The Mindanao Cross | January 2, 2021

SECOND PAGE

Vol. LXXII| No. 47 | Cotabato City | Saturday, January 2, 2021 |8 Pages | P10.00

Heavy NPA-Army clashes rocks Sultan Kudarat/P2

CHURCH BACK PAGE Pope dedicates 2021 to family to mark 5th ‘Amoris laetitia’/P4

Smuggled tea, medicines from Indonesia seized in GenSan/P8

PNP STEP UP “BMI” COMPLIANCE GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Police authorities in Region 12 (Soccsksargen) have stepped up their monitoring of the compliance with the standard body mass index (BMI) of their personnel, as directed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) central office.

2021

Happy New Year!

OMI in HK feeds poor KOWLOON, Hongkong — THE coronavirus pandemic has never spared even the poor in streets of Hongkong.

Now, poor and abandoned families are growing in number through the ill effects of COVID-19.

In To Kwa Wan, Kowloon, Hongkong, near the Church of Notre Dame parish run by the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, many poor people have been regularly receiving food aids from the parish. Led

by Fr. Mark Anthony Serna, OMI, a religious missionary to Hongkong together with the young people of the parish, they visit the streets under the bridge of To Kwa Wan to look for poor people and distribute food supplies, mostly to the old and homeless.

Fr. Serna is from Libungan, North Cotabato.

After his ordination in Midsayap, North Cotabato he received his letter of obedience from the OMI superior general to be

assigned in Hongkong OMI province.

Ordained in September 11, 2011, he is now on his 9th year as a missionary priest in Hongkong. Now, he is also one of the councilors in the said delegation.

The main objectives of the program is to give flesh to the oblate charism of the OMI congregation to help the poor especially the most abandoned and to encourage more young people to have the sense of love and mission towards the poor.

The program started 18 years ago with Fr. Swavek, OMI, now the delegation Superior of the Oblates in Hongkong delegation who is also the former parish priest of Notre Dame parish.

It began as a regular visitation to the poor families of the parish that turned into feeding program.

To date, the Notre Dame parish became the first Oblate parish in Hongkong since

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HELPING THE POOR. The Oblate missionaries led by Fr. Mark Anthony Serna, OMI in Hongkong visit the streets under To Kwa Wan bridge to distribute food aids to poor and abandoned families.

OMI Philippines Photo courtesy of OMI Philippines

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NYE TRADITION. Amid the ongoing pandemic, a basket of 12 circular fruits, that costs P300-P600 now, still forms part of the centerpiece on dining tables for most Filipino households on the New Year’s Eve. Many believe that the tradition will bring prosperity in each of the twelve months of the year 2021.

Valérie Ann P. Lambo

Cotabato City schools division, 63 brgys now under BARMM THE Department of Education has officially transferred the management and supervision of the City Schools Division to the Bangsamoro Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE).

The turnover on Tuesday also effectively integrates into the Cotabato City Schools Division all public schools in 63 barangays of Cotabato Province that have opted to join the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in the plebiscite in February 2019.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones foresaw a “fruitful partnership (in) working together, (in) considering the national interest, as well as the historical, cultural and distinct identity of BARMM, expressed in its system of education.”

BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim vowed his government will be fair to Christians, Muslims as well as members of the Indigenous Peoples’ Tribes among the region’s teaching personnel.

“I have no doubt that we [MBHTE and DepEd] will have a rich and fruitful partnership. We will be working together and be considering the national interest as well as the historical, cultural, and distinct identity of BARMM expressed in its system of education,” Briones said via a video message.

In the turnover ceremonies, DepEd Region 12 Director Allan Farnazo handed over documents to MBHTE Minister Mohagher Iqbal at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex, Bangsamoro Government Center in the city.

In his acceptance speech, MBHTE Minister Iqbal assured that the ministry will observe the principles of moral governance towards improving public performance, delivery of education services, and reducing gaps in the Bangsamoro education sector.

Board Member Kelly Antao, administrator for the 63-barangay BARMM Special Geographic Area, said the turnover was everybody’s triumph for peace and the future of education for

the succeeding generations.

Lydia Udaundo-Mastura, head of the Transition Task Force on Education, said a continuing success is also made up of challenges akin to tasks and responsibilities, beyond administrative and operational management of the turned over schools and schools division.

The Bangsamoro Information Office (BIO) said the Cotabato City Schools Division Office (SDO) turned over a total of 83 schools of which 43 are public, 39 privately run, and a state university/secondary school.

Meanwhile, North Cotabato turned over 103 schools composed of 85 elementary and 18 secondary schools.

Also included in the turnover is the functional supervision and human resource management of the City Schools Division’s over 2,195 teaching personnel and more 2,380 teachers in North Cotabato’s 63 villages Farnazo also represented Briones in the formal signing of the instrument of turnover between the DepEd-National and MBHTE Minister Iqbal.

Briones also stressed that the educational environment of the BARMM will be a “subsystem of the national government’s educational system characterized by synergy and interconnection.”

“This is indeed a very happy day.

TURNOVER. DepEd Region 12 Director Allan Farnazo and MBHTE Minister M o h a g h e r Iqbal show off schools turnover documents at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex, Bangsamoro Government Center in Cotabato Photo courtesy of Bangsamoro Government

Today’s ceremony is a day not just of a transition but also of integration, unity, and peace,” Briones added.

“It is timely that this turnover is occurring while we are finalizing the Bangsamoro Education Code,” Iqbal said, adding that the Code is one of the priority legislations the Bangsamoro Transition Authority needs to pass during the transition period.

Being concurrent BTA Member of Parliament, Iqbal has also filed the bill for the legislation of the Bangsamoro Education Code.

“As long as we set aside our narrow interests and prioritize the welfare of the Bangsamoro education community and the general public, I am confident we will make significant and positive changes to the BARMM education system,” Iqbal added.

Chief Minister Ebrahim said “there is nothing to be afraid of, and the strongest asset the people can get from this entire process, is collaboration.”

“With MBHTE and DepEd standing side-by-side, we are assured that this transition will not be difficult and I promise you that there will be no discrepancy on the part of our teachers, In shaa Allah,” said Ebrahim.

The MBHTE also distributed teaching kits to attending teachers.

BIO with Nash B. Maulana

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January 2, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Heavy NPA-Army clashes rocks Sultan Kudarat CENTRAL MINDANAO had this week what could be the fiercest clashes in the region in contemporary years between the New People’s Army and the military.

Local officials have pledged support to the efforts of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division to crush NPA forces in Sultan Kudarat and nearby provinces via continuing operations in the next 12 months.

Soldiers shot dead three more NPAs in a series of clashes Sunday, December 27, in Barangay Datu Wasay, Kalamansig, after killing more than a dozen others in a series of gunfights in Mt. Lumuton in Palimbang three days before.

Different groups of NPAs are operating in hinterlands in the neighboring Kalamansig and Palimbang towns in Sultan Kudarat.

The encounter between combined personnel of the Army’s 5th Special Forces Battalion and the 7th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Datu Wasay left four other NPAs wounded.

Major Gen. Juvymax Uy of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division said the slain NPAs were among the rebels whom units under the 603rd Infantry Brigade encountered early on at Mt. Lumuton in nearby Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat.

No fewer than 150 NPAs tried to converge at Mt. Lumuton near Kalamansig to commemorate in the area last Saturday the 52nd founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

Personnel of different units under the 603rd Brigade thwarted the

supposed event with ground and air offensives, killing more than 10 rebels in ensuing clashes.

Senior members of the Kalamansig interagency peace and order council have confirmed to reporters that among the NPAs who perished in the hostilities in Mt. Lumuton were guerillas from the neighboring Surallah and Lake Sebu towns in South Cotabato.

Uy said members of the 5th SF Battalion and the 7th IB were to surround a group of NPAs resting in a secluded spot in Barangay Datu Wasay, an upland area in Kalamansig, when rebels noticed them and opened fire, sparking an hour-long running gunfight.

Barangay folk identified the three NPA fatalities as Cesar Anding, Ruben Alaza and a certain Edmund, who died from multiple gunshot wounds.

