The Mindanao Cross | January 16, 2021

Vol. LXXII| No. 49| Cotabato City | Saturday, January 16, 2021 |8 Pages | P10.00

SECOND PAGE

South Upi troubles must stop — Uy /P2

CHURCH

Pope Francis, Benedict XVI receive vaccine/P4

BACK PAGE

BARMM assumes control of DOLE office in Cotabato City/P8

3 LGUs TO BUY OWN VAX

KORONADAL CITY – To fight the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), three cities in Region 12 are keen on buying their own vaccines as cases in Soccsksargen region breached 4,000 mark.

General Santos City has the biggest allocation at P200 million with the cities of Kidapawan and Tacurong each allotting P20 million for the procurement of COVID-19 shots.

Koronadal City, the regional seat of government, South Ctoabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani are yet to reveal its plans.

GenSan Mayor Ronnel Rivera said the city, home to some 600,000 people, is procuring its own vaccines despite assurances the city is pilot areas for COVID-19 vaccination program in Mindanao.

“We want to ensure that the residents of the city will be protected from the spread of COVID-19,” he said.

Rivera said aside from procurement fund, the city has allotted P10 million for the storage facility, transport and distribution of the vaccines.

To buy the COVID-19 shots, he said the city government is in talks with the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP), which has taken the lead in assisting cities in the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines.

Tacurong City has earmarked P20 million fund for the procurement of vaccines for its selected target recipients, Mayor Angelo Montilla said.

Viva Pit Señor!!

Viva Señor Sto. Niño!!

VIVA, SEÑOR SANTO NIÑO! The holding of street parties and parades during the Feast of the Holy Child Jesus are prohibited in some parts of the country as events like this are highly considered as “super spreaders”. But in Midsayap, Cotabato, this year’s Halad Festival in the New Normal becomes a virtual celebration. In Cotabato City, however, the traditional fiesta Mass takes place on Saturday as the exact date falls on a No Movement Sunday.

Photo courtesy of Herbert Kikoy

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NBI can’t probe Amping’s murder

THE National Bureau of Investigation cannot probe yet on the murder of Libungan Mayor Christopher Cuan and his driver Edwin Ihao due to big workload that need attention.

This was reported January 13 by the national daily newspaper Philippine Star, quoting Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra as saying.

The NBI is under the Department of Justice.

Guevarra said the NBI is swamped with investigative work.

H e said it is up for the PNP to look into t h e

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killing “Amping” of Cuan andCuan Ihao.Photo courtesy of Libungan LGU Libungan Mayor Christopher P7

PNP forms SITG-Cuan on Libungan mayor’s murder

LIBUNGAN, North Cotabato – It was a sunny Monday morning at the site where a cockpit arena is being constructed in Barangay Cabayuran here.

And it was an ordinary working day for a handful of construction workers.

About four or six people were digging for septic tank while others were working on concreting job.

Like in previous days, Libungan Mayor

Christoper Cuan would drop by, talked to some workers, viewed the project site and left.

All workers did not expect the mayor to come all by himself and his driver since he normally has police escorts.

One worker said he saw the mayor’s car, a Toyota Landcruiser, coming in and he continued working.

Then a series of

gunfire were heard that sent workers to scamper for safety, many hid in the digging site, listening what was going on but did not dare to raise their heads to look around.

“We did not see the gunman, we only heard gun bursts, we took cover, we fear for our lives,” another worker said in a radio interview. “All happened so fast.”

When they

The Tamontaka Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes

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THE BEGINNING

by Fr. Eliseo “Jun” Mercado, OMI (OMI Archivist)

THE beginning of the Tamontaka Shrine of our Lady of Lourdes is closely tied to the history of the OMI Novitiate in the Philippines.

In 1961, with a number of candidates for the Novitiate, the OMI

leadership decided to open (for a 2nd attempt) the Philippine Novitiate for Scholastics.

And on May 21st, 1961, the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Novitiate was officially established and blessed in Tamontaka

(now the Postulancy building).

The pioneering novices in Tamontaka that were ordained OMI Priests were + Bishop Benjamin de Jesus, + Fr. Enrique Gonzales, + Fr. Nelson Javellana, and former priests - Jose

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Ex-rebel Medal of Valor bet from BARMM

THE lone Medal of Valor nominee from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) remains physically able and active, after nearly a year in retirement, despite a left-leg amputation.

Philippine Army M/Sgt Banny Salilaguia Tatua is a former combatant of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). He along with hundreds of other former Moro guerrillas was integrated into the PA service, under the 1996 Peace Agreement between the Philippine Government and the MNLF. But Tatua, 57, along with another Muslim recipient of the Medal of Valor, the late PO2 Jamaron Sandag, is not in the Rappler’s List (last

updated in 2007), and neither in other available online lists of Medal of Valor recipients (as of 2003) among PA members.

The barely schooled Tatua walks in an artificial stainless steel which is bolt-coupled onto a thigh belt tighter stability support.

His name has been locally associated with the prestigious Medal Valor after a near-death clash with foreign terrorists among remnants of a least-known Indonesian Indong-Indong group off the mountains of Bumbaran in 2003.

However, Tatua said it was consoling enough for him that Philippine Army chief, Lt Gen Cirilito Sobejana, a distinguished Medal of Valor awardee, embraced and recognized

the feat of his unit in a crucial armed combat that almost left him and his comrades dead.

It was said that the terror group had circuited dots of landmine off the perimeters of Army’s Camp Iranun in Maguindanao, then occupied by the 603rd Infantry Battalion.

Tatua’s platoon successfully maneuvered its position to keep the enemy at bay. A loud explosion from a landmine cut him down bloodied and lay barely conscious.

In sign language, Tatua said he refused to be evacuated until the last man of the platoon was secured by a unit that rushed through their location for backup fire reinforcement. Nash B.

SARANGANI — Villagers turned over to the Philippine Eagle Foundation a raptor with bullet wounds found in a tropical rainforest in Maitum town.

Experts from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-12 confirmed Thursday that the raptor is a rare Philippine Eagle, whose scientific name is Pithecophaga Jeffery.

In separate statements, the Maitum local government and the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office in nearby Kiamba town in Sarangani said the eagle was found by a highland tribesman named Mang Ganang trapped in a thick web of rattan vines dangling from a huge tree.

The rescued raptor has two

gunshot wounds, according to Maitum Mayor Alexander Bryan Reganit.

The DENR-12’s Sarangani provincial office announced Thursday that the injured raptor had been turned over to the Philippine Eagle Foundation in Davao City.

The Maitum municipal police and personnel of CENROKiamba are now investigating on who could have

shot the raptor twice for immediate prosecution.

Maulana

Huge Eagle rescued in Sarangani John Felix Unson

RESCUED. Following the death of Pag-asa, the first Philippine Eagle bred and hatched in captivity, the DENR in Region 12 has ensured the safety of an injured male Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jef fer yi) after it was recently rescued by a concerned citizen.

Photo courtesy of Maitum Information Office

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January 16, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

South Upi troubles must stop — Uy The local communities in South Upi, Maguindanao are now together in finding solutions to the town’s nagging security woes and squabbles for control of Teduray ancestral lands in the area.

The Army has, in fact, cautioned residents of South Upi from displaying firearms while efforts to amicably settle domestic armed conflicts that have displaced thousands are underway.

South Upi, a hinterland town in Maguindanao, is locked in clan wars and deadly squabbles for control of vast tracts of Teduray ancestral lands between indigenous occupants and armed groups from outside.

Major Gen. Juvymax Uy of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division on Monday urged parties to the conflicts in South Upi to refrain from posting on social media insulting racist and religious tags to show animosity against each other.

