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1 dead, 26 arrested, guns, shabu seized in Lanao del Sur

CHURCH / P4

On Pope’ Day, Nuncio calls to protect creation

Tapatan/P8

A closer look at COVID-19 in relation to Children Dr. Teresita Mansilla

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

LORENZANA, NOGRALES SUPPORT BTA EXTENSION By Nash B. Maulana

NATIONAL and regional officials vowed to support efforts to extend the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) in their statements during the Pamanang Bayanihan Regional Series of the Pre-State of the Nation Address of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in the city on Tuesday. Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) said the direction of the regional government is clear and the political will of its leadership is strong, since the day when the President installed the BTA in 2019. “The Direction is clear. The political will is strong and in 2019 this promise of peace was fulfilled; the Bangsamoro Organic Law was ratified. President Duterte has installed the (BTA) to oversee the creation of a regional bureaucracy that answers to the call of our people and serves as our vehicle towards efficient nation-building,” Ebrahim said. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said he has told the President that even under normal circumstances, three years for a government transition was too short, especially that most BARMM leaders now have no experience running government bureaucracy. Lorenzana said because of these factors he supports the extension of the BTA which under the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), is BARMM’s interim governing mechanism. “I told the President that under normal circumstances, the transition cannot be completed in three years’ time, because it started from zero. They started from zero and that they have no prior experience in governance, because they were revolutionaries,” Lorenzana said in Filipino. He said the Covid -19 added even more to factors that have caused the delay to the timetable of the transition. Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said he believed that the BTA transition period should be extended.

AMAZING. This underwater image taken in Barangay Kamanga, Maasim, Sarangani proves that the Sarangani Bay is rich in marine life. One could say “ahh so beautiful, amazing” upon viewing this image, taken during Coral Bleaching Monitoring Project of Sarangani Gov. Steve Solon. Karlo Nograles

Delfin Lorenzana

Photos courtesy of Marine biologist and veterinarian Dr. Roy Operario Mejorada of ECPC-Sarangani

Teduray communities now have steady water supply SAFE drinking water is abundant now in Barangay Looy, South Upi, Maguindanao as a result of a water supply facility constructed by foreign benefactors and the Bangsamoro government, Mayor

By John Felix Unson Reynalbert Insular said Thursday. “Supply of safe drinking water in that area was scarce before because it is a high ground and springs are far from villages,” Insular said. He said the facility

was opened for public last month by representatives from the International Labor Organization, from The People of Japan (TPJ), which is a nongovernment organization and the Ministry of Labor and

DID YOU KNOW? July is Nutrition Month Nutrition Month is celebrated every July by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 491 signed on June 25, 1974, by then President Ferdinand Marcos. The celebration aims to create greater awareness among Filipinos of the importance of nutrition. This year’s theme is “Malnutrisyon patuloy na labanan, First 1000 days tutukan!”

8 mayors, 3 veep in North Cotabato defeat virus By Williamor A. Magbanua

SO THEY ARE SAFE AND PROTECTED. The Cotabato City government, under Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi, turns over alcohol, facemasks and other protective items against COVID-19 Sheikh Marhan Borhan, chairmn of Da´wah and Masjid Affairs in Cotabato City. Dr. Danda Juanday, city administrator, represented Mayor Sayadi in the program. Photo courtesy of Samson Gogo

KIDAPAWAN CITY — Eight of the 17 mayors in North Cotabato have tested positive of the feared novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and survived. Three vice mayors were also isolated and admitted to various COVID-19 treatment facilities in Dav ao City and Cotabato City. Ali Abdullah, provincial local government operations officer, did not name the officials but some have admitted they have the virus, including Alamada Mayor Jesus Sacdalan, Makilala Mayor Armando Quibod, Tulunan Mayor Pip Limbungan and Magpet Mayor Florenito

Gonzaga. Abdullah said four other mayors also tested positive of the virus and three vice mayors of Makilala, Matalam and Antipas. "They are now in stable conditions while some of them already returned to their respective works," Abdullah said, adding that they were at risk because of the nature of their jobs. “They are exposed to all kinds of people while performing their duties,” he said in a radio interview. Abdulla said many of those who tested positive have co-morbidities but they survived.

July 3, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

1 dead, 26 arrested, guns, shabu seized in Lanao del Sur

THE police arrested 26 wanted persons, seized 15 firearms, explosives and P1.7 million worth of shabu in separate operations in Lanao del Sur province Tuesday. Police Col. Rex Derilo, Lanao del Sur provincial police director, said the 26 suspects in different crimes, including drug trafficking murder and theft, are now detained, awaiting prosecution. Policemen shot dead on the same day in Balabagan, Lanao del Sur another wanted person for resisting arrest. In a report Wednesday to Police Brig. Gen. Eden Ugale, director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, Derilo said the suspects, now all detained, have pending cases in different courts. Tuesday’s simultaneous police operations in Lanao del Sur were launched as part of PRO-BAR’s Simultaneous Anti-Criminality Law Enforcement Operations program meant to clamp down persons facing cases in courts, drug traffickers, extortionists and owners of unlicensed firearms. Units of the provincial police and

personnel of the municipal police stations in Lanao del Sur involved in the raids have confiscated five M16 rifles, a .30 caliber Garand rifle, an M1 Carbine rifle, a 9 millimeter Uzi machine pistol, five .45 caliber pistols and a .38 caliber revolver from the 26 suspects. Police operatives also seized from them six rifle grenades, two 40 millimeter grenade projectiles and P1.7 million worth of shabu, weighing almost half a kilo. In a statement Wednesday, Ugale said he is thankful to Gov. Mamintal Adiong, Jr., chairperson of the Lanao del Sur provincial peace and order council, for supporting the separate police operations that resulted in the arrest of the 26 wanted persons. Ugale said credit for the feat also has to go to the municipal executives who helped locate the suspects, now locked in a detention facility of the Lanao del Sur provincial police. John Felix Unson

DAR grants ARBOs P8.5-M worth equipment

ISULAN, Sultan Kudarat – Agrarian reform beneficiaries in Sultan Kudarat are expected to boost productivity and improve marketing activities after the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR-Sultan Kudarat) turned over Tuesday five hauler tucks and two farm machineries. The project was under the Italian Assistance to the Agrarian Reform Community Development Support Program (IARCDSP), also known as the Italian Project of the department, which aims to elevate and improve the quality of life of farmers in agrarian reform communities through the provision of interventions on agrienterprise development. Rhea Marie P. Betque of DAR Sultan Kudarat, identified the recipient agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations as Pangulan-Isulan Irrigators Services and Inc. of Laguilayan Agrarian Reform Communities (ARC), SAMAKANA Multipurpose Cooperative of Bual ARC, Sitio Lagon Farmers Multi-purpose Cooperative of President Quirino, SKT ARC,

Pambansang Mananalon Magbabaul, at Magsasaka ng Pilipinas Inc.(P4MP), of Tacurong ARC, and New Calinog Women’s Association of LUV Lebak ARC were provided each with a hauling truck; and the Kalamansig para sa Kalikasan, Kaunlaran at Kalayaan (KPKKK) received two units of Rice Reaper. She added that the hauling trucks and farm machineries was amounting to about P8.5-million pesos, and is under the microfinance component-agrienterprise development of the Italian Project. “The DAR, through the leadership of Secretary John R. Castriciones, is making sure that amidst pandemic, support services for our agrarian reform beneficiaries were unceasingly provided and is one of our priorities,” OIC-Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer (PARPO) Engr. Mary Jane A. Aguilar. “Maintain the usability of these farm machineries and hauling trucks, as it will greatly help in the transport of crop produce and will significantly reduce hauling fees of your products delivered to market,” Engr. Aguilar

added. Shirly Lloyd P. Gonzales, president of Pangulan-ISA, from Laguilayan, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, conveyed his gratitude to DAR and the Italian government for providing them with “stepping stones towards a better quality of life for their organization as well as their families.” “Our association has been dreaming of this project for so long. And now that it came true, with this hauling truck provided to us for free, our association will surely grow and develop successfully and we are hoping that it will alleviate us from poverty,” Gonzales said. “On behalf of our association, we humbly thank DAR and the Italian government for all the support given to us,” she added. The Italian Project is a foreign-assisted project, funded under the loan agreement executed with the Government of Italy. It aims to address poverty, as well as to elevate income and livelihood of its beneficiaries particularly in agrarian reform communities in M i n d a n a o . Edwin O.

