The Mindanao Cross | July 24, 2021 by The Mindanao Cross

CHURCH / P6

Liguasan marsh overflows, inundate Pikit villages

P10

SR. FIDELIS G. DOMINGO, OND, 94

GenSan airport now has passenger tube

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

ELEAZAR SAYS BARMM COPS MORE DISCIPLINED NOW By Edwin O. Fernandez

Police Director General Guillermo Eleazar has assured leaders of the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao that the police organization in the country is more discipline now than before.

SIMPLE SOURCE OF INCOME. Manobo siblings, Monsour and Irish, collect firewood early in the morning and ferries it in a nearby beach resort in Balot Island (more known in the locals as Balet Island), in Barangay Paril, Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat to sell to local tourists. Photo courtesy of Valérie Ann P. Lambo

Moro CSOs pray Duterte certifies bill extending BTA By Bong S. Sarmiento

AS Muslim Filipinos celebrated Eid’l Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice on Tuesday, Moro civil society organizations (CSO) from various parts of the country prayed for President Rodrigo Duterte and Congress to extend the transition period in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) "for just and genuine peace to reign in

the southern Philippines." Outside the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque, the largest mosque in the country located in Cotabato City, hundreds of supporters signed a white tarpaulin praying for the extension of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) until 2025. “Dear President Rodrigo

By John Felix Unson 3-4 Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination with a passing rate of 88.20 percent. Cabagay graduated cum laude at Silliman University in Dumaguete City. Princess Haniefa Mae Kasim Ayunan of Barangay

TACURONG CITY — Some 200 market vendors have conducted a twoday silent protest to force the city government into regulating the rising number of “talipapas” (wet markets) around the city. The protest ended

By Edwin O. Fernandez Wednesday night. Vendors claimed that only a handful people have been going to the central market because of the presence of many “talipapas” around the city. “A fish vendor with

Kalanganan, Cotabato City landed at the 8th spot with a passing rate of 87.60 percent. She chairs the village’s Sangguniang Kabataan. Cotabato City officials and netizens lauded the feat of Ayunan and Cabagay through

By John Felix Unson “THERE is wisdom in the move of the a narrative that he wrote and dispatched Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) to Mindanao Cross early this week. to honor the pioneer “top” 90 and 300 Salapuddin, thrice wounded in combat fighters of the Moro National Liberation as an MNLF leader in Basilan during the Front, trained in Malaysia, for their 1970s, however, said there is a “third roles in the Southern Philippine Moro group,” or 3rd Batch of “mujahideen” uprising.” (freedom fighters) that also contributed That was what Gerry Salapuddin, to Moro cause worth mentioning in the administrator of the Southern Philippines envisioned special citation. Development Authority (SPDA), stated in He said the fighters who

DID YOU KNOW?

4th week of July is Diabetes Awareness Week

Diabetes Awareness Week is observed every fourth week of July by virtue of Proclamation No. 213 signed on July 23, 1993, by former President Fidel Ramos. With diabetes being one of the 10 leading causes of death in the country, the proclamation was aimed at addressing the need to educate people on the disease. Princess Haniefa Mae Kasim Ayunan

only few supplies and one variety of fish can put up a roadside stall,” vendor who introduced herself Sally San said. “People no longer go to the market but to the talipapa to our disadvantage because we pay huge

BTA’s move to honor pioneer “mujahideen” lauded

2 Cotabateños rank 5th, 8th in nursing exam TWO Cotabateños made waves in the recent nursing licensure examination by bagging the 5th and 8th spot. Renzo John Phillip Orgo Cabagay of Notre Dame Village, Barangay Rosary Heights 8, landed at 5th spot in the July

Tacurong vendors stage silent protest over “talipapa”

Renzo John Phillip Orgo Cabagay

July 24, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Liguasan marsh overflows, inundate Pikit villages

KIDAPAWAN CITY – A huge part of Pikit, North Cotabato low lying communities have been submerged by flood water as the Liguasan marsh overflowed due to heavy downpour the past few days, affecting more than 3,000 families, a disaster official said. Tahira Kalantungan, Pikit Disater Risk Reduction and Management Officer, said that at least 26 low lying villages are still submerged in a kneedeep to waist-deep flood water since last week. “These areas are catch basin of excess waters in the Rio Grande de Mindanao,” Kalantungan said. The town of Pikit have 42 villages with estimated population of 164, 646 based on the Philippine Statistic Authority (PSA). Kalantungan said excessed water from the Rio Grande de Mindanao and Liguasan Marsh regularly overflow toward these villages. “This is not new to the residents, they used to it already, that is why no evacuation was reported,” she said. In May the Sanggunian Bayan

placed the entire Pikit under the state of calamity due to flooding and used portion of the quick response fund for food assistance to the affected families. No report about the extent of damages to crops as of posting. “In fact most of the residents are now using motorized banca as their transportation because now lived in the ‘water world.’ Water is everywhere,” Kalantungan added. Floods also affecte the upland Barnagay Poblacion due to clogged drainage canals. Barangay Inug-ug has more than 50 houses that remained flooded. She urged the LGU to spearhead massive clean-up drive during dry season to clear canals and drainage of garbage and plastics. Williamor A.

Magbanua

85K in Sox now fully vaccinated vs. COVID-19 KORONADAL CITY — Around 85,000 individuals in Soccsksargen or Region 12 have been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the regional health office has said. As of 2020 national census of population, Soccsksargen region has 4,576,407 inhabitants. A total of 263,350 doses have been administered as of the July 12 based on data that was obtained Friday from the Department of Health Center for Health and Development (DOHCHD-12) Of the total, 179,009 received the first dose and 84,341 got the second dose, it showed. So far, the vaccination program in the region includes the population priority A1 (active frontline healthcare workers), A2 (senior citizens) and A3 (person with co-

morbidities). For the first dose, 62,832 individuals from the A1 category received the anti-COVID-19 vaccines, 63,523 from A2 and 52,654 from A3, according to DOH-CHD Soccsksargen. For the second dose and considered fullyvaccinated, 49,067 individuals from the A1 category were injected with the anti-COVID-19 vaccines, 27,369 from A2 and 7,915 from A3. Arjohn Gangoso, DOH-12 OH-12 health education and promotion officer, said the vaccines made available by the national government to Soccsksargen are CoronaVac and Oxford/ AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines. CoronaVac is manufactured by Chinese firm Sinovac Biotech while Oxford/ AstraZeneca is manufactured by British-

Swedish company AstraZeneca plc. “You need to get two doses of these vaccines to be fully vaccinated,” he said. Based on the protocols for fully-vaccinated individuals from the InterAgency Task Force, an individual shall be considered as having been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 at least two weeks after having received the second dose in a two-dose series, or at least two weeks after having received a singledose vaccine like Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine. As of Thursday evening, the confirmed COVID-19 cases in the region stood at 24,462, with 20,717 recoveries, 785 deaths and 2,956 active cases, the DOH-12 COVID-19 tracker showed.

Bong Sarmiento

6th ID intensifies anti-BIFF containment ops THE targets of the Army artillery offensives that started late Wednesday are outlawed religious extremists in Maguindanao, among them bombmakers wanted for deadly bombings in central Mindanao. Military sources confirmed this Thursday, hinting that the bombardment of selected targets in areas in the second district of the province and in the border of North Cotabato and Maguindanao provinces were preemptive strikes to deter possible retaliations by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters for its losses in encounters with pursuing government forces. Soldiers had shot dead a Dawlah Islamiya bomb-maker and captured two others in an encounter in Shariff Saidona Mustapha town last weekend. Local officials and barangay leaders identified the slain senior Dawlah Islamiya member as Tong, whom they said was an expert in fabrication of improvised explosive devices. His two henchmen, one also named Tong and the other, a certain Nondo, have been turned over to the local police after they voluntarily yielded to soldiers when they ran out of ammunition.