No fewer than 20 people have been killed in attacks on Teduray enclaves in South Upi and in nearby highlands in Maguindanao’s nearby Shariff Aguak, Datu Hoffer, Datu Saudi and

Ampatuan towns since 2017.

Gov. Nancy Catamco has requested the intelligence units of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division to help the North Cotabato provincial police investigate on the incident.

Catamco has strongly condemned the brutal killing of Cuan and his driver, both shot dead by still unidentified gunmen while inspecting the cockpit he was constructing in Barangay

Cabaruyan, Libungan.

Libungan is located in the first district of North Cotabato.

Investigators are still trying to establish the identities of the culprits, according to Col. Henry Villar, director of the North Cotabato provincial police.

“I have requested the Libungan municipal police and the provincial police to cooperate in identifying who were

responsible for the murder of Mayor Cuan and his driver,” Catamco said.

The slain mayor survived an attempt on his life in 2019, where a sniper armed with an M16 assault rifle on board a tinted van shot him from a distance but missed, hitting instead a utility worker in the Libungan municipal government. John Felix

MAGPET, North Cotabato — Police authorities sent home more than a thousand visitors of Bantac River here for repeatedly defying health protocols imposed by the local government of Magpet.

Police authorities went to the site where what appeared like a motorcade and merrymaking were unfolding along the riverbanks of Bantac river.

Magpet PNP on board a police mobile swooped in the area Major Bryan Espinosa, Magpet police chief, also told village

officials to refrain from accepting local tourists who refuse to cooperate with the authorities.

“Help prevent the spread of the pandemic in your area of responsibilities,” Espinosa told village officials.

Espinosa said most of the visitors were from of Mlang, Makilala, Tulunan, Matalam, Kidapawan City and even as far as the town of Arakan and Antipas.

About 40 percent were from Magpet villages.

Marvin, a local tourist from Mlang, was prevented by police

personnel to proceed to the river since a swimming ban had been imposed.

Barangay Bantac chairman Hercules Elequin established a quarantine checkpoint at the entrance of the village heading to the river to ensure no one comes in to swim.

“We don’t allow it anymore. We are still in pandemic so please stay at your homes and be safe always,” Eliquin said.

Residents of Magpet are allowed to visit Bantac river provided that they can show proof of residency. Williamor

Peace dialogue Uy and South Upi Mayor Reynalbert Insular presided over Monday’s multi-sector peace dialogue, meant to diffuse tension in South Upi and pave the way for the return of some 2,000 displaced families.

The dialogue, held at the headquarters of the Army’s 57th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Mirab in North Upi town,

NBI can’t probe Amping’s...From page 1

Unson

NoCot tourists sent home for defying protocols

Magbanua

Christine Dacera laid to rest KORONADAL CITY —Christine Angelica Dacera, the flight attendant allegedly a victim of “rape-slay” in Makati City, was finally laid to rest Sunday in her hometown General Santos City.

Over 100 family members and close friends sent the 23-yearold to her final resting place at the Forest Lake Memorial Park amid a tight security provided by police and Marine reservists personnel.

“We love so much our baby Ica… We are praying for justice for our baby Ica,” said Sharon, calling her daughter by her nickname.

Sharon said they will continue to seek justice for her daughter, the second of four siblings, who was found unconscious in the bathtub of a hotel room on January 1 noontime after a New Year’s Eve party

with friends.

She was rushed to a hospital and pronounced dead by attending physicians.

Dacera was laid to rest three days after her remains arrived in GenSan on Thursday via Philippine Airlines, where she worked as a stewardess until the time of her death.

Sharon said her daughter, who graduated cum laude with a communications degree at the University of the Philippines – Mindanao in Davao City, worked as flight attendant for her dream to tour her family around the globe.

Clad mostly in white shirts, burial attendees wear face masks and face shields and were required to maintain distance to avoid the spread of the coronavirus disease.

Throughout the over an hour burial

rites, the memorial park management repeatedly reminded the small crowd to observe social distancing, with a policeman directing those who viewed Dacera’s remains for the last time to follow the right distance.

Sharon thanked those who offered prayers for her daughter’s soul and those who sympathized to ease the pain.

The Dacera family disputed the findings of the Southern Police District that she died of ruptured aortic aneurysm.

The family sought for another autopsy from NBI. National police chief Gen. Debold Sinas suspected that Dacera was a victim of rapeslay, differing with the medico-legal report of the Southern Police District Laboratory Office. Bong

S. Sarmiento

was part of 6th ID’s effort to put an end to the conflicts in nearby South Upi. South Upi has vast swaths of Teduray “fusaka enged,” or ancestral lands, that outsiders have overtly been trying to take over.

“Only personnel of the police and the Army can go around carrying firearms in these areas.

We shall use force against those roaming around with firearms,” Uy said during the dialogue.

South Upi Vice-Mayor

Emelda Estorninos, members of the municipal council and representatives from the Moro National Liberation Front, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Teduray groups were present in the meeting.

The MNLF and the MILF both have peace compacts with Malacañang obliging each to help the government maintain law and order in conflict flashpoint areas in southern provinces.

Teduray tribal leaders

from South Upi’s troubled Barangays Itaw, Lamud, Biarong, Pandan and Kuya have recommended solutions to the nagging security issues besetting the municipality.

“Failure to respond to show cause order within three days, the city will file criminal charges against violators,” she said.

Garcia said “violation letters” were sent to business establishment owners informing them of the breach in their places

of business like absence of physical distancing, allowing customers to come in without facemasks and face shields, among others.

Garcia said a private resort was ordered closed for allowing social gathering of more than

50 percent of the venue’s capacity.

“We already warned you before but still you defy the order. We will do our job to prevent the spread of the virus in our beloved Kidapawan City,” Garcia said. Wiliamor

“ T h e l o c a l government will provide free vaccines to our targeted population,” he said. To augment funds, the city will ask funding support from provincial government on top of aid from

national government.

In Kidapawan City, Mayor Joseph Evangelista said P20 million is ready for the purchase of COVID-19 vaccines to be taken from “disaster fund.”

“We are doing

MNLF and MILF cooperation The MNLF and the MILF, represented in the dialogue by Yahodza Simpal and Ustadz Abdul Maguid, respectively, committed support to the peaceful resolution of the hostilities in South

Kidapawan fines 2k protocol...From page 8

3 LGUs to buy own...From page 1

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Magbanua

this to ensure that access to available COVID-19 vaccines will be available to all Kidapaweños, especially our frontliners and the vulnerable sectors,” he said. Bong S. Sarmiento

P20M damage in Lake Sebu fish kill

KORONADAL CITY — The latest fish kill in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato destroyed at least P20 million worth of tilapia, officials said.

Lake Sebu Mayor Floro Gandam said that 200,000 kilograms of tilapia in 1,000 fish cages were damaged by the fish kill in the 354-hectare Lake Sebu, where the town got its name.

Gandam added the affected fish cages belonged to about 250 operators and that they will receive assistance from the local government to help them recover losses.

The fish kill was caused by a phenomenon called “kemohung” or “kamahong,” characterized by sudden changes in the lake’s temperature.

Often occurring during the wet season, kamahong triggers the rise of sulfuric acid that eventually lowers the

dissolved oxygen in the lakes’ waters.

Since January 8, the fish kill worsened, triggering the emergency harvest of tilapia that flooded the wet markets in the different parts of Soccsksargen.

Due to the fish kill, the farm gate prices of tilapia in the town dtopped to an average of P100 per kilogram and sold in the commercial markets from P130 to P150 kilo.

The local government, however, did not put the town under a state of calamity due to the fish kill.

