The Mindanao Cross | October 17, 2020

SECOND FRONT PAGE

Vol. LXXII| No. 36 | Cotabato City | Saturday, October 17, 2020 |8 Pages | P10.00

CHURCH BACK

UNICEF, UK in aid of Bangsamoro fight vs. Covid/P2 Blessed Carlo Acutis, a miracle away from sainthood/P4

Cotabato’s first COVID-19 testing machine /P8

DIOCESE REVIVES TAMPAKAN FORUM KORONADAL CITY — The local Catholic Church and allied groups have revived the Tampakan Forum after almost a decade of inactivity to ignite a “systematic and sustained” opposition against the controversial Tampakan project, Southeast Asia’s largest undeveloped copper and gold minefield in South Cotabato province.

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SIDEBAR

Court decision upholds SoCot environment code

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RUN FREE KALI. Kalibasib, 21, the lone surviving captive-bred Philippine tamaraw in the world, died on Saturday, October 10. Kali’s mother, Mimi, was captured in the wild in an attempt to breed and save the critically-endangered species from extinction, but the younglings died due to stress and inability to adapt to the enclosure. Kali’s passing also comes as the country celebrates National Tamaraw Month this October.

Photo courtesy of Gab Mejia

IN A DECISION, a local court threw out a motion to invalidate an environmental code that bans open-pit mining in the province of South Cotabato.

Judge Vicente Peña of Regional Trial Court Branch 24 in Koronadal City has upheld the legality of the code, citing provisions in the Constitution, the Local Government Code, and an administrative order of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

This decision has implications for the controversial Tampakan Gold-Copper Project (TGCP), an open-pit mining project that straddles four provinces in Mindanao, including South Cotabato.

TGCP is operated by Sagittarius Mines, Incorporated (SMI).

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BARMM’s newly hired Army helps injured Tawi-Tawi MSSD frontliners BANGSAMORO government “The BARMM government is BARMM is grateful,” said Sinarimbo, teachers get first salary THE was grateful to the Philippine thankful to the commanding general also spokesperson of the Bangsamoro NEWLY hired teachers in the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have started receiving their “first pay” as mentors in the province of Maguindanao, the BARMM education ministry said.

Minister Mohagher Iqbal of the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) said his office has started releasing the June-September salaries of 1,104 newly hired teachers

from the divisions of Maguindanao I and II. On October 14-16, first batch to receive their salaries are the 538 newly hired teachers from Maguindanao I, while salaries for the 566 teachers from Maguindanao II will be released on October 1921.

On top of their salaries, the MBHTE also provided additional cash allowance amounting to P4,000 to each of the newly hired

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Army for its prompt evacuation to Zamboanga City for medication of two anti-COVID-19 frontliners hurt in a gun attack in Tawi-Tawi this week.

Lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, local government minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, told Mindanao Cross Thursday that BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim also wanted closure to the incident that left social workers Niezel Ladjauddin Asakil and Kevin Pon badly wounded.

They are both employees of BARMM’s Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD).

TOURISM BLOOMS. AMid ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Eden’s Flower Farm in Sitio Lemblisong, Brgy. Kablon, Tupi, South Cotabato reopens on October 15. With an entrance fee of P50 per head guests may now enjoy the flowers in full bloom from October 25 to 28.

Photo courtesy of South Cotabato LGU

of the Philippine Army for working out the immediate transport of the victims to Zamboanga City for confinement in a hospital there,” Sinarimbo said.

Sinarimbo was referring to Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, who had served as commander of the 6th Infantry Division in Maguindanao and Western Mindanao Command chief before he became Army chief early this year.

“He immediately ordered the airlift to Zamboanga City of the two wounded MSSD employees using military air assets. To him the

regional government.

Initial police reports reaching the Bangsamoro regional capitol in Cotabato City stated that the duo were on their way home from an official assignment in Panglima Sugala town in Tawi-Tawi when they were attacked by gunmen somewhere in Barangay Lapid-Lapid in Bongao.

"Acts of lawlessness and violence directed against social workers are unacceptable, outrageous, and counterproductive to the pursuit of peace and justice in the Bangsamoro Region," the ministry also said.

Bongao is the capital town

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BRISK SALE. Two face mask-wearing workers of the Buenafe’s “turon” (deepfried banana rolls) attend to one of the more than 100 customers buying the briskselling banana snack item daily along Barangay Bagua in Cotabato City.

PNA Cotabato photo

‘Turon’: A sought-after snack Unexploded ordnance found in NoCot during the pandemic

An unexploded ordnance (UXO) was found by a concerned citizen in Purok Cocacola, Barangay Igbaras, Pigcawayan, North Cotabato early this week.

The man immediately reported his discovery to elements of 34th Infantry Battalion.

He said he was on h is way to the farm at 9 a.m. when he noticed what

looked like a mortar.

Looking closely, indeed it was a mortar, he said.

Personnel of 34th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team conducted safety procedures on the UXO, an 81mm mortar high explosive cartridge.

“I would like to appeal to the public to do the same and to report any suspicious objects or persons to

prevent accidents and terroristic attacks,” Major General Juvymax R. Uy, 6th Infantry Division commander.

Uy, also commander of Joint Task Force Central (JTFC), lauded the famer for making the right decision of alerting authorities instead of tinkering with the explosive. Rhoderick

Benez

COTABATO CITY – On Barangay Bagua here every afternoon from Monday to Saturday – a small “turon” (deep-fried banana rolls) roadside store draws people even during this time of the pandemic.

The store, owned by Oscar Alojado Buenafe, 74, has no signboard

but residents here sure know how to follow with their nose the smell of the reasonably priced, sweet, crunchy, spring roll-wrapped "turon" with ripe strips of "saba" and “langka” (jackfruit) inside.

Between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. daily, various kinds of vehicles and people

from all walks of life toe the line for social distancing to wait for their turn to buy and munch on the affordable snack treats from the Buenafe store along the Bagua area here.

The store serves more than a hundred customers daily, depending on the

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October 17, 2020

THE MINDANAO CROSS

The United Kingdom Government, United Nations Children’s Fund, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao launched on Wednesday, October13, a Covid-19 response to protect the most vulnerable persons in the region.

Photo courtesy of Bangsamoro Government

FLOODED. Photo shows the Pagalungan town hall compound is underwater Thursday following heavy downpour on Wednesday in Maguindanao and North Cotabato provinces spawned by Tropical Depression Ofel. LGU-Pagalungan photo

UNICEF, UK in aid of Bangsamoro fight vs. Covid THE Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the United Nations International Children’s Fund will strengthen response to increasing social and health challenges of the Covd19 pandemic for 155,000 children including infants in 20 municipalities of the region.

Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov, UNICEF Philippines Representative, said the partnership builds on vulnerability of BARMM children families and support from the Government of the United Kingdom.

The UK Government and the UNICEF launched Wednesday the partnership to help provide immediate needs in BARMM’s responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, and to curb secondary impacts for around three million Bangsamoro people.

Bangsamoro Government Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Al-Hadj Murad Ebrahim expressed optimism that the BARMM could rise again above the public health crisis.

British Embassy in Manila Deputy Head of Mission Alastair Totty said the UK Government will “continue to be a committed partner in achieving lasting peace and prosperity in Mindanao for the benefit of all its citizens, but especially the most vulnerable children and families.”

“We are delighted to partner with the BARMM Government and UNICEF to help strengthen capacity to deal with the challenges posed by COVID-19. Children are the future of the BARMM and they deserve to be given every chance to help shape its destiny, Totty said.

Risk communication and community engagement all formed part of the trilateral partnership to reach out to around three million vulnerable people with important lifesaving COVID-19 messages in local

Suspects in Pikit carnage arrested

PIKIT, North Cotabato Case closed.

Local officials said so after turning over to the police Saturday last weekend the gunmen who killed three women and a three-year-old girl in Pikit town Friday.

Salahudin Noh, Nasser Noh, and Abdul Amer Mamalo Bernan, most known by their aliases Tatukan, Selna and Ubak, respectively, were arrested one after another by barangay officials and local commanders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front after witnesses tagged them as responsible for the carnage.

The three men attacked on Saturday a house in Barangay Lagundi in Pikit, North Cotabato and

killed using M16 assault rifles Sittie Abdullah, 58, Zenaida Mustapha, 36, Lagah Abdullah, 34, and the three-year-old Ashley Panigas.

The suspects are reportedly at odds with a close relative of the victims, a volunteer community watchman in the same barangay.

Four others, Ryan Abedin, 13, Raad Abedin, 7, Asya Abdullah 8, and Asria Abdullah, 30, were wounded in the attack, now confined in a hospital.

Pikit Mayor Sumulong Sultan said he is thankful to his constituent-barangay officials, to senior MILF commanders in Pikit, the Army’s 90th Infantry Battalion and the municipal police force

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languages.

In addition, the partnership program is also designed to extend emergency relief support for 5,000 Filipinos returning to Tawi-Tawi, Sulu and Basilan provinces from long period of residency in Sabah, Malaysia.

Ebrahim added: “We thank our dear partners from the British Government and UNICEF for your incredible support for the Bangsamoro especially during these trying times. COVID-19 is, perhaps, the biggest crisis that humanity is facing during this century. We are truly grateful.”

