The Mindanao Cross | December 19, 2020

SECOND PAGE

Vol. LXXII| No. 45 | Cotabato City | Saturday, December 19, 2020 |12 Pages | P10.00

Tamayo joins COVID-19 positive-son, 9 kins in isolation/P2

CHURCH

Pope at Angelus: Do not forget about joy/P

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INSIDE BACK

Army blames BIFF in blasts that killed pregnant woman, hurt 6/P11

INVESTMENT PROSPECTS HIGH WITH COTABATO CITY NOW UNDER BARMM P10 INVESTMENT officials in the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) are optimistic the formal inclusion of Cotabato City to the region will boost the regional investment prospects.

M A S K E D B E L E N . The traditional nativity scene or belen displayed inside the Our Lady of Guadalupe Diocesan Seminary in Kidapawan City serves as a reminder to the parishioners of the on-going pandemic. The Holy Family including Baby Jesus were wearing face mask to remind the faithful to be extra careful of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Williamor Magbanua

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE BELOVED PEOPLE OF GOD! Rejoice for the Lord Jesus is here! Our Christmas may not be as joyful as in the past because of the COVID-19 pandemic. There will be less noise. It will be more somber and more simple.

But this situation brings us back to the first Christmas in Bethlehem. In the quiet of midnight, in a stable and in a poor manger, the Son of the Most High God, the long awaited successor of King David, and Savior of the world was born.

Angels announced his birth and poor shepherds visited him.

Our Christmas this year recalls the simplicity and the poverty of the birth of Christ. We might not have gatherings in the streets and firecrackers.

But our hearts must rejoice because the Son of God has come down from heaven to dwell with us and be with us.

Rejoice, beloved People of God! Jesus, our Messiah and Savior has come! Your gift to him on his birthday is your heart, a heart to follow and serve him.

My prayers and best wishes to you and to all your loved ones!

A blessed Christmas to one and all! +Orlando B. Cardinal Quevedo, O.M.I. Archbishop Emeritus of Cotabato

FULL BATTLE GEAR. Policemen in full battle gear guard the entrance of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral on Tuesday, December 15. Ferdinandh Cabrera

IT’S OFFICIAL. Cotabato City and 63 barangays in North Cotabato formally joins the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao during a ceremonial turnover on Tuesday, December 15. Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año and Interior and Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo led the turnover.

Ferdinandh Cabrera

Año backs MILG:

“Cotabato City is now officially part of BARMM”

“Turnover” over-emphasized

SECRETARY of Interior and Local Government (SILG) Eduardo Año told the press Tuesday that Cotabato City is now officially under the supervision of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

He reiterated it was clearly stated in the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) that Cotabato City, which is an independent city, is now officially under

the supervision of the regional government.

This includes programs and projects, documents, properties and assets, and movable properties and records of the DILG Cotabato field office, including that of 63 barangays.

“Ang tinutukoy natin dito ay buong Cotabato City [...] Ang ating Cotabato City ngayon ay ganap nang kasapi ng BARMM,” Año stressed.

THE turnover Tuesday may just as well been overemphasized and was much understood to mean the entire local government powers and administrative machinery of Cotabato City were placed under the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

But sources privy to details, said the document signed by Secretary Eduardo Año of the Department of the Interior

Investigators are now verifying from the embassy of Saudi Arabia the exact identity of suspected terrorist Abdel Solaiman Alsubihani who was arrested in Cotabato City last week.

Alsubihani, a citizen of Saudi Arabia, was arrested by agents of the Criminal Investigation and Detection GroupBangsamoro Autonomous

Region and personnel of the Police Regional Office-BAR in Barangay Balabaran in Cotabato City, acting on tips from local residents.

He denied allegations he is a terrorist saying he is a moneylender.

