical attack inflicted on a key member by a regional public official in 1988.

The colleague filed his complaint before the City Prosecutor’s Office which eventually filed in court a case for slight physical injury with slander. We drumbeat the issue empathizing with a hurt colleague (physically and emotionally) along with other locallybased reporters and editors—though not knowing any of the possible legal or judicial consequences, such as the judge handling the case may or could cite us in contempt of court.

Soon enough, the lawyer of the other party read one of the chilling follow-up news reports in the running story on the incident which he thought could influence the judge or stir up public opinion to put “the image of (his) client in bad light.” In his urgent motion, the defense lawyer said that the only way was to cite for contempt the writer to spare “Your Honor from such a possible public speculation” that any would-be decision on the case was influenced by a “series of articles literally pounding, not only on (his) client, but more so by seemingly mocking a serious judicial proceedings.”

Carlos C. Bautista caloyb@gmail.com

of human rights defenders, especially Indigenous Peoples, continue to rise. This raises the question of where human rights in Asian States have gone wrong and where it is heading.“

According to independent development institution IBON Foundation, the present administration continues to fail in its responsibility to uphold the human rights of millions of Filipinos. The 2023 budget expected to be passed this month is an austerity budget, it said, where the budget for public hospitals and education remain far below what is needed to ensure quality health care and schooling. Small farmers, fisherfolk and enterprises are not being given the support they urgently need. Wages are not being increased. Destructive mining, disruptive reclamation projects, and pollutive fossil fuel plants are being allowed to increase.

“The list of violations gets longer as the state continues to negate from its responsibility,” IBON says.

Human rights group Karapatan has meanwhile said it had documented at least 17 cases of extrajudicial killings under the Marcos administration’s counterinsurgency campaign, with four other incidents of violence where victims survived. The number of political prisoners in the country also continues to rise, according to Karapatan’s Cristina Palabay, with 828 detained as of November 30. At least 25 of them were arrested after President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. took office in June.

“The culture of impunity continues to rear its ugly head,” Palabay said.

And let it not be forgotten: Dignity, freedom and justice should be for all, not just the privileged, the influential, and the powerful.

Nash B. Maulana nash.penlight@gmail.com

court on a mere thought that an article you may write might mold a public opinion to influence in some way the rulings in the hearings of the case and possibly affect a final decision.

It may be a “badge” of honor to some, as how a former associate editor tried to dramatize a public official’s libel complaint, citing an article purporting that the complainant was “not off-the-hook yet” in a report by the Commission on Audit of alleged misuse of public funds. The party of the plaintiff had secured an arrest warrant, after filing the complaint which the respondent had mocked in his editorial articles. But I agree with Sen Hontiveros that the powerful can use a punitive law to harass journalists. In 1996, my byline was dragged into a pooled page 1 article deemed libellous by a prosecutor who filed the case in court ex-parte due to our “failure” to answer promptly the charges.

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

Lourd Jim Diazon

Returning that day to the City Prosecutor’s Office, the fiscal (my elder brother’s college classmate) informed me that another follow-up story for the day was that the plaintiff was himself cited by the judge for contempt at the instance of the defense lawyer. The fiscal explained to me in lay language what is and what may prompt a judge to cite a party to a case in “contempt of court,” and under what circumstance was it resorted to by the court, the judge particularly. Lesson: Once a case is filed in court avoid being cited in-contempt of

The case was filed in a city that was then best reached in 6 hours of overnight launch travel across the Iranun (Illana) Bay; thence on a 3-4 hours of bus ride up northward, and thence on a 45-minute of land travel ascending by the great Lakeport City. We never received prior summons. And in a word it was a “harassment” rooted upon a libelous article indeed. But on the other side of the coin, I could easily understand the feeling of the complainant after having read the page 1 story combined by editors from a raw copy filed by another reporter and from my dispatch the day before that Inquirer edition in question came out. An editorial probe had found out later that the origin of that part cited as “libelous” was not traced from my raw copy in particular.

