Issuu

Lanao Sur’s demo veggie farm in full swing

CHURCH / P6

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Mindanao bishop hits gov’t endorsement of coal mining project in South Cotabato

YSRAELI regional workshops up

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

7 COMPASSIONATE PERFORMANCE. These kids give their best as shown in this file photo of street dancing competition as part of the Shariff Kabunsuan Festival celebration in Cotabato City. Photo courtesy of Haj Raj

UNFPA EXEC CALLS EVERY BANGSAMORO TO HELP FIGHT VAW

By Edwin O. Fernandez DATU ODIN SINSUAT, Maguindanao – An official of the United Nations in the Philippines has urged every Bangsamoro to, once and for all, help fight and end Violence Against Women (VAW).

Basilan’s Muslims, Christians forge ties

By John Felix Unson COTABATO CITY — Muslim leaders government. Salliman, Dalmao and other and the Catholic community in Basilan are to sustain the dividends of their Catholic missionaries and nuns involved interfaith promotion program for the in humanitarian missions in Basilan province to fully reel off from the effects met before last weekend in Isabela City and discussed the prospects of of conflicts. Basilan Gov. Jim Salliman, who is their domestic peace programs and the of mixed Yakan and Tausug ancestry, need to continue promoting Muslimsaid he is thankful to Basilan Bishop Christian solidarity. Brig. Gen. Eden Ugale, director Leo Dalmao and the community of nuns for their continuing support to of the Police Regional Officethe security programs of the provincial Bangsamoro Autonomous Region,

From bullets to ballots

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RDC-12 wants LTO, SSS, PhilHealth branches in coastal areas

KORONADAL CITY — The Regional Development Council (RDC 12) is pushing for the expansion of three regional offices to coastal areas of Soccsksargen Region in a bid to bring government services closer to the people. These areas are considered as

geographically-isolated and disadvantaged coastal areas of Soccsksargen. Government offices like Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC), Land Transportation Office and the Social Security System should establish offices or branches in these GID areas. In its 75th meeting,

RDC-12 last week has passed RDC XII Resolution No. 144, requesting the LGU of Maitum, Sarangani to provide the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC), an office space and all other types of administrative and logisticawl support to expedite the

process I participated in was the plebiscite for BOL, next year will be my second time and this time I will be electing our leaders,” Abdulatip said in the vernacular. The BOL is the

Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo

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Once separatist MILF now gun for elective seats ALI Tatak, a former fighter of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), said the 2022 elections will be his first time ever to vote to choose municipal or provincial leaders. He registered as

voter in 2019 in Barangay Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, the home-base of the once separatist MILF. “As MILF member, I did not participate in any election. We were told now

DID YOU KNOW?

By Edwin O. Fernandez is our time to help choose our leaders because it is important for the peace process,” Tatak said in the vernacular in an interview outside Cotabato City. Abdulatip, a 40-year old former MILF combatant

and among the recently decommissioned fighters, said he voluntarily offered to be decommissioned because he was convinced both sides are sincere to end the Mindanao problem. “The first electoral

P11

December 18 is Graciano Lopez-Jaena Day

Graciano Lopez-Jaena Day is observed on Dec. 18 by virtue of Republic Act No. 9070 signed on April 8, 2001 by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Born on Dec. 18, 1856, Lopez-Jaena played a significant part in the Philippine revolution against Spain. A great orator and writer, he published the first issue of La Solidaridad, the news organ of the revolutionary movement.

TRADITIONAL MISA DE AGUINALDO. After two years of hiatus in the traditional dawn masses, Misa de Gallo resumes at the Archdiocese of Cotabato. Here, physical distancing is strictly observe at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral. Karl John Daniel

December 18, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Lanao Sur’s demo veggie farm in full swing

C O TA B AT O C I T Y — T h e provincial government of Lanao del Sur is now producing organic vegetables in large volumes in a farm that officials want to replicate in other areas in the province.

The Lanao del Sur Techno-Demo farm is located in Marantao, which is near Marawi City, the capital of the province. Gov. Mamintal Adiong, Jr. said Wednesday the farm is being operated by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (PAO). In a statement Monday, the PAO said workers have lately been harvesting big volumes of vegetables from the farm, a demonstration facility for Lanao del Sur residents. Adiong said the provincial government is ready to help educate farmers on how to earn extra income from diversified vegetable farming. “They can learn from the demonstration farm about crop diversification and how to produce much more via modern vegetable farming techniques,” Adiong said. Lanao del Sur, whose capital is GOOD HARVEST. Workers show their harvest from the demonstration farm in Marantao, Lanao del Sur of the office Marawi City, has 39 towns whose residents rely on farming as primary of Gov. Mamintal Adiong, Jr., being managed by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist. Photo courtesy of Lanao del Sur governor’s office means of livelihood. John Felix Unson

SK cops lauded for seizure of smuggled cigarettes

ISULAN, Sultan Kudarat — Police authorities in the Soccsksargen region today lauded members of President Quirino town police following the seizure of smuggled cigarettes on Monday night. On Tuesday, Brig. Gen. Alexander Tagum, police director for the Soccsksargen region, lauded Colonel Tom Tuzon, Sultan Kudarat police provincial director, and Major Samuel Domingo, Pres. Quirino police chief, for the successful drive against smugglers.

Alert Pres. Quirino PNP personnel flagged down a cargo van along Barangay Tuato, President Quirino after receiving tips from civilians it was carrying smuggled items. “The smuggled cigarettes were bound to Buluan, Maguindanao from Tacurong City,” Maj. Domingo said in a report. Domingo said Usman Musanib, van driver, could not present documents legalizing the goods he was transporting. Seized from him were 500 reams of smuggled cigarettes with

estimated cost of PHP180,000. Domingo said the smuggled cigarettes were slipped through the country via the southern backdoor from Malaysia. The suspect was charged for violation of RA 8293 or Custom Modernization and Tariff Act. Brig. Gen. Tagum has directed all other police units across the region to be on guard against smugglers and firecrackers that proliferate during the holiday season. Edwin O.

Colonel Jibin Bongcayao, Maguindanao police director, reported to Brig. Gen. Ugale that town Councilor Kedtayak Umal Tunda voluntary turned over the unlicensed and undocumented high powered firearms from the locals of Barangay Barurao, Sultan Sa Barongis, Maguindanao. The firearms with ammunition include a homemade cal. 50 Barrett sniper’s rifle, a homemade shotgun with magazine, homemade Rocket Propelled Grenade launcher and one homemade M79 grenade launcher. Ugale said prior to the surrender,

personnel from Sultan Sa Barongis MPS conducted visitation and lecture awareness to convince the community to support PNP Chief, Gen. Dionardo B Carlos’ campaign against the proliferation of illegal firearms to ensure a peaceful and orderly conduct of the National and Local Election on May 2022. Brig. Gen. Ugale has directed all police units in Maguindanao and across the region to emulate Sultan sa Barongis MPS and intensify the campaign against the proliferation of unlicensed guns. Edwin O. Fernandez

Fernandez

High powered guns turned over to Maguidnanao PNP

SULTAN SA BARONGIS, Maguindanao — If the trend continues, Brig. Gen. Eden Ugale, police director for the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao, believed that election in Maguindanao will be peaceful. Brig. Gen. Ugale issued the statement Tuesday after a local official in Maguindanao voluntarily turned over to Sultan sa Barongis municipal police office four high powered firearms in support to the PNP’s campaign against the proliferation of loose guns ahead of 2022 elections.