Col. Eduardo Gubat, commander of the 603rd Brigade, said local officials in Sultan Kudarat’s adjoining Lebak, Kalamansig and Palimbang towns are helping validate circulating stories purporting that four NPAs, all adolescents, were wounded in the incident.

Gubat said soldiers have still been running after the NPAs who fled from Mt. Lumuton following a spate of deadly clashes in the area last week.

Big NPA gathering foiled Local executives

in Lebak, Kalamansig and Palimbang towns told Mindanao Cross Tuesday, as update, that no fewer than 13 NPAs were killed as soldiers foiled an attempt by a large group of rebels to supposedly commemorate last December 26 in Mt. Lumuton the 52nd CPP’s founding anniversary.

Local officials hoisted the Philippine flag Friday on a hill surrounded by rainforests where some 200 NPAs converged to celebrate the CPP’s 52nd founding anniversary.

Senior members of the multi-sector municipal peace and order councils in Palimbang, Kalamansig and Lebak towns initially confirmed Friday, Christmas Day, the deaths of NPAs Abner Sanchez, Marco Santos, Efren Lantip, Samuel Orinday, Ruben Alferez, Marcial Tenor and Jaime Zapata in the ensuing encounters.

Uy told The Mindanao Cross on Christmas Day that the operation to drive the NPAs away was launched after villagers reported sightings of armed men proceeding to Mount Lumuton early this week from upland towns in South Cotabato province and Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat.

“We are thankful to the local officials and residents of Palimbang for providing tips promptly, enabling us to prevent those NPAs from gathering in Mount Lumuton for their planned commemoration of the founding anniversary of the CPP,” Uy said.

May 30, 1992, when Cardinal John B. Wu Cheng Chung, bishop of Hongkong raised it to that status and appointed Fr. John Wotherspoon, OMI as parish priest. Though working in the parish, the Oblates did not forget about the most abandoned and sought them out, serving as chaplains in several prisons.

In August 2001, the Oblate dream came true, moving in to the mainland to teach English, care for the poor and help the local people.

Recently, every Friday, poor people living under the bridge of To

Kwa Wan would gather to receive food supplies.

From 55 individuals, now there are about 160 people receiving help from the parish. Food packs are distributed through the help of the parish youth with Fr. Serna, OMI. Due to the pandemic, as many people lost their jobs, most of them eventually became homeless. Some old people were left by their children and families due to the bad situation and left alone in their homes with no support for their basic needs.

Fr. Serna and the OMI community in Hongkong

continue to promote the program with the help of some generous individuals and benefactors in Hongkong. Protocols are being observed, especially for the young people who regularly join the program.

With the continuing threat of COVID-19, the Notre Dame parish led

by Fr. Serna remained confident that in their simple efforts of helping the poor by providing their basic needs, they are making difference in the lives of many poor people living in the outskirts of Hongkong.Fr. Rock Saniel,

OMI in HK feeds poor...From page 1

OMI

RIZAL DAY. The City Government of Cotabato together with the members of the Knights of Columbus commemorates the 124th anniversary of martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal on Dec. 30, 2020.

OCM-PIPD

Uy said attack helicopters and fixed wing aircraft from the Tactical Operations Group 12 of the Philippine Air Force provided fire support to the commando-style offensive that forced the NPAs to scamper away.

LGU execs urged NPAs to surrender Kalamansig ViceMayor Joaquin Concha said an NPA group had killed one of their barangay kagawads and two others in an attack several weeks before.

“My office is open to NPAs wishing to return to the fold of law. We can help return them to their communities where they can peacefully thrive as peaceful residents,” Concha said.

Local officials who joined Friday’s flag raising event in Mt. Lumuton said more than 50 NPAs perished in clashes with soldiers in their municipalities since January.

Abdulsatar Badruddin, executive secretary of the municipal mayor of Palimbang, said their barangay leaders, among them members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, are supporting the military’s anti-NPA campaign.

“Our LGU is calling on the remaining NPAs holding out in the jungles in Palimbang to avail now of the government’s reconciliation program before it is too late. We can help rehabilitate them,” Badrudin said. John Felix

Unson

185 aspiring soldiers take oath

THE LONG journey to government service and service to the Filipino people began yesterday with members of the candidate soldiers Course Class 653-2020 took their oath at 6th Infantry Division Grandstand.

A total of 185 aspiring soldiers, composed of 183 for regular enlistment and two for special enlistment, stood before the Joint Task Force Central and 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division Commander, Major General Juvymax R. Uy as they took oath before they were sent to the Division Training School (DTS) in Barangay Semba, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

There were thousands of applicants who went through strict selection process in order to ensure that the most competent candidate will be recruited and will be honed to be among the ranks of the soldiers of the Philippine Army.

A total of 185 applicants were selected after successfully

passing all the mandatory requirements such as physical, medical, neurological and psychological examinations.

After oath, the candidate soldiers were brought to DTS for a rigid 14-week military training broken down into 3 modules: Transformation, Basic Squad Training, and Application of Knowledge.

“This training will mold them to become welldisciplined, competent and capable soldiers to fill in the enlisted ranks of the Army,” Gen. Uy said.

General Uy told the candidate soldiers to stay positive and expect the harshest condition while undergoing basic military training in the boot camp.

The commander also left a message to the commandant of DTS and the Training Staff not to abuse but to train well the candidate soldiers.

The CSC-CL 6532020 is composed of 166 males, 10 females and 9 candidate soldiers from Sulu. Edwin O. Fernandez

FIRE SCENE. A huge fire gutted down a row of business establishments and several houses along Osmeña Street in Koronadal City early Wednesday, December 30. The site is located in front of the city’s central public market and several meters away from the old city hall compound, which hosts the city fire station.

Amiel Mark Cagayan

BARMM launches ‘SEAL” in honor of Chairman Salamat

THE Bangsamoro Government has launched the Salamat Excellence Award for Leadership (SEAL) through the Governance Program of the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG).

Family members, kindred, followers, contemporaries and peers, notably Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Al Hadj Murad Ebrahim and his fellow officials paid tribute to the late Ustadz Salamat P. Hashim, as the founder of the earliest Moro Movement that first shaped the Bangsamoro struggle for the right to selfdetermination.

Also on Friday, the MILG of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) awarded recognition to the region’s local government units (LGU) for best practices in various fields of governance and resources management.

MILG Minister NaguibSinarimbo described the awarding date on Friday as important day in the region because "we are launching today the Salamat Excellence Award for Leadership (SEAL),” as one of BARMM’s institutional programs. “We will be recognizing LGUs that have showed excellent performance.”

SalamatHashim was born on July 7, 1939 in Kudal, Pagalungan (then Cotabato

Province). Not much known to many, his Hajj name was Abdulsalam, meaning a “servant for peace.”

Even as a child, the young Salamat valued education much that he learned to read the Qur’an from his mother and memorized verses when he was six years old. He would read books at night on floor barely lit by the household kerosene lamp, recalls his son Abdullah Hashim from stories related to him by elders.

The young Hashim is now a Member of Parliament of the Interim Bangsamoro Transitional Authority (BTA) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

At 16, Hashim’s uncle jiDatuAbubakarPendatun took him to the Hajj Pilgrimage to Makkah.

Hashim stayed behind afterwards to study Islam under the tutelage of Sheikh Zawawi at Madrasat asSulatiyah ad-Diniyah.

SalamatHashim’s younger siblings Halima (a sister) and Hadji Samir (brother) both said their uncle Cotabato Congressman SalipadaPendatun called embassies to help the Hashim family find the young Salamat struggling to study and survive in some foreign land.

The Egyptian Embassy in Manila then opened the

opportunity for him aa scholarship program at AlAzhar University, where he initially graduated Ma'had al-Buhuth al-Islamiyyah asSanawiyyah (High School) in 1963.

In 1967, Hashim completed his Bachelor’s Degree on Theology Majoring in Aqeedah and Philosophy at Al-Azhar University, then a center of political activism in the Middle East.

In 1972, Hashim escaped Marcos persecution, this time, apparently on a foreign academic asylum in Al-Azhar University and at the same time to complete a post-graduate degree program.