Brig. Gen. Samuel Rodriguez, director of PROBAR, said Wednesday efforts to determine the exact identity of Alsubihani from the

KIDAPAWAN CITY – As informed him of his free part of his contribution services. to the fight against novel “All the frontliners have c o r o n a v i r u s d i s e a s e to do is to come to the (Covid-19) in this city, b a r b e r s h o p , p r e s e n t a l o c a l b a r b e r s h o p identification cards and owner has offered “free get haircut for free,” haircut” to all males who Evangelista said. are serving as Covid-19 The Sozu barbershop frontliners. is located along Daang Atty. Paolo Evangelista, Maharlika, Barangay K i d a p a w a n C i t y Poblacion, Kidapawan information officer, saidcourtesy City.of OMI Philippines Photo the shop owner personally “We welcome such

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Nabbed ISIS man in Cotabato City probe

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and Local Government (DILG) and his Bangsamoro counterpart Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo actually covers the turnover of resources, assets, equipment and fixtures of the DILG Region 12 field office to BARMM’s Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG).

Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Hadji Murad Ebrahim welcomed the turnover, saying: "We are committed to upscaling services that can

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Barber offers free haircut to frontliners

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December 19,2020

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Gov. Tamayo joins COVID-19 positive-son, 9 kins in isolation KORONADAL CITY - South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo, Jr. confirmed Thursday he went in isolation with his son after the child contracted the highly contagious and deadly novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

“My son Thirdy, 7, got hit by COVID-19,” the governor said. “My wife is immuno-compromised.

I have no choice, even if I was tested negative, (but) to be with him for the next 14 days in the isolation facility.”

Tamayo said in a radio interview that nine other clan members also tested positive for the virus and have been isolated. He did not identify them, citing their rights to privacy.

The governor said he was expecting to be infected by the virus for staying with his child in an undisclosed isolation facility.

"he was alarmed since their family has been observing strict measures to avoid contracting COVID-19," he said.

The governor suspected that “an asymptomatic employee could have spread the virus to their clan.”

T h i r d y i s asymptomatic, said Tamayo, who posted on social media photos of them sleeping together.

Since his wife has a weak immune system, Tamayo said he was forced to be with the child, as “letting him alone might make the son depressed that may cause his immune

system to weaken.”

“Until now that he’s seven years old he’s still sleeping with us. He still does not want to transfer to his own room. He cannot sleep alone,” Tamayo said.

Tamayo also discouraged the public to hold or attend gatherings and parties during the Christmas season since the coronavirus continues to be a real danger.

“People must be fearful of the coronavirus,” he reminded the public, noting, however, that “he lost his fear to be infected with COVID-19 because the life of his

SOLDIERS from the Army's 34th Infantry Battalion have intensified security in Northern Kabuntalan, Maguindanao after Sunday's attack by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) that left four terrorists and a soldier wounded.

Major Gen. Juvymax Uy, Army's 6th Infantry Division commander, said the 34th IB has also enlisted the help of barangay and municipal officials in Northern Kabuntalan in guarding against a repeat of the incident.

The gunfight erupted when a group of BIFF terrorists led by Omar Abdullah opened fire on soldiers manning a checkpoint in Sitio Macabenban, Barangay Indatuan, Northern Kabuntalan.

It was the first ever encounter between the BIFF and the Army in Northern Kabuntalan, according to Uy. Abdullah, also known as Commander OV-10, and his men have reportedly been collecting “protection money” from hapless villagers in remote farming enclaves in Northern Kabuntalan.

Uy has confirmed that a member of the 34th IB was wounded in the ensuing encounter.

Barangay folk and sources from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front said four BIFF members were also wounded in the incident, initially identified only as Samad, Sindatu, Onting and Kusay.

“We also received the same reports from patriotic residents of the municipality but we can’t

confirm that four BIFF members were indeed wounded because we don’t have actual body count. The reports are very persistent though,” Uy said.

Abdullah and his followers scampered away carrying their wounded companions as more soldiers arrived to help drive them away.

"The soldier wounded in the encounter is now in a hospital," Uy said without elaborating.