Fernandez

BACK TO MAINSTREAM. The six followers of wanted terrorist Imam Bongos, leader of one of three factions in the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, have pledged allegiance to the government as they yielded to the military last Monday. Photo courtesy of 6ID

5 men nabbed for guns, shabu in Maguidanao

THE police and military authorities are together trying to establish now the seeming links between local terrorists and the five men detained for carrying firearms and possession of shabu in Mamasapano, Maguindanao. A u t h o r i t i e s confiscated shabu and firearms from them when they were intercepted Friday last week in Barangay Tukanalipao, M a m a s a p a n p , Maguindanao, a town where there is presence of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). Major Gen. Juvymax Uy, 6th Infantry Division commander, confirmed on Saturday the arrest of Benjar Rajahpandalat, Pong Mohammad, Pogi Abullah, Theng Kiladan and Said Nanding for possession of unlicensed firearms and shabu. Uy said the suspects were together in a black

Toyota Hilux pickup truck that soldiers and policemen flagged down for inspection after receiving tips alleging they have firearms and narcotics in their vehicle. One of the suspects was riding a blue Honda XRM 125 motorcycle trailing the pick-up truck, according to Uy, also commander of the antiterror, military led Joint Task Force Central. Uy said the joint Armypolice team that nabbed the five men found in their vehicle a 5.56 millimeter M16 Bushmaster assault rifle, two .45 caliber pistols and shabu. “Credit for this feat should go to the 33rd Infantry Battalion, the Maguindanao provincial police and the Mamasapano municipal police,” Uy said. Uy said Lt. Col. Benjamin Cadiente, Jr., 33rd IB commander, is now validating reports

from vigilant informants that the suspects have links with the BIFF. In a statement Wednesday, the Maguindanao provincial police said investigators are working towards that end. The BIFF, tagged in all deadly bombings in central Mindanao since 2014, is using the flag of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria as its banner. U y s a i d Rajahpandalat, Mohammad, Abdullah, Kiladan and Nanding are now clamped down in a police detention facility. Police Brig. Gen. Eden Ugale, director of the Police Regional OfficeBangsamoro Autonomous Region, said they are to prosecute the five men for violation of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and illegal possession of firearms.

John Felix Unson

Moro, IPs outside BARMM also receive agri aid

MORO farmers living outside the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) are also qualified to receive technical assistance from the region’s agriculture ministry, an agriculture official said Tuesday. Ronjamin Maulana, Maguidnanao provincial director of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR-BARMM), said that even though Sultan Kudarat province is outside the premises of BARMM “we respond to the request of the farmers who seek technical assistance.” Maulana said members of Indigenous People and former Moro rebels received Inbred Palay seeds and assorted vegetables from MAFAR during turn over programs held at the headquarters of Army’s 7th Infantry (TAPAT) Battalion Barangay Kalawag II, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat. MAFAR Minister Mohammad S. Yacob said the ceremonial distribution

was one of the programs of the ministry to uplift the lives of the people in the far-flung areas, even those outside the BARMM. The provision of palay seeds to farmers, supports the implementation of the Department of Agriculture programs, the “Ahon Lahat, Pagkain Sapat” (ALPAS) with 100 bags of Inbred Palay seeds and 100 packs of assorted vegetable received by the beneficiaries from Barangay Bual, Isulan and Barangay Ilian, Esperanza, both in Sultan Kudarat. Lt. Colonel Romel S. Valencia, 7th IB commander, said his unit is ready to assist the ministry to help prevent communist from easily infiltrating communities mired by poverty. Valencia said the MAFAR and Army joint efforts were aimed at providing assistance to the livelihood of the beneficiaries “who are at risk in the infiltration of the communist.” PNA

US provides medical training for PH

JOINT medical training has been conducted by the U.S. Civil Military Support Element – Philippines (CMSE-PHL), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Philippines’ Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DABFAR) from June 14 to 17 in El Nido, Palawan. A statement from the Office of U.S. Embassy Press Attaché Heather Fabrikant said the PCG ship BRP-Cabra (Multi-Role Response Vessel-4409), Coast Guard District Palawan (CGDPAL) personnel, and DA-BFAR patrol vessels MCS 3002 and MCS 3004 participated in the training. PCG District Palawan Commander Commodore Genito Basilio said he and his District Staff for Education's were grateful for the U.S. military training. "It will not only help fulfill the mandates of the PCG, but will increase its competency, since we

know we can depend on each other's capabilities," Basilio said of the joint training. “It’s always a privilege to be able to learn from our Philippine partners and share our knowledge during these combined training events,” said U.S. Army Captain Corey Young, CMSE-PHL. “The Philippine Coast Guard’s mission to protect lives during operations at sea is incredibly complex, and they perform it well. We’re happy to be able to support enhancing our partners’ emergency medical capabilities,” he added. Building upon previous Tactical Combat Casualty Care training events with CGDPAL, 20 crewmembers learned methods to immediately recognize and address injuries encountered during maritime search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, or maritime security operations, the U.S. Embassy statement said.

It said crew members were taught how to conduct detailed trauma patient assessments, control bleeding, treat breathing issues, perform advanced field medical procedures, and triage patients. The statement said the combined training increased the crews’ capabilities to better protect the lives of Filipino citizens and their fellow crew members during emergencies. In the past seven months, CMSEPHL has trained over 75 personnel across CGDPAL and the Palawan Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. It added: “The partnership between CMSE-PHL and CGDPAL exemplifies the close relationship between American and Philippine friends, partners, and allies. Our combined training strengthens emergency response efforts, maritime law enforcement, and promotes a free and open Indo-Pacific.” With reports for Nash B. Maulana

July 3, 2021

Bangsamoro Press Corps...from P8 8 mayors, 3 veep in North...from P1

following long-drawn efforts by senior journalists covering activities and events related to the evolution of regional autonomy since the Marcos era. Ali G. Macabalang, pioneer corps president and news editor of the Philippine Muslim Today news, heads the BPC. Other elected BPC offices are four vice presidents – John Unson (print); Erwin Cabilbigan (radio); Benny Queman (TV); Edwin Fernandez (online/multimedia); and Ferdinandh Cabrera (PhotoJournalism); Ella Dayawan, treasurer; Dennis Arco, auditor; Sam Sali and Nhur Gayak, business managers; and

Michael Suan, PRO. Elected Board of Directors are: Bruce Matabalao, chairman (Cotabato City); Nash Maulana (Maguindanao); Ding Yahya (Lanao del Sur);: Bert Digamon Jr. (North Cotabato); Fidencio Yu Castro, Jr. (SOCCSKSARGEN); Dhen Kadatuan (Muslim sector); Charlie Señase (Christian sector); Daisy Mangod (IP sector); Lacks Dama (BCOBAR); Abduljaman Damahan (Basilan); Julmunir Jannaral (Sulu); and Johnny R. Lee (TawiTawi). The Crops has designated a secretariat composed of Valerie Lambo, Reynan Doce and Crisbelle May Lorenzo.

Lorenzana, Nograles...from P1 “I think it (extension Bill) should be passed,” adding that: “In Congress the measure can be passed expeditiously. What is most important is that parties understand each other,” Nograles said. For his part BARMM Interior and Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo said he also believed there was still enough time for Congress to pass the measure seeking to extend the BTA term to three more years or up to May 2025. “We believe Congress can pass the law on time and there’s enough time for it, since the concerned Committee has deliberated on the proposed Bill for thrice already. In reality, all the questions that the lawmakers want answered have already been answered

in the House,” Sinarimbo said. Sinarimbo said the deliberation of the proposed BTA extension bill has already been wrapped up with a Committee Report in the Senate. He said the establishing of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Government will be long remembered in history as the legacy of President Duterte, adding that the BARMM leadership was grateful it was given the opportunity to share in a national event the accomplishments of the regional government during the last two-and-a-half year. “Here stands a chance that officials would be able to include the accomplishments of the BARMM into the Presidents report during his last SONA on July 19, 2021.

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late NENA C. DUI, who died on November 2, 2020 at Cotabato City, left bank accounts at Al Amanah Islamic Bank, Cotabato City under Account No. 05-05973-003-9 and BPI-Cotabato City under Account No. 002163-2298-81; 2012 Toyota Innova 2.5G DSL Vehicle with Plate No. LGM325 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. 3277; Page No. 3277; Book No. XXVII; Series of 2021.

Notice is hereby given that the late NENA C. DUI, who died on November 2, 2020 at Cotabato City, left bank accounts at Metrobank–Quezon, Cotabato City under Account Nos. 3-40607904-0 and 3-40604789-0; MetrobankMain, Cotabato City with Account No. 074-3-07435802-1 and MetrobankBajada, Davao City with Account No. 3-23935465-4 are the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Agnes R. De Castro-Jagunap, as per Doc. No. 3276; Page No. 3276; Book No. XXVII; Series of 2021.

