The Mindanao Cross | December 12, 2020

Vol. LXXII| No. 44 | Cotabato City | Saturday, December 12, 2020 |8 Pages | P10.00

SECOND PAGE CHURCH

Misa de Gallo in the time of pandemic/P4

Sinas visits BARMM police /P2

BACK

Cops help repair Datu Piang Church/P8

CIMATU SHUTS MINING IN APO KIDAPAWAN CITY – Environment Sec. Roy Cimatu has ordered Wednesday the closure of illegal mining operations in Magpet, North Cotabato after Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Sec. Emmanuel Piñol made public the discovery of ore mining in Mt. Apo Protected Area.

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GIANT PAROL. The colorful giant Christmas lanter n displayed at the Koronadal City Hall grounds highlighted the launching of PasKoronadal 2020 Festival on December 8. The PasKoronadal 2020 is themed “ Paskong Handog ng Bagong Koronadal, Pag-asa at Katatagan.”

Photo courtesy of Nanardz Navarro

Datu Piang officials, Mayor Cyn gets threats as residents condemn attack City turnover to BARMM nears

DATU PIANG Mayor Victor T. Samama

RESIDENTS of Datu Piang, Maguindanao joined local officials in condemning the December 3 attack on that town by an armed group apparently claiming authority of righteousness.

Mayor Victor Samama received officials and residents ostensibly overwhelmed by their expression of “sadness and strong condemnation over the unexpected atrocity perpetrated by some lawless elements.”

Vice-Mayor Nasser Abpi who had been

reportedly at political odds with the local chief executive, personally delivered to the Office of Mayor Samama his own copy of the Sangguniang Bayan Resolution condemning the attack “in strongest terms.”

Municipal Councilor Macmod Tuan sponsored the resolution adopted by the Sangguniang Bayan on December 6.

Municipal Kagawad Harristang Kasim said he was overwhelmed by an emotionally charged meeting between Mayor Samama and old Visayan Christian residents of the town escorted by their Maguindanao Muslim neighbors.

Kasim said he overheard some of the Christian residents as telling Mayor Samama during the December 4 meeting: “Lalo ka naming minahal, Mayor.”

The occasion reminisced to residents the martial law years when then Mayor

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COTABATO CITY Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi, on Thursday, bares death threats and bomb plots from anonymous senders as the city's formal turnover to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) draws nearer.

Guiani-Sayadi posted on her Facebook account copies of text messages sent to her, to Vice Mayor Graham Dumama, City Administrator Dr. Danda Juanday, Secretary to the Mayor Atty. Kitem Kadatuan, Jr. and Chief of Staff Atty. Jarissa Guiani, threatening their lives and bombing Cotabato City for "openly rejecting BARMM".

"One message said, in Filipino and in Maguindanaon dialect, that chaos will erupt in the city if we continue to campaign against its inclusion to the BARMM," the Mayor declared.

She also added that the sender threatened

Amid pandemic, RBOI-BARMM okays internet investment

THE Regional Board of Investments in the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (RBOIBARMM) has approved The investment registration of Community Wireless and Power Corporation (CWPC), a community internet service provider project.

The P14 million worth of investments will serve first in Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao. Wao in

Lanao del Sur will be its first project site.

Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, there was a notable dip in investments that could be registered in the autonomous region for this year.

RBOI registered firms were struggling to survive the economic crisis brought about by the lockdowns instituted by the government to contain Covid 19.

Most RBOI registered investors are in agriculture allowing them to survive and continue operating.

RBOI-BARMM chair Atty. Ishak Mastura said one major achievement of the RBOI this year was in pushing for the inclusion of investment operations under the newly passed Republic Act No. 11439 or the Islamic Banking Act of the Philippines, in the Investment Priorities

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that "they will not hesitate to kill those who openly reject the BARMM. Another one directly warned that they will bomb Cotabato City."

Cotabato City, a 3rd class independent component city, belongs to the Soccsksargen region.

Almost two years after majority of its residents voted for the inclusion in the Bangsamoro region in a plebiscite, the city will be formally turnover on December 15.

Guiani-Sayadi, a strong oppositor of the inclusion of the city to BARMM, said that if anything happens to her, her family, to the other officials of the city government, and to the whole city in the coming days, "you know now where to point your fingers."

"We are not afraid of you. You can spend all your money in buying sim cards and sending us threatening messages but we

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Pinoy, Korean novices receive “OMI Habit”

NINE Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) novices, three of them South Koreans, have received the Oblate habit as part of their formation at OMI Novitiate Chapel in Tamontaka, Datu Odin Sisnuat, Maguindanao on Dec. 3.

They are Bro. Kelly Mark A. Socias from Calamba, Misamis Occidental, Bro. Ariel T. VIllaflor from Midsayap, North Cotabato, Bro. Vince B. Dignadice from Tacurong City, Bro. Illuminado Flauta V from Midsayap, North Cotabato, Bro. Giovanni Paolo G. Donguines from Dasmarinas, Cavite, Bro. Jan Philip G. Cadungog from Libungan, North Cotabato, Bro. WonHyouHeo from Seong-nam City, South Korea, Bro. Sung Hoo Kim from Suwon City, South Korea, and Bro. Moon-gi Park from Uiwang City, South Korea.

Among the nine novices, five were young professionals, including an Army lieutenant. Bro.

Socias was a school teacher, Bro. Donguines worked as a school teacher in Thailand, Bro. Illuminadowas was a Human Resources Management (HRM) graduate, Bro. Moon-Gi Park also known as Peter was an Army officer in South Korea with a rank of first lieutenant, Bro. WonHyouHeo or “Paul” was a tourism graduate and a businessman.

On the other hand, the three other novices were former junior Oblates of Mary Immaculate (jOMI) who took their Batchelor’s degree in Philosophy at Notre Dame University (NDU).

As an international congregation, the OMI seminaries are often composed of mixed nationalities all over the world. This is to make flesh the spirit of OMI internationality where seminaries are pooled to create an international formation program designed for the mission.

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OBLATE HABIT. Nine Oblate of Mary Immaculate novices received on December 3 the oblate habit as part of their formation at the OMI Novitiate Chapel in Tamontaka, DOS, Maguindanao.

Photo courtesy of OMI Philippines

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December 12,2020

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Sinas visits BARMM police

Police Director General Debold Sinas on Monday visited the headquarters of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Parang, Maguindanao.

Police officers, led by its director, Brig. Gen. Samuel Rodriguez, gave Sinas a rousing welcome as he entered Camp SK Pendatun, PRO-BAR regional headquarters.

Sinas once served as regional police staff in 2013 of the now defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The shift from ARMM, whose regional charter

was Republic Act 9054, to BARMM, created via RA 11054, most known as the Bangsamoro Organic Law, is a result of 22 years of peace talks between Malacañang and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Sinas, while at Camp Salipada Pendatun, reiterated his support to the peace overture of President Duterte

with southern Moro communities.

He urged his subordinates in BARMM to embark on programs meant to sustain the momentum of Duterte’s efforts to foster lasting peace and development in the Bangsamoro region.

The visit to Camp SK Pendatun was his first since he became PNP chief. John Felix Unson

The environment chief also directed DENR12 regional office to file of charges against those behind the illegal mining activity, including some local officials and soldiers.

According to DENR, the mine site which was uncovered with the help of a tipster was located 10 kilometers away from Mt. Apo Natural Park and has not been declared a “minahang bayan” or a common area where small-scale miners are allowed to operate.

But it was within the protected area by DENR. “Whether big or small, any illegal mining activity will have to stop,” Cimatu said in a statement on Wednesday.

On Monday morning, joint personnel from DENR, its Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), North Cotabato provincial government and the military conducted the operation in Barangay Don Panaca.

At the time of the operation, there was no mining activity but DENR and MGB personnel found a 5-meter underground tunnel indicating recent

extraction or mining operation.

