The Mindanao Cross | November 14, 2020

Vol. LXXII| No. 40 | Cotabato City | Saturday, November 14, 2020 |8 Pages | P10.00

SECOND FRONT PAGE

LDS extends aid to Maranao typhoon victims/P2

CHURCH BACK Fr. Roque ‘Ike’ Monegro, DCC dies at 70/P4

Maguindanao upland school gets water system/P8

MORO YOUTH REJOICE PASSAGE OF “GIRLS NOT BRIDE” BILL IN SENATE A youth group in the Bangsamoro Region has claimed victory with the passage of a bill that will protect Muslim youth and spare them from “early or forced and arranged marriages.”

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A PHILIPPINE NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus manillensis) was released on November 7 in the foot of Mt. Matutum after it was turned over to the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of Polomolok, South Cotabato on November 5. The Philippine nightjar is a species of nightjar in the family Caprimulgidae which is endemic to the Philippines.

Photo courtesy of Jose Rey Pernia

41 Mayor tells BJMP:

“Make jail conducive for inmates’ reform” MAYOR Marop Ampatuan of Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao has ordered the town’s jail authorities to make the district jail clean, environment friendly, and conducive to reforming persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).

Ampatuan made the challenge to Jail Inspector Roy M. Sumauang and Senior Jail Officer (JO) 2 Tarhata

Ampatuan-Sumael during the closing program of the Jail Officer 1 Orientation for the welfare and development of inmates at the Shariff Aguak District Jail compound on Saturday.

“Make the jail facility a stepping stone for PDL(s) to reform and live normal lives once they are out and reintegrated into the society,” he

SIXTEEN police officers and six inmates inside the municipal police station of Polomolok in South Cotabato have been tested positive of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Capt. Rommel Hitalia, Polomolok deputy police chief, said the police officers were office personnel and not on field duty.

“The municipal health office personnel are still determining where

the virus originated,” Hitalia said, adding that what happened has puzzled all police officers.

“They are all asymptomatic and remained stable,” Hitalia added. “No one knows who among us are the carrier (of the virus).”

While the 16 cops are isolated, other cops took their posts after the offices inside the two-storey police office building was sanitized.

16 cops, detainees in SoCot COVID-19 positive

PRICELESS SMILES. Happy IP children of Barangay Manobisa, Magpet, North Cotabato.

Photo courtesy of North Cotabato LGU

6ID camp under quarantine

THE Army’s 6th Infantry Division is imposing tighter health regulations in Camp Gonzalo Siongco following the demise of a soldier suspected of having contracted COVID-19.

The headquarters of 6th ID is inside Camp Gonzalo Siongco, which is adjacent to the Cotabato Airport in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

Lt. Col. Anhouvic Atilano, 6th ID spokesperson, said gate sentries require Army personnel and visitors to register first in a reception booth near the gate before letting them in.

“We ask visitors to bear with

us please. We are just following government anti-COVID-19 protocols,” Atilano said.

A private in the 7th Infantry Battalion, who had signs of coronavirus infection, reportedly died at the Camp Gonzalo Siongco Hospital. 6th ID officials, however, have neither denied nor confirmed the report.

“We’re not imposing an absolute lockdown in the camp actually. We are just implementing very stringent health regulations to ensure the safety of our personnel and visitors coming in,” Atilano said. John Felix Unson

THE Army’s 6th Infantry Division has deployed 199 additional infantrymen to serve its area of operation (AOR) in South-Central Mindanao.

The new soldiers recently completed their candidate course and were deployed within the 6th ID’s AOR, which includes the provinces of Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, North Cotabato, and a portion of Lanao del Sur. Of the 199 new soldiers of the “Matindig Class,” 188 were men and 11 were women.

“You are our new strong fighters with dignity,” 6ID commander, Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, said in a statement.

Uy reminded the new batch of infantrymen to protect the people against perceived enemies of the state at the same time, initiate peace and development projects in their areas of assignment.

“Stand tall with utmost dignity as soldiers of the Filipino people and warriors of our land,” he told the new Army privates. Edwin O. Fernandez

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6ID deploys 199 new soldiers

PINKGLOW PINEAPPLE. Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. unveiled its new product, a pink-fleshed pineapple — a novel variety with a pink interior. After more than 15 years, it is now commercially available.

Photo courtesy of ISAAA.org

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November 14,2020

THE MINDANAO CROSS

LANAO SUR EXTENDS AID TO MARANAO TYPHOON VICTIMS

MARANAO officials have sent relief assistance for residents and migrant traders displaced by recent Typhoons Quinta and Rolly in the Bicol region.

In partnership with the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), the provincial government sent aid to Maranao families in Legaspi City and in Daraga, Albay which were hard hit by the two recent strong typhoons.

Gov. Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr. said his province shared modest provisions with residents affected by typhoons in Bicol, particularly among Maranao traders. They do small businesses in many parts of the country.

Muslim communities who were affected by “Super Typhoon Rolly” have received sacks of rice from the provincial government, said Jennie Alonto Tamano, head of the Provincial Information Office of Lanao del Sur. Incidentally, the Office of Vice President Leni Robredo has turned over sets of COVID-19 test kits, worth P5 million to Lanao Sur provincial government.

But Adiong dismissed speculations of political quid-pro-quo, because even President Rodrigo Duterte does not

politically polarize the Filipino people in times of their healing-as-one nation amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Political observers said Maranao vendors in the country formed a “strong political deciding factor” in national voting, and proof of which had been past elections of Senator Sultan Alawiya Alonto (Adiong’s great grandfather) in 1938 and later, his son Senator Ahmad Domocao Alonto (his grandfather) in 1954.

Adiong said his province’s assistance to another region formed part of their expanded COVID-19 Response Operations for residents engaged in legitimate small businesses in market stalls of most parts of the country.

Alonto-Tamano said for long-term impact, the province also helps farmers in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, and Sumilao, Bukidnon, to augment production of supply of vegetables that local government units distribute for relief operations. Nash B.

Maulana

178 cop aspirants, defeat COVID-19

AT least 178 police applicants in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) who have recovered from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can now resume their application process, health authorities said.

T h i s , a f t e r M a g u i n d a n a o ’ s Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) gave them the green light as they completed their two-week isolation.

The police applicants and three police officers tested positive for COVID-19 on October 25 and were quarantined at the Notre Dame of Parang High School campus in Parang, Maguindanao.

“They were declared clinically recovered after completing the 14-day mandatory quarantine,”

said Dr. Elizabeth Samama, Maguindanao health chief.

Representatives of the Ministry of Health (BARMM), IPHOMaguindanao, Parang’s rural health unit, and the regional police have created a monitoring group to enforce health and safety protocols on the prevention and control of COVID-19 during the police recruitment process in the region.

When the news about the recovery of police applicants broke out, the MOH-BARMM region registered 216 patients to have recovered in a day since March 18.

“We are really trying our best to flatten the curve,” Dr. Amirel Usman, acting BARMM health minister. Edwin

O. Fernandez

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REBUILDING. A man builds temporary shelter made from salvaged materials a few days after their homes in Barangay Sogod, Tiwi, Albay, were destroyed by Super Typhoon Rolly.

Photo courtesy of Rhaydz Barcia/Rappler

MOH-BARMM gets COVID-19 equipment TO ACHIEVE a more efficient and safer cold chain management of novel coronavirus d i s e a s e 2 0 1 9 (COVID-19) specimen, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) donated over 240 specimen carriers, 240 ice packs, and 4,800 specimen bags to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The IOM said the donation was part of its strategic support to the regional government's Ministry of Health so that it can respond to the Covid-10 crisis using the “prepare, prevent, protect” approach.

Dr. Amirel Usman, acting BARMM health

minister, said the equipment would be used in the transport of Covid-19 specimens and will be distributed to different Integrated Provincial Health Offices and quarantine facilities across the region.

"We would like to protect the environment and temperature of the specimen in order not to alter its natural form," Usman said as he noted that the accuracy of test results depends on the integrity of samples after its collection.

IOM has been one of the major international organizations that had been assisting the region as it rises from the decades-old armed conflict and poverty.

Edwin O. Fernandez

Adiong tightens LDS’ “no movement Sunday”

LANAO DEL SUR has tightened its general community quarantine (GCQ) restrictions by prohibiting unnecessary movements of people outside residences every Sunday.

A new set of GCQ guidelines released by the Office of Governor Mamintal Bombit Alonto Adiong Jr. also bans people’s assembly, except for authorized operations of government services in which physical distancing and minimum health requirements are strictly required.

This followed a current cumulative increase in Lanao del Sur’s cases of COVID-19 infections since last week. As of November 4, the province has had 1,011 cumulative confirmed positive cases of the COVID-19 infection.