Before leaving Kudal in 1971, Hashim arranged together with his former schoolmates for the deployment of 300 more Moro trainees to Sabah through a secret mediation by Dr. Muhammad Salih Loong with Sabah Chief Minister Tun Mustapha. Dr. Loong was once nominated for the chairmanship of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in 1974. Loong did not accept the position and instead nominated Hashim, who also declined it, and instead accepted the chairmanship for the foreign affairs committee, concurrently as head of the Cotabato Revolutionary Command.

While sustaining on

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THE MINDANAO CROSS

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THE MINDANAO CROSS

Pope dedicates 2021 to family to mark 5th ‘Amoris laetitia’ Pope Francis declared 2021 a special year dedicated to the family to mark the fifth anniversary of his apostolic exhortation Amoris laetitia.

“It will be a year of reflection on ‘Amoris laetitia’ and it will be an opportunity to focus more closely on the contents of the document,” said the pontiff during Angelus on Sunday, Dec. 26.

“These reflections will be made available to ecclesial communities and families, to accompany them on their journey,” he added.

Pope Francis noted that on March 19, 2021, the Church will mark five years since the signing of “Amoris laetitia” following the synods on the family in 2014 and 2015.

T h e p o p e ’ s announcement followed his proclamation of a year

dedicated to St. Joseph, which began on Dec. 8 and will conclude on Dec. 8, 2021.

Pope Francis released the apostolic exhortation Amoris laetitia (“The Joy of Love”) on April 8, 2016, although it was signed on March 19 in the same year.

One of the longest documents in papal history, it consists of an introduction and nine chapters, reflecting on challenges to marriage and family life.

In a press statement, the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life said the newly proclaimed year would be known officially as the Year “Amoris

Laetitia Family.”

“The pandemic experience has highlighted the central role of the family as the domestic Church and has shown the importance of community ties between families, which make the Church an authentic ‘family of families,’” it read.

The dicastery also announced the creation of a new website, www. amorislaetitia.va, dedicated to the year, which will begin on March 19, 2021, and end on June 26, 2022, with the celebration of the 10th World Meeting of Families in Rome. LiCAS

News

URBI ET ORBI. Pope Francis delivers his traditional Christmas Day Urbi et Orbi speech to the city and the world virtually from inside the Hall of Blessings instead of from the St. Peter’s square in order to limit the number of people gathering due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) regulations, at the Vatican, December 25, 2020.

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Vatican Media/Handout via REUTERS

Faith-based group hits reported vaccination of officials, soldiers

A faith-based organization in Manila expressed alarm over the admission of President Rodrigo Duterte that some soldiers and government officials have already received COVID-19 vaccines.

On Dec. 26, the president announced on television that many people “have already been injected” with a vaccine from China.

“Many soldiers have been vaccinated. I have to be frank, I have to tell the truth… not all soldiers, not all soldiers, because it is not a policy yet,” said Duterte.

Father Dionito Cabillas, lead convener of faith-based group Isaiah Ministry, said the decision to inoculate some soldiers and officials is “illegal and dangerous.”

“As far as we know, there is no COVID-19 vaccine that [the government] has approved yet,” said the Philippine Independent Church priest.

“The use of unsanctioned vaccines can cause harm to people,” he said.

In a statement, Judy Taguiwalo, spokesperson of the non-government group CURE COVID, said the move “is an affront to health and vaccine equity

REFLECTIONS

cognizance of the fact” that members of the PSG have “taken a bold step to try the vaccine to protect the president.”

The government earlier announced that about 1.76 million health workers are on the top of the list of priority recipients of the COVID-19 vaccine once it is made available.

Taguiwalo said the “illegal” and “selective vaccination” of a few members of the military and top government officials shows “an exclusivist attitude by the Duterte administration.”

“It is disappointing to us that the president has shown his preferential treatment for the military, police, and other state security forces even over our frontline health workers,” she said.

Father Cabillas called on the government “to be transparent” and “put the people at the center of every action in battling the pandemic.”

“Information about this vaccination of members of the military should have been made public,” said the priest.

He said the government must prioritize frontline healthcare workers “because COVID-19 is not fought with guns.” Mark

Saludes/LiCAS News

The Magi came from the East and were guided by a star. Some believe they were of a priestly class in their countries of origin and were astrologers. +Orlando B. Cardinal Quevedo, O.M.I. Archbishop Emeritus of Cotabato

he first day of the human person as Pope year is dedicated Benedict VI stated in to Mary the 2007, “ I am convinced Mother of God. It is that respect for the also declared by the person promotes peace Church as the World and that, in building Day of Prayer for peace, the foundations Peace, recalling the are laid for an authentic Rev. Fr. Antonio P. Pueyo, DCC announcement of the integral humanism. In tonypoy_dcc0@yahoo.com angels at the birth of this way a serene future Jesus, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth is prepared for coming generations.” peace to all people of good will” (Lk. 2:14). Truly, Peace is the desire of every human heart. the birth of Jesus tells us that two things are Because this desire is imbedded in the human important in people’s lives, to glorify God and to heart, the great religions of the world make this establish peace on earth. Everything else follows. a greeting in various languages, ”Peace be with A landmark papal encyclical on peace was you.” Hopefully this greeting is also accompanied issued by Pope John XXIII in 1963 just before by a desire to act for justice. As the Synod of he died. Its title is “Pacem in Terris” or peace on Bishops declared in” Justice in the World” (1971), earth. It was written in the midst of the Cold War “Action on behalf of justice and participation in between the Soviet Union and the United States the transformation of the world fully appear to and its allies. The threat of a third world war was us as a constitutive dimension of the preaching imminent. This document underlines that peace of the gospel, or, in other words, of the church’s can only come when there is a recognition of the mission for the redemption of the human race and rights and obligations of individuals and the state, its liberation from every oppressive situation.” especially the recognition of human dignity and As we celebrate Christmas and the New Year, equality among peoples. There must also be a let the words of the prophet Isaiah remind us of proper relations between nations, with conflicts the harmony that the messiah brings, “Then the being resolved by dialogue and negotiation rather wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard than by war. Such was the importance and shall lie down with the young goat; the calf and popularity of Pacem in Terris that it is enshrined the young lion shall browse together, with a little in the UN archives. child to guide them” (Is. 11:6). It is an idyllic image In his speech during the World Day of Peace but it is the desire of every heart.

(1972) Pope Paul VI said the famous words, “If Thus Pope Francis invoked the intercession you want peace, work for justice.” There is a of Mary Queen of Peace, “With filial trust, let close relationship between peace and justice. us place our hopes in the hands of Mary, the They are two sides of the same coin. As the Mother of the Redeemer. To she who extends her Catholic Catechism says, “Injustice, excessive motherhood to all mankind, let us entrust the cry economic or social inequalities, envy, distrust and for peace of peoples who are oppressed by war pride raging among men and nations constantly and violence, so that the courage of dialogue and threaten peace and cause wars” (no. 2317). When reconciliation might prevail over temptations to there is a harmonious relationship among people revenge, tyranny, and corruption” (2014). based on justice then it produces peace in the The song goes, “Let there be peace on earth heart. At the core of peace is the concern for the and let it begin with me.” MC

Pacem in Terris

that the global community aims for.”

“It also shows a glaring disregard for health standards, regulations and protocols that the administration itself had set up to ensure that the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective for public deployment,” added Taguiwalo.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año confirmed on Dec. 28 that some members of the Cabinet and the Presidential Security Group (PSG) have been injected with the China vaccine.

He said it was administered under the “emergency use authorization,” which he claimed can be used for health workers and frontliners “even though they are not formally and finally approved.”

Military spokesman Major General Edgard Arevalo that there was no “Armed Forces of the Philippines leadershipsanctioned vaccination.”

In a separate statement, the military official said PSG members “were the first ones from the [Armed Forces] who were vaccinated owing to the nature of their mission and function.”

He said the military establishment has “taken

B adaliyya Fr. Jun Mercado, OMI

Short Reflection for the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord Readings:

Isaiah 60: 1-6; Ephesians 3: 2-3a. 5-6; Matthew 2: 1-12

Selected Passage:

“They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matthew 2: 10-11)

Meditation:

This feast celebrates the manifestation of the Lord to the Magi. They saw his star and followed it until they saw the child, the Savior. We need to see, too, his star, today, and follow it in our daily journey through life.

