The Mindanao Cross | July 31, 2021

Vol. LXXIII| No. 25| Cotabato City | Saturday, July 31, 2021 |8 Pages | P10.00

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Army-Blaan sector peace efforts launched

CHURCH / P4

Thank you for praying: ‘Hidilyn Diaz reveals story behind ‘miraculous medal’

P8 / Sanduguan The President’s Last SONA

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

CALM, PEACEFUL AND UNTROUBLED PLACE. This is in Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat, one of Soccsksargen’s ideal tourist destinations. Staying here for an hour will, at least, free us from the urban hassle, pollution, both air and noise, even for few hours or a day. Staying here is worth the try.

Photo courtesy ofPilipinong Manlalakbay Fb Page

MPC TO DUTERTE: DO THE RIGHT THING FOR MINDANAO

By Bong S. Sarmiento

KORONADAL CITY —Peace advocacy group Mindanao People’s Caucus (MPC) begged President Duterte on Wednesday to continue shepherding the Bangsamoro peace process even if he failed to ask Congress to extend the transition period during his final State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Hopes on BARMM poll deferment high

By John Felix Unson MUSLIM and Christian communities urging for the deferment of the 2022 Bangsamoro regional polls are optimistic they are to get what they wish for.

They are counting on the assurance of Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, a Mindanaon, that the Senate might wrap up within a month the measure resetting the 2022 Bangsamoro elections to 2025.

Zubiri announced in the Bangsamoro Governance Summit on July 23, via online Zoom that the Senate is now in the final stage of passing Senate Bill 2214.

The bill is a requisite for postponing the supposed first ever 2022 regional elections

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State of kids’ malnutrition high in BARMM

By Nash B. Maulana FIRST loads of dry ration children are malnourished are en-route to five in the Bangsamoro provinces to effectively A u t o n o m o u s R e g i o n fight malnutrition with in Muslim Mindanao home- and school-based (BARMM). supplementary feedings, Malnutrition is often the Bangsamoro’s Ministry associated with famine, of Social Services and as seen in posters of Development (MSSD) said. some international aid Chief Minister Ahod organizations showing Balawag Al Hadj Murad images of skin-toIbrahim said three of four bone children in some

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Public servant Agustin Dema-ala, 70

By Bong S. Sarmiento KORONADAL CITY — Retired Maj. Gen. Liberation Front (MILF), the dreaded Agustin Dema-ala -- a bemedalled, battle- kidnap-for-ransom Pentagon Gang in hardened Army officer in Mindanao who Central Mindanao, and the Abu Sayyaf rose from the rank of private, passed away Group during his colorful military stint.

Before retiring in 2006, Dema-ala due to illness. He was 70.

Dema-ala, who was suffering from a was the commander of the 6th Infantry liver ailment, died at a hospital in Davao “Kampilan” Division in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

City late Tuesday afternoon.

He also served as chief of the He mostly fought the Moro Islamic

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BARMM now has 4.4-M people

By Nash B. Maulana THE total population of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), mainly made up of five provinces and component cities has reached 4,404,288 as of May 1, 2020, the region’s office of the Philippine Statistics Authority has disclosed.

In a press conference, Tuesday the PSA said the 2020 Census of Population and Housing (2020 CPH) showed that BARMM’s population has increased 35.71 percent to 4.4 million last year (2020) from 2.8 million in the previous 10 years (2010).

The provinces of Basilan, Lanao Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi and

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Mayor, physicians condemn doctor’s murder

By Edwin Fernandez MEDICAL practitioners and local officials been identified to be behind the murder here condemned the senseless killing of but they remained at large.

Dr. Robert Cadulong on Friday morning Dr. Cadulong, a retired government in Pikit, North Cotabato. physician and owner of Cadulong Medical Pikit Mayor Sumulong Sultan has Hospital in Poblacion Pikit, was shot at directed the Pikit municipal police office to close range by oen of two gunmen riding ensure that the perpetrators will be behind tandem on motorbike at 5:45 a.m. Friday bars soonest and the brains identified. near the Pikit Central Elementary A police report said two persons have School.

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DID YOU KNOW? PAL is the 1st Asian airline to cross the Pacific Ocean On this day, July 31, 1946, Philippine Airlines became the first Asian airline to cross the Pacific Ocean when it operated a chartered Douglas DC-4 to ferry home 40 American servicemen to California from Nielson Airport in Makati, with fueling stops at Guam, Wake Island, Johnston Atoll and Honolulu. The Nielson Tower, the only remaining structure from the airport, now houses the Filipinas Heritage Library.

Philippine Airlines is the flag carrier of the Philippines, operating from its base at Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

PAL is the oldest airline in Asia operating under its original name, having been founded in 1941.

Turnover of projects. The Department of Agriculture 12 through its Regional Agricultural Engineering Division turned over three (3) Small-scale Irrigation Projects (SSIP) to Mangga-Calachuchi SFI, Inc., PANUMA SWISA, Kamaris IS, Inc. of the Municipality of Esperanza. DA12 Regional Executive Director Arlan Mangelen led the turn-over ceremony and the unveiling and ribbon cutting. The SSIP Projects are worth more than P10M. Photo courtesy of Agri Tayo Soccsksargen

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July 31, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Army-Blaan sector peace efforts launched

KORONADAL CITY - The South Cotabato provincial government will support efforts of Blaan communities and the military to foster peace and socio-economic empowerment of tribal enclaves in the province.

South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo, Jr. said Wednesday he was elated with how Blaan leaders in Tupi, and officials of the Philippine Army’s 5th Special Forces Battalion and the 601st Brigade have joined together in development in tribal domains via socio-economic interventions.

Twelve ethnic Blaan community leaders have fused ranks to support the Philippine Army’s peace and development programs in their tribal enclaves in Tupi town during a dialogue on July 20 at the headquarters of the 5th SF Battalion in Barangay Kablon, Tupi.

Tamayo, known for his being close to indigenous communities and the Moro sectors in South Cotabato, said his administration is ready to help the Army and Blaan groups anywhere in the province forge ahead with their common peace and development initiatives.

“Cooperation on peace initiatives among local sectors is so important in sustaining the peace we have in South Cotabato,” Tamayo said Wednesday.

Tamayo is chairperson of the multisector, inter-agency South Cotabato provincial peace and order council.

Major Gen. Juvymax Uy of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division told reporters early this week this week the Blaan leaders in Tupi had also planned to embark, along with the 5th SF Battalion and the 601st

Brigade, on forums meant to disseminate to the public the contents of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act, or IPRA. The IPRA law, also known as the Republic 8371, assures Philippine indigenous communities of rights to ancestral domain and autonomy in harnessing obtainable natural sources in tribal enclaves, subject to government regulations.

Uy, also commander of Joint Task Force Central, said the 12 Blaan leaders from across Tupi town in South Cotabato, the officials of the 5th SF Battalion and Brig. Gen. Roy Galido of the 601st Infantry Brigade met last July 20 and agreed to cooperate on peace and socio-economic programs for their communities.

The dialogue, held at the headquarters of the 5th SF Battalion in Barangay Kablon in Tupi, was jointly facilitated by Lt. Col. Zandro Alvez and Galido, who is commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade.

“They reached a consensus to work together in maintaining peace and order in their domains through community-building projects that can improve the productivity of Blaans and secure them from lawless groups and criminal gangs,” Uy said.

Two Blaans, Leopoldo Cabca, a government-accredited Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative, and Dan Alim also attended the dialogue, where participants talked about solutions

PWDs, solo parents get aid from 2 BTA members

AMID the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 500 students, single parents, orphans and persons with disability from 10 towns of Lanao Sur have received Wednesday financial assistance from two members of Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA).