In report submitted

by DENR-MGB, the raiding team found inside the tunnel 25 sacks of ore, each sack weighing 90 kilograms while a sack of natural rock that contained valuable minerals was also found nearby.

DENR personnel seized three shovels and a metal bar during the raid but found no heavy equipment for mining.

“Records from the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board of Cotabato and MGB 12 show that there is no declared Minahang Bayan in the Municipality of Magpet or in the Province of North Cotabato, hence, the operation is illegal,” MGB Region 12 Director Felizardo Gacad Jr said in a statement.

Cimatu directed MGB to issue a formal ceaseand-desist order against the illegal miners and that their financiers will be charged accordingly.

Cimatu also ordered

the filing of charges against illegal loggers who allegedly cut hardwood trees near the mining site, also within the Mt. Apo protected area.

“This is outrageous!” was the reaction of Sec. Piñol after he learned of the illegal activities.

“What makes this discovery totally outrageous was the confirmation that local officials, allegedly protected by Army soldiers, are behind the mining and clearing operations inside one (of) the last remaining forest areas of Mindanao.” Sec. Piñol said.

He said the poachers have started planting bananas in the areas cleared of natural growing trees in an attempt to covered the logged areas.

He said he already submitted a to President Duterte “so that the encroachment into the Mt. Apo Forest Reserves will be stopped immediately.” Edwin O.

Cimatu shuts Magpet...From page 1

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late NARCISO B. CARIÑO who died on May 14, 2010 at Midsayap, Cotabato, left a parcel of land “KOT BLG. P-59853” Lot No. 605-H, Csd-12-005788, situated at Kimagango, Midsayap, Cotabato with an area of 17,477 sq. mts, more or less is the subject of Extrajudicial Settlement of estate with waiver of rights before Notary Public Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 27; Page No. 6; Book No. CXCVII; Series of 2020.

MC: Nov. 28 , Dec 5 & 12,, 2020

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late Spouses CANUTO MISTOSO and REGINA MANLA-MISTOSO who died on February 7, 1994 and December 28, 1988 at Cabayuran, Libungan, Cotabato, respectively, left a parcel of land Lot No. 178, Pls-134, situated at Cabayuran, Midsayap, Cotabato with an area of 63,268 sq. mts., more or less covered by OCT No. V-10182 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate among heirs with partition before Notary Public Atty. Noel A. Gretare, CPA, as per Doc. No. 2423; Page No. 65; Book No. LXXI; Series of 2020.

MC: Dec. 12, 19 & 26, 2020

Fernandez

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 December 2-28, 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 December 23, 2020.

Soldiers outsmarted BIFF gunmen As the Army in Maguindanao intensified manhunt against local terrorists responsible in attacking Datu Piang town and burning police car, seven gunmen were nabbed during Army led law enforcement operations.

The seven suspected combatants of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were nabbed in Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao on Tuesday.

Lt. Col. Rogelio Gabi, Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion commander, said soldiers manning a quarantine checkpoint noticed the gunmen on a vehicle trying to pass the Army checkpoint in Sitio Barugot, Barangay Mother Tuayan, Datu Hoffer.

“They identified themselves as legitimate members of Islamic Liberation Front (MILF),” Gabi said.

But when asked for proper identification, they could not provide one.

“That prompted Army troopers to arrest the seven and confiscate their firearms,” Gabi said, adding that the suspects were carrying two M1 Garand rifles, two M14 rifles and ammunition.

Gabi said all those arrested were brought to the Maguindanao police headquarters in Datu Hofer town for proper documentation and interrogation.

The Army official said police and military intelligence operatives are

jointly establishing what particular faction of three BIFF groups in the province the seven belonged.

The BIFF, blamed by government forces, for harassments against soldiers, police and bombings in Central Mindanao, including last week’s attack in Datu Piang, Maguindanao, has three factions.

These are Kagi Karialan and Abu Toraife, the most radical among the three and the third group is under Kumander Bungos, less radical and known for being deeply religious.

All are operating in the Ligausan Marsh that encompasses the borders of Maguindanao, North Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat provinces. Edwin

but rather a sign of strength of spirit and a capacity for concern, for compassion, for genuine openness to others, for love,” he said.

His coat of arms features a spikenard, which is associated with St. Joseph in Hispanic iconographic tradition.

On May 1, 2013, the pope authorized a decree instructing that St. Joseph’s name be inserted into Eucharistic Prayers II, III, and IV. During an apostolic visit to the Philippines in 2015, the pope explained why he kept an image of the saint on his desk.

“I would also like to tell you something very personal,” he said. “I have great love for St. Joseph,

because he is a man of silence and strength.”

“On my table I have an image of St. Joseph sleeping.

Even when he is asleep, he is taking care of the Church!

Yes! We know that he can do that. So when I have a problem, a difficulty, I write a little note and I put it underneath St. Joseph, so that he can dream about it! In other words I tell him: pray for this problem!”

At his general audience on March 18 this year, he urged Catholics to turn to St. Joseph in times of adversity.

“In life, at work and within the family, through joys and sorrows, he always sought and loved the Lord, deserving the Scriptures’ eulogy that described him

as a just and wise man,” he said.

“Always invoke him, especially in difficult times and entrust your life to this great saint.”

The pope concluded his new apostolic letter by urging Catholics to pray to St. Joseph for “the grace of graces: our conversion.”

He ended the text with a prayer: “Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

To you God entrusted his only Son; in you Mary placed her trust; with you Christ became man. Blessed Joseph, to us too, show yourself a father and guide us in the path of life. Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage, and defend us from every evil. Amen.” CNA

reckon with.

He said last night’s attack could be in retaliation to Army offensives launched in the Liguasan marshland after the Datu Piang attack last Dec. 3.

Following the Datu Piang attack, Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, 6th Infantry Division commander, has

ordered the deployment of more soldiers backed by armored personnel carriers in areas within the so called “SPMS box.”

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

Maguindanao and known to be the bailiwick of BIFF.

Pope Francis proclaims Year of...From page 4

Army, CAFGU spoil BIFF...From page 8

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late NARCISO B. CARIÑO who died on May 14, 2010 at Midsayap, Cotabato, left parcels of land Lot No. 3475-A-2, Bsd-11-001710; Lot No. 3475-A-1, Bsd-11-001710 & Lot No. 3475-A-4, Bsd-11-001710 situated at Igpit, Digos, Davao del Sur, with the total area of 24,760 sq. mts., more or less covered by TCT Nos. T-43095, T-43094 & T-43096, respectively, are the subject of Extrajudicial Settlement of estate with simultaneous waiver of rights before Notary Public Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 96; Page No. 20; Book No. CXC; Series of 2020.

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late BERNABE B. ORO, who died intestate on July 30, 2014, left a parcel of land Lot 22, Sheet 1, Block 16, (LRC) Pcs-7123, covered by TCT No. T-9456 in Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, with an area of 350 sq. mts., more or less is the subject of extrajudicial settlement with waiver of rights and simultaneous sale before Notary Public MALEIHA E. USMAN as per Doc. No. 214; Page No. 43; Book No. I, Series of 2020.

Notice is hereby given that the late HELEN A. BOCALA who died intestate in Cotabato City on August 31, 2019, left a Bank Account with Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), Cotabato City under Savings Account No.0000007590309596, is subject of Sole Affidavit of Self-Adjudication by heir before Notary Public Atty. Agnes P. ParachaBalleque, as per Doc. No. 413; Page No. 83; Book No. 03; Series of 2020.

Notice is hereby given that the late ANTONIO L. PINALVA who died intestate on December 4, 1991, left parcel of land Lot 2, Block 31, Psd-32741, with an area of 411 sq. mts., more or less, covered

by TCT No. T-5478, is the subject of extrajudicial settlement with deed of absolute sale before Notary Public Maleiha E. Usman, as per Doc. No. 217; Page No. 44; Book No. I; Series of 2020.