Christopher Ofong, Lake Sebu spokesperson, said the Municipal Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Office decided against recommending state of calamity because some criteria were not met.

For a state of calamity to be declared, at least 20 percent of

the municipal population and 40 percent of the lake’s fish cages must be affected, he explained.

The fish kill affected at least 10 sitios in three of the town’s 19 barangays, Ofong said.

Citing water analysis results from Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, lake warden Rudy Muyco said the dissolved oxygen of the lake was “almost at zero level.”

He added the damage to the town’s tilapia industry is expected to rise as the fish kill continues to hit some fish cages, which cover 16 percent or 57 hectares of the lake’s total area.

Muyco noted the oxygen level of the lake “will naturally improve with regular heavy rainfall and eight to 10 hours of sunlight.”

In 2017, major fish kill damaged some P126 million worth of tilapia.

Bong S. Sarmiento

EMERGENCY HARVEST. Tilapia fish cage operators launch a massive emergency harvest after another fish kill hit three barangays surrounding Lake Sebu in South Cotabato.

Amiel Mark Cagayan

January 16, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

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January 16, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Pope Francis, Benedict XVI receive vaccine VATICAN— Pope Francis and Pope emeritus Benedict XVI have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, the Vatican confirmed on Thursday.

Responding to questions from reporters on Jan. 14, Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office, said: “I can confirm that as part of the Vatican City State vaccination program to date, the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine has been administered to Pope Francis and the pope emeritus.”

The two men are expected to receive the second dose in about three weeks.

Benedict XVI’s personal secretary said on Tuesday that the 93-year-old pope emeritus would receive the coronavirus vaccine as soon as it was ready.

Archbishop Georg Gänswein told CNA Deutsch, CNA’s Germanlanguage news partner, on Jan. 12 that Benedict XVI would be vaccinated “as soon as the vaccine is available.”

“I will also be vaccinated along with the whole household of the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery,” said

Gänswein, referring to the Vatican monastery where Benedict XVI has lived since resigning as pope in 2013.

The Vatican began administering vaccinations against COVID-19 on Jan. 13.

Vatican residents and employees and their families are receiving their doses of the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine in the atrium of the Paul VI Audience Hall.

Vatican City State, the world’s smallest independent nationstate, has a population of around 800 people. But together with the Holy See, the sovereign entity that predates it, it employs more than 4,000 people.

Since the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak, a total of 27 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Vatican City State. Among them were at least 11 members of the Swiss Guard.

Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, head of the Vatican health

service, said on Jan. 2 that the Vatican had purchased a low-temperature refrigerator to store the vaccine.

“Priority will be given to health and public safety personnel, to the elderly and to personnel most frequently in contact with the public,” he said.

In a television interview broadcast on Sunday, Pope Francis said that he had booked an appointment to be vaccinated against the coronavirus.

“I believe that, ethically, everyone has to get the vaccine. It is an ethical option because it concerns your life but also that of others,” he commented.

Recalling the introduction of the polio vaccine and other common childhood immunizations, he said: “I don’t understand why some say this could be a dangerous vaccine. If doctors present it to you as something that can be fine and has no special dangers, why not take it?”

The 84-year-old Pope Francis is generally healthy, though he suffers from sciatica and had eye surgery for cataracts in 2019. When he was young, he had a portion of a lung removed because of an infection.

At his traditional

Christmas “Urbi et Orbi” blessing, the pope called for COVID-19 vaccines to be made available to the world’s neediest people.

He said: “I ask everyone — government leaders, businesses, international organizations — to foster

cooperation and not competition, and to seek a solution for everyone: vaccines for all, especially for the most vulnerable and needy of all regions of the planet. Before all others: the most vulnerable and needy!” CNA

Pope Francis greets Pope emeritus Benedict XVI at the Vatican’s Mater Ecclesiae Monastery on Nov. 28, 2020.

Photo from VATICAN MEDIA

The Tamontaka Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes - the beggining ...From page 1 Enginco and Danilo Mendiola.

The Novice Master was a Dutch OMI - + Fr. Ian Kuilboer who had great devotion to the Blessed Virgin.

Immediately after seeing the contour of the land, he conceived of establishing a grotto dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes.

He thought of carving a cave made of local limestones akin to the Shrine in Lourdes, France. With his Dutch connection, he got in touch with his Dutch speaking missionaries (CICM) in the Cordillera, particularly in Baguio City to get the local artisans in stone work.

Meanwhile, Fr. Ian Kuilboer imported an Italian marble statue of our Lady of Lourdes. The Igorots came and began the work immediately. In no time, they hewed a cave made of limestone with corresponding terraces to serve as

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platform for devotees.

It was a beautiful “native” Shrine and with the arrival of the Statue, the Tamontaka Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes was established and blessed by Bishop Gerard Mongeau, OMI on December 8th, 1961 (the same year the novitiate was established).

The highlight of the establishment and blessing of the first Shrine in the then Prelature of Cotabato was the holding of the first Marian Pilgrimage to our Lady of Lourdes with delegation from the neighboring parishes.

The OMI Novice Master and the Novices were in charge of the Shrine, particularly the Novena and Mass on Saturdays.

The establishment of the Shrine of our Lady of Lourdes was one of the highlights

of the celebrations in the year 1961.

First was the visit of the Apostolic Nuncio, Most Rev. Salvatore Siino, DD for the Blessing of the new Building (Burke Building) in the new Campus of Notre Dame Colleges (Now Notre Dame University) on February 19, 1961.

Second was the Consecration of the first Prelate, Most Rev. Quentin Olwell, CP of the newly established Prelature of Marbel (separating South Cotabato from North Cotabato) on April 25, 1961.

Third was the establishment and blessing of the OMI our Lady of Perpetual Help Novitiate in Tamontaka on May 21, 1961 (henceforth, the Filipino novices would no longer to go Mission, Texas).

Fourth was the ordination to the Order of Presbyter of Fr. Eleno Isip and Salvador Kapunan by the newly

his third Sunday Jean-Jacques Rosseau, of January, the an early advocate of the Philippine church naturalist approach in celebrates the fiesta education said, “Love of the Infant Jesus, childhood; promote its the Sto. Niǹo. The games, its pleasures, its story is familiar to amiable instincts…Why fill many Catholics, how with bitterness and sorrow Magellan gave an image those early years passing of the Holy Child to so quickly?” Indeed, let Rajah Humabon and his us rediscover the “child Rev. Fr. Antonio P. Pueyo, DCC within,” the playfulness, wife on the occasion of tonypoy_dcc0@yahoo.com their baptism and how the sense of adventure, the this was found in an abandoned hut forty-four years curiosity, and the friendliness of childhood. There is later with the return of the Spanish colonizers. As we one exercise I suggest for those of us who have become celebrate 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines, adults. Look at pictures of your childhood when you this fiesta is a reminder and a celebration of the roots were a baby up to the time you were seven years old. of the Christian faith in our country.

Can you remember some of your natural behaviors at In this Sunday’s gospel, Jesus said, “Let the that time? What were the games you enjoyed playing? children come to me; do not prevent them for the What did you like to eat? What did you like to do? kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (Mk. 10:14). What have you lost as you grew up? Did you lost the He then blessed them placing His hands on them. This laughter, the playfulness, the friendliness? gesture of blessing is just like our traditional gesture As we celebrate the fiesta of the Holy Child may of “mano po,” seeking blessing from our respected we value children and care for them. Just like Jesus, elders. In Semitic culture at that time, the children let us bless them and pray that they be protected from do not have a voice and are generally ignored, until harm. Let us keep from harming any child because they reach a certain age. We can therefore understand they are defenseless and vulnerable. I saw a comical the reaction of the apostles when the parents were image in Facebook of a child complaining to his bringing children to Jesus so he can touch and bless mother, “When teachers shout at us in the classroom, them. “Samok, ” they might be saying. Jesus rebuked you go and quarrel with our teachers. Now as we do them for this and asked that the children be brought our modules at home, you shout at us and also spank to him. us.” There must be some truth to it.