Member of Parliament (MP) Maisara DandamunLatiph said the assistance package was funded through the Transitional Development Impact Fund (TDIF) of her office and of MP Said Shiek dispersed the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) of the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Recipients of monetary aid were elementary, high school and college students in the towns of Binidayan,

Madalum, Bacolod-Kalawi, Picong, Malabang, Ganassi, Madamba, Umbayanague, Lumabatan, and Butig, all in Lanao del Sur. The Office of MP Shiek Said through the MSSD gave P10,000 to each of the students, while Latiph’s office granted P1,000 each for elementary students; P1,500 each for high school level students; and P10,000 each for college level students.

Aside from the students, the two MPs also provided financial aid to other marginalized sectors in the province.

In a statement, MP Latiph said financial assistance received by the beneficiaries are stated below: 143 Pupils in Elementary level received P1,000 assistance (Angat

Bangsamoro KabataanElementary), 145 Students in High School Level received P1,500 assistance (Angat Bangsamoro KabataanHighschool), 101 students in College Level received P10,000 assistance (Angat Bangsamoro KabataanCollege), 35 Orphan beneficiaries (Kupkup Program) received P5,000, 73 Solo Parents received P5,000, seven Bangsamoro Sagip Kabuhayan beneficiaries received P15,000, and one Person with Disability beneficiary received P20,000.

Other beneficiaries for TDIF will be scheduled.

MP DandamunLatiph, a lawyer, said the new normal has brought about many changes including added burden to students

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BARMM leaders’ presence during SONA cited

KORONADAL CITY — Senior officials from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) graced the sixth and final State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Rodrigo Duterte at the House of Representatives in Quezon City on Monday, 26 July.

Invited to join the SONA were Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, Parliament Speaker Ali Pangalian Balindong, and Education Minister and

Member of Parliament Mohagher Iqbal.

“The attendance of the BARMM officials in the momentous event is a testament to President Duterte's strong support to the Bangsamoro people and the peace process between the Philippine Government (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF),” a statement from Iqbal’s office said.

Ebrahim graced the SONA via Zoom while Balindong and Iqbal were physically present at the venue.

In his nearly 3-hour speech, Duterte cited the passage of Republic Act 11054 or Organic Law for the BARMM, popularly called the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), as one of his administration’s landmark achievements.

Iqbal’s statement said that under the Duterte administration, the 17th Congress ratified RA 11054.

Duterte signed it into law on July 26, 2018.

As part of the BARMM leadership, the MILF is implementing crucial reforms

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BARMM has 192 new peacekeeper cops

A total of 192 new graduates of police courses are now added to the forces in the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (PRO-BARMM) after they took their oath of office Tuesday morning.

Brigadier General Eden T Ugale, regional director for Police Regional OfficeBangsamoro Autojnomous Region (PROBAR), officiated the oath taking ceremony for newly appointed police patrolmen and patrolwomen under the PRO BAR Calendar Year 2021-1st Cycle Recruitment Program at the Grandstand of Camp BGen Salipada K Pendatun, Parang, Maguindanao.

A total of 192 police recruits took their oath to become effective members of the police force.

“They were the best chosen after being able to surpass the tough screening with series of physical agility test, medical, dental and neuropsychiatric examination, drug test, final committee interview, and

final deliberation,” Brig. Gen. Ugale said.

“You are now regular members of the PNP, be instruments of peace as you perform your primary duties of serving and protecting our people,” Brig. Gen. Ugale said.

Before their deployment to various parts of the Bagnsamoro region, they will undergo the Public Safety Basic Recruit Course (PSBRC) training for six months at Regional Training Center 12 in General Santos City.

Upon completion of the training, another six months will be spent on the field as part of their Field Training Program.

Once completed, they will be deployed to the police offices and units in the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, as well as in the cities of Cotabato, Marawi, Lamitan and Special Geographic Area in North Cotabato. Edwin O. Fernandez

Mayor, physicians condemn doctor’s...from P1 The unsuspecting Cadulong, 63, a Maguindanaon Muslim, was jogging along Afdal Street, Barangay Poblacion when attacked.

He was declared dead on arrival at the hospital he owned located some few meters away.

Cadulong was a former municipal health officer of Pikit, North Cotabato and Pagalungan and Datu Montawal in Maguindanao, three adjoining towns.

“As far as I know, Dr.

Cadulong has no known enemies, he has no threats to his life, he was very helpful to his patients, especially the indigents, he don’t deserve this,” Mayor Sultan said in a radio interview.

Dr. Kadil Sinolinding, another Moro physician, has condemned the attack against Dr. Cadulong, describing the slain medical practitioner as “pro-poor and down to earth.”

“He is a big loss to the medical profession in this

Photo courtesy of 6ID

part of the country,” Dr. Sinolinding said, urging the police to help bring about justice for Dr. Cadulong.

Dr. Ameril Usman, director general of the Ministry of Health in the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOH-BARMM) joined the medical professionals in condemning the attack against Cadulong.

Cadulong was buried Friday afternoon according to Ismalic rites in Pikit Muslim cemetery.

the cities of Marawi and Lamitan constitute the new BARMM region from the dissolved Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, since February 2019.

In 2005, the

Philippines skipped the five-year interval period of the National Census.

ARMM’s population was 0.46 million bigger from 2000 with a 14.11 percent increase to 3.26 million 10 years later,

according to the PSA data from the 2010 National Census.

The PSA said the region’s population was also up by 0.52 million at 13.76 percent increase to 3.78 million people in 2015.

MPC to Duterte: Do the right...from P1 Mary Ann Arnado, MPC secretary general, said they will not get tired from asking Duterte “to do the right thing for Mindanao.”

“As a son of Mindanao, as one who takes pride in saying he has Moro roots, we know that President Duterte knows by heart that Mindanao cannot fully flex the wings of development and prosperity without peace,” she said in a statement.

Arnado noted that Duterte made history when his administration inaugurated the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) as the interim government tasked to implement crucial institutional reforms in war-torn Moro land.

The key component of the peace agreement was the creation of the Bangsamoro region, which was established in 2019 following the ratification of Republic Act 11054 or the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, popularly called the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

Duterte signed the BOL three years ago. The CAB also provides for the decommissioning of MILF fighters and their weapons and the transformation of their camps into productive economic zones.

Dozens of civil society organization within and outside the Bangsamoro region supported the moves for the extension of the transition phase.

In March, at least one million signatures have been submitted to Malacañang petitioning Duterte to certify as urgent the bills extending the transition period in the Bangsamoro.

“We beg him (Duterte) to continue shepherding the Bangsamoro peace process until the necessary institutional reforms are completed and the 40,000 combatants are decommissioned and have fully returned to normal productive lives,” Arnado said.

At least 12,000 or 30 percent of the MILF combatants have been decommissioned so far since 2019. Of the promised P1 million package of socio-economic assistance each, the deactivated fighters have been given P100,000 each.

In his SONA, Duterte only mentioned about approval of BOL but did not mention anything about the clamor to extend the transition period in the BARMM. But the group remained confident that both houses of Congress know the right direction is extension.

Arnado noted that with 65 days remaining prior to the filing of candidacy on October 1, 2021, Congress will navigate on a very narrow timeline within which to pass the extension bill.

“We urge our esteemed Senators and Representatives to utilize and exhaust every window of opportunity within the month of August to pass this important legislation,” she said.

July 31, 2021

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THE MINDANAO CROSS

Happy 107 Anniversary Iglesia Ni Cristo . th

Sigay Ka Cotabato City!

ATTY. FRANCES CYNTHIA J. GUIANI–SAYADI City Mayor

Army-Blaan sector...from P2 to underdevelopment and security woes besetting their ancestral lands.