MC: Jun. 19, 26 & Jul. 3, 2021

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late Spouses FORTUNATO B. SILVANO and LEONARDA A. SILVANO, who died on November 28, 2003 and August 10, 2007 in Midsayap, Cotabato, respectively, left a parcel of land Lot No. 835-A, Csd-12-005905, situated at Kimagango, Midsayap, Cotabato with an area of 25,250 sq. mts., more or less, covered by Original na Titulo Blg. P-60306 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with deed of partition before Notary Public Atty. Noel A. Gretare, CPA, as per Doc. No. 1854; Page No. 76; Book No. LXXV; Series of 2021. MC: Jun. 19, 26 & Jul. 3, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late Spouses AMPARO DELA CRUZ ARIZABAL and BERNARDO S. ARIZABAL, who died intestate on November 7, 2008 and February 3, 1997 in Midsayap, Cotabato and Cotabato City, respectively, left a parcel of land Lot No. 292B, Csd-12-00470, situated in Poblacion, Midsayap, Cotabato with an area of 282 sq. mts., more or less, covered by OCT No. P-55809 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous waiver of rights before Notary Public Alberto T. Eramis, as per Doc. No. 231; Page No. 47; Book No. CCXXXIV; Series of 2021. MC: Jun. 19, 26 & Jul. 3, 2021

Antipas Vice Mayor Christobal "Chis" Cadungon was the latest local official who publicly declared he has the virus and is about to be discharged from a private isolation facility in Davao City. Cadungon admitted he was hospitalized in Kidapawan City due to fever and loose bowel movement, both symptoms of COVID-19. His antigen test showed he was negative of possible infection but when he started having dry cough, his physician recommended for swab test. The result was positive. He recalled how difficult it was to have the virus and find hospitals in Davao City. “No available rooms, I have to stay overnight in a tent outside with other positive patients.” Already out in the hospital but Cadungon needs to stay for another 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 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 Guianon Ali and Baidido 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 3 & 10, 2021

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

seven days in a separate isolation facility to fully recover. As of June 29, North Cotabato has 3640 confirmed COVID 19 cases, 687 of whom were active while 191 have expired due to COVID-19 related diseases. The number of patients to have recovered reached 2,758.

AFFIDAVIT OF ADJUDICATION Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the late EDUARDO JAUOD LABANON, JR., who died on September 10, 2006 at Pigcawayan, Cotabato, left parcels of land Lot 2, Block 2, Psd-12-023507; Lot 4, Block 2, Psd-12023507; Lot 5, Block 2, Psd-12-023507; Lot 6, Block 2, Psd12-023507; Lot 7, Block 2, Psd-12023507; Lot 10, Block 1, Psd-12-023507 and Lot 11, Block 1, Psd-12-023507 all situated at Poblacion, P i g c a w a y a n , Cotabato, containing the total area of 3,504 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT Nos. T-100374, T-100376, T-100377, T-100378, T-100379, T-100368 and T-100369, respectively, are the subject of affidavit of adjudication by sole heir before Notary Public Noel A. Gretare, CPA as per Doc. No. 1,576; Page No. 21; Book No. LXXV; Series of 2021.

MC: June 26, Jul. 3 & 10, 2021

Republic of the Philippines Talitay, Maguindanao LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1, Guidelines in the implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. No. 10172), a notice is hereby served to the public that Rolyn A. Magaro has filed with this office a petition for correction of entry in sex from Female to Male in the Certificate of Live Birth of Rolyn A. Magaro at Alamada, Cotabato and whose parents are Rolando D. Magaro and Merlyn D. Aldas. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than July 8, 2021.

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. No. 10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that Pilot Luntoy Ali has filed with this office a petition for correction of entries on the day and month from March 10 to June 4 in the Certificate of Live Birth of Pilot Luntoy Ali who was born on June 4, 2004 at Talitay, Maguindanao and whose parents are Motalib M. Ali and Mariam M. Luntoy. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than the last day of this publication.

(Sgd) MA. LENY B. BUENAFE

(Sgd) JOHRIA S. MUSA

Municipal Civil Registrar

MC: June 26 & Jul. 3, 2021

Municipal Civil Registrar

MC: June 26 & Jul. 3, 2021

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that estate of the late PRISCILLA V. A N C H E TA a n d ADORACION V. ANCHETA, who died intestate on October 7, 2011 and August 8, 2019 at Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay and Libungan, Cotabato, respectively, left a parcel of land Lot 2754-C-3-D, Psd-12-001049, situated at Poblacion, Libungan, Cotabato with an area of 300 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. T-114611 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate and partition with simultaneous deed of sale before Notary Public Noel A. Gretare, CPA as per Doc. No. 2,525; Page No. 85; Book No. LXXI; Series of 2020.

Notice is hereby given that estate of the late FELICIDAD R. OSORIO, who died on December 3 0 , 1 9 8 8 a t Tu b o n , Pigcawayan, Cotabato left a parcel of land Lot No. 3151-D-2, Psd12-008209, situated at Tubon, Pigcawayan, Cotabato with an area of 10,742 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. T-70718 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Noel A. Gretare, CPA as per Doc. No. 1,389; Page No. 62; Book No. XLVIII; Series of 2017.

MC: June 26, Jul. 3 & 10, 2021

ADJUDICATION BY SOLE HEIR Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late Spouses MATEO SALES a n d PA N TA L E O N A CASTRO-SALES, who died intestate on January 20, 1992 and October 9, 1988, respectively at Sinawingan, Libungan, Cotabato, left parcels of land Lot No. 2969-D-9-C, Psd-12-004418 and Lot 2966-B-8, Psd-11-001185, situated at Sinawingan, Libungan, Cotabato with the total area of 2,569 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT Nos. T-67582 and T-55435 are the subject of adjudication by sole heir before Notary Public Noel A. Gretare, CPA as per Doc. No. 813; Page No. 58; Book No. LXVIII; Series of 2020.

MC: June 26, Jul. 3 & 10, 2021

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late FREDDIE B. TESORO, who died intestate on November 26, 2012 at Cotabato City, left parcels of land Lot 4173-B-16, Psd-12029959; Lot 4173-B17, Psd-12-029959 and Lot 4173-B-9, Psd-12029959 all situated at Bolocaon, Pigcawayan, Cotabato, with the total area of 3,001 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT Nos.T- 113886, T-113887 and T-113879, respectively are the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Noel A. Gretare, CPA as per Doc. No. 1,755; Page No. 56; Book No. LXXV; Series of 2021. MC: June 26, Jul. 3 & 10,

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late ABDULATIP K. KANAPIA, who died intestate on April 9, 2021 in Cotabato City, left bank accounts at Philippine National Bank under Account Nos. 306685500019 and 405110147331; Bank of the Philippine Islands under Account No. 21634541-17 and Metrobank under Account No. 0743-07439272-6 are the subject of extrajudicial partition of personal property with waiver of rights before Atty. Mohammad Jameel A. Singh as per Doc. No. 481; Page No. 97; Book No. 9; Series of 2021. MC: Jun. 19, 26 & Jul. 3, 2021

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late FIDELA A. MANSILLA and AUGUSTO M. MANSILLA, who died intestate on May 14, 2003 and January 3, 2018, respectively in Cotabato City, left a parcel of land Lot 1323-B-2-G-8-L-9-C-3. Psd-11-053273, situated in Bo. Poblacion, Sto. Niño, South Cotabato with an area of 999 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. 85026 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Agnes R. De Castro-Jagunap, as per Doc. No. 3266; Page No. 3266; Book No. XXVII; Series of 2021.

MC: Jun. 19, 26 & Jul. 3, 2021

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that estate of the late IGNACIA G. LOZANO, who died intestate on October 6, 2019 at Bajada, Davao City, left a bank deposit at LBP Parang Branch, Parang, Maguindanao under Account No. 26610568-97 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement with waiver of shares before Notary Public Mimbalawag T. Mangutara, Jr., CPA as per Doc. No. 266; Page No. 55; Book No. LIX; Series of 2021.