COTABATO CITY / ARMM CORRESPONDENTS

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

NORTH / SOUTH COTABATO CORRESPONDENTS

Wholesome Peace

Señase csenase@yahoo.com

WHAT is it all about in the midst of global sorrows and pain for the world to endure? For since time immemorial, peace has been so elusive that even in death, we sigh in retrospect - Rest in Peace.

Peace and all other human cravings are temporal. While alive, let us continue doing what is good and pleasing before the Creator and fellow creatures that assures genuine peace of mind here and the life hereafter.

Looking back the heydays of Cotabato radio broadcasting that amid unstable law and order in the city and its adjacent environs, Sundays had been ushering-in atmosphere of calm and sobriety, courtesy of lowly disc jockey the late Hilario “Larry” Torres.

People from all walks of life, armed and armless, rich and poor were glued to “Landas ng Lumipas” radio program that features love letters and memorable songs. And because of its popularity that management had to prolong the show from one to three hours to accommodate mounting request by letter-senders.

The program’s “Love Letters” as its musical theme caught the attention of many die-hard listeners liken to God’s love and care in the scriptures, as in God’s love letters to mankind. And it runs like this.

Intro: The sky may be starless, the night may be moonless, but deep in my heart there’s a glow. For deep in my heart, I know that you love. You love me because you told me so.

Main portion: Love letters straight from you heart, keep us so near while apart. I’m not alone in the night, when I can have all the love you write. I memorize every line and I kiss the name that you sign. And darling then I read again right from the start. Love letters straight from your heart.

Larry, an accounting book keeper and a humble friend among peers died peacefully decades ago whose funeral has yet to be surpassed by top local elected officials. It

was only Larry’s funeral march from the Cathedral to the Catholic cemetery that the entire portion of Sinsuat Avenue had been closed to traffic despite noncongestion problem.

Prudence dictates the spiritual need to lookback for it has been foretold that what has been is what will be under the sun, as history repeats itself. That God has to intervene with worsening corruption and violence during prophet Noah’s time. And God’s wrath due shameless lust in Sodom and Gomorrah.

With God’s intervention in the almost daily aerial and ground bombardment in Cotabato City during the governmentMNLF non-stopped fighting, both warring factions had to quit even without formal ceasefire agreement. The 1976 deadly tremor and tsunami left more than 8,000 people dead.

Why do we have to self-destruct or annihilate one another when we are all siblings of Adam? For his wife Eve was the mother of all the living (Genesis 1:3-20). We were divided by creed, politics, social status and racial distinction which are handiwork of the devil.

In the old law of Moses, love those who love you and hate those who hate you anchored on “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” In the New Testament, Christ and His apostles commanded us to love even our enemies and those who persecute us. If your enemy is hungry feed him and if thirsty give him something to drink. We were taught not to be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).

Only when the world will turn to Christ’s gospel and teachings will we enjoy God’s genuine and everlasting peace. The LORD, however, regarded it as a condemnation that the light has come into the world, but men loved darkness rather than light. It’s because their deeds were evil (John 3:19).

Diabetes prevention: 5 tips for taking control

h e A lth c o R ne R

Changing your lifestyle could be a big step toward diabetes prevention — and it’s never too late to start. Consider these tips.

Lifestyle changes can help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes, the most common form of the disease. Prevention is especially important if you’re currently at an increased risk of type 2 diabetes because of excess weight or obesity, high cholesterol, or a family history of diabetes.

1.

Lose extra weight

Losing weight reduces the risk of diabetes. People in one large study reduced their risk of developing diabetes by almost 60% after losing approximately 7% of their body weight with changes in exercise and diet.

The American Diabetes Association recommends that people with prediabetes lose at least 7% to 10% of their body weight to prevent disease progression. More weight loss will translate into even greater benefits.

Set a weight-loss goal based on your current body weight. Talk to your doctor about reasonable short-term goals and expectations, such as a losing 1 to 2 pounds a week.