What is it in children that the kingdom of heaven Let us also recover the “child within” with all its belongs to them? We call childhood as the “age of potentialities. Just looking back personally and recalling innocence” when we were not yet that manipulative, my childhood, I saw that I was adventurous, going or hungry for power, or greedy, or calculating costs around the farms with my friends and exploring the hills, and benefits. There is a natural goodness in each child river, and creeks . I was also an inventor, trying to make that has not yet been spoiled by the negativities of toys from all kinds of materials I picked up around. Now the environment wherein she grows up. There is a all toys are ready made. We had group games such as playfulness and spontaneous joyfulness in children. “syatong,” “tubig-tubig,” and “tumba lata.” The streets Eventually as they grow older and learn from the were our playground. One thing this pandemic has done examples and words of those around them, then they is to deprive the children of an important part of their develop certain personalities to deal and cope with childhood as they are no longer in school. Now with the their realities, painful or pleasant. They lost their Covid pandemic, we ask where are the children? innocence.

Bless the children, Lord. MC

The Child Within REFLECTIONS

consecrated Bishop Quentin Olwell, CP at the Cotabato Cathedral on June 29, 1961.

Fifth was the canonical visitation of the OMI Missions done by Very Rev. John Walsh, OMI on August 7, 1961.

Sixth was the Blessing and occupation of the new Faculty House in the new NDU Campus (prior to this date, the Oblates assigned to ND Colleges stayed in the Cathedral Convento since the College was located beside the Rectory) on September 7, 1961.

And on December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the new Shrine of our Lady of Lourdes in Tamontaka was officially established and blessed by Bishop Gerard Mongeau, OMI and the First Pilgrimage to the Shrine was held in the Prelature of Cotabato. MC

B adaliyya Fr. Jun Mercado, OMI

Short Reflection for the Feast of Sto. Nino (Feast in the Philippines) Readings:

Isaiah 9: 1-6; Ephesians 1: 3-6; Mark 10: 13-16

Selected Passage:

“Let the children come to me, do not hinder them; for to such belong the kingdom of God. Truly, I said to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” (Mark 10: 13-14)

Reflection:

The call of the gospel today is to accept the kingdom of God with child-like spirit. To them, belongs the Kingdom. The characteristics of being child-like are the following: TRUST, NO MALICE, and NO SELFINTEREST. We believe in Jesus with child-like TRUST. And the Feast of Sto. Nino invites us to this child-like attitude in our following of Jesus.

DHIKR SIMPLE METHOD Dhikr is an Arabic word for remembrance. In the “tariqa” (the way) movement, dhikr developed into a form of prayer… It is a prayer of the heart… following three simple steps: 1. Write in one’s heart a certain passage of the Holy Writ…

2. Make the same passage ever present in one’s lips.

3. Then wait for God’s disclosure on the meaning of the passage…that interprets one’s life NOW…!

It takes a week of remembering (dhikr)…or even more days to relish the beauty of this method…

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THE MINDANAO CROSS

January 16, 2021

EDITORIAL

500 years of Christianity

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his region is again submerged in the violence that many of us hope will stop. Added to the pandemic that is pervading, is this the natural way of decimating the population? I therefore choose to focus more on the happy side of life.

In my younger days, I like to hear the song made famous by the comedian Yoyoy Villame. “On March 16, 1521, Magellan landed in the shores of Mactan”. Singing it over and over left an imprint that reminded me of Ferdinand Magellan, who came as a colonizer for Spain, but brought along with him a group of religious who eventually introduced Christianity in the Philippines.

It would surprise people to know that the Magellan landing and first mass has been a subject of controversy, and was only settled in preparation for the quincentennial celebration of the coming of Christianity in the Philippines. The controversy was on where the first mass was celebrated: Limasawa or Butuan. This was eventually decided by all investigating panels that Limasawa was the right place. (on hindsight, we could just imagine the questions that would arise when the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao will try to establish where Islam first came to Mindanao).

500 years have passed (it’s now 2021) since that historical event according to the Philippine Historical Commission. It was later corrected that Magellan’s ship landed in the island of Homonhon.

Based on the records of Antonio Pigafetta, the landing was made on March 17, 1521.

The country’s first Catholic mass was officiated

by Fr. Pedro Valderrama on March 31, 1521, upon orders of the Portugese explorer. The Limasawa mass marked the birth of Roman Catholicism in the country with the baptism of the first Filipino.

From Cebu Online, a profile of Rajah (or Datu) Humabon was established. Also known as Hamabar or Humabad, Datu Humabon was regarded as the “wisest and bravest man on the island” of Sugbu (Cebu), the “king and lord over eight chieftains and over 2,000 lancers.” It was he whom Magellan met when he arrived in Cebu in 1521. His was a flourishing kingdom, whose jurisdiction extended over the whole island. He was chieftain of the confederation of barangays and known as their supreme ruler. Cebu was then an entrepot, with a flourishing trade with Thailand, China, and other Asian countries. Magellan’s real mission, which was to sail on to the Moluccas, was sidetracked once he entered Philippine waters. Christianization became a priority, almost as much as colonization for trade and resources. Magellan lost no time in impressing on Humabon the greatness of Christianity. Captivated by its teachings, Humabon decided to convert, making him the first native chieftain to embrace Christianity.

On April 14,1521, Humabon—along with his wives, relatives, courtiers, and practically the entire populace of Cebu—was baptized by Father Valderama. He was named Carlos, in honor of King Charles I of Spain, while his principal wife was named Juana, after King Charles’ mother, Johanna.

Magellan also gave her an image of the child Jesus as a gift, and had a large cross, erected, to mark the baptismal site.

A list of activities to celebrate the quincentennial coming of Christianity have been formulated since two years ago, but some had to be postponed to 2022 because of the pandemic. Hopefully, this pandemic will end so that we can celebrate properly as the only Catholic country in Asia, +

is published every Saturday by the Mindanao Cross Publishers, Inc., Sinsuat cor Quezon Avenues, Cotabato City. Tel Nos. (064) 4217161 and E-mail Address: mindanao.cross@gmail.com | mincross101@yahoo.com.ph Fr. Rogelio Tabuada, OMI, Chief-Executive-Officer Eva Kimpo - Tan, Editor-in-Chief Edwin O. Fernandez, News Editor Gemma A. Peñaflor, Administration and Marketing Executive Valérie Ann P. Lambo, Reporter Julito P. Torres, Circulation Officer Karl John B. Daniel, Graphic-Layout Artist COTABATO CITY / ARMM CORRESPONDENTS

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

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

Member: PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

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

P

fizer, AstraZeneca, Sinovac. Whichever vaccine you take against the dreaded 2019 novel coronavirus, which causes the deadly COVID-19, is ultimately your choice. That choice would undoubtedly be the safest with the least side effects and the highest efficacy rate. It would also be influenced by whether or not you can afford the price.

That is the reality people, especially those who have less in life, always has to face and the reason why government is supposed to be there for them.

So when a government official like presidential spokesperson Harry Roque makes a statement that Filipinos cannot choose which specific brand of COVID-19 vaccine they want to receive in the government’s free coronavirus vaccination drive, reactions are not far-fetched.