Both Blaan community representatives insinuated 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 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), a notice is hereby served to the public that Juhaira Abubakar Abutazil has filed with this office a correction of entry in sex/gender from Male to Female in the Certificate of Live Birth of Juhaira Abubakar Abutazil who was born on July 23, 2002 at Semba, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao and whose parents are Ebrahim Malik Abutazil and Noraida Mantikayan Abubakar.

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

(Sgd)PRINCESS ESNAIRA M. NUR Municipal Civil Registrar

MC: July 31 & Aug. 7, 2021

that there is also a need for the police and the military to organize community volunteer groups to help protect IP villages from wanton intrusions by rebel forces trying to recruit villagers. John Felix Unson

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late JUDITH C. BAES, who died on October 2, 2020, left bank accounts with Metropolitan Bank & Tr u s t C o m p a n y (METROBANK), Midsayap Branch under Account Nos. 3347334506491 and 3343334070868 are the subject of deed of extrajudicial settlement before Notary Public Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 463; Page No. 93; Book No. CCXLI; Series of 2021.

MC: Jul. 31, Aug. 7 & 14, 2021

PMARK PAWNSHOP MAIN, PMARK PAWNSHOP - BRANCH I & PMARK PAWNSHOP BRANCH II Patalastas ng Subasta PMARK Pawnshop Main Branch ng S.K. Pendatun Avenue, Cotabato City, PMARK Branch I - Parang, Maguindanao, at PMARK Branch II - Supermarket Site, Cotabato City ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sangla. Ang mga ito ay yaon pang isinangla magmula pa noong Pebrero 2020. Ang Subasta ay sa Agosto 02, 2021 sa ganap na ika 9:00 ng umaga hanggang 4:00 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

MC: July 31, 2021

State of kids’ malnutrition high in BARMM...from P1 poverty- or hunger-stricken countries.

But in reality, state of malnutrition is more frequently caused by poor diet, as well as the low-nutrition contents in many food preferences of children, and the poorly managed meals and foods intake intervals, often among the young segment of the population.

Minister Raissa Jajurie said “in line with the Nutrition Month celebration and in response to address cases of malnutrition in BARMM, the MSSD through its Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP) officially has started the distribution of the first batch of dry rations from July 15-21, 2021 in Maguindanao.

Jajurie said each child-beneficiary received packages of goods that included one sack of 25 kilograms rice; a half-kilo of dilis or dried anchovies;

1.5 kg carrots; 1.75 Kg mongo or mung beans.

She said MSSD’s SFP is designed to reach 79,269 children beneficiaries across the Bangsamoro region in the coming weeks — 30,831 children Maguindanao; 11,200 in Lanao del Sur A; 11,358 in Lanao del Sur B; Marawi City 1,851 children; Basilan with 4,753 children; Sulu 9,620 children and TawiTawi - 9,656 children.

SFP is a nationally-funded social protection program implemented by MSSD in BARMM as part of the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) of the government through the provision of food items to augment the children's regular meals for 120 days.

The feeding program will be managed by parents and child development workers, Jajurie said.

Jajurie said SFP is also a social program tool to intensify nutrition and health education for children, parents, and child development workers to improve and sustain the nutritional status of the target childrenbeneficiaries.

She said SFP caters to such target beneficiaries and programs as: Child Development Centers (CDC) for three to four years old children; Supervised Neighborhood Play (SNP) for two to five years old children not enrolled in the preschools of MBHTE, up to 5 years old During the current period of pandemic, the implementation of the SFP has shifted from serving hot meals in the CDCs to delivering dry rations to the households, wherein parents will prepare the meals at home, Jajurie said.

Public servant Agustin Dema-ala, 70...from P1 Joint Task Force Jolo in the island-province of Sulu, a known bailiwick of the Abu Sayyaf Group.

Dema-ala, a native of South Cotabato, was not

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late BENIGNO ERAMIS and DIONISIA CAMPOSO, who died on January 20, 1995 and October 16, 2001,respectively at Midsayap, Cotabato, left a parcel of land HV22872, Lot No. 738, Pls134, situated at Bulanan, Midsayap, Cotabato with an area of 68,068 sq. mts., more or less, covered by OCT-V-2459 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public John Haye C. Deluvio as per Doc. No. 421; Page No. 85; Book No. LXXXIX; Series of 2021.

MC: Jul. 31, Aug. 7 & 14, 2021

a product of the premiere Philippine Military Academy, entering the Philippine Army through the Reserve Officers Training Corps.

After retiring from military service, he ran and won as board member of South Cotabato, completing three terms or nine years.

AFFIDAVIT Notice is hereby given that the late GUIADZURI D. MIDTIMBANG SR. who died on May 18, 2021, left bank deposit with Philippine National Bank (PNB) under Account No. 014052600000-1562 is the subject of affidavit of self-adjudication before Notary Public Atty. Agnes R. de Castro-Jagunap as per Doc. No. 4014; Page No. 4014; Book No. XXVII; Series of 2021.

MC: Jul. 31, Aug. 7 & 14, 2021

Haide Lacdo-o, a sister of Dema-ala, said the late military general had fulfilled his dreams for his family and the organizations he was involved with.

“Your loss was so painful but it’s time to let you go and be with our creator,” she said. “Thank you for serving South Cotabato province and our country.”

South Cotabato Vice Governor Vicente de Jesus said the province lost a good leader with the passing of Dema-ala, fondly called “Noy Toting” or “Ting” by family members and close friends.

“Rest in paradise now, Gen. Ting!” de Jesus said, expressing his condolences to the family of the late military general.

Dema-ala was survived by his wife Imelda and children Eric, Louie, Jay and Karen, and their grandchildren.

His sons are currently serving as officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (Eric and Louie) and the Philippine National Police (Jay).

At the time of his demise, Dema-ala was the anti-drug czar of this city.

PWDs, solo parents...from P2 in their day-to-day struggle.

This is a big help because my mother is jobless and only stays at home,” said Aleya, one of the beneficiarypupils.

The financial assistance packages to help families cope with livelihood setback,

like parents retrenched from work due to pandemic can hardly send the children to school was unprecedented for beneficiary Samsaman Gida who said she never experienced this kind of aid in her life. Edwin O.

Fernandez

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July 31, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Thank you for praying:

‘Hidilyn Diaz reveals story behind ‘miraculous medal’

Hidilyn Diaz made history on Monday after becoming the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medalist, breaking the country’s 97-year drought.

Diaz credited her historic win in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to God and to the intercession of the Blessed Mother.

The 30-year-old topped the women’s 55-kilogram weightlifting competition after an overall lift of 224 kilograms — an olympic record.

After winning, the four-time Olympian praised God and lifted up Our Lady’s Miraculous Medal she wore around her neck while shouting “Thank You, Lord” repeatedly.

That gesture by Diaz has since gone viral.

In a virtual press conference Tuesday, the weightlifter from Zamboanga shared the story behind the miraculous medal and what it meant for her.

“This was given to me by my friend.

They prayed the novena for 9 days

before my competition. I also prayed the novena,” Diaz said.

“It is a sign of their faith and my faith to Mama Mary and Jesus Christ,” she added.

In her instagram, she posted a story with a text that reads, “Thank you for praying!”

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines has joined the whole nation in celebrating Diaz’s victory.

“We admire her devotion to the Blessed Mother as she carried in her victory her great faith in God,” said Archbishop Romulo Valles, CBCP President.

“Hidilyn is a true weightlifter who draws her strength from her love for the country and her deep Catholic faith,” he added. Roy Lagarde/CBCP News

Hidilyn Diaz shows her Olympic gold medal and a “Miraculous Medal of Our Lady”.