Notice is hereby given that the late MANUEL TIO HERRERA, who died on May 16, 2017 at Sta. Cruz, Manila, left real and personal properties: parcels of land in Cotabato City Lot 239-A-5-C3-B-2-D-2-B-2-A, Psd-123804020537; Lot 239-A-5-C-3-B2-D-2-2-A, Psd-12-002175; Lot No. 1991-A-4-A, Psd-12000632; Lot 1, Block 7, Psd12-015726; Lot 2, Block 7, Psd-12-015726 with the total area of 9,209 sq. mts., more of less; Lot 143-B-2, Psd-11045033 at Alabel, Sarangani with an area 50,000 sq.mts, more or less; Lot 3114-0-2, Psd-12-004052 & Lot -1-B-3, Psd-12-000-3347 at Libungan, Cotabato with the total area of 7,874 sq. mts., more or less; Lot 1342-D-3-C-26 (LRC Psd185595) at Lagao, General Santos City with an area of 419 sq. mts. covered by TCT Nos. T-35449, T-18056, T-24447, T-32657, T-32658, T-7352, T-77347, T-98332 & T-75918, respectively; 4 Storey Building on Lot 239-A-5-C-3B-2-A; Shares of Stocks at CSP Digital Image Corporation and Dee Herrera Supreme Foods Corp.; Machineries in Lot 2382 under Tax Declaration Nos. 12-06-1828, 12-06-1866 & 12-06-1867 are subject of Deed of Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate before Notary Public Melquiades E. Cedeño as per Doc. No. 461; Page No. 93; Book No. CCXC; Series of 2020.

MC: Nov. 28, Dec. 5 & 12, 2020

MC: Dec. 5, 12 & 19, 2020

MC: Dec. 5, 12 & 19, 2020

MC: Nov. 28 , Dec. 5 & 12, 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 Disyembre 2-28, 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 Disyembre 23,2020.

MC: December, 12 &19, 2020 EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

AFFIDAVIT OF SELFADJUDICATION

O. Fernandez

MC: Nov. 28 , Dec 5 & 12,, 2020

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Edwin O. Fernandez

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 12th JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH 13 COTABATO CITY

SPL. PROC. NO. 2017-1272 AKLIMA MALAMBUT DAGALANGIT, Petitioner, -versusTHE CIVIL REGISTRAR OF PARANG, MAGUINDANAO

Respondent. x---------------------------x ORDER A verified petition has been filed with this Court by petitioner AKLIMA MALAMBUT DAGALANGIT through counsel, Atty. Agnes De Castro-Jagunap praying that after due notice, publication and hearing, an Order be issued directing the Office of the Local Civil Registrar of Parang, Maguindanao to make the necessary correction in the Certificate of Live Birth of the herein Petitioner.

It appearing that the petition is sufficient in form and substance, let this case be set for hearing before this Court on September 11, 2018 at 8:30 0’clock in the morning, at which place, date and time, all interested parties are required to appear and show cause, if there be any, 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 in the City of Cotabato, Philippines, this 19th day of July, 2018.

(Sgd)Bansawan Z. Ibrahim, Al Haj Executive Judge

MC: Dec. 5, 12 & 19, 2020

December 12,2020

THE MINDANAO CROSS

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December 12, 2020

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Misa de Gallo in the time of pandemic The Immaculate Conception Cathedral (ICC) Parish on Thursday has issued the instructions on the celebration of Advent season amid coronavirus pandemic.

“Although we are yet to receive Executive Order from the city government stating the guidelines for the Advent season, the ICC will hold Simbang Gabi and Misa de Gallo respectively,” said ICC Parish Rector Fr. Benjamin Ariel P. Toreto, DCC. For the holding of Simbang Gabi (night mass), the ICC set the schedule at 7:00 p.m. for the anticipated mass starting December 15.

While the Misa de Gallo (Spanish for “Rooster’s Mass”) is set to begin on December 16 at 4:00 a.m.

“We have invited some priests to hold a mass in few major chapels around the city. While other small chapels are encouraged to hold a ‘Kasaulugan sa Pulong’ or ‘Novena sa Gabi’ through a kaabag in their

community,” said Fr. Toreto.

For the seniors and the children who probably cannot attend dawn masses, the ICC encouraged them to hear mass via live stream on their television.

“Health protocols such as social distancing, wearing of facemasks and face shields, and use of disinfectants are still in place and strictly observe during the mass celebrations,” Fr. Toreto, more known as Ben, reminded the churchgoers.

“Simbang Gabi” is a nine-day series of early morning or dawn masses, held from Dec. 16 to 24, which usually takes place from 3 a.m. to 5 a.m.

The tradition, which began in 1669 during the Spanish rule, started as a compromise to allow

farmers to hear mass early before toiling in the field has become a much-anticipated holiday tradition ingrained in Filipino cultural identity.

CBCP Guidelines Earlier, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has issued guidelines for the churches and public to follow for this year’s Simbang Gabi celebrations.

As it stands, there might be adjustments as some local government units may localize the guidelines.

“Since it is necessary to implement social distancing even in our liturgical celebrations, and this will prevent us from accommodating the many who would participate in these masses, we recommend that for

Simbang Gabi, the masses in the evening can start as early as 6 P.M. and for the morning the last Aguinaldo Masses, Misa de Gallo or Simbang Gabi Mass can be at 6 A.M.,” the CBCP said in a statement.

“The Bishop of the place in consultation with the pastors of the parishes and coordination with the LGU could schedule more Simbang Gabi Masses in different venues which can be large enough to accommodate more people and still observing social distancing.

“On Christmas Eve, the Vigil Mass of Christmas may be celebrated from 6 in the evening. The last Mass of December 24 would take the liturgy of the Midnight Mass of Christmas. The dawn Mass of Christmas

may also be celebrated early morning of December 25.”

Furthermore, mass attendees are asked to bring their image of the infant Jesus if they like as the “kissing or touching of images [are] still prohibited during this time of the pandemic.”

Local governments can adjust curfew hours so their constituents can attend Simbang Gabi, the traditional pre-dawn Masses for Christmas, Malacañang said.

The city government of Cotabato, however, is yet to adjust the curfew from 10:30 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.

Previously, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año discouraged the public from doing face-to-face Christmas caroling and instead just resort to online caroling to

avoid being contaminated with the coronavirus.

However, there is nothing final yet on his proposal.

“In the ICC, we will not allow caroling. We are also discouraging house-to-house caroling. Although during the Misa de Gallo, the choir will perform at least three carol songs before the mass,” Fr. Ben said.

“The celebration of Christmas may be different this year. We will not have the same frenzy and stressful preparations that we had before the pandemic,” said the CBCP in closing.

“But we pray and help our faithful to see the heart and the essence of the season in the simple, sober, silent but strong and loving truth of the God who comes to us in Jesus’ incarnation.”

a Year of St. Joseph so that “every member of the faithful, following his example, may strengthen their life of faith daily in the complete fulfillment of God’s will.”

It added that the pope had granted special indulgences to mark the year.

The Dec. 8 decree was issued by the Apostolic Penitentiary, the dicastery of the Roman Curia that oversees indulgences, and signed by the Major Penitentiary, Cardinal Mauro Piacenza, and the Regent, Msgr. Krzysztof Nykiel.

In addition to the decree, Francis issued an apostolic letter Tuesday dedicated to the foster father of Jesus.

The pope explained in the letter, entitled Patris corde (“With a father’s heart”) and dated Dec. 8, that he wanted to share some “personal reflections”

on the spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

“My desire to do so increased during these months of pandemic,” he said, noting that many people had made hidden sacrifices during the crisis in order to protect others.

“Each of us can discover in Joseph — the man who goes unnoticed, a daily, discreet and hidden presence — an intercessor, a support and a guide in times of trouble,” he wrote.

“St. Joseph reminds us that those who appear hidden or in the shadows can play an incomparable role in the history of salvation.”

Pope Pius IX proclaimed St. Joseph patron of the Universal Church on Dec. 8, 1870, in the decree Quemadmodum Deus.