In a press briefing in Malacañang on Monday Roque said although everyone has the right to health, the public cannot afford to be choosy with the coronavirus vaccines citing the large quantity of Filipinos who need to be vaccinated against the viral illness. He said we really cannot choose which vaccine will arrive first, and this is free. According to reports, the Philippines has so far secured 2.6 million doses of coronavirus vaccines from British drug manufacturer AstraZeneca and 30 million doses of Indian-made Covovax vaccine. Roque also announced in the briefing that the country has also secured 25 million doses of vaccine from China’s Sinovac, a part of which is expected to arrive by February.

The preference for the vaccine manufactured by Pfizer has undoubtedly been triggered by reports of its high level of efficacy. Late last month, the New York Times reported that Pfizer’s vaccine, when administered in its full two-dose regimen, was found to be 95 percent effective at preventing symptomatic cases of COVID-19. Reports as recent as Monday also said a new study suggests that Pfizer’s vaccine is effective against new forms of the pathogen discovered in Britain and South Africa. The Pfizer vaccine costs P2,379 for two doses per person, and data released by Senate committee on finance chair Sonny Angara show that roughly 34,678,436 Filipinos may get the shots based on the government’s allocated fund for vaccine procurement.

AstraZeneca has also reportedly shown a high efficacy rate of 90 percent for two doses with the first

U

S Embassy Chargé d’Affaires John Law through the Office of the Press Attaché in Manila promptly sent this official statement on the Capitol Hill mob attack on January 8, 2021.

He says: “I would like to thank our many Philippine friends who reached out to us in the wake of the violence at the U.S. Capitol.”

“Your heartfelt messages of support remind us that the friendship between our peoples remains strong,” Law adds.

Law notes that “leaders across our political spectrum have condemned last week’s criminal behavior and called for accountability,” adding: “As Secretary of State Pompeo said this type of lawlessness and destruction is unacceptable. But those persons’ actions do not define our country; our principles and our ideals do. On January 20, political power will transition peacefully, as it has for over two centuries.” *** The riot last Wednesday’s (Thursday here) in the Capitol Hill is unthinkable in the U.S. A mob of gathered supporters of defeated incumbent President Donald Trump vandalized windows and doors of what appears to be the George Washington Museum at the Library of Congress.

It’s unthinkable that a mob that huge could secure entry en-masse into the Washington D.C. U.S. Capitol that is well secured by both Capitol Police and National Guards. Every security post in the vast premises is equipped with a hydraulic steel plate bridge that springs on one wrong move to throw your truck off.

Covering the Capitol Hill on invitation of the Foreign Press Center (FPC) was a life-changing experience in the Autumn of 2011. Travelling from Washington D.C. across Shenandoah River to a domestic airport in Detroit, Michigan to catch an early morning flight back to N.Y., I had some moments of encounter with workers retrenched, primarily because of the inevitable reality of increasing mechanization and computerization of the motor industry that Detroit has become

A matter of choice; economics too

Thinking Aloud

Caloy Bautista

caloyb@gmail.com

dose at half strength. It costs much less than the Pfizer vaccine at only P610 for two doses per person. This is perhaps why it has been the choice for local government units. Given its price and the P82.5 billion allocation of the government for vaccine procurement, it can inoculate 135,245,901 Filipinos, based on Angara’s data.

And Sinovac? It is the second-most-expensive vaccine according to Angara’s data with a price tag of P 3,629.50 for two doses per person. At that price and given the government’s budget, s 22,730,403 Filipinos may benefit from the vaccine if acquired by the government. It was announced last week that Sinovac had a 78% effectivity rate, based on data from a Brazilian phase 3 study, but a more recent report citing a statement published by the government of São Paulo Tuesday said Sinovac 50.38% effective in latestage trials in Brazil.

What many cannot fathom is why the government would choose to spend it’s precious, given its being limited, budget on a vaccine which is expensive yet less effective. And that is really not a question of “colonial mentality” as Harry Roque posits. One netizen puts it thus: “Any procurement from Sinovac must be treated, first and foremost, as a public finance issue: why should they get our money when there are others? Why pay for a poor-quality product, much less use it on Filipinos?

We will just be throwing away money.” He has a point; one we agree with.

Meanwhile, the government has another matter to contend with. According to a recent Pulse Asia survey, 47 percent or nearly half of Filipinos refuse to be vaccinated against COVID-19 even if it is free of charge. It definitely would have to deal with that if the country’s fight against COVID-19 via vaccination is to be a success. MC

On the Capitol Hill ‘terror mob’ PENLIGHT Nash B. Maulana

nash.penlight@gmail.com

famous for. Indeed, I brought home a story of one retrenched worker and wrote it here in December 2011.

Displacement of Detroit workers has undoubtedly affected Michigan’s economy. I learned much later that the business empire run by the family of Donald Trump include companies of the motor industry sector which help many of the retrenched workers back to work--and thus, prevailed the sense of gratitude in a social action. *** Still, Jewish-American singer-composer Bob Dylan prophesized that and foretold in 1964 that (There’s) the battle outside (and) it’s ragin’/ Will soon shake your windows and rattle your walls”/ “For the times they are a changin’…” in his song of that title.

Dylan, a distinguished honoree of the Peace Nobel Prize, wrote: “Come senators, congressmen / Please heed the call/ Don’t stand in the doorway/ Don’t block up the hall/ For he that gets hurt Will be he who has stalled/” A segment of the real-time reporting by CNN calls the insurrection a “:terror mob attack” and the rioters “terrorists-mob” “A US Capitol police officer was the latest to be confirmed dead as a mob of President Trump’s supporters stormed the US Capitol on Wednesday,” the CNN reported. MC

6

THE MINDANAO CROSS

The time is near

Indeed death is inevitable to all whatever be the cause, for God has appointed it, as in time to be born and time to die; that while alive we have Charlie Señase to prepare for the life hereafter which is etercsenase@yahoo.com nal.

HAT’S in a name to be tragic?

Peaceful rest brings us also to the We were saddened and ap- recent passing away of the better-half palled by the series or never- of former OPPAP head Atty. Jesus ending killing of people with impunity Dureza and so with the spouse of forthese past few days that included the mer Civil Service Commissioner Atty. untimely demise of North Cotabato Cesar Buenaflor due to their lingering town mayor and his driver in alleged illnesses. ambush staged by unidentified gunYear 2021 also took the life of men. Killed were Libungan Mayor BIFF spokesperson Abu Misry, 63, due Christopher Cuan, fondly known as to cardiac arrest triggered by severe “Amping” (good care) and chauffer rheumatic pain.

Erwin Ihao (slaughter).

When death strikes, the living inMayor Cuan was among the sus- vokes justice and peace, especially to pected names in the those they perceived drug-watch list of the to be good and upgovernment’s intelright. ligence group that The righteous the President made perishes and no public last year. man takes it to heart Bloodbath in that merciful men broad daylight apare taken away from pears to be getting evil. They shall enter bolder as if culprits into peace and rest are into a slaughter in their beds. Each house business. one walking in his In Maguindanao, uprightness (Isaiah a Public Works and 57:1-2).