Photo courtesy of Hidilyn Diaz’s Instagtam account

President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his final State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the House of the Representatives in Quezon city on July 26, 2021

Photo courtesy of RTVM

Unite country, show integrity in final year, Duterte urged

A Catholic bishop urged President Rodrigo Duterte to use his remaining time in office in uniting the nation and bring back decency to public service.

Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, national director of Caritas Philippines, said it’s time for Duterte to prove once and for all that he is the “father of the nation”.

“It won’t make any difference now to the lives of the Filipino people even if he gives marching

orders to pass his priority legislations, or even to retract his socio-economic policies,” Bagaforo said.

“It will matter, however, if, at least, for what remains of his term, he will show decency and integrity,” he pointed out.

Fr. Antonio Labiao, executive secretary of the national Caritas, echoed the bishop’s statement and urged Duterte to be a unifying leader, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

With less than a year

left, he said that Duterte “needs to focus his energy in uniting the country as we still grapple from the devastating effects of the pandemic.”

“We urge the President to take a time off from bravado and profanities,” Labiao added.

The church leaders made the call as Duterte delivered his final State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on Monday. CBCP News

Nuncio to bring plight of drug war orphans, widows to Pope Francis Papal nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown has met with some widows and orphans of drug war victims in Manila on Friday and assured them to bring their plight to Pope Francis.

The archbishop said he was “deeply moved” hearing their stories and expressed the pope’s closeness to them.

“I am deeply sorry for everything that you have to go through,” Brown said after hearing the testimonies of eight individuals who are undergoing theatre therapy offered by the St. Arnold Janssen Kalinga Center.

“I assure you that Pope Francis is close to you. In fact I would be going to see Pope Francis in October and I promise you I will tell him about this experience in person,” he said.

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The center was established by the Society of Divine Word (SVD) congregation in the city’s Tayuman district in 2015 to provide services for the homeless.

In 2016, SVD missionary Fr. Flavie Villanueva founded the “Paghilom” program to reach out to those who lost loved ones due to killings under the government’s bloody war on drugs.

The program offers support to the bereaved families in five aspects: food, psycho-spiritual intervention, legal assistance, educational assistance, and livelihood assistance.

Brown lauded the initiative, “which is really a true gift from God for many families who are suffering the effects of this terrible violence”.

The nuncio’s visit to Kalinga Center was to

Our Daily Bread

hat kind of bread babies were well-monitored. do we really mean They were provided milk when we pray to and vitamins and were not the Father. “Give us this day lacking in medical care. our daily bread”? For those However one baby was who are really hungry, bread noticeably flourishing and means food, anything to gaining weight faster than keep body and soul together. the others. What could be There was a prize winning the difference since they Rev. Fr. Antonio P. Pueyo, DCC photo of a child trying to were being fed the same tonypoy_dcc0@yahoo.com reach a food center during food? Upon observation, it a famine. The child could hardly walk and beside him was noticed that a nurse had a particular liking for this is a vulture waiting for the child to die. In search of baby. Beside feeding her the nurse would pick her up, food, the child might become food for the bird. It was talk to her, and sing to her. The baby was receiving a powerful image of hunger due to famine and war in the important food of love and affection. “Plantitas” South Sudan. It also became controversial. Questions also tell me that they talk to their plants in order that were asked about the photographer’s behavior. Did he the plants will flourish. One of my colleagues heeded just go away after taking the picture or did he help the the advice and talked to his bougainvillas, “If you do child? The photographer, Kevin Carter claimed he drove not produce flowers, I will uproot you.” The plants did away the bird after the picture was taken. produce blossoms out of fear. Experts say that’s not the We seldom experience real famine in our country. A way to talk to plants. few years ago, due to famine, some indigenous peoples We also need spiritual food. We have to feed in the neighboring mountains resorted to eating our minds and soul. A soothing music relaxes and “kayos” a tuber that can be a source of food if washed invigorates us. An inspirational book opens us to new and prepared well. It can also be poisonous and some and exciting possibilities. A good conversation with a died after eating “kayos”. Food assistance was quickly loving friend does wonders to the soul. Spending time organized by our Social Action Center to remedy this in prayer and meditation renews us. I believe in the situation. We also experience war and its effects. efficacy of one form of prayer. I have my own name However, there were always agencies such us as the for this form of prayer. I call it “radiation” prayer. We U.N., the Red Cross and civil society organizations to do not have to say much to God. All we need to do is augment the efforts of governmental institutions to expose ourselves to the presence of Christ as we visit the alleviate suffering due to war, disasters, and famines. Blessed Sacrament, or as we pray before an image such There is also the Filipino culture of extending help to as that of the Divine Mercy. Christ radiates His energy relatives and friends during emergency situations. It into us. We become recipients of the loving radiation would be culturally unthinkable to abandon a child to of the Lord. It does not take much effort from us. In die of hunger. that way the Lord feeds us spiritually, much more when Beside these extreme cases of physical hunger we receive Him in Holy Communion. That is what the there are also other forms of hunger. People may have Lord meant in today’s gospel, “I am the bread of life; something to eat but they hunger for love and emotional whoever comes to me will never hunger and whoever support. In an orphanage, the food intake of the believes in me will never thirst” (John 6:35). MC

REFLECTIONS

grace the facility’s 6th anniversary celebration of its establishment, where he also listened to testimonies of some street dwellers.

According to him, such initiative is something that is “close to the heart” of Pope Francis.

“He wants us to take care of the marginalized and the people who are in the periphery, people who are poor and overlooked,” Brown added.

Reflecting on the theme of the fifth centenary celebration of Christianity in the country, he stressed “all of us are gifted, so all of us must give” especially to the poor.

“The poor are the sacramental image of who we are.

We must love because we have been gifted to give,” he said. Roy Lagarde/CBCP News

Meditation

Fr. Peter Anthony Sotomil, OMI ptr18ant@gmail.com

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Readings:

Jeremiah 23.1-6; Ephesians 2.13-18 Gospel: Mark 6.30-34 Two of our 10 indigenous T’duray chapel-communities that consist our Parish here in Maguindanao have majority of their members facing presently the danger of starvation due to severe pestilence (i.e. rats).

This kind of hunger experienced by those in the margins of our locality and exponentially multiplied world-wide urgently calls for collective conversion on our part—we who seem to forget that hunger is a painful reality today more than ever, brutalizing the most destitute members of our society, because almost always we have sufficient, if not lavishly abundant, amount of food to satisfy our hunger.

Our readings today take us back to the original plan of God, as seen in the Story of Manna in the desert—God wills that everyone is satisfied, and nobody is starving. Jesus Christ is the Bread of Life, the Ultimate Manna from God the Father, who revealed to us that our human fulfilment consists not in hoarding and consuming avariciously good things in this life—but in sharing them to one another, especially with the hungry and the thirsty. Only then, partaking of and sharing Jesus Christ to others, his new life and all the blessings we enjoy, we become truly alive and satisfied.

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THE MINDANAO CROSS

July 31, 2021 EDITORIAL

That much awaited SONA

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he SONA (State of the Nation Address) is usually a much awaited affair for high government officials. This is the time that the President reports on his accomplishments during the past year. The three branches of government are present (executive, legislative, and judiciary) plus visitors from the diplomatic corp to listen to the report. This took place on Monday afternoon, July 26, 2021.

It took President Duterte three hours to give his report (a prepared report; but he has so many adlibs which made it long). Needless to say, everyone came in their best attire although a bit somber compared to the previous years. Was it due to the COVID 19 Pandemic? Not all were physically present and the invitation gave the option for invitees to witness the SONA via the internet. Vice President Leni was on Zoom. (her own choice?)