A press statement said the UNICEF Philippines will implement the grant from the UK Government’s Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office with BARMM Government to strengthen the capacity in the region and respond to the pandemic.

“We are grateful for the contribution of the UK Government, joining the Chief Minister and the BARMM Government to prevent the spread and impact of COVID-19. Bangsamoro children are some of the most vulnerable children in the Philippines. We must not allow them to be left behind in this time of great need,” Dendevmorov said.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought new challenges to children and their families in BARMM. Even before the pandemic, the region has one of the highest poverty rates in the country, as well as one of the lowest outcomes in terms of child health, nutrition and education. The pandemic has driven many families deeper into poverty and has overwhelmed an already weak health system.

The diplomatic official of the British Embassy in Manila said: “We are delighted to partner with

1 killed, 4 hurt in MILF “infighting”

A MEMBER of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was killed while four others were wounded after to two MILF factions traded bullets in Barangay Tukanalipao, M a m a s a p a n o , Maguindanao.

The armed clashes transpired at 11:40 in the morning between the group of Salik Kiko, a delisted member of 118th base command and Ben Tikaw of 13th Brigade of 105th base command, all from MILF. According to Tukanalipao Barangay Chairperson Esmail Hashim, one member of Salik Kiko identified as a certain Alimudin was killed while three others were wounded. Also, one

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wounded from the side of Ben Tikaw.

Sporadic fires from both sides lasted for six hours. Motive of the armed clashes was still being determined.

Army troops together with the PNP counterparts put up checkpoints along the provincial roads to preempt possible spill of the hostilities to civilian communities.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax R. Uy, 6th Infantry Division, directed the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion and 1st Mechanized Brigade to help local officials and the MILF leadership in settling the conflict peacefully. Rhoderick

Beñez

Philippines top 4 in countries most affected by disasters THE PHILIPPINES has ranked fourth in the list of countries most affected by disasters in the past 20 years, according to a United Nations report released this week.

The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction released the report titled “Human Cost of Disasters” on October 13, International Disaster Risk Reduction Day. The report showed that out of the 7,348 disasters recorded from 2000 to 2019, the Philippines experienced 304, ranking fourth after China with 577, the United States with 467, and India with 321.

It also indicated that about 149 million Filipinos were affected by natural disasters during the past two decades, representing an average of

7,796 per 100,000 population.

The report noted that most of the disasters that hit the country were hydrological and meteorological events, such as floods, landslides, and storms.

The most devastating event that was recorded was super typhoon Haiyan, which hit the country in 2013 and killed at least 6,000 people.

It also noted the significant increase in the number of disasters that occurred in the past two decades, resulting in heavy human and economic toll worldwide.

Father Antonio Labiao, executive secretary of Caritas Philippines, called on the Philippine government to “provide better coordination mechanisms to empower local communities as first responders” during natural and human-

induced disasters.

The priest stressed that “putting the people at the center” of the country’s response to disaster “will strengthen disaster risk reduction and impact mitigation measures.”

He also called for collaboration and close coordination among government agencies and national and local humanitarian actors, including faithbased organizations.

Father Labiao said churches and faith-based humanitarian groups can help the government in its disaster risk reduction program.

Father Labiao said the Church also has the expertise in disaster response and local knowledge that proved vital in recent emergencies. Mark Saludes/ LiCasNews

Pagalungan LGU suspends office due to flood

WORKS at the municipal hall of Pagalungan in Maguindanao had been suspended as the town’s government center was under water, local officials said.

Pagalungan town Vice Mayor Abdilah G. Mamasabulod said Mayor Salik Mamasabulod has ordered the suspension of office works of all local government unit servants but require frontliners and disaster workers to report for work 24/7.

“This is to ensure that lives are saved and to cushion the impact of this natural calamity,” Vice Mayor Mamasabulod said in a radio interview.

He said the municipal compound is under water after the water level of Pulangi river overflowed following overnight rainfall spawned by Tropical Depression “Ofel” that affected Mindanao.

Normal government operations in Pagalungan, according to Vice Mayor Mamasabulod, will resume Monday, October 19, as the suspension lasted until Friday.

Aside from Pagalungan, also flooded are the towns of Datu Montawal in Maguindanao and the towns of Pikit and Kabacan in North Cotabato.

These areas are perennial flooded areas

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SoCot town hall shut down, modules delivery stopped

THE municipal hall of the gold-rich town of T’boli in South Cotabato province was shutdown while the distribution of learning materials for public schools was suspended for five days due to the growing threats of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the locality.

T’boli Mayor Dibu Tuan ordered municipal employees to work from home and the public school teachers to focus on the reproduction instead of distribution of learning modules beginning Monday until Friday, October 16, to help contain the spread of COVID-19.

As of Monday evening, T’boli has 21 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 12 recoveries and nine active cases.

Of the nine active cases, seven are in Barangay Poblacion, where the municipal hall is located, and one each in Barangay Edwards and Kematu, the latter the site of gold mining operations, including the Minahang Bayan or the 21-hectare people’s smallscale mining area.

“The temporary closure of the municipal hall will permit the health authorities to make the necessary decontamination of the local offices at the same time giving due course to the ongoing tracking activities,” Tuan said.

He stressed the employees will be required to submit an accomplishment report upon their return to their respective offices.

Exempted from

the work from home setup are employees rendering health services, communication, peace and order, and disaster management.

Besides the rising threats posed by COVID-19, the heavy rains in the past few days that damaged roads prompted the mayor’s office to also order the temporary suspension of the distribution of learning modules to the communities, also for five days.

This is to ensure the safety of the teachers as well as the students in as much as the local government is taking efforts for the necessary road rehabilitation activities at the same time giving due course to the ongoing tracking of COVID-19 infections by local health authorities, Tuan said.

“With this ample time, the teachers may instead spend the week for the reproduction or printing of their education materials,” he stressed.

T’boli, particularly Barangay Kematu, has been a known gold rush site since the early 1980s, attracting small-scale miners from the Davao region and elsewhere in Mindanao in search for better lives.

Last year, the town banned the use of mercury in the processing of gold ores due to its adverse health and environmental impacts.

Jewelry-making is the “one town, one product” offering of T’boli town.

Bong S. Sarmiento

October 17, 2020

Diocese revives Tampakan Forum... P1 Marbel Bishop Cerilo Casicas said they decided to restore the organized opposition to the Tampakan project with the “momentum going in favor” of Sagittarius Mines, Inc., operator of the Tampakan project.

“The Tampakan Forum has lain low after 2011 with the success of the campaign against SMI, such as the approval of the open-pit mining ban by the South Cotabato provincial government (in 2010),” Casicas said during the online re-launch of the forum Friday last week.

He also cited the strong opposition of the late former Environment Secretary Gina Lopez to the Tampakan project, so called because the bulk of the minerals is sitting in South Cotabato’s Tampakan town.

“But the advantage is getting back to the mining company,” he said in Filipino, citing the extension of the firm’s financial and technical assistance agreement (FTAA) and the environment compliance certificate (ECC).

MindaNews, a Davao City-based online news portal, reported that SMI’s FTAA was extended for 12 years last January.

Last July, it reported the restoration of the Office of the President (OP) of the firm’s ECC, which Lopez ordered cancelled in 2017.

Set to expire on March 21, 2020, the 25-year FTAA awarded to the Tampakan project, has been extended for 12 years – or until March 21, 2032 — in an order issued June 8, 2016 but known only last January, following an interview with Felizardo Gacad, Jr., Mines and Geosciences BureauRegion 12 director.

Leo Jasareno, then national director of the MGB, an agency under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), approved the extension on June 8, 2016 “by authority of the secretary.” The DENR secretary at the time was Ramon Paje.

“Whereas, thru a letter dated May 11, 2016, SMI requested for a 12-year extension of the term of FTAA No 02-95-XI (Amended) to restore the equivalent period of time lost due to force majeure in view of the various problems it is encountering in the contract area, which have prevented it from fully pursuing its operations therein, such as the legal conflicts, the ban on openpit mining, the issuance of the CLOAs (Certificate of Land Ownership Awards), peace and order problem and delays in government approval,” Jasareno’s order stated.

On the other hand, Omar Saikol, E n v i r o n m e n t a l Management Bureau – Region 12 director, confirmed the restoration of SMI’s ECC last July.

“The ECC of SMI was reinstated by the Office of the President on May 6, 2019,” Saikol revealed.

Saikol said that SMI was originally granted the ECC by the EMB main office on February 19, 2013, which Lopez cancelled in 2017.

The efforts to revive the Tampakan Forum gained ground last February, and it was supposed to be re-launched the following month but the coronavirus disease pandemic overtook the turn of events.

Casicas said that the united opposition against the Tampakan project,

A & A Pawnshop Don Rufino Branch Cotabato City

Ang A & A Pawnshop ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sangla. Ang mga ito ay isinangla magmula Nobyembre hanggang Disyembre 2019. Ang subasta ay sa Oktubre 31, 2020 sa ganap na ika-8:00 ng mga umaga hanggang ika-4:00 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

MC: Oct. 17 & 24, 2020

CONLUCK PAWNSHOP MAIN, DON RUFINO ALONZO BRANCH & QUEZON AVENUE BRANCH, COTABATO CITY

ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sangla. Ang mga ito ay isinangla magmula pa noong Setyembre hanggang Oktubre 2019.