Soldiers found a 50 cal. Barret sniper’s rifle, a cal. 45 pistol, four rifle grenades, an improvised bomb and a pumpboat engine in the clash site.

"We are not taking chances. We are on heightened alert to prevent those terrorists from returning to Northern Kabuntalan," Uy said. John

KIDAPAWAN CITY — To prevent similar activity in the future in North Cotabato, Gov. Nancy Catamco and Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Director Felizardo Gacad Jr have signed the Cease and Desist Order (CDO) against a mining activity in Don Panaca, Magpet, North Cotabato.

The CDO was jointly issued by MGB and Gov. Catamco after an illegal mining activity was uncovered inside the Mt. Apo protected area last week.

Catamco said a joint

probe was carried out by the provincial government, the MGB-12, Provincial and Municipal Environment Office and the provincial government after an ore mining tunnel was discovered in Barangay Don Panaca which is within the Mt. Apo protected area.

“Caring for our environment is everyone’s business we all know that, this is a shared responsibility,” Catamco said.

DENR-MGB, on orders of Environment Sec. Roy Cimatu, has issued Special Order 125 that allows

DENR personnel to seize tools, the mined mineral and equipment.

No operator or miner was found when environment officials raided the mining site where 28 sacks of ore were recovered.

The body learned that the provincial mining and regulatory board has not issued any directive allowing “Minahang Bayan” or Small Scale Mining Contract (SSMC) anywhere in Magpet.

Under the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, the mining activity must stop.

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Terrorists driven away from Northern Kabuntalan

Felix Unson

Catamco, MGB-12 issue CDO vs. Magpet mining activity

Edwin O. Fernandez

MOBILE LEARNING. More than 3,5000 school learners from Barangay Bituan, Tulunan in Cotabato benefited from the Mobile Library Program of the Tulunan Women’s Initiative for Development (TUWID) which intends to help children and their parents the opprtunity to learn despite pandemic.

Photo courtesy of IDCD-PGO

ISOLATION. South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo, Jr. confirmed Thursday, December 17, he went into isolation with his young son after the child and nine other clan members also tested positive for the highly contagious and deadly novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Photo courtesy of the Provincial Information Office

Catamco assures connectivity with 63 BARMM barangays

THE NORTH Cotabato provincial government assured Thursday to continue supporting local peace programs for 63 barangays in the province placed under the Bangsamoro region Tuesday.

Residents of the 63 barangays voted for the inclusion of their communities into the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) during the 2019 plebiscite for the ratification of BARMM’s charter, Republic Act 11054.

Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año and his counterpart in the region, lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, together officiated the symbolic assumption of the Bangsamoro region’s control of the 63 North Cotabato barangays and Cotabato City.

North Cotabato Gov. Nancy Catamco said her administration will continue helping push forward BARMM’s peace and development programs for the 63 barangays.

“While these barangays are under BARMM now, we shall not close to the residents there the doors to our provincial government.

We can cooperate with the BARMM government in providing residents with socio-economic empowerment,” Catamco

said.

Año and Sinarimbo signed Tuesday vital documents pertaining to the fusion of Cotabato City with the Bangsamoro core territory based on the outcome of the plebiscite.

“The people have spoken,” Año said, referring to the result of the constitutional exercise that led to the approval of RA 11054, also known as the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and representatives from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process were also present in the turnover rite.

The BOL is a product of 22 years of peace talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) whose chair, Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, is BARMM’s appointed chief minister.

The venue of turnover ceremony, the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex inside the 32-hectare BARMM compound, is not too distant from the People’s Palace, where the office of Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi is located.

The Cotabato City mayor has contested before the Supreme Court the result of last year’s plebiscite that put the city LGU under BARMM.

In a message, Sinarimbo said BARMM's Ministry of the Interior and Local Government has a team to manage the office of the DILG in Cotabato City that they took over from the control of the department's regional office for central Mindanao in Koronadal City.

