The Mindanao Cross | July 17, 2021

Vol. LXXIII| No. 23| Cotabato City | Saturday, July 17, 2021 |10 Pages | P10.00

P2

BARMM grants scholarship for aspiring doctors

CHURCH / P6

OND Sisters elect new congregational leadership

P10

RDC-12 wants DFA consular office in Kidapawan operational

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

T’NALAK FESTIVAL. The best, the proud, the Koronadal National Comprehensive High School contingent to 2019 Tnalak Festival that bagged the championship crown in Kapatagan Category.

Photo courtesy of RONIE FLORES LACUESTA

BARMM TO UPGRADE POLLOC FREEPORT

By Nash B. Maulana

POLLOC FREEPORT, Maguindanao — The Bangsamoro Government will upgrade this 40-year old facility with modern water system facilities, drainage and sewerage system and a road network.

P2

LGU to fund Maguindanao plebiscite

By Bong S. Sarmiento

MAGUINDANAO has allotted P120 million for the plebiscite on the division of the province.

Gov. Bai Mariam SangkiMangudadatu said the provincial government received a letter from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) asking if Maguindanao can fund the expenses for the plebiscite.

“Maguindanao province is ready

for the holding of the plebiscite. We have allocated funds from our internal revenue allotment. Our Sangguniang Panlalawigan had approved the funds for the plebiscite,” she said.

Sangki-Mangudadatu said she notified the Comelec of the availability of the funds to hold the plebiscite.

“We are waiting for the Comelec to set the date of the

1,300 banana plants “massacred” in Kidapawan FOR IP’s SAKE. Member of Parliament of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority Romeo Saliga stresses a point during discussions on the regional government’s strategies for moral governance. Saliga speaks for and in behalf of IPs in BARMM. Photo courtesy of BTA Parliament

IPs want BTA extension

By John Felix Unson OFFICIALS were elated with what is BARMM because at last, for how many for them mounting public support to decades, the law is about to be passed efforts of resetting to 2025 next year’s in the Bangsamoro Parliament,” MP supposed first ever Bangsamoro Saliga said in a statement sent to the regional elections.

Mindanao Cross.

Leaders of indigenous nonThe calls by IPs was meant to M o r o t r i b a l c o m m u n i t i e s t o o k extend for three more years the turns expressing favor, during a tenure of the 80-member BTA to forum here, for the deferment of enable the bloc and officials of newlythe 2022 pioneering elections in the created regional agencies to put Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in up service facets essential to good Muslim Mindanao. governance.

Also, Bangsamoro Transition Lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, A u t h o r i t y ( B T A ) M e m b e r o f BARMM spokesperson and interior Parliament Romeo Saliga, one of minister, said the regional leaderships the two IP leaders in the regional are grateful to sectors overtly in favor legislative body, has authored a bill of the postponement of the 2022 that will promote, respect and protect BARMM elections. the region’s Indigenous Peoples Leaders of indigenous people “The moment has come for the from Maguindanao and parts Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples in the of Lanao del Sur explained one

P9

KIDAPAWAN CITY – An Indigenous Peoples leader here has offered P100,000 reward for anyone who can provide information that could lead to the identification and arrest of who were behind the “massacred” of about 1,300 banana plants in Barangay Balabag.

Balabag, an upland community situated beside

DID YOU KNOW?

By Edwin Fernandez the country’s highest peak – Mt. Apo, and inhabited mostly by Indigenous Peoples, according to village chair Eduardo Empan.

Empan, also head of Manobo Apao Descendants Ancestral Domain of Mt. Apo (MADADMA), an association of Manobo tribespeople who planted the banana out of the royalty shares they received

P9

from Energy Development Corporation (EDC), said he is willing to pay anyone who can provide the brains behind the attack.

“We want to know who was behind and the people who killed our bananas,” Empan, also village chair of Balabag.

Empan said the destroyed banana plants were

July is Blood Donors’ Month

July was declared Blood Donors’ Month through Proclamation No. 1021 signed on June 9, 1997 by then President Fidel Ramos.

According to the Department of Health, a potential blood donor must possess a weight at least 110 lbs (50 kg), as blood volume collected will depend mainly on the body weight; a pulse rate between 60 and 100 beats/minute with regular rhythm; blood pressure between 90 and 160 systolic and 60 and 100 diastolic; and hemoglobin of at least 125 g/L.

P9

2

July 17, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

BARMM grants scholarship for aspiring doctors

Health officials in the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao, in anticipation of bigger health response in the coming years on Monday started a scholarship program aimed at producing medical professionals for the region.

On Monday afternoon, Dr. Bashary Latiph, BARMM health minister and Dr. Liza Mariposque, acting Dean, College of Medicine and Medical Director of University of Southern Mindanao (USM) hospital signed the Memorandum of Agreement for the Bangsamoro Medical Scholarship Program (BMSP).

The signing was held at the executive building of the state-run USM in Kabacan, North Cotabato.

“The MOH-BMSP has been conceptualized to mitigate, if not avert, the foreseen problems in the arena of healthcare delivery in the Bangsamoro region,” Minister Latiph said after the singing.

It seeks to provide scholarship to eligible and qualified student who have earned pre-medicine courses

The signing was also witnessed

by Dr. Consuelo Tagaro, USM Vice President of Academic Affairs, Prof.

Marcus Monderin, Dean of College of Arts and Social Sciences, Dr. Jonal Pimentel, Dean College of Science and Mathematics along with the MOHBARMM officials.

Under the program, 30 slots are allotted for USM Kabacan while 15 slots for Western Mindanao State University in Zamboanga City and six slots for students taking medicine at Brokenshire College and School of Medicine in Davao City.

The program will commenced this school year 2021-2022.

Interested student may visit the MOH-BARMM FB page for more details. Edwin O. Fernandez

NCAA, NEDA-12 pushes RA 10066 forward

KORONADAL CITY — Stakeholders are again generating public awareness on the importance of the Republic Act 10066 in preserving national heritage.

The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA-12) said the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, as part of its continuing collaboration with different Regional Development Councils and other stakeholders, held last July 7 a video conference on the intricacies of the RA 10066.

The RA 10066 (The National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009) is focused on preserving valued old historic buildings that are considered cultural landmarks, the so-called “tangible but movable heritage,” and the traditional and natural properties of cultural significance.

The law also created the Philippine Registry of Cultural Property, or PRECUP, as facet for ensuring preservation of state cultural properties.

Members of the multisector RDC-12 and the Local Culture on Arts Council participated in the online orientation about the RA 10066, according to NEDA-12.

Around a hundred representatives from RDC-12, members of LCACs from the four provinces of Region 12 and secretariat complement teams participated in the webinar conference.

Arli Joshua Atienza, NCCA-RDC desk officer, said the activity was part of the commission’s continuing heritage law advocacy.

The orientation delved on the features, jurisdiction of cultural agencies and on how the PRECUP works and on basic processes on registration of a cultural property to be preserved.

The activity was part of NCCA’s mainstreaming of culture, heritage, and values in the existing programs and projects of government entities in line with Chapter 7 of the Philippine Development Plan, or the “Filipino Culture and Values towards Bayanihan.”

“It is important to preserve our cultural heritage because it keeps our integrity as a people and the best way to protect our cultural properties is to have them registered, thus, we have the PRECUP,” Justin Ortega, also of NCAA, said.

O n e o f t h e prerequisites for the

registration of cultural heritage is the declaration of the cultural properties by proper authorities, the NEDA press statement said.

Emmanuel Mabagos of NCCA-PRECUP said any Filipino can participate in cultural inventories complementing the commission’s enforcement of the national cultural heritage law.

Presented during the July 7 webinar were the region’s entries in the TALAPAMANA, a publicly accessible database of the PRECUP, as well as the MAPAMANA, which is a statistical map showing the cultural properties available in the various LGUs in Region XII. A w o r k s h o p participated mostly by LCAC representatives was also initiated to enhance their understanding on processes on profiling of cultural sites and properties found in their respective localities.

Representatives from each province -- Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat -studied and filled out PRECUP forms as part of the exercise, facilitated

by Donna Eduardo and Micah Carando of NCCA.

John Felix Unson/Eden Fornan-Ridao of NEDA-12

MP Alamia chairs TF for decommissioned combatants

A ranking member of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) in the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao has been given additional task for the sake of Bangsamoro that she did not refuse but enthusiastically accepted.

BTA Parliament Minority Leader Atty. Laisa Masuhud Alamia has taken another leadership role after she was designated by the national government as chair of the Task Force for Decommissioned Combatants and their Communities (TFDCC).

The task force undertakes “all efforts related to socioeconomic and development programs for Moro Islamic Liberation

Front (MILF) combatants and their communities,” and is led by designated representatives from the GPH and the MILF. MP Alamia is more than qualified for the new roles as recognized by the GPH Peace Implementing Panel and recommended due to her “deep understanding of the Bangsamoro context and its socioeconomic environment along with technical expertise and vast experience and network in the local community.”

This assignment ties in with her work as member of the Bangsamoro Parliament where she has consistently authored and supported progressive legislation and programs that focus on

transitional justice and reconciliation.

Aside from working on women’s and children’s issues, she has also advocated for the rights and welfare of decommissioned combatants who stand to benefit from reintegration support that the government has promised early on in the peace process.

She has been a leading Moro woman figure in many advocacies for the welfare of Bangsamoro people in Mindanao.

Her vast experiences as dedicated and commitment public servant with no corruption records made her the right and ideal choice to do the job. Edwin

At the opening Wednesday of the Polloc Power Substation, Magelco General Manager Engineer Sultan Ashary Maongco said the electric cooperative has achieved maximum efficiency rate in collection of electric bills on its domain of clientele.

The substation will enhance distribution lines by increasing power supply here from single-phase to three-phase, which is seen to improve level of business investments in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) through this Freeport.

A succession of regional autonomous governments and administrations since 1970's has groomed this 40year old port to potentially develop into a Regional Economic Zone.

Polloc is an ecozone in the making and is distinctly situated in a cove seaport, like Subic Freeport.

Maongco said single

circuit 40-footer concrete poles will increase by 13.2 Kilowatt power supply along the highway for communities bounded by the Polloc Pigcalagan Distribution Line.

Officials also ceremonially switched the lighting of highways that will energize more communities with double circuit on 4045 footer concrete poles through increased power distribution with a 13.2KW supply along the Simuay to Polloc Distribution Line.

It may be worthmentioning that corporate power utility companies like the Aboitiz-run Cotabato Light and Power Company, charge at consumer billings about eight percent in systems loss, nine percent generation charge; a distribution charge that is close to 50 percent of generation charge, a supply charge of close to five percent and a fixed monthly metering charge of P 243.00.