Ang Subasta ay sa Oktubre 31, 2020 sa ganap na ika-8:00 ng umaga hanggang ika-4:00 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

then and now, is not just composed of local but also national and international groups.

He said the Diocese of Marbel joined the fight opposing SMI’s venture due to concerns on the plight of the indigenous peoples and the environment.

The revived Tampakan Forum will provide the venue for unity and systematic opposition to the Tampakan project, the prelate noted.

Touted as Southeast Asia’s largest known undeveloped copper and gold minefield, the Tampakan project has the potential to yield an average of 375,000 tons of copper and 360,000 ounces of gold in concentrate per annum in the 17-year-life of the mine.

If developed, the Tampakan project “has the potential to make a significant contribution to the economic prosperity of the Philippines and enable a better future for the people of southern Mindanao,” SMI said on its website.

SMI, which has not responded to requests for comments or interviews, plans to extract the huge deposits using the openpit mining method, which the firm insisted is not contrary to Republic Act 7942 or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.

The firm had stated “that it is deeply committed to upholding and promoting the rights of local communities hosting its Tampakan project.”

The reactivation of the Tampakan Forum has the backing of the Catholic

MC: Oct.10, 17 & 24, 2020

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late Ceferino E. Galor who died intestate on November 1, 2000 at Poblacion, Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat left a parcel of land, Psu-126575 (F-V13219), covered by Original Certificate of Title No. V-237, with an area of 199,801 square meters, more or less is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Ukol M. Paglala as per Doc. No. 175, Page No. 35, Book No.XIX, Series of 2020.

MC: Oct.10, 17 & 24, 2020

Bishop’s Conference of the Philippines’ (CBCP) National Secretariat for Social Action – Justice and Peace, Philippine Misereor Partnership, Inc. and Alyansa Tigil Mina, among others.

Cotabato Archbishop Angelito Lampon, OMI, lauded the revival of the Tampakan Forum as a vehicle to protect the environment.

“Regardless of different cultures and beliefs, we are making a loud statement, especially support that the Tampakan project will not be allowed to proceed,” Lampon said in his closing remarks during the relaunch.

The revival of the Tampakan Forum came together with the launching of the Mindanao chapter of the EcoConvergence (ChurchCSO Empowerment for Environmental Sustainability), which is geared to strengthen the collaboration among church institutions and different socio-civic and people’s organizations in bringing out concrete ecological actions to combat the climate emergency.

This is one of the action points identified in the CBCP’s pastoral letter entitled “An Urgent Call for Ecological Conversion, Hope in the Face of Climate Emergency,” according to a project briefer.

The revival and launching event coincided with the closing of the Season of Creation and in solidarity with the celebration of the National Indigenous Peoples’ Month. Bong S. Sarmiento

Notice for Auction

Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Main, Agencia de Oro - SK Pendatun Branch, Jose Lim Branch, Mabini Branch, ORC Branch, Agencia de Oro Branch I, II, III, IV in Parang Branch, Carmen Branch, Pikit Branch, Pendatun Branch, Dalican Branch of Cotabato City, Parang, Maguindanao and North Cotabato announce the Auction Sale of all unredeemed pledges contracted in October 1-31,2019 at 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at Agencia de Oro - Jose Lim Branch, corner Jose Lim Sr, and Don Roman Vilo St., Cotabato City. Auction Sale will be on October 28, 2020.

Patalastas ng Subasta

Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Main, Agencia de Oro - SK Pendatun Branch, Jose Lim Branch, Mabini Branch, ORC Branch, Agencia de Oro Branch I, II, III, IV in Parang, Parang Branch, Carmen Branch, Pikit Branch, Pendatun Branch, Dalican Branch ng Cotabato City, Parang, Maguindanao at North Cotabato ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sangla. Ang mga ito ay isinangla noong Oktubre 1 -31, 2019 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 Oktubre 28, 2020.

MC: Oct. 17 & 24, 2020

MC: Oct. 17 & 24, 2020

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late Spouses Casiano Catin and Protacia Pacete who died intestate on November 26, 1982 and August 19, 1980 at Banaba, Ampatuan, Maguindanao, left a parcel of land, Lot No. 1400-B, Pls-544-D, with an area of 7.1255 hectares, more or less is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Ukol M. Paglala as per Doc. No. 171, Page No. 35, Book No.XIX, Series of 2020.

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THE MINDANAO CROSS

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late Tranquilino Germo and Abelita Gervero Germo who died intestate on April 15, 1990 & October 15, 2006 at Cotabato City, and Sto. Niño, South Cotabato, left a parcel of land Lot 1335, PIS 406-D situated at Brgy. M. Roxas, Sto. Niño, South Cotabato with an area of 62,852 square meters, more or less is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with waiver of rights before Notary Public Atty. Agnes R. De Castro - Jagunap as per Doc. No. 3279, Page No. 3279, Book No.XXV, Series of 2020.

MC: Oct. 3, 10 & 17, 2020

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late Engr. Teodulo Ladub who died intestate on August 6, 1998 at Cotabato City, left a parcel of land situated at Barrio of Malagapas, City of Cotabato, covered by Transfer Certificate of Title No. 48219 with an area of 395 square meters, more or less is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Agnes R. De Castro - Jagunap as per Doc. No. 3204, Page No. 3204, Book No.XXV, Series of 2020.

MC: Oct. 3, 10 & 17, 2020

Army helps injured... P1

of Tawi-Tawi, a component province of BARMM. Sinarimbo, chairperson of the inter-agency Regional Advisory Council of the Bangsamoro regional police office, said the MSSD is now EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late spouses Nicolas Endrinal and Maxima Millondaga Endrina who both died intestate on June 26, 2012 at Cotabato City and on February 17, 2010 at Libungan, Cotabato, respectively, left a parcel of land covered by TCT No. T-66427 Lot 4-I-4, Psd-12005348 situated at Barrio of Presbitero, Municipality of Pigcawayan, Province of North Cotabato with an area of 619 square meters, more or less is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous sale before Notary Public Atty. Abdul Hafiz Tan Adil, Jr. as per Doc. No. 275, Page No. 55, Book No.XVI, Series of 2020.

MC: Oct. 17, 24 & 31, 2020

AFFIDAVIT OF LOSS Notice is hereby given that MAURO D. TON-OGAN is a holder of Certificate of Full Payment of Loyola Time Plan, Midsayap Branch, Midsayap, North Cotabato.

That the said certificate is no longer be located despite of diligent efforts to locate it, and therefore, it was declared lost before Notary Public Renie Jay Abad Soriano as per Doc. No. 21; Page No. 5; Book No. VII; Series of 2020.

attending to the needs of the injured Asakil and Pon. John

Felix Unson

Republic of the Philippines

REGIONAL TRIAL COURT

12th Judicial Region BRANCH 15 Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao (Holding Office at Cotabato City)

SPL. PROC. 20-1477

DUNNIE MARTIN T. SANTOS, Petitioner.

versus THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF COTABATO CITY, MR. MARTIN A. SANTOS AND MRS. MA. FILIPINAS T. SANTOS , Respondents, x– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –x ORDER

A verified petition has been filed by the petitioner praying to this Court that after due notice and hearing an order issued directing the Local Civil Registrar of Cotabato City to annotate the correction in the surname of the Petitioner, from Dunne Martin Tanghal to Dunne Martin Tanghal Santos.

WHEREFORE, finding the petition sufficient in form and substance, it is hereby given due course. Petition is set for hearing in November 23, 2020 at 8:30 o’clock in the moring at the session Hall of this court located at the Hall of Justice, Cotabato City. All interested person/s are required to appear and show cause, if there be any, why this petition shall not be granted.

Let a copy of this Order be published at the expense of the petitioner in a newspaper of general circulation accredited by this Court in the Province of Maguindanao, Philippines, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks.

SO ORDERED.

GIVEN, this 30th day September 2020, at Cotabato City, Philippines (SGD.) Annabelle D.P. Piang

Presiding Judge

MC: Oct. 17, 24 & 31, 2020

MC: Oct. 17, 24 & 31, 2020

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 March 2020. Ang subasta ay sa November 02, 2020 sa ganap na ika-8:00 ng mga umaga hanggang ika-4:30 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

MC: Oct. 17 & 24, 2020

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

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

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

MC: Oct. 17 & 24, 2020

Republic of the Philippines Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao

Public of the Philippines Midsayap, Cotabato Local Civil Registry Office

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this office not later than October 28, 2020.

In Compliance with the publication requirements and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1, Guidlines in the implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A 10172), Notice is hereby served to the public that Joevel Sonsona Meguiso has filed with this office a petition for change of sex from “Male” to “Female” in he Certificate of the Live Birth og Joevel Sonsona Meguiso who was born on August 04, 1989 at Midsayap, Cotabato and whose parents are Abundio Z. Meguiso and Florencia J. Sonsona.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this Office of Municipal Civil Registrar, Midsayap, Cotabato

(Sgd.)Princess Esnaira M. Nur

(Sgd.)Norah B. Cabugwason

MC: Oct. 17 & 24, 2020

MC: Oct. 10 & 17, 2020

In Compliance with Section 5 of Republic Act No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that Michael Menguiz Ayub has filed with this office a petition for Change of First Name from Michel to Michael in the Birth Certificate of Michel Mengues Ayob who was born on April 30, 1975 at Capiton, Dinaig , Maguindanao and whose parents are Maliga ibad Ayub and Lelanie Bayotas Menguiz.