A group of governance specialists from Sinarimbo’s office shall also oversee the operation of the 63 barangay governments in different North Cotabato towns that are now part of the Bangsamoro region.

“We welcome Cotabato City and these 63 barangays in North Cotabato to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,” Sinarimbo said Tuesday.

BARMM’s chief minister, Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, said the Bangsamoro region is committed to fostering peace and development in the newly created region.

“No constituent shall be left behind,” Ebrahim said.

Besides Cotabato City and the 63 barangays in different North Cotabato towns, the Bangsamoro region also covers the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi and the cities of Marawi and Lamitan. John Felix Unson

The Western Mindanao Command is now returning to mainstream society eight Dawlah Islamiya members who surrendered last week.

Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) chief, said in a statement Wednesday the eight gunmen surrendered through the intercession of local officials in Balindong, Lanao del Sur and the Army's 82nd Infantry Battalion.

The group turned themselves in last week to officials of the 82nd IB and municipal leaders who helped convince them

to return to the fold of law.

"They have realized, through the efforts of their municipal officials, that it is never too late yet to reform for good and start life all over again," Vinluan said.

Brig. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo, commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade, said Sunday the eight men also turned in firearms and components for improvised explosive devices.

In a report to Cuerpo, Lt. Col. Rafman Altre of the 82nd IB said the eight Maranao men were recruited into the Dawlah Islamiya by a radical cleric

named Iman Dimacaling.

The outlawed Dawlah Islamiya is operating in the fashion of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

The Dawlah Islamiya block in Lanao del Sur began as the Maute terror group, led by brothers Omarkhayam and Abdullah Maute, who led the siege of more than a dozen barangays in the provincial capital, Marawi City, on May 23, 2017, sparking a conflict that lasted until October 16 in the same year.

The Maute siblings both perished in encounters then with state security forces. John

8 Lanao Sur Dawlah terrorists yield

Felix Unson

December 19,2020

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Yuletide Greetings In Cotabato City, December is usually a festive time, just like all the other places around the world.

But because of the global health crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, our celebration of the yuletide season has somehow changed. What were big parties in the past are now just intimate family gatherings, vacations that are now spent inside our homes, and reunions that turn into video calls.

But despite the limited activities that this situation allows us, may we not forget to still be grateful for all the blessings that we have received this year. Our city may have had its share of suffering this year, but in the Almighty’s grace and mercy, we are still able to pull through.

This Christmas, I am one with our Christian brothers and sisters as you celebrate this holy occasion. I hope that we will always see beyond our differences and be ONE COTABATO CITY.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all Cotabateños!

Sigay Ka Cotabato City!

ATTY. FRANCES CYNTHIA J. GUIANI–SAYADI City Mayor

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December 19, 2020

THE MINDANAO CROSS EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

TENDER NOTICE: The Association FSD France (FSD - e.v Swiss Foundation for Mine Action) is a non-profit Mine Action organization based in Geneva, Switzerland. FSD’s activities in Mindanao are carried out on a ‘project basis’.

FSD calls for tenders from suppliers of rental vehicles (6 units), for the implementation of “Mine Action for Trust and Normalization in Bangsamoro.” The rental period will be from 16th January 2021 to 16th January 2022.

Interested bidders may request documents from FSD through email at mindanao@fsdfrance.fr or at FSD project Office Door 6-8-, 2nd Floor Bldg.2, Alnor Commercial Complex, RH9, Sinsuat Ave. Cotabato City 9600, Philippines.

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

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

Submission of tenders will be on or before 31st December 2020.

ADJUDICATION OF SOLE HEIR WITH UNDERTAKING

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late SERVANDO DELIMA OBENZA who died on September 29, 2020 at Davao City, a Savings Account with Bank of the Philippine Islands, Midsayap, Cotabato with Account Nos. 0133-0000-76 and 0133-0000-68, are the subject of adjudication of sole heir with undertaking before Notary Public Teresita Carreon Llaban as per Doc. No. 190; Page No. 38; Book No. LVII; Series of 2020.