O. Fernandez

Magelco systems losses down to 7 from 40 percent

Magelco General Manager Sultan Ashary Maongco POLLOC FREEPORT, Maguindanao — Systems loss in the province’s lone electric cooperative distributor has been down to seven percent in 2021 from 40 percent in 2015, officials said as the coop put ups new substation here.

The sharp decline in systems loss means illegal connections were reduced by 82 percent in less than six years, said executives of the Maguindanao Electric Cooperative (Magelco) on Wednesday.

Nash B. Maulana

Region 12 COVID-19 active cases hit 3K

ANOTHER 218 individuals in Soccsksargen or Region 12 tested positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19), bringing the total active cases to over 3,000 across the region, data from the Department of Health-12 (DOH) showed Thursday.

As of 6 p.m. Wednesday, the active cases in the region stood at 3,086, topped by South Cotabato with 1,251, North Cotabato with 588, General Santos City with 581, Sarangani with 490 and Sultan Kudarat with 176, the Region 12 COVID-19 tracker stated.

The total confirmed COVID-19 cases in the region rose to 24,329, of which 20,462 or 84.11 percent have recovered while 777 (3.19 percent) resulted in deaths, it added.

At least 11 persons were recorded dead on Wednesday due to COVID-19-related illnesses in the region, five of them senior citizens, the data said.

General Santos City posted the highest new and recovered COVID-19 cases on Wednesday at 56 and 64, respectively, the DOH-12 data said.

Arjohn Gangoso, DOH-12 health

BARMM to upgrade Polloc Freeport...from P1

Nature Wrath. Flash floods in Barangay Hano-on, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato submerged more than 100 sacks of corn being dried when suddenly heavy down pour occured. Farmers said the crops are beyond recovery.

Photo Courtesy of J. Godwino

Funds for this proposed projects will be sponsored at the Bangsamoro Transition Authority by Minister Eduard Uy Guerra of the Ministry of Public Works (MPW) of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), who is himself a Member of the BTAParliament.

Engineer Avila Abobakar, head of the MPW first engineering district office (DEO 1) in Maguindanao, said budgetary provisions for the seaport upgrading project will be recommended for inclusion in the BARMM 2022 Regional Appropriations Act. Abobakar, district engineer of DEO Maguindanao West, said some P

P5

22 million will be allocated for water system and P 15 million more to improve the Polloc Freeport’s drainage and sewerage systems.

He said an improved drainage system will effectively prevent the inund ation of som e of the p ort’s facilities, including the premises of the office of the BARMM Regional Ports Authority (RPA).

Abobakar said this will better prepare BARMM with improved climate for investment, with plans to develop the area into economic zone.

Polloc is an ecozone in the making and is distinctly situated in a cove seaport, like Subic Freeport.

July 17, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

3

Bismillahi Rahmani Raheem It is that time of the year once again that we observe Eid ul-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice. As one of the important festivals of the Muslim Ummah, let us all remember the sacrifice done by Prophet Ibrahim who offered his son as an act of obedience to Allah (S.W.T.).

Not only does this day remind each one of us to obey and observe this religious event, but it simply tells us to completely put our faith, devote our lives, and submit ourselves to Allah (S.W.T.). Let us also dedicate this significant time to offer our prayers and ask for strength to surmount all of the pressing challenges we experience and will encounter in the future.

Given all the sacrifices that we have made in the past year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, I know that every celebration of an important occasion becomes more meaningful for all of us. In spite of the restrictions that we still implement, I am hoping for your continued patience and understanding.

Let us include in our prayers that we may be given more strength to endure and more openness of the mind for us to fully embrace the changes that was brought about by the pandemic.

May this moment also bring us all together to make good intentions and transform them into pure actions that are in accordance with the law of the Almighty.

It is assured that both pure intention and action are rewarded here and in the afterlife.

In closing, the City Government of Cotabato, its officials, heads of offices, and employees, wish our Muslim brothers and sisters a blessed Eid ul-Adha.

May the promise of happiness and goodness be granted unto you.

Eid Mubarak!

Stay safe.

Sigay Ka Cotabato City!

ATTY. FRANCES CYNTHIA J. GUIANI–SAYADI City Mayor

4

July 17, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Most villages in Region 12 prone...from P5

sinkholes that usually International Committee of the Red Cross Sunga Compound, Datu Udtog Matalam, RH 11, Cotabato City, 9600 Vacancy Advertisement ICRC Delegation in the Philippines FUNCTION: ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT (ACCOUNTING/PREMISES) PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT: COTABATO SUB-DELEGATION The Administrative Assistant will provide general administrative support. S/he functions as an accountant – in charge of preparing checks, recording accounting entries, reconciling bank statements, and analyzing the accounting records of Cotabato Sub-delegation, strictly respecting and applying the ICRC's rules on financial management. S/he supports the Finance and Administration Manager in the day to day premises activities.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES Ensures the integrity of financial and analytical accounting in the sub-delegation.

Prepares and records accounting entries.

Ensures accuracy and completeness of accounting transactions in accordance with the financial procedures.

Performs regular checks of accounting entries and account balances.

Supports the day-to-day management of premises including pantry and cleaning supplies.

REQUIRED PROFILE • A successful candidate will have: • At least two (2) years’ experience in a similar function • University Degree in business and accounting or equivalent • Experience in a similar function with an NGO/INGO is an advantage • Good command of written and spoken English, Filipino, and other dialects is an advantage • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) • Knowledge of ERP application (IRIS) • Capacity to work autonomously but in close coordination with the direct supervisor • High flexibility/adaptability • Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task and prioritize tasks • Ability to build positive relationships with a high level of interpersonal skills The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is a neutral, impartial and independent humanitarian organization headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland that protects and assists victims of armed conflicts and other situations of violence without discrimination. It has been active in the Philippines for more than 70 years, with a permanent presence since 1982. The ICRC works closely with the Philippine Red Cross, its primary partner in the country.

HOW TO APPLY Qualified applicants are requested to submit by email to: man_recruitment@icrc.org until 23 July 2021*.

1) Resume 2) Cover letter

basis until the position is successfully filled.

Please clearly indicate in the subject line: SURNAME First name – COT Administrative Assistant (Resume & cover letter).

Only short-listed candidates will be notified.

A valid NBI clearance must be submitted once shortlisted.

Duration of Contract: Open-ended Contract Start Date: Immediate

To learn more about the ICRC in the Philippines, please visit our website www.icrc.org/ph and follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ ICRCph.

*Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing

The ICRC values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment.

We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.

July 10 & 17 2021

Republic of the Philippines City of Kidapawan, North Cotabato LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that Jose P. Morala has filed with this office a petition for change of first name from Fredie to Jose in the birth certificate of Jose P. Morala who was born on 13 February 1963 at Kidapawan, Cotabato and whose parents are Santiago D. Morala and Andrea L. Polinar.

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

(SGD) RAUL A. MALALUAN

City Civil Registrar

MC: July 10 & 17, 2021

Republic of the Philippines Province of Lanao del Sur Municipality of Balabagan OFFICE OF THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 5 of RA Act No. 9048/10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that Archie Nillama Miguello has filed with this office a petition for change of sex/ gender from Female to Male in the Birth Certificate of Archie Nillama Miguello who was born on May 15, 1985 at Poblacion, Balabagan, Lanao del Sur and whose parents are Tolentino L. Miguello and Sotera P. Nillama.

Any person adversely affected by the said petition may file written opposition with this office not later than August 2, 2021

In compliance with Section 5 of RA Act No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that Amirah M. Mamacotao has filed with this office a petition for change of first name from Subaida to Amirah in the Birth Certificate of Subaida Macaraob Mamacotao who was born on May 31, 1981 at Poblacion, Balabagan, Lanao del Sur and whose parents are Batara Mamacotao and Sohra H. Macaraob.

Any person adversely affected by the said petition may file written opposition with this office not later than August 2, 2021

(Sgd.) NIDA MAUTE MAMENTING Municipal Civil Registrar MC: July 17 & 24, 2021

Republic of the Philippines City of Kidapawan, North Cotabato LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the late CATALINO H I D A L G O P E R A LTA and EUGENIA LADION PERALTA, who died on June 26, 1991 and August 21, 2015, respectively at Cotabato City, a parcel of land Lot 1 Psd-59148, situated at Poblacion, Cotabato City with an area of 672 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. T-7181 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Froilan R. Melendrez as per Doc. No. 134; Page No. 28; Book No. I; Series of 2021.

In compliance with R.A. No. 10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that Elpie H. Tulang has filed with this office a petition for change of sex from Female to Male in the birth certificate of Elpie Hilot Tulang who was born on December 24, 1980 at Kidapawan, North Cotabato and whose parents are Felipe G. Tulang and Elma A. Hilot.

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

(SGD) RAUL A. MALALUAN City Civil Registrar MC: July 10 & 17, 2021

Republic of the Philippines Province of Lanao del Sur Municipality of Balabagan OFFICE OF THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR

MC: Jul. 10, 17 & 24, 2021

(Sgd.)NIDAMAUTE MAMENTING Municipal Civil Registrar MC: July 17 & 24, 2021

Republic of the Philippines Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao Local Civil Registry Office

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC In compliance with Republic Act No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that Alexis Jr. Kamid Ali has filed with this office a petition for change of first name from Alexis Jr. to Alexis and correction of clerical error in the middle name of his mother from P. to Padinding in the Birth Certificate of Alexis Jr. Kamid Ali who was born on August 4, 1998 at Taviran, Datu Odin Sinsuat Maguindanao and whose parents are Teng Gu i a n o n Al i a n d B a i d i d o Padinding Kamid.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this office not later than July 20, 2021.

(Sgd.) PRINCESS ESNAIRA M. NUR Municipal Civil Registrar MC: July 17 & 24, 2021

AFFIDAVIT OF SELF-ADJUDICATION Notice is hereby given that the late MANSUETO NAZARENO BETIA, who died intestate on June 2, 2021, left a savings account with Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) Kidapawan Branch, under Account No. 0000001516336699 is the subject of affidavit o self-adjudication before Notary Public Atty. Lenel Floyd B. Montes as per Doc. No. 231; Page No. 48; Book No. 49; Series of 2021.

MC: Jul. 10, 17 & 24, 2021

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late HADJI FAISAL K. GUIAMPACA, who died on June 5, 2021 at Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, left a Savings Account at Philippine National Bank, Cotabato branch under Account No. 4052-100236-2 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Atty. Bai Sittie Saida C. Bailan, CPA as per Doc. 105 Page No. 21; Book No. CXV; Series of 2021.