Jennie Alonto Tamano, head of the Provincial Public Information Office, said the new cases were of local traces

of origin, with one severe case, eight moderate; 15 mild and 41 asymptomatic in current clinical status.

On Sundays, all commercial establishments are close, except for drug stores, and authorities only allow residents outside on emergency cases like buying medicines or food.

The directive Adiong issued provides that only authorized persons outside residences (APOR) are allowed to go out in performance of their duties in the frontline services on Sundays.

Thirty-nine (60%) of the new cases were traced from Marawi City and 26 cases (40%) of the new cases were traced to Lanao Sur’s 10 towns, Alonto-Tamano said.

Three new cases were recorded, two of which were from Marawi City and one in Tamparan. Nash B.

Maulana

“Peace map” launched in Maguindanao The Joint Task Force Central together with the Provincial Government of Maguindanao launched on Wednesday the provincial “peace map” dubbed as “AGILA–HAVEN” acronym for “Anak na may Ginintuang LAyunin upang Hintuan Ang Violent Extremism Ngayon.”

The project crafted by Maguindanao Gov. Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu in partnership with the Joint Task Force Central led by Major General Juvymax R. Uy, commander of the 6th Infantry Division and stakeholders to strengthen the program on Preventing

and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE).

“The 6th ID has been working handin-hand with the local government units of Maguindanao and North Cotabato in implementing a mechanism that will provide a comprehensive, inclusive, enduring, and culture sensitive program to address violent extremism for lasting peace, security and development,” Uy said during the program launching at the provincial capitol in Buluan town.

Lt. Col. Anhouvic Atilano, Civil Military Operations Battalion

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NPAs urged to yield to 6ID

NEWLY HIRED. 25 newly-hired permanent employees of Ministry of Science and Technology from Maguindanao and Cotabato City officially took their oath on Tuesday, November 12 in Cotabato City. Other appointees from Lanao del Sur, Basilan, and Sulu took oath via Zoom.

Photo courtesy of Bangsamoro Government

The Army’s 6th Infantry Division has expanded its anti-communist insurgency initiatives but the gates of its camps remain wide open to rebels wishing to return to mainstream society.

Major Gen. Juvymax Uy, 6th ID commander, said they can reintroduce members of the New People’s Army in Region 12 to the local communities via the municipal and provincial governments in the region.

“The 6th ID shall always opt for the peaceful return to the fold of law of communist rebels,” said Uy who also heads the Joint Task Force Central (JTFC).

“The use of military force to quell security problems shall always be the last option, only if all peaceful efforts of addressing security problems have

been exhausted and only if lives of innocent people are already at stake,” Uy added.

Uy, who has four Marine and Army brigades and more than dozen battalions scattered in Central Mindanao, thanked to local executives for continuously supporting the division’s peace and reconciliation campaigns based on powers vested in them by the Local Government Code.

Six more members of NPAs last week bolted from the group and surrendered to the Army’s 37th Infantry Battalion.

The six rebels, who turned in assorted firearms and materials for improvised explosive devices, belonged to a group operating in the hinterland borders of Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato provinces.

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November 14,2020

16 cops, detainees...From page 1

“Those cops who tested negative are now the ones running the office,” Hitalia added.

Hitalia said the spouses of infected police officers were also swabbed and subjected to tests but they turned out negative.

With the 16 cops in isolation for two weeks, Hitalia said the municipal station has still enough forces to maintain law and order in town.

“We have police force multipliers who are helping us,” he added.

Edwin O. Fernandez CRISANEL PAWNSHOP-MAIN BRANCH I & II

Patalastas ng Subasta

Ang Crisanel Pawnshop ng Cotabato City ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sangla.

Ang mga ito ay isinangla magmula noong Abril hanggang Mayo 2020. Ang Subasta ay sa Disyembre 3, 2020 sa ganap na ika 8:00 ng umaga hanggang ika 4:00 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

MC: Nov. 14, 2020

NOTICE

VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I AND BRANCH II will hold a public auction sale of all unredeemed and unrenewed items pawned from May 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020 on December 10, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. at VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I, Dayao St., and VGM PAWNSHOP INC. II, Jose Abad Santos St., Kidapawan City

SUBASTA

Be There, Management

Ang VGM PAWNSOP INC. BRANCH I ug BRANCH II magsubasta sa tanan nga wala lukata ug wala tubui gikan sa bulan sa Mayo 01, 2020 hangtud sa bulan sa Hunyo 30, 2020 sa alas 9:00 sa buntag karung Disyembre 10, 2020 sa VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I, Dayao St., ug sa VGM PAWNSHOP BRANCH II, Jose Abad Santos St., Kidapawan City.

Ang Nagdumala

MC: November 14, 21 & 28, 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 April 2020 will be auctioned on December 1, 2020 at 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Please come before December 1, 2020 for renewal or redemption.

Patalastas ng Subasta Lahat ng sangla noong Abril 2020 ay ipagbibili ng Subasta sa Disyembre 1, 2020 sa ganap na ika-8:30 ng umaga hanggang ika-4:30 ng hapon. Kung maari ay pumunta bago ang Disyembre 1, 2020 para sa pagbayad ng tubo o pagtubos.

MC: November 14 & 21, 2020

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 12th Judicial Region BRANCH 14 Cotabato City -oOo-

SPL. PROC. CASE NO. 2020-1488 I N T H E M AT T E R O F CANCELLATION/ CORRECTION OF ENTRIES IN THE CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH OF MOHAMMAD SAED PANANGGULON MALASIGAN, MOHAMMAD SAED P. MALASIGAN, Petitioner. versus

CIVIL REGISTRAR OF KABUNTALAN, MAGUINDANAO, AND ALL PERSONS/ENTITIES WHO/WHICH MAY BE AFFECTED THEREBY, Respondents. x– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –x ORDER

A verified petition was filed by petitioner assisted by counsel praying that after due notice and hearing, an Order be issued directing the herein respondent Civil Registrar to CANCEL and CORRECT the following information supplied in the Certificate of Live Birth under Civil Registry No. 20072993: 1. “Entry No. 1” as to the spelling of the first name of the Petitioner from “MOHAMAD SAED” to “MOHAMMAD SAED”; 2. “ENTRY No. 3a” as to the date of birth of the Petitioner from “15” to “14”; and 3. “Entry No. 3b” as to the year of the birth of the Petitioner from “1993” to “1995” FINDING the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, let this case be set for hearing on December 17, 2020 at 1:30 o’clock in the afternoon, at which place, date and time, any person who may have interest, if any, may show cause why the petition should not be granted.

Let this Order be published in a newspaper edited and of general circulation in the City of Cotabato and Province of Maguindanao, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks prior to the date of hearing, at the expense of the petitioner.

SO ORDERED. GIVEN this 28th day of October, 2020 at Cotabato City, Philippines.

(SGD.) KASAN K. ABDULRAKMAN Acting Presiding Judge

MC: Nov 7, 14 & 21, 2020

3

THE MINDANAO CROSS

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular Guidelines in implementation of Administrative order No. 1 , series of 2012 (IRR in R.A. 10172), Notice is hereby served to the public that, Abdulraof M. Disalungan has filed with this office, a petition for Correction of sex from male to female in the Certificate of Live Birth of “Mubtasimah Disalongan Abdulwahid” bearing registry No. 2008-831, registered at the Local Civil Registrar office of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao and whose parents are Abdulmanan S. Abdulwahid and Derhana Mohammad Disalongan.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than 17 th November 2020 (Sgd) Lesaida O. Saban Municipal Civil Registrar MC: Nov. 7 & 14 , 2020

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late Mr. Wilfredo D. Gerodias & Mrs. Cesaria D. Gerodias who died intestate, left a parcel of land situated in Barangay Arizona, Midsayap, Cotabato, covered by OCT No. V-19868, Lot 705, Pls620 with an area of 62,690 sq. mts. is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with absolute sale before Notary Public Atty.

Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 279; Page No. 56; Book No.CXCVII; Series of 2020.

MC: Nov. 7, 14 & 21, 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 Abril 2020. Ang subasta ay sa Disyembre 01, 2020 sa ganap na ika-8:00 ng mga umaga hanggang ika-4:30 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

MC: November 14 & 21, 2020

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 of Cotabato City, Parang, Maguindanao and North Cotabato announce the Auction Sale of all unredeemed pledges contracted in November 4 - 29, 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 November 25, 2020

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 implementation of Administrative Order No. 1 , Series of 2012 (IRR in R.A. 10172), Notice is hereby served to the public that, Rochelle Amor O. Llemit has filed with this office, a petition for the Change of First Name from “Rochelle” to “Rochelle Amor in the Certificate of Live Birth of “Rochelle Amor C. Olaer ” at Pikit, Cotabato and whose parents are Ruben Olaer and Nelly Cajutol.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than 21 November 2020.