Municipal Civil Registrar

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

Municipal Civil Registrar

4

October 17, 2020

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Blessed Carlo Acutis, a miracle away from sainthood

Internet and computer-savvy teen Carlo Acutis, who dedicated his short life to spreading the faith online and a great devotion to the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist was declared ‘Blessed’ by the Catholic Church on October 10.

His beatification left him just one miracle away from becoming the world’s first millennial saint.

Blessed Carlo Acutis, who died of leukemia in 2006 at the age of 15, was placed on the path to sainthood after the Vatican ruled that he had miraculously saved another boy’s life.

Fr. Nicola Gori, the priest responsible for promoting Acutis’ sainthood cause, said seven years after Acutis’ death, a Brazilian boy named Mattheus was miraculously healed from a congenital malformation (annular pancreas) after he interceded from heaven.

“When it was the boy’s turn to touch the picture of the future blessed, he expressed a singular wish, like a prayer: ‘I wish I could stop vomiting so much.’ Healing began immediately, to the point that the physiology of the organ in question changed,” Fr. Gori said.

Who was Carlo Acutis?

Acutis, dubbed the “cyber apostle of the Eucharist,” was born on May 3, 1991 in London to Italian parents, and moved to Milan with them as a young boy.

From a tender age, Carlo seemed to have a special love for God, even though his parents weren’t especially devout. He loved to pray the rosary.

While his peers spent their spare time hanging

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out with friends, Carlo utilized his time by drawing closer to God. He attended daily Mass and asked his parents to take him on pilgrimages.

Before his death, he used his computer skills to spread the Word of God. Skilled in film editing and computer programming, Carlo set up a website where he researched and documented miracles attributed to the Eucharist.

The millennial, whose body lies in state in Assisi, dressed in a tracksuit and trainers, also warned his contemporaries that the internet could be a curse as well as a blessing.

After his brief battle with leukemia, he offered his sufferings for Pope Benedict XVI and the Church, and was buried in Assisi, at his request, because of his love for St. Francis of Assisi.

Model for young people Pope Francis first presented Acutis as an example for young people in post-syondal apostolic exhortation on young people, Christus Vivit. The pope wrote that Acutis’ provided a model of how young people can use the internet and technology to spread the Gospel.

“It is true that the digital world can expose you to the risk of selfabsorption, isolation and empty pleasure. But don’t forget that there are

young people even there who show creativity and even genius. That was the case with Venerable Carlo Acutis,” the pope wrote in 2018.

“Carlo was well aware that the whole apparatus of communications, advertising and social networking can be used to lull us, to make us addicted to consumerism and buying the latest thing on the market, obsessed with our free time, caught up in negativity.

Yet he knew how to use the new communications technology to transmit the Gospel, to communicate values and beauty.”

In his Angelus message on Tuesday, Pope Francis said that the Church today is called reach the geographical and existential peripheries of humanity where people can find themselves on the margins without hope.

The pope urged people “not to rest in comfortable and routine modes of evangelization and witness of charity, but to open the doors of our hearts and our communities to all because the Gospel is not reserved for a select few.”

Pope Francis read an apostolic letter declaring October 12 as Acutis’ feast day, to commemorate his death in Milan in 2006.

The first statue of Blessed Carlo Acutis in the Philippines sculpted by elman Limlengco Bagalso of Paete, Laguna was blessed on Saturday, October 10. Valerie Ann

P. Lambo

A statue of Blessed Carlo Acutis in the Philippines has been blessed in the Church of Paete in Laguna on Saturday, October 10.

Photo courtesy of Vernikon Films

The Church and the Poor

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hile some people would prefer to look at the Catholic Church as rich and powerful, many still believes that it is a Church with a heart for the poor, a Church with preferential option for the poor, true from generations to generations.

The role of the Church in serving God by serving the poor remains its central arena, the threshold of the Catholic Churc h’s faith. Yes, the ric hness and wealth of the Church are often questioned and it had faced numerous n e ga t i ve i m p r e s s i o n s and understanding from different and various individuals, institutions and some Church denominations, but still the Church does what it was meant to do

olitics has taken an would shame the Pharisees interesting turn for allying themselves with in the House of these collaborators.

Representatives during the past week with the The coin was minted change of speakership. by the Romans and We ordinary citizens was dirty money. Give wonder why our leaders it back to Caesar. What were acting this way, belongs to God? Adoration Rev. Fr. Antonio P. Pueyo, DCC a n d o b e d i e n c e b e l o n g s putting their own tonypoy_dcc0@yahoo.com to God alone. The first selfish agenda over and above the country’s commandment says it welfare. The congressional circus has finally reached clearly, “Thou shall have no other God beside me.” a temporary settlement. Amidst all these brouhaha It is expressed in another way, “You shall love the we cannot avoid to ask the question, “ What is really Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your government for?” This is an old question. being, and with all your strength” (Lk. 11:27). If This Sunday’s Gospel contains the famous words there is a conflict of loyalties between God and what of Jesus, “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and is not godly, then the choice is for God. A faithful to God what belongs to God” (Mt. 22:21). This was the believer will give priority to God to whom everything answer of Jesus to the dilemma that the Pharisees belongs. Our lives, our universe, our world, our and Herodians brought to him in order to trap him. country – they all belong to God. Governance is a The Pharisees reluctantly paid the poll tax to Rome, form of stewardship. Caesars, kings, presidents, whereas the Herodians preferred to collaborate congressmen and senators, and even the barangay with the Romans. Should a Jew pay taxes to the officials, they are all stewards. The office that they Roman Emperor (Caesar)? If Jesus answers “Yes” he exercise is entrusted to them for the good of the would be placing Himself among the Herodians who people. cooperated with the Roman colonizers. If he answers How then should public officials exercise proper “No” he would be accused of instigating the people stewardship? Jesus made it very clear in His to rebel against the Romans. various sayings, “I come to serve, not to be served.

Taxation was, like today, a hot issue. In the He who is first among you should be the last.

Roman dominions, a poll tax which was equivalent Wash one another’s feet.” Stewardship is to think to a day’s wages was levied on all men between the not so much of oneself but that which serves the ages of 14-25 and on all women from ages 12-65. common good. A steward should not think himself Jesus escaped the dilemma by asking for a Roman as a god like Caesar, but rather that he is in God’s coin used to pay the tax. The coin bore the image service. At the root of stewardship is humility and of the emperor Tiberius who ruled during Jesus’ accountability. A steward is not an owner but at time. It had an inscription that says, “Tiberius the service of the owner and accountable to the Caesar, Augustus, son of the divine Augustus, high owner. Let us all be reminded of the priority of priest.” This coin claimed that the Roman emperor God as the Lord promised to King Solomon, “If was divine. For pious Jews such as the Pharisees, then, my people, upon whom my name has been possession of this coin was idolatrous. They tried to pronounced, humble themselves and pray, and avoid handling this coin even to pay the tax. Naturally seek my face and turn from their evil ways, I a Pharisee would not like be the source of the coin. If will hear them from heaven and pardon their a Herodian on the other hand produced the coin, it sins and heal their land “ (2 Chron. 7:14). MC

God is Above All

REFLECTIONS

Fr. Rockmoore Saniel, OMI from the very beginning – to proclaim the Gospel to the poor in service and love.

In the past, the Church, for instance, was not “perfect” when it comes to taking care of the poor.

There were times that the Church became the oppressor instead of being the defender of the poor.

Regaled with power and wealth, there were events unimaginable where the poor were deprived of their own dignity, right, and life, all “in the name of God.” We’ve heard of the various scandals of the Church, a global phenomenon acknowledged by Christians and non-believers alike.

We’ve heard of stories and legends of cruelty and devilish acts of “should be” holy persons. And the

Church has acknowledged all of these sor ts, its mistakes and sins towards the poor.

Nonetheless, the Churc h is also wor thy of recognition for all its countless contributions. The Church composed of human persons, with its hierarchy, faith and tradition, is the representation of God’s love and mercy to all the world. From its birth until today, the Church remains the hand, mind and heart of God which tends its flock especially the poor.

At this time of pandemic, we still vividly see and recognize the struggles of the poor people. During this time, they are the most vulnerable, they are the most affected, they are the most forgotten by the society.

B adaliyya

P7

Fr. Jun Mercado, OMI

Short Reflection for the 29th Sunday of the Ordinary Time (A) Readings: Isaiah 45:1, 4-6; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5b; Matthew 22:15-21

Selected Passage: He said to them, “Whose image is this and whose inscription?” They replied, “Caesar’s.” At that he said to them, “Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” (Matthew 22: 20-21)

Meditation:

The usual distinction of what is God’s and Caesar’s comes to mind with the above passage. But the real challenge posed by the Gospel is to discern God’s will in our life and act truthfully according to His will.