MC: Jul.10, 17 & 24, 2021

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 12TH Judicial Region BRANCH 14 Cotabato City SPL. PROC. CASE NO. 2021-1510 IN THE MATTER OF PETITION FOR CANCELLATION OF THE SECOND CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH OF NORJAINA SUAREZ AMBULINOG UNDER REGISTRY NO. 2003-1072 REGISTERED IN THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OF KABUNTALAN, MAGUINDANAO AND UPHOLDING HER FIRST CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH UNDER REGISTRY NO. 93 (D-81) REGISTERED IN THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OF SULTAN KUDARAT, MAGUINDANAO NORJAINA AMBULINOG, -versus-

SUAREZ Petitioner,

THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF KABUNTALAN, MAGUINDANAO, THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF SULTAN KUDARAT, MAGUINDANAO, OFFICE OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, MOHAMED S. AMBULINOG, SAJID S. AMBULINOG, SAJUD S. AMBULINOG, MARWAH S. AMBULINOG, DAWAH S. AMBULINOG,AND AKMAD S. AMBULINOG, Respondents. x----------------------------------------------x ORDER A verified petition was filed by the petitioner thru counsel, praying that after due notice and hearing, an Order be issued directing the Local Civil Registrar of Kabuntalan, Maguindanao to cancel the certificate of live birth of one Norjaina Suarez Ambulinog, under Local Registry No. 2003-1072 and uphold the first certificate of live birth of the said petitioner under Local Registry No. 93 (D-81) registered in the Local Civil Registrar of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao that will be subsequently forwarded to the Philippine Statistics Authority; and after the main relief prayed for be granted, an order be issued directing, the Office of Consular Affairs of the Department of Foreign Affairs to allow petitioner to have her Philippine passport be renewed following compliance with the verbal order in lieu of the remarks made in the document herein marked as Annex “D-1”.

Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, let this case be set for hearing on July 15, 2021 at 8:30 o’clock in the morning, at which place, date and time, any person who may have interest, if any, may show cause why the petition should not be granted.

Let this order be published in a newspaper edited and of general circulation in the City of Cotabato and Province of Maguindanao, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks prior to the date of hearing at the expense of the petitioner.

SO ORDERED. Cotabato City, Philippines, this 7th day of June, 2021.

(Sgd.) KASAN K. ABDULRAKMAN Acting Presiding Judge MC: Jul. 17, 24 & 31, 2021

occur in areas underlain by limestone, he said.

Since the initiative started in 2017, he said they already completed the mapping of three municipalities – Lake Sebu

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late NENA C. DUI, who died on November 2, 2020 at Cotabato City, left parcels of land Lot No. 5 Block 6, Psd-8611, Lot 2 Block 1, Psd-45455 & Lot 6, B-1, Psd-12-009267 covered

by TCT Nos. T-40509, T-40510 & T-40511, respectively, all situated in Cotabato City with the total area of 783 sq. mts., more or less; Lot 168B-1, Psd-ARMM-001559 at Dalumangcob, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, covered by TCT No. T-19426 with an area of 14,685 sq. mts., more or less; Lot 5-A, Block 15-A, Pcs2091 at Domangcog, Nuling, Cotabato, covered by TCT No. T-37336 with an area of 371 sq. mts., more or less; Lot 19 Block 8, Psd-11-059375, Lot 20-B-4, Psd-11-089274, Lot 4 Block 1, Psd-11-051101 & Lot 20-B-3, Psd-11-089274, covered by TCT Nos. T-378700, T-376046, 1 4 6 - 2 0 11 0 0 9 3 3 9 & 1 4 6 2012003902, respectively, all situated in Davao City with the total area of 412 sq. mts., more or less; Lot No. 800-NEW-C5-W, Psd-16959 in Dulawan, Cotabato, covered by TCT No. T-7253 with an area of 383 sq. mts, more or less; Lot 24, Block 9, Pcs-007601-003794-D at Las Piñas, Metro Manila, covered by TCT No. T-36066 with an area of 43 sq. mts., more or less; and Lot 6734D-8, Psd-230657 in Carmen, Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat, covered by TCT No. T-69679 with an area of 685 sq. mts., more or less are the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with waiver of rights before Notary Public Atty.

Agnes R. De Castro-Jagunap as per Doc. No. 3328; Page No. 3328; Book No. XXVII; Series of 2021.

Jul. 10, 17 & 24, 2021 Republic of the Philippines Regional Trial Court 12th Judicial Region BRANCH 15 Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao (Holding office at Cotabato City)

SPL. PROC. NO. SA-219 IN THE MATTER OF THE CANCELLATION OF REGISTRATION OF THE CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH OF AMERODEN GUIALAL MAULANA IN REGISTRY NUMBER 20061704 AT (MAGANOY), SHARIFF AGUAK, MAGUINDANAO AIDA GUIALAL MAULANA, Petitioner, -versusTHE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF SHARIFF AGUAK, MAGUINDANAO AND THE OFFICE OF THE SOLICITOR GENERAL, LEGASPI VILLAGE, MAKATI CITY Respondents. x----------------------------------------x ORDER A verified petition has been filed by the petitioner praying to this Court, that after due notice and hearing, order the Civil Registry of Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao to cancel Certificate of Live Birth under Local Civil Registry No. 2006-1704.

Wherefore, finding the petition sufficient in form and substance, it is hereby given due course. Petition is set for hearing to July 27, 2021 at 8:30 o’clock in the morning at the session hall of this court located at the Hall of Justice, Cotabato City. All interested person/s are required to appear and show cause, if there be any, why this petition shall not be granted.

Let a copy of this Order be published at the expense of the petitioner in a newspaper of general circulation accredited by this court in Cotabato City and in the Province of Maguindanao, Philippines, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks.

SO ORDERED. GIVEN, this 24th day of March 2021, at Cotabato City, Philippines.

in South Cotabato, Lebak in Sultan Kudarat, and Maasim in Sarangani. PNA EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late LORETO G. SANOY, who passed away on May 21, 2021, left bank accounts with Metropolitan Bank & Tr u s t C o m p a n y Cotabato Main Branch under account Nos. 074-3-074-32858-0 and 4301116/4301117/4301 118 are the subject of deed of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Agnes P. ParachaBalleque as per Doc. No. 162; Page No. 33; Book No. 06; Series of 2021.

MC: Jul. 10, 17 & 24, 2021

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late SEBASTIAN PRONCO, who died on May 11, 1964 at Kiwanan, Midsayap, Cotabato left a parcel of land Lot No. 1038, situated at Bo. Anonang, Midsayap, Cotabato, containing an area of 66,925 square meters, more or less is the subject of deed of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous sale before Notary Public Roland D. Jungco as per Doc. 378; Page No. 77; Book No. 115; Series of 2021.

MC: July 3, 10 & 17, 2021

Republic of the Philippines SUPREME COURT 2nd SHARI’A CIRCUIT COURT 5th Shari’a Judicial District Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipality Maguindanao Province-BARMM Region 9601 Civil Case No. 2021-62 -forPETITION FOR DIVORCE BY FASKH WITH PRAYER FOR CUSTODY OF THE CHILD. JESSICA MAE COLCOL TAN, Petitioner, -versusDATUWATA KALIM DELNA and the SHARI’A CIRCUIT REGISTRAR, 6th SCC, BULUAN, MAGUINDANAO, AND ALL PERSONS/ENTITIES WHO/ WHICH MAY BE AFFECTED THEREBY, Respondents. x-----------------------------------------x NOTICE OF SUMMONSSERVICE BY PUBLICATION In compliance with the Order of this Court, dated July 14, 2021, allowing herein petitioner to serve summons by publication on respondent, Datuwata Kalim Delna, in accordance with Rule 14, Sec. 14, of the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure, Summons is hereby directed to respondent, Datuwata Kalim Delna, whose present address is unknown, but whose last known address is Poblacion Buluan, Buluan Municipality, Maguindanao Province, Philippines.

Said respondent is hereby required to enter his appearance in the above-entitled case and answer the petition, a copy of which can be secured from this Court within sixty (60) days from publication of this summons in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks.

Failure on the part of the said respondent to appear within the time aforesaid petitioner shall take judgment against respondent the relief applied in the petition.

Witness the Honorable Casim S, Bailan, Sr., Al-Hadj, Acting Presiding Judge of this Court, this 15th day of July, 2021 at Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipality, Maguindanao Province, Philippines.

(Sgd.) ANNABELLLE D.P. PIANG

(Sgd.) NASHRAIDA DILANGALEN-GUIAPAR Clerk of Court II

MC: Jul. 17, 24 & 31, 2021

MC: July 17, 24 & 31. 2021

Presiding Judge

Moro clans reconcile after longtime “rido”

TWO warring Moro clans, locked in a deadly “rido” (family feud) that exacted heavy fatalities on both, a regional police official told Mindanao Cross this week.

Police Brig. Gen. Eden Ugale, director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, said he was informed on Monday that the warring families of Kitils and Sinsuats in Barangay Capiton, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao have finally agreed to thrive together again in peace.

The rido between the Kitil and Sinsuat families, locked in territorial disputes and political differences, worsened following a bloody gunfight between them in Barangay Capiton last February.

Reports reaching the office of Ugale stated that the rido settlement on Saturday was together facilitated by Mayor Marshall Sinsuat of Datu Blah Sinsuat

town in Maguindanao, Bangsamoro Education Minister Mohaqher Iqbal and Maguindanao provincial board member Datu Bimbo Sinsuat.

The traditional rite, witnessed by Islamic preachers, was held in a function facility in Cotabato City, according to Ugale.

“All ended well. We in PRO-BAR are thankful to the people who brokered the peace covenant between both sides,” Ugale said.

So intense was the animosity between both clans that the PRO-BAR and the Task Force Kutawato of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division placed Barangay Capiton under tight watch for months.

Major Gen. Juvy Max Uy, 6th Infantry Division commander, said he was elated with the successful settlement efforts by the mediators. John Felix Unson

Region 12 COVID-19 active ...from P2 education and promotion officer, urged the public anew to get vaccinated against COVID-19 by enlisting with their barangay health units.

The COVID-19 vaccination in Region 12 so far covered those in the

A1 (health frontliners), A2 (senior citizens) and A3 (individuals with comorbidities) priority lists.

Meanwhile, DOHSoccsksargen region received Wednesday morning 45,700 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine and

2,400 doses of Gamaleya (Sputnik V) vaccines.

Delivered Thursday and Friday, health officials said the vaccines will be inoculated to the remaining individuals under priority groups A1-A3. Bong

Sarmiento

Caritas PH hits Duterte for failure to end...from P6 Legislative Liaison Office Usec. Jacinto Paras earlier said that the anti-endo bill, a measure that seeks to end contractualization was no longer part of Duterte’s priority legislation in his last year in office.

Ending labor contractualization was among Duterte’s campaign promises, but the issue was left out when he vetoed the security of tenure bill in 2019. Aimee Yeo/ CBCP News “At a time when our laborers are threatened to be cut from work anytime, when majority of contractual employees do not receive proper remuneration and benefits, the president could have shown more guts and stand by the country’s workforce,” added Bagaforo, who is also the bishop of Kidapawan.