BARMM’s 1st Donors Forum to foster coordination with partners

TO foster coordination mechanism between the Bangsamoro Government and local/ international donors, the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA) conducted the 1st BARMM Donors Forum on Monday. “Today’s forum will provide everyone a glimpse of what the BARMM Government has achieved so far, development challenges we face and opportunities in collaboration with donors partners,” BPDA Director-General Engr. Muhajirin T. Ali said. Ali also underscored the challenges as well as the opportunities of governance that are addressed with the help of development partners. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim said via Zoom, “until now, we’ve seen how our development partners have saved the Bangsamoro peace

process and contribute to the continues efforts to achieve lasting peace and development in the region.” “This forum is indeed timely and imperative effort, aimed at strengthening the partnership and cooperation between the Bangsamoro Government and developments partners from the international, national, and local donors,” Ebrahim added. On the other hand, United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator Mr. Gustavo Gonzales said, “this forum extended to foster coordination, transparency, and accountability [...] in future development, cooperation is changing, we are moving from farming to financing and moving from simple assistance to capacity development, eventually to coalition and alliance.” N a t i o n a l Economic and

3 hurt in North Cotabato grenade blast

DEMOBILLIZED. These high powered and unlicensed guns were turned over by civilians in Sultan sa Barongis, Maguindanao to the municipal police office in support to the PNP’s campaign against loose firearms. Photo courtesy of PNP

MATALAM, North Cotabato — Three were hurt, one of them a 10-year-old child, in a grenade explosion that ripped through Barangay Kilada here late Wednesday. The victims, Elizabeth and Florencio, both surnamed Wahing, and the minor, who is their relative, sustained shrapnel wounds in different parts of their bodies. They were together near a store along a national highway in Barangay Kilada here when someone reportedly

hurled at them a grenade and hurriedly escaped. Major Junrel Amotan, chief of the Matalam municipal police station, on Thursday morning told reporters gunshots first reverberated through the scene before the blast. R e s p o n d i n g policemen found spent .45 caliber pistol shells in the area. Amotan said he is certain the gunshots were related to the bombing. He said probers are still trying to identify the people behind the atrocity for prosecution.

John Felix Unson

December 18, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

December 18, 2021

Last year, when we were all struck by the deadly COVID-19 virus. Everything, including our daily activities, had stopped and had been affected. Our movements, routines, and even gatherings were restricted due to the stringent implementation of our health protocols. But now, as we begin transitioning to the new normal and gradually allowing our community to restart our normal lives, we relive the observance of many of our traditional and institutionalized programs like the Shariff Kabunsuan Festival. Our celebration of Shariff Kabunsuan Festival is not only to commemorate his heroism, but to also display our acceptance of Islam. Years had passed, yet here we are living and keeping the faith very much alive. As we continue to celebrate this religious festivity, let us showcase our colorful history and preserve our rich culture as part of our mission. May our faith strengthen us more, bring us even closer together, and bridge us to one another amidst our differences. May we also remember that aside from promoting and sharing our history to others, we also ensure to spread the beauty and holiness of this event. Let us live up to the heroic act that Shariff Kabunsuan has done and learn to emulate his deeds. Let us also persevere to go on with our mission of spreading the magnificence of Islam and become more responsible, transparent, and accountable Muslims in all our endeavors. Happy Shariff Kabunsuan Festival!

Sigay Ka Cotabato City!

ATTY. FRANCES CYNTHIA J. GUIANI–SAYADI City Mayor

December 18, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Assalamu alaykum warahmatullahi wa barakatuhu. Commemorating the day Islam was introduced to our forefathers by Islamic missionary Shariff Kabunsuan has since been a festive day for us and this year, our City Government wishes to bring you the same festive atmosphere through various activities we have prepared for everyone. May this festivity reminds us that we, as one city, has adapted the new normal and I would like to commend for obediently complying health protocols for the welfare of everyone. True to what we are - resilient Cotabateños, we have survived the pandemic. It also proved and showed our capability to outstretch discipline, obedience and patience. May we continuously work hand-inhand for the betterment of our beloved city. Happy Shariff Kabunsuan Festival to all of us and may the Almighty God shine light upon us in the coming New Year!

Sigay Ka Cotabato City!

GRAHAM NAZER G. DUMAMA City Vice Mayor

December 18, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Mindanao bishop hits gov’t endorsement of coal mining project in South Cotabato

A Catholic bishop in the southern Philippines criticized the decision of the provincial council of South Cotabato to endorse a coal mining project in the village of Ned in the town of Lake Sebu. Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo of Kidapawan, national director of Caritas Philippines, described the project as a “ticking time bomb” to communities and the environment. On December 6, the provincial council endorsed the coal mining project of San Miguel Corporation’s Daguma Agro-Minerals Incorporated, Sultan Energy Philippines Corp, and Bonanza Energy Resources Inc. in the area. The project, under the coal operating contracts of the mining companies, covers at least 9,000 hectares of land. Bishop Bagaforo said the decision of the provincial government contradicted its previous commitment to protect the environment. He said the entry of coal mining operations in Lake Sebu “will greatly affect the lives of the people, especially the indigenous communities”

and will destroy the town’s tourism industry and agriculture. In a resolution, the provincial council told mining proponents to use “strip mining with progressive rehabilitation” instead of the open-pit mining method. The council’s decision was a complete turnaround from its decision in June 2018 denying the approval of a resolution seeking to endorse the project. Opposition to the resolution argued that the strip mining method is considered as open-pit mining and is violative of the province’s environment code. Bishop Cerilo Casicas of Marbel urged the provincial council to understand the data about the project before rendering any decision. The prelate said he is against coal mining in Lake Sebu because it will “destroy the environment.” Mark

Saludes/LicasNews

Archbishop Romulo de la Cruz of the Archdiocese of Zamboanga (24 June 1947 – 10 December 2021).

Photo courtesy of Archdiocese of Zamboanga

Zamboanga’s Archbishop De la Cruz dies at 74

Archbishop Romulo de la Cruz who served the Archdiocese of Zamboanga for seven years died Dec. 10 at age 74. De la Cruz died at Zamboanga Doctors’ Hospital where he was brought due to “erratic heartbeat”. Fr. Armand Aquino, the archdiocese’s chancellor, said the archbishop also had a “very low blood pressure and slight fever”. “He has long suffered from his illness and is now given relief to enjoy eternal peace in heaven,” the archdiocese said in a statement.

OND JUBILEE. from left to right: Sr. Maria Josephine Jacquilmac, OND, Sr. Elisa Caballero, OND – OND ZAMBASULTA Area Superior, Fr. Rito Daquipil, OMI, Sr. Imelda Mission, OND and Sr. Marie Jane Olegario, OND

“We offer our prayers to God for the soul of Abp. Rommy, for his family and we pray for our Archdiocese of Zamboanga,” it added. The archdiocese is currently under its Auxiliary Bishop, Moises Cuevas, who was appointed apostolic administrator “sede plena”. The appointment was made by Pope Francis last Aug. 11, while De la Cruz was recovering from a stroke. De la Cruz was ordained priest for the Archdiocese of Cotabato

NCR OND Sisters with Sr. Hilda Tajonera, OND – 4th from left, Fr. Ross Kapunan, OMI – 5th from left and Sr. Vilma Esmael, OND – OND NCR Area Superior – 8th from left

n these days of the prophesied this in the Covid pandemic we first reading, “But you, minimize our visits to Bethlehem Ephrathah. So friends and relatives. For small that you are hardly their sake and our sake we named among the clans reduce the occasions for of Judah, from you shall the virus to spread. Even I raise the one who is to with the slowing down of the rule over Israel” (Micah Rev. Fr. Antonio P. Pueyo, DCC infections recently, we still 5:1). tonypoy_dcc0@yahoo.com have to observe protocols, God’s visitation is good even when visiting loved ones, especially this news. Mary’s visitation brought good news. Just Christmas season. We like to visit friends and we like Mary, the disciple of Jesus is the bearer of like to be visited in turn. We go out of our way Good News, an evangelizer. Pope Francis exhorts to entertain and make pleasant these occasions . the Church to “embark upon a new chapter Through these visits we renew our bonds as friends of evangelization.” In his words, “I dream of a and family. ‘missionary option’, that is, a missionary impulse In the Old Testament, the phrase “God has capable of transforming everything, so that the visited his people,” expresses God’s favor (Ruth Church’s customs, ways of doing things, times and 1:6), (Gen. 21:1). In today’s gospel story Mary visits schedules, language and structures can be suitably Elizabeth (Lk. 1:40). Elizabeth was six months channeled for the evangelization of today’s world pregnant, and as was the custom in those days, Mary rather than for her self-preservation” (#27, Evangelii a close relative came to assist her. Mary was also Gaudium). pregnant with Jesus and she brought this good news The Christian disciple as evangelizer is a to Elizabeth. The two women, one a young maiden person-for-others. We do not keep God’s gift of in her teens, the other an older woman shared each salvation and God’s graces for ourselves. Just as God other’s joy. Mary received the good news from the has been generous to us by giving us Jesus, so we too angel that she was chosen to be the mother of the are challenged to move beyond our concerns, and Messiah. In turn, Mary shared this good news with manifest God’s favor to others. Mary’s visitation her cousin Elizabeth. Mary became an evangelizer, of Elizabeth was not just a social one. She came a bearer of the good news. to assist Elizabeth and she stayed until her cousin Christmas is about God’s visitation, “The Word gave birth. She too was pregnant but she went out became flesh and made his dwelling among us,” of her way to be with Elizabeth. (John 1:14). In Jesus, God has shown His favor to We have so many people who are generous with us. God became Emmanuel, God-with-us. Jesus is their time and resources. They have concerns and God’s gift to us. As the second reading expressed it, issues to take care of in their families, work places, “Now, by this will of God, we are sanctified once and and personal lives yet they take the time to assist for all by the sacrifice of the body of Christ Jesus,” others who are in need. We know of instances where (Hebrews 10: 10). God chose to send His Son to the neighbors took turn to do marketing and cooking world not by way of the well-known, powerful, and for a family that was quarantined due to Covid wealthy clans. God chose the poor and the lowly infection. This too is evangelizing -- the good news Mary for this important role. The prophet Micah is expressed in action. MC