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

The above notice is an addendum to the previous publications in The Mindanao Cross on November 14, 21 & 28, 2020.

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

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

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

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

SPL. PROC. NO. 2020-500

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.

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

AFFIDAVIT OF SELFADJUDICATION

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

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.

MC: Dec. 5, 12 & 19, 2020

MC: Dec. 5, 12 & 19, 2020

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SO ORDERED.

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

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

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

Republic of the Philippines Province of Cotabato Municipality of Midsayap LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that Jennilyn D. Diaz has filed with this office a petition for change of first name from Jose to Jerry in the Certificate of Live Birth of Jose Bantilan Bayo who was born on July 15, 1964 at Midsayap, Cotabato and whose parents are Federico D. Bayo and Gloria S. Bantilan.

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

(Sgd.)NORAH B. CABUGWASON Municipal Civil Registrar MC: Dec. 19 & 26, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

CONLUCK PAWNSHOP MAIN, DON RUFINO ALONZO ST. & QUEZON AVE., BRANCH

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

MC: Dec. 19 & 26, 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 May 2020 will be auctioned on January 4, 2021 at 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Please come before January 4, 2021 for renewal or redemption.

Patalastas ng Subasta

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

MC: Dec. 19 & 26, 2020

A & A Pawnshop Don Rufino Branch Cotabato City

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

MC: Dec. 19 & 26, 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 Mayo 2020.

Ang subasta ay sa Enero 04, 2021 sa ganap na ika-8:00 ng mga umaga hanggang ika-4:30 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

MC: Dec. 19 & 26, 2020

December 19,2020

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Yuletide Greetings to all my beloved CotabateĂąos!

We have come again to the yearend season where most dearly wish to be reunited with family members and friends to spend the holidays with.

It is also the season where our Christian brothers and sisters celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ that symbolizes the gift of love, hope, forgiveness, and unity.

This year has been difficult and a great challenge to everyone as we face the COVID-19 pandemic. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for the commitment and dedication to follow our laws being implemented in the city to prevent the spread of the virus.

Like the colorful Christmas lights decoration that twinkles at night, your compassion, cooperation, and courage bring light during these times of uncertainty and fear against the unseen enemy.

Though this year has been a rough one for everyone, let us not dull the yuletide season with negativity. This too shall pass. Let us not lose hope and pray to the Almighty for brighter and better days ahead as we end the year 2020 and face the year 2021 with a hopeful heart.

Let us continue to work hand-in-hand in maintaining peace and unity in our beloved city. I wish everyone more blessings!

Merry Christmas to my Christian brothers and sisters and advance Happy New Year to all!

Sigay Ka Cotabato City!

GRAHAM NAZER G. DUMAMA City Vice Mayor

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December 19, 2020

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Pope at Angelus: Do not forget about joy

FOR THOSE WHO BELIEVE, the season of Advent is filled with a joyful sense of expectation, “somewhat like when we await the visit of a person we love a great deal”. Adressing the faithful gathered in St Peter’s Square, Pope Francis stressed that “this dimension of joy emerges even more” on this day, the Third Sunday of Advent, which opens with Saint Paul’s exhortation: “Rejoice in the Lord always”. The Pope explained that this excitment is caused by our closeness to the Lord. “The closer the Lord is to us, the more joy we feel; the farther away he is, the more sadness we feel”, he said.

Turning to the Gospel of the day, Pope Francis noted that Evangelist introduces John the Baptist “in a solemn way”. He is the first witness of Jesus, excluding Mary and Joseph, said the Pope. He noted that John was a leader in his time but that “he did not surrender even for an instant to the temptation to draw attention to himself: he always oriented himself toward the One who was to come.”