I breathed a sigh of relief when the president was discreet enough in his language. There was no foul words scattered in his speech; he is probably aware that Bishop Brown (the Vatican ambassador) is the head of the diplomatic corp and would surely be present.

The SONA was informative since awareness of projects implemented in other parts of the country is low due to the Covid 19 Pandemic. It was good to listen to the many improvements made in infrastructure and other physical development.

However, the awaited news related to Covid 19 never came. There was no mention of the additional benefits earlier promised to medical frontliners, and the breakdown of the often mentioned Bayanihan 3. This validates the impression that the health situation in the country is muddled.

His updates on Mindanao was fairly justified. He said that since he comes from Davao, he was expected to focus more on the region. But he reasoned out that for him, this was the least in priority and he would rather focus on the Bicol region and in Sorsogon in particular since these were left out during the previous years. This was his explanation why some plans for Mindanao has not taken off. But he was proud of the gains in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Regional Government without mentioning about the extension of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority.

(He previously announced that he wants to be neutral in this matter).

As usual, he dwelt more on his favorite topics – drug abuse and corruption. These were in his campaign promises, but he never expected that after 5 years as president, he still has difficulty counteracting these evils of society. He becomes emotional when talking about the impact of drug abuse in communities. He sees clearly that to remove corruption, the government system will have to be changed since corruption is inherent within; (have I heard this before but from a different source?).

Feedback from the ground in reaction to the SONA was fast. The COVID Pandemic created gaps in health policy that were questionable and to say the least, a nightmare to administrators. The foreign policy is still in shambles, especially with regards to relations with China. The ELCAC was supposed to help in implementing the Anti-Terrorism Law, but is instead alienating the people. Funny, but I now want to believe that 6 years is not enough for a president to steer the boat efficiently; depending on what kind of president you have. MC +

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hree years less of a century. That is how long the wait has been for the Philippines to have its national anthem played and fill a venue in the quadrennial Summer Olympic Games, the biggest and most prestigious international gathering in sports.

On Monday, July 26, the long wait ended and the “Lupang Hinirang” was played to honor the gold medal winner in the women’s 55-kilogram division in weightlifting, Hidilyn Diaz, a 30-year-old Zamboangueña. In becoming the county’s first-ever Olympic gold medal winner, she also set an Olympic Games record with her 127-kilogram lift in the clean and jerk event as well as another Olympic record for the total of her two best lifts, one in the snatch and the other in the clean and jerk.

While this is not Diaz’s first Summer Games medal – she took silver in the 2016 Rio De Janeiro Olympics in Brazil in the Women’s 53-kilogram division ending a 20-year medal drought for the Philippines – her recent victory in Tokyo is beyond doubt much sweeter.

Since its Olympic debut in the 1924 Paris Games with a single male athlete, the Philippines has not won a gold medal. It has one now courtesy of a woman, a fact that is not lost on many Filipino women in the midst of stories about the windfall that awaits Hidilyn after her historic win.

Another woman, also from Mindanaw, 29-year-old boxer Nesthy Petecio from Davao Del Sur, is in the hunt for gold in the Tokyo 2020 Games in her 54-57 kg weight class. As we write this piece, Petecio is already assured of an Olympic medal after she beat her Colombian opponent in the quarterfinals, securing herself a spot in the semifinals of the where she’ll be fighting Italy’s contender. The loser of the match will still win a bronze, while the winner will go on to battle for the gold in the final round. With this development, the Philippines is already assured of bringing home multiple Olympic medals 88 years after the country took home three bronze medals from the 1932 summer Games in Los Angeles via Swimming, Athletics, and Boxing.

Many Filipino women have represented the Philippines since it started competing in the quadrennial sporting event with a single male athlete in 1924.

Etched in our memory is one from the then empire province of Cotabato, particularly what is now known as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. Yes, there was a

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E take her success for a National Pride that brings home the Honor to every Filipino; a cause for unity. It’s time more than ever for the Filipino people to celebrate her Victory and not mark this great Triumph with a political divide...

Let us also wish Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, the Fighting Senator, the People’s Champ the best in the arena of his August 21 fight. Pacman’s success in this fight may not be much of historical significance to the Filipino in terms of commemorating the 38th anniversary of the 1983 Aquino Assassination. It would be a triumph, a success for the Filipino people-regardless of whether they are DDS or DDF (Diehard Dilawan Forever). Unless there was a “threat” of a “tarmac plot” to a homecoming boxing champ and attribute that to politics. God Forbid! *** Mabini Dialogue: PH-U.S. Foreign Relations at 75. I attended Thursday morning on Zoom the Mabini Dialogue on the People-to-People aspect of the PH-U.S. Foreign Relations which turns 75 this month of July. The event is celebrated in the Philippine and U.S. Embassies and Consular Offices in the Philippines and the United States Territories, as well as by former Fulbright scholars and alumni of professional programs.

It was good to see Ambassador Kristie Kenney, sharing her insights of ‘Reflections on Winning the Hearts and Minds of the Filipinos’, and also Singer-Actress Leah Salonga. I am not quite an avid fan, but I’d love to recall foreseeing her rise to stardom long before ‘Miss Saigon’, one fine day when I heard for the first-time her recording of “Mula Noon Hanggang Ngayon” played on a music radio station in Metro Manila sometime in 1987.

In the forum, she spoke on ‘Connecting Hearts and Souls Through Music’.

Completing the list of the erudite panelists are Dr. Alex Brillantes Jr. Professor, UP NCPAG; Former Commissioner CHED; Former East-West Center Scholar (Political Science) and he presented synopsis of his Paper: “Shaping Minds Through Education”; and TOYM Imao, Sculptor, Painter, Writer, Set production designer and Filmmaker, Former Fulbright Scholar (Sculpture), He is a panelist and his topic was on ‘Forging Cultural and Social Understanding through Arts.’ He is the son of the late National Artist Abdulmari Imao of Sulu.

A Moro woman in the Games

Thinking Aloud Carlos C. Bautista caloyb@gmail.com

Moro woman in not only one but two Summer Olympic Games, the XXVII Olympiad in Rome in 1960 in and the XXVIII in Tokyo in 1964.

Mona Sulaiman was Asia’s Sprint Queen way before Lydia de Vega burst into the local athletics scene.

She earned the title by way to two gold medals in the 100-meter and 200-meter dash at the 1962 Jakarta Asiad. She finished the 100-meter race in 11.93 seconds ahead of two Japanese runners and the 200-meter sprint in 24.63 seconds ahead of a Japanese and a Sri Lankan. She also won a bronze in shot put at the 1962 Jakarta Asiad. This feat also gave Mona the distinction of being the first Filipina to win three golds in a single Asian Games. She was also Asia’s first double-gold winner in sprints, the first national champion in pentathlon (1963), five-time national champion in shot put, six-time national champion in the 100m and 200m event, and was a discus throw national champion.

Wikipilipinas, the Philippines’ version of the worldfamous online, free content website Wikipedia, says the following of Mona: “She was born to Kudelat and Aminan Sulaiman in a small Cotabato barrio in 1942. Her athletic prowess first came to public notice at a sports meet in her school in 1957. She was in the fifth grade and was just fifteen. An official of the Bureau of Public Schools attended the festivities. This was providential to Mona because when the school official returned to the division superintendent’s office in Cotabato, he brought with him incredible stories about her speed on the cinder path. He told the officials of Cotabato about Mona, the barefoot Muslim girl who could outstrip every running thing in sight. That started off her upward climb in the athletic world.”