The context of this gospel is the escalating conflict between Jesus and the religious authorities. And Jesus addresses the conflict head on. He has clarity about the heart of the matter God and the kingdom—and so he is able to give to God what belongs to God. Discipleship requires of us nothing less.

DHIKR SIMPLE METHOD Dhikr is an Arabic word which means REMEMBRANCE. 1st step: Write the text 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.

5

THE MINDANAO CROSS

October 17, 2020

EDITORIAL

Are we concerned about mental health?

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ast week’s issue of The Mindanao Cross had two articles regarding suicides during this pandemic times. This made us ask whether the Covid response program of the government had adequately covered the needs of the Filipino people during this time of crisis. Suicide is one of the most extreme impact of a pandemic (as shown in the past), and having it again throws a warning sign to a seeming neglect by the government and other health service providers. We might be focusing so much on physical health during the pandemic to the exclusion of other health concerns.

Research showed that during an infectious disease outbreak, what can be immediately noticed are the following: • Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones • Worry about financial situation or job • Changes in sleep or eating patterns.

• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating (could be insomnia) • Worsening of chronic health problems especially for old people • Worsening of mental health conditions.

• Increased use of cigarettes. alcohol, and other addictive drugs or substances.

A group, funded by the Academy of Medical Sciences, looks at the psychological, social, and neuroscientific effects of COVID-19. It warns of major adverse consequences of the pandemic, including increased social isolation and loneliness, which are “strongly associated with anxiety, depression, selfharm, and suicide attempts across the lifespan.” Their proposal was based on their findings on a SARS study.

The researchers highlighted that the SARS outbreak was associated with a 30% increase in suicide in people aged over 65, while around 50% of recovered patients remained anxious and 29% of healthcare workers experienced probable emotional distress. Meanwhile, those who survived severe and life threatening illness were at risk of post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.

The authors wrote, “Many of the anticipated consequences of quarantine and associated social and physical distancing measures are themselves key risk factors for mental health issues. These include suicide and self-harm, alcohol and substance misuse, gambling, domestic and child abuse, and psychosocial risks (such as social disconnection, lack of meaning or anomie, entrapment, cyberbullying, feeling a burden, financial stress, bereavement, loss, unemployment, homelessness, and relationship breakdown).”

Observation shows that mental health is not taken seriously here in the Philippines, especially in this region (XII and BARMM). This may be due to the stigma related to its breakdown (nabuang, sira ulo, etc. which families would prefer solving on their own). But at times of pandemic, the number of victims increase. This is seen in the number of suicide cases and unreported cases of mental breakdowns. Maybe, we are not really aware of its symptoms before it’s too late, especially in cases of anxiety or depression.

That woman roaming undressed around town may be an extreme case, and nobody wants to go near because of the fear of being contaminated with the virus. But should we let victims retrogress to that extent? Shouldn’t we already have guidelines as part of the protocols of the COVID-19 protection program?

Please, let us think of mental health before it’s too late. +

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.

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ew normal has become a by-word in this time of pandemic, a way of living and doing things that is characterized by the use of personal protective equipment, physical distancing, and constant attention to personal hygiene. It is meant to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus that has so far infected more than 38 million and killed more than a million worldwide. This “new normal” is said to be the way to best deal with the virus in the absence of a vaccine against it and a cure for the disease it causes.

Pope Francis, pontiff of the Roman Catholic church, proposes what we would call a deeper, more relevant “new normal” for all humans in a post-pandemic world.

In his new encyclical titled “Fratelli Tutti,” in English, “All Brothers,” which he signed on the tomb of St. Francis of Assisi on October 4, he addresses how to face the world after this pandemic – with “better kind of politics,” a more “open world,” and paths of renewed encounter and dialogue toward “fraternity and social friendship.”

The better kind of politics the Pope proposes is described as one “not subordinated to financial interests, but to serving the common good, able to place the dignity of every human being at the center and assure work to everyone, so that each one can develop his or her own abilities. A politics which, removed from populism, is able to find solutions to what attacks fundamental human rights and which aims to definitively eliminate hunger and trafficking.”

There could perhaps no better time for Pope Francis to issue this encyclical than this month of October, a month dedicated to the indigenous peoples in many countries including the Philippines. In last Saturday’s edition of this column, we cited the statement of the Episcopal Commission on Indigenous Peoples, the agency of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines working on the issues facing indigenous peoples in the country, released October 6 in line with the commemoration of Indigenous Peoples Week.

In the statement, the ECIP described the situation of indigenous peoples in the Philippines in these words: “Discrimination against IPs has affected the whole of Philippine Society. Social exclusion has become widespread, to the point of posing a threat to social

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OSING the Seat in March 1965 proved fatal to Speaker Daniel Romualdez (NP Leyte), who succumbed to cardiac arrest, following an ouster move led by Cotabato Congressman Salipada K. Pendatun.

It was actually an advanced political ploy of sorts to secure an edge for Liberal Party incumbent President Diosdado Macapagal over Nacionalista candidate Senator Ferdinand E. Marcos in the National Canvassing in November that year.

Pendatun was a strong contender for the House speakership. But Capiz Rep. Cornelio Villareal must have aimed for the seat, apparently even prior to the ouster of Romualdez. Pendatun opposed but did not succeed to stop Villareal from being elected the14th Speaker of the House of Representatives.

To neutralize Pendatun in that row, Antique Representative Tobias Fornier chided him: Fornier asked the government through the media to hold Pendatun responsible for “untold stories” of hundreds of Muslim pilgrims who died of small pox (then a pandemic) during the 1949 Hajj to Makkah. To add human color to the story, Fornier purported that fatalities were “thrown overboard” the Philippine Flag Carrier MV Cristobal, chartered to ferry Muslim pilgrims to Jeddah via Istanbul in which they were denied port entry.

Fast-Forward: Under the Presidency of Cory Aquino, Palawan Rep. Ramon Mitra Jr. managed to dismantle (through some quid-pro-quo formula) an imminent formidable bloc to the Speakership, then emerging from a circle of Mrs. Aquino’s kin--among them her uncle, Francisco Sumulong, a veteran congressman from Rizal, Egmidio Tanjuatco Jr., also of Rizal, a presidential cousin, and Jose “Peping” Cojuanco Jr., her brother. But there was no such compromise as “term-sharing” agreement.

Mitra, as Manila Chronicle reporter covering Congress in the 1960’s, had seen Villareal’s journey to the House speakership to which he was elected twice (in 1965 and in 1971). Villareal was undoubtedly the principal architect behind the election of Mitra as House Speaker in 1987, or had provided him insights to sustain balance on the political fulcrum of that “hot seat” which he steered well to the finishing line when he aimed for the Presidency in 1992. Mitra was said to have bankrolled Villareal’s last political campaign in 1987 when he was elected Capiz congressman at 83. Decades back, a vast agricultural land (being part of the national government’s Edcor Settlement)

A real ‘new normal’

Thinking Aloud

Caloy Bautista

caloyb@gmail.com

harmony and peace, as well as compromising the country’s ability to achieve economic progress and stability. The present COVID-19 pandemic worsened the situations especially of our brothers and sisters, the indigenous peoples.”

The ECIP deplored “the present disregard of the indigenous peoples’ rights to their ancestral domain and their right to say NO to development projects which erode and disrupt their life, culture and spirituality.”

The existence of such a situation is not lost to the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, the government agency responsible for protecting the rights of the indigenous peoples of the Philippines. That can be gleaned from its choice of theme for the 23rd Year of Indigenous Peoples’ Rights and Welfare this month: “Correcting Historical Injustices for Indigenous Peoples’ Rights and Welfare.”

But much is needed if such historical injustices are to be corrected. A “better kind of politics,” first and foremost, as prescribed by the Roman Catholic pontiff, as one “not subordinated to financial interests, but to serving the common good, able to place the dignity of every human being at the center… able to find solutions to what attacks fundamental human rights.”

For the ECIP, the Philippine government needs to “heed the call of Indigenous Peoples in recognizing their rights, ancestral domains and self-determination; stop development aggressions and policies that adversely affect the lives of IPs in many parts of the country; and for the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) whose task is the implementation of IPRA, to do its mandate and follow the law in letter and spirit.”

This is the ‘new normal” that would give justice to the indigenous peoples in the Philippines and create a new reality for them. MC

How past Speakership rows affected the Moro people

PENLIGHT

Nash B. Maulana

nash.penlight@gmail.com

in Alamada and Buldon was allotted by the administration of President Ramon Magsaysay to Leftist armed groups in Panay (where existed well-established hills-based camps of communist forces including a “Stalin University” training ground) that fought Japanese invasion in World War II. Monching Mitra utilized that land in Alamada for his family ranch expansion program to the South. But soon, the national media exposed the same Alamada Mitra Ranch and that hurt his bid in the five-cornered contest for the Presidency in May 1992.

Villareal had virtually inherited the wit and the political networks of President Magsaysay in the Western Visayas; not by the elite Roxases. Remember that Magsaysay, as Defense Secretary, managed to win over the insurgency with “stick-and-carrot” strategy well-designed in his “Oplan: Terrorize Panay.” The Panay insurgents may have given up the fight to overthrow the government, but not the ideology of social justice best expressed to them in the government’s land settlement program in Mindanao.