In its decree Tuesday, the Apostolic Penitentiary said that, “to reaffirm the universality of St. Joseph’s patronage in the Church,” it would grant a plenary

indulgence to Catholics who recite any approved prayer or act of piety in honor of St. Joseph, especially on March 19, the saint’s solemnity, and May 1, the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker.

Other notable days for the plenary indulgence are the Feast of the Holy Family on Dec. 29, St. Joseph’s Sunday in the Byzantine tradition, the 19th of each month and every Wednesday, a day dedicated to the saint in the Latin tradition.

The Apostolic Penitentiary added: “In the current context of health emergency, the gift of the plenary indulgence is particularly extended to the elderly, the sick, the dying and all those who for legitimate reasons are unable to leave the house, who, with a soul detached from any sin and with the intention of fulfilling, as soon as possible, the three usual conditions, in their

own home or where the impediment keeps them, recite an act of piety in honor of St. Joseph, comfort of the sick and patron of a happy death, offering with trust in God the pains and discomforts of their life.”

The three conditions for receiving a plenary indulgence are sacramental confession, the reception of Holy Communion and prayer for the pope’s intentions.

In his apostolic letter, Pope Francis reflected on the fatherly qualities of St. Joseph, describing him as beloved, tender and loving, obedient, accepting, and “creatively courageous.” He also underlined that he was a working father.

The pope referred to the saint as “a father in the shadows,” citing the novel “The Shadow of the Father,” published by the Polish author Jan Dobraczyński in 1997.

He said that

Dobraczyński, who was declared Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem in 1993 for saving Jewish children in Warsaw in World War II, “uses the evocative image of a shadow to define Joseph.”

“In his relationship to Jesus, Joseph was the earthly shadow of the heavenly Father: he watched over him and protected him, never leaving him to go his own way,” the pope wrote.

Pope Francis has promoted devotion to St. Joseph throughout his pontificate.

He began his petrine ministry on March 19, 2013, the Solemnity of St. Joseph, and dedicated the homily at his inauguration Mass to the saint.

“In the Gospels, St. Joseph appears as a strong and courageous man, a working man, yet in his heart we see great tenderness, which is not the virtue of the weak

Valerie Ann P. Lambo

Pope Francis proclaims Year of St. Joseph

St. Joseph carrying the infant Jesus.

VATICAN— Pope Francis announced a Year of St. Joseph Tuesday in honor of the 150th anniversary of the saint’s proclamation as patron of the Universal Church.

The year begins Dec. 8, 2020, and concludes on Dec. 8, 2021, according to a decree authorized by the pope.

The decree said that Francis had established e are celebrating document gives the reason “Gaudete” for renewed evangelization, Sunday. The “Those who accept His offer Latin word “Gaudete” of salvation are set free from means “Rejoice, “ echoing sin, sorrow, inner emptiness the responsorial psalm, and loneliness. With Christ “My soul rejoices in my joy is constantly born anew.”

God.” The gospel speaks Fittingly, the Philippine Rev. Fr. Antonio P. Pueyo, DCC church closes the nineof John the Baptist tonypoy_dcc0@yahoo.com year novena of the arrival telling his hearers that the Messiah has arrived. of Christianity in the The long awaited day of salvation has come and therefore, Philippines, with the theme “missio ad gentes” or mission let us rejoice. Liturgically, Gaudete Sunday is placed on to the nations. Inspired by Jesus’ words in the gospel (Mt. the third Sunday to signify that the birth of Jesus is near. 10:8), we share the faith that we have received. Three Only one more Sunday before Christmas. popes have visited the Philippines, Paul VI (1971), St. What is it that we should rejoice about in these John Paul II (1981 and 1995), and Francis (2015). In times of the pandemic and its consequences? Despite the these visits the Popes reiterated the role of the Philippine hardships, let us count our blessings. We are still alive. church as a beacon of faith not only for Asia but for Thanks be to God. We have the gifts of family, relatives the whole world. To add to the Filipino missionaries we and friends who give us support during difficult times. already have in many parts of the globe, 500 YOC will Travel and doing business may be limited by many health close in April 2022 with the sending forth of more that protocols but we somehow manage to continue with our 500 missionaries (lay, priests, and religious). professions and livelihood. Pupils and students may not The Lord Jesus Himself quoted from the prophet be in school but education continues. Most of all, we are Isaiah which is today’s first reading, “The spirit of the still able to continue our religious and worship activities, Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed within certain health parameters. me; he We have to be thankful for the gift of our Christian has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor, to heal faith. This coming year we will be having a year-long the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and celebration of 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines, release to the prisoners, to announce a year of favor from dubbed as 500YOC (April 2021-April 2022). It has been the Lord and a day of vindication by our God” (Is.61: 1ff.).

500 years since the explorers from Spain, led by Ferdinand Jesus claimed this as his own mission in his first Magellan reached our shores on March 16, 1521. The preaching in his own synagogue in Nazareth. This too is theme of this celebration is “Gifted to give.” Because we the purpose of present missionaries in proclaiming the have received the faith as a gift, we should also share it to joy of the gospel. It is to bring “glad tidings to the poor”. the whole world. We received the faith from missionaries The poor are those who are poor materially and are and we should be the missionaries of faith in return. deprived of the basic necessities of life, and also those In his apostolic exhortation, “Evangelii gaudium” or who may be discriminated because of their social status, the Joy of the Gospel (2013), Pope Francis urged the entire as well as those who are poor in faith, although materially church “to embark on a new chapter of evangelization well-off. In today’s environment, missionaries have to for the Church’s journey in years to come.” We have to bring the joy of the gospel to a world of conflicts and reawaken in all believers and church institutions the violence, a world of materialism and consumerism, and zeal for the missions, particularly going out into the a world of secularism and irreligiosity. The mission field margins of society. As Jesus was sent by the Father, is wide. The challenge for the Philippine church is so the Church is sent by Jesus to bring the joy of the to participate by prayer and resources in the work gospel to the whole world. The opening statement of this of sharing the joy of the gospel. MC

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The Joy of the Gospel

REFLECTIONS

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B adaliyya Fr. Jun Mercado, OMI

Short Reflection for 3rd Sunday of Advent (B) Readings:

Is. 61: 1-2. 10-11; 1Thes. 5: 16-24; John. 1: 6-8. 19-28

Selected Gospel Passage: He said: “I am ‘the voice of one crying out in the desert, “Make straight the way of the Lord,”’ * as Isaiah the prophet said.” (John 1: 23)

Meditation:

The call is to ‘make straight the way of the Lord’.

Often, we miss the coming of the Lord into our lives, because of the ‘hardness’ or the ‘crookedness’ of our hearts. John the Baptist reminds us that if we truly want to feel and see the coming of the Lord into our lives, we need to have a change of heart - a true conversion.

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

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

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

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

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THE MINDANAO CROSS

December 12,2020

EDITORIAL Are we lucky to be urbanizing?

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he urban development of Cotabato City is one for the books. Compared to the rest of urban areas in Mindanao, its development is one that cannot be described as leaps and bounds. It is more like a creeping turtle, that moves forward with safety and surety. While cities like Koronadal and General Santos have grown twofold or threefold in terms of commerce and population densities, Cotabato City has moved forward slowly, almost defying the projections that it remain the urban center of Western Mindanao. Together with this creeping development are the problems of urbanization in such a small setting – traffic, homelessness, flooding, garbage and wastewater disposal.

Why did this happen to a city located in the best site of the island – with a harbour for commercial ships traveling the Zamboanga and Sulu Sea route; a productive grounds for fishermen covering the Illana Bay/Moro Gulf; the outlet of the river system running through the mountains surrounding the Cotabato plains; and the delta that cleanses the heart of the surrounding Ligawasan marshland?

Despite its strategic location, this magnificent ecosystem have its own smaller ecosystems, which became the political centers of tribes and their leaders.