The Visitation

REFLECTIONS

in 1972. In 1987, he was named coadjutor bishop of Isabela. He became the bishop of the same prelature in 1989. In 2001, he was named coadjutor bishop of San Jose de Antique. He succeeded as bishop of the diocese in 2002. De la Cruz also served as bishop of Kidapawan from 2008 until 2014 when he was appointed archbishop of Zamboanga. The archdiocese has yet to announce details of wake and funeral services. CBCP News

Photo courtesy of OND

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

4th Sunday of Advent Readings:

Micah 5.2-5a; Hebrews 10.5-10; Luke 1.39-45

The fourth Sunday of Advent chooses the special encounter between Mary, the mother of Jesus and Elizabeth. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth rejoiced in her visit as the baby leapt in her womb. This is the envisioned joy that we shall all expect to experience as the Lord comes. The joy that is hidden inside of us cannot contain itself – it will leap too. We may be down and out, rejected and disqualified for many reasons, or been ill, weak physically or emotionally. But the promise of joy will come. It is real! Like Elizabeth, may we all be filled with joy and transform our lives with excitement and gratefulness to God. Prayer: Lord, source of all goodness, come into our lives. Amen

THE MINDANAO CROSS

December 18, 2021 EDITORIAL

Supreme Court and the Anti-Terrorism Law

ecember 19 was designated annually as International Human Rights Day. It may be coincidental (or intentional) that it was on this day that the Philippine Supreme Court upheld the legality of most of an anti-terrorism law passed by President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration last year, which opponents claim – with some reason – could be used to clamp down on political dissent. It should be noted that the SC approved the legality of “most of the antiterrorism law”; with just two selected provisions struck out, still looks the same as the original. Thus, the SC declared in a statement that all the other parts of the law which came under legal challenge were “not unconstitutional.” A review of the law shows that “The AntiTerrorism Act of 2020 allows the detention of suspects for up to 24 days without charge, compared with just 36 hours in the country’s Revised Penal Code. It also empowers a government anti-terrorism council to designate suspects or groups as suspected terrorists, which allows them to be subject to arrest and surveillance”. What were the two provisions referred to as unconstitutional? The Supreme Court struck out a line in Section 4(e), which states that public protests, dissent, work stoppages, and other exercises of political rights would not be considered acts of terrorism as long as these “are not intended to cause death or serious physical harm … or to create a serious risk to public safety.” The SC said the qualifying conditions were “overbroad and violative of freedom of expression.” The court also declared unconstitutional Section 25 of the law, which allows an antiterrorism council appointed by the president to adopt requests by other entities, including international organizations, to designate individuals or groups as terrorists. In a country which has for long tried to erase all vestiges of human rights violation which many can be traced in history, the Anti-Terrorism Law only brings forth a mechanism which can be abused to stifle human rights activities. Just last year, in an effort to help victims of the Pandemic, groups of people have been subject to “red-tagging,”. This is a practice whereby people have been publicly labelled as communists or terrorists, which often exposes them to danger. Many questioned the activities of some military men, who interprets helping the community outside the regular government as terrorism. If helping neighbors with free food during a Pandemic is described by military officials as terrorism (or subtly red tagging), how much more for those who practice openly legal actions such as holding rallies, critical reporting by media, and labor strikes. This is what left wing activists and government critics are afraid of initially. With these low key actions, how much more for those who are only under the shadow of suspicion. The Law provides a wide range of actions for those in power to stop dissent and criticism. This serves as a warning to those in media and activist groups. MC +

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hurches all over the country were alit early this morning of Thursday, December 16. The traditional series of nine dawn masses to usher in Christmas has begun, and as expected, threats of the new omicron variant of the dreaded coronavirus disease did not deter many Filipino faithful from attending the first Misa de Gallo of 2021. While not all may not do so, many would hope and try to attend all nine dawn masses until the early morning of December 24, spurred by the belief that doing so would mean that your mass intentions, or plain Christmas wish to many, would be fulfilled. The Misa de Gallo, also called Simbang Gabi, was introduced by Spanish friars of the early colonial period to allow the farmers to hear mass before going to the fields early in the morning. In those olden days, the church bells start ringing as early as three o’ clock, waking people up so they can get ready for the four o’clock dawn mass, or just as the roosters start their routine cocka-doodle-doo calls, “tiktilaok” to the Pinoy, hence the term Misa de Gallo or Mass of the Rooster. The Roman Catholic churches across the nation start to open their doors shortly before the break of dawn to welcome the faithful to the mass. Changes have been made over the years in the way the Simbang Gabi is celebrated. Some urban parishes now celebrate Misa de Gallo at around 8 or 9 in the evening to accommodate the needs of the members of the community who have different work schedules. At our St. John Mary Vianney Parish at Apo Sandawa Homes here in Kidapawan City, an anticipated Simbang Gabi was held yesterday at 6 in the evening. It was a well-attended one. The regular Misa de Gallo was still held this morning at 4:30, again with a good attendance. Given the pandemic, health protocols like wearing of face masks, physical distancing, and other mandated practices are enforced and observed. Existing realities have indeed brought changes in the way the Misa de Gallo or Simbang Gabi is celebrated over the years, but this has remained consistent for many Misa de Gallo goers - the celebration being seen as a way of requesting blessings from the Lord, and the belief that if one completes the whole series of nine dawn masses, ones wishes will be granted. An end to the pandemic and a return to normalcy, be that a new normal as many would call it, is a wish that would easily make it to the top of the list. That return to normalcy would understandably include the return of employment and other sources of income

n 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) which were approved by then Department of Justice Secretary Simeon A. Datumanong in 2004. Now, some Muslim agrarian officials seek to invalidate the LRA-issued land titles as an alleged case of “land speculation” on the part of the Natives and that some residents had accused Mr. Banisil of illegally selling to some individuals the land titles he had won back for the Natives at the LRA-DoJ in 2004. Back to the Doña Soledad Subdivision: Mind we also that the courts’ decisions on the disputes involving the Soledad estates, 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 has been the subject of the legal controversy in almost six decades. 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 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

Christmas wishes

Thinking Aloud Carlos C. Bautista caloyb@gmail.com

for the many who lost it. Independent research and socio-economic thinktank IBON Foundation noted in November this year that a significant drop in employment and rise in unemployment was recorded in September 2021. The group said that these labor force figures are signs that the Philippine economy is still floundering despite quarantine restrictions easing and vaccinations increasing. We all know what income loss due to unemployment means – less food on the table in the face of increasing prices, more difficulty in meeting the demands of education for children, more difficulty in facing emergency needs like medical or hospital care. Simply, a more difficult life. Wishing for an easier one would definitely be in line for many this season. IBON Foundation believes that fixing the economy would be one of the tougher challenges a new administration would face once it is chosen by the Filipino electorate in next year’s national election. In a policy paper released last month entitled “Challenge for the next administration: Fixing the Philippine economy” it noted that “The Philippines has been growing more and more rapidly in the last three-and-a-half decades. The economic structure is also changing in terms of domestic patterns of activity and linkages with the global economy. However, while average incomes are increasing, the gains from growth are overwhelmingly concentrated in a few at the top while the majority stay poor and fall further behind.” This is the situation Filipinos were in when the pandemic hit and while it may be said that we are all in the same sea, we are most definitely in different boats. Praying for that to change would be in order, wishing for more inclusive growth and development would be proper. And given that the coming elections would be crucial in achieving that, praying for political wisdom and uprightness among Filipino voters may be a timely intention, or wish if you may, for the nine days of this year’s Misa de Gallo. MC