2. Be more physically active

There are many benefits to regular physical activity. Exercise can help you:

• Lose weight Lower your blood sugar

• Boost your sensitivity to insulin — which helps keep your blood sugar within a normal range

Goals for most adults to promote weight loss and maintain a healthy weight include: Aerobic exercise. Aim for 30 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise — such as brisk walking, swimming, biking or running — on most days for a total of at least 150 minutes a week.

ability to maintain an active life. Resistance training includes weightlifting, yoga and calisthenics. Limited inactivity. Breaking up long bouts of inactivity, such as sitting at the computer, can help control blood sugar levels. Take a few minutes to stand, walk around or do some light activity every 30 minutes

3. Eat healthy plant foods

Plants provide vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates in your diet. Carbohydrates include sugars and starches — the energy sources for your body — and fiber. Dietary fiber, also known as roughage or bulk, is the part of plant foods your body can’t digest or absorb.

Fiber-rich foods promote weight loss and lower the risk of diabetes. Eat a variety of healthy, fiber-rich foods, which include:

Fruits, such as tomatoes, peppers and fruit from trees

• Nonstarchy vegetables, such as leafy greens, broccoli and cauliflower

Legumes, such as beans, chickpeas and lentils

• Whole grains, such as wholewheat pasta and bread, whole-grain rice, whole oats, and quinoa

The benefits of fiber include:

• Slowing the absorption of sugars and lowering blood sugar levels

• Interfering with the absorption of dietary fat and cholesterol

Managing other risk factors that affect heart health, such as blood pressure and inflammation

• Helping you eat less because fiber-rich foods are more filling and energy rich

Avoid foods that are “bad carbohydrates” — high in sugar with little fiber or nutrients: white bread and pastries, pasta from white flour, fruit juices, and processed foods with sugar or high-fructose corn syrup.

No amount of money and other resources spent in peace forum, conferences and virtual gatherings with so-called world experts’ tutelage devoid of God’s Peace may just end-up to naught. Earthly life as in all visible things are temporal but unseen things in the life hereafter are eternal that the world ought to know by heart. MC MC

• Resistance exercise. Resistance exercise — at least 2 to 3 times a week — increases your strength, balance and

Time Out From Work

Pharmacist from Lebak/Kalamansig Cluster joined their Cotabato pharmacists counterparts in the annual celebration of Pharmacy Week. For sometime there was cold connect among members due to Covid19 and other nuances. There is a bond among sisters in profession which the indefatigable petite Dely wanted to exploit. She clinched it with great success. Backed by the equally dedicated present backbone composed of Members of the Board Belinda Dulay, Zenaida Sim, Cecilia Tan, Zoraini Abpi myself ,and the ex-officio, interim

president Dely U. Olidan. The weekend gathering was thoroughly enjoyed by one and all, our guests taking home with them the warm welcome and camaraderie that afternoon.

It was also the occasion for the Induction of the newly elected officers as follows: Interim/ overall President Dely Uy Oledan; Cotabato City Cluster Vice-President Pamela Jerene R. Salaver; SecretaryEida Nisa Pinguiaman; TreasurerElaine Joan Rojas-Montaner . While the Lebak-Kalamansig Cluster is composed of: Vice-President Jazmin B. Gait; Secretary –Jose Roy Langga; TreasurerCarmela Jaluag. We are delighted that the Lebak/Kalamansig Cluster travelled the distance to join us in the celebrations. More power to you.

4. Eat healthy fats

Fatty foods are high in calories and should be eaten in moderation. To help lose and manage weight, your diet should include a variety of foods with unsaturated fats, sometimes called “good fats.”

Convenience….

idea behind fast food is great – people want convenience.”— Kimbal Musk

“The ultimate vision is that people should have the ultimate in convenience. Being able to get the things they care about on the appropriate device.”—Bill Gates

Why do some countries attract more investors, traders, tourists, and talents more than others?