MC: June 26, Jul. 3 & 10, 2021

Republic of the Philippines Supreme Court 5th SHARI’A DISTRICT COURT Cotabato City SDC SPL. PROC. CASE No. 2020-508 IN THE MATTER OF PETITION FOR DECLARATION OF HEIRSHIP AND/OR SURVIVING SPOUSE LEGAL BENEFICIARY OF THE LATE SPO3 RAFAEL HADJI ALI KASIM NORMA K. KASIM Petitioner, -versusTHE POLICE RETIREMENT A N D B E N E F I T S ADMINISTRATION SERVICE, PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE, CAMP CRAME, QUEZON CITY Respondent. x----------------------------------------x ORDER Filed with this court is a petition for declaration of heirship and/or surviving spouse. The petitioner, Norma K. Kasim alleged among others: That she is the only surviving spouse of the late Rafael Hadji Ali Kasim who died on March 6, 2020. That they got married on November 22, 1984; That the said marriage was covered by a Certificate of Marriage, registered with the Local Civil Registrar of Buluan, Maguindanao; That the husband of the petitioner, Rafael Hadji Ali Kasim, during his lifetime was a member of the PNP until he retired from the service and enjoyed his pension until his death; That the petitioner is entitled to her husband’s pension being the only surviving spouse and beneficiary of the deceased; and that the respondent, Police Retirement and Benefits Administration Service is under obligation to transfer the pension of the late SPO3 Kasim to his only surviving spouse, herein petitioner. The petition is sufficient in form and substance, hence, has to be heard on February 23, 2021 at 8:30 in the morning. Anybody who maybe adversely affected by this petition may appear on the said date and place and show cause, why this petition should not be granted or may file a written opposition thereto. The petitioner is directed to cause the publication of this Order, once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation before the said hearing. SO ORDERED. Marawi City for Cotabato City, Philippines, December 29, 2020. (Sgd.) RASAD S. LAGUINDAB Acting Presiding Judge

MC: Jun. 19, 26 & Jul 3, 2021

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late SEBASTIAN PRONCO, who died on May 11, 1964 at Kiwanan, Midsayap, Cotabato left a parcel of land Lot No. 1038, situated at Bo. Anonang, Midsayap, Cotabato, containing an area of 66,925 square meters, more or less is the subject of deed of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous sale before Notary Public Roland D. Jungco as per Doc. 378; Page No. 77; Book No. 115; Series of 2021. MC: July 3, 10 & 17, 2021

July 3, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

On Pope’ Day, Nuncio calls to protect creation

PAPAL nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown on Tuesday has used his first “Pope’s Day” celebration in the Philippines in asking the faithful to step up commitment to saving creation. Addressing the faithful gathered for the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, he said Christians are called not just to a “moral beauty” but also “to respect the beauty of God’s creation around us in nature”. “We cannot fail to be concerned when we see environmental degradation around you,” Brown said in his homily at the Manila Cathedral. “Sensitivity to beauty is part of the Filipino culture but much remains to be done in respecting the beauty of God’s creation,” he said. Echoing Pope Francis, the nuncio also said that Catholics are called to be “instruments of God” who “corresponds with His plan for peace, beauty and fulness.” Citing Saints Peter and Paul, he stressed that the real beauty of Rome comes from saints who “shed their blood for Christ,” not from any physical glory or fame. “Their (Sts. Peter and Paul) vocations were similar, each was an evangelizer, but each expresses the beauty of holiness in his

own distinct way,” Brown said. “Beauty attracts by its very nature that is why the saints are always evangelizers no matter what their specific vocation is. They are imbued by the beauty of God,” he added. Pope’s day is celebrated annually during the feast day of Sts. Peter and St. Paul, the “two pillars of the Church.” In attendance were Cardinal Jose Advincula and other bishops in the ecclesiastical province of Manila. In the Vatican, Pope Francis blessed the “pallium”, the white woolen vestments to be given to each new metropolitan archbishop. The pope said the pallium are signs “chosen to symbolize the reality of pastoral care,” in the hope that those who will wear them may “recognize themselves as shepherds of the flock”. The 34 recently appointed archbishops, including Cardinal Jose Advincula, will receive their blessed pallium from their local apostolic nuncio. Mariel Celine L.

Serquiña/CBCP News

Bishop Pabillo humbled by chance ‘to live poor among poor’

FROM highly urbanized Metro Manila, Bishop Broderick Pabillo is off for a new mission as shepherd of one of the youngest and poorest ecclesiastical territories in the country. Pope Francis on Tuesday appointed him as the new bishop of the Apostolic Vicariate of Taytay in Palawan, located in the country’s westernmost province. Pabillo said the appointment humbled him after having served the Manila archdiocese for 15 years since he became auxiliary bishop. It will be a “totally different” engagement, according to him, as he will take charge of the pastoral care of the fisherfolk, the substinence farmers, and the indigenous peoples in the area. “I thank the Holy Father that in the near-

twilight of my life, I am still given a chance to work on a mission territory and to live poor among the poor,” said Pabillo, a known human rights and environment advocate. The 66-year-old said the vicariate is also “challenging” in terms of the location of Christian communities crossing mountains and seas to reach them. “In a word, it is a mission territory,” he said. But Palawan is not new to Pabillo having served as a missionary in the Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Princesa for seven years until he became prelate. Palawan falls under the Ecclesiastical Province of Manila, which means that Pabillo will still somehow work with the newly installed Manila archbishop, Cardinal Jose

Advincula. Since vicariates and prelatures are regarded by the Vatican as mission territories, they fall under the jurisdiction of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples headed by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Manila’s former archbishop. As prefect of the Vatican department, Tagle is also responsible for episcopal nominations in mission lands. The Apostolic Vicariate of Taytay is served by at least 41 diocesan priests and some religious missionaries working in 22 parishes and four mission stations. “My saying ‘yes’ to this assignment is my small way of living out the ‘missio ad gentes,’” Pabillo said, referring to the theme of the 500 years of Christianity celebration in the country.

CBCP News

The Boy Next Door REFLECTIONS

Archbishop Charles Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, leads Mass for the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul at the Manila Cathedral June 29.

CBCP News

Duterte must face accountability for killings — faith leaders

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte must face accountability for the widespread killings under his anti-drug crackdown, an interfaith group said Tuesday. Ecumenical group “One Voice” criticized the growing “valley of dry bones” in the country since Duterte assumed the post in 2016. “We at One Voice cry out for justice for the victims of the Duterte regime,” the Christian leaders said. “We demand that Duterte and those who orchestrate and execute these state-sanctioned murders be held accountable,” they said. The government’s “war on drugs”, they said, is “evil” because it is orchestrated by powerful people in the government against those who have been disempowered and oppressed. According to them, the killings committed in the drug war are not just an attack on the victims but also “a crime that endangers us all”. “It is evil as it is organized killing by people elected to power whose mandate is to uphold and defend the dignity and life of every Filipino,” the church leaders said. “May our calls for justice reverberate

he boy next door is 6:1-6). What is a prophet? A a familiar face. The prophet is literally one who elders know him and speaks in behalf of God. He his peers grew up with him. is God’s messenger. He is a He is just an ordinary guy. truth-teller. He announces He is the son of Tio Isko, the good tidings for God’s people, balut vendor and Manang or he denounces what is Bella the labandera. He could not godly. A prophet does be anyone who grew up in a not pander to what pleases Rev. Fr. Antonio P. Pueyo, DCC small town. He may be the people, but only considers tonypoy_dcc0@yahoo.com bright guy in school or the what pleases God. Prophets local naughty boy. Then he leaves town and later comes are therefore not always acceptable in their own societies. back as an adult. He is now like the new kid in town. Oftentimes they live in the fringes of society. Prophets He may have become a teacher, a businessman, or even exercise a unique kind of freedom. They are not beholden a doctor. He may be noticed for some of his activities to anyone, except to God. They are God’s servants first. and may have slowly built a professional reputation but Jesus accepted the title of prophet. He knew the for his townmates he is just the boy next door, the son of consequences of this role. He could have played the role Tio Isko and Manang Bella. of a celebrity and say only what was pleasing to the ears This was what happened to Jesus, known to be the of his hearers. He could have taken advantage of his son of Joseph a carpenter and Mary his mother. For popularity and become what people expected a Messiah most of his youth and early adulthood he was the boy to be, a political leader who would vanquish his people’s next door in Nazareth. Like any Jewish boy, he learned oppressors. They wanted him to be a king. The Galileans the trade of his father the carpenter. Later in some of were well-known as rabble rousers who would even his parables he would talk of laying good foundations challenge the might of Rome. He was suspected to be and cornerstones, just like a skilled carpenter. He then another Galilean trouble maker. At the beginning of his left Nazareth and called disciples around him. Initially ministry when He prepared Himself in the desert, the he went around Galilee his home province, followed devil gave him many options of how He could exercise His by his disciples. He built a reputation as a healer, a messiahship: be powerful – turn this stone into bread, be preacher, and a prophet, settling more in Capernaum spectacular – jump from the parapet of the temple. Be a bigger town and a hub of activities. When he came a rich man – just worship me. Jesus refused all these back to Nazareth, he was of course admired initially. He roles and chose to be a prophet, an itinerant preacher became a celebrity, until he preached in the synagogue who has “nowhere to lay his head.” He chose the narrow and his townmates heard his message. The people of his path that pleased the Father, a path that would lead to town did not like what he was saying, “Who is he to talk the way of the Cross. like that, don’t we know him?” He is just the boy next The boy next door did not become a wealthy man, nor door. Now, he acts like a prophet. From admiration to a king with a mighty army, nor an idolized celebrity. He criticism. Were his townmates envious? Did they resent suffered a prophet’s death and became a Savior of all his growing popularity? people. The lesson for us is when confronted with That’s what happens to prophets. As the gospel says, life’s choices, do we choose to please only ourselves prophets are not acceptable in their own towns (Mk. and people or do we choose to please God. MC

as we seek life and dignity for the people of our nation, and may we become one as a people as we pursue just peace and common good for all,” they added. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has recently issued a call for families of drug war victims to submit concerns over the request to proceed with an investigation. The ICC prosecutor earlier requested authorization to open a full probe into the spate of killings as a result of the drug war, saying crimes against humanity could have been committed. Among those who signed the One Voice statement are Catholic Bishop Broderick Pabillo of Manila, Bishop Reuel Marigza of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines, and Bishop Rhee Timbang of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente. Other signatories include Sisters Association in Mindanao chair Sr. Rowena Pineda, Sr. Ma. Lisa Ruedas of the Daughter of Charity’s Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Ministry, and Br. Armin Luistro, provincial superior of the De La Salle Brothers in East Asia. CBCP News