Two other Dawlah Islamiya members, initially identified only as Madsid and Kusain, were also wounded in Saturday’s gunfight in Barangay Nabundas. Major Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said Sunday the shootout in Barangay Nabundas erupted when the long wanted Tong and his companions attacked a team from the 33rd Infantry Battalion dispatched to check on their reported presence in the area. “The 33rd IB was notified by vigilant residents about the convergence of armed men in their barangay. A team was sent there to verify the reports from local residents and so there was this encounter,” Uy said. Traditional barangay elders have confirmed to reporters that the Dawlah Islamiya gunmen who figured in the encounter carried two wounded companions as they scampered away when they sensed that Army reinforcements were closing in. It has sub-groups, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, the AlKhobar extortion gang and the equally notorious Ansa’r Khilafa Philippines, all tagged in deadly bombings in central Mindanao since 2014. John

Felix Unson

BARMM holds Bangsamoro governance summit

THE Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) approved on Friday official-agency responses to development concerns raised by local government units (LGUs) in a series of community consultation and planning sessions with ministries of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Earlier, Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Al-Hadj Murad Ibrahim opened in Basilan the week-long consultation-series for LGUs region-wide to take part in communitybased planning sessions with top government agencies of BARMM. I n F r i d a y ’ s Bangsamoro Governance

S u m m i t , B T A Parliament Speaker Ali Pangalian Balindong said the Bangsamoro Legislature officially accepted in full-session technical feedbacks from the Executive’s planning consultation-series to determine the state of community development in-aid of programs and budget legislations in establishing a Bangsamoro Moral Governance. Minister Naguib Sinarimbo of the BARMM Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) said the idea is to bring development planning on programs and projects as well as the proposed utilization of public funds closer to awareness and welfare of communities affected

by decades of armed conflict. Sinarimbo, who is also the BARMM spokesman, said the regional government will open today in technical inputs form, the results of the community planning sessions rounded from Basilan on July 13, to Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and component cities, Marawi and Lamitan in the case of Lanao del Sur and Basilan, as well as the 63-Barangay Special Geographic Area (SGA) in Cotabato Province. He said the community planning sessions that drew inputs from LGUs and people’s representatives made crafting of programs and project ideas more responsive to

Pikit officials yield guns to Army

THE military’s disarmament drive in the province continues to gain momentum as five local officials in Pikit, North Cotabato turned over on Wednesday afternoon high-powered war materiel, including a homemade sniper rifle. Pikit Mayor Sumulong Sultan led the five village chairpersons in turning over the unlicensed firearms collected from unauthorized persons to Brig. General Roberto Capulong, the Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade commander and Lieutenant Colonel Rommel Mundala, 90th Infantry Battalion commander, during surrender rites at the Pikit town hall. The surrendered firearms included one M14, one M79 grenade launcher, one rocket-propelled grenade launcher, one .50-caliber Barrett sniper rifle, and one 60mm mortar tube.

“The absence of loose firearms in our municipality is tantamount to a lesser crime occurrence in the town of Pikit,” Mayor Sultan said. In a separate interview, Capulong said the act demonstrated by the village officials was a clear manifestation of the support of the communities to the military’s disarmament campaign. “We at the 602nd brigade only serves as a bridge leading to peace and development in the province,” Capulong said. Maj. Gen. Juvymax R. Uy, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID) has expressed elation on the gesture of the Pikit local officials. “This is an effort that we, in the military can’t do alone. We need the initiative of the people and our government counterparts to voluntarily surrender their loose firearms,” he said. Edwin O. Fernandez

THE military in Maguindanao said Wednesday that local residents of conflict affected village in the province have denounced violent extremism. Lt. Colonel Charlie Banaag, commander of the 6th Infantry Battalion said the community people of Baragay Pagatin, Datu Salibo, Maguindanao have withdrawn their support to violent extremism (VE) through simple ceremonies held in

Barangay Magaslong, Datu Piang, Maguindanao on Tuesday. Backed by barangay officials, civilians voluntarily took their oath of allegiance to the government. The event was followed by a signing of “Fatwa,” a local edict that states they will denounce and no longer support all forms of violent extremism. Lt. Colonel Banaag said activity was a result of the

Citizens backed Army, denounce VE, BIFF

ANTI-BOMBING MISSION. Soldiers search for roadside bombs along a stretch of a highway in Shariff Aguak town in Maguindanao, not too distant from areas where there is presence of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters that has a reputation for using improvised explosive devices against non-military targets. John Felix Unson

July 24, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

July 24, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

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

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late ZACARIA M A L A N AT G U M A , who died intestate on November 5, 2020, left a bank account with Philippine National Bank under Savings Account No. 405210025724, is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with waiver of rights before Notary Public Atty. Gapor G. Quituar, as per Doc. No. 35; Page No. 07; Book No. LXIV; Series of 2021.

July 24, 31 & Aug. 7, 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. Ang Nagdumala

MC: July 17, 24 & 31, 2021

Notice for Auction

Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Main, Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Roman Vilo Branch, SK Pendatun Branch, Mabini Branch, ORC Branch, Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Branch I, II, III, IV in Parang Branch, Carmen Branch, Pikit 1 and Pikit 2 Branch, Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Dalican 1, Dalican 2, Shariff Aguak Branch of Cotabato City, Parang North Cotabato, Datu Odin Sinsuat and Shariff Aguak announce the Auction Sale of all unredeemed pledges contracted 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

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

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT 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.

MC: Jul. 10, 17 & 24, 2021

2 Cotabateños rank 5th, 8th in nursing ...from P1

Facebook messages for the honor they have given to Cotabato City. Ayunan, who is of Iranun Descent, is a resident of Barangay 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, 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

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 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 A l i a n d Ba 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

Kalanganan Mother, a seaside area northwest of Cotabato City. She finished BS in nursing at the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology in Iligan City. Employees of the local government unit here said they are expecting Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia Guiani Sayadi to issue an official Republic of the Philippines Region XII Pikit, Cotabato OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), notice is hereby served to the public that Nasser S. Karim has filed with this office a petition for the correction of gender from Female to Male in the Certificate of Live Birth of Rayaan S. Karim who was born at Poblacion Pikit, Cotabato on 26 March 2009 and whose parents are Sandato M. Karim and Tarhata K. Suleik. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than July 28, 2021. (Sgd.) EDITHA I. MONTERDE, MAEd

message about the two’s achievements and for bringing honor to the city. 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

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

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

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

Municipal Civil Registrar

MC: July 24 & 31, 2021

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

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

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.

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

THE MINDANAO CROSS

July 24, 2021

BARMM holds Bangsamoro...from P2

COOPERATIVE BANK OF COTABATO Name of Bank

the communities’ actual development needs as assessed first-hand by BARMM top officials to correspond to their official mandates,

PUBLISHED BALANCED SHEET (Head Office and Branches) As of June 30, 2021 CONTROL PROOFLIST Account Code

Current Quarter Previous Quarter

Cash and Cash Items

108000000000000000

25,342,594.41

19,087,648.32

Due from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

105150000000000000

28,493,453.36

28,964,651.65

Due from Other Banks

105200000000000000

427,543,166.15

402,989,192.37

Financial Assets at Fair Value through Profit or Loss

112000000000000000

0.00

Available-for-Sale Financial Assets-Net

195200000000000000

146,263.29

Held-to-Maturity (HTM) Financial Assets-Net

195250000000000000

612,808.79

Unquoted Debt Securities Classified as Loans-Net

195300000000000000

0.00

Investments in Non-Marketable Equity Security-Net

195350000000000000

0.00

Loans and Receivables - Net

195400000000000000

1,728,494,181.27

1,690,048,097.15

Other Financial Assets

148000000000000000

245,125.00

270,000.00

Equity Investment in Subsidiaries, Associates and Joint VenturesNet

195452500000000000

0.00

Bank Premises, Furniture, Fixture and Equipment-Net

195500500000000000

121,596,526.49

114,262,883.02

Real and Other Properties Acquired-Net

195501000000000000

1,444,260.30

Non-Current Assets Held for Sale

150150000000000000

3,478,288.56

Other Assets-Net

152000000000000000

116,314,076.43

112,142,959.64

Net Due from Head Office/Branches/Agencies, if any (Phil. branch of a foreign bank)

155250000000000000

0.00

TOTAL ASSETS

100000000000000000

2,453,710,744.05

2,373,447,053.09

Financial Liabilities at Fair Value through Profit or Loss

208000000000000000

0.00

Deposit Liabilities

215000000000000000

1,351,824,531.65

1,348,170,310.48

Due to Other Banks

220050000000000000

0.00

Bills Payable

220100000000000000

271,844,493.31

195,213,333.98

Bonds Payable-Net

295201500000000000

0.00

Unsecured Subordinated Debt-Net

295202000000000000

0.00

Redeemable Preferred Shares

220250000000000000

1,000,000.00

Special Time Deposit

220300000000000000

0.00

Due to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

230350000000000000

0.00

Other Financial Liabilities

240050000000000000

9,025,960.36

6,775,353.84

Other Liabilities

240100000000000000

116,720,801.39

134,670,781.66

Net Due to Head Office/Branches/Agencies (Philippine branch of a foreign bank)

230850000000000000

0.00

TOTAL LIABILITIES

200000000000000000

1,750,415,786.71

1,685,829,779.96

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

300000000000000000

703,294,957.34

687,617,273.13

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

905000000000000000

2,453,710,744.05

2,373,447,053.09

TOTAL CONTINGENT ACCOUNTS

400000000000000000

5,696.00

5,776.00

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Gross total loan portfolio (TLP)

499020000000000000

1,905,892,225.76

1,848,572,079.05

Specific allowance for credit losses on the TLP

499300000000000000

157,904,548.83

139,100,719.37

a. Gross NPLs

499100500000000000

302,399,641.43

303,720,244.93

b. Ratio of gross NPLs to gross TLP (%)

499150500000000000

15.87%

16.43%

c. Net NPLs

499101000000000000

191,574,321.28

203,288,064.54

d. Ratio of Net NPLs to gross TLP (%)

499151000000000000

10.05%

11.00%

e. Ratio of total allowance for credit losses to gross NPLs (%

499151500000000000

58.66%

52.19%

f. Ratio of specific allowance for credit losses on the gross TLP to gross NPLs (%)

499152000000000000

52.22%

45.80%

a. Total CAR (%)

499650500500000000

25.12

24.97

b. Tier 1 Ratio (%)

499650501000000000

24.39

24.23

499650501500000000

0.00

Non-Performing Loans (NPLs)

Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) on Solo Basis, as prescribed under existing regulations

c. Common Tier 1 Ratio (%)

1/ Common Equality Tier 1 is only applicapble to all Universal and Commercial Banks and their subsidiary banks.