The 2021 Global Rights Index by the International Trade Union Confederation named the Philippines as among the top 10 dangerous places for workers.

The ITUC report rates countries

based on a set of criteria, including lack of guarantee or violations of workers’ rights.

Caritas Philippines also criticized the government’s prioritization of the Foreign Investments Act, and Comprehensive Tax Reform Program, over the abolition of an “unjust labor scheme of hiring and firing workers to avoid regularization”.

Its executive secretary, Fr. Antonio Labiao, said that to pump-prime local economies again, the government needs to “provide stimulus packages to small businesses so they can support their workers.”

Fr. Labiao also emphasized the urgency of legislating the end to contractualization “to dignify Filipino workers.”

The Church’s social action centers have been supporting labor groups through the programs of diocesan labor desks, which often include legal assistance, skills training, scholarship grants, counselling, and other social services needed. Aimee

Yeol/ CBCP News

OND Sisters elect new congregational...from P6

the new leadership as well as renewal of consecrated life to the Triune God, in the spirit of Mary’s discipleship. Each sister dropped the signed document in a jar that an OND Junior Sr. Ana Marie Emar gave to Sr. Erlinda and her team.

Fr. Gerry, OMI shared his own experience of apprehension when he was elected provincial after 22 years as missionary in Thailand, and taking off

from the words of Jesus in the Gospel, devoted his homily to Jesus’ assuring words: “Do Not Fear.”

He aligned this with a courageous trust in God, ending with a fatherly advice: “Sisters, God will take care of you.” He also portrayed the wisdom of a participative, “brotherly” leadership, also assuring Sr. Erlinda of the OMI’s support.

On her part, Sr. Erlinda thanked everyone present

who came to witness the event. On behalf of the general team, she thanked the sisters for their trust in the team and said that, as mentioned In the liturgy, “we all walk and participate in our mission together as a shared leadership.” She added that the leadership too will attempt to make alive the Chapter mandate: “A Reconciling Presence in the World Today” and experience the peace that Jesus gave us.

Most villages in Region 12 prone to flooding, landslides

GENERAL SANTOS CITY – The majority of the 1,195 barangays in Region 12 (Soccsksargen) are considered highly prone to flooding and even landslides based on the assessment of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).

Ariel Austin Acosta, MGB-Region 12 supervising geologist, said Thursday the concerned barangays were identified in the updated geohazard maps released by the agency to local government units (LGUs) in the region.

In terms of flooding, he said 1,005 or 84.1 percent of the 1,195 barangays in the region’s 49 localities, including Cotabato City, are classified as high and very highly susceptible.

North Cotabato posted

5

THE MINDANAO CROSS

July 17, 2021

the most number of floodprone barangays with 503, followed by South Cotabato with 167, Sultan Kudarat with 152, Sarangani with 139, Cotabato City with 27, and this city with 17.

Acosta said severe flooding could occur after hours of heavy rains, especially in areas traversed by major rivers and tributaries.

“It does not mean that the entire barangays are flood-prone but only some portions of their sitios and puroks are exposed to that risk,” he said in a presentation during the 2021 National Disaster Resilience Month virtual caravan.

For landslides, Acosta said some 730 or 61.09 p ercent of the 1,1 95 barangays are considered

as highly susceptible.

This covers 330 in North Cotabato, 131 in Sultan Kudarat, 118 each in Sarangani and South Cotabato, 18 in this city, and one in Cotabato City.

Acosta said all concerned LGUs had been alerted and informed of these risks through the geohazard maps.

He said some localities have already included the results of the assessment in their disaster risk reduction and management plans.

Aside from the flooding and landslide threats, Acosta said the agency is currently conducting an assessment of the karst subsidence vulnerability of the region’s localities.

Karst subsidence is characterized by

P4

NEWSBRIEFS Scholars get P30k allowances from MBHTE COTABATO CITY – About 242 indigent students from this city and 63 villages in North Cotabato that are now part of the Bangsamoro Region have received the first half of their scholarhip allowances from the BARMM education ministry.

Minister Mohaqher Iqbal of the BARMM’s Ministry of Basic, Higher

and Technical Education personally led the turnover of checks for the students.

Each scholar has received P30,000 to cover the first semester of school year 2020-2021. The other half will be released in the coming days.

Releases for scholars from other parts of the region will be held next week in the provinces. BIO-BARMM

Dr. Samama: Maguindanao has enough vaccines vs COVID-19 SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao — Health authorities in Maguindanao on Friday assured steady supplies of vaccines for the province’s target for immunization against the novel coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19).

The assurance was issued by Dr. Elizabeth Samama, Maguindanao

provincial health chief and head of Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) amid reports that supplies have been running out.

“No worries, we have enough and the vaccination roll out has been according to schedule,” Samama said, adding that more and more people in the

province are coming out to get the jabs.

As of Thursday, Samama said total number vaccines received

by IPHO-Maguindanao from MOH-BARMM was 40,696. It is expected to reach more than 47,000 with the arrival Friday of 7,000 doses of AstraZeneca. Edwin O.

Fernandez

“Tienda para sa mga Bayani” up inside Army camp CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – The Bangsamoro Region Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) has put up a “Tienda Para Sa Mga Bayani,” a facility within the camp in response to President Duterte’s declaration of the Department of Agriculture’s moral obligation to make food always available and affordable to every Filipino.

The facility was inaugurated on July 15 with Colonel Michael Santos, Chief of Staff of the 6th Infantry Division, and with Minister Mohammad Yacob,

Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) of BARMM in attendance.

The “Tienda Para Sa Mga Bayani” project was conceptualized to establish and create an alternative market outlook for farmers especially those with lesser access to commercial markets while providing increased accessibility to affordable, fresh, safe and nutritious farm products to consumers and members of the country’s uniformed sectors and their families. 6TH ID

GenSan tightens ‘sea borders’ amid Delta variant threat GENERAL SANTOS CITY – The city government has sealed off its “sea borders” to prevent the entry of fishermen and travelers from Indonesia due to the threats posed by the spread of the dreaded coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) Delta variant.

City Mayor Ronnel Rivera said Thursday they have alerted their coastal barangays against “backdoor” movements of people who have passed by or originated from nearby Indonesian islands.

He said these include local fishermen and crew

members of fishing boats that are operating in the international waters.

Crew members of returning fishing boats as well as travelers should be subjected to proper testing and quarantine as a precautionary measure, he said. PNA

Koranadal cops to start using body cameras KORONADAL CITY – Police authorities here are awaiting implementing rules and guidelines on the use of body cameras of police officers while conducting law enforcement operations.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Joven Bagaygay, acting Koronadal City police director, said 16 body cameras are allotted for the city PNP. “As soon as the guidelines are in we will start using these body cameras,”

Bagaygay told DXOM-AM Radyo Bida Koronadal.

The body cameras will record all the events that are happening during law enforcement operations.

He said the gadgets will spare the police from unfounded allegations of violating human rights and make all police actions even more legitimate with the use of digital cameras. Edwin

O. Fernandez

Ex-BIFFs get livelihood package from gov’t

AS promised by the government, 17 former members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) have received their provisional livelihood assistance from Maguindanao provincial government.

Maguindanao Gov. Bai Mariam SangkiMangudadatu said Friday that the dispersal of livelihood package was made possible through the LGU’s advocacy called "Anak Na May Ginintuang LayuninHintuan Ang Violent Extremism Ngayon (AGILA-HAVEN) Program."

The turn-over rites was held at the provincial capitol, grounds in

Buluan, Maguindanao.

Fourteen of them were from the BIFFBungos Faction and three were from the BIFF-Karialan Faction.

“They embraced peace because the government offered them an option,” Gov. Mangudadatu said in the vernacular. “Tama ang inyong desisyon na magbalik loob sa pamahalaan (You made the right choice in returning to the folds of the law),” she added.

With the help of Datu Piang Mayor, Hon. Victor Samama, the provincial government provided them with farm machineries (large capacity tractors and hand tractors) for their

farming activities.

Brigadier General Jose Narciso, 6th Infantry Division assistant commander, also lauded the extremists for their right and smart decision “for the sake of their families.”

“Your Army, your provincial government are here to help you live normal lives, we will continue to help you but you must help yourself first, make your new journey productive,” Gen. Narciso said.

The 17 BIFF surrenderors were part of the more than 100 extremists to have surrendered to different units of 6th ID in the past 12 months. Edwin

O. Fernandez

6

July 17, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

OND Sisters elect new congregational leadership

TAMONTAKA, Maguindanao - The congregation of the Oblates of Notre Dame (OND) has elected new set of leaders forming a new general team for the next four years, 2021-2025.

The election took place on the eighth day of the General Chapter on 12 July at the St. Joseph Retreat House.

The 21 capitulars elected the following set of leaders: Superior General (reelected) – Sr. Erlinda Hisug, OND; First Councilor and Assistant General – Sr. Marilou Tolentino, OND; Second Councilor – Sr. Jean Borres, OND; Third Councilor – Sr. Maria Teresa Diaz, OND; and Fourth Councilor – Sr. Joanne Lorilla, OND. Sr. Marilou is the OND schools’superintendent and directress/ principal of the Notre Dame of Genio Edcor, Alamada and Notre Dame of Dulawan; Sr. Jean is the directress/principal of the Notre Dame of Abuyog and Notre Dame of Jaro in Leyte and district superior of the Cebu-Leyte District (CEBLEY); Sr. Maria Teresa is the coordinator of the

Women Advocacy Center at the Notre Dame of Dadiangas University and district secretary of the KidapawanDavao-Marbel (KIDMAR) district; while Sr. Joanne is the Executive Directress of the OND HESED Foundation.

The Eucharistic Liturgy at 11:00 AM in the Our Lady of Hope Chapel in Tamontaka was presided over by OMI Provincial Superior Fr. Gerry Gamaliel delos Reyes, OMI. The liturgy recalled the Chapter theme: “A Reconciling Presence in the World Today” and the ensuing spirit of unity and charity among the ONDs. Together with the Chapter delegates, the other ONDs coming from nearby mission houses in the vicinity and around Cotabato extended their hands in a blessing-prayer rite over the new leaders, and before the Final Blessing, signed individual statements of support to

P5

Caritas PH hits Duterte for failure to end contractualization

Oblates of Notre Dame new sets of leaders

CBCP creates new office on stewardship The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines has created a service arm to help move dioceses toward a stewardship model, a church official said.

Msgr. Bernardo Pantin, CBPC Secretary General, said the decision was made during the bishops’ 122nd plenary assembly on Friday.

“One of the decisions that came out from the plenary assembly is the creation of the Episcopal Office on Stewardship,” Pantin said.