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

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Readings:

Ezekiel 2.3-5; 2 Corinthians 12.7-10; Mark 6.1-6

What makes us angry and frustrated? We get frustrated when our efforts are not recog.ized and angry when our intentions are being questioned. When we expect too much from others or certain wishes and hopes to happen, we often fall into frustration. But we must realize that we cannot control everything that happens and comes into our lives. What matters most is how we respond to every situation, whether it is painful, diffucult, or easy. Nevsrtheksss, the Lord assures us that He will be with us even in our deepest anger and frustrations. So let us continue to trust Him everyday. Prayer: Lord, help me accept the things that I cannot control.

THE MINDANAO CROSS

July 3, 2021 EDITORIAL

The Passing of a Leader

ast June 26, it was a surprise to many Filipinos to hear that the previous president of the Philippine Republic just died. Former president Benigno Aquino III has kept a low profile when President Duterte took over the helm of government. His death was not subjected to the pomp and pageantry that usually accompanies the death of a typical of head of state. Upon the request of his family, an environment of simplicity was maintained and his death was followed by only one day of mourning. His remains was buried on the Saturday of the same week beside his parents – Ninoy and Cory Aquino. What made Noynoy a special leader for Filipinos? In his inaugural address on June 30, 2010, he stated that: “We are here to serve and not to lord over you. The mandate given to me was one of change. I accept your marching orders to transform our government from one that is self-serving to one that works for the welfare of the nation. My hope is that when I leave office, everyone can say that we have traveled far on the right path, and that we are able to bequeath a better future to the next generation. Join me in continuing this fight for change.” Political analysts were one in describing his administration as an execution of what he promised the Filipinos. There may be some aberrations as expected when one is handling a large bureaucracy, but in the whole, he was described as possessing the ideal qualities of a good leader. He was there to serve, and he acted as the servant of the people. As described by some – he had relatively high approval ratings as he went “beyond the usual half-hearted attempts and make a real effort to stamp out corruption and took a relatively hard line against China for its activities in waters claimed by the Philippines in the South China Sea”. He raised expectations by impressive economic resurgence that has made the Philippines a favourite of emerging market investors. It was during his term that the Philippines was dubbed as the Rising Tiger of Asia. At the end of his term, there was a peaceful turn over of the presidency to Rodrigo Duterte. It was a surprise to the Filipinos because he was the exact opposite of President Duterte, and for Filipinos who got used to the dramatic turn overs during the previous administrations – from Marcos to Cory Aquino and from Estrada to Arroyo, this was too uncharacteristic change of events. Even after Duterte was in control of the government, he was not heard of, not a pip like building up his Liberal Party, or siding with the Vice President Robredo who was the wife of a close friend. If I was to describe Former President Noynoy Aquino, he was a gentleman to the end. Can we have more leaders like him? MC +

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nak Mindanao Partylist representative Amihilda Sangcopan on Monday asked the House Committee on Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples to look into the situation of non-Moro Indigenous Peoples in the Bangsamoro autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao including the increase in killings of non-Moro IP leaders. Sangcopan in House Resolution 1926 said it is alarming that even with existing laws recognizing their rights and promoting their welfare, non-Moro IPs continue to endure challenges such as continued displacement from their ancestral lands, armed conflicts in their areas, and harassments by lawless armed groups that have also resulted in the deaths of non-Moro IPs. Sangcopan cited provisions of Republic Act 11054 otherwise known as the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, which she said was overwhelmingly supported by the non-Moro IPs in the hope that this will pave the way for the recognition and protection of their human rights and the implementation of their customary laws and practices. Among these are Section 3 Article I which promises to provide basic structure of government to recognize the legitimacy of the cause of the Bangsamoro people and the aspirations of Muslim Filipinos and all indigenous cultural communities in BARMM, Section 9 Article IV which states that the Bangsamoro government shall recognize and promote the rights of the non-Moro IPs within the framework of the constitution and national laws, and Section 3 Article IX which provides that the Bangsamoro Government recognizes the rights of the indigenous peoples and shall adopt measures for the promotion and protection of these rights which include among others native titles or Fusaka Inged, indigenous customs and traditions, justice systems and indigenous political structures, and freedom of choice as to their identity. In her resolution, Sangcopan lamented that after almost three years of the effectivity of the BOL the Tedurays, Lambangian, and Dulangan in Maguindanao and other non-Moro IPs in BARMM still struggle for the recognition and protection of their rights to their ancestral domain and self-determination. The observations of the Anak Mindanao Partylist representative are not without basis. Shortly before the end of 2020 and the start of 2021, more than two hundred mostly Teduray families left Sitio Manguda in Barangay Itaw, South Upi, Maguindanao after seeing the presence of armed men approaching their community. Other

here were they when he needed them most? A Muslim scholar, Dr. Mugan Mosaid shares facts and questions worth pondering on about probable circumstances of the former President’s death beyond what has been published, so far. In his dying weeks, the late former President must have lived a life miserably untold in moments of sheer necessity when he probably needed blood donation that his close friends could have provided him. But no! By all indications, former President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III died alone on his wheelchair. Missing two sessions of dialysis for someone not an ordinary member of a rich family but a former President, is beyond belief--unless as usual indeed, the procedure would at times require blood transfusion. And that’s where the necessity emerged, particularly when the faces of the errand his healthcare representatives had become the most familiar clients in the blood bank. Or--indeed, least efforts were made at all if any. As a Muslim, this reminds me of an anecdote told of one of the members of the learned Aguam Family, a physician, whose story was told in a U.S. magazine many years ago from a ranch county in California where lived a sickly cattle farm owner. When the patient got well, he partitioned his farm and rewarded Dr. Aguam with some few acres of his prime California estate including all the livestock in that part. Dr. Aguam, a Maranao neighbor of the sickly rich man became the attending physician of the ranch owner a place away from hospital. The Muslim physician prevailed over limitations by devising a homemade dialysis machine he could easily disinfect even by replacing the interior fittings of copper tubes. He told the patient that a homemade is better than those in service in the hospitals used by dozens of patients who can expose to risks of contracting diseases from one another using a common set. Dr. Aguam’s apprehension normally happens. (My cousin Dats Maulana had contracted tuberculosis from his fellow dialysis patient on the queue to the machine at a local hospital, before he died).

Why the continuing struggle of non-Moro IPs in BARMM?

Thinking Aloud Carlos C. Bautista caloyb@gmail.com

Teduray and Lambangian communities in South Upi, Sitio Bahar and Sitio Femegoyon in Barangay Pandan, have been sites of several armed confrontations related to conflicting land claims the year prior. Members and leaders of the Teduray and Lambangian have died there, shedding blood in defense of their ancestral domain rights which up to now remain under threat. Members of the community has been displaced several times, forced to live evacuation centers away from their meager means of livelihood, tilling the land. Earlier this year, there were again reported killings of non-Moro IP leaders in a number of towns in Maguindanao. No, sadly, it hasn’t stopped even with the BOL and the establishment of the BARMM. Not that it has reneged on its promise. It has the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs in place under Minister Melanio Ulama, who is himself a Teduray. Minister Ulama and another non-Moro IP, Member of Parliament Romeo Saliga, sit as members of the Bangsamoro Parliament ensuring IP representation in the regional legislative body. The MIPA and MP Saliga have not been remiss either in providing emergency assistance to displaced non-Moro IP communities affected by conflict and families victimized by violence. But a deeper, more comprehensive, and long-lasting solution is required from all agencies and institutions concerned to bring into fruition that long-cherished dream of the non-Moro indigenous peoples in the region: peace and a better life in their Fusaka Inged. According to Rep. Sangcopan her resolution urging the House Committee on Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples to conduct a review of the implementation of the provisions of the BOL does not aim to tarnish its noble intentions, “but to determine how else we can effectively achieve the purpose of the law and to better strengthen the existing mechanisms under it.” The non-Moro IPs in the Bangsamoro expect no less. They are entitled as well to no less. MC