There are many reasons why certain countries are a lot more preferred by those who want to do business, work, shop, or just visit.

For investors or traders, it is good to do business in one country when rules and regulations are simple and clear, transactions can be done swiftly, cost of doing business is low, and international and domestic travel or transport is frequent and fast.

Highly talented people like scientists, engineers, athletes, or professors would like to work in an environment where they will have access to the equipment, facilities, technology, medical care, comfortable housing, and a safe environment where they can effectively and efficiently ply their knowledge and skills.

Aside from scenic spots (beaches, mountains, and others) and entertainment places (museums, amusement parks, and the like, visitors and tourists prefer destinations with good and relatively inexpensive modes of transportation, hotels and other accommodations, restaurants and diners, and shopping places.

All the things and services mentioned that draws people and business to a country or a locality could be summarized in one word: CONVENIENCE

Convenience is defined as “being able to proceed or do something with little effort or encountering very minimal difficulty/.” People, especially from more developed countries and/or highly urbanized places value their time considerably, thus, want

to do things with the least possible time spent.

Countries, localities, institutions, and business firms that seek to become highly competitive and preferred by their target customers should recognize the important of and work towards ensuring the convenience of partners, donors, customers, and other parties that they deal with.

Ensuring the convenience of customers is very essential to the success, stability, and sustainability of business establishments. The experience of a customer on the convenience (or inconvenience) with sellers and suppliers determine his or her decision on what to buy, what services to use, where to buy, where to go, and with whom to engage.

In what ways can a business establishment enhance the convenience of its customers?

First, provide ways and means by which current and potential customers would know more about your products and services whether at your physical store, though the internet, or using social media.

Second, provide several ways by which customers can purchase your goods and services such as through increased number of outlets, receiving their orders via courier, of allowing them to buy and receive through delivery services such as Grab.

Third, sellers and service providers should also expand the ways by which customers can pay for their purchases such as using credit cards, virtual wallets, and even international payment platforms such as PayPal.

Fourth, in store or onsite customer experience should be pleasant if not outstanding. The staff of the establishment must be able to attend to the customers and their requirements effectively and as soon as possible. If the desired product (whether it’s a good or food) is not available, the salespersons must be able to suggest the next best alternative. In a food establishment, the customer must not only feel comfortable but also safe (physically and health-wise).

Customer feedback would be a good way to gauge your level of performance.

R ue to f o R m

Charlie

A reprint from the Mayo Clinic Staff

“The

AR ket d R iven

Danny Buenbrazo danny_buenbrazo@yahoo.com

he s tuff of l ife

Victoria R. Franco, RPh, MS Pharmacy franco1573victoria@gmail.com

Shariff Kabunsuan fest: “Celebration of

government, will once again give delight and joy to everyone with the grand celebration of the Shariff Kabunsuan festival with the theme ‘One Heritage, One Culture, Endless Possibilities,” he said.

“Let us join together and celebrate the roots of our identity,” he added.

Various activities include the following:

Dec. 15

• Opening Program and

• Reenactment of the Arrival of • Shariff Kabunsuan (Cotabato State University Grandstand)

• Kuyog, Showcase Competition (CotSU Grandstand,

• Opening of SK Fest Bazaar (CityMall) Opening of SK Fest Agri-Trade Fair 15-21

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late Spouses TEOFILO RUSIANA and ESTANISLAWA BELONOAC RUSIANA, a parcel of land Lot 638, Pls-134, H-V-20084, situated in Bulanan, Midsayap, Cotabato, containing an area of 65,686 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. T-72589 is subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous deed of absolute sale before Notary Public Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 124; Page No. 25; Book No. CCCVI; Series of 2022.