(Sgd) Editha l. Monterde, MaEd Municipal Civil Registrar

MC: Nov. 14 & 21, 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 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 Nobyembre 4 - 29, 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 Nobyembre 25,2020 MC: November 14, 2020

ANNOUNCEMENT Ang Feroce Pawnshop & Money Changer Cotabato, Feroce Pawnshop Midsayap Branch, Kidapawan Branch, Toril Branch at ang Feroce Pawnshop San Pedro Branch, Davao City ay magkakaroon ng “Subasta Sale” sa darating na Nobyembre 16, 2020 sa ganap na alas 8:00 ng umaga hanggang alas 5:00 ng hapon para sa mga hindi natubos na sangla sa buwan ng Pebrero, Marso at Abril 2020.

Upang hindi maremate ang inyong mga alahas na isinangla magbigay ng interest bago dumating ang araw ng subasta.

“Sa Feroce Pawnshop na tayo kumpleto na ang serbisyo” MC: November 14, 2020

ANNOUNCEMENT Ang G’ ROCE Pawnshop sa Cotabato City at G’ ROCE Pawnshop Damosa, Davao City Branch ay magkakaroon ng “Subasta Sale” sa darating na November 16, 2020 sa ganap na alas 8:00 ng umaga hanggang alas 4:30 ng hapon para sa mga hindi natubos na sangla sa buwan ng Pebrero, Marso at Abril 2020.

Upang hindi maremate ang inyong mga alahas magbigay ng interest bago dumating ang araw ng subasta.

MC: November 14, 2020

ANNOUNCEMENT

Ang 3G Pawnshop Main & Money Changer, 3G Pawnshop & Money Changer Branch I at ang 3G Pawnshop & Money Changer Hi-Way Branch ng Cotabato City, at ang 3G Pawnshop Midsayap Cotabato, ay magkakaroon ng “Subasta Sale” sa darating na Nobyembre 16, 2020 sa ganap na alas 8:00 ng umaga hanggang alas 4:30 ng hapon para sa mga hindi natubos na sangla sa buwan ng Pebrero, Marso at Abril 2020.

Upang hindi maremate ang inyong mga alahas magbigay ng interest bago dumating ang araw ng subasta.

“3G Pawnshop your dependable Pawnshop in Town” MC: November 14, 2020

ANNOUNCEMENT

Ang Agencia Cirilo & Money Changer - Main, Agencia Cirilo & Money Changer Branch I, at ang Agencia Cirilo & Money Changer Quezon Avenue Branch ay magkakaroon ng “Subasta Sale” sa darating na Nobyembre 16, 2020 sa ganap na alas 8:00 ng umaga hanggang alas 4:30 ng hapon para sa mga hindi natubos na sangla sa buwan ng Pebrero, Marso at Abril 2020.

Upang hindi maremate ang inyong mga alahas magbigay ng interest bago dumating ang araw ng subasta.

“Ang Agencia Cirilo Sigurado at Garantisado ang Serbisyo” MC: November 14, 2020

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late Marcelino Rafaela who died on July 14, 1997 at Midsayap, Cotabato, left a parcel of land, Lot No. 329-A, Pls-134 situated at Grebona, Libungan, Cotabato, with an area of 17,024 square meters more or less, is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous deed of absolute sale of portion only before Notary Public Atty. Jose Emilio S. Valentin as per Doc. No. 491; Page No. 99; Book No.CVI; Series of 2020.

MC: Nov. 14, 21 & 28, 2020

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late Jose Romasanta Mojado who died intestate on December 25, 2019 at Cotabato City, left three parcels of land TCT No. T-27852, Lot 1-A-2-A-2-H-9-A-2; Psd-12-012374; TCT No. T-3246, lot 8, block 15-A, T-146-2016003375, lot No. 46-blk.5 situated at Bo. Kakar, Cotabato City, Bo. Dalumangcob,Mp. of Nuling, Cotabato, Brgy. Ma-A, Davao C i t y, r e s p e c t i v e l y ; Landbank VISA ATM Regular account #00003126144406; Metrobank savings account #3-074-08623-4; 2015 Model SUV Isuzu MU-X 4X 2 LS-A-A Plate No. AAH-3009, CR No. 200602732; 2018 Model Yamaha Mio Aerox BG25 CR No. 315006005; 2019 Model Hyundai Kona 2.0 GLS 6A Plate No. MAH 8573 are the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with waiver of rights before Notary Public Atty.

Eugenio U. Soyao as per Doc. No. 175; Page No. 35; Book No.49; Series of 2020.

MC: Oct. 31, Nov. 7 & 14, 2020

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late Iskak Limba Dianal who died intestate on 19 October, 2020 at Cotabato City, left a Bank Account at Metropolitan Bank Cotabato City Branch with Account No. 406-34-060888-0 and Amanah Islamic Bank Sinsuat Avenue, Cotabato City Branch with Account No. 003-05-07122-4 are the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Mark Esmael R. Nor, CPA as per Doc. No. 324; Page No. 65; Book No.II; Series of 2020.

MC: Nov. 14, 21 & 28, 2020

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late Bjunaid Tajo Abid who died on February 14, 2018 at Koronadal City, left a Bank Account with Land Bank of the Philippines with Account No. 00003236100781 and Mitsubishi Montero Sports GLX 2015 Vihicle with Engine No. 4D56UCFL5391, C h a s s i s N o .

MMBGNKG40EF020067 are the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Agnes R. De Castro - Jagunap as per Doc. No. 3903; Page No. 3903; Book No.XXV; Series of 2020.

MC: Nov. 14, 21 & 28, 2020

Republic of the Philippines

REGIONAL TRIAL COURT

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

SPL. PROC. 20-1472 -forPETITION FOR CORRECTION OF ENTRY DUNNE MARTIN T. SANTOS, Petitioner.

versus THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF COTABATO CITY, MR. MARTIN A. SANTOS AND MRS. MA. FILIPINAS T. SANTOS , Respondent, 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, Nov. 14 & 21, 2020

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

ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sanla. Ang mga ito ay isinangla magmula Abril, 2016 hanggang Mayo, 2016. Ang Subasta ay sa Mayo 31, 2017 sa ganap na ika 8:00 ng umaga hanggang ika 4:00 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

MC: November 14, 21 & 28 2020

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November 14, 2020

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Fr. Roque ‘Ike’ Monegro, DCC dies at 70

COTABATO CITY – Rev. Fr. Roque Gallaron Monegro, DCC has joined our Creator on Sunday, ending his battle with prostate cancer. He was 70.

Fr. Ike, as he is fondly called, breathed his last on November 8 at 8:30 in the morning.

His coffin will be place inside the Immaculate Conception Cathedral Parish on November 14.

The funeral mass will be on November 16,

9 a.m. followed by his burial at the Notre Dame of Archdiocesan Seminary, Rebuken, Nuling, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

A native Ilonggo, Fr. Ike, was born on August 16, 1950 in the town of Janiuay in Iloilo to Felix Mider Monegro and

The youth apostolate head of the bishops’ conference is supporting a measure declaring child marriages as illegal.

Bishop Rex Andrew Alarcon of Daet, chairman of the Episcopal Commission on Youth, said that it is “a sad reality” that children, especially girls, are exploited and abused.

“I personally welcome and am happy to note the resolve to protect children and their dignity,” Alarcon said.

“The society must protect its most vulnerable

from those who exploit them,” he said.

Child marriage in the country takes a step closer to becoming illegal with the Senate approving on third and final reading a bill that would criminalize it.

In a unanimous vote, senators passed Senate Bill No. 1373 or the “Girls not Brides Act” that bans child marriage before the age of 18.

The prelate expressed hope that the measure is also to safeguard the sanctity of marriage and

Basilisa Gallaron. He was firstborn among seven siblings.

He finished elementary in Decalongan, Ampatuan, went to Notre Dame Isulan for his high school and got his bachelor’s degree from Notre Dame of Tacurong College.

Afterwhich, he worked as a bookkeeper at the Municipality of Bagumbayan between the years 1975 and 1979.

In 1979, he entered Notre Dame Archdiocesan Seminary and was ordained priest on March 3, 1989.

Before his passing, his last assignment was in Bagumbayan as the reduced ministry and chaplain of Divine Mercy Shrine in Lake Sebu.

He was previously assigned parish priest in the towns of Pigcawayan, Pres. Quirino, Esperanza, Alamada, and Dukay.