In PNoy’s Death are Lessons for BFF hopefuls

Penlight Nash B. Maulana

nash.penlight@gmail.com

PNoy’s father the late Sen. Benigno Simeon Aquino Jr. was no stranger to Muslim friendship as his family shared a common political experience in selfexile with the family of the late Lanao Congressman Sultan Al-Rashid Lucman who never abandoned him and his political cause through thick-and-thin even in some foreign lands. But there lies the “crack” from a sentiment that could forever tone down a friendship. Once in Malacanang, PNoy rhetorically delivered speech with an ire vent on the daughter of his father’s best friend when she was NCMF Secretary.--on an issue, he said, that his attention was abashedly called by the King of Saudi in a letter. Otherwise, Aquino III could have just talked to her off microphone in his office. I understand the Muslim princess whom I have met, was one of those who would attend to Kris at tender age when the two political families were on self-exile during martial law. Not to mention a widely reported ‘act of disrespect’ to the then sickly Sultan of Sulu (also under dialysis that time) by one of his political lieutenants and close adviser during the height of the Lahad Datu standoff in April 2013. I believe things could have been differently told if the Maranaos were least sensitive or were insensible about how one treats their leaders in public speeches. Come to think of it: the thick Maranao population in Metro Manila could have mounted and launched a “blood donors’ rescue” to the family of the former President, while he was on dialysis. But only their leaders can do that in God’s Will. MC

July 3, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

worldly things that would soon vanish but instead focus on unseen things which are eternal after experiencing millions of lives lost and many still in the brink of death due to these pestilences, natural Charlie Señase csenase@yahoo.com and man-made disasters. Life is not all about OR the world to unite is impossible money, knowing that local government and so the usual majority rules elected officials are getting huge work well in any human endeavor. monthly stipends and allowances from And the scheduled Philippine elections the highest of more than P200,000 to the next year is no exception to smell fish at lowest of over 90,000. How much more this early stage with a query – Why so in the national level? many scramble to be President or other If it’s not all about fame and fortune elective posts in the midst of the still and still aspire for more as in the case unresolved global health crisis? of world boxing legend-turned Senator As usual we hear political rhetoric Manny Pacquiao aiming of promises from would for the highest elective be candidates to usher post of the land. What’s in a prosperous and power without greed in peaceful coexistence to the last days of perilous all when elected. times? In Muslim For President Mindanao, majority Duterte gunning for the wants the 2022 vice presidency in the regional polls shelved 2022 polls as his term as it pushes for a threeis about to end and his year extension of the daughter, Davao City interim governance mayor being groomed under the Bangsamoro as the next President. Transition Authority. The absence of an AntiWhile President Dynasty Law makes it possible and Duterte remains neutral on the pressing so with other veiled agenda over selfissue and concern by allowing Congress preservation legal or extra-judicial to decide on it, two of his emissaries and completion of unfinished political were here as a pre-SONA gesture to commitment. expressed their support to the policies As the country mourned the death and programs of BARMM interim Chief of former President Benigno “Noynoy” Minister Ahod “Al-Haj Murad” Ebrahim. Aquino III due to renal failure, citizensDefense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, in-the-know are puzzled, why was the who is also Cabinet officer for Regional body hurriedly cremated? They want to Development and Security described know the real cause of death. Ebrahim’s moral governance as “very Let’s pray that we may prosper impressive” but not enough for BTA in all things and be in good health members to just craft laws devoid of its just as our souls prosper. A timely true intent to benefit remote and poor reminder of the wisdom behind “Health villages. is wealth,” especially to the God-fearing Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, like Prophet Moses, who lived for 120 for his part, urged BARMM officials to years with perfect eyesight and strength think as one Filipinos and work for total before he finally rested in peace with the recovery on health, security and socio- LORD, who kills and makes alive, from economic wise. the grave to resurrection; He is also the Whatever outcome, let’s hope and One who makes the poor and the rich pray to set-aside vested interest on (Deuteronomy 34:7; 1 Samuel 2:6-8). MC

Good Life Amid Bad Times

True to Form

What’s power without greed in the last days of perilous times?

Janice did the honors of officiating their wedding held at the People’s Palace, followed by the reception at the Glamour Convention Hall. Pems. Generoso and Victoria R. Franco, RPh, MS Pharmacy Veronica Kinazo are Mikko’s parents while Pems. Joel franco1573victoria@gmail.com and Dorinda Rosalie Alix Tan are the bride’s parents. Do we still look to June as the marrying month like in the US? Yes we do. Mikko Teddy U. Inta, Cheribin Mena K.Viloria Kinazo and Jasmine Tan just did. Hon. and P.Col. Noel U. Kinazo and Mrs. City Mayor Frances Cynthia J. Guiani- Corazon L. Kinazo were the Principal Sayadi , represented by her niece Judge Sponsors. MC

Thrills in the month of June

The Stuff of Life

The newly wedded couple,Mikko and Jasmine with Judge Janice

Alexandra Salazar, RN, Cotabato City's representative to the Ms Philipines Earth Competion, 2021

Not everybody are blessed to go for 80 years, Thank you Lord.

Good Nutrition for Kids During Challenging Times

grain option if possible.

Healthy Snacking The goal is to maintain routine meal and snack times. This will help to curb mindless eating and By Laura Gibofsky/HSS (a reprint) maintain internal hunger cues, which let us know mportance of good nutrition when we are hungry. Too Good nutrition is important so much snacking can lead to weight gain children can grow appropriately or poor eating during mealtimes. and live a healthful life. We want to Many parents focus on whether teach healthy eating habits during their their child is eating enough. But kids younger years, so they take those habits are very good at indicating when they’ve with them as they become adults. had enough. Generally, a child should • O v e r a l l , y o u n g p e o p l e ( a n d not be encouraged to eat if not hungry. adults) should eat a diverse diet that •Try buying pre-portioned items or includes a variety of different fruits take only the amount the child should and vegetables; whole grains; protein, be eating and put it on a plate for including seafood, lean meats and snacking. Use smaller plates so that poultry, eggs, legumes, and nuts and you don’t feel tempted to fill a large seeds; low-fat dairy and an appropriate plate. amount of healthy fats. Avocados, •Fresh veggies, such as cherry walnuts, and olive or canola oil are tomatoes or baby carrots, are always a examples of healthy fats. great option because they require little •For children and teens, it’s of preparation other than washing them the utmost importance to consume with water. You can also buy pre-cut adequate calcium to make sure they are veggies to keep in the fridge for a snack. building strong bones. Parents should Try dipping your vegetables in hummus ensure that their child gets 3-4 servings or a bean dip for some extra protein. of dairy every day. Dark leafy greens, •Fresh fruit is another great option, tofu, lentils, sardines and salmon are but be mindful of portion sizes, as also good sources of calcium. Also look we don’t want kids to eat an entire for calcium-fortified cereals, breads, watermelon. and nondairy milk alternatives (ex: •Read labels. Items marketed as rice, soy, almond, cashew, etc.) “veggie chips,” for example, are often •Limit soda and sweetened juices not vegetables. The label should list and teas. Sweetened beverages often vegetables in the first three ingredients. displace milk in children’s diets, and Tips for good health to help families these sweetened drinks do not offer stay on track for healthy eating the same bone-building advantages. Families stuck at home at the start Bottled fruit smoothies may seem like of the pandemic may have gotten into a healthy choice, but they can be loaded the habit of buying a lot of processed with excess sugar. They are also costly, snack foods loaded with sugar or salt. so if parents have a blender, they would People generally feel better when be better off making their own smoothie they eat well. Parents who want to get with milk and fruit. back on track for healthy eating could start with a family meeting to discuss Healthy breakfast the importance of good eating habits Breakfast can really consist of and to talk about making some changes. anything, as it is just meant to break Get the kids involved in developing the fast from the night before. We want good habits. to make sure it is a healthy choice, but You could start with a small goal if a child wants to eat leftover chicken and work your way up to a bigger one. from the night before, by all means. Once you start eating healthy, if you For breakfast, aim to include a protein, stick with it, it should become the new fresh fruit or vegetables, and a whole norm. MC