That upward climb brought her, a Moro woman, to the 1960 and 1964 Summer Olympic Games. MC

Viva!

Hidilyn Diaz

Penlight Nash B. Maulana

nash.penlight@gmail.com

*** Did Senator Ninoy Aquino’s validation leave Arula’s story a ‘myth’? ‘Beyond the Cult of Dissidence in Southern Philippines and War-Torn Zones in the Global Village’: This book was written by Prof. Arnold Molina Azurin of the UP Department of Anthropology, a friend for 37 years.

It enjoyed much of the free advertorial runs in news and op-ed articles, as some grapevine remarks stirred controversy that somewhere in the book, Arnold dismissed the Jabidah Massacre as a “myth”. Reporters and pundits picked that up. The book came out just in time or not long after I wrote from my interview with Jibin Arula, recalling to me on March 19, 1997 on-board MV Cotabato Princess (coursed from Zamboanga to Maguindanao) what happened in Corrigidor Island on the wee hours of March 17, 1968 that left him known thenceforth as the “lone survivor.”

After all, Prof. Azurin’s views of the Jabidah Massacre that to him render Arula’s story a “myth” were told of Senator Ninoy Aquino’s validation of the late Jibin’s story with the families of his fellow trainees in Sulu, as part of the Senate Inquiry then which Aquino led. Sen. Aquino shared exclusively with Philippine Free Press’ Quijano De Manila the stories he had from the Sulu families of the trainees-including seeing those reportedly dead by Arula’s account, actually disembarking from a Navy Boat, according to an article written by Quijano De Manila on Philippine Free Press, quoting Aquino.

On a separate topic, it also has at least one of the stories I wrote for the Inquirer from an exclusive coverage of group’s meeting to push for a declaration of Moro Independence. I insisted on writing about it lest it be disclosed sensationally by some “uncaring parties” to media, and suddenly the characters become the target of arrests for “seditious” remarks or act. Thankfully, a factual narrative in language rather euphemized defeats sensationalism. MC

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Conflict of Interest

of the age is a promise we have to believe knowing that God is truth and the way to eternity.

Such faith manifests in the life of Hidilyn Diaz, the first Filipino Olympic gold medalist in the Charlie Señase csenase@yahoo.com women’s weightlifting held in Tokyo, Japan, who H A T l i e s a h e a d w i t h a l l has been pampered with accolades, these worsening health and including a P33 million cash from socio-economic problems government and private sector. compounded by natural and man- Trusting in the Almighty to pursue an made calamities? And lo and behold Olympic gold amid lack of government come this news headlines of a possible support, her steadfast faith to endure nuclear war that so-called “super the pain and sorrow defied obstacles. powers” are gearing up.

That for the past 97 years Filipino R u s s i a i s w o r k i n g o n a n e w Olympians only garnered three silver “doomsday aircraft” that will serve and seven bronze medals, not until as a command control center in case the first gold from Diaz, a Mindanaon. of disaster or an emergency from Again, we can only stop our a nuclear war. On the other hand, deafening blame and complain if we China, the third largest producer of honestly heed to the Word of God. nuclear armaments, is on a massive Spread love not hate and truth not nuclear expansion program with the falsehood. ongoing construction 250 new silos to Senator Richard Gordon like augment its existing 875 warheads. many others may be true to form in W i t h C h i n a e m b r o i l e d i n his recent commentary that President controversial claim of the West Duterte’s last State of the Nation Philippine Sea that used to be South Address “is nothing new because China Sea in the early navigational many Filipinos are still poor, starving years has created tension among and unemployed.”

Southeast Asian neighbors. That in For lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, case of a war breakout, God forbids, who is BARMM’s Interior and Local US, Russia and nuclear arsenal Government Minister, said whatever frontrunners would not just stand outcome of the Bangsamoro Transition with folded arms watching allied Authority’s extension bid in Congress countries being pulverized. despite assurances from Mindanao This brings us to the biblical lawmakers Senator Miguel Zubiri prophesy of wars and rumors of war and Rep. Esmael Mangudadatu for in the offing with the still unresolved passage of their respective proposed p a n d e m i c , g l o b a l i n u n d a t i o n s , BTA extension measures, BARMM’s volcanic eruptions, frequent tremors moral governance will continue and unimaginable tragic incidents for to serve its constituents through the love of self and money. enactment of essential laws and basic Whoever is elected President or needs in the grassroots level which he officials in the national and local described as victory in martyrdom. levels in next year’s political exercise Post Script to all 2022 political must have the heart to serve for c o n t e n d e r s n o t t o b o a s t a b o u t the glory of God and country. For tomorrow for we don’t know what a most often than not, frustration day may bring with all life’s threats confronts humans whose trust is and uncertainties. For us to look in man who vacillates instead of around as foretold that in the last trusting God, who remains the same days men will be lovers of themselves from everlasting to everlasting. He and money, proud and ungrateful. assured the God-fearing not to leave And God’s Word will not come back nor forsake them even unto the end void. MC

True to Form

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First Olympic Gold Medal since 1924

relative, Catalina Diaz. She was practicing her skills with two cans filled with cement fastened to a long pole which she raises up over her head. Cata saw the potential of this young girl Victoria R. Franco, RPh, MS Pharmacy and encouraged her until she participated in competitions franco1573victoria@gmail.com and “weightlifted “ her way to national competitions earning n exhilarating news came through the tube at dinner time, Hidilyn Diaz slots and scholarships that helped her finish brightened our dinner while we were college .

Hidilyn had been to 4 Olympics , the first making sense of the 3 hour SONA taking place at the Batasan. That Hidilyn carried of which was at the Summer Games that took the hopes of the nation on her shoulders, a place in Beijing ,China. She won a silver medal new dawn in Philippine sports is before us, at the Rio Games before which she had bouts making history, finally ending the country’s of depression due to unsuccessful attempts long, long draught for the first Olympic gold for gold . The silver at Rio Games once more fired her enthusiasm. Her HD team, for who medal 97 years after.

A surge of patriotism overcame me, she owed much of her success had been with for this historic moment when our national her all the time, including being stranded in flag was being raised up and our national Malaysia during the Covid lockdown. She was anthem blaring loud, while the 30 year old, homesick for her family, nonetheless, one of 4ft11 inches Air force sergeant received her her coaches was her equally athletic boyfriend coveted gold medal hang on her neck. She Julius who not only inspires her but taught was shedding rivers of tears, so was I. She her techniques which were very useful for her. managed to sustain a salute to the Philippine He is a specialist in gymnastics.

She struggled with her weight, nearly flag, a habit from her post in the Air Force.

She clutched her well earned gold medal ran out of money during training and was tightly struggling to keep her emotions in falsely implicated in a plot to overthrow Pres. check. On her chest, was another medal, that Rodrigo Duterte. She has “let by-gones be of the Miraculous Medal of our blessed Virgin by-gones” since Sec. Panelo refuses to use 2 Mary, a talisman gifted her by her own prayer simple words for her “I am sorry”. She plans to warriors who were praying for her while she continue her training camp in her hometown, was on her way to create history; besting Liao refuses to speculate on the windfall of manna Qiuyun ,China’s gold medalist at the 2016 for her achievement . She asked the youth to Rio Olympics where Hidilyn garnered the go out and register , and advocates for mental health programs for athletes. silver medal.