He was also previously assigned assistant parish priest Tacurong City and in the town of Isulan.

Valerie Ann P. Lambo

Bishop backs bill criminalizing child marriage

A

family.

According to him, marriage and raising a family are for adults as it is a “serious responsibility”.

“It is not for children.

Even our church law stipulates marriage for adults,” Alarcon pointed out.

“The desire to protect children, boys and girls, and their rights and safeguard the sanctity of marriage and family is crucial and necessary for authentic development of a community, society,” he said. CBCP News

Fr. Marciano Andres, OMI showing the sign ‘Plants for sale here’ at the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto in Tamontaka, Maguindanao.

Photo Courtesy of OMI

Our Lady of Lourdes grotto renovated, rejuvenated still open during pandemic THE Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto in Tamontaka, Maguindanao has been one of the most visited places when it comes to family gatherings and meet-ups. It showcases variety of animals like crocodiles, ostrich, wild pigs, deer, monkeys, snakes, and different birds like eagles, love birds, the most entertaining bird mynah, and more.

Fr. Marciano Andres, OMI, the grotto director, is the one who manages the place and is still making some improvements for the people to visit and enjoy.

Fr. Andres is fond with nature as he facilitates and encourages people to visit the grotto.

Being self-sustaining project, the grotto income provides for employees’ salaries and food for animnals in the mini-zoo. Due to pandemic, the income of the park had been affected but Fr. Andres have instituted innovations to sustain its operation and maintain the place as area for solemn prayer, dry picnic and for fun.

Since the time of pandemic, there were very few people who visited the place. At times, the park and grotto have not income that impacted the need for salaries of its employees. Suffering from the

r e w e be of service to others accountable? and God. When we were A certain wise man kids in school we had said we have to “live to show our report life dangerously.” Some card to our parents would take this advice to every term. We get the extreme by taking up praised or we get dangerous sports such as Rev. Fr. Antonio P. Pueyo, DCC skydiving, scuba diving, scolded. There was tonypoy_dcc0@yahoo.com this pupil who showed and mountain climbing. his card to his father. It did not please his father. They test their courage and physical endurance His father said, “Why can’t you be as bright to the limit. We may not be like these risk-takers as Carlo, the son of our neighbor?” His child but we certainly have to try new activities, new answered, “He has a bright Papa.” ideas, and meet new people, in order to grow.

When we went to work under a supervisor We start out by living within the comfort of or a boss, we had to report our work’s progress. our cocoons but we eventually have to go out as People in the military have to report to butterflies in order to give hope to the flowers. someone with a higher rank. For those who Perhaps we can look at our present are executives in offices they have to submit preoccupations in life, are we just sailing along annual reports, progress reports, and budget or are we ready to take up new challenges? For performance to their Board of Directors. Even the adults among us, we can look back and ask, the leaders of the land such as the President “What were my most challenging moments? is accountable to the people as shown in their What made me dig deep into my resources State of the Nation Address.

Everybody in order to overcome my fears and overcome reports to somebody. obstacles? What made me feel better about The parable this Sunday is well-known myself? The younger ones are still fighting their as the Parable of the Talent. A man left for a own battles to grow maturely as they face the long journey and he entrusted his wealth to his challenges before them. They are asking the three servants. Upon his return he called for an same questions. accounting. The first two servants performed The ultimate accounting we have to make well in letting his money grow. The third servant is before God. When we are called to make an was afraid to take risks and instead buried the accounting of our life, can we truly say, “I did money and returned it to his master. This did my best.” No one can report a perfect grade not please the master. This parable is not really in terms of his moral life, relationships, work, a lesson in capitalism and profit-making. It is and mission but at least we can give our best more about how to live our life. We can sail efforts. We all make mistakes in the process of along in life without taking any risks at all and living life but what matters is that we correct remain in our comfort zones or we can go beyond our mistakes and learn from them. Then, we what is comfortable and convenient in order to move on – toward our final destiny. MC

Accounting Time

REFLECTIONS

loss of income, at some point, Fr. Andres even decided to give up some animals for there was a lack of food to feed them.

Thanks to some generous people, the loss was at least lessened. Donations poured in from different individuals, families, and friends as the news broke out that the grotto is out of resources.

Sustainability Facing the pandemic was no easy. The grotto management has to think of other means to continue its mission and services. That was the time that Fr. Andres thought of innovating to generate income for sustainability.

With some extra money from the donations, the grotto was developed and some renovations were initiated.

New cages for the animals were built. To maximize the resources, the grotto made use of the old materials available to suspend the expenses.

Some used irons and metals were used in building new cages for the birds, monkeys, and deer. It was not an easy decision, though. While the resources were limited, the grotto has to make the place

more accessible, clean and presentable so that people will be encouraged to visit the place.

That made some impression from the people who visit the place. The renovations and other new services have entertained people to visit and enjoy the place. Little by little, people started to come while observing the basic protocols implemented by the local government.

But with the huge expenses for the salaries, maintenance and food for the animals, the income is still not enough.

Fr. Andres then introduced the selling of plants. With his employees, Fr. Andres focused on replanting variety of plants from his own garden. He started selling herbal and decorative plants to increase the income of the grotto.

Many have already purchased plants from his garden. People would come and buy which helped in the grotto expenses. He also started selling furniture products from the old tables and chairs and transformed them into unique and well-crafted antique items.

Although some amenities were not yet available, the grotto remains open for all

P7

B adaliyya Fr. Jun Mercado, OMI

Short Reflection for the 33rd Sunday of the Ordinary Time (A) Readings:

Proverbs 31: 10-13, 19-20, 30-31; 1 Thessalonians 5: 1-6; Matthew 25: 14-30 The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25: 14-30)

Selected Passage: “For to everyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” (Matthew 25: 29)

Meditation:

Every gift we receive from God has corresponding responsibility.

It must bear fruit in plenty so that others may also share in the blessing.

Each one receives gives according to the measure one is capable. We become responsible and accountable for that gift else we become halfhearted servants. . The Parable of the Talents is a warning to those who do not produce anything. It is a kind of stripping (recalling) of anything that is left in an unproductive person.

Pope Francis reminds us that “only one whose gaze is fixed on that which is truly essential can renew his yes to the gift received.” Cf.

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

November 14,2020

EDITORIAL

Still on the Tampakan Controversy

V

ery recently, the Diocese of Marbel became involved in a controversy that started with the passing of a ban on open pit mining by the LGU of South Cotabato. This was in opposition to the start of operation of the Sagittarius Mining Inc., an Australian firm which applied for a mining permit to extract copper and gold in the minefields of Tampakan (and its adjoining areas) using the open pit mining process.

Open-pit mining, also known as opencast mining, is a surface mining technique that extracts minerals from an open pit in the ground. Openpit mining is the most common method used throughout the world for mineral mining and does not require extractive methods or tunnels.

This mining technique is suited to the Tampakan minefields since the mineral or ore deposits are found relatively close to the surface of the earth.

The Lumad leaders in the area believe that only through the mining of copper and gold can their tribe solve the widespread poverty among their people. For those who are schooled on the disadvantages of “development aggression”, such a windfall can be experienced only at the start of the project, and may bring about greater poverty as a consequence. Unless, strict environmental monitoring is put in place.

In many mining areas around the world, when minerals have been extracted, the mine area must undergo rehabilitation to minimize environmental damage. This step in the mining process is pointed out as critical for the sustainability of the land for future use. The process involves the following: “First, waste dumps are contoured to flatten them out and stabilize them. If the ore contains sulfides, it is covered with a layer of clay to prevent rain and oxygen from oxidizing the sulfides into sulfuric acid, which is also known as acid mine drainage.

Then, the waste dump is covered with soil, vegetation is planted, and the area is fenced to prevent livestock from eating the newly planted vegetation. This layer will eventually erode but in the meantime, it will allow the leaching of heavy metals to occur slowly enough for the surrounding environment to absorb them. The open pit is also fenced off to prevent access, and over time fills up with groundwater unless the groundwater levels are excessively deep.”

This process is exceedingly technical, and hopefully, the SMI has enough workers to take charge, not only of extraction but also of assuring sustainability. The experience in Compostela Valley is already an eye opener to the dangers of mining, open pit mining in particular.

We can only pray that the acid waste coming from the mines will not destroy the agriculture economy of adjacent towns at the foot of the mountain such as Lutayan, Columbio, Tantangan, and the productive Buluan Lake.

We do care for the poverty situation of the Lumads, who sees the mines and minerals as a saving grace from nature; but they should also be aware that Philippine History has witnessed the rise and fall of Indigenous Peoples who should have been the guardians of nature, but instead became the victims of development. +

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.

T

he Agence France Press story on the Yahoo!