I hereby certify that all matters set forthin this Publish Balance Sheet are true and correct, to the best of my knowledge and belief. ROLLY R. DELA CRUZ - PRESIDENT Autorized Signatory

JUDE AL DACUTAN - ACCOUNTING MANAGER Autorized Signatory

List of Members of the Board of Directors & Officers As of June 30, 2021 Name of Directors/Officer BOARD OF DIRECTORS: JELITO GARCIA JUGAS JORGE PETER INSIERTO TEJADA GIL PIÑOL SODUSTA EDZEL RODRIGUEZ MAGBANUA CATALINO FERNANDEZ FUGATA

Position Chairman Director Director Director Independent Director

Officers with rank of senior vice president and above (or equivalent ranks): ROLLY RASCON DELA CRUZ President Officers below the rank of senior vice president: EDELLE GASATAN HERNANDEZ LIEZL LANAJA MAGBANUA JESUS SANTURDIO JAUOD YOLANDA ABRIAM CARISMA

Vice President for Branch Operations Vice President for Credit Management Vice President for Administrative Services Vice President for Finance

Certified Correct: JELITO GARCIA JUGAS

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

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late CIPRIANO DELA CRUZ, who died intestate on March 04, 2018, left a parcel of land Lot -182-B-2H-2-B-14-C-2, Psd-12034374, situated in Bo. Colina, Cotabato City with an area of 78 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. T- 41634 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous sale before Notary Public Atty. Agnes P. ParachaBalleque, as per Doc. No. 228; Page No. 46; Book No. 02; Series of 2020.

MC: July 24, 31 & Aug. 7, 2021

functions and programs.

Nash B. Maulana

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

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late FORTUNATO CALUNSAG, who died on May 29, 2017 at Libungan, Cotabato, left parcels of land Lot G-3, Psd124709-017555, with an area of 500 sq. mts., more or less, and Lot G-4, Psd124709-017555 with an area of 500 sq. mts., more or less, both situated at Sadaan, Midsayap, Cotabato and covered by TCT Nos. T-86798 and T-86799, respectively, are the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Agnes R. De Castro-Jagunap, as per Doc. No. 3876; Page No. 3876; Book No. XXVII; Series of 2021. MC: July 24, 31 & Aug. 7, 2021

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late JUANITO TAN BO, who died on February 5, 2016, left parcels of land Lot 232-New-B-2-B-C, Psd-13854 and standing on this lot are 2 residential buildings covered by TCT No. T-13884, situated at Kakar, Cotabato City with an area of 1,011 sq. mts., more or less and Lot No. 2, Plan (V111-4) 2682 Amd., covered by TCT No. T-39403 of the Registry of Deeds of General Santos City, containing an area of 25,060 sq. mts., more or less are the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Rodolfo A. Esparagoza, as per Doc. No. 414; Page No. 83; Book No. II; Series of 2021. MC: July 24, 31 & Aug. 7, 2021 Republic of the Philippines Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Parang, Maguindanao OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that Julius Garcia Cabahug has filed with this office a petition for change of first name from Gene to Julius in the birth certificate of Gene G. Cabahug who was born on August 21, 1970 at Parang, Cotabato and whose parents are Pedro D. Cabahug and Ofelia S. Garcia Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than August 9, 2021. (Sgd.) KARIM O. OMAR, MPA Municipal Civil Registrar MC: July 24 & 31, 2021

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 12th Judicial Region BRANCH 27 Cotabato City

Special Proceeding No. 2021-1514

IN THE MATTER OF PETITION FOR CORRECTION OF ENTRY IN THE CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH OF CAROLYN MAY NARCISO UNDER REGISTRY NO. 2009-2395. LEAH MAE GASPAR NARCISO, Petitioner, -versusTHE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF COTABATO CITY, AND OFFICE OF THE SCHOOL REGISTRAR OF FERNANDA B O R B O N E L E M E N TA R Y SCHOOL, COTABATO CITY, Repondents. x------------------------------------------x ORDER A verified petition was filed by petitioner, assisted by counsel, praying that after due notice, publication and hearing, an order be issued directing the Local Civil Registrar of Cotabato City, to make the necessary correction of entry in the Certificate of Live Birth of the Petitioner’s minor child from Carolyn May Gaspar to Carolyn May Narciso under Registry No. 2009-2395. Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, let this case be set for hearing on September 5, 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, one 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 2nd day of July, 2021. (Sgd.)KASAN K. ABDULRAKMAN

Presiding Judge

MC: July 24, 31 & Aug. 7, 2021

July 24, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

SR. FIDELIS G. DOMINGO, OND, 94

Sr. Fidelis Gamar Domingo, OND has returned to God at the St. Therese Care Home in the OND compound, Barangay Tamontaka, Datu Odin Sinsuat town, Maguindanao, in the morning of July 21, 2021 at the ripe age of 94.

She was born in Aparri town, Cagayan Province in Northern Luzon, on October 22, 1927. She completed her education from two (2) prestigious institutions in Manila: secondary education from the La Concordia College (1946) run by the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul; and the Philippine Women’s University (an exclusive school for girls from its foundation in 1919 to 1970) where she earned the degree of Bachelor of Science in Education major in Biology. Being an only child, she decided only to respond to the call of vocation to the religious life when her mother died. She initially joined the Medical Mission Sisters (MMS) and had her novitiate formation in Philadelphia, USA. After the initial formation with MMS, she opted to join the young congregation of the Oblates of Notre Dame that she knew only from a tiny pamphlet with the banner “GUIDE TO SISTERHOOD.” Her resolve to join the OND at age 37 was manifested in her courage to leave Manila to come to Cotabato City which was then a part the Cotabato empire. She made her first vows of the evangelical counsel of chastity, poverty and obedience on May 1, 1966 and the perpetual vows on May 1, 1971. Sr. Fidz, as she was dearly known to the sisters, impressed others as a refined and mild person. Generally she was observed as one missionary who did thoroughly whatever is given to her, but in her own pace. She was cheerful, cooperative and generous. One of her partners in mission remembered her as “one person who was quiet but stable who could bear the cross.” In the early 2000, she was engaged in the pastoral care for the sick at the Fatima Hospital in Valenzuela City having acquired the training on Pastoral Education Program

and Dialogue in Helping Relationship from the Philippine Heart Center, and Pastoral Care and Counselling from the East Avenue Medical Center, all courses intended for hospital work. Earlier she also got training from the Philippine School for Deaf where she learned the “sign language.” Aside from the hospital chaplaincy at the Fatima Hospital, Sr. Fidelis was also sent to engage in God’s mission at the Reconciliation Center in Campo Muslim, Cotabato City, in the school/ pastoral ministries in Cagayan de Tawi-Tawi (now Mapun) in partnership with the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, and the Notre Dame of Abuyog, Leyte, among others. She impressed the young OND as sisters gracious, calm and very passionate in her mission engagements. At the Care Home, she shared inspiring thoughts about life and mission with her OND caregivers. The funeral Mass for Sr. Fidelis held at the Our Lady of Hope Chapel at the OND Compound in Tamontaka on July 23, 2021 with Archbishop Angelito R. Lampon, OMI,DD, Archbishop of Cotabato as main presider. The congregation of the Oblates of Notre Dame is grateful for the significant presence of Sr. Fidelis in community and mission for 55. Her life had certainly contributed to concretely manifest the charism and spirituality of the Oblates of Notre Dame, simply stated as “striving to always please God in following Jesus, the Poor in the disposition of Mary, Mother and Model Disciple”. All the OND Sisters are truly grateful for different expressions of solidarity with the congregation during the days of mourning for the death of Sr. Fidelis, and days of celebration as well for now she has reunited with our compassionate and merciful God. SR. LINDA C. HISUG, OND

A Catholic bishop called on voters to choose a leader in the 2022 elections who embody Jesus’ example of leadership. Less than a year before the polls, outgoing Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo of Manila said Christians have an opportunity to look to Jesus for guidance in their search for true leaders. In Christ, the bishop said that the goal of leadership is not to grab power but to serve and he did it with humility, selfless love, and compassion. “This should be the basis of our choice of leaders and not the surveys

and press releases, especially not the social media being invaded by trolls,” Pabillo said. “Instead of considering the surveys let us be influenced by the Word of God. It has a lot to tell us about leadership, even political leadership,” he said. The bishop-elect of Taytay made the call in his homily during Mass at San Roque Parish Church in Pasay City on Sunday. According to him, the country needs leaders who are moved by the dire situations of the people. “We need leaders who have mercy and compassion and not

Look at Jesus’ leadership style, bishop tells voters

Scarcity and Abundance

Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila is welcomed by residents of Maricaban in Pasay City during his first visit to the Mary Comforter of the Afflicted Parish on June 27, 2021.