Highways personnel, Whatever good who was driving his the living knows, do car was ambushed it with all his might, by motorcycle-riding for there is no work, device, knowledge men at Datu Odin Sinsuat town. He or wisdom in the grave where he is godied of multiple gunshot wounds. ing (Ecclesiastes 9:10). For the living In Tipo-Tipo, Basilan, the West- know that they will die, but the dead ern Mindanao Command reported the know nothing. Nevermore will they death of a village chieftain and three of have a share in anything done under his companions when waylaid by still the sun (Ecclesiastes 9:5-6). unidentified armed men. WestMinCom Let us commit ourselves to the said the victims were aboard a car from LORD by trusting on Him who shall Lamitan City when peppered with bul- bring to pass our righteousness as lets upon reaching Tipo-Tipo. light and our justice as noonday And the most recent highway (Psalm 37:5-6). atrocity was the killing of three civilAnd here’s something that we, the ians aboard a mini-cargo truck in Ma- living, must take to heart. “Whoever talam, North Cotabato. And as usual desires to save his life will lose it, but the ambushers have yet to be known he who loses his life for God-sake will and pursued upon by authorities. find it” (Matthew 10:39). MC

TRUE TO FORM

W

“When death strikes, the living invokes justice and peace, especially to those they perceived to be good and upright.”

A team in life and beyond

Roger and Dr. Rory had built their love with God as the center of their lives; raising their children as respectful, God fearing, accomplished, and worthy of their parents pride.

Not even distance, nor pandemic could stop the family from celebrating Victoria R. Franco, RPh, MS Pharmacy this special day, despite the absence of one of the franco1573victoria@gmail.com important participant he match that’s made in heaven Roger. I was fortunate to began 50 years ago when the take wind of their zoom party, and joined student leader met the campus in a little, long enough to wish them a beauty. It was an exceptional encounter joyful celebration, no tears. They sang that found fruition in creating an Roger’s favorite songs, for one with a zest exceptional relationship, covering almost for life and for music, for sure Roger was 50 years had health problems not joining them too. intervened.

Though Roger is sorely missed, he Short of a few months, the late would not want his family and specially Regional Director Roger Chio and the Rory to be sad for his passing. Life goes former Dr. Aurora Victoria would on for them, their annual get together, have celebrated their golden wedding travels together as testimonies of a life anniversary this January 9, 2021. well lived. Thank you Roger, kids you Nonetheless, the glorious years they know you are so blessed with parents like shared together more than make up for Roger and Rory. Happy Golden Wedding just this one day they miss together. Dir. Anniversary. MC

THE STUFF OF LIFE

T

January 16, 2021

The painful rash: Herpes zoster in the elderly GOLDEN THREADS

common in the elderly as well as people with incompetent immune systems such as those with chronic diseases like leukemia, HIV, lymphomas or malignancies. The clinical expression of Herpes zoster starts with the experience of pain. Sometimes, Cheridine P. Oro- Josef, l e s i o n s a r e n o t y e t M.D., DFM, FPAFP, FPCGM a p p a r e n t b u t t h e patient complains of cheridinemd@gmail.com pain on the affected side. This pain or s the immune system declines, an older person’s capacity to neuritis is described as burning, deep ward off common bacteria or aching, tingling, itching, or stabbing viruses decreases. This decline too pain, and ranges from mild to severe. gives way to emergence of latent This prodrome may last for a week or infections experienced in childhood, two before the actual appearance of most common of which is the Varicella rashes. Among older people, this is zoster virus or chicken pox. The masked by other diseases they have chicken pox virus has the ability to and hence, sensitive skin to touch establish a latent infection for the may be a clue to the possibility of a lifetime of the infected person; and herpes zoster infection. Aside from it retains the capacity after many pain, herpes zoster is confined in decades to emerge at unpredictable one area of the body only. It does not times to cause Herpes Zoster. Herpes become generalized unlike chicken zoster is extremely painful. This pox or measles. Exposed to these is called postherpectic neuralgia. patients, caregivers and family Among older persons, postherpetic members who have not had chicken neuralgia may last longer than usual. pox may be infected with the virus if Some patients may complain of pain they did not receive any vaccine.

It is important to take note that on the affected site even 6 months or 1 year after resolution of symptoms. some elderly individuals may not Recently, two of the elderly present with rashes but symptoms bedridden patients I visit at home l i k e b l u r r i n g o f v i s i o n , a c u t e experienced appearance of rashes facial palsy, painful or sensitive which are red and vesicular, on the face. skin, vertigo, hearing loss or even It looked like small blisters confined meningoencephalitis are experienced.

Herpes zoster can be treated with on one side only. Unfortunately, these patients have dementia too and antiviral medications however, in the hence, could not properly complain elderly, it is very important to watch of pain. However, vital signs show out for potential complications. This elevated blood pressure and agitation. is why, most elderly frail individuals The appearance of rashes alarmed with herpes zoster are adv ised the relatives especially when they admission for proper observation.

Vaccination with Varicella zoster knew the patient never left home.

The usual question is ‘where did this vaccine are promising but still needs further observation and investigation. come from’?

Reactivation of chicken pox, Early detection is important so that is what I normally explain to my proper consultation with physician is patients. Herpes zoster is very done on time. MC

A

Getting to one million…

MARKET DRIVEN

one website defines it as a person that has several millions but not exceeding a billion.

Anyway, we should not yet trouble ourselves with the crystal-clear difference of a multimillionaire vis-à-vis a Danny Buenbrazo mega-millionaire. The danny_buenbrazo@yahoo.com focus of this article is on achieving financial good friend recently retired from independence first and, public service though he still has if possible, to attain the status of being several years left before becoming wealthy. With the current purchasing eligible for the normal retirement age power of the local currency and the and, definitely, years from reaching prices of goods and services, achieving the mandatory retirement age. With these gools would require a person to the salaries in the public sector way accumulate a million pesos or much above most comparable positions in the more. private sector, my friend is expected to Compared to what a million pesos receive a few million pesos (given his would be able to buy 10 or 20 years relatively high position). ago, the purchasing power of such As he announced bowing out from amount of money had diminished over a long stint in public service and a time. However, it would still make plan to practice his profession in the a difference having a net worth of at private sector, he received a good least a million pesos than being heavily number of messages on social media indebted. from relatives, colleagues, and friends.

How do we get to our first million One of the messages that really rang pesos? a bell was from a mutual friend who First, clearly establish your said something like “congratulations financial goal whether it is just to be on your retirement, now you have the financially independent or the more chance to practice your true profession ambitious aim is becoming wealthy. and become a mega-millionaire”. The Along with this is clear specification message was quite unique and what of the peso value of such goal (e.g. P2.0 made it more significant, at least to me, million or P20.0 million)) plus a definite is the fact that it came from someone timeline for achieving it (in 5 years to whom the label “mega-millionaire” or 10 years). The time element would undoubtedly fits. depend on how large one wants and the I am used to hearing advices strategy for getting to the target. from motivational speakers saying We cannot reach a million pesos that we should aim to become multi- or even a hundred thousand pesos millionaires but becoming a mega- of money if we do not have earnings. millionaire would take one to a much Thus, we should have sources of higher level. income, the more sources the better.

How do we differentiate a multiA large income would still not millionaire from a mega-millionaire ? get you to a million pesos net worth Let us understand the different if you are spending faster than you kind of millionaires. By strict definition, are earning, thus, control your urge a millionaire is a person who owns more to spend. than one million of the local currency.

With the specific saving that you A multi-millionaire is a person whose can generate every month, invest in net worth is at least several millions of real estate, stocks, and other reliable the local currency. There is no specific instruments, In due time you will have definition for a mega-millionaire, but your first million. MC

A

7

THE MINDANAO CROSS

January 16, 2021

NOTICE

NATIONAL ELECTRIFICATION ADMINISTRATION

“The 1st Performance Governance System-Institutionalized National Government Agency” 57 NIA Road Government Center, Diliman, Quezon City

SUBASTA

Needed Immediately for COTABATO ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. Manubuan, Matalam, Cotabato Qualifications: • Graduate of Bachelor ’s Degree in Engineering

• • •

(preferably Electrical, Mechanical and Electronics and Communications Engineer), Business Administration/ Finance Management, Accountancy, Behavioral Science Completion of Post-Graduate Degree or its equivalent or with Master’s Degree preferred Must have at least five (5) years managerial experience in a utility-related business enterprise Computer literate Must be willing to relocate with his/her family in Cotabato

Starting Salary: P150,000.00 Application forms and additional information may be obtained from the Institutional Development Department, 6th Floor, NEA Building, NIA Road, Government Center, Diliman, Quezon City. Deadline for submission of application form is on 02 February 2021.