Yes, his star continues to shine, but we need discerning eyes and a heart attune to God so that we, too, one day, find him and pay him homage.

DHIKR SIMPLE METHOD 1st step: Write the text or Dhikr (the Arabic word for REMEMBRANCE) in your heart.

2nd step: Let the text remain always in on your lips and mind - RECITING the text silently as often as possible...

3rd step: Be attentive to the disclosure of the meaning/s of the text in your life.

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THE MINDANAO CROSS

January 2, 2021

EDITORIAL

The Christian Family

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he Catholic Church gave high regards to the family as an institution, right after Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ.

During the Christmas season, we see the Holy Family as predicted in our “Belens”, and consequently on the flight to Egypt to hide from the wrath of King Herod. The family is composed of the Baby Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and St. Joseph. But for those who have been introduced to the concept of a modern family, this may be a bit confusing.

We have been using the term Family as the basic unit of society; but lately, this simple concept has become more complicated. In its most basic terms, a family is a group of individuals who share a legal or genetic bond. Recently, the term means much more.

The Civil Code of the Philippines governs family and property relations, but with relationships becoming more loose and temporary, people interpret its provision in a wide range of concepts. For example, the LGBTQ community wants legal recognition for relationship between people of the same sex. Legalizing the relationship would mean they would be protected under the Philippine Family Code. In Islam, a man is allowed to marry up to 4 wives, with some preconditions.

Although religious persons insist that the justification for this is historical, it has become an umbrella for non-Muslims to have themselves baptized in Islam so they can be free to marry another woman.

On the other hand, a bill in congress is pending to legalize the concept of divorce.

This is another complication introduced to the institution of family and marriage because it provides for the legal entry of a person into another relationship after the divorce, and provides for the proper division of property of the family. In some cases of broken family, the children suffer most because they are deprived of the love and guidance of the original parents.

Lets go back to the values taught to our children a few years back: “Ang tatay ay ang haligi ng pamilya, and nanay ang ilaw ng tahanan.” This may have confused children due to the demands of the time, especially with many mothers working as OFWs abroad, sometimes leading to broken families. But hopefully times are changing. Could the COVID-19 pandemic keep our standards of living lower than before? Can we return to our simple tastes in life? Could we move from a highly materialistic lifestyle and focus to a simpler family life? Is God giving this pandemic to us as a chance to change?

Let’s keep family in its original interpretation of the protective father, the teaching mother, and the learning children.

Only then can we say that our Filipino values have withstood the test of time. +

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o questions about it and we are sure you would agree. There is no bigger story in 2020 than the novel coronavirus and its impact on humanity and the society.

First identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China early this year, it has since spread around the world. Two days before New Year’s Eve, confirmed cases recorded have reached 81,193,995 globally with 1,772,325 COVID-19 deaths tallied. In the Philippines as of December 29, there have been 470,650 confirmed cases of which 9,124 have died.

Many have recovered from the disease, though; more than the number of those who succumbed to it – 438,780 in the Philippines and 45,917,258 worldwide –which brings some sort of relief.

There is no indication that the pandemic this pathogen has caused will be ending soon; not in the early part of 2021, as least. Even now as the New Year looms, there is worldwide concern about a new strain of the virus. Within days of its discovery in Britain, more countries worldwide confirmed their own cases of the mutated virus. After Christmas day, the Philippine Daily Inquirer reports, the list of countries affected by the new variant reached 15, the most recent confirmation coming from South Korea on Monday. Reports say the new coronavirus strain can be 56 percent more transmissible than the pre-existing variant. As a result of the uptick in cases of the new COVID-19 variant, several countries have already imposed a strict travel ban that prohibits the entry of anyone from the UK. The Philippines has extended the ban on all flights from the United Kingdom, initially set from December 24 to 31, for another two weeks.

With vaccines against the pathogen continuously being developed, manufactured, and distributed many are hopeful of a better fight against the pandemic.

Experts believe vaccines already being rolled-out will also be effective against the new strain of COVID-19. Since news of the vaccine rolled out in November, around 7.25 billion have been pre-ordered.

Economic realities naturally dictate which countries are able to acquire the vaccine readily. According to online infographics provider Visualistan, “the total percentage of doses bought by high-income countries is almost 54 percent that equates to about 4 billion doses. In contrast, low-income countries have bought

I

Hoping for the best Thinking Aloud Caloy Bautista

caloyb@gmail.com

only 23 percent of them.”

Back on home soil, recent reports that some soldiers, particularly members of the Presidential Security Group, have been inoculated with the Chinamade Sinopharm vaccine have raised howls. Some frontline health workers raised complaints regarding prioritization. They are after all the ones who are more in danger of exposure to the pathogen by the very nature of their work. In response, Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año said this is not part of the government vaccine procurement and rollout and is “just on their (PSG) own initiative.”

For Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, the distribution and administration of unauthorized Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine without the proper authorization is illegal and punishable by law, a position earlier expressed by the Food and Drug Administration. Drilon also questioned how the China-made vaccines were able to get past the Bureau of Customs.

In a statement he issued relative to the report, Drilon said: “I hope this does not give us a glimpse of how they intend to implement the biggest vaccine drive in Philippine history. Otherwise, we are doomed.”

“I hope that when the government’s COVID-19 vaccination starts—with FDA-authorized vaccines— front-line healthcare workers and the poor should be given priority. Let the front-line doctors and nurses get the first and limited shots. No one should cut in line.”

We do hope, too, Mr. Senate Minority Leader. But then again, some things never change, even with the New Year. MC

BM shouldn’t miss chance to ‘correct injustice’ in history

N a gathering hosted in September 2018 by the office of the Cultural Attaché of the U.S. Embassy at Davao City’s Marco Polo Hotel, a question was asked as to why many good things in Moro history were barely told. One answer states: “History is written by the victors.”

In an exclusive acquaintance meet with the Cultural Affairs Assistant and the Counsellor for Public Affairs, my answer was that unlike the written records of the Jesuits about the Filipinos of the North, the works of erudite Moro historians on the Bangsamoro narratives have not been reduced to the “language of Nash B. Maulana the classroom” from the “language of the scholars.” nash.penlight@gmail.com Muslim writers and scholars who have written numerous papers on the Moro history sadly overlooked MBHTE Deputy Minister Haron Meling has had the potentials of those materials to classroom teaching occasional posts on Facebook about the essence of and learning. Those materials could have been more sharing the Moro history narratives in some timely aptly reduced to popular copies of classroom textbooks forums. Minister Iqbal is in the position to initiate, for Moro and non-Moro students and teachers to learn lead, and help convene Moro individuals interested in from. In contrast, Gregorio Zaide for the Philippine high sharing inputs for the bigger purpose (either in oral school textbook, and Carmen Guerrero Nakpil for college or written forms) of correcting historical injustices. reference books to mention a few, had successfully Because the biggest injustice of all is the distortion of translated to popular English some of the works of the our own history— for one, in the pages of Zaide’s book Jesuit chroniclers. Forgive the biases in Zaide’s book which is very much in use in Grade VII history classes. upon the Moro people as being understandably, a bigot.

We hear “sound-bites” echoing President Rodrigo But why things went that way? My observation has Duterte’s favorite quote from the 2003 letter of the been that it’s in the Moro culture to preserve originality late MILF Chairman Salamat Hashim to the U.S. of copies of written documents in terms of language and Government. Here are some: Secretary Leonor Briones materials. Moreover, Moro elders are strict in terms of foresees “fruitful partnership (in) working together, authority of narrators (just as Muslim scholars are to (by) considering the national interest, as well as the Hadith narrators). But we also seem to overlook the fact historical, cultural and distinct identity of BARMM, that Dr. Najeeb Saleeby who wrote the most important expressed in its system of education.” treatises on “Moro History Law and Religion,” was a BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim: doctor of medicine and was not a historian by profession. The Bangsamoro Government will be fair to Christians, Nakpil, too, was a journalist—and was more an essayist Muslims as well as members of the Indigenous Peoples’ in style in the history books she had written.