As a result, the region to where it belongs, formerly called the empire province, was chopped into political districts, with Cotabato City still as the urbanizing center, but barely the size of the former area that it once covered in history. However, for people like me born and raised in the city, it seem difficult to accept that when you pass the bridge that cross the Rio Grande on the north you are stepping on another municipality which is Sultan Kudarat. The same is true on the south where passing the bridge across the Tamontaka River brings one to the municipality of Datu Odin Sinsuat. This is how small the city has turned out to be. A new development is its inclusion as part of the new Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao – another change in its difficult history.

Many say that its strength, which is a motley of tribes and cultures has turned to be its weakness.

In the process of urbanization, the city negated the theory that different tribes and cultures will adopt the best and contribute to the surfacing of a new and stronger culture. In some ways, it did, because the new generation do not refer to themselves as Maguindanao, Tagalog, Teduray, or Ilonggo but instead call themselves Cotabatenos. But this is a challenge to the social milieu of the city, to look for that elusive adhesive that will bring together the population.

The city has been the subject of studies in the past to produce a masterplan that will make its development more orderly, and are according to the tenets of a land use plan. This is a very important endeavour because the city is short of liveable land.

Like Mexico City which is located in a delta, there is that perception that the city is sinking every year.

Well, whether it sinks fast or not, modern technology is now present to alleviate these dangers.

The plans prepared in the past were not implemented because of problems that run counter to the present principles of urban development planning.

Recently, a team headed by Danny Buenbrazo started work on a new urban development plan for the city under the auspices of JICA. Hopefully, this time, it will be responsive to the needs of a unique urbanizing city like Cotabato. +

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uman rights are more than legal concepts: they are the essence of man. They are what make man human. That is why they are called human rights: deny them and you deny man’s humanity.”

In these words, Jose W. Diokno, former Senator of the Republic of the Philippines and founding chair of the Commission on Human Rights, started his lecture at a Convocation on Human Rights at Siliman University in Dumaguete City on the occasion of its 80th Founder’s Day in August 1981. Ka Pepe, as he is more famously known, was a man of many causes, and according to “A Nation for Our Children,” an anthology of his selected writings published in 1987, they were among his ruling passions. “He defended human rights at great risk, especially at a time when championing them was considered subversive by a militarized state. “ Ka Pepe who was then on his second term as senator when Ferdinand Marcos announced the declaration of martial law on September 21, 1972.

Considered by Marcos as among his staunchest critics and opponents, he along with Benigno Aquino, Jr. and Manila Times founder and head Don Chino Roces, were the first to be incarcerated.

Ka Pepe spent nearly two years in prison, without charges, released by the government only on September 1974, on Marcos’ 57th birthday.

“Almost everywhere human rights are extolled,” Ka Pepe said in his 1981 lecture at Siliman. “Yet almost everywhere they are violated, and nowhere with less shame than in our country,” he adds. Ka Pepe was of course referring to the dismal human rights situation in the militarized state under Marcos. But don’t his words ring true for us 39 years after?

Ahead of the global Human Rights Day, Civicus Monitor, which describes itself as “a global alliance dedicated to strengthening citizen action and civil society around the world,” released a report noting severe restrictions on fundamental freedoms such as freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly and association in the Philippines, citing ongoing attacks against activists and journalists.

In a taped speech at the Human Rights Summit organized by the Department of Justice on Monday, President Rodrigo Duterte said he is proud that the Philippines is among the signatories of the world’s

O

‘Human rights make us

Thinking Aloud Caloy Bautista

caloyb@gmail.com

core human rights treaties. This, he said, is an affirmation of the country’s “serious commitment in honoring and fulfilling our treaty obligations and prioritizing the human rights agenda as a means to achieve our country’s sustainable development goals.” But the work is “far from over,” he said.

We cannot agree less. When you have government officials and agencies using public resources in systematic intimidation, attacks and vilification of civil society and activists standing up for social justice and human rights, and an increased crackdown on freedoms such as that of the press, you have democracy in peril.

Civicus Monitor lists these among the Top 10 violations to civic freedoms: detention of protesters, harassment, censorship, intimidation, attacks on journalists, protest disruption, restrictive law, detention of journalists, excessive force and detention of rights defenders.

President Duterte is right. That the Philippines is a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights should be a source of pride – our country was among the 48 original signatories of the document at the United Nations in Paris on December 10, 1948. In the same vein, it should be a matter of pride that we have a Bill of Rights enshrined in our constitution.

But having these – being a signatory to treaties or having a Bill of Rights – holds real meaning and value only as long as they are honored in practice.

And just honoring these rights in practice should be “a serious commitment” of the government, it should also be our serious commitment to ensure that these same rights, these rights that are the essence of our humanity, what make us human, are protected. MC

BTA term extension; not post-polls holdover

FFICIALS of the new Bangsamoro Regional Government seek term extension on the threeyear transitional governing body, even as they clarify that this was distinct from the office tenure of its Presidential appointee-Parliament members.

Lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, spokesperson of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), has explained that extending the lifespan of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) is being acted on in Congress, and that has to be treated separately from the Presidential appointments of the Nash B. Maulana 80 BTA Parliament members. nash.penlight@gmail.com Sinarimbo, also BARMM Minister of the interior and local governments, says even President Duterte started operating, albeit on funds and programs sees the extension proposal being essentially drafted and partly implemented by its forerunner, the reasonable and necessary, when presented by Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Al-Hadj prior to the ratification of RA 11054.

Murad Ebrahim during a meeting last week.

Following the MPC assessment of BOL provisions M a g u i n d a n a o R e p r e s e n t a t i v e E s m a e l with the time-bound implementation period, the Mangudadatu met with the Chief Minister along BARMM would have been two years and three months with BARMM Executive Secretary Abdulraof Macacua in the May 2022 national elections. and Sinarimbo, after having filed House Bill 8117 to Both the government and the Moro Islamic amend Republic Act 11054, the Bangsamoro Organic L i b e r a t i o n F r o n t ( M I L F ) h a d n o m i n a t e d Law (BOL), which sets BARMM election three years representatives to the Interim BTA Parliament, and after its ratification in February 2019. their nominees were appointed by President Rodrigo They explain that it is the three-year transition Duterte, mostly in February 2019. period that is primarily sought to be “extended” and But Sinarimbo says critics of the extension not the resetting of an election day which is fixed by proposal tend to lump up separate issues of the regular laws. exclusive powers of Congress to amend RA 11054 and BTA is BARMM’s interim governing body during the Executive mandates on appointments. its first three years of developing and establishing He says in the case of then ARMM Governor an autonomous bureaucracy, concurrently with Nur Misuari, he was elected in 1996. The Congress the national government in the framework of granted the resetting of the ARMM election from 1999 “intergovernmental relations (IGR) bodies,” Sinarimbo to 2001, due to a shaky situation then obtaining from points out. offensives on Camp Abubakar by the administration For their part, the Mindanao People’s Caucus of President Estrada.

(MPC), a forum of peace advocates’ groups, brings Postponing the elections in 2001, Congress also to fore the argument that the three-year transition granted Misuari and his fellow elected officials the should not be reckoned from 2019 when BARMM inherent holdover powers in office. MC

PENLIGHT

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

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

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

Member: PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

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

6

Preemption with prudence TRUE TO FORM

turnover ceremony when the issue has yet to be decided by the Supreme Court.

For Palace officials to inform its BAR counterparts of the fixed turnover rite on Tuesday is sub judice and a disrespect to Charlie Señase the “court of last resort” csenase@yahoo.com that has yet to decide on city mayor’s plebisciteUMAN frailties are inherent among related complaint of alus to adhere in the saying that leged harassment and intimidation that to err is human but to forgive is resulted in the Yes vote triumph. divine.