Photo courtesy of Caritas Manila

Cardinal Advincula eyes ‘mission stations’ in Manila

ALMOST a month after he was installed archbishop of Manila, Cardinal Jose Advincula is looking to establish “mission stations” to minister to the growing urban population. Speaking at Radio Veritas on Monday, he laid out his initial pastoral plans for the archdiocese with nearly 3 million Catholics in 86 parishes. “I don’t know if it’s possible to divide these big parishes into smaller ones so that people will be given more attention,” Advincula said. The cardinal said he will consult the clergy and the archdiocese’s board of consultors on the matter. Advincula, however, admitted that he still needs to visit more parishes to see the deeper situation

carcity is a fact of life. blessings abundantly but We have unlimited the miracles were made needs and wants but possible beginning with a we have limited resources. small amount of offerings. Whenever available supply Scarce resources can be cannot meet the demand the beginning of abundant then we experience scarcity. blessings. I am reminded Maintaining life or a certain of a farmer who prayed, quality of life needs basic “Lord, please give me an Rev. Fr. Antonio P. Pueyo, DCC resources. Food and water abundant harvest.” The tonypoy_dcc0@yahoo.com are basic resources. Both Lord answered. “Yes, I will become scarce in a dwindling economy. According bless you but plant some seeds first.” to the 2020 U.N. report their target of eradicating Jesus promised “I come that they might have life hunger by 2030 cannot be met. Instead more and and have it abundantly” (Jn. 10:10). Abundance, more people in the world are experiencing chronic wellness, justice are signs of the coming of the hunger, especially in Asia and Africa. I will spare the kingdom – eschatological signs, theologians say. reader the statistics. Enough to know that millions Such signs became present in Jesus. He healed the of people go to bed hungry today. sick, fed the hungry, and preached good news to the Closer to home, due to the Covid pandemic, more poor. The kingdom of God is a reality-in-process. people are suffering from hunger. Some efforts were With his life, death, and resurrection Jesus assured made by government to meet the crisis, such as the us that the seeds of the kingdom have been planted, “ayuda” program. Private persons and institutions the kingdom grows, and will reach its complete also tried to alleviate people’s hunger through the fulfillment in the eschaton, the end time and time community pantries. We laud such efforts. Family of judgement. members are trying to find ways to survive amidst The church and the Christian disciples are the the scarcity of resources mainly through micro- carriers of the promise of the kingdom. We are businesses and going back to farming. Perhaps there reminded of God’s promise to feed us every time we is a message here, that food production is something come to the Eucharist, a celebration of life and unity. that we have to focus on. Do we see the beginnings As the Pauline letter to the Ephesians in the second of Back to the Farm Movement? It could meet the reading exhorts, “I a prisoner of the Lord urge you to problem of food scarcity. live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, In this Sunday’s first reading and the gospel, we with all humility and gentleness, with patience, read about two miracle stories of food multiplication. bearing with one another through love, striving to In the first reading, the prophet Elisha fed a hundred preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of people beginning with twenty barley loaves of bread. peace” (Eph. 4: 1-6). When we are united in peace The people were fed and there were some left over by the bond of discipleship then we can perform (2Kngs 4: 42ff.) In the holy gospel, Jesus fed five miracles. The hungry will be fed and scarce resources thousand people starting with five pieces of barley will become abundant. Remember, Jesus started with loaves (John 6:1-15). All the people were fed and there five pieces of bread. Let us contribute our own pieces were twelve baskets of bread left over. God gives his of bread to God’s pantry and God will provide. MC

of the archdiocese. There are 224 priests incarnated to the archdiocese, which covers the cities of Manila, Pasay, Makati, Mandaluyong and San Juan. “So we need to look at the whole situation so that we can determine how many parishes or mission stations can we open, even gradually,” Advincula said. The cardinal added that more mission stations would also mean more priests will be given the chance to lead a ministry especially the younger ones. He noted that many clergy have been to different parishes but they remained as assistant parish priests until now. Advincula said

that young priests will most likely be given the responsibilities in the new mission stations because of their creativity in serving the community. “These young priests have very strong generativity and they put their energy into creating programs in their parishes,” he said. The 69-year old is known for establishing mission stations and mission schools in farflung areas in his previous dioceses. “I saw it among the young priests in San Carlos and Capiz,” he added. “Life is hard at mission stations, in the mountains, but they are very creative in their ministries and services to the people.” CBCP News

Daily Scripture Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

REFLECTIONS

Sun

Readings: no. 110, p. 596; BG, p. 343 1st Reading: 2 Kings 4.42-44 2nd Reading: Ephesians 4.1-6 Gospel: John 6.1-15

26 Mon

26 Readings: no. 606, p. 1807; BG, p. 466 1st Reading: Sirach 44.1, 8, 10-15 Gospel: Matthew 13.16-17

27 Tue

Readings: no. 402, p. 1100 1st Reading: Exodus 33.7-11; 34.4b-9, 28 Gospel: Matthew 13.36-43

28 Wed

Readings: no. 403, p. 1103 1st Reading: Exodus 34.29-35 Gospel: Matthew 13.44-46

Thu

Readings: no. 404, p. 1105 1st reading only, Exodus 40.16-21, 34-38 Gospel 742(28) or 742(20) or Readings: no. 607 p. 1809 1st reading no. 740(17) p. 2076; Gospel, no. 742(28), p. 2100, John 11.17-27, or no. 742(20), p. 2095, Luke 10.38-42

Fri

Readings: no. 405, p. 1107 1st Reading: Leviticus 23.1, 4-11, 15-16, 27, 34b-37 Gospel: Matthew 13.54-58 OM: St. Peter Chrysologus

31 Sat

Readings: no. 406, p. 1110, or no. 609, p. 1809 1st Reading: Leviticus 25.1, 8-17 Gospel: Matthew 14.1-12

THE MINDANAO CROSS

July 24, 2021 EDITORIAL

Shared Culture

oday’s news, both in printed and in social media, is full of how different cultures exist in an environment that is best shared. This is especially true in the United States where the corona virus pandemic has formed attitudes of people towards different cultures. Although the country boasts of its being a melting pot of culture, many of those who migrated are faced with the reality that discrimination exists, probably due to pressures of survival socially and economically. We read of Asians being subjected to mugging and other criminal acts by people whose skin color is different from theirs. Our suspicion is that since most Asians (especially Filipinos) are racially related and look like Chinese, and the corona virus is suspected to originate from Wuhan, China, ergo…they are guilty of spreading the disease. A sociologist wrote that “Conceptions of race, as well as specific racial groupings, are often controversial due to their impact on social identity and how those identities influence someone’s position in social hierarchies. Ethnicity, while related to race, refers not to physical characteristics but social traits that are shared by a human population”. However, in a densely populated country like the United States, ethnicity is best recognized in close contact among persons. During casual encounters, the skin color is the usual indicator of culture. It is a sad observation that several factors have put a delineation among cultures. Before, only politics have been recognized as a dividing factor (including the subjugation of minority groups), as can be seen in several movies….just saw one in the movie “tears of the sun” where the majority seek to annihilate a specific culture. But this time, the factor is health. Let this pandemic remain uncontrolled, and we have a big worldwide problem in our hands. According to a sociologist named Griswold, “The sociological analysis of culture begins at the premise that culture provides orientation, wards off chaos, and directs behavior toward certain lines of action and away from others. “ Griswold reiterates this point by explaining that, “Groups and societies need collective representations of themselves to inspire sentiments of unity and mutual support, and culture fulfills this need. “ In other words, culture can have a certain utilitarian function – the maintenance of order as the result of shared understandings and meanings. This could best be done during the pandemic. Although the World Health Organization is spearheading these shared understandings and meanings on the Covid 19 pandemic, the observation is that it is being done at a snails pace. Very slow, considering the number of persons and logistical support at its disposal. In addition, the research is focused only on the mechanics of the disease itself. This is where a shared culture is in need. Instead of waiting for the updated results on how to combat the disease, each country should study and analyze how each culture can contribute to a shared understanding of the spread of the disease. This will avoid the development of variants of the virus which we are now facing. MC +