HEALTH CORNER

On Loans and Credit Cards…

the like. Personal loans are taken by individuals while business loans are entered into by sole proprietors, a partnership, cooperative, or corporations. Danny Buenbrazo Loans may also be danny_buenbrazo@yahoo.com classified as regular or emergency. Regular s a general rule, financial advisers warn people against debts and loans are those that had been planned credit cards. This caveat is made in advance by the borrower while not merely to scare people but based on emergency loans are those that the actual sad stories of those who suffered borrower is forced to take due to an from heavy debts or misuse (or abuse) adverse circumstance (e.g. unforeseen personal expense or for payment of of their credit cards. business expenses due to disruption in cash flow of the company). What is a loan? To make borrowing much easier, Let us understand what it is and the different aspects that determines someone invented the credit card. how it impacts those that takes on a Unlike taking a regular loan that loan. It is an arrangement entered into requires tacit approval from the lender, a credit card allows the holder by two parties: lender and borrower. A loan is something borrowed, to purchase or borrow money without it can be a thing but more usually seeking approval for each loan taken. involves money. It is understood that What is a credit card? the thing or money will be returned A credit card is a financial facility after a specified period of time with interest. The loan can be repaid in extended by a credit company (usually lump-sum at the end of the loan period associated with a bank) that allows the or through a number of payments holder to purchase things and services on credit). Credit card companies, (called amortizations). Interest is the amount that is through banks, issue credit cards given to the lender by the borrower to qualified individuals after they to compensate him/her for not being applied and submitted documents able to use his/her asset for the period to prove income and capacity to pay. of the loan. Penalty is the money that However, there are instances when the borrower is obligated to pay, on top banks issue credit cards to individuals of the interest, for his or her failure to they determined to be credit-worthy make payments as they fall due and without need for application. Purchases or cash advances using demandable. There are two types of loans as credit cards are to be settled either to the general purpose for taking it. full payment the succeeding month First is personal loan or a borrowing or amortized over 3 to 24 months. that was resorted for personal or Failure to fully settle the amount family purposes. The proceeds of a payable on the due date will result personal loan may be used to purchase to a stiff interest of up to 3.5% per household items, pay for education month. Delays in payment also makes or health expenses, or for bigger the holder liable for late payment expenditures such as purchase of a penalties. Both traditional loan and borrowing vehicle or real properties. The second type is a business with the use of a credit card can be loan, the proceeds being utilized in beneficial for personal or business furtherance of the business such as purposes. However, a credit facility expansion, purchase of supplies, and should be used judiciously. MC

Market Driven

THE MINDANAO CROSS

July 3, 2021

MP Ismael’s bill requires students to plant trees

A regional lawmaker in the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BTABARMM) has filed a bill requiring students to plant trees in the region as enrolment and graduation requirements. Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Member of Parliament Rasul Ismael said he filed Parliament Bill No.106 or the “BARMM Tree Planting Act” in his bid to help save Mother Earth and make tree planting more than just a requirement. Basically, he said, his bill aims to protect forests and address climate change in the BARMM by asking students in Grade Six to Grade 12, and graduating college students, both public and private schools, to plant at least two trees every year. “The proposed measure, once becomes a law, requires students to plant trees as part of their enrollment and graduation requirements,” he said. If p roperly implemented and institutionalized in schools, the measure will result in the planting of at least 22 million new trees every year. “Even with a survival rate of only 10 percent, this would mean an additional 110,000 trees for the youth to enjoy when they assume the mantle of leadership in the future,” he said.

He noted that the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE), Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy (MENRE), and pertinent local government units will determine appropriate sites for the proposed tree planting activities. His bill also requires the participation of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR); Ministry of Interior and Local Government; Ministry of Science and Technology; and the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs. “The MENRE and MAFAR are responsible for maintaining the seedling bank needed to execute this act,” Esmael added. Based on the June 2020 data provided by the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority, the BARMM’s forest cover is at 45 percent or 299,195 hectares of the region's total land area of 1,293,552 hectares. Since 2011, a total log ban has been in effect in the region that is composed of the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, cities of Cotabato, Marawi and Lamitan and 63 villages in North Cotabato that is known as Special Geographica Area (SGA-BARMM).

Employment-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The ILO is a United Nations agency whose mandate is to advance social and economic justice through interventions meant to promote international labor standards. The water supply project in Barangay Looy was implemented jointly

by the office of Minister Romeo Sema of MOLE-BARMM, the ILO and the TPJ, based on a study on the need for it and recommendations from local sectors. “We are thankful to the ILO, to the People of Japan and the MOLE-BARMM for this project. Our local government unit will keep it functional round-theclock,” Insular said.

Edwin O. Fernandez

5 arrested NoCot drug suspects yield P102-K shabu

ANTI-NARCOTICS agents, backed by military and police personnel, arrested five drug suspects and seized from them some P102,000 worth of suspected shabu during a buy-bust operation in Pikit, North Cotabato on Tuesday night. Capt. Mautin Pangandigan, the town's police chief, said the joint operation by the region’s Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA-12), Army’s 90th Infantry Battalion, and

Teduray communities now have steady...from P1

local police was successfully carried out at 11:20 p.m. in Barangay Poblacion. Arrested were Vicente Pacheco Sambo, 38; Mark Pacheco Sambo, 33; John Mechor Colita Pacheco, 35; Robert Louise Cadalso Pacheco, 19; and Ryan dela Serna Layna, 28, all of Pikit town. “The suspects were later surprised to find out that they have transacted with a poseur buyer,” Pangandigan said in a radio interview Wednesday. Seized from the

suspects who did not resist arrest, were some 15 grams of shabu with an estimated street value of PHP102,000; the P6,000 marked money and drug paraphernalia. In a separate interview, Neil Joyce G. Liansing, PDEA-North Cotabato provincial head, said all suspects were immediately brought to the PDEA-12 headquarters in General Santos City where they will face charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. PNA

Desert Mist Bai Isradean C. Sinsuat-Datukan Wanted: Heart of Gold It’s all that they long for in the absence of the prototypes who are supposed to nurture them in their youth. I could clearly see the hollows in the eyes of 120 orphans queueing on the grounds of Al-Arabie Al-Islamie Institute, Incorporated on June 15. They were staring at us waiting for their turn to get the health essentials and groceries that were prepared for them by the joint effort of the BSP, GSP and SSG Organization of Cotabato City National High School-Rojas on which I am the School Head. Acquiescent, they lined up and practiced social distancing. How they hopped with joy as the kits and foodstuffs were finally laid on their hands. Some were teary-eyed as they clutched their aids. The foodstuffs seemed to fill the hunger beyond the physical at that moment. These 120 parentless youngsters comprise 45 females and 75 males. Twenty girls and three boys could already memorize the qur’an by heart. This is through the paternal effort and guidance of the School President, Abu Sahli Utto Dalamban and Ustadz Abdulbasit Utto Daud, the Dean. The orphan-recipients grinned from ear to ear as they opened their victuals. What lay beyond their smiles is the longing for affection, the presence of individuals who can grasp their need for love and warmth. That in their budding years, they must feel secured and protected by their kins. Like the expanse between them, the emptiness inside their hearts is a glaring reality of selfishness and greed that gnaw upon the hearts of men causing mayhem on the society. Ernesto M. Bernardo, ALT, the Council Scout Executive for Maguindanao and Cotabato City, Ronnie A. Almia, CML, Division BSP Scout Coordinator and Jeriel Jupanda, CML, the School Head of Mandanas Elementary School were there to witness the "little miracle" that scouting could do. Ever ready to help, my colleagues distributed the stuff with comforting words. Scouts from CCNHS-Rojas like the Wood Badge Holders, Alexander Gallego, Joel Bato, Mohammad Ali Baraguir, Jervy Uy and Jairon Parudso made this community extension service tangible. Supplementing them were Nenita Palencia, the School GSP Coordinator, Leslee Alvarado, the Co-Adviser of SSG, Asiah Kathleya Suzanne Tiboron, Racma Abas, Marinel Ridao and Sherihan Debarosan. Once again, the relief goods turned into a mist enshrouding the parched cores of the youngsters. With the kind assurance of the wood badge scouts, we eased the desolation of the forsaken youth whose dreams may be relived through the leadership of a kind-hearted founder of that institution and the aid of individuals armed with hearts of gold. With a last glance, I looked intently at them with a vision that soon, more philanthropists would arise and shed another wave of mist to create an oasis in the middle of this desert.

WATER IS LIFE. The new water supply facility in Barangay Looy in South Up, Maguindanao. Photo courtesy of Alexander Chio

GenSan LGU mulls COVID-19 summit

GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Mayor Ronnel Rivera is to convene a multisector COVID-19 summit to tackle an expansion of the city government’s cross-section anti-pandemic initiatives. The Mindanao Cross learned of this early this week from radio reports here that quoted Rivera as saying that his aim is to intensify public support to the city government’s war on coronavirus. The city had 180 COVID-19 fatalities since last year. The latest three victims succumbed one after another last week. General Santos City had 5,396 COVID-19 cases since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in February 2020. Data from the General Santos City local government unit and the Department of Health-12 stated that 4,545 of the 5,393 residents infected with coronavirus have fully recovered. There are 683 active COVID-19 cases now, statistics obtained today from both sources indicated. Rivera said the summit shall involve the city’s medical community and other stakeholders, including the media, the business sector and other groups supporting his administration's COVID-19 containment programs.