News page was headlined “‘Plantdemic’ hits Philippines as demand for greenery grows.”

“Plantdemic” is what it calls the “gardening craze (that) has spread across the Philippines after coronavirus restrictions fueled demand for greenery, sending plant prices soaring.”

It cited one landscape gardener as saying he has seen prices for certain varieties of plants soar to a whopping P55,000 pesos from P800 pesos before the pandemic. A plant seller is reported to have said her daily turnover tripled after she reopened following months of lockdown.

The AFP story says, “the stress of lockdown and financial pressure caused by the pandemic have prompted many Filipinos to seek solace in their gardens, earning themselves the nicknames ‘plantitos and plantitas’, or plant uncles and aunties.” This fueled the increase in demand and, consequently, prices, giving plant sellers a heyday.

It also gave others whose incomes were affected by the lockdown to cash in on the craze, selling plants or gardening accessories.

The last time this writer was in Cotabato, we saw potted plants displayed along some sections of Veterans’ Avenue going up to PC Hill, not at the usual flower shops that line that area of the city, apparently non-traditional plant sellers trying to turn some products of perhaps what used to be a hobby into a small business opportunity. We have seen the same phenomenon in a number of markets in Cotabato Province. Trading of greenery and garden accessories have also been observably brisk online.

It seems not everything about this pandemic is bad after all.

Meanwhile, as plant sellers are having a heyday, rice and corn farmers remain in the doldrums. Farm gate prices for their commodities have remained low. Last we checked on the official website of the Philippine Statistics Authority (on November 11) for updates on rice and corn farmgate prices, available

I

T was close to 9:00 that fatal Monday morning when I was rushing to prepare things up for coverage to a belatedly relayed filing of Certificate of Candidacy of Buluan, Maguindanao Vice-Mayor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu for the May 2010 gubernatorial race.

I was coming from Cotabato City wherefrom Sharif Aguak town is travelled to in less than an-hour, and is geographically southeastward along the National Highway ahead of Ampatuan town from the city.

I wanted the company of a long-time friend Hadji Tho Lungcathay in that coverage, he being more familiar with younger individuals in the proverbial cordon sanitaire and a common relative to both the Ampatuans and the Mangudadatus. He is a close nephew of the late Sen. Salipada Pendatun, but he grew up in Maganoy (old name of S. Aguak), and is also related by blood to the Ampatuans in the lineage of (a consanguine older brother of S. Aguak) Datu Alon, maternal grandfather of the late Maguindanao Congressman Simeon A. Datumanong.

Normally, Lungcathay would pass on me information worthy of follow-up for a news story. But that time he told me he did not know that there was going to be a CoC filing. Neither (on my part) did I receive prior information, nor invitation from any party to the coverage which, I believe, was planned entirely in South Cotabato.

It was past 9:00 when, while warming up my Toyota Tamaraw Fx, Hadji Tho drew his 3210 Samsung cellular phone from his pocket, apparently for a ring. He told me he took that call from a travelling relative, telling him of an unexplained long queue of vehicles along the south lane of the Maguindanao Section of the Cotabato City-South Cotabato National Highway.

Lungcathay then kept on trying to reach friends and relatives via mobile phone to make inquiry. Some of the numbers he had dialed were “unattended or out-of-coverage area.” Others rang but were not immediately taken, and one could only speculate that everyone was too busy and high was the level of noise on a Market Day (every Monday) in S. Aguak, that subscriber(s) could probably not hear the ringtone.

Selling plants is fun these days, planting rice and corn is not

Thinking Aloud Caloy Bautista

caloyb@gmail.com

data (October 1st week 2020) showed a low of P11.00 per kilo and an average of P15.00 per kilo clean and dry palay.

Corn didn’t fare any better: a low of P8.00 per kilo for both white and yellow corn with an average of P12 per kilo for yellow and a slightly higher P13 per kilo for white.

In Region 12 or SOCCSKSARGEN, farm gate prices for clean and dry palay is at the P13.00 per kilo range. It is at a slightly higher P15 per kilo price range in the Bangsamoro Region.

Corn prices in Region 12 are in the range of P10-P12 per kilo while it is reported in the P9-P11 per kilo range in the Bangsamoro.

Luzon farmers face bleaker days with the typhoons that have hammered them. More are still expected to come.

As we move towards the Yuletide Season, the demand for plants are expected to be driven further upwards. Giving potted plants as gifts has become the “in” thing, we have observed recently. This could only mean one thing for plant sellers, if it does happen, a not so very dreary Christmas in the face of a pandemic.

For farmers? Perhaps they could have one, too, with a review and the amendment of RA 11203 or the Rice Tariffication Law passed last year to ensure that it really works to the benefit of the farmers as it promised to, not the curse that it is to them now. MC

November 23, 11 years ago

PENLIGHT Nash B. Maulana

nash.penlight@gmail.com

But one of the persons he had rung called him back, apologizing, telling him that he was rushing back home from the Market Day commerce to Barangay Kamasi in Ampatuan town, because he was hearing of “whispers” of an alarming situation obtaining close to his home village. In the Maguindanaon dialect, one very raw information the caller received was that “there’s a heavy military operation taking place along the national highway”; another was that an undetermined number of “vans boarded by media people had been waylaid by armed men and were detoured somewhere in Barangay Salman.”

Later, I set my vehicle radio on and it was a local official, ostensibly interrupting an FM radio program in a rarely urgent situation, saying in Filipino that there was a “deafening silence all-over” on an incident of “massive killings of relatives and supporters of Toto Mangudadatu, taking place in a village in Ampatuan, as he spoke. I switched on AM, and I heard Vice Mayor Toto’s familiar voice, speaking to Deo Macalma over dzRH. One particular reason that I would enlist Hadji Tho’s assistance in coverage is that I’ve been tired of covering local elections since 1995. In May 1995 local elections, mortar-shelling drove hundreds off the immediate town periphery of Sharif Aguak. I had the story first-hand from the field where U.S.-trained Police Supt Alex Lenesis, then Maguindanao Police Director, held ground with his police force in combat form. Philippine Army troopers maneuvered west onto an interior route to a suspected origin of the early morning mortar fires. MC

6

November 14, 2020

THE MINDANAO CROSS

sites based on the elected governor’s hometown prerogative could have made the passage of House Bill 6413 by Maguindanao Rep. Ismael Mangudadatu possible.

Several millions of Charlie Señase csenase@yahoo.com public funds are gone to waste in capitols-turned ARTHLY life is a never-ending “white elephants.” struggle of protest due to conflict of With Buluan as the provincial capital interest on various issues like peace, of Southern Maguindanao made up of 24 prosperity and coexistence. towns and DOS as the official capital of While the world watches over the Northern Maguindanao with 12 towns, just concluded US presidential polls that we expect that this new political set-up declared a Democrat in Joseph Biden, 77, will have its permanent provincial capitol the oldest American President, his rival buildings in due time. And better managethe supposed outgoing President Donald ment of resources toward enhancement Trump has yet to concede defeat finding of peace and socio-economic prosperity is ways and means to nullify Biden’s lead. seen to take effect as it confronts threats Such move is nonetheless questioning on terror, illegal drugs and corruption. the electoral process of his own governJust this week, President Duterte ment that he steered for four-straight mentioned about a multi-million “ghost years. project” in Cotabato that he will have it Leaders must be role models of righ- investigated by the Public Works and teousness for constituents to emulate liken Highways. The mere mention of Cotabato to a family patriarch. Pride makes one could mean city or provinces of North and arrogant to force his own vested interest South Cotabato. Let’s wait and see which unmindful of a kingdom divided in itself is is witch? brought to desolation as in a house divided But security wise, Army Maj. Gen. shall naturally fall.

Juvymas Uy, head of the Joint Task Force Installed leaders are meant for a di- Central and concurrent Sixth Infantry vine reason for all governing authorities Division chief residents that by the end of are from above if we believe that what has 2020 he expressed optimism to end the terbeen is what will be. That while some may ror threats in his area of responsibility as call it destiny, others would look-up with shown by the voluntary surrender of NPA thanksgiving that God’s will is done. and BIFF members and the discovery of Let’s hope and pray that President improvised explosive devices through civilBiden’s foreign policy to first look after ian cooperation and vigilantism. the needs of the world before its own in General Uy underscored the importhe realm of peace, justice, trade, among tance of instilling self-discipline, honesty others would work well. and righteousness among government As in the recent enactment of a law troops that has earned civilian respect to dividing Maguindanao into the South- support government’s peace and security ern and Northern provinces that when mission. in effect would finally end the non-stop Latest surrenderees include six mediconstruction of provincial capitol build- cal team members of a communist terror ings whoever is elected governor of the group operating in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat province. and Upi, Maguindanao. They voluntarily In the past, the first provincial capitol yielded-up with their assault rifles and was constructed at the town of Sultan handguns.