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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.

n Monday, this writer joined an online conference on President Rodrigo Duterte’s legacy and expectations from his forthcoming State of the Nation Address or SONA on Monday, July 26. It will be his last, as he is in the final year of his stay in Malacañang as President of the Republic. The usual criticisms levelled against the present administration, Duterte in particular, came from the speakers of the online conference organized by the Philippine Press Institute: a dismal human rights record characterized by increased killings especially in relation to the government’s war against drugs and the campaign against communists, repression of critical and dissenting voices, increasing prices amid a deadly pandemic which has slowed the economy and rendered many jobless and without income, and corruption. These criticisms are expected to be highlighted more in the various protests and activities lined up ahead of Duterte’s final SONA, which Palace spokesperson Harry Roque said “will focus on the country’s growth, our social programs, infrastructure, peace and security, foreign policy.” Roque was also quoted in an online news report as saying “Sasagutin niya ang tanong na ‘What and where are we now?’, and ‘Looking forward’ doon sa huling taon ng panunungkulan ng ating Presidente.” On more than one instance, even as early as during his campaign for the presidency, Duterte has expressed his commitment to correcting historical injustices committed against the Bangsamoro. In 2016, calling on Congress to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law, the President said this on historical injustices against the Moro and the Lumad in Mindanao: “This is an imperialism thing… Kayong mga kapatid kong Moro, you know I am a mixed blood. Intindihin na lang natin ito. We cannot return to you all nung mga nakuha ng mga Amerikano, Espanyol, pati ng mga Pilipino, yung mga kapitalista.” There is no question that the establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao will always be credited to President Rodrigo Duterte in the same manner that the historical milestones of the Bangsamoro peace process that paved the way for the creation of BARMM, the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and N the company of friends—a ship captain, an architect and an engineer—I visited Picong Thursday last week, after four years when I first documented probable sites of the tomb of Philippine Muslim Hero Sultan Muhammad Dipatuan Kudarat. It was good to see the good young Municipal Planning and Development Officer Datu Barrage Balindong Datu Ramos, who treated us to bare-hand lunch over curried giant sea crabs in coconut milk sauce, and a big smoked lapu-lapu, my first-time to even see one cooked in such a healthy preparation. I’ve always been close to the Datu Ramos family—from the late Bapa Engineer Abdulbarri Ramos, who was like a father to me, having been married to our Auntie Bai Sauya “Soy” Piang-Ramos, to their children, and to the erudite Atty. Dimapuno “Pangnal” Datu Ramos. “Pangnal” is a Maranao slang for “thinker.” Months ago, I called up Director Dr. Jun Alonto-Datu Ramos of the NCMF to intercede for an indigent family whose son died of a covd19 infection in Manila days after arriving from an overseas employment. Dr. Jun extended assistance to the family without a moment of hesitation. Back to Picong: Long before becoming a territorial part of the modern-day Province of Lanao del Sur, the shoreline and hills of Picong were witness to historical events including those recorded by Jesuit chronicler Francisco Combes, the famous Lake Speech of Sultan Muhammad Dipatuan Kudarat in 1637 being one of them. Parang and Malabang fell to the Spaniards and vast tracts of lands turned agricultural colonies, trading settlement, and camps. Kudarat held ground in Picong against Almonte’s expedition when Sebastian Hurtado de Corcuera returned to Manila as the Governor-General of Las Islas Filipinas. It was said the Corcuera and Almonte built Fort Sabonfila in what is now Malabang which has since become a trading settlement surrounded by agricultural

An unfulfilled promise

Thinking Aloud Carlos C. Bautista caloyb@gmail.com

the Comprehensive Agreement of the Bangsamoro, the final peace agreement between the government following 17 years of negotiations, will always be credited to President Noynoy Aquino. That would no doubt be the shining legacy of the first-ever president from Mindanao. The Bangsamoro Organic Law was passed under Duterte’s watch, no doubt a result of his influence on both chambers of Congress. Laudable, but not enough if we are to look at it from the context of correcting historical injustices committed against the Moro and the indigenous peoples not only of BARMM but of Mindanao as a whole. And while we agree that it is “an imperialism thing” with the Americans, Spanish colonizers, and Filipino capitalists to blame, we also note that the disenfranchisement and dispossession of the Moro and indigenous peoples continue, no doubt an injustice to them. Meranaws displaced by the Marawi War are voicing concern over being dispossessed of their land without a due process in the ongoing rehabilitation of Marawi City. This even as they call for the passage of the Marawi compensation bill and to be allowed to finally return to their homes. Non-Moro indigenous peoples are decrying moves that have derailed the process for the issuance of an Ancestral Domain Title in the Teduray and Lambangian ancestral domain in Maguindanao. Correcting those historical injustices cannot be complete unless the Meranaws displaced by the Marawi War are duly compensated for their losses and made to go back to the properties to which they have legitimate claim. Neither can it be complete until the non-Moro indigenous peoples in the Bangsamoro are given ancestral titles to the lands to which they have legitimate historical and ancestral claims. MC

Visiting Picong after four years

Penlight Nash B. Maulana

nash.penlight@gmail.com

colonies won over by Recoleto Friar Padre Agustin de San Pedro leading some 560 Christian converts from the North against the Maranao kindred of Sultan Kudarat. Indeed, Picong became Kudarat’s last stand against Spain before he relinquished the Sultanate to his son Dundang Teduray and went to stay at a territory awarded to him by the Sultan of Brunei in the dominion of the Sultanate of Ternate. In 1662, Kudarat negotiated maritime trading with the Dutch for the exportation of Maguindanao’s agricultural products. He returned to Mindanao and instigated his Maranao relatives to fight the remaining Spanish forces under San Abustine. In 1645, Kudarat signed Peace Treaty with the administration of Governor-General Diego Fajardo Chacoin, represented by Padre Melchor Lopez. The treaty supposed delineate the remaining territories of the Maguindanao Sultanate from Spanish-claimed territories in Las Islas Filipinas, but Lopez allegedly inserted two provisions that courted the ire of Rajah Balatamay, the most influential ally of Kudarat from the upstream Kingdom of Buayan. Datu Balatamay slew Lopez on his way to the Sultan’s Dormitory in Simuay in 1645. The Balindongs are descended from the Maranao King Amatunding Sultan Kudarat’s brother inlaw, being the husband of the Kudarat’s sister, Putri Gayang. The Poalas-Malabang-Picong-Butig territory belonged to the dominion of their ancestor Nago Sa Picong. MC

It was good to see the good young Municipal Planning and Development Officer Datu Barrage Balindong Datu Ramos

July 24, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Light At Tunnel’s End

About the delta variant

who are good and allow the evil ones to work, gather and collect that they may give to those who love Him (Ecclesiastes 2:26). We have been forewarned though not to be overly righteous Charlie Señase csenase@yahoo.com or overly wise, and so with the wicked and the HERE will we go from here foolish, for both will die before their when almost daily, we hear time. But whoever fears God will people dying regardless of escape them all (Ecclesiastes 7:16-18). persons and status in life? And this While alive, patience and brings us back to the essence of time endurance must persist for we are that in everything there’s a season and in the midst of perilous times when a time for every purpose, like a time people will betray and hate one to be born and a time to die. That as another, falsehood, deception and mortals, we ought to know that earthly lawless surging and love growing cold. life is all about sowing and reaping, Those in government and in the depending on the kind of seed sown private sector, our time to change for either good or evil. goodness-sake is of the essence. For We will all be whoever plows iniquity judged according to and sow chaos will reap individual deeds either the same, and by the blast in righteousness or of God they will perish and wickedness. Each one be consumed by their evil has to chart his own deeds (Job 4:8-9). course by heart that It pays to be honestly whoever desires to save diligent and humble for his life will lose it, but God has chosen the foolish he who loses his life for things of the world to put God-sake will find it to shame the wise and (Matthew 16:25). chosen the weak things of It’s stunning and heartbreaking to the world to put to shame the things know that 114 physicians in Indonesia that are mighty. died in two weeks-time (July 1-17) The ups and downs of life have from the deadly COVID-19 variant been prophesied and God’s endowed known as Delta, which is about 20 freewill for the human race to choose percent of its total 545 doctors. With between blessing and curse is upon our all available health attendants in individual shoulder. For it’s written Indonesia why were fatalities only that, “Eye has not seen nor ear heard, confined to doctors? nor have entered into the heart of man Small wonder, our border patrol the things which God has prepared for has been strengthened against possible those who love Him” (1 Corinthians entry of Delta variant carrier which 2:9). originated in India that has a death With all the sorrows and life’s toll of 414,000 this week. A carrier can difficulties we look up and ask – Why easily infect eight persons unlike other all the pains and suffering? And COVID variants that can only infect God’s promise to the God-fearing – four to five persons the most. They shall enter into peace, each one Life indeed is all about survival walking in his uprightness. “For My that with all these threats and thoughts are not your thoughts, nor uncertainties in life, we are all your ways My ways,” says the LORD. vulnerable that only an Almighty God For as the heavens are higher than can defy, and for us to reconcile with the earth so also are My ways and Him in faith. For God vows to give thoughts higher than yours (Isaiah wisdom, knowledge and joy to those 55:8-9). MC