MC: Dec. 3, 10 & 17, 2022

(City Plaza) Dec. 16

• Qur’an Reading Exhibition at the Bangsamoro Government Center (BGC)

Life and Works of Shariff Kabunguan (BGC)

Opening of Cultural and Heritage Booths (People’s Palace, 2:00 PM)

Color of Cotabato (People’s Palace)

Dec. 17

• Inaul Fashion Show (CotSU Gym, 7:00 PM)

Culinary Showcase (People’s Palace, 9:00 AM)

• Cultural and Heritage Booths (People’s Palace, 9:00 AM onwards)

Colors of Cotabato (People’s Palace, 4:00

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late PABLO B. BALONTONG, SR., a parcel of land Lot 3308B, Csd-11-002209, situated in Manuangan, Pigcawayan, Cotabato, containing an area of 63,696 sq. mts., more or less, covered by OCT No. P-51901 is subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Nasiff Brian O. Meditar as per Doc. No. 331; Page No. 67; Book No. XVIII; Series of 2022.

MC: Dec. 3, 10 & 17, 2022

PM) Dec. 18

..from P1

• Spoken poetry, Bayok and Kulintang Appreciation Workshop (People’s Palace, 8:00 AM:-7:00 PM)

• Colors of Cotabato (People’s Palace, 4:00 PM)

• Cultural and Heritage Booths (People’s Palace, 9:00 AM onwards)

• Kasalang Bayan (EM Manor, 2:00PM)

Dec. 19

• Guinakit Fluvial Parade (Tamontaka River, 6:00 AM)

• Cultural and Heritage Booths (People’s Palace, 9:00 AM onwards)

• Grand Pagana (People’s Palace, 3:00 PM)

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that estate of the late RUDY I. INOCENCIO who died intestate on December 12, 2017, an undivided share portion of Lot 291-0-2, Ped-06035177, covered by TCT No. T-24853, containing an area of 1,567 sq. mts., more or less in Brgy. Pook, Kalibo, Aklan is subject of deed of extrajudicial settlement /adjudication of estate before Notary Public Mimbalawag T. Mangutara Jr., CPA as per Doc. No. 176; Page No. 36; Book No. LXVIII; Series of 2022.

MC: Dec. 17, 24 & 31, 2022

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), notice is hereby served to the public that Lyssa Jumarie Sausal Olivo has filed with this office, a petition for correction of entry in sex from Male to Female in the certificate of live birth of Lyssa Jumarie Sausal Olivo who was born on July 24, 1994 at Cotabato City and whose parents are Ricky C. Olivo and Christy T. Sausal.

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

(Sgd.) EDRES A. SAMAMA

Asst. City Civil Registrar OIC-City Civil Registrar

MC: Dec. 10 & 17, 2022

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), notice is hereby served to the public that Elmer H. Bastatas has filed with this office a petition for change of sex from Female to Male in the certificate of live birth of Elmer J. Bastatas who was born on 10/11/1980 at Magpet, Cotabato and whose parents are Laurencio Bastatas and Enoria Jeruela Bastatas.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than December 28, 2022.

(Sgd.) CHONA M. PROVIDA, MPA Municipal Civil Registrar MC: Dec. 10 & 17, 2022

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), notice is hereby served to the public that Arley Mandigal Palmes has filed with this office, a petition for correction of child’s sex from Male to Female in the certificate of live birth of Arley Mandigal Palmes at Arakan, Cotabato and whose parents are Arnelfo P. Palmes and Sherly C. Mandigal.

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

(Sgd.) RODRIGO L. FAJANELA, JR. Municipal Civil Registrar MC: Dec. 10 & 17, 2022

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

“ Paragraph No. 6 That as to Lot 5-K of the project of partition which contains 30,000 sq. m. the supposed Share of the heirs of Gliceria Goco Papa(deceased) and Remedios Goco(deceased) 1/10 or3,000 sq. m. shall go to Perfecto de Castro and ANGELI DE CASTRO YAP heirs of Cresenciana Goco Papa while the other 3,000 sq. m. shall go to Roderico Roque or his heirs who are the Only heirs of Remedios Goco. “

Any sale/transaction made and executed by ANGELI DE CASTRO YAP which may be more than her Share and Pefecto de Castro of 3,000 sq. m. of Lot 5-K is in violation of the aforementioned MOA and therefore NULL AND VOID.