To date, she gets 10MillIon each from Incidentally, Mikee Cojuanco-Jaworski another Filipina went to the podium to the Philippine Government, Philippine present the gold medal to Hidilyn. This Sports Commission, and Manuel Pangilinan context makes Hidilyn’s awarding moment Foundation. Cong. Michael Romero and the more special, warmed by the hands of 2 President gave 3M each. She will own a condo accomplished Filipino athletes. Mikee is the unit in Eastwood courtesy of Megaworld, a first Asian woman in history to be elected house and lot in Tagaytay, free plane ride for into the International Olympic Committee the rest of,her life, courtesy of PAL, lifetime Executive Board, she is an equestrian, herself dining in a couple restaurants, lifetime supply a gold medal winner in the individual jumping of gasoline from Petron. Now , someone event during 2002 Asian games in Busan at please give her a car! She will earn from endorsements like M Paquiao. the age of 28.

Let us give her time to process Hidilyn’s journey begun with fetching water for their household, composed of 5 everything she has gone through and the brothers, herself, the fifth child and her rewards of years of hard work. Let us watch parents. She was hardworking, helping sell who is the first baby born to be named vegetables harvested from their little plot Hidilyn, the pets who will be so named too. while her father drove a trisikad. With her Thank you Hidilyn, you are the ray of hope cousins and brothers, they were receiving in our troubled times, an epitome of strength weightlifting tips from a cousin, Allen of character, discipline, perseverance and Jaycruz Diaz and was encouraged by another humility in victory. MC

The Stuff of Life

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July 31, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

What is Diabetes?

Gestational diabetes develops in some women when they are pregnant. Most of the time, this type of diabetes goes away after the baby is A reprint from the National Institute of Diabetes and born. However, if you’ve had Digestive and Kidney Diseases gestational diabetes, you have a greater chance of developing iabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood type 2 diabetes later in life. Sometimes sugar, is too high. Blood glucose is diabetes diagnosed during pregnancy is your main source of energy and comes from actually type 2 diabetes.

Other types of diabetes the food you eat. Insulin, a hormone made Less common types include monogenic by the pancreas, helps glucose from food get into your cells to be used for energy. diabetes, which is an inherited form Sometimes your body doesn’t make of diabetes, and cystic fibrosis-related enough—or any—insulin or doesn’t use diabetes External link.

How common is diabetes? insulin well. Glucose then stays in your As of 2015, 30.3 million people in blood and doesn’t reach your cells.

Over time, having too much glucose the United States, or 9.4 percent of the in your blood can cause health problems. population, had diabetes. More than Although diabetes has no cure, you can 1 in 4 of them didn’t know they had the disease. Diabetes take steps to manage affects 1 in 4 people your diabetes and over the age of 65. About stay healthy.

90-95 percent of cases Sometimes in adults are type 2 people call diabetes diabetes.1 “a touch of sugar” Who is more likely to or “borderline develop type 2 diabetes? diabetes.” These You are more likely terms suggest that to develop type 2 diabetes someone doesn’t if you are age 45 or older, really have diabetes have a family history of or has a less serious diabetes, or are overweight. case, but every case Physical inactivity, of diabetes is serious. race, and certain health What are the problems such as high different types of blood pressure also affect diabetes?

The most common types of diabetes your chance of developing type 2 diabetes. are type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. You are also more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if you have prediabetes or Type 1 diabetes If you have type 1 diabetes, your body had gestational diabetes when you were does not make insulin. Your immune pregnant. Learn more about risk factors system attacks and destroys the cells in for type 2 diabetes.

What health problems can people with your pancreas that make insulin. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children diabetes develop?

Over time, high blood glucose leads to and young adults, although it can appear at any age. People with type 1 diabetes problems such as • heart disease need to take insulin every day to stay alive.

• stroke Type 2 diabetes • kidney disease If you have type 2 diabetes, your body • eye problems does not make or use insulin well. You can • dental disease develop type 2 diabetes at any age, even • nerve damage during childhood. However, this type of • foot problems diabetes occurs most often in middleYou can take steps to lower your aged and older people. Type 2 is the most chances of developing these diabetescommon type of diabetes. related health problems. MC Gestational diabetes

HEALTH CORNER

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Diabetes affects 1 in 4 people over the age of 65

To Hustle or to Wait ?

were shut down as a measure to arrest the spread of the virus.

The imposition of restrictions on the movement of people and the operations of Danny Buenbrazo business firms and other danny_buenbrazo@yahoo.com entities had become a recurring thing, perhaps hen the news of the onset of the COVID-19 virus started the “normal” thing for some time until coming out at the end of the world finally gets rid of COVID-19.

2019, nobody knew exactly how With no one being able to state with widespread the reach of the virus certainty when the pandemic would would be. Nobody also knew the be a thing of the past, people and severity of the toll of the epidemic that organizations are in a quandary on started in Wuhan, China on business what to do especially with decisions organizations, other institutions, and that have financial implications.

For those contemplating to start citizens of different nations.

T h e a d v e r s e i m p a c t o f t h e or continue investing, the question is pandemic slowly unfolded over the “should it be done now or wait till the last year and a half. People in the sun rises?” It is not an easy question city of Wuhan, where it all started, to answer. There are many factors and its mother unite Hubei Province that an organization or an individual were the first to feel the impact of needs to consider, some factors tend COVID-19 as many of those who to discourage while others do the infected not only needed medical opposite.

We start with the “pull” factors. attention but thousand eventually lost their lives. To arrest the spread of the The prevailing sentiment is negative, deadly disease in China, authorities thus, people are not yet inclined to compelled people to stay indoors spend, meaning: market for goods and and prohibited travels outside the services is generally not good. Periodic lockdowns mean that a business firm epicenter of the epidemic.

People mobility was a push factor could experience involuntary halt in in the spread of the disease outside operations from time to time. Since China. Since there are numerous government has borrowed so much, travelers from the more affluent and continue to borrow funds from or neighboring countries, these all over, leading to less government were the first places to suffer from spending, more and/or higher taxes, the spread of the disease: United and higher costs for doing business.

On the other hand, there are States, United Kingdom, Span, Italy, South Korea, Taiwan, among others. also factors that encourages people Eventually, other countries including to continue with their business or to the Philippines saw their first cases of invest now, not hold back or do things later. With demand being weak, rent COVID-19 infections.

After the virus was first detected of spaces for business could be lower. in the country, prevention and control Since there is high unemployment, it measures were slowly adopted the is easier to find really knowledgeable gradually disrupted the operations and skilled people for a business firm. of private companies, government For those who are interested to do institutions, and individuals. Travels passive investing, stocks and other to other countries were restricted, investment instruments are still offices and establishments were nearer t their all time lows than to forced to cease, or at least limit, their their highs, thus, now is a good time operations. Entire cities and towns for entry. MC

Market Driven

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Republic of the Philippines Midsayap, Cotabato LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE

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 Gedeon Magalso Silvano has filed with this office a petition for change of date of birth from 17 October 1974 to 01 September 1974 and first name from Gedeon to Gideon in the Certificate of Live Birth of Gedeon Magalso Silvano who was born on October 17, 1974 at Midsayap, Cotabato and whose parents are Leonides A. Silvano and Conchita V. Magalso.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file a written opposition with this office of Municipal Civil Registrar, Midsayap, Cotabato.

(Sgd.) NORAH B. CABUGWASON Municipal Civil Registrar

MC: July 31 & Aug. 7, 2021

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late BAI NAZRIA K. DIBARATUN, who died intestate on May 19, 2021, left a parcel of land Lot No. 24437, CAD. 369-D (Lot No. 18, CCS-10-003915-D) situated at Agusan, Cagayan d e O r o C i t y, M i s a m i s Oriental with an area of 191 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. 1372018001150 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement before Notary Public Atty.

Agnes P. Paracha-Balleque as per Doc. No. 339; Page No. 68; Book No. 06; Series of 2021.