Kudarat then another bigger structure Peacekeepers must lead by example, in at Shariff Aguak and a much bigger one words and in deeds to instill trust and conthat looks the US White House building fidence in sharing to others convictions on at Datu Paglas town. peacebuilding that they learned from experiThe customary transfer of capitol ence as their best teacher, thus far. MC

Greed for Power TRUE TO FORM

E

Our very own Millennials THE STUFF OF LIFE

of an entirely different culture.

Many know him as a dreamer, some know him as a giver.

He is a true reminder of the people we can still become not just for ourselves but more so, for others.

The athletic Dr. Ryan competes in many worldwide Victoria R. Franco, RPh, MS Pharmacy marathons and has completed six World Major Marathons. franco1573victoria@gmail.com He is the only son of the late ave you seen the latest Johnson DA Director Roger Chio and and Johnson advertisement? Dr. Aurora Chio of Cotabato and Davao Johnson and Johnson are the largest City. manufacturers of best baby products such Also in California, another rising star as powders, oil, colognes, diapers, paper from Cotabato City established his own products. The company has chosen 38 year clinic, the Paragon Therapeutic Solutions, old physician, the handsome Dr. Ryan Andrew “Niño” Martinez Uy, a Physical Chio as its product endorser. He is based Therapy graduate , eldest son of William in California USA where he has a lucrative and Concepcion (Martinez) Uy. Paragon medical practice, specializing in the care of Therapeutic solutions provide individual children, pediatrics. care for their patients with physical and After graduating from the University occupational therapy needs. There is a of Santo Tomas, he pursued further studies large Filipino staff assisting Niño, and he in New York City where he courageously has been joined recently by his eye-catching withstood homesickness, and the challenges beautiful bride, Migzy Lou Arian Uy. MC

H

Andrew and Migzy Uy

Dr. Ryan Chio

moved to participate from within and not influenced by external factors such as work demands or reward.

The experience of LPA results in personal feelings of satisfaction, enjoyment and Cheridine P. Oro- Josef, g r a t i f i c a t i o n .

M.D., DFM, FPAFP, FPCGM Satisfaction in LPA cheridinemd@gmail.com also discovers the skills people believe they possess and n one of my monthly rounds among senior citizens groups promoting whether their skill levels are in line active aging through exercise, with the degree of challenge inherent proper diet and social interest, a lady in the physical activity. What may be asked “ I wash clothes in the house, a leisure experience for one person cook dinner, clean the house, and take may not be for another; whether an care of my grandchildren, aren’t these experience is leisure depends on many factors. Leisure physical activity enough exercise for me?”.

While it is true that our daily therefore banks on a person’s sense of h o u s e h o l d c h o r e s a r e e n o u g h t o choice, the feeling that they have some fulfil our weekly or daily exercise control over the process that is tied to requirement, there is more benefit the physical activity. This results to when physical activity is done at enjoyment.

Move it or lose it! It is very leisure. Leisure may be defined as a time free of obligations, work or tasks important to enjoy once in a while. As required for existence. It is also a the saying goes, we only live once. If we state of mind and depends on one’s depend on household chores and work perception of the physical activity. demands for exercise alone, we will Leisure as activity encompasses the regret not being able to enjoy the rest activities that we engage in for reasons of our lives. It is best to schedule a 2-3 as varied as relaxation, competition, x a week leisure physical activity, 20or growth and may include reading for 30 minutes or more. Activities may be pleasure, meditating, painting, and physical, mental or simply reflective.

As we age, let us learn to respect participating in sports. Perception of an activity may determine whether our quiet time. Quiet time doesn’t mean an experience is leisure or not leisure. absence of physical activity. Quiet time Leisure physical activity therefore may include our own physical activity has more beneficial effects than simply choice such as, walking, running, doing household chores or work- aerobic or resistance exercise. Eat. related activities. In LPA, a person is Love. Move and age gracefully. MC

Leisure Physical activity in Aging

GOLDEN THREADS

I

indications of the Keys to Successful Project early probability of achieving the project deliverables the duration of the Implementation… within project.

Third, all the possible risks that could derail the effective and efficient implementation of a Danny Buenbrazo project and its various danny_buenbrazo@yahoo.com components must also be identified at the onset. henever organizations such Contingency measures as government agencies and should be laid out for every project element instrumentalities, business firms, that could go wrong. Of course, not problems development agencies, or non-profits or challenges could be predicted at the want to obtain quick impact or to address onset, thus, the project managers must a pressing concern, they design and be ready to address any eventuality that implement a project. comes up along the way. Unknows and A project is a collaborative undertaking uncertainties must be lessened. For that is designed to achieve specified goals example, due diligence must be conducted and objectives within a short period of time, for projects where local government units usually two years or less. Projects have or other partners are supposed to provide three essential elements: Goals, Scope, counterpart funds. Imagine your horror Time, and Resources. when 12 of the 20 LGUs or other partners Goals refer to what the things that the you have selected would turn out incapable project is supposed to attain (e.g. access of providing the required counterpart? to water, increase literacy, or increase Fourth, there should be sufficient income). Scope means the coverage or personnel, funding, and other resources boundaries of the Project (geographic, required to undertake all project activities project components, deliverables, and the and accomplish them within the project like), Time or duration is the number of duration. months or years within which the project Fifth, periodic monitoring and review would exist. Resources would include the allows the project team to take remedial total funds, materials, and personnel that measures to ensure that implementation are available to implement the Project. get back on track.

Projects encounter different fates, some Sixth, engaging personnel that are fit are resounding successes while others can for the project. The business of getting end up as dismal failures regardless of the best project officers and staff is a their size, funding source, or nature of the tricky business and a balancing act. organizations that funded the projects. You would want knowledgeable and We can increase the chances of positive experienced people onboard, but you also outcome in project implementation by need to ensure that they are team-players identifying key success factors. and reasonably flexible. Many times, I First, the goals and the scope of the hired people with little experience in the project should be established at the onset assigned position but are to learn, strictly and defined very clearly. There should follow instructions, and ask for help when not be any vagueness that would lead to encountering difficulties. second-guessing on the part of the project Finally, the most important key leadership and staff when they are already to project success is competent project in the process of implementation. leadership. Whether it’s one leader or a Second, in the planning stage, identified collective leadership, managers can really project deliverables should be realistically make the difference in project success or attainable within the timeframe and failure. The best project managers can available resources for the Project. A deal effectively with the challenges that good work and financial plan could give are thrown his or her way. MC

MARKET DRIVEN

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7

THE MINDANAO CROSS

November 14,2020

Moro youth rejoice passage...From page 1 The group is advocating for an end to child or forced marriages culture in the Bangsamoro and other parts of the country.

Suwaira Abdulmaula, a first year college student and one of the lead convenors of UnyphilWomen in Maguindanao, dared to “break the norm” of child and forced marriages in her desire to protect young Moro women.

Abdulmaula said many cases were monitored in many places in Maguindanao and other parts of Bangsamoro Region. It was customary and acceptable to Moro people that a child can be arranged to marry even two or three times older that her.

“Those moneyed are the ones practicing this culture, if they like a child, they will talk to the parents and pay the necessary dowry,”

she said, adding that most parents belonged to poor families.

“This is very common in far-flung communities, mostly those affected by armed conflict,” she added.

Her group is now attending to a case of a 16-year-old girl from Lanao del Sur who was “forced” to marry, through arranged marriage, a 60-year-old man.

The girl sought refuge from the women’s advocacy group.

Abdulmaula said due to poverty, many young women were forced by their parents to marry early.

“Poverty really is a major factor that is why it thrives and young women cannot resist or disobey their parents,” she said.

In some instances, early marriages have been arranged or forced,due to “maratabat” (pride), after

Muslim elders noticed young boys and girls holding hands in public.

“I hope this practice will end, this is not good for the health and well being of the girl who will become pregnant at a very young and fragile age, she is not prepared, physically, mentally and emotionally,” Abdulmaula said.

On Monday, senators have voted unanimously in favor of a bill that seeks to end child marriages in the country.

Senate Bill No. 1371, also known as the "Girls Not Brides Act," was passed on third and final reading.

It was filed in March 2020 by Senator Risa Hontiveros, chairperson the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality. Ferdinandh

commander and 6th ID pokesperson presented the overview of the program, defining the PCVE initiatives of Maguindanao LGU and harmonizing it with the command’s program on PCVE. Maj. Gen. Uy has assured the stakeholders that government forces will continue to protect communities against

"violent extremism" being propagated by the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and other lawless elements in Maguindanao.