Of land dispossession and repossession (2)

Penlight Nash B. Maulana

nash.penlight@gmail.com

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 (duces tecum) 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. Then, “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.” Happy Holidays! MC

December 18, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Top of the world True to Form

Comorbidities and Their Impact on COVID-19

that President Duterte has withdrawn his Certificate of Candidacy for a senatorial seat. Much earlier, his closed and trusted allies Senators Ronald dela Rosa and Christopher Go, both Charlie Señase presidential aspirants had csenase@yahoo.com also withdrawn from the race. atural human obsession up there is Whatever reasons unaware of the scientific principle behind, the outgoing President has spoken that what’s up must come down or about his political stand in the coming vise-versa, liken to a spinning wheel. That exercise for the electorate (administration for every action there’s an opposite and ally or non-ally) to be neutral in their choice equal reaction. of candidates. He likewise reiterated his Indeed, science which is known for its appeal for a peaceful, honest and orderly systematic arrangement of knowledge is polls after a thorough police study identifies uncontestable that no one can defy except 564 areas in the country, made-up of our Immortal God that when the impossible 488 towns and 58 cities as “election hot happen, it’s declared as a “miracle” which is spots.” And out of these possible violentbeyond scientific comprehension. prone areas, the Bangsamoro Region has In the world we live in, the will of God unbelievably the most number. And, it is supreme that no one can contest. Whether would truly be a challenge for the regional we like it or not, it will come to pass, that the leadership to keep and prove the PNP wrong faithful would rather concur to say LORD and its study as speculative. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Specially so that the establishment of We may have lost the 2021 Miss the Bangsamoro government was based on Universe beauty pageant but for the the proposed organic law that when enacted Philippines to be 5th placer finalist was or approved would ensure “genuine, durable good enough – beauty and talent-wise that and lasting peace” in the region. Early this catapulted Miss India, Harnaaz Sandhu at week, BARMM Interim Chief Minister Ahod the helm. Ebrahim has urged regional officials to From 1952 to the present, the pursue close coordination with international Philippines has had four Miss Universe title and domestic development partners in order holders from Gloria Diaz in 1969, Margarita “to achieve lasting peace and development Moran in 1973, Pia Wurtzbach in 2015 and in the region.” Catriona Gray in 2018. A timely reminder from government Apart from the universal beauty and security forces in this Yuletide Season brain tilt comes the gutsy and unorthodox not to engage in pyrotechnics revelry. The lady stewardship in a once known as the firecracker ban was a PNP directive issued “killing field” and “kidnap capital” of Central by newly installed Police Director General and Muslim Mindanao to become the child- Dionardo Carlos. Even the use of firearms friendly and safest city in the country. and other military explosives are strictly The United Nations Educational, prohibited in the season of cheer and Scientific and Cultural Organization merrymaking. through its UNESCO Clubs Philippines recently hailed Cotabato City Mayor Atty. GOD FIRST AND FOREMOST Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi with the “2021 Honesty and a forgiving heart should be Outstanding Public Servant in Good what we are to draw the favor of the MostGovernance” plaque of recognition. High. “In mercy and truth atonement is What’s there in the presidency that a provided for iniquity; and by the fear of the candidate has to spend millions or billions LORD, one departs from evil. When a man’s if not fame and fortune? Knowing that ways please the LORD, He makes even his an elected President is assured of half-a- enemies to be at peace with him” (Prov.16:6million-peso monthly stipend, minus the 7). This is the secret weapon and ways so-called “exta-curricular” earnings? to attain God’s peace with reconciliation. However, this week citizens gearing- Indeed, it surpasses all understanding that up for the 2020 polls were stunned to learn God’s peace be upon us all. MC

develop severe symptoms. Lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis), cystic fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension A Reprint from the Makati Medical Center Blog (high blood pressure in the lungs), and moderate to here are 219 countries and territories that have been affected severe asthma are linked to an increased by the infectious disease COVID-19, risk of COVID-19 complications. Patients with asthma are at a resulting in mass deaths worldwide. Along with other efforts to combat the pandemic, disadvantage because their respiratory these countries’ governments have rolled tracts are affected, leading to increased out their respective vaccination programs. asthmatic attacks, pneumonia, and acute As cases continue to surge, it has been respiratory distress. identified that the elderly and those with •Immunocompromised state (weakened comorbidities are more likely to suffer from immune system) Someone who is immunocompromised the virus’s deadly effects, making them a has a weakened immune system that priority for vaccination. does not properly respond to invading What are Comorbidities? Comorbidities refer to the presence infections. This means that the body of one or more health conditions a person cannot fight off the virus. Data show that is having with a primary illness. For immunocompromised people are at greater instance, a person who has diabetes risk of respiratory infections, making them and hypertension is considered to have prone to COVID-19 complications. comorbidities. Comorbid conditions are •Cancer Based on a study, people who have often chronic or long-term. When a person experiences them, they may have a cancer or a history of cancer are at a high risk of developing severe complications compromised immune system. Comorbidities or multimorbidity from COVID-19 and its symptoms because is common among adults. Since it treatments for many types of cancer can targets the lungs, COVID-19 can lead weaken the body’s ability to fight off to hospitalization, which may require diseases. •Diabetes intensive care and a ventilator to help Generally, diabetes increases the risk the patient breathe. A study suggests that it may also potentially cause death, of infections. People with diabetes have a higher chance of contracting COVID-19 especially in the elderly. Comorbidities That Have the Most and its severe symptoms due to impaired phagocytic cell capabilities. As a result, a Impact on COVID-19 person’s immune system is compromised. •Heart Conditions Having a heart disease such as •Stroke Experts suggest that COVID-19 tends heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies, or hypertension can to trigger a heart attack, which can lead to make a patient more likely to get severely a stroke. COVID-19 also seems to result in clot formation, which could block the flow of ill from COVID-19. The Harvard Medical School explains blood and oxygen to the brain, eventually that damaged heart muscle or blocked heart leading to an ischemic stroke. arteries weaken the body’s ability to survive •Dementia The Centers for Disease Control the stress of COVID-19. Accordingly, a person with a vulnerable heart is more and Prevention notes that dementia is likely to succumb to the effects of fever, low associated with COVID-19 complications. One study shows that the chances oxygen levels, unstable blood pressures, and blood clotting disorders—all possible of COVID-19 infection for patients with dementia are higher than those without consequences of COVID-19. because people with dementia have •Chronic Lung Disease As COVID-19 attacks the lungs, people impaired blood flow in the brain, with lung problems are more likely to which is a risk for viral entry. In