assign Sars-CoV-2 sequences the most likely lineages. “This is a mutation that has possibly been associated again with better escape from vaccines and possibly even Louisa Wright, Kathrin Wesolowski, Ines Eisele increased transmissibility,” said Gurdasani. “We don’t yet hat exactly is the delta variant? know the properties of this new variant with The earliest documented this particular mutation on top.” COVID-19 case caused by the delta Is the delta variant more infectious? variant (B.1.617.2) was found in the Indian The British epidemiologist Neil state of Maharashtra back in October 2020, Ferguson believes that delta is about 60% and the variant has since spread widely more infectious than alpha, which was throughout India and across the world. The previously the predominant variant in the World Health Organization (WHO) labeled UK and, in its turn, is more easily passed on it a “variant of concern” (VOC) on May 11. than the ancestral variant that caused the So far, the WHO has identified four VOC: first pandemic wave of spring 2020. alpha (B.1.1.7), beta (B.1.351), gamma (P.1) The number of COVID-19 cases in the and delta (B.1.617.2). UK seems to back this up. From the start The delta variant has multiple of June, the number of infections began mutations. Scientists don’t know the exact climbing rapidly once more, and the country function of these mutations at this point in is now reporting some 15,000 or more new time, but they are associated with allowing infections every day. This rise is going handthe virus to bind to the cells of humans and in-hand with the increasing spread of the helping the virus to escape some immune delta variant. responses, said Deepti Gurdasani, a clinical Data from Public Health England epidemiologist at Queen Mary University (PHE), an executive agency of the UK’s of London. department of health, indicates that more How widespread is the delta variant? than 90% of new COVID-19 cases in the UK The delta variant is spreading more and are from the delta variant. more globally and has been detected in more Is the delta variant responsible for the than 96 countries so far, according to the pandemic situations in India and the UK? WHO. In the UK, more than 65,000 cases Whether the delta variant is mainly had been detected as of June 29, according responsible for the situation in India cannot to the global science initiative GISAID — be scientifically proven yet. More testing the highest number of identified delta cases and sequencing would be needed for this. in a country so far. But India is one of the countries worst It is important to note, however, that affected by the pandemic. More than 30 countries do not report their data to GISAID million cases have been registered so far, on a regular or daily basis. In addition, the according to Johns Hopkins University, and amount of sequencing carried out differs the health system is hugely overburdened. from country to country. In other words, it Clinical epidemiologist Gurdasani is not always determined what variant of says that in addition to the spread of the virus caused an infection. This means the mutation, several other factors have that the number of unidentified delta cases played a role in the massive spread of the could be very high. coronavirus in India. What is the difference between the “I think it’s been a combination of delta variant and the delta plus variant? very late action by governments to put Reports of a more infectious sublineage basic public health measures in place and of the delta variant, sometimes referred to as overconfidence that herd immunity had delta plus or AY.1, have also emerged. This been reached prior to this,” said Gurdasani. variant has the K417N mutation, which In the UK, the situation has is commonly seen in the beta variant first deteriorated drastically. The 7-day identified in South Africa. There aren’t too incidence rate for all COVID-19 infections many cases of this variant at the moment, was below 20 at the beginning of May according to PANGO Lineages, a website but has since risen to more than 170 new created by scientists that allows users to infections per 100,000 people. MC

The adobo was traditionally cooked in clay pots but today is made in more common metal pots or woks. When the Spanish invaded and settled in the Philippines during the 16th Victoria R. Franco, RPh, MS Pharmacy century, they witnessed this franco1573victoria@gmail.com traditional Filipino cooking method and called it adobo n a statement last July 9, the Department of Trade said a technical which is the Spanish word for marinade. Many Filipinos consider adobo the committee on Filipino dishes began working on the adobo standards in May national dish of the Philippines. The as they seek to develop a guide on how to perfect adobo lies in the delicate balance cook the popular dish. The proposal,also of soy sauce, vinegar garlic and spicesinvolved documenting the “common way bay leaves and fresh ground peppercorns. to prepare the local dishes, published Chicken, pork, seafood or vegetable on line by food writers, bloggers and marinated in vinegar, soy sauce and vloggers.” These includes sinigang, garlic slowly simmered make a good tasting adobo. lechon. and sisig. Cooking adobo is quite challenging. This move however, left a bitter taste in netizen’ mouth. Why, why, why Put too much vinegar, and the adobo many asked? What is authentic Filipino will taste like paksiw (sour stew); put a little vinegar and it will taste Taste and who has the like nilaga (boiled meat). right to say a taste is When to cover the pot is also authentic Filipino? important. The pot containing DTI clarified that the simmering adobo should the standard were be left uncovered for the not mandatory and first 10 minutes of cooking, would only define then covered until the dish what we will promote is done. internationally. “We Manila’s adobo is a dark have more variations saucy dish because of the of adobo than we have use of the soy sauce, and the islands, but each one is resulting gravy is thickened guaranteed to give you with flour. Adobo from Nuevo taste of varied, rich Ecijah is dry; the meat is culture and tradition tender, browned and almost of the Philippines.” The technical committee team is crispy with the right amount of sauce. headed by founder of Via Mare Corp., Caviteno adobo, is thickened with ground Chef Glenda Barretto, Chef Myrna liver preciously cooked with the rest Segismundo from the Food Writers Asso. of the meat and marinade is grilled or of the Phil. and Chef Raoul Roberto Goco waited with plenty of garlic. In Southern of Hotel and Restaurant Association of Luzon, adobo is cooked with the addition of coconut milk and hot chili. the Philippines. The taste of the transitional adobo, Is this something the DTI should mess with? ‘Is there really a “standard as I learned from our helper may be recipe” for each Filipino dish? Although enhanced by adding oyster sauce, which I there are basics to,it, there are tons of find quite salty. She has introduced me to ways to cook adobo in every province or adobo kangkong, which is crunchy if done house hold for that matter. Whatever right. DTI is invading the privacy of my form of adobo you make is a valid form comfort foods. The first lessons I learned of adobo. The beauty of Filipino food is in preparing meals for my growing family the diversity that is rooted in our diverse were sinigang and adobo. How do you like your adobo? MC cultural heritage.

initial marketing and financial success. In these situations, it is most likely that the story will end with not one of the people entering the same line of business Danny Buenbrazo surviving, a lose-lose danny_buenbrazo@yahoo.com situation for everyone. But imitating or he term imitation usually has a negative connotation. One does copying really a bad thing? The famous Spanish surrealist not proudly proclaim that he or she just produced something that was painter, Salvador Dali, saw that imitation also has its merits. He said just copied from the work of another. For Filipinos, the exchange between that “those who do not want to imitate Sharon Cuneta and Cherie Gil in the anything, produce nothing.” In the imitation game, there are movie “Bituing Walang Ningning” two opposing sides, the first is the typifies how imitation or copying is seen as the deed of someone inferior. original creator and the second is the In this film directed by Emmanuel one who is trying to either entirely Borlaza, the character played by copy or to improve the original work. perennial movie villain Cherie Gil The person or business enterprise that (Lavinia Arguelles) uttered the famous is benefiting for a produce, service, or line “you’re nothing but a second-rate, anything of value that he or it created trying hard, copycat.” That was said must be able to stay ahead of the in the context of a new artist posing competition. Someone who wants to a challenge to an already established supplant the original should be able to do a particularly good imitation job, one. With over two years of recorded to add something that would make his/ history behind us, it is difficult to think her product superior to the original of something we can do or create that thing. In the current century, we have is totally different from whatever was done or created before. Nevertheless, seen many popular brands suddenly we continue to see companies and disappear or fade away as they fail to individuals produce goods, services, ward off the newcomers that would and such other things that are useful, like to supplant them. Zenith and life-saving, economical, or at least other popular American and European makers of television, for instance, entertaining or amusing. F i l i p i n o s p r o b a b l y h a v e t h e are no longer around as they were tendency to copy or imitate, thus, beaten by the Japanese firms like we have the phrase “gaya gaya.” It Sony, Toshiba, and Mitsubishi. These is not unusual to hear stories of one Japanese firms were later supplanted entrepreneurial person starting a by South Korean brands such as business, encountering some degree of Daewoo and Samsung. The same thing happened in the success, and finding our later that the automotive industry with the Japanese neighbors have also decided to have a business that is exactly the same as firms supplanting the American and European pioneers. Japanese cars (and his or hers. In a small community, a resident the South Korean and other makers could put up a variety store or sell halo- that followed) produced cars that are halo and have a profitable enterprise easier to handle, more fuel-efficient, only to see the market suddenly shrink and cheaper. Ultimately, the most important factor as other residents establish exactly for the “imitation” to succeed is having the same business activity after they became envious of the business’s clear advantages over the “original” that would benefit consumers. MC

True to Form

We will all be judged according to individual deeds either in righteousness or wickedness.