Tribes among the region’s teaching personnel.

BARMM Education Minister Mohaquer Iqbal, who MBHTE Minister Iqbal vows to put in place the has written books on Moro history with the continuity “principles of moral governance towards improving public of narratives from post-colonial periods, is the most performance, delivery of education services, and reducing right person at the helm of the BARMM Ministry of gaps in the Bangsamoro education sector.” For Board Basic, Higher and Technical Education, to bridge this Member Kelly Antao, administrator for the 63-barangay generational learning gap that has blocked the Moro BARMM Special Geographic Area: the turnover was people’s quest for the right, the truest copy of their “everybody’s triumph for peace and the future of education history narratives. for the succeeding generations.” MC

PENLIGHT

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.

6

January 2, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Past and Present

est. For it’s written that the end is better than its beginning; that in spirit patience is better than pride (Ecclesiastes 7:8).

To all aspirants political or otherwise, take note: The race is not to the swift nor the battle Charlie Señase to the strong nor bread csenase@yahoo.com to the wise nor riches to men of understanding NOTHER year ending with the nor favor to men of skill. hope that 2021 would be better as But time and chance happen to them all. the world struggles to surmount For man does not know his time liken the yearlong health crisis in COVID-19 to a fish taken in a cruel net or birds and other trying times brought about by caught in a snare; and so are the sons natural and man-made calamities. of men snared in an evil time that when What lies ahead has long been fore- it suddenly falls upon them and it’s over told by the One and Only, whose name (Ecclesiastes 9:11-12). is from Everlasting to Everlasting.

Learn to be contented of what we What profit has a man from all his have in righteousness and love without labor under the sun that from one gen- hypocrisy by having to abhor evil and eration to another all things happening cling to what is good (Romans 12:9). for a divine reason (Ecclesiastes 1:3-11).

Let’s welcome 2021 and all the years Life is vanity of vanities because of to come with the knowledge behind: our pride and self-obsession, nothing What’s life all about or What is the whole but self-love, admiration and self-praise duty of man? that the wisdom of God regards as folly, “Fear God and keep His commandworthless and filled with emptiness. ments, for this is man’s all. For God will Shortly before leaving behind 2020, bring every work into judgment, includthe year we considered visionary perfect ing every secret thing, whether good or from the optometry standard comes the evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). Trust God current issues and concerns. without an iota of doubt when He said: “I The coronavirus has mutated to will never leave you nor forsake you even complicate the huge demand for the unto the end of the age” (Hebrews 13:5). anti-COVID vaccine to supply world A blessed New Year to one and all! MC needs while the Philippine government has just approved a P4.5 trillion for its citizens’ year-round sustenance.

Worth watching and hoping to brighten up 2021 are among these news developments that the education department of Region-12 has already turned over to the Bangsamoro government the Cotabato City school division, including public schools in the 36 villages of North Cotabato; several Communist and Moro rebels out to overthrow the government have yielded themselves up with their firearms in order to avail of the state’s peace-building packages.

Obviously, leaders and would-beleaders with awesome power aspire to change the world. But, again hope against hope can only be had through faith and love of which love is the great-

TRUE TO FORM

A

Should we undergo vaccination?

for,people aged 16 and older, while Moderna’s is 18 and older. Both vaccines have essentially equivalent degrees of efficacy, 95 percent efficacy at preventing COVID-19 infection, measured starting Victoria R. Franco, RPh, MS Pharmacy from seven days after franco1573victoria@gmail.com the second dose was. administered. While hew! 2020 went by swiftly.

Moderna had 94.1 percent effective at Aren’t we glad the much preventing symptomatic COVID-19 celebrated 2020, the anticipated good vibes that doubles measured starting 14 days after the would bring is nearly ending? Praying second dose. Both require 2 shots: a it will take with it the earthquakes, priming dose, followed by a booster typhoons, landslides, killings and the shot, with intervals of 28 days and 21 days respectively. devastating pandemic.

Both of these vaccines require The way it looks, soldiers, an elaborate cold chain, the term frontliners and other vulnerable sectors have no choice, even as the used to describe the conditions under debate goes on as to from which which vaccines must be stored during company shall we purchase the distribution and when they are in the doctors’ offices, pharmacies or public vaccine.

I can recall the vaccination we health clinics.

Moderna vaccine will be far easier all lined up for in school while to,use than Pfizer’s. For starters, we were growing was the BCG or Bacilli Calmette-Guerin, a vaccine Moderna’s must be shipped at -4 for tuberculosis (TB) disease. It is Fahrenheit; Pfizer’s must be shipped thought to protect up to 80% of people and stored at -94 Fahrenheit. The against the most severe forms of former is the temperature of regular TB for at least 15 years, even up to r e f r i g e r a t o r f r e e z e r ; t h e l a t t e r 60years. Most of my classmates had requires special ultra-cold freezers fever which the health workers had that need to be topped up, with dry explained as natural effect of the ice every 5 days. After thawing, a vial of Pfizer vaccine must be used within vaccine.

As stated in the previous issue, 5 days; Moderna’s is stable at fridge the frontliner in the race to bring temperature for 30 days and at room the vaccine that shall end the further temperature for 12 hours.

As the global race to produce a spread of the virus is Pfizer. Pfizer is COVID-19 vaccine continues, Sinovac a New York based company known for Advil, Viagra, Soloft. It was and Sinopharm in China are already the second largest pharmaceutical making their way abroad. CoronaVac, manufactured by Sinovac, is an company by revenue in 2020.

C o m i n g c l o s e t o P f i z e r / inactivated vaccine. It works by using BioNTech, is Moderna, an American killed viral particles to expose the biotechnology company based in body’s immune system to the virus Cambridge, Massachusetts. Based without risking a serious disease on the stock market, it soars high in response. (To be continued next year! sales, but recent findings describes a It gotta get better next year please.)

From my family to yours: May possible mutation in the virus in UK. your days be filled with warmth and A comparison between the Pfizer good cheer this Christmas Season and Moderna vaccines shows that the emergency use authorization is and throughout the New Year from the Francos of Cotabato City. MC

THE STUFF OF LIFE

W

Senior dental problems

risk for malnutrition.

One of the reasons for such is ill fitting dentures. Bad dentures can be a culprit in poor nutrition among older persons. Older persons lose their natural teeth when their jaw bones start to shrink due to Cheridine P. Oro- Josef, aging. The jaw bones M.D., DFM, FPAFP, FPCGM continue to ‘remodel’ cheridinemd@gmail.com itself leading to improper fitting of dentures. Many n older person said, in one of my times, older persons lectures, “Dra, the only problem complain that their dentures no longer fit we seniors really have is lack them well, it starts to become ‘slippery’ so of money!” However, according to the they start limiting the kind of food that Food and Nutrition Research Institute, they eat. Chewing becomes an ordeal, one of the reasons why Filipino senior add to that the embarrassment of not citizens do not meet their daily protein being able to munch meat and hard food requirement is dental problems. during parties or festive occasions.

There is an old saying about the eyes Another social issue affect dental being windows to the soul, but the latest care. Senior parents are hesitant to medical and dental researches show that ask money from their children for their the mouth truly is a window into one’s dental health. Dentures are becoming overall health. Senior dental problems more expensive especially the more can be as common as dry mouth or such sturdy ones. They endure the difficulty severe cases as periodontal disease. and the discomfort of not having the People suffering from severe periodontal proper denture and eventually they disease may double the risk of fatal heart become malnourished. It is advisable disease. Tooth infection has the potential that older persons look into their dental to cause bacterial endocarditis. This is health as well as they take good care an inflammation of the heart valves and of their physical health. Sometimes, tissues due to bacterial infestation. oral problems are sources of metabolic People in their old age are at higher problems. MC

GOLDEN THREADS

A

On to 2021

Falling tax collection and increasing public sector debts could force government to adopt measures to cut down on its expenditures, those measures could Danny Buenbrazo include salary freezes danny_buenbrazo@yahoo.com and even layoffs.