A staunch anti-communist, Pendatun was opposed to government’s giving in to communist insurgents’ demand for land. The USAFFE he and Datu Udtog Matalam led in Mindanao and the Leftist Hukbalahap elsewhere, both fought the invading foreign forces in World War II, but were much likened to the proverbial liquid split in a water-and-oil mixture.

Pendatun and Datu Udtog Matalam sought to stop the “communist influx” to Buldon and Alamada. By the legal avenue, Pendatun asked Marcos (as precondition to facilitating Matalam’s reconciliation with the government (following his reported founding or backing of the Mindanao Independence Movement) in 1971 to help the family of Datu Alamada regain their vast ancestral land that had then become part of the Edcor Settlement. Marcos that year created the Municipality of Alamada. MC

6

LOVE NOT LUST

What kind of legacy do we expect from the next generation if we continue to ignore the proverbial saying that righteousness exalts a nation?

Charlie Señase Amid allegations csenase@yahoo.com of fraudulent disbursement of public funds OVID-19 should have taught us lessons on reform that God and other unjust practices of governmade man upright, but they have ment, may it be in the national or local level, concerned officials must always sought out many schemes.

The House speakership row could be transparent and ready to account have been resolved devoid of political for any misdemeanor.

The Bangsamoro government in animosity if it were not of our greed for power that even in elite military Muslim Mindanao has been so preinstitution of learning, disciplinary occupied in attending to needs of its moulding of an officer and a gentleman constituents struggling to survive from the health hazard. is a must.

This week some 500 orphans The Cayetano-Velasco tussle for the speakership obviously demonstrat- were beneficiaries of half-sack of rice ed the absence of that military deco- (25-kilo) each made possible through rum when Rep. Allan Peter ignored a BARMM’s outreach program. The regentleman’s agreement on speakership gional government also allocated P10 million worth of medical assistance to term-sharing.

The agreed upon Oct.14 date for the Southern Philippines Medical CenCayetano to step down and allow Rep. ter in Davao City (Region 11) to ensure Lord Allan Velasco to formally take that BARMM constituents could freely over the coveted post should have been avail of hospital services.

Much earlier, similar hospital done if it were not for a hidden politiaids were also extended in Cotabato cal agenda.

Elected officials in government City (Region 12) through the Cotabato must in conscience prove to all and Regional and Medical Center in the sundry that indeed they are “public amount of P10 million. Another P10 servants” as professed and not “sacred million to the Amai Pakpak Medical cows or untouchables.” They ought Center in Marawi City and P5 million to be role models of uprightness and to the Integrated Provincial Health Office of Tawi-Tawi. And two district orderliness for the young to emulate.

The Pandemic safety protocols on hospitals in Sulu were recipients of P1 mandatory face mask and social dis- million each, apart from the P3 miltancing is a health-wise move, both lion cash aid to the Sulu Integrated Provincial Hospital. physically and consciously.

Give more and receive more from The Coronavirus Disease or COVID-19 is actually hitting two birds the heart for God loves a cheerful giver. in one stone – the physical and the For whoever has to him more will be spiritual realm that God could have given and he will have abundance. But allowed it to happen for the world to whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him (Matponder.

Recalling the good old days when thew 13:12).

Government and non-government bad guys cover their faces in wellplanned crimes to hide their true iden- ought to know that where our treasure tities; and now even the innocent and is there our heart will also be; with law-abiding citizens have to cover their caution, however on so-called perilous faces to be with the world submerged in times when we become lovers of self the quagmire of callous shamelessness. and money, proud and ungrateful. MC

TRUE TO FORM

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that are really scary.

The brain is a very powerful organ in our body and when we think of the worst, it may happen if we don’t know how to face it.

One of the things I did was to RESPECT Cheridine P. Oro- Josef, my QUIET TIME. It M.D., DFM, FPAFP, FPCGM is true that in old age, we have more time to cheridinemd@gmail.com ourselves. This time has to be used properly. ears ago, just when I turned Slowing down is a must to facilitate 40, as I was giving one of my acceptance. I spent time for prayer lectures for senior citizens, I felt and understanding why my body dizzy and started to have palpitations. complains. I tried to get enough I had to stop the lecture and that sleep. I spent time with my kids and very same day I was admitted at did household chores with a smile.

The Medical City for a thorough I had to shorten my clinic time. work- up. The results were normal These gave me time to relax at night and the cardiologist said, it must be and allow my body to recover. On the coffee. Days after that, I couldn’t top of these, I decided to eat well. help myself thinking how vulnerable Despite my apparent ‘anorexia’, I I am. I felt dizzy all the time and the had to force myself to eat again but symptoms of mental stress set in: I had I stopped drinking coffee and all chest pains, difficulty of breathing, carbonated drinks. I had to turn off my sweating, headaches, tremors and anxious mind and turn on my peaceful that warm sensation crawling on my thoughts. One must overcome anxiety spine kept coming back. I was afraid within 6 months, more than that it of hypertension and the fear of dying becomes pathologic and may require kept me awake all night. I couldn’t eat medical intervention. After 3 months well. I get nauseated at the sight of of experiencing mental stress I was fatty and oily food. I couldn’t see more able to face my fear. than 5 patients a day or I become dizzy.

And as I told one of my 60 year I went to my ENT, Ophthalmologist, old patients who expressed fear on Cardiologist friends, they couldn’t find her coming retirement: “Let’s talk..”. anything wrong. What was happening? It may take a while before I can help I have stretched myself too much I her with her fears but I assured her guess. There were a lot of admissions that she can come to me any time when in the hospital, a lot of patients in the she feels anything. She can send me clinic and a lot of lectures in and out a message over phone. I told her we of town! I spread myself thinly not will do wellness work-up every now realizing that I too am aging and as and then to check her medical status. the saying goes, life begins at 40.

I prescribed multivitamins and food G o d a l l o w e d t h e s e t h i n g s t o supplements especially Vitamin B happen, precisely so I can answer my complex. The B vitamins are very patient’s question with confidence. helpful in fighting stress and nerve How do we face our fears? aging.

It may not be easy but we can. The Depression, anxiety and panic greatest hurdle that one faces as we attacks are NOT a sign of weakness. age is anxiety over the fear of being They are signs of having tried to worthless, and the fear of disease. As remain strong for too long. Aging will we age, physiologic changes may set in come and so is anxiety but when we and trigger mental stress. This same know what to do, all of these shall stress may cause a gamut of symptoms pass. MC

MENTAL STRESS AND AGEING

GOLDEN THREADS

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October 17, 2020

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Modular Learning Preferred MATH &SCIENCE Prof. Marino Ridao

ridaomarino@yahoo.com.sg

I

f you want to know how it happened that we have modular approach of teaching, here is the reply. The Department of Education (DepEd) in July 3, 2020 reported that in the enrollment survey conducted in Central Luzon reveal 41% of parents prefer the modular approach for their children this School Year 2020-2021.

Also reported that 27%, prefer online learning, 18% favor a combination of face-to-face with other modalities, 10% prefer television, 8% prefer other modalities, and 3% prefer radio-based learning.

DepEd would provide Self-Learning Modules (SLMs) with the alternative learning delivery modalities to be offered for various types of learners across the Philippines.

DepEd adopted the integration of SLMs with the alternative learning delivery modalities (modular, television-based, radio-based instruction, blended, and online) that all learners have access to quality basic education for SY 2020-2021 with face-to-face classes still prohibited due to the public health situation.

“The SLMs and the other alternative learning delivery modalities are in place to address the needs, situations, and resources of each and every learner and would cover all the bases ensuring that basic education will be accessible amid the present crisis posed by COVID-19,” DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones said.

SLMs will be delivered in printed format to schools that are located in coastal areas, far-flung provinces, and communities without access to the internet or electricity. For households with gadgets and devices, the Department has announced

that SLMs can also be accessed online or offline.

Secretary Briones noted that SLMs will be integrated in video lessons, most especially for K to 3 learners who will require more auditory learning than other grade levels.

The lessons for this TV show are based on the teacher-made detailed lesson plans transformed into modules or self-learning packets anchored on the most essential learning competencies per grade level, per learning area and per quarter. The focus of all the TeleSkwela episodes will cover early literacy, numeracy, life skills and essential values each young learner must acquire. Select competent teachers will act as video lecturers and demonstration teachers.

Kindergarten teachers trained on blended learning 300 Kindergarten teachers in Region III participated in the capacity building virtual training on Exploring Teaching Approaches in Flexible and Blended Learning at the Kindergarten Classroom conducted by the Curriculum and Learning Management Division.

The training, which was held in three batches, aimed to capacitate Kindergarten teachers to adopt various flexible teaching and learning approaches in the kindergarten education program; develop and employ strategies and instructional approaches for facilitating and organizing learning activities for kindergarten learners; and identify types of learning resources and their suitability and appropriateness based on the characteristics of kindergarten learners to fit their needs.

This Math & Science Column encourages students in the graduate school to conduct their thesis or Dissertations on the problems encountered in the new normal situation in education. MC

Decisions...