DTI and our comfort food, Adobo

The Stuff of Life

Many Filipinos consider adobo the national dish of the Philippines.

HEALTH CORNER

On Imitation…

Market Driven

Moro CSOs pray Duterte certifies ...from P1

Roa Duterte: We are humbly appealing to you to announce during your SONA (State of the Nation Address) that (the) extension of the Bangsamoro transition period is a priority bill (of your government),” the tarpaulin said. Duterte will deliver his last SONA on Monday, 26 July. Earlier, the President expressed support to the extension of the transition period in the Bangsamoro region but lately came out

with a “neutral stance,” leaving the decision to lengthen the life of the BTA in the hands of Congress. Maguindanao 2nd District Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu authored a bill postponing the 2022 BARMM elections, which will effectively extend the region’s transition period. Four other House members passed similar bills. Dozens of Moro CSOs and at least one million individuals have signed

a petition asking Duterte last March to certify as priority legislative measure the extension bills pending in Congress. To date, the President did not act on the petition. Alan Balangi-Amer, president of the One Bangsamoro Movement, Inc. (1Bangsa), an umbrella of 60 Moro groups across the Philippines, said they are celebrating Eid’l Adha with a prayer that Duterte will certify the extension bills as an urgent measure.

Tacurong vendors stage silent ...from P1 rentals and market taxes while they don’t.” “For practical reasons, consumers who would rather buy fish or meat at a roadside talipapa than in the central market where health protocols are very strict, parking of vehicles is limited, and items are expensive,” marketgoer Antero Balensya, 50, said. Allan Freno, Tacurong City information office, said the city government is addressing the issue by finding a win-win solution. Freno said the city enterprises office have given barangay officials only 10 days from Wednesday to bring all wet market vendors into just one place in their respective barangays.

“All of us want a living, a legitimate source of income, but there is a law, we are imposing the ordinance and we want to be fair to all,” Freno said in the vernacular. In the meantime, market vendors resumed operations starting Thursday, hoping the matter will be addressed by the city government. A local ordinance was passed six months ago to regulate the number of vendors in the city after “talipapa” sprouted like mushrooms at the height of quarantine protocols. Its full implementation was deferred for six months upon the request of wet market vendors. The deferment ended last month.

6th ID intensifies anti-BIFF...from P10

commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said Sunday the shootout in Barangay Nabundas erupted when the long wanted Tong and his companions attacked a team from the 33rd Infantry Battalion dispatched to check on their reported presence in the area. “The 33rd IB was notified by vigilant

THE MINDANAO CROSS

July 24, 2021

residents about the convergence of armed men in their barangay. A team was sent there to verify the reports from local residents and so there was this encounter,” Uy said. Traditional barangay elders have confirmed to reporters that the Dawlah Islamiya gunmen who figured in the encounter carried two wounded companions as they

scampered away when they sensed that Army reinforcements were closing in. It has sub-groups, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, the Al-Khobar extortion gang and the equally notorious Ansa’r Khilafa Philippines, all tagged in deadly bombings in central Mindanao since 2014. John Felix Unson

Look at Jesus’

...from P6

promote kill, kill, kill!” Pabillo said. “A good shepherd offers himself so that people, we, may live.” He also asked voters not to be swayed by preelection survey results, which he said are used to condition the mind of the public. In the latest Pulse Asia survey, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte and her father, President Duterte, are the top choices for president and vice president, respectively, in next year’s elections. CBCP

News

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

Aging yet healthy PH Macaque rescued, freed

KIDAPAWAN CITY — A matured Philippine Macaque trapped and rescued in Mlang, North Cotabato has been sent back to its natural habitat near the Diocesan Shrine of the Holy Cross in Barangay Nuevavida Wednesday. Officials of Barangays New Antique and Tibao turned over on Monday

to the local govnerment unit a rescued Philippine primate. Bernardo Tayong, town disaster officials, monkey was in a pile of cut tree branches in the village. Tayong said the Macaque though already in its older age is still quick and healthy. Williamor

Magbanua

Citizens backed Army...from P1

Community Support Program-Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (CSP-PCVE) conducted by the Bravo Company of 6th IB that aims to clear the barangay from the influence of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and other violent extremist groups. He added the event was also aimed at making the residents resilient from recruitment of violent extremists in order to attain inclusive and sustainable peace and development in the community. “The 6th IB appreciates your efforts to separate yourself from violent extremist groups

because it is the best decision for you to live in peace and harmony,” Banaag said. “Don't get lured in by these groups. If you need a living, you can find it everywhere; you just have to figure out how to create something out of it and remain a productive citizen of the municipality of Datu Salibo,” Lt. Colonel Banaag added. Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, 6th Infantry Division commander and head of Joint Task Force Central, lauded the community for their support. “You are the end beneficiaries of this endeavor,” he said. Edwin

O. Fernandez

Eleazar says BARMM cops more...from P1

Eleazar told Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo, interior minister of the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), that the police in the Bangsamoro region are now well organized, well-disciplined and more ready to serve and protect the Bangsamoro. “Personally I was surprised to see our police stations in the region where I visited unannounced,” Eleazar said. “Due to bad weather, our helicopter was diverted to police station in Sulu which was not part of our itinerary and I was surprised the station was very clean, organized and beautiful.” Eleazar was referring to Jolo municipal police office and the Sulu provincial police office that he described as neat, clean and beautiful. “Bad weather brought us here to conduct surprise inspection in Jolo town police office and provincial office, congratulations you are always ready,” he told police officials in the Bangsamoro region. Eleazar was briefed by Sinarimbo on the support provided by the Ministry of the Interior and the Local Government to the PNP in BARMM as well as the Bureau of Fire Protection and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology. The PNP chief appreciated and lauded BARMM for the assistance extended to the police organization.

Speaking to police officers and BARMM officials, Eleazar said he was pushing for the Intensified Cleanliness Policy. “Small problems must be addressed immediately to prevent these problems from getting worst,” he said, adding that he found out that police offices across the region have observe cleanliness in the offices, cleanliness in the ranks and cleanliness in the communities.” “You know, our people when they want police support or assistance, they will not go to me in Camp Crame, they will not go to PRO-BAR, they will not go to Maguindanao police office but they will go to police stations nearest them,” he added. “If our office station is clean, our police officers are smart and disciplined, ready to protect, our people will come to seek help and eventually and support us,” Eleazar said. After meeting BARMM officials, Eleazar and party proceeded to Marawi City Tuesday to complete his 3-day “BARMM tour.” On Sunday, Eleazar visited the police provincial offices in Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi and PRO-BAR regional office in Parang, Maguindanao Monday afternoon. His party later flew back to Manila Tuesday afternoon.

BTA’s move to honor pioneer...from P1

belong to the 3rd Batch forged ahead with the struggle after many of those before them either got martyred or have acceded to Malacañang’s reconciliation program. He mentioned the late Yusoph Jikiri of Sulu as among those in the 3rd batch of MNLF leaders who led guerilla groups that stood for the front until it reached a peace pact with Malacañang. The peace agreement was signed by revolutionary figurehead Nur Misuari, founder of the MNLF, and President Fidel Ramos on September 2, 1996. It was brokered by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, a bloc of more than 50 Muslim states, including petroleum exporting countries in the Middle East and North Africa. Jikiri had served as governor of Sulu

and congressional representative of the island province. Sulu is inside the core territory of BARMM that also covers the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi and the cities of Lamitan, Marawi and Cotabato. Salapuddin said the present chairperson of the MNLF’s Lupah Sug Revolutionary Committee in Sulu is also from the 3rd Batch of MNLF leaders. “In Tawi-Tawi, there is Laurel Tahil, also from the 3rd Batch, who became the provincial chairman there, a successor of Damning Sali from the second batch of (pioneer) MNLF mujahideen,” he said. Salapuddin said he took over in the 1970s the MNLF leadership in Basilan from Hadji Hudan Abubakar, who then returned to mainstream

society, along with most foreign-trained cadres under him, bringing with them all of their firearms. “I was left, along with some companions, to fill the void. With the guidance of Allah, we in Basilan managed to continue with the struggle for land, people and faith,” he said. He said two more subsequent batches of MNLF mujahideen were trained abroad, but have not figured in extensive tactical engagements owing to the crafting of the front’s final peace accord with the national government on September 2, 1996. The compact was premised on the December 23, 1976 governmentMNLF “Tripoli Agreement,” crafted by representatives from both sides in Tripoli, the capital of Libya, an OIC-member state.