Heirs of FERNANDA VDA GUTIERREZ

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

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

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

Bangsamoro icon shines in Qatar

COTABATO CITY – This is something not ordinary.

The Mlok family from Cotabato City, led by its engineer-patriarch, James, displayed the Philippine flag and the Bangsamoro regional banner at the venue of last week’s football games in the Qatar World Cup in the Middle Eastern state

Qatar.

The Mlok family’s gesture was, for them, patriotism, meant to show their respect and love for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and the Philippines. (JMU)

Reintegration of 28 ex-NPAs begins

THE gradual reintegration into mainstream society of the 28 members of the New People’s Army who surrendered on December 9 in Sarangani province has started, military officials said Wednesday.

The 28 guerillas pledged allegiance to the government during a symbolic surrender rite in Kiamba town in Sarangani province.

The 28 guerillas renounced their membership with the NPA in the presence of Kiamba Mayor George Falgui and other local officials during a surrender rite held at the headquarters of the Army’s 38th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Tambilil in Kiamba.

“Their reintegration into the local communities have started, “Major Gen.

Roy Galido of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, told reporters Tuesday.

He said the process involves the 6th ID and the local government units that have jurisdiction over the towns from where the 28 former NPAs had operated.

Galido said the 28 NPAs returned to the fold of law through the intercession

Police hunt down gunmen in murder of mayor’s son

TACURONG CITY – Police authorities in Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat have launched manhunt against gunmen who shot dead the son of Mayor Datu Pax Mangudadatu on Tuesday night.

Lt. Colonel Lino Capellan, Sultan Kudarat deputy police director for operations, said police forces in Lutayan and nearby areas were also placed on heightened alert to prevent the escalation of hostilities.

Datu Naga was declared dead on arrival at a hospital in Koronadal City while Daup expired while undergoing medication.

50 BIFF men rejoin mainstream community

FIFTY members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters pledged allegiance to the government in separate surrender rites this week.

Six BIFF gunmen, all from a group that extorted “protection money” from traders, surrendered in Upi, Maguindanao del Norte Tuesday.

Major Gen. Roy Galido, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said Wednesday the group yielded and turned over firearms through the intercession of the 57th Infantry Battalion and local executives in Upi and in nearby South Upi in Maguindanao del Sur.

Galido declined to identify the six BIFF members pending relocation to areas far from reach by former companions in the group.

The BIFF has a reputation for attacking members who have surrendered to the government and their families.

“They shall be reintegrated to mainstream society and provided with socio-economic support by different government agencies and other benefactors,” Galido said.

The surrender of the five BIFF members came two days after 44 other members of the group, seven of them

experts in fabrication of improvised explosive devices, pledged allegiance to the government on Sunday in Kabacan, North Cotabato.

The group, seven of them wellversed in manufacturing improvised explosive devices, agreed to avail of the reconciliation program for religious extremists of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division via the intercession of officials of the 90th Infantry Battalion and the 602nd Infantry Brigade.

Four of the 44 members, who renounced their membership with the group in a symbolic rite in Kabacan town in Cotabato, are commanders, according to local officials.

Galido told reporters officials in Kabacan, North Cotabato and in the nearby Pagalungan and Montawal towns, both in Maguindanao, helped convince the 44 BIFF members to surrender and get reintegrated into the local communities.

They turned in assault rifles, eight 9 millimeter machine pistols, B40 rocket launchers and anti-tank rockets, 40 millimeter grenade launchers, two vintage 7.62 Mauser bolt-action rifles, five .45 caliber pistols

Marines capture DI Maute Group camp in Lanao

MILITARY forces captured a training camp of Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group in Lanao del Sur and recovered war materials and explosives, the Army here said.