"Radicalization factors" must be addressed, there must be a peacebuilding efforts through this program AGILA – HAVEN which will help prevent extremism in Maguindanao and halt

the recruitment of the terrorist-tagged groups in this province,” Gov. Mangudadatu said.

Meanwhile, the program was highlighted by the distributions of livelihood assistance to the former BIFF rebels and the turnover of transport vehicles to school district supervisors to be used in distributing modules to pupils. Rhoderick Beñez

people to pray, enjoy and have fun with family and friends.

Future renovations will be made such as “tilapia” and “hito” pond to double the amenities of the place and for the people to experience

a once in a lifetime fun and relaxation.

Grotto still continues to sell plants and old furniture products for those who are willing. Nevertheless, the grotto is still in need of donations either

in cash or in kind.

To those who wish to support the grotto, you can visit the place and look for Fr. Marciano Andres, OMI or any of his employees. Fr. Rockmoore Saniel, OMI

COTABATO CITY — The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is rushing the construction of public markets that will also showcase Moro design and symbols, the region’s spokesperson said Thursday.

Speaking for the BARMM, lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo said the regional government is putting up at least five markets “that are both functional and rooted in Moro culture and tradition,” to be called “Padian a Bangsamoro” (Bangsamoro market).

“For this year, we will implement five public markets. This is under the BLESS Program, which stands for Bangsamoro Local Economic Support Services,” said Sinarimbo, also BARMM’s interior and local government minister.

“To be very clear, this is not a mere infrastructure project,” he said in a statement.

“The infrastructure is just a component of the program, which aims to develop and kick-start enterprise and economic activities in the local government units (LGUs)

of the region."

All LGUs in the region are qualified to avail of this regional project, Sinarimbo said.

He also advised LGUs to immediately undergo such processes as establishing an enterprise development office, passing the necessary ordinance to support this, exercising the corporate power of the LGU, developing the market code, and demonstrating its contribution to another program of the ministry, which is on revenue enhancement . Edwin O.

Cabrera

“Peace map” launched...From page 2

Lourdes grotto renovated,...From page 4

Mayor tells BJMP: “Make jail...From page 1 told the jail officials.

Ampatuan also lauded the 20 JO1 completers and pledged to improve the Shariff Aguak District Jail, which was established during the stint of the late governor Datu Andal S. Ampatuan Sr. to address the increasing number of lawbreakers in the town.

Before the program, local jail officials toured the mayor and his company on the premises of the 2,000-square-meter

facility.

The quick tour allowed Ampatuan to see what the local government could provide to improve the jail to make it more humane for inmates.

Ampatuan, an engineer by profession, said he was confident that the dynamic Maguindanao Governor Bai Mariam L. SangkiMangudadatu would provide additional funds and logistics for the betterment of the district jail, in coordination with

the region’s Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).

S a n g k i Mangudadatu funded the rehabilitation of the district jail with an adjacent facility for inmates who would contract the coronavirus disease 2019.

The jail has some 100 inmates, mostly illegal drug offenders, according to Anwar Kuit Emblawa, the town’s secretary to the mayor. Edwin O.

Fernandez

NPAs urged to yield to 6th ID...From page 2

Two other NPAs also surrendered early this week in Barangay Lamlahak in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato through the efforts of the Army’s 5th Special Forces Battalion.

More than 50 NPAs have renounced their membership in batches

since January through backdoor efforts of different 6th ID units.

Communist rebels are active in Sultan Kudarat, North Cotabato, South Cotabato, and Sarangani provinces. They target farmers and construction companies for extortion.

“We shall gladly

welcome NPA members wishing to turn in their firearms and renounce their NPA membership as a prelude to their return to mainstream society,” Uy said. He added that the Army and LGU can facilitate their reintegration. John Felix

along with the ILO. It has many projects for Muslims, Christians and Lumad in BARMM The ILO had earlier provided the MOLEBARMM with an P11.9 million grant for an emergency employment program for informal workers that went jobless due to the COVID-19 quarantine restrictions since March this year.

The joint MOLEBARMM and ILO initiative, dubbed Community Emergency Employment Program (CEEP) was meant to

cushion the impact of the pandemic to informal sector workers.

The Japan-ILO water supply system project was also facilitated with the help of MOLEBARMM. “It warms our heart that through this project, with the ILO, we provided decent work and improved living conditions to workers who have built the water system,” Japanese Embassy Economic Minister Masahiro Nakata said in a statement.

Arturo Maghanoy, president of the TCES parents-teachers association, said lack of clean water for pupils in the school was a serious challenge their PTA have, for decades, struggled to address.

He said there was no adequate supply of water for drinking and washing of pupils’ hands and for flushing the school toilets until the completion of the Japan-ILO water supply system for TCES. He also thanked the donors. John

Unson

Maguindanao upland...From page 8

Felix Unson

BARMM to build public markets rooted in Moro culture, tradition

Fernandez

10 BIFF yield in Maguindanao

COTABATO CITY – Ten more combatants of the Daesh-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) have abandoned their cause and decided to return to the fold of law to live normal lives again.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID) commander, said the surrenderers belong to the BIFF Karialan faction operating in the marshlands of Maguindanao under the SPMS box.

The SPMS box is a military term referring to the adjoining towns of Shariff Aguak, Pagatin (Datu Saudi Ampatuan town), Mamasapano, and Shariff Saydona, all in Maguindanao, where the

BIFF operate.

“They grew tired of running from intense military operations in the province and decided to surrender,” Uy said in an interview by reporters here on Thursday.

In simple ceremonies held on Wednesday afternoon at the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion in Barangay Zapakan of Rajah Buayan town, the surrenderers were formally presented before the 6ID commander and provincial government officials led by Governor Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu.

The surrenderers also gave up assorted firearms during the ceremony.

In the same event, the provincial government

awarded the surrenderers with livelihood packages to start their new lives.

“This livelihood package is a great help for us to rebuild our lives again as peaceful civilians,” Abdullah, one of the surrenderers said in the vernacular during the ceremony.

Uy urged other BIFF members still fighting for their lost cause to surrender and feel the warm embrace of their families again.

“We will help you because your families are also longing for your return to them,” he said.

At least 150 BIFF combatants have surrendered to the 6ID in the past two years. Noel

Punzalan/PNA

MORO-DESIGNED PUBLIC MARKET. The blueprint of a ‘Padian a Bangsamoro’ (Bangsamoro market), which will be constructed in five areas across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, a local official said Thursday (Nov. 12, 2020). The public market’s design is both functional and rooted in Moro culture and tradition.

Photo courtesy of MILG-BARMM

Maguindanao drug suspect killed in shootout; P35-K shabu seized COTABATO CITY — A suspect who allegedly resisted arrest was killed in a shootout with police officers during a drug buy-bust in Datu Odin Sinsuat town of Maguindanao on Tuesday.

Police identified the slain suspect as Mohani Duma, of Barangay Dalican, Datu Odin Sinsuat.

“He was declared dead on arrival at the hospital where he was brought following the incident,” Maj. Rommel dela Vega, the town police chief, said Wednesday.

Dela Vega said the

suspect pulled out a gun after sensing that he was dealing with a police poseur-buyer at Sitio Old Market of the village around 2 p.m.

“The suspect began shooting at the arresting team closing in on him that even resulted in a 15-minute chase,” dela Vega said, adding that Duma was hit in the chest during the exchange of gunfire.

A bullet also grazed Master Sgt. Norman Nur during the incident, dela Vega added.

Recovered from the suspect were 17 heatsealed packets of shabu worth PHP35,000; a

.45-caliber pistol, a glass tooter, and the marked money. Noel Punzalan/PNA ADJUDICATION OF SOLE HEIR WITH UNDERTAKING

Notice is hereby given that the late Servando Delima Obenza who died on September 29, 2020 at Davao City, left a Savings Account with Bank of the Philippine Islands, Midsayap Cotabato, with Account No. 000133000-76 is the subject of adjudication of sole heir with undertaking before Notary Public Atty. Teresita Carreon Llaban as per Doc. No. 190; Page No. 38; Book No.LVII; Series of 2020.

MC: Nov. 14, 21 & 28, 2020

8

November 14, 2020

THE MINDANAO CROSS

“Tapatan sa Oblate Media” is a monthly public journalism feature to complement the Sanduguan Mindanaw. This section is designed to go beyond the frontiers of the newsroom through informal conversations, dialogues, or interviews with the region’s influential persons and decision makers to bring back the news to the community and help people understand deeper the issues affecting them.