July 24, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

GenSan airport now has passenger tube KORONADAL CITY - Once the P1.096 billion upgrading of the General Santos City Airport is done – which is now 96 percent completed – commercial airplane passengers and crew will no longer have to walk under the sun or rain, which they have been enduring in the past 25 years.

Joel Gavina, manager of Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines – General Santos City (CAAP-GenSan), which manages the US-funded airport that began operations in 1996, said the rehabilitation includes the construction of a passenger boarding bridge. With the upgrading that started in 2017, the airport could also start servicing inbound night flights, he said, noting the airport has been serving outbound night flights. “The airport passenger terminal and navigational equipment have been upgraded to better serve the public,” he told the Inquirer in a phone interview. The passenger terminal building underwent a major facelift, with the rehabilitation works expanding it from 4,000 sq.m to 12,000 sq. m., Gavina stressed, adding the improvement works covered the departure and arrival wings. “You can be proud of the airport’s facelift,” he said. According to the list of “Build, Build, Build” projects from the National Economic and Development Authority, the Gensan airport’s upgrading is due for completion in 2021. It was funded

through the General Appropriations Act with an amount of 1.096 billion under the transport and mobility sector. Considered as the gateway to Soccsksargen, the GenSan airport’s new look included a design featuring a tuna fin, in deference to the city’s major product. Gavina said the inauguration of the airport’s new look is set next month with President Rodrigo Duterte expected to grace the event. The official noted that the upgraded two-story airport terminal will host restaurants, coffee shops and souvenir stores once construction works are fully completed. So far, the GenSan airport is servicing the commercial flights of Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air and AirAsia. Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, the airport served daily flights to Manila and vice versa. There are also scheduled flights to Cebu and Iloilo and vice versa. The GenSan airport was constructed with a design to accommodate wide-bodied planes. The United States extended $37.5 million for the development of the airport in the 1990s. Bong Sarmiento

Sustained govt efforts forced BIFF to yield

THREE members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) have surrendered to 57th Infantry (Masikap) Battalion in Maguindanao in what authorities claimed was due to sustained government efforts. The gunmen with their rifles surrendered to the 57th IB, under Lt. Colonel Jonathan Pondanera in its headquarters in Sitio Iking, Barangay Romongaob, South Upi, Maguindanao According to Colonel Eduardo Gubat, 603rd Infantry Brigade commander, those who surrendered belonged to BIFF-Bungos Faction. Col. Gubat said: “It is certain that the government’s peace program is effective in influencing them to denounce their affiliation

with the terror group”. Along with their surrender, the former extremists also brought along one M1 Garand rifle, one Carbine rifle and one Caliber .45 pistol with magazines and ammunition. Major General Juvymax Uy, Joint Task Force Central and 6ID Commander expressed his gratitude to the local government as effective partners in attaining peace and development in South and Central Mindanao. "Our efforts in attaining peace in this part of the country is fruitful as evidenced by the significant increase of terrorist group members who surrendered to the government,” Maj. Gen. Uy said. For this year, a total of 71 former BIFF

and Dawlah Islamiya members have denounced their allegiance with the said groups and instead chose to live a peaceful life with the community and with their families. The influx of surrender came along after Gov. Bai Mariam Sangki Mangudadatu has declared the BIFF and DI extremists as personanon-grata in the Province of Maguindanao. The Provincial Government of Maguindanao has actively supported numbers of former extremists in their desire to live a peaceful life by providing livelihood assistance through the AGILA-HAVEN Program of the province. While the JTF Central relentlessly hunted down extremists who refuse to return to the folds of the law. DPAO 6ID

1 escapee recaptured, 5 others still at large

MALABANG, Lanao del Sur - One of the six detainees who bolted from the police detention facility of the municipal police here before dawn Wednesday had been recaptured, local officials said. Malabang Mayor Tomas Macapodi said Thursday he had asked for a full report on the jailbreak from their municipal police office as a basis for planning on how to prevent a repeat of the incident. Macapodi, chairperson of the Malabang municipal peace and order council had said Wednesday morning that six notorious law offenders clamped down in the detention facility of the Malabang police escaped before dawn that day. Residents of Malabang town in the second district of Lanao del Sur have urged the Police Regional OfficeBangsamoro Autonomous Region (PROBAR)to mobilize teams that can help the local police trace the six men.

Macapodi said barangay officials from across the municipality are now helping locate the escapees. “The Malabang local government unit is now helping search for the six men,” Macapodi said. The six men were implicated in heinous crimes, arrested one after another in recent police operations in the municipality. Intelligence operatives of the Philippine Navy’s 5th Marine Battalion based in Barangay Matling, Malabang are now helping the police regain custody of the escapees, according to Brig. Gen. Jonas Lumawag, commander of the 1st Marine Brigade. Macapodi said he is ready to shell out an earnest sum in exchange for any information that would lead to the capture of the six men. He said he is thankful to vigilant residents of Malabang who helped locate one of the six escapees, now detained. John Felix Unson

6th ID intensifies anti-BIFF containment ops

THE targets of the Army artillery offensives that started late Wednesday are outlawed religious extremists in Maguindanao, among them bomb-makers wanted for deadly bombings in central Mindanao. Military sources confirmed this Thursday, hinting that the bombardment of selected targets in areas in the second district of the province and in the border of North Cotabato and Maguindanao provinces

were preemptive strikes to deter possible retaliations by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters for its losses in encounters with pursuing government forces. Soldiers had shot dead a Dawlah Islamiya bombmaker and captured two others in an encounter in Shariff Saidona Mustapha town last weekend. Local officials and barangay leaders identified the slain senior Dawlah Islamiya member as Tong, whom they said was an expert in

fabrication of improvised explosive devices. His two henchmen, one also named Tong and the other, a certain Nondo, have been turned over to the local police after they voluntarily yielded to soldiers when they ran out of ammunition. Two other Dawlah Islamiya members, initially identified only as Madsid and Kusain, were also wounded in Saturday’s gunfight in Barangay Nabundas. Major Gen. Juvymax Uy,

Terrorist, suspected bomber slain in South Cotabato

KORONADAL CITY - A combined police-army team shot dead a wanted member of the Dawlah Islamiya terror group in a brief encounter in Tupi, South Cotabato. The South Cotabato provincial police identified the fatality as Jalman Orandatang of the Ansar Khilafa Philippines group of the Dawlah Islamiya that uses the ISIS Flag as its banner. Orandatang was killed in a joint police-military operation in Barangay Kablon in Tupi, about 27 kilometers east of here. Police personnel were to frisk and search him for a pistol along a stretch of a highway in Barangay Kablon, but he and his companion pulled out guns and opened fire, provoking a shootout. Orandatang died instantly from multiple gunshot wounds while his companion, a certain Jonny, was wounded

in the gunfight. The scene of the encounter is near the headquarters of the Philippine Army’s 5th Special Forces Battalion in Barangay Kablon. Residents in villages around said they noticed Orandatang and his companion observing the Army camp from a distance. Orandatang, a bomb-maker was implicated in recent bomb attacks in General Santos City. The Ansar Khilafa Philippines is known for extorting money from members of the business community in General Santos City to fund the activities of the Dawlah Islamiya. The group has a reputation for bombing commercial establishments whose owners refuse to shell out “protection money” on a monthly basis.

John Felix Unson

ENSURING PUBLIC SAFETY. A staff of Mines and Geoscience Bureau of DENR12 conducts hazard assessment and mapping activities in Indigenous Peoples (IP) areas in Alabel, Sarangani to ensure safety of IPs and the public in general. Photo courtesy of Mines and Geosciences Bureau XII

Boy nabbed for possession guns, rifle parts

SOLDIERS foiled an attempt by a minor to deliver two assault rifles and firearm spare parts somewhere in Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao, a bastion of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). Major Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said Thursday the 13-year-old boy operating the hand tractor rigged with a trailer carrying the cache was immediately turned over to the police. The adolescent was operating the hand tractor, en route to Barangay Nabundas, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, whom personnel of the Army’s 1st Mechanized Battalion intercepted supposedly only to ask the child about his destination.

Soldiers who inspected the cargo of the trailer behind the hand tractor they flagged down found two M16 assault rifles, 38 barrels for M16 rifles and spare parts for M14 assault rifles on its carriage bed, covered with tarpaulin sheet. Lt. Col. Cresencio Sanchez, Jr, commander of 1st Mechanized Battalion, said he was certain the firearms and rifle components were to be brought to a BIFF enclave somewhere in Shariff Saydona Mustapha. Soldiers twice prevented attempts by different suspects to smuggle into Shariff Saydona Mustapha 6,000 rounds of M16 ammunition, four assault rifles and grenade projectiles from between middle of May to early July. John Felix Unson