For the meantime, n last week’s issue of The Mindanao I would say that it is Cross, I asked the question: How prudent to throw away the “You Only would people remember the year Live Once” mentality. Some of those 2020 ? who were spending with wild abandon I would venture to re-affirm my on travels, new phones, and other stuff assumption that at least 95% of could now be reeling from the effects Filipinos would not remember the of having no savings, or worse, being year 2020 with fondness. The minority deep in debt. that had good results in 2020, despite As the year ends, people will be the pandemic, achieved their positive talking again of making resolutions outcomes not out of sheer luck but for the coming year. Having seen the because they did careful planning and hardships that COVID-19 brought this implemented their plan effectively. year, people should really get serious Personally though, 2020 had been with their life planning to include an exceptionally good year. Whether personal financial planning. it is just coincidence or just plain luck, even numbered years had really What should be on your plan been mostly great for me. The oddfor next year? numbered years had not really been First, one should ensure that he/ bad, at least for the last 10 years, she has a secure job, one that would not but even-numbered years had been easily be gone if the current pandemic exceptional from a financial point of persists. view.

Second, it does not hurt to try to Having good financial outcomes have a second job or another source year in and year out does not exactly of income, This may not pay as much happen because of sheer luck. Good as your primary job or main source of results stem from strong “resolutions” earning but this acts as an insurance and the willingness to plan and pursue just in case. It would allow you to what you have decided to achieve. save more money to achieve financial With new variants of COVID-19 independence faster. coming out and the uncertainty of Third, write down you plan the country’s getting access to a good for increasing income, regulating vaccine still up in the air, the next year expenses, saving, and investing. The could be a more challenging one. The plan should be as detailed as possible longer the pandemic lasts, the harder with timelines for specific activities and longer too would be the impact in and attainment of targets. the country’s economy and the financial Fourth, and more importantly, situation of Filipinos. It is possible faithfully implement your financial that more jobs could be lost next year plan. There should be no ifs and buts, before things could go better. Even no excuses. those working in government, largely The year 2020 has shown how bad unaffected by the economic downturn things could be, people should learn brought about by prolonger lockdowns from this experience. Those who would and other COVID-19 prevention and take the lessons to their heart can face controls measures, might not be spared 2021 better prepared and with higher the adverse impacts of the pandemic. confidence. MC

MARKET DRIVEN

I

Whether you're slimming down or just staying healthy, vegetables are your friends, says Mehmet Oz, M.D. One woman who appeared on his show — Tiffany, who lost 31 pounds — says, "I sauté onions, peppers, mushrooms, corn — whatever I have in the freezer — and toss that on a bed of baby arugula and spinach." Sounds delicious.

7. Prioritize eco-friendly choices Making a positive impact in the world might feel futile as an average person.

Little decisions add up as a whole, though. Voting with your wallet is an important step you can take towards being more eco-friendly.

8. Volunteer more often There a lot of mores on this New Year’s resolutions list, huh?

Well, that’s because the goal of selfimprovement is to enrich our lives, so we have to add more to it! And volunteering time to help improve your community is a great way to give back.

After all:You can never go wrong with charity work. And yes, there are still ways you can lend a helping hand during COVID-19.

9. Adopt an attitude of gratitude The simple act of giving thanks has scientifically proven benefits.

Gratitude is a small perspective shift, but it can significantly change your life.

Kickstart this personal goal with a gratitude journal like this.

10. Send handwritten letters Older folks, like grandparents & aunts/ uncles, LOVE getting snail mail.

Brighten a relative’s day and get in touch with your offline self by sending a few handwritten letters this upcoming year.

And: Pretty neat to know if you’re ever running short on time or you just don’t love your own handwriting.

11. Learn new skills in 2021 We hope these steps help you follow through with your resolutions and make 2021 your best year yet. If you are still looking for resolution ideas, check out our list of 138 New Year’s resolutions for 2021.

What to do in year 2021?

MATH &SCIENCE

T

Prof. Marino Ridao

ridaomarino@yahoo.com.sg

he following resolutions are taken from “50 New Year's Resolution Ideas for a Fulfilling 2021” written

by Michelle Querrere and “Top 10 Most Common New Year's Resolutions (and How to Follow Through on them) Brad Zomick.

1.Read more books.

January is the perfect time of year to snuggle up with a new book. Keep yourself accountable to this New Year's resolution by opening a Good reads account and reviewing each book you read. By next year, you'll have a clear snapshot of how well you accomplished this goal.

2.Join a club.

Starting a new hobby is one thing, but joining a club will help you meet new people in the process. Sites like Meetup can help you find a group of people with similar interests, and you can work on creating digital meetups with new friends in the process 3. Create a cleaning schedule you'll stick to.

Keeping your home tidy without doing what feels like a deep clean every week can feel like a big ask. It's true that you may be under cleaning some tricky spots, but it's also true that you may be overdoing it elsewhere. Carolyn Forté, the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Appliances & Cleaning Products Lab, created a printable checklist to make sure keeping the house neat doesn't suck up endless hours of time on weekends anymore.

4. Drink less alcohol.

You already know you don't need to drink to have fun — and so why not make this year the one you cut back and join the sober curious movement? Doing so could improve your mood, sleep, skin, and immune system. Plus, it'll also help you save money 5. Quit smoking.

Cigarettes are extremely harmful for your health, particularly your lungs — but tobacco products in general (including vapes!) pose a serious threat. There are so many resources to help you get a jumpstart on ditching tobacco: Many are outlined by officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you've tried before but need a bit more help, experts at the American Cancer Society outline a few tools that you can turn to this year.

6. Eat veggies regularly.

ADJUDICATION OF SOLE HEIR WITH UNDERTAKING Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late SERVANDO DELIMA OBENZA who died on September 29, 2020 at Davao City, a Peso Savings Account with Philippine National Bank, Midsayap, Cotabato with Account No. 406110033228, is the subject of adjudication of sole heir with undertaking before Notary Public Teresita Carreon Llaban as per Doc. No. 232; Page No. 47; Book No. LVIII; Series of 2020.

MC: Dec. 19, 26, 2020 & Jan. 2, 2021

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late CASTOR SOLIZA, who died on April 8, 1972 at Tagum, Davao del Norte, a parcel of land Lot No. 6926, PR-148, situated in Poblacion, Midsayap, Cotabato, containing an area of 1,091 sq.mts., more or less, covered by OCT No. V-156 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 427; Page No. 86; Book No. CCIV; Series of 2020.

MC: Dec. 19, 26, 2020 & Jan. 2, 2021

7

THE MINDANAO CROSS

January 2, 2021

If your resolution is to learn a new skill or advance your career, start achieving your goals today with GoSkills! Get unlimited access to over 70 expert-led, career boosting courses on subjects like Excel, Microsoft Office, project management, coding, lean six sigma, productivity, and design Happy New Year. 2021. Lord help me to keep my eyes in heaven. Help me to be one who is wise in the ways of graces, mercy and goodness. When I am tempted to live only for this world, help me to see what is the true value and stay focused on that alone. Jesus I trust in you. Amen.(Luke 16:13) MC

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late DATU BLAH T. SINSUAT and ESTER PALILEO who died on December 11, 1984 at Quezon City and October 23, 1999 at Cotabato City respectively, a parcel of land Lot No. 52, situated in Municipal District of Dinaig, with an area of 146,750 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. (T24734), T-4084, is the subject of extrajudicial settlement with simultaneous sale before Notary Public Atty. Armando U. Lauban as per Doc. No. 265; Page No. 53; Book No. 03; Series of 2020.

MC: Dec. 26, 2020, Jan. 2 & 9, 2021

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late Spouses LORETO SEQUIÑA and EOLOGIA NAMLA, who died on November 21, 2007 and December 1, 2001, respectively at Cabayuran, Libungan, Cotabato, a parcel of land Lot No. 108, Pls 134, situated in Cabayuran, Midsayap (now Libungan), Cotabato, with an area of 41,921 sq.mts., more or less, covered by OCT No. V-1853 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with waiver of rights before Notary Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 95; Page No. 19; Book No. CCV; Series of 2020.