Major Gen. Roy Galido, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said civilians in Marogong, Lanao del Sur have provided the Philippine Marines vital information about the presence of gunmen in the village of Bagumbayan.

After the intelligence information was confirmed, Major Gen. Galido said a law enforcement operation was launched by First Marine Brigade.

Galido said intelligence reports also showed that Abu Zacharia, the new leader of Dawlah IslamiaMaute Group, was sighted in the area with about 30 armed followers.

“The villagers noticed new faces in their village and alerted the troopers

of Philippine Marines,” he said.

The local terrorist groups allied with ISIS were already gone during the 2 a.m. focused military operation.

They were remnants of Maute terrorist group that seized Marawi City in 2017, the military said.

Soldiers found war materials, including bomb making components, a manual in manufacturing homemade bombs, grenades and rocket propelled grenade launchers.

“We appreciated the cooperation of local government units and their community leaders to government forces for providing the military with intelligence information,” said Maj. Gen. Galido, also commander of Joint Task Force Central (JTFC).

“Security is everybody’s business, no single person is responsible for the security, we have to unite and work together,” he added. EOF

This after Datu Naga Mangudadatu, 30, son of Datu Pax, former congressman and former governor of Sultan Kudarat and now mayor of Lutayan, was killed by still unidentified gunmen who used assault rifles.

Datu Naga, who ran and lost in his vice mayoralty bid in nearby Mangudadatu town in Maguindanao del Sur last May’s local elections, was in front of his business establishment at the Lutayan town marker when the suspects arrived on board a pick-up vehicle.

His employee, Dennis Hadji Daup, 25, a resident of Barangay Paitan, Mangudadatu town, was also killed.

Police Captain Leonel Delasan, Lutayan town police chief, said two others were injured in the 6:30 p.m. gun attack. Police named one of the two injured victims as Watari Kalim, 34 and an 11-year-old boy, both residents of Barangay Paitan, Mangudadatu town.

Datu Naga is the younger brother of former Sultan Kudarat Gov. Suharto “Teng” Mangudadatu.

Capellan said scene of the crime operatives found empty shells for M-16 Armalite rifles and M-14 rifles.

No word yet from the Mangudadatu family.

“We are still investigating, we have no specific lead as of yet whether this is politically or business related,” Capellan said.

He said among the possible motive that police are looking into are personal grudge, business related or politically motivated. EOF

Death of teens in accident amicably settled

PARTIES to the deadly highway mishap Monday in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte had reached an amicable settlement of liabilities over the incident.

Two minors died in the accident17-year-old Salbin Lumenda and companion Wakay Diocolano, 15.

Lumenda died on the spot at noontime Monday when his motorcycle was hit by a Toyota Hilux while he was motoring through a stretch of a highway in Barangay Tamontaka, Datu Odin Sinsuat as he fell, got rammed by a Ford Raptor, from behind.

Diocolano, died in the hospital three hours later.

Staff Sgt. Bobby Pendililang, investigator on case, said the families of the two minors and the owners of the two other vehicles, Alimudin Kasim and Mohammad Oyod, have agreed to amicably settle, with the help of community elders, their liabilities on the duo’s death.

"The 17-year-old Lumenda, who perished in the accident, had no driver's license," Pendililang, a member of the Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipal Police, said.

The incident was preceded by the collision between a light truck and the Mitsubishi Montero of Police Lt. Col. Sandro Ampad in a portion of

BANGSAMORO IDENTITY. The Moro engineer James Mlok and members of his family displayed last week in Qatar, as they watched the World Football Cup, the Bangsamoro banner and the Philippine Flag.

Photo courtesy of Mlok family

ELEGANT, COLORFUL. Members of a local dance troupe in Cotabato City perform a Muslim dance as part of the opening program for this year’s Shariff Kabunsuan Festival at the Cotabato City plaza on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022.

Photo courtesy of Mayor Bruce “BM“ Matabalao