The change of P1000 bill also fuels speculation that other bills are up to a redo. In particular, Marcos loyalists have urged the government to remove the Aquinos from the P500 bill, Victoria R. Franco, RPh, MS Pharmacy with some proposing to franco1573victoria@gmail.com change the color of the bill as yellow is associated with he Banco Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) the family. yesterday, Dec. 11 bared the new Remembering the martyrs: Jose Abad design for the P1000 bill replacing Santos was the fifth Chief Justice of the the country’s World War heroes, Vicente Supreme Court; He was appointed by the Lim, Josefa Llanes-Esoda and Jose Pres. Manuel L. Quezon as government Abad Santos. The new design, which caretaker in areas unoccupied by the now prominently shows the Philippine Japanese. He was taken by the Japanese eagle and the sampaguita flower was soldiers and was taken by Japanese designed by BSP and approved by the commander Kiyotake Kawaguchi in National Historic Institute, according to Parang, Maguindanao, where he was BSP Governor Benjamin executed. Diokno. The new series The founder of will focus on fauna and the Girl Scouts of the flora of the Philippines, Philippines, Josefa said Gov. Diokno Llanes Escoda, a Filipina The Monetary Board civic leader, together with and the Office of the her husband, supported President have approved resistance fighters by the issuance of the new supplying food and bill, which will be part medicine to both Filipino of the limited polymer and American prisoners or plastic bills to be in concentration camps. released in 2022. Other She was last seen alive in denominations were not January 6, 1945, severely in the discussion at the beaten. Her remains were MB. As to why the P1000 denomination never found. was the first to be considered, the MB Vicente Lim was a graduate of the agreed that first, it is the most in- United States Military Academy and demand, hence, the cost efficiency gain played roles in both World War I and will be the highest, and second, it is also II. In 1941, Lim was appointed Brig. subject of the highest attempted forgery- General by Quezon. He was among the not that it is easy to forge; in fact it has thousands who endured the Bataan the most security features and thus death march and was imprisoned in the most difficult to forge. The Central Camp O’Donnel in Tarlac. In 1944, he bank also said that the shift to plastic was declared missing. A soldier told his banknotes will help in the fight against family that Lim, together with about 50 counterfeit bills. Rappler.com guerillas were beheaded. His body was What seemed to be a simple redesign never found. of a paper bill may further aid the Surmised by Civil Society, there collective forgetting of the atrocities are two purposes for this change. One suffered by Filipinos during the Japanese is to remove the Aquinos from our occupation. “It’s like killing these three bills and to for Agila ng Davao, Sara people again, and its more painful than Duterte’s brand. The timing is perfect what the Japanese did, because the ones . Bills will go into circulation on April that are redesigning the banknotes are 2022, only a month away from the May Filipinos” Jose Maria Bonifacio Escoda, elections. Vote buying rate now is at a nephew of Josefa, told Rappler. least P1,000. MC

Thus, the first thing that planners or project teams do is to identify all the Ensuring Project Completion must preliminary or preparatory activities, prepare a procurement plan, and the project implementation Danny Buenbrazo danny_buenbrazo@yahoo.com proper (e.g. construction period for an infrastructure project). very year agencies are provided Second, to determine the duration funds for the projects they have proposed to the National for doing each of the identified activities, G o v e r n m e n t f o r f u n d i n g a n d their fund and resource requirement, implementation. Local Government and the type and people needed to do Units (LGUs) also prepare project the work. Thereafter, using a GANTT Chart, proposals and most of these are approved for funding after review and acceptance list all the activities from preparation by their respective Sanggunian or local to project completion in the correct legislative bodies. For government sequence with their corresponding agencies and local government units, duration (in days, weeks, or months). there is a general expectation that the After doing this, the planners or the proposed project will be completed in project team would have an initial sense the year that it was provided funding. of whether or not they can complete a The exception are large and/or complex project or projects within their time projects that would have to be done over limit. It is most probable that the project two or more years. Private companies and Non- could not be completed in the desired Government Organizations (NGOs) time-frame in the original lay out of also plan and/or implement projects, activities. One remedy is to check if the latter usually getting funds from the allocated duration for the activities international or local funding agencies. could be reduced so that everything can NGOs have a tighter timeframe for be completed within the implementation implementing the projects funded period set. The other option, that can by their donors or they can suffer be done simultaneously with the first financial or reputational risk or both. solution, is to verify if certain activities Business organizations have a more can be done simultaneously and not flexible timeline for implementation one after the other. For example, social though they may unnecessarily suffer preparation in the community can be additional financing cost or opportunity done at the same time that procurement cost when they incur delays in project of contractors is being undertaken. In cases where there are numerous completion. In projects, the typical activities projects that need to be implemented with involved include the following: conduct varying duration (e.g. infrastructure of feasibility studies, preparation projects where some require 90 days of engineering plans with costing, for construction while others takes 150 procurement of a contractor (for a days to build), the projects with longer project that will be outsourced to a third- duration should be prioritized in the party service provider) or purchase of schedule. Assuming that preparatory materials and other items needed, and activities (such as preparation of the construction or implementation. For Detailed Engineering Design) can be projects being implemented by NGOs or done in two months and procurement even government entities, the conduct in one month, then a 150-day project of social preparation is also required (or can be completed in August with room at least desirable) before construction or to spare for delays, Those with shorter other major interventions are done on duration can be started later and still be completed within their deadlines. MC the ground or a community.

The Philippine Eagle in place of three Martyrs

The Stuff of Life

It’s like killing these three people again, and its more painful than what the Japanese did

HEALTH CORNER

P10

Project Management 101:

Market Driven

4 hardcore NPAs yield to gov’t

KORONADAL CITY — Four New Peoples Army guerrillas implicated in the burning heavy equipment of construction companies and bomb attacks surrendered to authorities and pledged allegiance to government. The first to yield were two NPAs who turned in their firearms to officials of the Army’s 5th Special Forces Battalion during a simple surrender rite Wednesday at Barangay Ned in Lake Sebu town in South Cotabato. The duo, names withheld pending their relocation to areas far from reach of their companions, openly narrated to reporters their involvement in the

burning in recent years of public conveyances and heavy equipment of construction firms after owners refused to shell out “protection money” on monthly basis. They turned over an assault rifle each, two 9 millimeter machine pistols and improvised explosive devices to officials of the 5th SF Battalion. Major Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said Friday the two guerrillas agreed to avail of the government’s reconciliation program for NPAs through the intercession of the 5th SF Battalion and local officials. Uy said the 5th SF Battalion and the 601st

Infantry Brigade shall assist local officials in reintroducing the two NPAs into mainstream society. Two other NPAs, who acted as lookouts in recent bombings in central Mindanao, also surrendered to the police Wednesday. B r i g . G e n . Alexander Tagum, director of the Police Regional Office-12, said personnel of their Regional Mobile Force Battalion 12 worked out the surrender of the two NPAs. The two rebels bolted from the NPA’s Guerilla Front 73 and yielded to PRO-12 through the RMFB-12 in Barangay Zion in Maitum town in Sarangani. John Felix

Unson

Republic of the Philippines Midsayap, Cotabato LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. 9048/10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that Barby Dequiña Beltran has filed with this office a petition for change of sex from Male to Female in the birth certificate of Barby D. Beltran who was born on March 10, 1979 at Magsaysay, Parang, Maguindanao and whose parents are Bernardo V. Beltran, Jr. and Brenda P. Dequiña. Any person adversely affected by the said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than December 29, 2021.

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.)KARIM O. OMAR, MPA

Sgd.) NORAH B. CABUGWASON Municipal Civil Registrar

(Sgd.) NORAH B. CABUGWASON Municipal Civil Registrar

Republic of the Philippines

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao

Parang, Maguindanao OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

Municipal Civil Registrar

MC: Dec. 18 & 25, 2021

MC: Dec. 11 & 18, 2021

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.

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 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.

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.

MC: Dec. 11 & 18, 2021

MC: Dec. 11, 18 & 25, 2021

(Sgd.) KARIM O. OMAR, MPA

Municipal Civil Registrar

MC: Dec. 11 & 18, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

December 18, 2021

MC: Dec. 4, 11 & 18, 2021

(Sgd.) TOHAMY M. LAUBAN (Sgd.) KARIM O. OMAR, MPA City Civil Registrar Municipal Civil Registrar

BARMM’s 1st Donors Forum to foster...from P2 Development Authority (NEDA) Assistant Secretay Gred L. Pineda also expressed the authority's commitment of support in strengthening partnership with

the Bangsamoro Government. “NEDA is committed in strengthening our partnerships together with partners from international government agencies

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

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

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

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

and other institution to effectively facilitate development assistance and support to the Bangsamoro Government," said Pineda. BIO Republic of the Philippines Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Upi, Maguindanao OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1, Guidelines in the Implementation of Administrative Order No. 1 series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), a notice is hereby served to the public that Jose P. Rodriguez has filed with this office, a petition for correction of entry in the child’s date of birth from August 30, 1970 to August 21, 1970 and for change of first name from Joselito to Jose in the certificate of live birth bearing registry No. 186 of Jose Platon Rodriguez duly registered at the Local Civil Registry Office of Upi, Maguindanao and whose parents are Marcelo M. Rodriguez and Carmelita C. Platon. Any person adversely affected by the said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than January 4, 2022. (Sgd.)JEAN P. BACAS Municipal Civil Registrar