Decisions…

MARKET DRIVEN

you seek to solve or the matter that must be dealt with. In situations where the problem sought to be addressed is a social or development question, the most important criteria would be effectiveness.

Danny Buenbrazo Other common criteria would be danny_buenbrazo@yahoo.com i t e m s financial feasibility and othing is more difficult, and administrative capacity. therefore more precious, than to Third, assign a weight to each of the be able to decide.” criteria since these would not be in the same degree of importance.

-Napoleon BonaparteFourth, identify and clearly define the alternatives to choose from or the various I am familiar with the quote but I did options in solving the problem. not realize, or I may have just forgotten, Fifth, use the set of criteria developed that it was Napoleon Bonaparte that said and objectively analyze each and every the famous line. alternative you have identified. Re-check Decision making, I would say, is both the outcome of your evaluation to ensure science and art. In some instance, if it is that you did it correctly and that the one way or the other depends on the nature alternatives were soundly examined and of the decision to be made. In fields like Sixth, rank the alternatives in order engineering, and finance, decision-making of the percentage points they obtained. is a science and experts have been able Review the accuracy of your evaluation. to make models and/or write computer Seventh, choose which alternative programs that “automates” the process. or alternatives would you adopt or For example, in deciding what would implement. The traditional thinking is be the optimum number of floors for a that you choose the first-ranked option building project, but in reality, it is possible to have two or However, in situations where more alternatives or solution to a problem decisions could impact on organizations or dilemma. or individuals, choosing among alternative While the above describes the stepcourses of actions can be difficult. The by-step decision-making process, there decisions we make could have dire is nothing that prevents you from taking consequences on people. For example, if other steps to enhance the quality of the you are to construct a road that will past decision you eventually make. through a densely-populated municipality, One can consult experts or people who the process cannot just be mechanical have gone through the same dilemma because people could be displaced. or faced the same problems and learn Effectiveness in decision-making could from their experiences, particularly what be enhanced by following a deliberate and option they chose and what were the logical process. consequences. There are books or studies First, one must be able to identify and that may serve as a reference for making define or specify the problem or matter decisions, of course, you need to check that needs to be decided upon. Initially, for context (degree of similarity of the you could see the problem as needing a situation the other decision-makers with job or choosing between two jobs, but it what you have at hand). is really about having a source of income.

Sometimes, we may have been The second way of looking at the problem thorough in our process but still come up expands your range of options. short. Take that as a learning opportunity.

Second, develop a set of criteria that Thank you to the young person who will be used to evaluate the problem inspired this article. MC

N

Senate approves... P8

in the country for various reasons: the Code of Muslim Personal Laws allowing parents to marry off their children at puberty, cultural tradition among communities, and poverty and lack of education, among others.

On the other hand, cohabitation among children is also often practiced as a result of early pregnancy.

Child marriage exposes children, particularly girls, to many and sometimes life-long and irreversible negative health and development impacts.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, marriage and family matters is the top reason for girls dropping out of school, while pregnancy- and childbirthrelated complications among young mothers

7

THE MINDANAO CROSS

October 17, 2020

account for 22 percent of all maternal deaths in the country.

Early pregnancy also has negative consequences for the health and survival of the child of the young mother.

In a symbolic gesture in solidarity with the rest of the world for the International Day of the Girl Child, Philippine senators closed the bill’s Period of Interpellation and Period of Amendments with an overwhelming vote approving the bill.

Advocates have hailed this as a “historic win.”

Meanwhile, the counterpart bills in the House of Representatives have been referred to the Committee on the Welfare of Children and are awaiting committee deliberation. Joe Torres/

LiCasNews

BARMM’s newly hired ... P1

teachers.

The ministry said the salaries were delayed due to the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic.

Among the teachers was Jion Mohamad, 27, a kindergarten teacher, who said his first pay must be spent wisely and memorable.

“Happy of course, it was delayed yes and that is understandable,” he added.

“Still undecided what to buy first so I will always remember the product of my first pay.”

Mohamad is a newly hired teacher from Madia Elementary School in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao I. Mohamad was also that MBHTE has allocated Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) fund for his school’s district which they used in procuring supplies necessary for reproducing students’ learning materials.

Iqbal stressed the importance of continuing children’s education despite the pandemic.

“Let us take care of our school children, they are our hope in the Bangsamoro region,” Iqbal told the teachers, adding that his office is always committed to support them.

“We are expecting to hire around 3,000 teachers coming from the other provinces in order to maximize the teaching force of the education ministry,” he added.

MBHTE is on the process of hiring of new teachers for the island provinces of Tawi-Tawi and Basilan, to be followed

by Sulu and Lanao del Sur. Meanwhile, Minister Iqbal encouraged the provisional teachers, who were affected by ‘cease and desist order’ issued

by MBHTE, to pass the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) for them to be eligible and get a permanent position.

“The ministry ensures the automatic change of their status from provisional to permanent effective immediately after passing the licensure exam,” Iqbal said. Edwin O. Fernandez

the BARMM Government and UNICEF to help strengthen capacity to deal with the challenges posed

by COVID-19. Children are the future of the BARMM and they deserve to be given every chance to help shape its destiny.

The support bolsters UNICEF’s response, through its Mindanao Field Office, providing supplies, training and technical support to the Bangsamoro Government.

Working with religious leaders, UNICEF helped incorporate COVID-19 messages in their sermons.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children.

To save their lives; To

defend their rights; To help them fulfil their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, UNICEF volunteers work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

Supplies procured by UNICEF include tents for hospitals, Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) for health and cleaning staff, and handwashing stations.

The UNICEF also trained health workers in Infection and Prevention Control, translated and disseminated health messages to various dialects, and engaged children and youth to share their experiences of the pandemic as a way to inform future action. Nash B. Maulana

curb illegal gambling in North Cotabato.

Gantuangco pointed out that his company is paying PCSO at least P20 million a month for allowing them to operate a small town lottery (STL) in the province.

“This is part of our social responsibility,

aside from our payment of taxes to the government.

And it would be unfair to us if illegal numbers game like last two still flourishes in our area because some authorities have allowed them to operate,” said the franchise holder.

The operations of the

UNICEF, UK in aid... P1

Gaming company...

P8

‘Turon’: A sought-after snack during the pandemic... P1

availability of the snack food items.

“We also sell pinaypay na saging (banana fan fritters), saging rebosao (caramelized banana strips), and sweet potato fritters,” Buenafe said in the vernacular.

He said they have not changed the price of their food bestsellers during the past four decades except during this time of the pandemic that began last March.

“Marketing for ingredients became harder to find due to strict coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) lockdowns and we have to adjust,” he said.

For one, he said, their "turon" is currently priced at PHP7 per piece, a PHP2 increase from their usual price per piece for the past 10 years.

“Despite this, our

‘suki’ (regular customers) kept on coming back, without even minding the slight increase in prices,” Buenafe said with a smile.

Through the years, he said he had befriended all his loyal customers, ranging from doctors, nurses, engineers, teachers, and even military and police personnel.

“They frequent our store, or even sending someone by placing their orders in advance,” he said with delight.

Benefits of the business For the past four decades, Buenafe said he and his wife Editha have managed to send his children to school, two of them became teachers while the others too became professionals in their preferred fields

The Church and the Poor... P4

With greed and thirst for personal security and power, this time of pandemic is the most unwanted for the poor because this time, they have limited resources to provide for their own while the rich are in plenty.

While heath is the major concern for many, the poor are concerned of what to provide for their own families.

Who are the poor in our society today? Maybe, they are our neighbors whom we may have failed to look and recognize because of our indifference. They may have roofs above their heads but are scarce of bread on their tables.

They may have a home but maybe that’s the only thing that they have.

We k n ow w h o t h e

Suspects...

P2

for cooperating in locating the suspects with the help of witnesses.

The government and the MILF are bound by security accords and two compacts, the 2012 Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro and, subsequently, the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro, to mutually cooperate in addressing peace and security issues in potential conflict flashpoint areas.

Sultan, chairperson of the multi-sector, interagency Pikit municipal peace and order council, urged the police to build an airtight case against the three men, now clamped down in a detention facility.

All three suspects have confessed to their role in Friday’s atrocity in Barangay Lagundi during brief interrogation in ethnic Maguindanaon language by the MILF commanders who helped track them down. John Felix Unson

Miracle Pick Gaming Corporation in North Cotabato resumed on October 1 and the STL daily draws for Mindanao are being held in Tagum City in Davao del Norte every 10:30 a.m., 3 p.m., and 7 p.m.

Malu Cadeliña Manar/ MindaNews

poor people are in our society. In fact, we see them everyday. We hear their unsinkable cries that echoes to our ears, and their clamor for justice in this volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) world.

The Churc h sees all these. The Churc h has contemplated on these situations. I guess, the Church has moved from self-care, a “maintenance” status-quo to ser vice towards the poor, in means it can provide. We see that all around us all over the globe. The Church who provides shelter, food, love and compassion, even in justice and providing peace. And so the Church remains the defender and protector of the poor. In

of work.

He said one of his children died but did not expound on the matter after becoming emotional during the conversation.

“Life must go on. I have other children to attend to and grandchildren,” Buenafe said.