The priest said among the functions of the new office is to assist the dioceses in implementing the abolition of the arancel system.

“One of the tasks of this office is to help the dioceses implement that pastoral letter issued last January about the spirituality of stewardship, which would lead to the abolition of arancel in the celebration of the sacraments,” Pantin said.

T

At the same time, the assembly also voted Bishop Broderick Pabillo to head the new office effective immediately.

Pabillo, who will be installed as the new bishop of Taytay on Aug. 19, is also the outgoing chairman of the Episcopal Commission on the Laity.

In the January pastoral statement, the CBCP assured it is committed to education, formation, and catechesis in the spirituality of stewardship for the clergy, religious and laity.

The commitment was made in view of adopting a concrete stewardship program in the dioceses to replace the arancel system as soon as possible.

Arancel is a system of fees for church services, such as baptism, confirmation, weddings and Masses.

The CBCP said the new office primarily aims to help the dioceses that are having difficulty in implementing the program.

CBCP News

Servant Leader

THE Catholic Church’s social action arm has expressed disappointment that ending labor contractualization is no longer part of President Duterte’s priority measures.

Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, Caritas

“To say that endo (end of contractualization) is no longer a priority of President Duterte is a blow not only to the labor force, but to even to their families who are severely affected by the pandemic,” Bagaforo said.

Presidential

P5

Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, Caritas Philippines’ national director.

he national elections are What then are the tasks still far off but already of leadership? A wise man would be candidates said, a leader knows of a good are jockeying for important place to go and convinces positions. So many want people to take the journey. to serve the people through In other words, a leader is public office. It reminds me a visionary. A leader also of a classroom teacher asking shares the responsibilities her students what they for the journey. He chooses Rev. Fr. Antonio P. Pueyo, DCC would like to become in the the persons who can best tonypoy_dcc0@yahoo.com future and why. The kids do the necessary tasks. He enthusiastically said they wanted to become teachers, must therefore know his people and identify their nurses, doctors, mayors, priests, etc. in order to serve resources. The journey is not always smooth. There the people – “upang magsilbi sa kapwa.” A pupil who are challenges along the way and the leader encourages, was keeping quiet was asked what he wanted to be and inspires, and even reprimands to keep his people he said, “I want to be the people because so many want walking towards the goal. There are times when the to serve me.” Smart kid. leader calls for a rest, a time to recreate and be merry.

Our readings this Sunday speak of shepherding. He must therefore retain his sense of humor and fun.

The first reading from the prophet Jeremiah laments From time to time a leader reminds the group of their the ineffective and corrupt leaders of Israel, a succession progress and whether they are getting closer to the of kings who neglected their people and who “mislead goal. He keeps their hopes alive even when there are and scatter the flock” (Jer. 23:1). The second reading setbacks. Most of all, a leader forms other leaders by speaks of Christ as the one who breaks down enmity his words and example. and brings reconciliation and peace (Eph. 2:13-14). In Jesus is the ideal servant-leader. He had his vision the gospel Jesus was moved with pity for the crowd of the new reality called the “reign of God.” He invited who followed him for they were like sheep without a his disciples towards this vision. He formed an inner shepherd (Mk. 6:34). circle of apostles with whom he shared his authority.

The image of a shepherd has a rich symbolic He was firm and gentle with his disciples and joined meaning in the scriptures. The ideal leader of Israel was them in their meals and merrymaking. Even when he King David who started as a shepherd boy and was was about to face Calvary, he prayed for his apostles, anointed to become king of Israel. He was courageous and taught them what servant-leadership was about by and was victorious against the giant Goliath. Under his washing their feet. The disciples became apostles who reign Israel prospered and the Jewish people became were sent and the apostles became his close friends. a respectable nation. David was a shepherd-king who After Jesus resurrected and went back to the Father, protected and nourished his people. Today we speak this group of disciples and band of brothers and sisters of servant-leadership. This was Jesus’ ideal of a leader would continue his mission to preach and spread the one who came to serve and not to be served, “servire, reign of God. The followers developed into servantnon serviri” (Mt. 20:28). The servant leader is one who leaders following the example of Jesus. would even offer his life for his flock, which Jesus did on Would any of our would-be leaders want to be Calvary. A servant-leader is willing to make sacrifices. servant-leaders and shepherd-kings? MC

REFLECTIONS

Philippines’ national director, called it a big blow not just to workers but also to their families.

He said it could also worsen the situation as the country faces another alltime low in unemployment at 7.7 percent in May 2021 or 3.73 million Filipinos.

Photo courtesy of DIOCESE OF KIDAPAWAN

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

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Readings:

Jeremiah 23.1-6; Ephesians 2.13-18 Gospel: Mark 6.30-34

His Heart was moved with pity!

What an awesome God we have. Even in our human frailties and unworthiness, God remains faithful to His love for us. How many times in the past we have forgotten the love of God? We continue to commit sin which inflicts our relationship with God. And yet, in an unimaginable way, God’s heart remains the same – loving unconditionally.

Yes, it’s true. We may often are blinded by the miseries in life that we failed to recognize the undying love of God for us. But still, God’s heart beats the same melody. God remains the God who loves and cares for us.

Prayer: Thank you Lord, for loving me. Amen.

7

THE MINDANAO CROSS

July 17, 2021 EDITORIAL

Culture as we see it

T

he Merriam-Webster dictionary defines CULTURE as a collection of “the customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group. It is also the characteristic features of everyday existence (such as diversions or a way of life) shared by people in a place or time. Teenagers at present are characterized by their adoption of the pop culture, or more specifically, the BTS culture which is alien to the Filipino way of life but nevertheless absorbed and appreciated by our children. We can identify persons by their exposure to certain cultures which were dictated by the time when they became fully aware of their existence: thus we have the baby boomers, the millennials, and now the Korean BTS. In the Philippines, we have a national culture; but the scattered groups of people living in its 7,000 or more islands have developed their own cultures.

Thus, it is a challenge for the government to bring together these different cultures, especially the indigenous ones which are slowly fading away; since in the process of unifying the various tribes, some of their characteristics are forever lost such as the dialects, the arts, and the community beliefs and practices.

The Mindanao region is a hodgepodge of culture. There are those who brought with them the cultures of their clans or tribes from Luzon and the Visayas. But there are also indigenous cultures of people who trace their existence from the annals of history. Because of the creation of the BARMM, the population is divided into Christians, Muslims, and Indigenous peoples as of the last census. In fact, the BARMM has created offices to look after the welfare of the Muslim IPs (Indigenous Peoples), Non-Muslim IPs; and the Settler Communities which more or less covers all the migrants to this part of the country.

It also has an office to look after the preservation of culture in the Bangsamoro region. The IPs in the area are the Tedurays, Lambangian, the Manobo, and the Jama Mapun (Badjaos) of Sulu.

We wonder what sort of blended culture will eventually develop in this area. If we look at Cotabato City and its suburbs, we see a mixture of characteristics which are borrowed from the different tribes residing in the city – Maranao, Iranon, Maguindanao, Tausog, Visayan, and Tagalog, not to mention the IPs. We also see a menu of food delicacies served by restaurants from the different areas which makes dining in the city a wonderful experience. Ever tried “Dulawan pastil served with pancit or Tinapayan”… Bulibud or putli mandi during merienda, with the ever present dudul and bulua. Tinagtag has its different version depending on where the cook comes from. Anywhere you go, you will see Pangus (dried mudfish) hanging in the market ready to be cooked for dinner. ( I missed some delicacies especially from the islands.

Would someone be interested to give us recipes we can publish?)

One distinguishing feature is the daily apparel of women. Many are now wearing the veil (hijab) which identifies them as Muslims. Even the men have set aside their “tubao” for the more formal looking “copia”. Within the tribes, there are variations to this clothing.

Culture is always an interesting topic to discuss. Hopefully, we can have more on the coming issues. MC +

is published every Saturday by the Mindanao Cross Publishers, Inc., Sinsuat cor Quezon Avenues, Cotabato City. Tel Nos. (064) 4217161 and E-mail Address: mindanao.cross@gmail.com | mincross101@yahoo.com.ph

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

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

NORTH / SOUTH COTABATO CORRESPONDENTS Williamor Magbanua Romer “Bong” Sarmiento Roel Osano Orlando Dinoy CARTOONIST Lourd Jim Diazon

Member: PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

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

O

fficials of the University of Southern Mindanao in Kabacan, Province of Cotabato, are keeping their fingers crossed about the prospects of USM having a College of Medicine soon.

The House Committees on Higher and Technical Education, Appropriations, and Ways and Means have recommended the approval of House Bill 9523 in substitution of House Bill 8247 introduced by Cotabato 3rd District Representative Jose “Pingping” Tejada which seeks to establish the USM College of Medicine.

Rep. Tejada, in his explanatory note for HB 8247 filed on December 2020 during the Second Regular Session of the Eighteenth Congress, said the establishment of a College of Medicine in USM would help improve the country’s Human Resource for Health situation characterized by the scarcity of doctors as a result of the lack of access to medical education in most regions of the country. Tejada cited the 2017 nationallevel data on doctor-to-population ratio: 3.9 doctors working in health institutions for a population of 10,000.

The highest density of doctors is in the National Capital Region or Metro Manila with 10.6 while the lowest is in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao at 0.9. Region XII or SOCCSKSARGEN has 2.3 doctors per 10,000 population which includes both government doctors and private practitioners. However, Tejada said, when computed solely against government doctors, the gap would significantly increase to nearly 40,000 population to one doctor. This dire situation, he added, has been substantially highlighted by the coronavirus disease that continues to plague the country.

Tejada’s bill originally mandated the establishment of a College of Medicine at USM which shall offer a 4-year Doctor of Medicine baccalaureate program consisting of basic science and medical courses. Substitute bill HB 9523 included the offering of the Integrated Liberal Arts and Medicine or INTARMED Program and the use of learner-centered and competency-based approach.

It also mandates the college to undertake research and extension services. It further mandates that the College provide scholarships and other affirmative action programs to assist poor but deserving students who qualify for admission. Both bills provide for the appropriation of necessary funds to be included in the General Appropriations Act. LISTENED intently as Dr. Mark Mata explained the generation of anti-coronavirus 2019 (Covid19) vaccines from the laboratory to the human body’s immune system.

The concept of laboratory-disabled coronavirus as the preventive element in the vaccine against Covid19 is an ancient practice in homeopathic medicine.

Even the Moro folks, for instance, used the acidic lemon strangely to prevent stomach acidity. A slice of lemon is squeezed above the forehead the night before the first day of Ramadan to keep intestinal acid at belly level or otherwise may cause pressure upon the cardiovascular chamber (heart, lungs) when the stomach is empty.