MC: Dec. 19, 26, 2020 & Jan. 2, 2021

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late JULIA T. TAGBO who died intestate on July 15, 2020 at CRMC Hospital, Cotabato City, a Bank account with Cotabato-Makakua branch of Union Bank Inc., is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Asmira S. Diego as per Doc. No. 60; Page No. 12; Book No. IV; Series of 2020.

MC: Dec. 26, 2020, Jan. 2 & 9, 2021

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late ESTANISLAO MISTOSO, who died on July 26, 1991 at Alamada, Cotabato, a parcel of land Lot No. 124, Pls 134, situated in Cabayuran, Libungan, Cotabato, with an area of 46,158 sq.mts., more or less, covered by OCT No. V-11833 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous deed of sale before Notary Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 99; Page No. 20; Book No. CCV; Series of 2020.

MC: Dec. 19, 26, 2020 & Jan. 2, 2021

BARMM launches ‘SEAL” in...From page 1

the organization’s network of foreign connections, Hashim took and completed a doctoral program in University of Libya, ending an almost solitary confinement in Tripoli, and escaped to Egypt in 1977. He had by then tapped organizations of Moro overseas workers then formed by Architect Eduard Uy Guerra among others. During his stay in Libya, he also took up a correspondence course program on the English language In the same year, Hashim went to Jeddah where he met his Moro peers, and affirmed the homebased organizing efforts and accepted the chairmanship of the MILF. He was with Ustadz Khalifa Nando, Ustadz Abu Halil Yahya, Republic of the Philippines 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), a notice is hereby served to the public that Ulambai S. Buisan has filed with this office a petition for the correction of clerical error in gender from Male to Female in the Certificate of Live Birth of Ulambai S, Buisan at Pikit, Cotabato and whose parents are Taha S. Buisan and Noraida Salikula..

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than January 11, 2021.

(Sgd.) EDITHA L. MONTERDE, MAEd Municipal Civil Registrar MC: Jan. 2 & 9, 2021

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late JOHN IRVING C. MANGULAMAS who died on February 19, 2020 at Cotabato City, left bank accounts at BDO-Cotabato City, SK Pendatun Branch with Account ID No. UITF169915, Confirmation of Participation No. 9901040858 and BDOMakakua Branch, under his name ITF SOPHIA EPHRAIM RESQUITES MANGULAMAS with Account ID No. EIP0045856 under Confirmation of Participation Nos. 9900887797, 9901074023, 9901425664 and 9901253595 are the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Asmira S. Diego, as per Doc. No. 53; Page No. 11; Book No. IV; Series of 2020.

December 26, 2020, Jan. 2 & 9, 2021

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late BAI TANTO SUMAGKA SINSUAT who died on June 7, 2014, a parcel of land Lot 1-C-6-G, Psd35681, situated at Bo. Matampay, Cotabato City, containing an area of 324 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. T-46409, is the subject of extrajudicial settlement with waiver and renunciation of rights before Notary Public Atty. Hisham Nazz Ala Biruar, CPA as per Doc. No. 16; Page No. 4; Book No. VII; Series of 2020.

December 26, 2020, Jan. 2 & 9, 2021

Ustadz Omar Pasigan, Ustadz Abubakar Abu Huraira Udasan, Aleem Abdulaziz Mimbantas, Atty.

Pangalian Balindog and Republic of the Philippines Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Upi, Maguindanao OFFICE OF THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION MP/CFN-0019-2020 In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to Section 5 of R.A. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that Julie Irma Gordo-Quimado has filed with this office, a petition for change of first name from Julie to Julie Irma in the Certificate of Live Birth bearing registry No. 124 (D-23) of Julie Irma Flauta Gordo duly registered at the Office of the Local Civil Registrar of Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija and whose parents are Ernesto Bartolome Gordo and Norma Ducusin Flauta.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this office not later than January 11, 2021.

Atty. Zacaria A. Candao.

Nash B. Maulana

Republic of the Philippines Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Parang, Maguindanao OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. 9048/10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that Yolanda G. Sorilla has filed with this office a petition for change of date of birth from June 24, 1969 to June 21, 1969 in the Birth Certificate of Yolanda Buscato Guittigulao who was born on June 24, 1969 at Parang, Cotabato and whose parents are Avercio Cosicol Guitigulao and Celeste Cumaya Buscato.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than January 8, 2021.

(Sgd.)KARIM O. OMAR, MPA

Municipal Civil Registrar

MC: Dec. 26, 2020 & Jan. 2, 2021

(Sgd.) JEAN P. BACAS

Republic of the Philippines SHARI’A DISTRICT COURT Fifth Shari’a Judicial District Cotabato City

MC: Dec. 26, 2020 & Jan. 2, 2021

Republic of the Philippines SHARI’A DISTRICT COURT Fifth Shari’a Judicial District Cotabato City SPL. PROC. NO. ML-2020-489 IN RE: PETITION FOR C OR R E C T I ON A ND CANCELLATION OF ENTRIES IN THE CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH OF ALIBAI KASIM KALIM, Petitioner, -versusOFFICE OF THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF COTABATO CITY, Respondent. x------------------------------x ORDER Before this Court is a petition for cancellation of Certificate of Live Birth of Alibai Kasim Kalim. She alleges inter alia: That she is of age and resident of Cotabato City; That the Certificate of Live Birth of Petitioner was registered in the Office of the Local Civil Registrar of Cotabato City under Registry No. 2004-2055; That when she secured for the first time the authenticated copy of the Certificate of Live Birth from the Philippine Statistics Authority, she found out that it contains correct and authentic entries; That the same was submitted to the Department of Justice for pass porting; That when she secured for the second time an authenticated copy of the same, she found out that there are erroneous entries therein; That the second Certificate of Live Birth is bearing Registry No. 94-14 and contains many errors such as her place of birth, her middle name, birth order, weight at birth, mother’s maiden name, mother’s middle name, mother’s last name, total no. of children born alive, number of children still living, number of children born alive but, are now dead, age of mother at the time of this birth, residence of the mother and date of marriage; That the filing of the petition is not to conceal her identity and deceive anybody but to straighten her records as she is a good citizen with no pending criminal, civil and administrative case.

The Court finds the petition sufficient in form and substance for which reason, let it be heard on January 13, 2021 at 8:30 o’clock in the morning. The petitioner is directed to publish this Order once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation at her own expense. Anybody who may be prejudiced by this petition may file his opposition thereto or appear on said date and show his claim why the petition should not be granted.

SO ORDERED. Marawi City for Cotabato City, Philippines, November 20, 2020.

(Sgd.) HON. RASAD S. LAGUINDAB Acting Presiding Judge MC: Dec. 19, 26, 2020 & Jan. 2, 2021

SPL. PROC. NO. 2020-500 IN RE: PETITION FOR CORRECTION AND/OR CORRECTION OF ENTRIES IN THE CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH OF ANFAL OCSIO SABARAT, Petitioner, -versusOFFICE OF THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF MALABANG, LANAO DEL SUR, Respondent. x-------------------------------x ORDER Before the Court is a petition for correction and cancellation of entries in the Certificate of Live Birth of Anfal Ocsio Sabarat and alleged: That the petitioner is on age and resident of Cotabato City; That the Certificate of Live Birth of Petitioner was registered to the Office of the Local Civil Registrar in Malabang, Lanao del Sur under Registry No. 9200353; That when That when petitioner got a copy of her Certificate of Live Birth from the Philippines Statistics Authority, she found some erroneous entries such as her first name (Onfal), her sex as male instead of female; That she desires to straighten her records and not to conceal her identity or evade Civil, Criminal and Administrative charge, she being a good citizen.

The Court, after reading the petition, finds the petition sufficient in form and substance for which reason, let it be heard on January 13, 2021 at 8:30 o’clock in the morning.

The petitioner is directed to publish this Order once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation at her own expense. Anybody who may be prejudiced by this petition may file his opposition thereto or appear on said date and show his claim why the petition should not be granted.

SO ORDERED.

Marawi City for Cotabato City, Philippines, November 20, 2020.