The sub judice rule states any legal President Duterte has apologized on and controversial issues and concerns bemaking public last year the list of the ing tackled by the court of law strictly procountry’s top drug suspects that included hibits outside interferences or comments the name of a town mayor who was shot from the press and media circle. and killed last week by unknown gunmen The December 15 turnover rite, if inside the municipal hall. indeed true, prior to the Supreme Court The President disowned the list as a verdict on Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi’s collation of “bigtime” drug suspects from complaint is an act unbecoming of our police and military intelligence records. He public officials. apologized to the bereaved family of Mayor What puzzles neutral observers and Caesar Perez, which gesture was described the electorate themselves is the fact that

by Human Rights Watch as “cowardly.”

Cotabato City had been the permanent The common saying that “Dead men seat of Region-12 which is now SOCCSARtell no tales” could insinuate the possibility GEN and the provisional seat of Muslim that some corrupt lawmen are in cahoots, Mindanao region for more than 40 years. thus the need to silence the conspiracy Until lately, it was transferred to Korotheory. nadal City in South Cotabato and continue A thorough and impartial investiga- to be the temporary seat of BARMM, fortion is in order to uncover the motive and merly ARMM. identities of the people behind the slay plot.

As the saying goes, in life nothing is Culprits may escape the standard permanent except change, for what has earthly probe due perhaps to affluence and been is what will be. Like a race in everyconnections, but there is an inescapable thing, there is always an end. somewhere that all secrets are exposed From generation to generation, we irrespective of persons. were told to choose between life and death, Indeed, reality is a balancing act to blessing and curse for the world is a neverconfront individual interest on what’s law- ending struggle of the good, the bad and ful and unlawful that most in the world the ugly. today may hold-on to the latter for the love As we’ve been reminding friends and of self and money. foes alike of God’s Word to choose light This week people are talking about instead of darkness. the fate of Cotabato City following earlier Let’s not allow ourselves to be conreports in the media circle that by Decem- sumed by hate due envy and greed but ber 15 the city will be formally turn-over to instead let God’s will be done that we love the Bangsamoro Autonomous Government one another even bitter enemies. after decades of its being part of Central We were commanded to avoid deadly Mindanao or Region-12. gadgets or weapons of mass destruction There’s no question about it since when outraged and furious for Christ has Cotabato City is geographically part of warned in ancient times that “All who Maguindanao province. But why the take the sword will perish by the sword” premature announcement of a formal (Matthew 20:52). MC

H

In 2015 their family suffered an unimaginable heartache after Beau, who served as Delaware Attorney General died of brain cancer at the age of 46. The second son had been married two times.

As of this writing, Pres.

Donald Trump has yet to Victoria R. Franco, RPh, MS Pharmacy accept the election outcomes, franco1573victoria@gmail.com but for President Elect Joseph Biden, it is time “to heal and f the old adage holds, life begins at 40.

Not anymore. Many find fulfilling careers bring back the greatness of America.”

For the first 100 days in office, he beyond retiring ages of 60 or 70. Kenny Rogers went big time with his deli shop at the will require everyone in the US to wear age of 70. Some look forward and save up to a mask; he also appointed Dr. Anthony pursue their passions after retirement, free Fauci, physician and immunologist who has advised six Presidents on HIV/AIDS from the stifling confines of an office.

For the US president-elect Joe Biden, and many other domestic and global health the road to,presidency is one for a Netflix issues.

As the US Government grapples over the movie or teleserye. In 1972, tragic vehicular accident killed his first wife, and college increasing number of COVID-19 patients, sweetheart, Neilia , and a daughter, 1-year pharmaceutical companies race to make the old Naomi leaving him to raise his two sons, vaccines available. To boost confidence over Beau and Hunter alone. Three years later the effectivity of the vaccines, 3 former US the Delaware Senator was introduced by his presidents presented themselves for early brother to Jill (née Jacobs) then a coed at the inoculation. These are former US Presidents University of Delaware. Theirs was a simple Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and George wedding with 40 guests only. In the late 70’s, Bush. Ahead of the race with the FDA of Jill began her 30-year career in education. US approval are Pfizer and Moderna. From She maintains a job teaching at Northern what I learned, Pfizer’s vaccine requires Virginia Community College in the English negative cooling temperature while Moderna Department, and will continue to do so even is ok with the room temperature.

While these vaccines bring hope for the as she is going to be the First Lady of the USA come January 2021. She was divorced end of the pandemic, we cannot say what the long time effects will be .Meanwhile, take from Bill Stevenson in 1975.

The Bidens have been married for our daily dose of vitamin D from sunshine, 40 years. They have a daughter together, vitamin C from fruits and vegetables, take a Ashley, a social worker and fashion designer. rest, sleep 8 hours each day, and pray. MC

Life at 78 THE STUFF OF LIFE

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December 12, 2020

THE MINDANAO CROSS

gastrocolic reflex which comes after food intake.

We will also encourage increase mobility and increase in the daily intake of fluids and dietary fiber.

Once constipation or impaction is treated, steps should be taken Cheridine P. Oro- Josef, to prevent recurrence.

M.D., DFM, FPAFP, FPCGM We have to encourage cheridinemd@gmail.com continuation of exercise and increase in dietary fiber. Help them t is not uncommon for an older person to complain of constipation or delayed regularize their bowel pattern. As patients colon emptying. The regular bowel too, you should ask your doctors of the habits become an every other day or every possible side effects of the drugs they 3 days activity. This leaves the older prescribe, to choose a less- constipating person anxious and they worry about the alternative or by adding a laxative. possibility of infection and other colonic Caretakers should also be educated problems that may arise from the apparent regarding constipation. Caretakers should note refusal of food or feedings because ‘constipation’.

Constipation is defined as a change in this is normal for patients who are bowel function consisting of diminished unable to evacuate their bowels. When frequency of defecation and often increased patients aspirate food or feedings , this difficulty with defecation. Impaction, can be a result of caretakers’ well-intended on the other hand, is the end result attempts to nourish patients. If there of prolonged exposure of accumulated is really fecal impaction it should be stool to the absorptive forces of the colon addressed within the first 48 hours of care.

Laxatives available in the market and rectum. Several reasons why older people suffer from it include, decreased include bulk- forming agents ( high fiber physical mobility and low- fiber diets supplements, psyllium and senna), osmotic leading to prolonged colon transit time agents ( lactulose, sorbitol, glycerine and failure of the defecation mechanism suppository), stimulants (castor oil and called dyschezia. Systemic diseases such as bisacodyl), emollients and salts (milk of hypothyroidism, uremia, hypercalcemia, magnesia and magnesium citrate).

Take note though that your bowel depression, parkinsonism, cerebrovascular accidents and diabetes may cause difficulty movement habits from childhood will most in defecation. Some drugs too like the likely be the same in your old age, hence, anticholinergics, aluminium hydroxide, a change in this pattern warrants a visit calcium channel blockers, iron and to your doctor. My simple advice: small nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs frequent eating and eat more green and may cause delay in colonic emptying. leafy vegetables. MC Older persons come in the clinic usually complaining of a change in the frequency of their bowel movement. Sometimes they refuse to eat or take their medication because of the feeling of fullness.

How do we manage constipation?

Doctors will more likely treat underlying systemic diseases especially depression.

They may replace potassium and magnesium and remove or replace all offending medication. Doctors may also give glycerine suppositories at certain intervals taking note of the normal

CONSTIPATION IN THE ELDERLY

GOLDEN THREADS

I

the project team needs to observe while implementing activities or operations. These rules or guidelines cover procurement, finance, personnel, environmental protection, among others.

Why would a project Danny Buenbrazo reach a critical situation? danny_buenbrazo@yahoo.com From a project constraint perspective, he term sinking ship had been used to describe a variety of precarious things could go wrong due to errors in the planning phase or in the implementation situations.

Some of the common conditions that stage. The scope of the project could be are likened to a sinking include businesses so wide that there would be insufficient that are going bankrupt, an organization time to do all the required activities or to that is failing, an administration struggling put things in place. It is also possible that to govern, or a political party losing the number of project components would not be possible to fund with the available popularity.