MC: Dec. 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

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UNFPA exec calls every Bangsamoro to...from P1

Speaking during the culminating program of the 18day campaign to end violence against women here Sunday, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) country representative Dr. Leila Joudane stressed that ending violence against women “starts with us.” “It is crucial that women, girls, men and boys are allies engaged in meaningful conversations about changing norms, beliefs, and practices that are harmful to women and girls,” she told campaign major stakeholders here. “ T h e e n t i r e community should be engaged in education and awareness raising at school, through community mobilization, social media campaigns, events and gatherings,” she added. She lauded the efforts and initiatives of the Bangsamoro and its instrumentalities in the fight to end violence against the Bangsamoro women. “UNFPA is with you

December 18, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

in this fight. We should not stop here, let’s continue to work together using the rights-based and survivor-centered approached to end gender-based violence and we will not stop until women and girls are safe,” Dr. Joudane said. The UNFPA official said every day, women and girls face violence in their homes, communities, in public and private places, during conflicts and in the aftermath of natural disasters and conflict situation. She added that VAW is not only happening in the Philippines or in BARMM but everywhere. The Maguindanao police office presented a report on VAW cases in the province. Major Merle Glemao, Maguindanao PNP chief of Women and Children Protection Desk, said Maguindanao account for 70 of the 71 VAWC cases in BARMM. Of the 71 cases, 34 cases are violence against women and of these, 27 are rape against girls and reportedly perpetrated

by people known or close to survivors. “We should not let this continue, we need to stop this silent pandemic,” Dr. Joudane said. “Wherever violence against women and girls occurs, it is a violation of human rights.” She vowed that UNFPA will keep pushing and will not stop “until we see a world free of violence against all women and girls.” “We will not stop until this violence is no longer tolerated and consigned to the shameful chapter of history where it belongs,” said. Joudane has been visiting areas across the region to get updates on the campaign and to push UNFPA programs that will save women and children from preventable circumstances. In all her speaking engagements, Joudane always calls for all stakeholders to join hands “to create a world where women and girls can lead peaceful lives and are able to reach their full potential.”

Basilan’s Muslims, Christians forge ties...from P1 said he has a standing order for the Basilan provincial police to embark on activities complementing the interfaith peace programs of the Muslim and Christian religious communities. Ugale said the PRO-BAR is impressed with how the Basilan Ulama Council, which is comprised of influential Islamic theologians, the Isabela Catholic prelate and other Christian sects and the local political community

are together fostering cordiality among the local Muslim and non-Muslim communities. “It is something so good for all people in Basilan. We in the PRO-BAR are happy seeing them helping each other for Basilan to get up from the bad effects of armed conflicts that happened in past decades,” Ugale said. The Basilan provincial government has also been complementing the security

10 NPAs yield in Sultan Kudarat..from P12

Brigade Commander of 603rd Infantry Brigade, whose unit has operational control over the area. The names of the surrenderers are still being withheld for the safety of their families. More than 100 NPAs have surrendered to the government this year through the JTFC. Maj. Gen. Uy said with this development, the NPA movement is nearing its defeat in the JTFC area of operation. “To the remaining communist terrorist that is still on hiding in the tri-boundaries

of Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, and Sarangani Provinces, follow the examples of your former comrades who returned to the folds of the law and choose to live a peaceful life,” he said. “Just like them, you also have the opportunity to live peacefully together with your family if you decide to cooperate with the government and with the community. The government has programs that are set to help you and your families live a normal and sustainable life that is free from threat and fear,” the 6th ID chief said. Edwin O.

Fernandez

Comorbidities and Their Impact on...from P8 addition, their impaired memory limits their ability to comply with recommendations for social distancing, mask-wearing, and hand-washing. •Liver Disease Research suggests that in some severe cases of COVID-19, the virus may prevent the liver from working. A study involving 7,162 people who tested positive for COVID-19 shows that those with any chronic health problems such as liver cancer make up about 1/3 (or over 2,300) of the confirmed cases. Two-thirds (roughly 4,700) of them required hospitalization. •Blood Disorders

and governance initiatives in the province of the newlyestablished Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). “There is good relationship among us, the local executives, the Islamic religious community and the Christian religious leaders here. Other Christian groups are together with us too,” Salliman said. Basilan has two cities, Isabela and Lamitan, and 11

Based on studies, people with blood disorders such as blood cancer and sickle cell anemia have a higher risk of developing COVID-19 symptoms. Sickle cell anemia causes the red blood cells to become hard and sticky. These deformed red blood cells die early, causing blockages in small blood vessels. As a result, oxygen cannot be transported around the body. •Chronic Kidney Disease According to a study, people with kidney disease are at risk of being seriously ill with COVID-19 because their condition weakens their immune system and significantly increases

municipalities. “We ought to sustain this good Muslim-Christian relationship especially now that peace has taken off in the province as a result of the surrender of so many local members of the Abu Sayyaf in recent years,” Salliman said. Local Abu Sayyaf terrorists had kidnapped a number of non-Muslims in the province and from outside whom they tortured and beheaded as part

Metro Cotabato Water District Gov. Gutierrez Avenue Cotabato City Tel. Nos. (064) 421-1070/7135 Fax(064) 421-3596

their chances of dying. •Down Syndrome One study suggests that COVID-19 is ten (10) times deadlier for people with Down syndrome. Researchers suspect that background immune abnormalities, coupled with extra copies of key genes in people with Down syndrome, make them more vulnerable. Experts add that the typical anatomy of people with trisomy 21—including large tongues, small jaws, relatively large tonsils, and adenoids, along with lax throat muscle tone—helps explain their higher rate of respiratory infections in general. MC

of the ploy. With the help of the Christians in Basilan, the Army’s 101st Infantry Brigade and the Provincial police, local officials managed to secure the surrender, via backdoor dialogues, of more than 300 local Abu Sayyaf members in the past five years. The former Abu Sayyaf members have been reintroduced into the local communities.

THE MINDANAO CROSS

December 18, 2021

From bullets to ballots...from P1 Bangsamoro Organic Law, the charter of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). “This is good, walang dadanak na dugo, di kailangang magpaputok ng baril, di kailangang may mga bakwit, ang kailangan ay pumili ng maayos para mapabuti ang buhay ng Bangsamoro,” he added. “The world is watching us, they see the GPH-MILF peace process as model and there is no room for failure,” senior MILF leader Abdulraof Macacua said during party gathering early this year. Macacua is secretary general of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) which the MILF organized as its electoral arm. He also helps run the BARMM as its executive secretary. Lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, BARMM minister of the interior and local governments, and Macacua have urged the electorate in next year’s polls to elect candidates with integrity, credibility and good service records for those seeking reelection. Sinarimbo, who is UBJP’s deputy secretary general, said the UBJP has issued guidelines for its members to follow in choosing leaders. “We guide our members how to correctly vote but did not dictate who to elect,” Sinarimbo said even as he advised the electorate “to reject politics of money for it will make the elected officials corrupt.” He stated further that “corrupt and dishonest candidates, once elected, will recover all his expenses through corruption.” “Dishonest candidates, once elected, will recover all his money used in buying votes through corruption in government,” he said. BARMM electoral code Sinarimbo said this is a situation that the proposed Bangsamoro Electoral Code hopes to address. The code has been completed and it set to be transmitted to the Bangsamoto Transition Authority (BTA) parliament for deliberation. Among its salient features is the antidynasty provision like those in the local

governance code. He said the proposed electoral law prohibits “political butterflies.” Another provision is no couple husband and wife or father and son, mother and son/daughter are allowed to run for public office in same locality. “What we are trying to avoid is nasa kamay lang ng iisang pamilya or clan yong isang local government unit. Like tatay mayor, misis vice mayor, mga anak council members. What is allowed for example tatay or nanay town mayor, but the spouse or son or daughter are allowed to seek elective post in the province,” he said. But for the 2022 polls, the UBJP is entering into alliances with political dynasties, especially in the provinces of Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur. In Maguindanao, it endorsed the candidacy of incumbent Rep. Esmael Mangudadatu for governor, pitting him against incumbent governor Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu, the wife of an estranged cousin. The UBJP also endorsed former Rep. Bai Sandra Sema who is gunning for vice gubernatorial post. In Lanao del Sur, the UBJP struck an alliance with the local SIAP Party, in the process backing the reelection of Gov. Mamintal Alonto-Adiong. The UBJP’s endorsement is also being sought by national politicians, especially for President. BARMM interim Chief Minister Ahod Murad Ebrahim, who is president of the UBJP, said they are endorsing candidates who they believe are pursuing the same vision and agenda as theirs. The 2022 elections, will therefore, be the MILF’s first formal foray into the battle for votes. The UBJP Abunawas Maslamama, an MILF official who carries the nom de guerre “Von Al-Haq,” stressed that the MILF carried guns not to kill but pursue a struggle for legitimate right to self-determination. “We have political agenda - and that is to emancipate the political, cultural and socio-economic plight of our people from the bondage of deprivation and