A friend says in an FB comment that this (without my explanation) is a “pagan practice.” A preacher on radio says it’s not anywhere in the Hadith (recorded tradition and practices of the Prophet). So I look at it as a product of “God’s finest creation”—as “reason” is described in one Hadith by the Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessing be on him)-- no less.

The stomach is hardly used to being empty on the first, second through the third day of the fasting month, and the risk of acidity in having headache and in encountering respiratory issues is high, as acid rises. The presence of fresh acid produced by the squeezed lemon into the cerebral region above the forehead would effectively prevent the syndrome. The forebears did not know chemistry, but as far as one could remember, acid keeps the equation balanced with one acid on each side.

In terms, however, of preventive vaccines the risk is reasonably higher in a crippled or “de-spiked” coronavirus becoming part of the immune system by infusion to attain state of immunity in prevention by system familiarization.

The good news is that the prevention by vaccination now comes in two different kinds, according to Dr. Mata, quoting medical science reports on the laboratory development of preventive injections for anti-Coronavirus Disease 2019 (CoVid19).

Of recent, Mata says, the science community working on Covid19 vaccines has developed the use of spiked Adenovirus as a “harmless option” to the “de-spiked coronavirus” vaccine component.

I

USM College of Medicine coming soon Thinking Aloud Carlos C. Bautista caloyb@gmail.com

Professor Marcos Monderin, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences of the University of Southern Mindanao, said the major effects of the establishment of a College of Medicine at USM would not only reduce the disparity of doctor-population ratio, but would also among others increase barrio-doctors and municipal health care providers, enable prompt response to immediate care and services involving emergency and ambulatory patients, increase alternative Staterun College of Medicine, provide affordable College of Medicine for less privileged but deserving medical students, and create a healthier community with healthier human resources.

The move to establish a College of Medicine in USM, which is seen to also benefit its constituents, has gained the support of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. On Monday, July 12, BARMM’s Ministry of Health signed a Memorandum of Agreement with USM, committing to sponsor scholarship grants for the USM-Doctor of Medicine Program. Tejada witnessed the signing of the MOA by BARMM Health Minister Dr. Bashary A. Latiph and USM President Dr. Francisco Gil Garcia along with other dignitaries from MOHBARMM and the University. Tejada acknowledged MOH-BARMM’s move as “ a significant boost in our efforts to push for the establishment of the USM College of Medicine.”

“If approved, it will be the very first Medical School in the Central Mindanao Area, and will provide opportunities for aspiring doctors from our tri-people communities,” Tejada said in a post on Facebook.

“Planting seeds of peace by investing in health education,” is how Tejada described the push for the establishment of a College of Medicine in the University of Southern Mindanao to serve both Region XII and the Bangsamoro. MC

Mulling over COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination

Penlight Nash B. Maulana

nash.penlight@gmail.com

Mata says science researchers on the development of anti-Covid19 vaccines have considered laboratoryassembled involvement of other coronaviruses as preventive injection to complement antibody systems of end-users.

Previously, Mata says, vaccines were made of laboratory-deactivated or de-spiked corona virus which the capable coronavirus “can readily recognize and, thus, any newcomer is effectively prevented entry into the body system.”

This is a homeopathic method from ancient medicine by which the process of therapy involved intake of element adverse to the illness.

But to improve on the effectiveness of Covid19 vaccines, manufacturers have since developed the utilization of Adenovirus into their products Adenovirus is used and developed in most Covid19 vaccine brands such as Astra, Sinovac, Sputnik V, and in the products of Johnson and Johnson.

There are basically three types of corona viruses, namely: 1) Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus (SARS-COV) which affects animals such as bats and pigs leading to SARS epidemic outbreak in 2003 up to 2004; 2) Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus (MERS COV) which caused an outbreak of MERS that began in 2012, and 3) the Covid19 pandemic.

I am no medical expert. But Muslims may connect dots from SARS COV (which affects animals such as bats and pigs) and the use of other coronaviruses in vaccines is worst left to imagination.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the most common coronaviruses that hit humans have been medically classified into 229E; NL63; OC43; and HKU1. MC

8

July 17, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

has two sides: Truth and falsehood, lawful and unlawful, deliberate and unintentional that those crying for freedom of expression and of the press ought to push freedom with responsibility and Charlie Señase csenase@yahoo.com accountability.

For God’s gift of E all want a better life, a freewill to humanity is our freedom much-improved surrounding to choose between good and evil or and socio-economic wellbeing blessing and curse that may eventually with love for each other grounded on wind-up either in heaven or in hell divine standard. But hindrance from forever. As a famous poet once said, the enemy is doubly at work. we are the master of our faith and With 2022 elections for local the captain of our soul. Our destiny and national officials approaching, is what we make it. We may have our would-be contenders are coming up ways, but always allow God to direct with all sorts of political gimmicks our steps. in media outlets, but mostly “on-line” God has warned to destroy the internet post to signify advanced wisdom of the proud and bring to public cognizance. nothing the understanding of the In the midst of life’s socio-economic arrogant. For it’s written that the last difficulties brought about by the will be first and the least will be great. still unresolved health pandemic, Thus, blessed are the poor, humble prospective candidates are bold and meek for theirs is the kingdom and daring enough to say they can where there will be no more hunger eradicate lawlessness and poverty if and thirst forever. their political party makes it through.

This is contrary to the current And these political blogs are apparent world situation of belt-tightening as even before the allowed political it experiences dramatic increase in campaign period by the Commission food and fuel prices affecting mostly on Elections. underdeveloped and developing What’s there in politics that countries like the Philippines where many are attracted to if it’s not all prices of goods and services keep about fame and fortune? And, what’s moving up along with the government’s popularity without much money? indebtedness of P10.77 trillion and Perhaps unaware of the pitfalls ahead inflation rate of 4.5 percent. that the love of money is the root of all With all of these life’s intramurals kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10). the issue on BARMM’s extension Prudence dictates that godliness instead of election still persists as its with contentment is great gain; for interim parliament tackles enactment we brought nothing into this world of basic legislative codes on local and it is certain we can carry nothing government, revenue, electoral, agriout. That having food and clothing is fishery, labor, and other priority contentment enough to those who have measures on budget and education. the faith and love intact knowing that Will the Senate and the House there’s life eternal in the hereafter. approve BARMM’s extension minus With our almost 60 years in the presidential endorsement is something print and broadcast media work to reckon with? But what is strange to covering armed conflict, disasters, ponder with is the news headline that political squabbles, disease outbreak, the European Union plans to build business and other personal issues of forests, grasslands and other natural public concern, it’s a sad experience “carbon sinks” that absorbs carbon that until now these same problems dioxide to help curb climate change remain if not worsened by time. and is willing to fund and support And, only to realize that freedom BARMM’s extension agenda.

MC

About Natural Health Products

Vested Interest Matters

True to Form

W

tomorrow’s troubles, it takes away today’s PEACE. A life beautifully lived, deserves to be etched forever in our memory.

Celia Diaz LaurelTheater Icon, patroness of Victoria R. Franco, RPh, MS Pharmacy the arts , was conferred the franco1573victoria@gmail.com Natatanging Gawad by the Gawad Buhay Awards, en Beautiful Lines that someone considered the Filipino shared. Read and try to understand version of the Tonys, wife of former Vice the deeper meaning of these.

President Salvador P . Laurel, she was 1. PRAYER is not a “spare wheel” 93 years old. that you PULL OUT when in trouble, but Activist daughter of Pres. Manuel is a STEERING WHEEL that directs the Quezon, Zenaida ‘Nini’ Quezon Avanzena right path throughout life. , recently died at the age of 100. “An 2. Why is a car’s WINDSHIELD agent of light , wrote Manolo Quezon so large and the rear VIEW MIRROR III, of all things good and just, promoter so small? Because our past is not as and advocate of human rights equality, important as our future , social justice, land reform So, look ahead and move and freedom from oppression on. and poverty has passed 3. FRIENDSHIP is on to eternity”. Her first like a book. It takes a few husband, the late Felipe seconds to burn, but it Buencamino died during an takes years to write. ambush allegedly staged by 4. ALL THINGS in the Hukbalahap on April life are TEMPORARY. If 28, 1949. they are going well, enjoy Her father was the first them, they will not last president of the Philippine forever. If they are going Commonwealth, the wrong, don’t worry, they can’t last long precursor of the Independent Republic of either. the Philippines. A cousin, Aurora became 5. OLD FRIENDS are gold. New the president’s wife and later first lady of Friends are diamonds. If you get a our country. Aurora died while traveling diamond, don’t forget the gold. To hold to Baler,alongside her daughter Baby and the diamond, you always need a base of Nini’s husband, Felipe Buencamino, with gold.

Quezon city mayor Ponciano Bernardo, 6. Often when we lose HOPE and and Maj.Gen. Rafael Jalandoni shared think this is the end, God smiles from the family car. They were ambushed. No above and says, Relax sweetheart, it’s one survived the assault. just a bend, not the end.

‘Tita Nini’ to all, was very well loved 7. When God solves your problems, and respected and will be missed by a you have FAITH in his abilities,when God great number of people. does not solve your problems, He has faith Dr.Omega Alpas Garibay , who just in your abilities. recently joined the list of senior citizens, 8. A blind person asked God “can passed away unexpectedly today. She was there be anything worse than losing the sunshine in the lives of her patients as eye sight? He replied, “yes, losing your an Internal Medicine specialist, more so vision.” with her friends. We are all surprised and 9. When your Pray for others, God saddened by her sudden demise and pray for listens to you, and blesses them, and the repose of her soul. She is survived by her sometimes when you are happy and safe, husband retired Ambassador Uriel Norman remember that someone has prayed for R. Garibay for whom she left her lucrative you too. medical practice here to be with him in his 10. WORRYING does not take away exotic assignment in Tanzania. MC

Beautiful Lines Worth Sharing

The Stuff of Life

T

Old friends are gold. New Friends are diamonds

the domestic and international markets, with 85% belonging to the micro, small and mediumscale enterprise (MSME) category and 15% classified as large-scale. Products can be categorized into two: natural ingredients (i.e. essential oils, extracts, semi-processed and plant parts) in the upstream, and finished products (i.e. herbal medicines, traditional medicines, cosmetics, health supplements, green fertilizers and pesticides, household and homecare products, and veterinary/ animal products) in the downstream.

Facts and Figures • Based on the survey conducted by the Chamber of Herbal Industries of the Philippines, manufacturing firms engaged in the production of natural health products comprising of medium and small scale firms are operating at around 50-60% of their installed capacity; while large scale companies utilize around 60% of their installed capacity per year.

For those engaged in the manufacture of natural cosmetics, home care and natural ingredients comprising of medium and small sized firms, capacity utilization is around 50% of total installed capacity per year.