Very recently, I heard someone use budget.

The project planners also may not the term to describe a project in trouble. It sounds like a fitting description too when have been realistic with their projection applied to a project encountering rough of completion of activities within the time allocated for the project. For example, sailing.

To better understand how a project can based on historical data, the construction of get into a troubled state, let us understand a 3-kilometer road in the interior barangay the project management challenges and its XYZ takes at least 150 calendar days to resources. Each project has three basic complete but in the plan, it was envisioned challenges or constraints: time, scope, and that construction and preparatory activities cost. Time refers to the duration within (social preparation, detailed engineering which all activities and deliverables (e.g. design, and procurement) could be done infrastructures, training, among others) in six months (or 180 days).

Getting into a “sinking ship” situation shall have been achieved. Scope refers to the activities and other items that a project could also be imputable to the team itself is supposed to accomplish. While cost refers and/or its available resources.

With a project area known for to the financial constraints or limits within difficulties in implementation and/or which the project can operate.

Some writers on projects and project a tight implementation timeline, the management add a fourth constraint: recruitment team may have engaged the Quality. I think you can have it separately services of personnel with insufficient or you can treat it as part of the project experience or inability to carry on tasks Scope (meaning quantity and quality fast efficiently. The project manager coming together). Either way that would assigned may not have the capability to not matter as long as things are clear with initiate and complete a project within a the project manager and team members tight schedule.

There could also be a situation wherein on the importance of meeting quantitative supporting resources such as vehicles are and qualitative targets.

The resources available to a project lacking to enable the team members to visit team to overcome the challenges and all project sites in accordance with plan.

Finally, rules and procedures achieve the overall objectives include: the project leadership, project team members, could be so restrictive that completing materials resources (cash and physical preparatory activities eats our most of the project duration that less time is left for materials like office equipment), A project has a set of rules that construction and other activities. MC

Of Sinking Ships…

MARKET DRIVEN

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THE MINDANAO CROSS

December 12,2020

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Republic of the Philippines Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindano Province of Maguindanao MUNICIPALITY OF DATU PIANG OFFICE OF THE SANGGUNIANG BAYAN “EXCERPTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL SESSION OF THE SANGGUNIANG BAYAN OF DATU PIANG, MAGUINDANAO HELD AT THE SESSION HALL ON DECEMBER 04, 2020 AT 9:00 A.M.” PRESENT: Presiding Officer -

HONORABLE NASSER S. ABPI

Sangguniang Bayan Members:

ABSENT:

1. HONORABLE DIANA M. MOKALID 2. HONORABLE NASSER T. ABDUL 3. HONORABLE MACMOD K. TUAN 4. HONORABLE THONG A. ASIM 5. HONORABLE GENUINE P. KAMAONG JR. 6. HONORABLE HARRISTANG K. KASIM 7. HONORABLE SANDRA U. ALI (SK Federation President) 8. HONORABLE DATUAL M. UTTO 9. HONORABLE ASH-SHA ABI Y. PIANG (ABC President) 10. HONORABLE MUSA L. BAGO None

Resolution No. 046 – 2020 Series of 2020 “A RESOLUTION STRONGLY CONDEMNING AN ACT OF VIOLENT TERRORISM PERPETRATED BY SOME LAWLESS ELEMENTS IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF DATU PIANG, MAGUINDANAO, AND HEREBY AUTHORIZING THE LOCAL CHIEF EXECUTIVE TO UTILIZE ALL AVAILABLE RESOURCES PURSUANT TO EXISTING LAWS.” WHEREAS, the Municipal Government of Datu Piang, Maguindanao deeply demonstrates an expression of sadness and strong condemnation over the unexpected atrocity perpetrated by some lawless elements in the thickly populated area of this Municipality, particularly in Barangay Poblacion which is tantamount to an attack against public safety and security; WHERAS, the violent perpetration that happened at night of December 03, 2020, has clearly put the lives of innocent civilians in danger and eventually exposed some properties and belongings to massive destruction, which is considered the first ever open intrusion by lawless elements right in the Center of the Municipal Government; WHEREAS, such attack is clearly an act of terrorism that is highly unacceptable and condemnable in strongest terms, bearing no place in this society and which at all times be heavily suppressed and dismantled by concerned government authorities; WHEREAS, the peace-loving people of the Municipality, as represented by local officials are, therefore, condemning in strongest terms such act of terrorism and hereby expressing full support and cooperation to the concerned government authorities in their efforts to finally dismantle, curb and suppress the prevailing violence perpetrated by some lawless elements, in the pursuit of peace, security and justice, as well; WHEREAS, upon motion of Hon. Macmod K. Tuan, Chairman Committee on Peace and Order, duly seconded by Hon. Nasser T. Abdul, Chairman Committee on Rules and Laws, this Resolution strongly condemning an act of violent terrorism perpetrated by some lawless elements, and authorizing the Local Chief Executive to utilize all available resources pursuant to existing laws, is hereby adopted; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE SANGGUNIANG BAYAN in Session Assembled to strongly condemn an act of violent terrorism perpetrated by some lawless elements in the Municipality of Datu Piang, Maguindanao, and authorizing the Local Chief Executive to utilize all available resources pursuant to existing laws; RESOLVED FURTHER to forward a copy of this Resolution each to the Office of the Municipal Mayor, PNP Office and AFP Office for information and reference; ADOPTED this 4th day of December 2020 at SB Session Hall, Barangay Poblacion, Datu Piang, Maguindanao.

MAKMOD K. TUAN Sponsor

I hereby certify to the correctness of the foregoing Resolution.

Attested: Vice-Mayor NASSER S. ABPI

Presiding Officer

SAMMY G. IBRAHIM, MPA Secretary to the Sangguniang Bayan

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December 12, 2020

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Cops help repair Datu Piang Church AS AN ACT of generosity and commitment to public service, members of local police helped the parish priest in renovating the Catholic Church hit by stray bullets during terrorist attack last week.

RESTORING THE PLACE OF WORSHIP. Police in Datu Piang, Maguindanao helped repair and clean the Sta. Teresita parish church which sustained bullet holes during the BIFF attack on Dec. 3, 2020. Photo from PNP

6 Fr. Pinoy, 3 Korean...From page1 Hilario Asilo, Eugene de Mazenod,” Fr.

OMI, the Novice Master of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate for eight years now is the in-charge of the novices’ formation.

Novitiate is a 1-year program of intense prayer, work and study of the Oblate way of life. Here, the seminarians are introduced to the life mission, and charism of the Oblates before they can proceed to the scholasticate in Quezon City.

Fr. Gerry G. Delos Reyes, OMI Provincial Superior, during his homily encouraged the novices to remain worthy of wearing the Oblate habit through continuous conversion and interior transformation.

That as men set apart for the Gospel, their oblate habit must announce God to the people. “Keep God central to your life and be worthy to be called sons of

Delos Reyes added.

The OMI oblate habit is donned to the seminarian at the middle of novitiate year, usually every December 3, the anniversary of the canonization of the OMI founder, St. Eugene de Mazenod.

And during the final vows, the seminarian finally receives the Oblate cross as a symbol of his perpetual commitment to become an Oblate.

With the advent of pandemic, vocation becomes more and more difficult and uncertain. But with the nine novices on their habit taking, hope is renewed.

A jubilation and thanksgiving because a number of God’s servants answered to the call to “preach the Gospel to the poor and the most abandoned.” Fr. RockSaniel,

MILITARY forces fired simultaneous shots within a kilometer radius from a government forces detachment in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao harassed by radical rebels Wednesday night.

Lt. Colonel Anhouvic Atilano, speaking for the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the undermanned Army-para military patrol base in Barangay Labo-Labo was attacked at about 10 p.m. by still undetermined number of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

“That attack was foiled,” Atilano said, adding that nobody was hurt in the attack.