BARMM chief Minsiter and MILF chief chair Ahod “Murad” Ebrahim (center) administer the oath-taking as UBJP candidates of Rep. Esmael Toto Mangudadatu and former Rep. Bai Sandra Sema, both UBJP gubernatorial and vice gubernatorial bets for Maguidnanao. Photo courtesy of UBJP

Jealous husband blows self with grenade

KIDAPAWAN CITY — A man irked by rumors purporting his wife was having an affair blasted himself with a fragmentation grenade late week in Makilala, North Cotabato. The Makilala municipal police said Alejandro Briones Delos Reyes died on the spot from multiple shrapnel wounds. He and his wife were first heard by neighbors having a loud altercation before a powerful blast ripped through their yard. A drunken Delos Reyes was said to have pulled out a fragmentation grenade

under a bed, stepped out of the house and set off the explosive he held close to his chest. Probers from the Makilala municipal police are still trying to determine where Delos Reyes got the fragmentation grenade he used to kill himself. Only organic personnel of the Armed Forces are permitted to keep or bring around grenades and 40 millimeter explosive projectiles for launchers fitted to M203 rifles when they are out on security missions. John Felix Unson

Eye opener:

Cop killed in knife attack, culprit shot dead

ESPERANZA, Sultan Kudarat — Lesson learned the painful way. A drunken man killed with a knife a police sergeant in a rampage here Monday night that also resulted in his death. The family of the suspect, Jessy Ferrer, reportedly turned him over to the Esperanza municipal police station for custody for being unruly prior to the incident. He first stabbed in the chest with a long kitchen knife Police Staff

Sgt. Victor Araño inside the mess room of the Esperanza police station and ran away. Araño died in a hospital where he was rushed by companions for treatment. From the police station, Ferrer barged into a house nearby and held hostage two children that he eventually set free through the intercession of senior members of barangay officials and policemen. He was shot dead by members of the municipal

police when he grabbed from one of them a pistol while he was being cuffed. The cadaver of Ferrer, a resident of Barangay Saliao, was immediately turned over to his family by the local police. Officials told Mindanao Cross there would have been no such incident had policemen clamped the drunken Ferrer down in a detention facility. The PRO-12 is initiating an inquiry on the incident for policy-making purpose. John Felix Unson

Members of MILF who are now UBJP members and officers are undergoing orientation on the country’s electoral system they are participating in next year’s balloting. exploitation,” said Al Haq, now serving as deputy minister of the BARMM Ministry of Transportation and Communication. These can be achieved through democratic process called election. For the MILF to participate in Philippine politics, it must have a political arm – the UBJP. For Al Haq, UBJP is a “political vehicle where we can entrust our development, progressive agenda for the Bangsamoro.” UBJP is a principled political party which totally represent the voice of the broader populace and not any political and family clan. Chief Minister Ebrahim has said that the UBJP is the MILF’s political wing which has its own goals and missions and anyone joining it must work toward achieving party goals – that is moral governance. Ebrahim admitted that joining the political and democratic process of Philippine politics was a major challenge for them. Corruption is built-in in government and for the MILF, moral governance is a means to change the system, to eradicate corruption. It can be achieved through the MILF’s advocacy for moral governance. In previous interviews, Ebrahim said the MILF will govern BARMM without imposing Islamic governance but imposing moral virtues of Islam which is for all human kind, that is, moral governance. After about 40 years of armed struggle in pursuit of full Islamic independence, MILF has agreed to a greater political autonomy and subscribe to democratic process, all in the name of peace. For the MILF, the 1976 Tripoli Agreement, 1989 creation of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and 1996 GPH-MNLF final peace agreement were all considered failures. Thus, it talked peace separately with the central government to come up with a deal acceptable to Bangsamoro. The 17 year GPH-MILF peace process ended with the 2014 peace deal between Manila and the MILF that made the revolutionary organization to transform from waging armed struggle to participating in democratic processes, like the election, in order to advance its political, economic and social aims. With greater provisions on selfgovernance, the MILF agreed to a treaty better than previous agreements for southern Philippines. The Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) provided a new self-governing, new political entity – the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao - that replaced what it described as flawed autonomous set up. The MILF has primarily three “modern” major goals – first, a law (BOL) that created the BARMM, second, the request

Photo courtesy of UBJP

for extension to sustain the gains that were crippled by intervening events after the BOL was ratified like the pandemic, and third is the ultimate goal to create a more peaceful, matured, united, inclusive and developed Moro society in southern Philippine through democratic process. Part of the peace deal was for the MILF to put up its own political arm to join the country’s democratic process of electing leaders. It was more than just compliance to the peace accord, it’s the MILF’s determination to pursue moral governance and to sustain the gains of the peace process after the implementation of the provisions of the peace deal had commenced. During the first quarter of 2015, the members of the MILF, led by its leaders, started the first step of their participation in the country’s electoral process – that is the registration of MILF voters. Skepticism was at its height since the conservatives saw it as step short of surrender. But the late MILF vice chair for political affairs Ghadzali Jaafar had dismissed the pessimists’ observations by saying the MILF was convinced by the government’s sincerity thus it reciprocated with sincerity to move the peace process forward. Since its foundation in 1977 after breaking from the Nur Misuari led MNLF, the Hashim Salamat-led MILF as an organization had avoided participating in the country’s electoral processes. “No iota of doubt when we started joining the democratic process by registering as voters,” Jaafar said of the registration. Transition from fighter to voter The registration for MILF fighters was first held inside Camp Darapanan, MILF stronghold, on March 7, 2015 or more than a month after the unfortunate Mamasapano massacre that almost annul the gains of 17 years of GPH-MILF peace negotiations. The registration for MILF members is one of the steps in the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB). Almost four years later and through its electoral arm, the UBJP, the MILF had actively participated in political exercise for the first time. It actively campaigned for the ratification of Bangsmaoro Organic Law (BOL). The Commission on Elections said more than 150,000 former MILF fighters have registered and eventually voted for the BOL. The result was overwhelming since the BOL’s ratification led to the inclusion of Cotabato City and 63 villages in North Cotabato. (The results of the referendum in Cotabato City is under protest)

RDC-12 wants LTO, SSS, PhilHealth...from P1

establishment of PhilHealth Express Office (PEO) in Maitum. Once operational, the PEO Maitum will be serving clients from the municipalities Maitum, Kiamba, and Maasim (MAKIMA) in Sarangani province, as well as the people residing in the southern part of Palimbang in the adjacent province of Sultan Kudarat. This will be the third PEO requested by the RDC from PHIC 12 after the establishment of PEOs in Midsayap, North Cotabato and Lebak, Sultan Kudarat in October this year. The Council also passed RDC XII Resolution No. 146, requesting the Social Security System (SSS) to establish a branch/service unit in Lebak and RDC XII Resolution No. 169 endorsing the establishment of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Extension Office also in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat. These RDC actions were in support of the close-to-a-decade clamor of the residents of the municipalities of Kalamansig, Lebak, and Palimbang (KALEPA) to bring these offices closer to them, so they will no longer need to travel far to the cities of Cotabato, Koronadal, Tacurong, and General Santos

for services from these agencies. In 2012, the Lebak town council has passed various resolutions seeking for the establishment of SSS and LTO in their area. Recently, RDC, through Resolution No. 75, likewise supported expediting the operationalization of the Civil Registration System Information Technology Project (CRS ITP) in Koronadal City as the regional center of Region 12. The CRS-ITP, or “Serbilis Center,” envisions an enhanced public service delivery through expeditious processing of requests, shorter lines at the application and payment counters, and improved facilities of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) which are all for the convenience of the public. At present, RDC XII is still working out for the immediate operationalization of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Consular Office in Kidapawan City and the transfer of administrative control and supervision of the SOCCSKSARGEN General Hospital in Surallah, South Cotabato from the Provincial Government of South Cotabato to the Department of Health (DOH) Regional Office XII. Jal P.