(SGD) ZENAIDA N. EMBODO Board President MC: Jan. 16 & 23, 2021

CRISANEL PAWNSHOP-MAIN BRANCH I & II

Patalastas ng Subasta

Ang Crisanel Pawnshop ng Cotabato City ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sangla. Ang mga ito ay isinangla magmula noong Hunyo hanggang Hulyo 2020. Ang Subasta ay sa February 3, 2021 sa ganap na ika 8:00 ng umaga hanggang ika 4:00 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

MC: Jan. 16, 2021

SULTAN PAWNSHOP

corner Bonifacio and Don Rufino Alonzo Sts., Cotabato City

Ang Sultan Pawnshop ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sangla. Ang mga ito ay isinangla noong Hunyo 2020. Ang subasta ay sa Pebrero 2, 2021 sa ganap na ika-8:00 ng umaga hanggang ika-4:30 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

MC: Jan. 16 & 23, 2021

RANEN PAWNSHOP MAIN, BRANCH I, II & III Don Rufino Alonzo & Don Tomas Martinez Sts, Cot. City

Notice for Auction

All unredeemed articles pledged on June 2020 will be auctioned on February 2, 2021 at 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Please come before February 2, 2021 for renewal or redemption.

Patalastas ng Subasta

Lahat ng sangla noong Hunyo 2020 ay ipagbibili ng Subasta sa Pebrero 2, 2021 sa ganap na ika-8:30 ng umaga hanggang ika-4:30 ng hapon. Kung maari ay pumunta bago ang Pebrero 2, 2021 para sa pagbayad ng tubo o pagtubos.

MC: Jan. 16 & 23, 2020

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

ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sanla. Ang mga ito ay isinangla magmula Disyembre 2019 hanggang Enero 2020. Ang Subasta ay sa Enero 30, 2021 sa ganap na ika 8:00 ng umaga hanggang ika 4:00 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

MC: Jan. 16 & 23, 2020

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 Hulyo hangtud sa bulan sa Agosto 31, 2020 sa alas 9:00 sa buntag karung Pebrero 10, 2021 sa VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I, Dayao St., ug sa VGM PAWNSHOP BRANCH II, Jose Abad Santos St., Kidapawan City.

GENERAL MANAGER

•

VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I AND BRANCH II will hold a public auction sale of all unredeemed and unrenewed items pawned from July to August 31, 2020 on February 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

AFFIDAVIT OF LOSS

Know all men by these presents that THELMO B. BULQUERIN of legal age, Filipino, married and proprietor of THEL CONSTRUCTION AND SUPPLY, with business address at Poblacion 7, Midsayap, Cotabato, procured as principal from the People’s General Insurance Corporation (Surety) an advance payment Bond Policy with PGIC Bond numbered 013074. That the original copy of the said Policy could no longer be found and was declared lost before Notary Public Jessica Resurrecion L. Pader as per Doc. No. 115; Page No. 24; Book No. I; Series of 2020.

MC: Dec. 19, 2020, Jan 9 & 16, 2021

The above notice was inadvertently omitted on December 26, 2020 and January 2, 2021 issues. Our apologies.

Ang Nagdumala

MC: Jan. 16, 23 & 30, 2021

South Upi...From page 2

Upi. Tension in the municipality escalated on December 31 when members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters plundered Barangay Itaw and set on fire 13 houses of poor ethnic Teduray families.

A villager was killed while three others were wounded when gunmen attacked in Barangay Pandan three days later a convoy of local officials on their way to the municipal center from a relief mission in Barangay Itaw.

The now secondtermer mayor Insular, who survived the attack unscathed, said he is certain he was the target of the ambush.

Armed men also fired assault rifles at the vehicle of South Upi councilor Basit Kamid in Barangay Lamud four days after the ambush of the convoy led

by Insular.

“These troubles have to stop. These are EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late Spouses DORFIN D. DOFELIZ and ELDELIZA DIESTO who died on January 7, 2007 and June 26, 2011, respectively, at Midsayap, Cotabato, left parcel of land Lot 6, Bsd-1240709001786-AR, situated in Poblacion 7, Midsayap, Cotabato, containing an area of 22,172 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. T-7038, is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous deed of absolute sale before Notary Public Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 489; Page No. 98; Book No. CLXXXV; Series of 2020.

MC: Jan. 9, 16 & 23, 2021

Notice for Auction Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Main, Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Roman Vilo Branch, SK Pendatun Branch, Mabini Branch, ORC Branch, Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Branch I, II, III, IV in Parang Branch, Carmen Branch, Pikit 1 and Pikit 2 Branch, Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Dalican 1, Dalican 2, Shariff Aguak Branch of Cotabato City, Parang North Cotabato, Datu Odin Sinsuat and Shariff Aguak announce the Auction Sale of all unredeemed pledges contracted January 2-31, 2020 at 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Main 4J Bldg. Corner Jose Lim Sr., and Don Roman Vilo St. Cotabato City. Auction sale will be on January 27, 2021

Patalastas ng Subasta Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Main, Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Roman Vilo Branch, SK Pendatun Branch, Mabini Branch, ORC Branch, Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Branch I, II, III, IV sa Parang Branch, Carmen Branch, Pikit 1 and Pikit 2 Branch, Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Dalican 1, Dalican 2, Shariff Aguak Branch of Cotabato City, Parang North Cotabato, Datu Odin Sinsuat and Shariff Aguak ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sangla. Ang mga ito ay isinangla noong Enero 2-31, 2020 sa alas 8:00 ng umaga hanggang alas 4:00 ng hapon sa Agencia de Oro - Jose Lim Branch, corner Jose Lim Sr, and Don Roman Vilo St., Cotabato City sa Enero 27, 2021.

MC: Jan. 16 & 23, 2020

absolutely savage and primitive. We have to help each other address these troubles in South Upi,” Uy said.

Representatives from the MILF’s Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities said they will help the 6th ID and the Maguindanao provincial police restore normalcy in South Upi. Uy said their efforts to put a negotiated closure to the security problems in the municipality are supported by the interagency Maguindanao provincial peace and order council and the office of lawyer Sinarimbo, who is local government minister of the Bangsamoro region.

John Felix Unson

ERRATUM Notice is hereby given that the correct number/s of The Original Certificate of Title of Lot 159, Colony 1, AC-3, in the name of Calimpo (Kalimpo) Sakito is/are P-35141, not P-95141, as erroneously written in the Extrajudicial Deed of Settlement, The execution of which was published in the March 14, 21, and 28, 2020 issues of The Mindanao Cross.

MC: Jan.16, 2021

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late DATU TALUTUCAN MATALAM who died intestate on September 8, 2012 at Poblacion, Pagalungan, Maguindanao, left parcel of land Lot 71, Ccs-12-000269, containing an area of 40,399 sq. mts., more or less, covered by OCT No. P70164, is the subject of extrajudicial settlement with waiver of rights before Notary Public Atty. Agnes R. De Castro-Jagunap as per Doc. No. 9273; Page No. 9273; Book No. XXV; Series of 2020.