He was uncertain if the attackers who carried out the offensive under cover of darkness had casualties when soldiers from nearby

towns and detachments fired machineguns, mortars and artillery around the harassed patrol base.

The detachment in Barangay Labo-Labo is situated before the approach of Labo-Labo bridge and manned by soldiers and Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU).

Atilano admitted that the series of gun bursts and artillery fires were launched by the Army to prevent other BIFF members from coming in.

“We advise the civilians to stay home and report to nearest Army base if they saw BIFF gunmen near them,” the Army spokesperson appealed.

Atilano described the harassment as another attempt to impress the BIFF is still a force to

Datu Mentang Piang Samama stood for the residents, particularly, the Christians and their religious leaders, among them Catholic nuns who were falsely rumored as being persecuted by Muslims during that time.

Authorities and reporters were trying to validate accuracy of attribution in the statement of one Abu Jihad, speaking over the radio for an extremist

group, apparently asserting authority of righteousness over a community he described as realm of gambling and alcohol.

“The violent perpetration that happened at night of December 3, clearly put the lives of innocent civilians in danger and exposed some properties and belongings to destruction,” the resolution said, adding that: “(The attack) is

OMI

Army, CAFGU spoil BIFF harassment

Brig. Gen. Samuel Rodriguez, police director for BARMM, said members of the Datu Piang municipal police, backed by Police Special Action Force (SAF) helped Fr. Prudencio Alviar of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate congregation, parish priest of Sta Teresita parish, repaired the damaged glass and cleaned the parish compound.

Fr. Alviar was elated with the police gesture, especially that it came while he was celebrating his 63rd birthday Wednesday, December 9, 2020.

He called the police as his “special guests” and human resources in restoring the partly damaged Church.

“Help the people of Datu Piang, help places of worship and make everyone feel they are

safe,” Brig. Gen. Rodriguez told the Datu Piang PNP, now under police Major Alexander Butuan, the new town police chief.

About 50 BIFF gunmen attacked the town center on the evening of Dec. 3, traded shots with lawmen and set on fire a police car.

Police and military authorities said the BIFF had plotted to set on fire the parish church and the Church-run Notre Dame of Dulawan high school.

But the plot was foiled when few police officers and soldiers engaged the BIFF in a 15 minute firefight until reinforcement came that forced the rebels to escape.

The Catholic Church had several bullet holes in its glass windows, including the statue of Sta. Teresita.

will stand our ground and we will continue to fight for our city. To my fellow Cotabateños, let us all remain vigilant.

We have seen how they intimidated us before and we will not allow them to do that again," she added.

Guiani, the mayor's niece and chief of staff, also posted a statement on her Facebook account saying she will never be shaken by people who resort to violence to get what they want and who will employ violence if they didn’t get it at the expense of a lot of innocent people.

"If standing up for what I believed in and for the people of Cotabato City who fear for their lives will cost me my life, then so be it. You

resort to violence, I, on the other hand, will resort to conquering my weaknesses as a human," she added.

Meanwhile Minister Naguib Sinarimbo of the BARMM’s Ministry of the Interior and Local Government said the IGRB or InterGovernmental Relations Body in its 5th meeting agreed to undertake the turnover ceremony for Cotabato City this December 15.

“We thank President Rodrigo Duterte for keeping the spirit of the discussion last year in Malacañang to carry out the mandate of the Bangsamoro Organic Law to transfer supervision over Cotabato City to the BARMM,” Sinarimbo said.Valerie Ann P. Lambo

Edwin O. Fernandez

Mayor Cyn receives...From page 1

S E E D L I N G S SPROUTING. Farmerrepresentatives from six villages affected by armed conflict in Pagayawan in Lanao del Sur are being trained on biodynamic and organic farming so they can cascade the method to their community members for replication.

Photo courtesy of ICRC

P2

Datu Piang officials, residents condemn terror...From page 1 considered the first ever open intrusion by lawless elements right in the Center of the Municipal Government.”

“The attack is clearly an act of terrorism that is highly unacceptable and condemnable in strongest terms, bearing no place in this society and which at all times (should) be suppressed and dismantled by concerned government authorities,” the resolution added.

It said: “the peace-

loving people of the Municipality, as represented by local officials are, therefore, condem in strongest terms such act of terrorism and express full support and cooperation with concerned government authorities in their efforts to finally dismantle, curb and suppress violence perpetrated by lawless elements, in the pursuit of peace, security and justice, as well.” Nash B.

Maulana

PH receives U.S. military aid package

THE Philippines has received a U.S. military aid package as part of a continuing defense and security support program to the country.

U.S. Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller, who was in Manila on December 8, said a total of Php1.4 billion ($29.3 million) in defense articles were transferred to senior Philippine military officials on December 2.

Miller said the new round of military aid package include sniper and anti-IED (improvised explosives device) equipment.

He made the announcement as he met with Philippine National Secretary Defense Delfin Lorenzana and Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on December 8.

“We are grateful for the support provided by the United States as we continuously work on the enhancement of the Philippines’ defense capabilities,” Lorenzana said of the meeting.

A statement from the Office of the Press Attache of the U.S. Embassy said Miller’s visit demonstrates the longstanding and steadfast U.S. military commitment to the Philippines, the oldest U.S. treaty ally in Asia.

In meetings with Philippine counterparts, Acting Secretary Miller underscored the importance of the U.S.Philippine alliance to national and regional security, and discussed “opportunities for greater bilateral security cooperation to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region.”

He also highlighted the more than Php1.1 billion ($23.4 million) in U.S. COVID-19 assistance and disaster relief package for recent typhoon victims, as well as ongoing U.S. support for Philippine counterterrorism and maritime security efforts.

Miller said defense

equipment had been transferred and turned over on December 2 to several mission units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to support its modernization goals.

He expressed hopes the new equipment will strengthen the AFP’s joint precision strike, sniper, riverine, and counterimprovised explosive device capabilities.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to visit the Philippines, the United States’ oldest treaty ally in Asia. It was an honor to meet with Secretary Lorenzana and Secretary Loscin to discuss deepening our alliance and supporting a free and open South China Sea and Indo-Pacific region,” said Acting Secretary of Defense Miller.

“The modernization of the AFP will ultimately allow us to respond more effectively to both traditional and nontraditional security threats to our maritime nation,” he added.

Earlier, U.S. Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett handed over a ScanEagle Unmanned Aerial System to the Philippine Navy.

U.S. National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien also visited the country from November 22 to 23, during which he announced a Php868 million ($18 million) in supplementary military equipment and a training program with the AFP. The statement said “the Philippines is by far the largest recipient of U.S. military assistance in the Indo-Pacific region.

Since 2015, the United States has delivered more than Php33 billion ($650 million) worth of aircraft units, vessels, armored vehicles, small arms, and other military equipment to the Philippines, while training side-by-side with our Filipino allies.” Nash

B. Maulana

Amid pandemic...From page 1

Plan (IPP) 2020 that was just signed by the President last month.

The IPP is the list of industries and sectors, investments in which the government allows for fiscal incentives, such as income tax holiday and reduced duties and tariffs for capital equipment, to be given by the national Board of Investment, as well as, by the RBOI. Despite the pandemic, Mastura remained optimistic for next year.

He said said that together with other Investment Promotion Agencies his agency will be heavily involved in popularizing the recently enacted Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act or CREATE law.

“Hopefully, the impact of CREATE in the BARMM is minimal in terms of our incentivegiving powers because the

BARMM can still craft its own list of priority industries and sectors to be incorporated with the Strategic Investment Priorities Plan to be adopted by BOI-Manila and promulgated by the President under CREATE,” Mastura added.

The convened on last week after its composition was revamped under the Bangsamoro Administrative Code that was recently passed.

Republic Act No. 11054, more popularly known as the Bangsamoro Organic Law, retained the original Regional Board of Investments due to the devolved powers it was already enjoying, such as administering fiscal incentives to investors, in the interest of stability of the investment policies in the autonomous region.

R B O I - B A R M M n ew s release