TAPATAN ROAD AND SAFETY IN COTABATO CITY

COTABATO CITY ENGINEER INTERVIEW BY VALERIE ANN P. LAMBO What roads matter to you? What is the state of roads in your community?

Will these roads help in the growing problem of traffic? Are leaders spending efficiently on roads?

To address these questions and highlight the value of roads to the development of key sectors in communities, The Mindanao Cross, together with its civic journalism arm, Sanduguan Mindanaw, talks to Engr. Samuel G. Jorolan, CE, the head of the Cotabato City Engineering Office. His work at the local government unit spans from 1993 until today, serving the public from Badoy to Guiani-Sayadi administration.

The Philippine road network spans a total of 216,016 kilometers (km), according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

However, only a little over a quarter (27.87%) of this total network has been paved. Some 155,800 km of roads, or almost three-quarters of the entire road network in the country, remain unpaved or are little more than dirt roads, as it is in Cotabato City.

There were many arguments among ordinary citizens blaming both city government and DPWH region 12 on the situations of roads in the city. What is the area of responsibility of the city engineering office in terms of road concreting and repair?

The City Engineering Office is under the local government unit of Cotabato City under the leadership of Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi.

Roads can be classified into national, municipal and barangay roads. In Cotabato City, we only have national and barangay roads. In terms of engineering, the offices here are Maguindanao District Engineering (yung isa nasa PC Hill), DPWH District Office in Ramon Rabago Extension, and BARMMMPWH whose AOR is along Governor Gutierrez Avenue. All national roads in the city are under the AOR of DPWH-12. Now they have adopted new national road. These are roads connecting Sinsuat Avenue, Udtog Matalam St., Peñafrancia to Jose Lim. Dito, ongoing ang construction, halos one year na at marami na ang nagrereklamo. Akala ng iba under pa ito ng LGU, hindi po, naadopt na po ito ng DPWH as national road. Kung pag-usapan natin ang AOR ng city LGU, lahat ng roads in the 37 barangays ay sila ang magme-maintain.

In some parts of Mindanao, the road networks are developed compared to others. Developed roads improve community access to basic services. In Cotabato City, there are still many barangay roads which are not developed. What is the city government’s plan on this?

Actually, dapat lahat yan concreted na. Mapapansin natin, marami na ang national roads na delapidated and these roads are being rehabilitated.

Most of the national roads are already concreted. Ang hindi pa concreted are the roads inside every barangay. Ang city engineering naman ay may program of works for every barangay roads. Every year naman kung may budget sa IRA, doon po kinukuha ang budget. So far every year mayroon tayong mga project pero hindi karamihan. Every year we only have minimum of 10 barangay roads and drainage projects. Kasi po, unang-una ang city government kulang talaga ang pera. Ang iba part ng pera napupunta sa loan dahil kulang sa equipment. Pero sa ngayon, may memorandum naman mula sa national through DILG on the barangay clearing para lumuwag naman.

In the past years the city government has implemented possible solutions to traffic congestion in the city, among these are the coding scheme, no parking on major thoroughfares and one-way roads. The circumferential and diversion road is nearing its completion. Will the new road help in the traffic congestion?

Yes, it will help in decongesting the traffic. Noong hindi pa tayo pinanganak wala naprogram ang planning dito sa Cotabato City na dadagsa pala ang sasakyan sa 2020. Kaya ang solusyon dito ay magkaroon ng diversion at circumferential road. These roads will help especially the city government has a project of constructing a new mega market and integrated terminal malapit sa halal slaughterhouse, Tamontaka mother na area. The plan is wala nang mga illegal terminal in the downtown area. Lahat doon na dadaan sa diversion at circumferential road. Itong project na ito malapit na masimulan dahil ready na ang budget at magsisimula na ang bidding for the construction. Ito ay para maiwasan ang matinding traffic.

There have been many recorded road accidents in the city in the past years. How should this problem be addressed?

Totoo yan, marami na ang nadisgrasya along national highway especially Sinsuat Avenue near Ante Compound and Cotabato Light area. This is because hindi naconstruct ng maayos ang road, pagcurve ng driver, nakadesign ang daan na sloping on one side. This design is only to control the rainwater. Lahat ng curve should have superelevation design because this is the standard. But since nandito na yung daan, the best thing for DPWH to address the problem is to put up road signages on the maximum speed limit 50 meters away from the curve. Same goes sa mga overpass sa harap ng mga schools. Kaya tinanggal ng city government yung atip doon to make it passable at walang tatambay. Yung mga bata kapag nagbukas na ang klase, doon na dadaan sa overpass to congest traffic and also for the safety of these children.

Maguindanao upland school gets water system

Two international entities provided 1,600 children in a poor upland town in Maguindanao with a water supply system, just after helping 1,750 informal workers displaced by the pandemic.

Besides the 1,600 pupils of the Timanan Central Elementary School (TCES), mostly non-Moro ethnic Teduray children, dozens of poor families residing around also stand to benefit from the facility, jointly built by the Japanese government and the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Representatives from the Japanese embassy, ILO and Ministry of Labor and EmploymentBangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOLEBARMM) officials turned over to TCES and South Upi LGU the water

supply system.

The foreign-assisted project was implemented for about 600 days with the help of masons and carpenters as paid skilled workers.

BARMM Labor Minister Romeo Sema lauded Japan government and ILO, an agency of the United Nations, for embarking on the project.

The facility is composed of an overhead reservoir supplied with safe water from a source nearby via a plumbing network and other essential engineering complement.

“This project augurs well with the

efforts of BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim to maximize the Bangsamoro g o v e r n m e n t ’ s h u m a n i t a r i a n initiatives,” Sema said.

The TCES water system was constructed under the ILO-Japan Water and Sanitation Project, according to Sema.

Japan, which supported the peace process between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front that resulted in the creation in 2019 of the MILF-led Bangsamoro government, is a major benefactor,

P7

WATER FOR SCHOOL KIDS. The water supply system for the Timanan Central Elementary School was constructed through the efforts of the Japanese government, the International Labour Organization of the United Nations and the Ministry of Labor and Employment-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The project was launched Monday by officials led by BARMM Labor Secretary Romeo Sema.

Photo courtesy of Monalisa Camama/CFSI

2 Tedurays killed in South Upi

Two Teduray tribesmen were killed in separate attacks by armed groups trying to take over ancestral domains of Indigenous People (IPs) in South Upi, Maguindanao.

And these gruesome incidents remain unsolved like any other attacks against the Tedurays.

Deric Jan Datuwata and Rejie Maelon were killed one after in Barangays Lamud and Kuya in South Upi, respectively.

Brig. Gen. Samuel Rodriguez, police regional director for Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, has directed the Maguindanao provincial police to probe on the incidents and prosecute the culprits once identified.

No fewer than 20 Teduray farmers were killed in a seemingly never ending cycle of attacks right in their tribal enclaves in Maguindanao province since

2018.

Datuwata and Maelon both owned farms in their tribal domains in South Upi, scenes of recurring deadly clashes since last year between native inhabitants and "newcomer" armed groups with very new Torrens titles covering lands of Tedurays.

Romy Saliga, a Teduray member of BARMM’s lawmaking body, has asked the Army’s 6th Infantry Division to help secure the indigenous communities in South Upi from marauding armed groups trying to control Lumad ancestral lands.

“We condemn the brutal murder of these two Tedurays,” Saliga said.

He was optimistic the Bangsamoro regional government will focus attention on the plight of the Tedurays in hinterlands in Maguindanao. John

Eight villages in Malabang town stand to benefit from a foreign-funded flood control project as a remedy to destructive flooding even at slightest downpour in hinterlands.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) shall fund the P3.5 billion project, a downstream viaduct where floodwaters that accumulate in off-flooded barangays can flow through and drain at the seacoast of Malabang.

The project shall include flood control infrastructures in the barangays that would divert flow of rampaging flood waters to the sea, according to key sources from the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Malabang Mayor Tomas Macapodi said Thursday village officials have assured his administration to help secure the project to ensure its completion based on a fixed work program.

Experts from ADB visited Malabang early on for an ocular inspection of the areas the colossal flood control infrastructure facility shall traverse.

The project shall protect stretches of the Narciso Ramos Highway in Malabang from floods that cause suspension of flow of traffic each time, affecting local commerce and trade.

“There are houses in these floodprone barangays already buried in silt overtime due to recurring floods,” Macapodi said.

Macapodi thanked the project benefactors, including national government and BARMM for addressing the flood problems Malabang residents have long been furious about.

Macapodi assured JICA and the ADB representatives that Maranaos are trustworthy and are good partners in implementing foreign-assisted infrastructure projects. John Felix

Felix Unson

Lanao Sur gets P3.5B anti-flood project

Unson