MC: Jul. 31, Aug. 7 & 14, 2021

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late HILARIO GERODIAS and ULPIANA MANOS, who died on July 27, 1997 and March 26, 1993, respectively, both at Villarica, Midsayap, Cotabato, left two parcel of land Lot No. 2454-F-3-C, Psd-12-010755 at Villarica, Midsayap, Cotabato with an area of 408 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. T-77944 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement with simultaneous waiver of rightst before Notary Public Teresita Carreon Llaban as per Doc. No. 430; Page No. 40; Book No. XL; Series of 2021.

MC: Jul. 31, Aug. 7 & 14, 2021

AFFIDAVIT

Notice is hereby given that the late BAI NAZRIA K. DIBARATUN, who died intestate in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on May 19, 2021, left a bank account with Banco de Oro (BDO), Cotabato City under Savings Account No. 002540062942 is the subject of sole affidavit of self-adjudication before Notary Public Atty. Agnes P. Paracha-Balleque as per Doc. No. 335; Page No. 67; Book No. 06; Series of 2021.

MC: Jul. 31, Aug. 7 & 14, 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

7

THE MINDANAO CROSS

July 31, 2021

Hopes on BARMM poll deferment...from P1 in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Zubiri was one of the online speakers in the summit, held at Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex inside the Bangsamoro Government Center in Cotabato City.

Presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo attended the summit and also personally delivered a message.

The summit was attended by elected leaders from across the region, among them Gov. Jim Salliman of Basilan, Gov. Mamintal Adiong, Jr. of Lanao del Sur and

AFFIDAVIT

Notice is hereby given that the late BAI NAZRIA K. DIBARATUN, who died intestate in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on May 19, 2021, left a bank account with Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), Cotabato City under Savings Account No. 4559072503 is the subject of sole affidavit of self-adjudication before Notary Public Atty. Agnes P. Paracha-Balleque as per Doc. No. 338; Page No. 68; Book No. 06; Series of 2021.

MC: Jul. 31, Aug. 7 & 14, 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

Vice Mayor Roderick Furigay of Lamitan City.

Zubiri said Senate Bill No. 2214 was discussed on second reading last June.

The governance summit was organized

by Bangsamoro Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo and the office of BARMM Chief Minister Hadji Ahod Ebrahim, meant to align the peace, security and development thrusts of municipal, city and provincial governments with that of the autonomous regional government.

Muslim, Christian and indigenous non-Moro

communities are together in their bid to have next year’s pioneering BARMM elections deferred to 2025 for the Bangsamoro Transition Authority to have enough time to put up governance facets essential to the promotion of peace and development in the region.

The transition from the defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to the infant BARMM started only in March 2019, a month after the enactment into law of the Bangsamoro region’s charter, the Republic Act 11054, more known as the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC We would like to inform the public that World Interplacement Agency Inc. Has moved its Cotabato Office from Door 9&10,2/F Star Building, Sinsuat Avenue Corner Roales Street, Cotabato City to 2nd Floor G. Jarabelo St., Barangay Rosary Heights 10 Cotabato City.

For Inquiries please call: 09162424598

THE MANAGEMENT

Jul. 31 & Aug. 7, 2021

NOTICE

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

SUBASTA

Be There, Management

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

MC: July 17, 24 & 31, 2021

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.

Ang Nagdumala 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

BARMM leaders’

...from P2

and programs towards sustainable peace, justice and development in the Bangsamoro, according to the statement.

The government and MILF are currently working on other critical elements of the signed peace agreements, such as normalization that includes the deactivation of MILF fighters. Bong Sarmiento 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

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

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 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

Municipal Civil Registrar

MC: July 24 & 31, 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

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

8

July 31, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Sanduguan Mindanaw is the public journalism page of The Mindanao Cross. It comes out every last Saturday of the month. The stories covered in Sanduguan are selected by the staff based on the criteria that these are the issues that matter most to the communities in the ARMM and Central Mindanao; that these stories educate, explain, empower, and help readers understand what is happening around them; and at the same time enabling them to be advocates for change. The name of the section connotes ONE BLOOD for peace.

SANDUGUAN Sanduguan Mindanao MINDANAW MINDANAW

The President’s President’s Last Last SONA SONA The Every year, the Philippine President who is elected for a term of 6 years, reports to the Filipino people what his administration has accomplished. Last July 26, President Rodrigo Duterte gave his 6th State of the Nation address, a prelude to the closing of his term.

It was a much awaited event for many, and was only eclipsed by the news that Hidilyn Diaz won the first gold medal in the Tokyo Olympics. This was the first gold medal for the Philippines in 29 years, and have thrown Filipinos into a frenzy. However, there were listeners who really stuck to the almost 3 hours speech of the President, and these were their reaction:

N.S., Pigcawayan, Cotabato The longest nonsense SONA. Empty rhetoric. He kept on mentioning about the benefits for the military and police personnel but failed to mention the definite plans for covid-19 response. I did not hear about the Marawi Compensation bill; he also failed to discuss the problem about WPS (West Philippine Sea). I am exasperated.

Sam, South Cotabato Pres Duterte’s last SONA was a reiteration of his previous SONA. There was one significant announcement he failed to mention. Pres Digong never certified as urgent proposed bill extending BTA to 2025 as what the BARMM officials and Bangsamoro people so desired. He only mentioned that BARMM was one of his peace legacies. With that i shared the frustrations of the Moro people whose collective goal is to achieve an enduring peace in the region.

Samsodin Amella, CSOMMG “We’re disappointed that the President did not mention the extension of the transition period in the Bangsamoro as a priority bill. Nevertheless, we will not stop appealing to him and lobbying before Congress to pass a law extending the transition period in the Bangsamoro region”

O.J., Davao City Matatag siya sa anumang suliraning kinakaharap( bagyo, lindol atbp). Matapang na ipaglaban ang karapatan ng sambayanang Pilipino ayon sa batas, ( OFW na inaabusong seksual ng dayuhang amo, korapsiyon ng ahensiya ng gobyerno - fixing, bribe, regalo at suhol).

Malasakitan ang dukha upang mamuhay ng tapat na may kalakasan ng katawan at kaisipan ( Malasakit Center ease of Business)

Eddie Glimada, Cotabato City Ito and SONA na nagka interest ako sa mga salitang madaling maintindihan. Higit sa lahat maraming pagbabago at di ako nag sisi na binoto ko sya. Godbless Mr. President.

N.P., Cotabato City I’ll give PRRD a rating of “8” in his SONA. Though i like his initiated programs, he has yet to complete it like his war on drugs and the country’s direction on the fight against Covid-19. He also has to completely rebuild the war-devastated Marawi City and supress the threat of terrorism.

J.P.T., Libungan, Cotabato Ang masasabi ko lang sa SONA ni Pangulong Duterte, na ang Corruption daw ay hindi nya ito maalis totally; maliban nalang kung ang mga corrupt officials ng Gobyerno ay tumigil sa pangungurakot. Tama nga naman ang sinabi niya na hindi niya pwede tanggalin ang mga line agencies o departamento ng gobyerno, subalit nagagawa naman niyang sibakin sa pwesto ang mga corrupt na officials na nangangasiwa sa alin mang tanggapan ng gobyerno na kung saan talamak ang corruption. Kaalyado man o hindi, wala siyang pinipili basta’t mapatunayan lang sa publiko na ang sino mang official na gumagawa ng corruption ay talagang sinisibak nya. Para sa akin, hindi corrupt si President “Digong”.

Finally, maraming magandang nagawa si Pres. Duterte sa P’nas. Kung mayron mang hindi maganda sa kanya ay kung minsan ang mga salitang namumuntawi sa kanyang labi ay napakasagwa pakinggan.