(Sgd.) HON. RASAD S. LAGUINDAB Acting Presiding Judge

MC: Dec. 19, 26, 2020 & Jan. 2, 2021

PMARK PAWNSHOP MAIN, PMARK PAWNSHOP - BRANCH I PMARK PAWNSHOP - BRANCH II PMARK PAWNSHOP - AWANG BRANCH PMARK PAWNSHOP - ALNOR BRANCH

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

MC: January 2, 2021

8

January 2, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

HOLON REOPENS. After almost a year of closure for its annual rehabilitation and due to COVID-19 pandemic, the mystical Lake Holon in T’boli, South Cotabato, dubbed as the “Crown Jewel of the South,” will reopen to tourists on January 4, 2021.

Photo courtesy of RED Project Films and Photography

Smuggled tea, medicines from Indonesia seized in GenSan GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Police recovered over the weekend some P450,000 worth of smuggled herbal tea and medicines from Indonesia in a law enforcement operation here.

Maj. Melvin Joseph Violan, chief of the city police investigation unit, said Monday the illegal items were seized from a house of a businessman identified as Abdula Omar in Bula extension, Zone 2C, Barangay Bula.

He said they subjected the suspect to an entrapment around 5:30 p.m. Saturday after receiving reports regarding the selling of smuggled products at the house.

Violan said an undercover operative managed to purchase tea, vitamins, and unspecified medicines worth PHP700 from Abdula.

He said the operating team found inside the suspect’s house at least five boxes containing

packs of Indonesian herbal tea “Bintang dua mustika dewa,” two boxes of Pronicy Cyprohetidine HCl (4 mg), and 46 bundles containing 20 pads each of Dexamethasone. “ T h e s e a r e unregistered products and not allowed for distribution in the country,” he said in his report to Col. Gilberto Tuzon, the city police director.

The Food and Drug Administration had warned consumers against taking Dexamethasone and Pronicy Cyprohetidine HCl — classified as steroid and antihistamine — coming from Indonesia as they may cause potential danger or injury to consumers.

The World Health Organization said Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid used in a wide range of conditions for its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant effects.

It was tested early this year in hospitalized patients with the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in the United Kingdom and was found to have benefits for those critically ill.

Violan said they will turn over the confiscated items to the Bureau of Customs and FDA for proper disposal.

He said the suspect will be charged with violation of Republic Act 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. PNA

TWO bomb couriers of the New People’s Army surrendered while five others urged former comrades to avail of Malacañang’s reconciliation program for NPAs last weekend.

Brig. Gen. Roy Galido of the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade in Tacurong City said Sunday the two NPAs who yielded Saturday, December 26, to the 5th Special Forces Battalion in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato also turned in assault rifles.

One of the two NPAs, who asked to be identified only as “Tonton” for fear of reprisals, said he and his companion surrendered Saturday after learning that more than 10 guerillas were killed two days before by soldiers in a series of encounters at Mt. Lumuton in Palimbang town in Sultan Kudarat province.

The NPA fatalities were in a group that attempted to converge in Mt. Lumuton to commemorate the 52nd founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

Personnel of the Army’s 603rd Brigade of the 6th Infantry Division promptly thwarted the supposed activity of no fewer than a hundred NPA rebels at Mt. Lumuton, acting on tips of vigilant Palimbang residents.

Villagers have

confirmed seeing NPA guerillas carry 11 wounded companions away from Mt. Lumuton as Air Force planes dropped bombs on their location.

“It is better to surrender now and return to our parents before we get killed like what happened to our companions,” Tonton told reporters in Hiligaynon dialect.

Members of the Lake Sebu municipal peace and order council said Tonton and his companion were both couriers of improvised explosive devices for the NPA’s self-styled Far South Mindanao Region Command that has a reputation for bombing public transportation and establishments whenever owners refuse to shell out “protection money” on monthly basis.

Galido, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade under 6th ID, said credit for the surrender of the two NPAs should go to local officials in Lake Sebu and to Lt. Col. Randy Banaag, commanding officer of the 5th SF Battalion.

NPAs urged to surrender In North Cotabato, five former NPAs who surrendered to units of the 1002nd Brigade through the intercession of Gov. Nancy Catamco urged active guerillas to return to the fold of law while there is time yet.

The five reforming

former NPAs separately told reporters, during a dialogue Saturday in Magpet town in Nort h Cotabato with representatives from Catamco’s office and members of different municipal peace and order councils that they have no regrets on having renounced their membership with the NPA. One of them said they are now being reintroduced into the local communities by the 1002nd Brigade and the office of Catamco.

Army officials and local leaders also presented to reporters during Saturday’s event in Magpet dozens of firearms turned over by NPAs to units of the 1002nd Brigade in different North Cotabato towns in recent months.

Col. Potenciano Camba of the 1002nd Brigade said leaders of indigenous highland communities in North Cotabato are supporting the efforts of local government units to prevent NPA recruitment in tribal enclaves far from municipal centers.

Camba said NPAs from highland North Cotabato towns who surrendered in previous months are now being rehabilitated by LGUs with the help of the office of Catamco, a first-termer provincial governor. John

2 more NPAs yield in South Cotabato

Felix Unson

6 BIFF men yield to Pagalungan LGU LOCAL officials in Pagalungan, Maguindanao turned over Monday to the 602nd Infantry Brigade six terrorists who renounced their membership with the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

Pagalungan Mayor Salik Mamasabulod said Tuesday the six BIFF members yielded after learning that their companions who surrendered in recent months through the municipal peace and order council are now being reintegrated into the local communities.

Mamasabulod is chairperson of the municipal peace and order council in Pagalungan, located in the second district of Maguindanao province.

He told reporters

the six gunmen belong to a group led by Imam Karialan, leader of one of three factions in the BIFF. Karialan, a radical cleric, is wanted for deadly bombings in the past four years in central Mindanao.

Brig. Gen. Roberto Capulong, commander of the Army’s 602nd Brigade, said he is thankful to the Pagalungan LGU and officials of the 90th Infantry Battalion for securing the surrender of the six BIFF members through backdoor dialogues.

The BIFF, also known as the Dawlah Islamiya, is operating in the fashion of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

It has a reputation for attacking nonmilitary targets and for bombing public places and conveyances to avenge

deaths of members in clashes with pursuing state security forces.

Mamasabulod said he is certain more BIFF members in his municipality would soon come out and return to the fold of law.

More than 200 BIFF members have surrendered to the 603rd, 602nd and 601st Infantry Brigade of the 6th Infantry Division since 2017.

Major Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of 6th ID, said Tuesday he is grateful to the social welfare and the local government ministries of the Bangsamoro government for helping usher to mainstream society the reforming former BIFF terrorists through socioeconomic and psycho-social interventions. John Felix

Unson

TERRORISTS NO MORE. The six members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters who surrendered through the efforts of Mayor Salik Mamasabulod of Pagalungan, Maguindanao are now in the custody of the 603rd Infantry Brigade.

Photo courtesy of DPAO-6ID

PNP step up “BMI” compliance...From page 1

Brig. Gen. Michael John Dubria, director of Police Regional Office (PRO) 12, said Tuesday the move is in line with the implementation of their enhanced internal cleansing program.

Dubria said he ordered local police units to expand their physical fitness and weight loss programs, especially for those who are considered overweight and obese.

“We are strictly implementing this to ensure that our units and personnel can also perform better,” he said in a radio interview.

The PRO-12 said in January that about half of its nearly 6,000 personnel were considered overweight

and obese, and advised to slim down.

Based on the PNP’s standards, those with BMIs of 25 to 29.9 are still within the normal levels while those with 30 and above are considered overweight and obese.

It warned that overweight and obese commissioned and noncommissioned police officers would not be recommended to undergo schooling, affecting their chances of getting a promotion.

Dubria noted that under PNP Memorandum Circular 2020-029, compliance with the standard BMI is now a requirement for a promotion.

Under the circular, all PNP personnel applying

for promotion shall be evaluated by the BMI board to determine whether they should be endorsed for promotion or referred for medical intervention.

He said the policy has affected the application for promotion this year of some police officers in the region.

Dubria said they advised the concerned personnel to apply anew for promotion once they meet the required BMI. “It’s really important for our personnel to take care of their health by exercising regularly and lose weight if necessary because how can they run after criminals if they are obese or overweight?” he added. PNA