Christian joy Pope Francis went on to note that this is the “first condition of Christian joy”: to decentralize from oneself and place Jesus at the centre. “This is not alienation” he explained, because Jesus is effectively the centre; He is the light that gives full meaning to

the life of every man and woman who comes into this world, said the Pope.

The Pope noted that “John the Baptist undertook a long journey to come to bear witness to Jesus”. The journey of joy is not a walk in the park, continued the Pope. “John left everything, in his youth, to put God in first place, to listen to His Word with all his heart and all his strength. He withdrew into the desert, stripping himself of all things superfluous, in order to be freer to follow the wind of the Holy Spirit”, said the Pope.

A model for those called to proclaim christ Of course, Pope Francis said, some of John the Baptist’s personality traits are unique; “they cannot be recommended for everyone”. But his witness

is paradigmatic for whoever wishes to seek the meaning of his or her life and find true joy. “In particular, the Baptist is a model for those in the Church who are called to proclaim Christ to others: they are able to do so only by detaching from themselves and from worldliness, by not attracting people to themselves but directing them toward Jesus”, added the Pope.

Finally, Pope Francis invited the faithul to join him in praying the Angelus prayer, so as to see “all of this fully realized in the Virgin Mary” who “silently awaited God’s Word of salvation; she welcomed it; she listened to it; she conceived it. In her, God became close. This is why the Church calls Mary ‘Cause of our joy’”.Francesca

FATHER Nicanor Austriaco, a Filipino Dominican priest, is currently working on a possible COVID-19 vaccine that will be affordable and accessible to poor people, especially in lessdeveloped countries like the Philippines.

“I thought about developing this vaccine when I realized that many of the available vaccines have already been promised to resource-rich countries,” said Father Austriaco, a Dominican microbiologist.

He admitted that “it is a crazy idea” but said what he is working on “has to be tested in the small chance that it would work.”

“I decided to do this for

the well-being of the Filipino people,” Father Austriaco said in an interview.

He said his project, dubbed “Project Pagasa,” is in its “early stages of development” and is not as expensive as the ones being developed by large pharmaceutical companies.

“It is still in its preclinical stage of development and it will have to be tested in animal models before we can even talk about human volunteers,” said the priest.

He said that because his vaccine is “yeast-based” it will not need refrigeration and it will be taken orally.

Father Austriaco is confident that he has

enough funds to work on the initial development of the vaccine platform and to test it on animals.

“I have adequate funding to complete the necessary experiments to make the yeast vaccine delivery system and to do animal testing,” the priest said.

He said he would only seek government approval if the vaccine delivery system works in animals. “We will not know this for many months,” he said.

Father Austriaco and his colleagues will be doing the experiments in a laboratory in the United States and the animal testing in a laboratory at the

Merlo/Vatican News

SCIENTIST PRIEST. Father Nicanor Austriaco, a Filipino Dominican priest, is currently working on a possible COVID-19 vaccine which will not need Photo courtesy of LiCAS.news refrigeration and will be taken orally.

Filipino scientist-priest works on affordable COVID-19 vaccine for poor countries

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University of Santo Tomas in Manila.

“We will do it as quickly as possible without sacrificing the rigor and excellence that science demands,” said the priest, who is visiting professor of biological sciences in Manila until August 2021.

Priest-scientist Father Austriaco is associate professor of biology and theology at Providence College in the United States and chief researcher at Austriaco Laboratory.