Satisfied customers Anna Leah Mosina, 19, said she likes to buy “turon” and other food items at Buenafe’s store because it is served hot and smells delicious.

“It is one of my cheap treats daily,” Mosina said.

Gerome Uy, 26, a trader from nearby Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, said the “turon” has gained popularity in his set of friends through the years.

“Elementary pa lang po kami suki na kami ng turon na yan (We have been regular customers

its own right, it has never compromised its birth-right, an oath to follow God, Jesus Christ by going to the poor and the needy, by caring and serving those in need.

The poor is the Church, the Churc h is the poor b e c a u s e t h e t wo a r e intertwined. They are one and inseparable, a total reciprocity of love and compassion. For where the poor is, there the Church is also. The poor then is the Church’s treasured universe where it can only thrive, live and find its purpose.

The poor is the heartbeat of the Church. There is no distinction. There should be no distinction. The Church is for the poor and the poor finds faith, hope and love in the Church.

Court decision upholds SoCot ... P1 The municipality of Tampakan had recently terminated its Memorandum of Agreement with SMI. In its decision, the Tampakan council stated that the agreement was “disadvantageous to the residents of Tampakan and unduly ties the hands of the local government of Tampakan as “parens patriae” (parent of the nation), to protect its people and the environment.”

According to studies, the TGCP threatens watershed systems that supply water to South Cotabato and contiguous areas.

The mining project, situated in the ancestral domain of the B’laan indigenous people, has also caused tensions in the community.

This court ruling reaffirms the autonomy of local governments in

of that ‘turon’ even during our elementary days),” Uy said.

Sustaining the business Even amid the pandemic, Buenafe said his store keeps on doing good in sales because his products are cheap and done to the preferred taste of its customers.

He noted that their "turon" is quite easy to cook and that the ingredients are inexpensive.

"You can buy the ingredients at the market, like brown sugar and coconut oil, but do remember that you should always cook with love,” Buenafe said.

He pointed out that their love and care for their customers had been there through all these years. PNA

Pagalungan... P2

everytime there’s heavy downpour in the provinces of Agusan, North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat.

The Maguindanao marshland serves as “catch basin” of flood water from eastern part of the province.

Maguindanao Gov. Bai Mariam SangkiMangudadatu has ordered the provincial disaster risk reduction and management council (PDRRMC) to evaluate the effects of flash floods so the LGU can provide the necessary emergency relief assistance.

Initial report showed the affected families in the towns of Pagalungan and Montawal are estimated at 15,000 in 30 villages from adjoining towns.

No casualty was r e p o r t e d . E d w i n O.

Fernandez

making decisions around the care for environment and the welfare of their constituents.

It is also buttressing local resistance to the project.

We salute this bold decision, and we celebrate this victory with members of the B’laan indigenous people, the local government, and residents who oppose this project.

EOF

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October 17, 2020

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Cotabato’s 1st COVID-19 testing machine, isolation facility now fully operational M’LANG, North Cotabato – Cotabato Governor Nancy Alaan Catamco led the blessing and inauguration on Wednesday of the more than P70-million worth of temporary and treatment monitoring facility and the reverse transcription – polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing machine for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) located at M’lang District Hospital in the Poblacion here.

Catamco claimed the COVID-19 testing facility is the first in North Cotabato Dr. Philbert Malaluan, second district board member and head of the Incident Command Post (ICP) of the province’s Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), said it took almost seven months to construct the 26-bed isolation facility.

The facility, which is placed inside the government-owned M’lang District Hospital, is equipped with ventilators, delivery room, recovery station, and other structures, Malaluan said.

The two-story structure, which cost P30 million to build, can cater at least 10 severe COVID-19 patients. The facility has 10 mechanical ventilators, which cost P4 million each.

The RT-PCR machine, which was donated by the Energy Development Corporation (EDC),

GETTING MADE UP. Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray dons traditional Yakan face paint — “Tanyak Tanyak” a makeup style used by tribe couples who will wed.

Gray shared that rice flour, water and bamboo tools were used in applying the symbolic pattern in her face.

Photo courtesy of Noel Cantalejo/DTI

can read and analyze at least 1,000 swab samples or specimens in a day, Malaluan said. The machine reportedly costs P15 million.

The EDC is producer of geothermal power, with its 105-megawatt plants located in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato.

Catamco, in her speech, said the COVID-19 provincial isolation facility and the testing machine are among their responses to President Rodrigo Duterte’s marching orders to contain the spread of the virus.

Malaluan said that apart from the construction of an isolation facility in M’lang, one of Catamco’s commendable efforts in fighting the virus was the creation of the Task Force Sagip Stranded North Cotabateños, which has already rescued some 23,000 locally-stranded individuals (LSIs) and returning overseas Filipino workers since the start of the pandemic.

Also present during the inauguration were DOH-12 regional director Aristides Tolentino Tan, Cotabato third district Representative Jose PingPing Tejada, M’lang Mayor Russel Abonado, Dr. Eva Rabaya of the Integrated Provincial Health Office, Dr. Glicerio Sotea of the M’lang Rural Health Unit, and EDC representatives.

Malu Cadeliña Manar/ MindaNews

Gaming company to help Senate approves bill run after illegal operators prohibiting child marriage KIDAPAWAN CITY – A gaming company in North Cotabato said on Tuesday it will help authorities in running after those engaged in illegal numbers game and warned that violators would be penalized “heavily” once caught.

Rodolfo Gantuangco, former mayor of Kidapawan City and now franchise holder of the Miracle Pick Gaming Corporation, said they are willing to spend thousands of pesos as cash rewards to those who could present proof that someone or a group of individuals in their barangays are engaged in “last two” and “last

three,” both illegal numbers game that use the results of the Lotto draw of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

Gantuangco said that a bettor, if caught by police and other law enforcers doing the illegal numbers game, could be fined at least P3,000; a “last two” or “last three usher would be fined P5,000; and a coordinator would be charged P50,000 with years of imprisonment based on existing laws.

The company is also giving rewards to cops, intelligence agents, government soldiers, and other law enforcers who could help them

P7

THE PHILIPPINE Senate approved on Second Reading on Monday, October 12, the bill prohibiting child marriage in the Philippines.

To date, this is the farthest step this bill has reached in the history of the Philippine Congress.

Senate Bill 1373 seeks to provide equal protection for all girls in the country by explicitly prohibiting child marriage and criminalizing its facilitation and solemnization.

The bill defines child marriage as an act of child abuse punishable under the Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act. Affirming that marriage shall be entered into only with free and full consent of intending spouses, the bill declares that betrothal and child marriages shall have no legal effect.

Aside from these, the bill enjoins national government agencies and local government units to launch programs that will help prevent the practice of child marriage.

The bill aims to address the prevalence of child marriage in the Philippines, where one in six Filipino girls get married before reaching the age of 18.

Despite laws setting the minimum age for marriage at 18 years old, child marriage happens

P7

P8-M shabu destroyed in Bangsamoro region

BURNED. A member of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao looks on as shabu are fed into the incinerator facility of a private plant in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

Photo courtesy of PDEA-BARMM

COTABATO CITY – Some P8 million worth of shabu was destroyed at a private incinerator facility in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao Thursday by personnel of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEABARMM).

Juvenal Azurin, PDEABARMM director, said the shabu, weighing 1,177 grams, were seized from various operations against illegal drug traffickers and peddlers during the past several months in the region.

“More shabu would be burned in the coming

days,” Azurin told local officials, judiciary, civil society organization, and media representatives who witnessed the destruction of the drugs at the facility.

The drugs were destroyed using thermal decomposition at the plant in Sultan Kudarat. An estimated 19 kilos more of shabu will be burned soon, Azurin said.

The shabu destruction was done in compliance with the requirements of the law as set forth under Section 21of R.A. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and Dangerous Drugs Board Regulation No. 1, Series of 2002. PNA

Venomous King Cobra NatGeo Photo

Catamco addresses `Cobra issue’

RESIDENTS in North Cotabato province are panicking over frequent sightings since December of venomous King Cobras slithering through their farms, with a number of people killed in attacks since.

North Cotabato Gov. Nancy Catamco, chairperson of the provincial disaster risk reduction and management council, announced Tuesday that her office has allocated funds for the procurement of anti-venom injections for snakebite patients.

Dozens of large King Cobras, known in local vernaculars as “Banakon,” were killed, photos of which went viral on Facebook, by residents in North Cotabato’s Magpet, Arakan, President Roxas, Makilala and Mlang towns and in barangays in the provincial capital, Kidapawan City.

The latest to perish from a King Cobra attack in the province was a grade school girl in Arakan,

bitten last month while out in the field, on her way to a grassy hill to check on their grazing farm animals.

Catamco said she has requested experts from different government agencies to study why King Cobras in hinterlands in the province have become restive.

Catamco and municipal officials are convinced it was the series of strong tremors that jolted the province in late 2019 that may have possibly spooked and forced the King Cobras out from their natural habitats.

“Just the same, we need the opinion of experts.

Meantime, we have to store anti-venom injections as part of our contingency measures,” Catamco said.

She said she has instructed local officials in the province to educate their constituents on what to do in case they see King Cobras in their farms and how to respond to snakebite cases. John Felix

Unson