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late PATRICIO B. DELOS REYES, SR. and MILAGROS T. DELOS REYES who died on May 17, 2001 and November 9, 1989 at Cotabato City, respectively left parcels of land situated in Cotabato City, covered

by Transfer Certificate of Title Nos. T-3123, T-3576, T-7138 and in North Cotabato, covered

by OCT Nos. P-51421, P-51445, T-14316 and T-14241; together with all the improvements and structures existing thereon, are the subject of extrajudicial settlement before Notary Public Atty.

Agnes R. De CastroJagunap as per Doc. No. 7001; Page No. 7001; Book No. XXV; Series of 2020.

MC: Jan. 9, 16 & 23, 2021

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 12th Judicial Region BRANCH 27 Cotabato City Special Proceeding No. 2020-1481

-for-

PETITION FOR CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH RONALDO ALFARO MILLAMA,

Petitioner, versus RAMIL A. MILLAMA, RUBYLN M. CASIMIRO, RICHARD A. MILLAMA, VIRGINIA A. MILLAMA and the CIVIL REGISTRAR OF COTABATO CITY, Respondents. 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 in the Certificate of Live Birth of the Petitioner under Registry No. 1287 (F82) particularly his birth year instead of May 30, 1982 the true and correct is May 30, 1988.

Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, let this case be set for hearing on February 23, 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 24th day of December, 2020.

(Sgd.) KASAN K. ABDULRAKMAN

Presiding Judge

MC: Jan. 9, 16 & 23, 2021

MC: Jan. 9, 16 & 23, 2021

Republic of the Philippines Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Parang, Maguindanao

Republic of the Philippines Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Parang, Maguindanao

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that Alfredo B. Lidasan, Jr. has filed with this Office a petition for change of first name from Elfred to Alfredo Jr. in the birth certificate of Elfred Baransuela Lidasan who was born on March 12, 1969 at Parang, Cotabato and whose parents are Wilfredo Lidasan and Evangeline Baransuela.

Any person adversely affected by the said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than January 27, 2021.

(Sgd.) KARIM O. OMAR, MPA Municipal Civil Registrar MC: Jan. 16 & 23, 2021

OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that Jocelyn S. Hornido has filed with this Office a petition for change of first name from Jennifer to Jocelyn in the birth certificate of Jennifer Molina Sabanal who was born on December 5, 1980 at Parang, Maguindanao and whose parents are Melchor N. Sabanal Jr. and Gloria T. Molina.

Any person adversely affected by the said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than January 27, 2021.

(Sgd.) KARIM O. OMAR, MPA Municipal Civil Registrar

MC: Jan. 16 & 23, 2021

8

January 16, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

BARMM assumes control of DOLE office in Cotabato City

MEMBERS of the local business community supports the Bangsamoro government’s operation of a Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLE) office in the city, originally under the watch of the Department of Labor and Employment-12.

The Bangsamoro government is now in control of the field office here of the Department of Labor and Employment-12 as a consequence of the city’s having become part of the autonomous region.

Cotabato City got fused with the now 23-month Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao following the approval in January 2019 of the charter of BARMM, the Republic Act 11054, via a plebiscite in its 37 barangays and in the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi and in the cities of Marawi and Lamitan.

BARMM Labor Minister Romeo Sema told Mindanao Cross early this week that they designated Dimaporo Diocolano, an engineer, as head of the former field office in Cotabato City of DOLE12.

The symbolic assumption of MOLEBARMM of the DOLE-12 field office in Cotabato City was witnessed by

BIRDWATCH. These Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) were among the thirteen waterbird species spotted in selected coastal barangays of the Municipality of Glan in Sarangani Province during the 2021 Asian Waterbird Census last January 8-9, 2021.

Waterbirds are important bio-indicator as they exhibit meaningful responses which serves as important signs of contamination and deterioration of an ecosystem.

Photo courtesy of CENRO Glan

Kidapaweños avail free late birth list up

KIDAPAWAN CITY — No copies of birth certificate or unregistered? Don’t worry as the Kidapawan City LGU intensifies “Rehistro Mo, Sagot Ko” program aimed at helping indigents secure vital document free of charge.

The project which aims to help indigent individuals was launched in February 2020.

Kidapawan City Mayor Joseph A. Evangelista said this project forms part of the basic services for his constituents.

“Every Filipino has the right to have an official document that contains birth details,” he said. But still many Kidapawenios have no hard copies of birth

certificate.

Because of that, this project was born.

Raul A. Malaluan and Atty. Jose Paolo M. Evangelista, city civil registrar and city legal officer, respectively, are both optimistic that the project will help more indigent individuals in the city’s 40 villages. City

KIDAPAWAN CITY — More than 2,000 individuals were found violating the city health protocols against Covid-19 in the city’s 40 villages.

And the city government, through its city compliance monitoring team (CCTM), have earned about P400,000 penalties from

violators.

Janice Garcia, CCTM head, said at least 1955 violators were documented in November while another 490 were issued citation tickets in December for defying city ordinance on mandatory wearing of face masks and face shields.

“The actual number

of violators may increase as the days go by,” Garcia said, adding that about 800 of violators have already paid the penalties.

Failure to pay the penalties within 10 days upon issuance of citation will be reported to the police and city legal office for “show cause order.”

heard another vehicle leaving, they slowly came out of cover and saw the bloodied Mayor Cuan and his driver, Edwin Ihao lying on the ground.

Witnesses said they saw an unidentified SUV without license plate leaving the crime scene.

Then news about the mayor’s murder spread through mobile phones.

Town employees rushed to the site and found the mayor’s heavily bloodied body.

Both Mayor Amping and his driver had bullet wounds in the head.

Citing initial investigation, Capt.

Jennefer Amotan, Libungan town police chief, said Mayor Cuan and his driver arrived from Davao and went directly to the cockpit

arena construction site.

His police escorts were waiting for him in his house in Barangay Cabaruyan.

Amotan said witnesses revealed a blue SUV arrived at about 11 a.m. Four men wearing bonnets quickly alighted and opened fire on the mayor and his driver.

Apparently, Mayor Cuan was hit but still managed to run away. One of the gunmen allegedly chased him and fired more shots.

Post mortem examination showed that the slain mayor had 12 gunshot wounds while his driver had two.

Colonel Henry Villar, North Cotabato police chief, said the creation of SITG will help fast tract the investigation to give justice to the slain mayor.

“We are looking at various angles, the PNP is digging deeper,” Villar said.

North Cotabato Gov. Nancy Catamco, who condemned the murder, tasked the North Cotabato police to help identify and arrest the perpetrators.

The people of Libungan were mad at what happened to Mayor Cuan, something that he does not deserved.

They described him as “approachable,” “father,” “honest public servant” and “dedicated leader.”

His remains is now at Libungan covered court for public viewing with daily masses for him every 5 in the afternoon until January 20.

The family opted to remain silent and did not issue any public statement.

senior BARMM officials and key members of the local business sector, religious and labor blocs.

“We in the Ministry of Labor and Employment of BARMM are thankful to all officials of DOLE-12 for the smooth turnover to us of its field office in Cotabato City,” Sema said.

Sema said they are also focused now on the labor sector in 63 barangays North Cotabato whose residents opted to join BARMM in a plebiscite in 2019.

“Officials of DOLE-12 have assured to continue helping us promote the protection and welfare of the sectors in these 63 barangays and in Cotabato City that the BARMM government ought to serve,” Sema said.

Sema said unlike the erstwhile DOLE-ARMM, the MOLE-BARMM has four functional bureaus whose services include employment welfare and promotions, addressing concerns of overseas workers and to strengthen labor and employer relations.John Felix Unson

PIO

Kidapawan fines 2k protocol violators

PNP forms SITG-Cuan...From page 1

Edwin O. Fernandez

P2

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