Octavio, NEDA-12

December 18, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

YSRAELI regional workshops up

IN support of the recently concluded Summit for Democracy, the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines and U.S.-based implementing partner Cultural Vistas launched on December 15 a call for applications for the 2022 Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Regional Workshop: Guardians of Good Governance. This workshop will be held in Manila from July 6-10, 2022 and is open to Southeast Asian leaders, ages 18-35, who work on issues related to civic engagement, transparency, accountability, and good governance. The 2022 YSEALI Guardians of Good Governance workshop will train youth leaders from Association of Southeast Asian Nations member countries and Timor Leste on innovating civic education initiatives to promote good governance and strengthen democracy

in their communities, countries, and the region. Participants learn civic education theory, lifelong learning, and digital engagement strategies before gathering in Manila for a four-day in-person workshop in July 2022. As a follow-on, they will implement initiatives in their own countries, applying lessons learned from the workshop. Interested young leaders can apply for the workshop on or before January 24, 2022, at bit.ly/ YSEALIPH. Since its launch in

2013, YSEALI has provided capacity-building programs and funding support for youth initiatives promoting civic engagement and good governance. YSEALI develops the capabilities of Southeast Asian youth on civic engagement, environmental and natural resource management, education, and economic development through a variety of programs, including U.S. educational and cultural exchanges, regional exchanges, and seed funding. Nash B.

Maulana

10 NPAs yield in Sultan Kudarat

THE Army is winning the hearts of misguided communist rebels who have been demoralized and decided to peacefully surrender in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat. Major Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the 6th Infantry Division said Thursday that the 10 New Peoples’ Army (NPA) rebels also turned in to security forces under Joint Task Force Central nine assorted firearms and ammunition Wednesday afternoon. Maj. Gen. Uy lauded the decision of the former NPA rebels to abandon the communist organization and choose a peaceful life with their families and with the community. “Our efforts to defeat the communist terrorist group have been relentless. Along with the Local Government Units and Non-Government and Civil Society Organizations, we have sustained the call for NPA rebels to surrender and return to

the folds of the law,” Maj. Gen. Uy said in a statement from 6th ID. “At the same time the security forces has sustained our focused military operation targeting the communist rebels who refused to work with the government and continues to threaten the communities,” he added. Lt. Col. Allan Van Estrera, commanding officer of 37th Infantry Battalion, said the rebels turned one M16 Armalite rifle with M203 grenade launcher, a Browning Automatic Rife (BAR), three US made M1 Garand rifles, two Springfield rifles with scope, and one M79 grenade launcher. “The surrenderers are all under the weakened Daguma Front, Sub-Regional Committee Daguma, Far South Mindanao Region operating in the tri-boundaries of Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, and Sarangani Provinces,” said Col Ali Luis Macawaris Jr, the Deputy

P10

PRO-12 enforces firecracker ban in Sox

EDIFICE FOR LEARNING. A newly renovated MAFAR training center now ready to host participants for transfer of technical knowhow to improve farmers’ productivity, profits. See story in page 1.courtesy of MAFAR BARMM Photo

KORONADAL CITY — In support of PNP Chief Director General Dionardo Carlos’ directive of ensuring a safe and peaceful celebration of the Yuletide season, Brig. Gen. Alexander Tagum, PRO12 regional director, has directed the enforcement of firecracker ban in its area of jurisdiction. This is in coherence with Executive Order No. 28 that provides for the Regulation and Control of the Use of Firecrackers and other Pyrotechnic Devices. In implementing Brig. Gen. Tagum’s Oplan: the Police Regional Office 12 will provide enough police manpower to different areas

of the region that will keep watch of manufacturers and retailers engaging in the distribution of illegal firecrackers. In a statement, Brig. Gen. Tagum said PRO-12 will extend its full support to Department of Health’s national advocacy in promoting safety in our own homes, the regional director encourages the public to use safe alternatives instead of the usual firecrackers in celebrating Christmas and New Year season. He also also assured the public that the police service is always prepared to provide assistance especially during the celebration of the holiday

season for possible firecracker and other crimerelated incidents. PRO 12’s “ACTion AGAD” service can be accessed through hotline numbers 0946 9664 665 and 0945 5211 662. “We need your utmost cooperation in dealing with the unauthorized circulation of firecrackers in the region. There will be no sellers around if no one patronizes these illegal products. And so, I urge you to report immediately if you witness suspicious activities to ensure that we will have a safe and peaceful celebration of the holiday season,” he said.

PRO-12 PIO

PhilHealth Regional Office XII

ADVISORY No. 2021 - 019

Mandatory Inclusion of Member’s Contact Number in Case Investigation Form (CIF) PhilHealth Circular No. 2020-0017 on Benefit Package for SARS-CoV-2 testing using RT-PCR (Revision 1) was issued to facilitate payment of RT-PCR claims using the Case Investigation Form (CIF), instead of PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF), as source of data in updating the member’s record. However, not all information needed to complete the process are captured by the CIF. To complement this gap, the Circular strictly requires that the member’s contact number should be indicated in the CIF. Health Care Institutions providing RTPCR services are therefore enjoined to secure the member’s contact number for purposes of verification and validation by PhilHealth; otherwise, the record cannot be updated and subsequently the claím will be returned to the hospitals. For your guidance.

HECTOR ZENON LEONARDO P. MALATE, M.D. Acting Regional Vice President

REITERATION OF PHILHEALTH CIRCULAR NO. 2017-0020 This is to reiterate Items F and G under the General Guidelines of PhiiHeaIth Circular No. 2017 - 2020 wIth the subject “Implementation of AutoCredit Payment Scheme (ACPS) to All Health Care Institutions” stating that “HC1s shall issue individual Official Rec. pts (ORs) for every PhillHealth reimbursments credited/paid to their deposit account/s.” “HCIs that fall to issue and deliver Official Receipts (ORs) on or before the deadline shall not receive reimbursments on the credit date after the fifteenth(15th) day.” To facilitate the release of Auto Credit Payment to Government HCIs, the approved Journal Entry Voucher (JEV), with bank-validated tickets such as debit-credit memo shall be an acceptable alternative proof of receipt of payment for all Government Health Care Institutions. The JEV is used to record all transactions of the government agencies whether cash receipts, cash disbursements or non-cash transactions. In lieu of the Official Receipt, said JEV number must be encoded in the Benefit Payment System (BPS). This Advisory with clearance from the Commission on Audit (COA) was Issued on March 28,2018. HCIs in this regard are reminded to abide by said Rules and Regulations in order to have their claims processed within the prescribed period. For further inquiries, please refer to the Fund Management Section of PhilHealth Regional Office XII at telephone number (083)228-9731 to 9733 local 6427. HECTOR ZENON LEONARDO P. MALATE, M.D. Acting Regional Vice President

NON DISCLOSURE OF AMOUNT TO BE CREDITED TO BANK ACCOUNTS To all ACCREDITED HEALTH CARE INSTITUTIONS: Please be informed that per RA No. 1405 on Bank Secrecy Law, disclosure of amount to be credited per bank account is considered confidential. Upon clients’ request, PhilHealth XII will only disclose whether there is an amount exhibited in the account or none. Since the schedule of credit to bank is every Wednesday, accredited HEALTH CARE INSTITUTIONS are advised to check their accounts on the following working day. For further Inquiries, feel free to contact us at (083) 228-9731 to 34 local 6427 and look for Mr. Joseph B. Lim. For your Information, guidance and stiict compliance. Thank you. HECTOR ZENON LEONARDO P. MALATE, M.D. Acting Regional Vice President