• Philippine natural and organic products have an estimated total export value (FOB) of about US$153 million in 2011. The major contributor of the growth in the sector is the medicinal plants/foods and the personal care category.

• Currently, there are ten (10) Philippine medicinal plant species approved for therapeutic uses by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Department of Health (DOH): 1.Lagundi (Vitexnegundo) – Cough and asthma 2.Sambong (Blumeabalsamifera L.) – Anti-urolithiasis (kidney stones) 3.Ampalaya (Momordicacharantia L.) – Lowering of blood sugar and anti-diabetes 4.Garlic (Allium sativum) – Anticholesterol 5.Guava (Psidiumguajava) – Oral/skin antiseptic 6.Tsaang-gubat (Carmona cetusa) – Mouthwash 7.Yerba-Buena (Menthaarvensis) – Analgesic or anti-pyretic 8.Niyug-niyogan (Quisaualisindica) – Anti-helminthic 9.Acapulco (Cassia alata) – Antifungal 10.Ulasimang-bato (Peperomiapellucida)Anti-hyperurisemia MC

HEALTH CORNER

T

A reprint from PNHPI

he Philippine natural health products industry is an emerging contributor to consumer welfare and inclusive growth in the country. Providing affordable and organic sources of personal care products, it caters to a niche market which can expand through developments in its supply chain management, production technologies and research and development. In the medium to long-term, the industry envisions itself to be a leading research and development center of natural health products in the ASEAN region, contributing to the country’s economic development and job generation.

One of the biggest global trends in the past 20 years has been the growing interest in health and well-being. It has become increasingly important to consumers to improve both their own health and the environment they live in. Natural and organic household and home care products that include cleaners, surface, laundry and dish cleaners, pet food, flowers and linens and fibers are becoming more in demand by consumers who are interested in their health and well-being, inducing more job opportunities in the sector.

The industry’s two core competencies are: 1) the presence of diverse natural resources and 2) the availability of land and the natural condition and location of the Philippines.

In 2008 to 2011, health supplements grew by 40.35%, while personal care products increased by 34.25%. However, in 2009, these same products posted only a slight growth of 2.8% and 7.1%, respectively. The decrease for personal care products was caused by the decrease in imports by Australia and Malaysia, two of the top importers of Philippine personal care products.

Meanwhile, medicinal plants/food posted the biggest leap, growing from 13% in 2009 to 111% in 2011. The continuous annual increase in the exports of medicinal plants/food can be attributed to the increase in demand of raw materials brought about by the increasing demand for organic and natural health products in the world market.

At present, multinational and local companies cater to the expanding demand of

The first test that a new graduate seeks to hurdle is finding a job.

Later, the aspiration is have higher position and responsibility in the organization or to Danny Buenbrazo find another job that danny_buenbrazo@yahoo.com is more suited to your real interests and that hen people are younger, they dream of achieving great things provides greater satisfaction and in a profession, business, or rewards.

There are several realities of other fields of endeavor. Seemingly, setting goals, trying to achieve, and there are no walls too high or water so deep that could keep them from dealing with the results.

First, you cannot achieve attaining the goals that they have set something unless you set your mind for themselves.

But as we go out and venture into and actually work towards such goal.

Setting realistic targets, planning the world outside of our how to achieve it, and comfortable home, we working smart and hard find that many things are necessary for success. in life are not that easy Second, we may or to get or achieve. When may not achieve that people enter school which we aspire to reach the difficulties and or to have. We can miss challenges of life begins the by a hair or we can to unfold. Mathematics miss it badly. There is not an easy subject is also barely meeting to understand. We ran the target or achieving out of words trying to spectacularly. complete a three hundred (300) word Third, our failure to achieve may essay.

We discover that failure can be be due to ourselves or to circumstances small or can be so massive that it can beyond our control. For example, we lost in a debate competition because derail our other targets in life.

In school it is sad to have a grade of our research work was rushed and 90 in a subject when a 91 would have insufficient. Thus, the failure is due qualified us to be an honor student and to our own doing (poor preparation). get a 50% discount in school fees. But We could have also lost the competition it is definitely more unfortunate to get because the judges were biased for our a failing grade in a subject that would opponents, or the opposing was simply result to one being retained in a year more talented or have the best coaches level for another year. For the first available.

The earlier we realize and accept instance, the person had achieved what a typical student aspires for, to pass all the above facts of life, the easier it his or her subjects but failed to realize would be for us to set goals and work the aspiration to be an honor student. towards their accomplishment. As they The school system provides several teach in planning, a good plan should tests for achievement. The most basic be Specific-Measurable-Attainableis for a student to move from one level Realist-Time Bound, this would also to another. A higher goal that some set apply to personal goals.

Practice would also enhance our for themselves is to land on the honors’ ability to meet goals that we set for list and to graduate with distinction.

Graduating from college opens ourselves. Temporary failures or other challenges to the young person. setbacks should be seen as lessons to do better the next time. MC

On Trials and Failures…

Market Driven

W

Temporary failures or setbacks should be seen as lessons to do better the next time.

IPs want BTA extension...from P1 after another, during their gathering, that the 2019 to 2022 transition, from the defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to the now 27-month BARMM, was not enough.

Tribal leaders said the COVID-19 pandemic stymied the three-year transition process.

“We are thankful to these communities. They know what is needed for the peace and development thrusts of BARMM to fully take off,” Sinarimbo said.

MP Saliga delivered his sponsorship speech regarding the Indigenous Peoples Code during the Bangsamoro Transition Authority’s Third Regular Session, Session No. 63 on July 13, 2021.

Already in the second reading, the Proposed Bill No. 40 otherwise known as “An Act To Recognize, Respect, Protect, Promote And Support The Rights Of The Indigenous Peoples, Creating The Ministry Of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Establishing The Implementing Mechanisms, Appropriating Funds Thereof, and for Other Purposes.”

The bill was jointly authored by MP Saliga and MP Melanio Ulama.

It was one of the priority legislations in the Parliament which seeks to uplift the lives of NonMoro Indigenous Peoples (NMIPs) in the region and to recognize, protect and promote their rights and well-being as stipulated in R.A. 11054, the Organic Law that created the BARMM. Saliga said the bill also discusses the mandates

of the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs (MIPA) being the primary agency that is responsible for the formulation and implementation of policies and programs for the welfare of NMIPs. MP Saliga his bill “will give life to the important provisions for IPs in the BOL and is crucial for the development of Indigenous Peoples,” hence he called support from his colleagues for the swift approval of the proposed legislative measure.

Mayor Marshall Sinsuat of Datu Blah Sinsuat town in Maguindanao said Sunday he and his constituent leaders are optimistic both Houses of Congress accede to clamors for the resetting to 2025 of BARMM’s 2022 elections.

There is a pending bill now in Congress, a proposed enabling measure, for the postponement of the electoral exercise.

“We wish for the postponement of the 2022 elections in BARMM,” Sinsuat told reporters via online Messenger Sunday.

The Datu Blah municipal council was the first in Maguindanao to draft a resolution urging Malacañang and Congress to extend for three more years the term of BARMM’s interim parliament.

The BTA is led by an appointed chief minister, Hadji Ahod Ebrahim who also chairs the MILF. “We can’t thank enough the sectors helping us make the legislature understand why we need this extension,” Sinarimbo said.

LGU to fund Maguindanao plebiscite ...from P1 plebiscite,” she said in a radio interview.

S a n g k i Mangudadatu expressed confidence the plebiscite will push through.

Maguindanao Representatives Esmael Mangudadatu (second district) and Datu Roonie Sinsuat (first district), Sr. introduced House Bill 6314 that seeks to divide Maguindanao into two provinces.

Rep Mangudadatu thanked his colleagues for approving the proposal and those who supported the measure in the Senate, including Senators Francis Tolentino, Juan Miguel

9

THE MINDANAO CROSS

July 17, 2021

Zubiri and Christopher Go. Last May 27, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act 11550 (An Act Dividing the Province of Maguindanao into Two Provinces, Namely: Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindano del Sur).

Maguindanao del Norte shall be composed of the towns of Barira, Buldon, Datu Blah Sinsuat (DOS), Dayu Odin Sinsuat, Kabuntalan, Matanog, Northern Kabuntalan, Parang, North Upi, Sultan Kudarat, Sultan Mastura and Talitay.

DOS is to become the provincial capital.

Cotabato City shall be part of this province.

Maguindanao del Sur is to be composed of Ampatuan, Buluan, Datu Abdulla Sangki, Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, Datu Montawal, Datu Paglas, Datu Piang, Datu Salibo, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Unsay, Gen. Salipada K. Pendatun, G u i n d u l u n g a n , M a m a s a p a n o , M a n g u d a d a t u , Pagalungan, Paglat, Pandag, Rajah Buayan, Sharif Aguak, Sharif Saydona Mustafa, Sultan

MP Saliga delivers sponsorship speech

estimated about P500,000.

“The income that we get out of these banana plants will be used for the education of our children,” Empan said, his voice cracking during a radio interview.

He said initial information gathered from tribal members showed that five men were responsible in the attack on Monday night.

“They could be followers of capitalists who do not want us to succeed

in our banana plantation,” Empan said.

The tribal leader also suspected some tribal members who wanted to sabotage the MADADMA organization to be behind the attack. Internal investigation on this possibility is going on, he said.

Empan believed those who chopped the plants only followed order from the brains of the attack.

“We want to know the mastermind,” he said.

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

ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sanla. Ang mga ito ay isinangla magmula Hunyo 2020 hanggang Hulyo 2020. Ang Subasta ay sa Hulyo 31, 2021 sa ganap na ika 8:00 ng umaga hanggang ika 4:00 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

MC: July 17 & 24, 2021

sa Barongis, Talayan and South Upi. Buluan remains to be the capital.

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late ENGR. RANULFO R. BALLEZA, who died on September 29, 2013 in Cotabato City, left a parcel of land Lot 4-B, Psd-12037760, situated in Rosary Heights, Cotabato City with an area of 522 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. T-42624 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement before Notary Public Atty. Agnes R. De Castro-Jagunap as per Doc. No. 3700; Page No. 3700; Book No. XXVII; Series of 2021. MC: Jul. 17, 24 & 31, 2021 Republic of the Philippines Province of Lanao del Sur Municipality of Balabagan OFFICE OF THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION In compliance with Section 5 of RA Act No. 9048/10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that Mary Danirose B. Cabaluna has filed with this office a petition for change of sex/gender from Male to Female in the Birth Certificate of Mary Danirose Bandas Cabaluna who was born on March 3, 1998 at Banago, Balabagan, Lanao del Sur and whose parents are Tirso B. Cabaluna and Lotis M. Bandas.