The mayor, who is chairman of the city disaster risk reduction and management council, is still to announce the date and venue of the planned COVID-19 summit. Rivera said he is keen on soliciting recommendations from summit participants on how his administration and the local communities can improve the city government’s COVID-19 initiative. Among those who had signified readiness to help facilitate the General Santos City COVID-19 summit is physician Fidel Peñamente. Peñamente is chapter president of the Philippine Medical Association in General Santos City. Peñamente said it is important to enlist the support of the local communities in the city government’s anti-COVID-19 operation. Major Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said he has directed the officials of the antiterror military-led Joint Task Force GenSan, which is under his control, to cooperate with Rivera’s office in working out the summit. “That is a very important initiative,” Uy said. John Felix Unson

P6.8M worth shabu seized in Sulu

THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is now prosecuting in absentia two runaway drug dealers from whom agents confiscated P6.8 million worth of shabu last weekend, reports reaching the Mindanao Cross stated. Anti-narcotics agents seized P6.8 million worth of shabu from them in a bungled entrapment operation in Maimbung Sulu. Juvenal Azurin, director of the PDEABangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, identified the

elusive drug dealers as Bashir Jam and Basaron Rajikat, now subject of a joint police-military manhunt. They were to sell a kilo of shabu, valued at P6.8 million, to non-uniformed PDEA-BARMM agents in a supposed tradeoff in a coastal village in Maimbung but immediately escaped when they sensed that they were dealing with government anti-narcotics operatives. “They fled using a motorized watercraft. They left their illegal merchandise behind,”

Azurin said Sunday. Azurin said they will prosecute both suspects in absentia using the shabu recovered from them as evidence. Police Brig. Gen. Eden Ugale, director of the Police Regional OfficeBangsamoro Autonomous Region, said Sunday he has ordered the Sulu provincial police to help the PDEA build an airtight criminal case against Jam and Rajikat. Ugale said police intelligence agents in Sulu are now trying to locate the suspects. John Felix

Unson

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 Land Bank of the Philippines, Cotabato Branch under Account No. 0371-2413-53 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.3, 10 & 17, 2021

July 3, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

TAPATAN SA OBLATE MEDIA

A closer look at COVID-19 in relation to Children

DR. TERESITA MANSILLA

In the past two years when the world is grappling with the pandemic called COVID-19, everyone seem to be tight lipped in relation to that important segment of the population – children who are 12 years and below. The Mindanao Cross tried to get some insights into this situation by interviewing a medical person who is acquainted with the health problems of children in the past 40 years of her professional life. She is Dr. Teresita Mansilla, who has recently retired as Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics of the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center. Dr. Mansilla made it clear that she is not an expert in COVID-19, but is willing to share her observations regarding that part of the population that she values most – the children.

Bangsamoro Press Corps sets induction rites

THE Bangsamoro Press Corps (BPC) has set the oath-taking event of its elected officers, Board of Directors, and pioneers members on Saturday, July 3, inviting the head of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) to administer the induction rites.

The BPC after a series of meetings opted for Undersecretary Joel Sy Egco, PTFoMS executive director, to induct to office the pioneer officers and members, and update them in a message on the thrusts and programs of the Duterte administration through the task force in ensuring the security as a basic element of professional media practice. Usec. Egco is also expected to guide the pioneer BPC officers and members in their desire to affiliate their group with the National Press Club (NPC). Director Egco is a past NPC president. Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod “Al-Haj Murad” Ebrahim has been invited as honored guest to grace the ceremony, which will start at 2 p.m. at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex inside the autonomous government’s compound in this city. Parliament Speaker Pangalian Balindong, Executive Secretary and

Minister Abdulraof “Sammy Gambar” Macacua, and Regional Spokesman cum Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo are also expected to deliver messages in line with their concerns for unity and professionalism among journalists covering the autonomous region. Maguindanao 2nd District Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu, has also been invited to deliver an inspirational message, alongside Army Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, 6th Infantry Division chief, and Brig. Gen. Eden Ugale, police director for the Bangsamoro region. Event organizers also invited Bangsamoro Information Director Andrew Alonto to deliver a message of support for the strengthening of private and government partnership in the autonomous region. The BPC was formally organized here on April 19, 2021

This policy of the Department of Education to shift to the blended learning process is questionable from the start because it included schools which are in rural areas, away from the center of the COVID pandemic. The pupils in these schools do not have access to the new technology which is the moving force behind blended learning. The DepEd should make these rural schools (and those in the mountains) an exception where the traditional process is still being used, but make sure that the teachers are fully vaccinated and following safety protocols to protect the pupils.

The children are not in the priority group in COVID vaccinations since no studies has been made yet in the vaccines efficacy on children. Besides there seem to be an innate immunity in children against this disease. Some countries are only starting now to study COVID in relation to children. This doesn’t mean that no child was sick of COVID. These children are infected from their adult companions, thus heath protocols and vaccination should be advocated among the adults. Maybe eventually, studies will be made regarding immunization in children, but due to lack of knowledge in this area, it is safer not to include them in the vaccination program. At the moment, all we can do is ask the parents and caregivers to be immunized so that the children will not be infected.

Surprisingly, these children seem to have a lot of antibodies to fight COVID. There is an innate mechanism that protects them from the COVID virus. If you check the present health data, very few are sick of the disease. However, there is no program making children resistant to COVID-19. All we can do is avoid exposure to other adults, and if possible let them stay at home.

Allow the children to have certain degrees of freedom in areas where the incidence of COVID is low. For those in high risk areas, allow children to play even in their backyard to get some sun, and prevent them from interacting with people outside the household. Finally, I still believe that vaccination is a must so children will be protected from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Interview by Eva K. Tan

NATURE’S WRATH. Soldiers help remove debris in residential areas in Barangay Daguma, Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat following flash floods that destroyed 53 homes. Photo courtesy of Amiel M. Cagayan

Cops recapture jail escapee

POLICE tracking team arrested Wednesday afternoon in a remote village here a fugitive who bolted the Maguindanao provincial jail in May. Brigadier General Eden T Ugale, Regional Director for Police Regional Office in the Bagnsamoro Region (PRO-BAR), identified the recaptured detainee as Dante Kadatuan, 32 of Barnagay Kayaga, Pandag town in Maguindanao. He has a standing case for illegal possession of firearms and detained at the provincial jail in PC Hill, Cotabato City.

Last month, Kadatuan managed to escape and returned to his hometown. Ugale said police officers in Pandag and Buluan municipal police stations have received a tip about the presence of the suspect in Barnagay Digal, Buluan. “He did not resist arrest,” Brig. Gen. Ugale said, adding that the suspects was duly informed of his constitutional rights. The suspect is now under the custody of Pandag Municipal Police Station prior to his submission to the court

of origin for appropriate disposition. Brig. Gen. Ugale lauded the operating PNP personnel for their relentless efforts in the implementation of Simultaneous AntiCriminality Law Enforcement Operations (SACLEO) and Manhunt Operation to arrest wanted persons. He urged the public to cooperate with the police and to support the PNP anti-criminality campaign by providing relevant information and report any suspicious persons or activities in their locality. PNA

South Cotabato suspected bomb maker falls

KORONADAL CITY —A suspected bomber arrested in Polomolok, South Cotabato had been charged in court, the Police Regional Office-12 said Wednesday. The 22-year-old Bono Sueb, a resident of Barangay Lapu in Polomolok is now clamped down in a police detention facility. The information office of PRO-12 has confirmed to Mindanao Cross that a criminal case had been filed against Sueb. He is a suspected member of the Dawlah Islamiya, a local terror group using the flag of the

Islamic State of Iraq and Syria as its banner. Police Lt. Reden Cuevas, deputy chief of the Polomolok municipal police, said the materials for home-made bombs, enough for three to four IEDS, were found inside the house of Sueb in Barangay Lapu. Combined agents from the Police Regional Office-12, the South Cotabato provincial police and the Polomolok PNP were to arrest seven persons implicated in deadly acts of terror reportedly being coddled by Sueb in Barangay Lapu.

None of the seven persons were around when the raiding team, backed by members of the Special Action Force, arrived to serve them the warrants for their arrest. Cuevas said the raiding team found in Sueb’s house rifle grenade projectiles, electrical wires, batteries and illustration diagrams of blasting contraptions for IEDs. More than 10 members of the Dawlah Islamiya were killed by joint Army-police teams in one operation after another in Polomolok in the past 12 months. John Felix Unson