Any person adversely affected by the said petition may file written opposition with this office not later than August 2, 2021 (Sgd.) NIDA MAUTE MAMENTING Municipal Civil Registrar

MC: July 17 & 24, 2021

“The moment has come for the Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples in the BARMM because at last, for how many decades, the law is about to be passed in the Bangsamoro Parliament.”

It was gist of the plenary message of MP Romeo Saliga that he delivered as his sponsorship speech regarding the Indigenous Peoples Code during the Bangsamoro Transition Authority’s Third Regular Session, Session No. 63 on July 13, 2021.

Already in the second reading, the Proposed Bill No. 40 otherwise known as “An Act To Recognize, Respect, Protect, Promote And Support The Rights Of The Indigenous Peoples, Creating The Ministry Of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Establishing The Implementing Mechanisms, Appropriating Funds Thereof, And For Other Purposes.”

The bill was jointly authored by MP Saliga and MP Melanio Ulama. It was one of the priority legislations in the Parliament which seeks to uplift the lives of NMIPs in the region and purport to recognize, protect and promote their rights and well-being as stipulated in R.A. 11054.

The bill also discusses the mandates of the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs being the primary agency that is responsible for the formulation and implementation of policies and programs for the welfare of NMIPs. MP Saliga further emphasized that the bill “will give life to the important provisions for IPs in the BOL and is crucial for the development of Indigenous Peoples,” hence he called support from his colleagues for the swift approval of the proposed legislative measure.

1,300 banana plants...from P1

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late Spouses MARCELINO C. CANABUAN, SR. and TERESITA C. CANABUAN, who died intestate on December 24, 2017 and April 4, 2016, respectively at Upper Bulanan, Midsayap, Cotabato, a parcel of land Lot No. 199, Pls620, situated at Arizona, Midsayap, Cotabato with an area of 40,883 sq. mts., more or less, covered by OCT-P-45441 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Roland D. Jungco as per Doc. No. 494; Page No. 100; Book No. 108; Series of 2021.

MC: Jul. 10, 17 & 24, 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 December 2020 will be auctioned on August 02, 2021 at 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Please come before August 02, 2021 for renewal or redemption.

Patalastas ng Subasta

Lahat ng sangla noong Disyembre 2020 ay ipagbibili ng Subasta sa Agosto 02, 2021 sa ganap na ika-8:30 ng umaga hanggang ika-4:30 ng hapon. Kung maari ay pumunta bago ang Agosto 02, 2021 para sa pagbayad ng tubo o pagtubos.

MC: July 17 & 24, 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 Disyembre 2020.

Ang subasta ay sa Agosto 02, 2021 sa ganap na ika-8:00 ng mga umaga hanggang ika-4:30 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

MC: July 17 & 24, 2021

NOTICE

VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I AND BRANCH II will hold a public auction sale of all unredeemed and unrenewed items pawned from January 1 to February 28, 2021 on August 10, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. at VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I, Dayao St., and VGM PAWNSHOP INC. II, Jose Abad Santos St., Kidapawan City

SUBASTA

Be There, Management

Ang VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I ug BRANCH II magsubasta sa tanan nga wala lukata ug wala tubui gikan sa bulan sa Enero 1 hangtud sa bulan sa Pebrero 28, 2021 sa alas 9:00 sa buntag karung Agosto 10, 2021 sa VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I, Dayao St., ug sa VGM PAWNSHOP BRANCH II, Jose Abad Santos St., Kidapawan City.

MC: July 17, 24 & 31, 2021

Ang Nagdumala

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 July 1-31, 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 July 28, 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 Hulyo 1-31, 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 Hulyo 28, 2021.

MC: July 17 & 24 , 2021

10

July 17, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

RDC-12 wants DFA consular office in Kidapawan operational

KORONADAL CITY – The Regional Development Council (RDC-12) has recommended the fast-tracking of full operation of Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Consular Office Kidapawan City.

This moved is backed by DFA, Cotabato provincial government and Kidapawan City LGU. During the Second Technical Meeting on July 08, called by the Macro-Economy, Development Administration, and Finance Committee (MEDAFC) of RDC 12, Kidapawan City legal officer Atty. Paolo Evangelista has disclosed that as of July 2 the construction of the DFA Consular Office building along Alim Street, Barangay Poblacion is about 69 percent complete.

The building is adjacent to the Kidapawan City Overland Terminal and constructed on a lot owned by city government and funded through the congressional fund of Cotabato 2nd district Rep. Rudy S. Caoagdan.

The discussion focused on the preparation of the Memorandum-ofAgreement where partner agencies

discussed commitments they can offer to expedite the operationalization of the consular office.

Atty. Evangelista, representing Mayor Joseph Evangelista, has requested the assistance of the Cotabato provincial government to augment in areas where the city government cannot provide due to limited resources as the city’s funding priority is currently directed to the COVID-19 pandemic.

DFA Office of Consular Affairs Executive Director Maria Alnee A. Gamble thanked all principal collaborators for the establishment of a DFA Consular Office in Kidapawan.

James Domini L. Labiano who represented Gov. Nancy Catamco said the governor has extended here full unwavering support to this initiative, and her readiness to provide whatever

Cops mull bus CCTV, marshalls

POLICE authorities here has recommended the deployment of marshalls and installation of CCTV cameras in all passenger buses plying the region.

On Sunday, Lt. Colonel Lauro Espida, Kidapawan City police director, said also being considered and highly recommended is the deployment of bus marshalls who will ensure all passengers and bags are properly inspected.

“The presence of CCTV cameras will help identify perpetrators,” he added.

The recommendation came after a failed firebomb

attack on a unit of Davao Metro Shuttle Bus while parked at Kidapawan City integrated bus terminal on Thursday last week.

Espida said the mild explosion at the rear portion of the bus did not create fire although the bag left by still unidentified passenger contained flammable items.

Found inside the bag were two canisters of butane gas, mobile phones, 9-volts battery and other bomb components but it has no shrapnel.

“It was only meant to ignite a fire and eventually burn the bus, not to harm

people due to absence of shrapnel,” Espida said, adding that the attempt could be related to extortion activities of unidentified group from the bus company.

The bus left Arakan, North Cotabato enroute to Davao City via Kidapawan City when the blast occurred.

Two passenger buses of Yellow Bus Lines were bombed and torched in January and June, respectively in North Cotabato blamed by authorities to extortion groups. Edwin O. Fernandez

No leads yet on Polomolok gun attack

KORONADAL CITY — The South Cotabato police remain clueless in the near fatal gun attack in Polomolok town early this week that hurt three mechanics.

Police Lt. Redin Cuevas, intelligence officer of the Polomolok municipal police said probers are still facing a blank wall, no clue yet who was behind the atrocity.

The victims, Udsad Cosain, 55, Jerome Retuta, 29, and the 41-year-old Peter Espada, are still confined in a hospital.

South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo, Jr. said Wednesday he has requested the Polomolok municipal peace and order council to help put closure to the incident.

They were together fixing the maroon Nissan pick-up truck, with license plates LCK 987, of a certain Normer Gonina in Barangay Lapu in Polomolok when their attacker arrived and opened fire, hitting all three of them.

The suspect escaped using a getaway motorcycle driven by a companion.

The South Cotabato Provincial Police Office said in a statement that investigators are still trying to identify the culprits and their motive for the attack.

Responding police forensic experts found 12 spent shells of 5.56 caliber ammunition scattered in the crime scene.

John Felix Unson

Peddlers of P6.8-M worth shabu charged

CRIMINAL cases have been filed against two drug peddlers from whom authorities confiscated P6.8 million worth of shabu during an entrapment operation in Parang, Sulu early this week.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement AgencyBangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao confirmed this via an official press statement Wednesday.

The PDEA-BARMM's statement said suspects

Haizar Yusop and Jimmy Madjiul are now awaiting prosecution.

The PDEA-BARMM said agents frisked and cuffed them after selling a kilo of shabu, valued at P6.8 million, to contacts disguised as drug dependents in a clandestine tradeoff in Barangay Tumangas in Parang.

The entrapment operation that resulted in the arrest of Yusop and Madjiul was assisted by military units under

the Army’s 11th Infantry Division in Sulu, the provincial police, the Parang municipal police and agents from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-9 based in Zamboanga City.

The PDEA-BARMM said the operation was launched based on tips from Sulu residents privy to the drug dealing activities of Yusop and Madjiul who are both from the island town of Sitangkai in Tawi-Tawi province. John Felix Unson

assistance is needed to make DFA services available for the people of North Cotabato the soonest possible time.

In addition, the Office of Rep. Rudy S. Caoagdan likewise manifested its continued commitment to the project.

In her message, RDC 12 vicechairperson and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA-12) Regional Director Teresita Socorro C. Ramos emphasized RDC XII and NEDA XII’s dynamic initiatives to bring the government services closer to the people.

She pointed to the importance of providing a platform for the stakeholders to thresh out and agree on various concerns to expedite the completion of the DFA Consular office building and its eventual full operation in Kidapawan City.

This will allow residents of Kidapawan City and nearby provinces and cities to fully

enjoy the services being offered by the DFA. The meeting was presided by RDC XII-MEDAFC chairperson Ronan Eugene C. Garcia.

In November 2020, during the first technical meeting called by the RDC XII-MEDAFC, the issue of DFA consular affairs was discussed and today in just a matter of days will be fully realized in the city.

Once operational, the people from the nearby provinces of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, Davao del Sur, and the southern part of Bukidnon shall also benefit since they would no longer need to travel to the cities of Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Tagum, and General Santos just to avail of DFA’s services, such as applying for passports, authentication of documents, and assistance-to-nationals. Jal P. Octavio,

THE four men arrested last week in Datu Abdullah Sangki, Maguindanao and earlier reported to be members of a terrorist organization for possession of firearms were actually members of Moro Islamic Liberation Front, local officials said.

The sources, among them members of different municipal peace and order councils, said Sunday it is also unlikely for Taib Guimbalangan 55, Mercipol Zainudin, 27, Ali Mohammad, 25 and the 20-year-old Farhan Saludin, to have links with criminal gangs or local terror groups, knowing their background and involvement in community peace programs.

Police Lt. Judith Ambong, chief of the Datu Abdullah Sangki police, announced Saturday that the four men were together in a black Hyundai Accent car intercepted at a checkpoint

of the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion in Barangay Dimaampao in Datu Abdullah Sangki, Maguindanao Soldiers and policemen found in their car two rifles and a grenade launcher.

They are now detained.

A local leader told reporters Sunday the four men are members of the MILF’s 106th Base Command and are neither criminals nor terrorists.

“Their offense was carrying firearms and moving around without prior coordination based on existing security agreements between the MILF and the government,” another local official, who requested anonymity, said.

Guimbalangan, Zainudin, Mohammad and Saludin shall be prosecuted for illegal possession of firearms, according to the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

NEDA-12

4 men nabbed for guns not terrorists, but MILF

John Felix Unson