He obtained his bachelor’s degree, summa cum laude, in bioengineering at the University of

here are some to me as you say” (Lk. news that are 1:38). Finally God’s plan greatly welcome “hidden through the ages” and have large impact is fulfilled ( Rom. 16:25). on the hearers such as God went beyond the “the war is over” for expectations of Israel. He people suffering from sent His only Son Jesus, armed conflicts, “the instead of just another Rev. Fr. Antonio P. Pueyo, DCC earthly king like David. vaccine has arrived” tonypoy_dcc0@yahoo.com Jesus came as Redeemer for those suffering from the pandemic, not only for the Israelites “you are free” for those in prison, “you can go back but for all the nations. Outside of the conventional home” for those who are stranded. For many of us expectation, the savior would be born from among the really great news at this time will be, “You can the poor. Mary, His mother was not a queen from a go back to all your former activities: children can go palace but came from the “anawim” the poor ones. to school, business can fully resume, you can travel God’s choice of Mary of Nazareth and the birth of freely, and most of all, you can take off your masks Jesus in a stable in Bethlehem have a message. and face shields.” Yes, we wait in hope for good news. God’s way of redemption is not the way of wealth, In the history of the people of Israel, they have power, and pomp and glory. The messiah will experienced God as one who saves. From time to conquer the world with love and humility. time they hear good news through their patriarchs, At the root of all the miseries in the world is sin. prophets, and leaders: “I will give you a land of It started from the fall of Adam and Eve in Eden. your own and your descendants will be numerous Human nature is wounded by sin, yet God did not as the sand, “ You will be freed from slavery,” You give up on us. By sending Jesus, He showed us the will win over your enemies,” “You will go back home way out of the miseries caused by sin. He sent Jesus from exile.” There also developed in their collective to show us the way. To accept Jesus into our life is consciousness the expectation for the coming of the to live the good news. We have received the gift of Savior, the leader-Messiah who like Moses would faith and therefore we ought to share and proclaim lead his people out of their oppression, like David he it. Our proclamation is only as good as our witness would be a great king and defender (first reading), of life. and like the great prophets he would proclaim Are we bringers of good news? This coming justice and God’s reign of peace in their land. year’s theme of 500 YOC (500 years of Christianity) Today, the last Sunday of Advent, the gospel is “Gifted we give”. The Philippine church is being tells the story of the arrival of the expected challenged to enkindle the missionary spirit for messiah. The angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, a the local missions among the unchurched and the young maiden from Nazareth and brought the long neglected, and even in foreign lands (mission ad awaited news that the Messiah is at hand, “You gentes). As we proclaim the joy of the gospel, may shall conceive and bear a son and give him the name we show in our own life that being a disciple of Jesus. Great will be his dignity and he will be called Jesus has made a positive difference in us. We carry Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the torch amidst the darkness. As Pope Paul VI the throne of David his father” (Lk. 1:31-32). This reminded us, “The people of the modern world is good news. But wait, God needs the consent of listens more to witnesses than to teachers, and Mary. The whole creation waited for Mary’s answer, if they listen to teachers it is because they are “I am the maidservant of the Lord. Let it be done witnesses.”MC

Good News

REFLECTIONS

Pennsylvania in 1989.

He later obtained his doctorate in biology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1996 where he was a fellow of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

In 1997, he entered the Order of Friars Preachers, popularly known as the Dominicans.

He attended the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, DC, where he earned his Master of Divinity and Licentiate in theology.

He also earned his doctorate in sacred theology from the University of

Fribourg in Switzerland in 2005.

He worked as an investigator for the Rhode Island-IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence Program funded by the National Institutes of Health, a scientific advisor at the National Catholic Bioethics Center, and an ethics consultant for St. Joseph Health Services of Rhode Island.”

His laboratory at Providence College investigates the genetics of programmed cell death using yeasts as model organisms.

Father Austriaco’s book, “Biomedicine and Beatitude: An

P10

B adaliyya Fr. Jun Mercado, OMI

Short Reflection for the 4th Week of Advent (B) Readings:

2 Samuel 7: 1-5. 8-12; Romans 16: 25-27; Luke 1: 26-38

Selected Gospel Passage: And the angel said to Mary in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called Holy, the Son of God”. (Luke 1: 35)

Meditation:

Jesus comes to us anew through the power of the Holy Spirit and like Mary, our mother, in events we least expect. What is important is our generosity and readiness to respond, like Mary, ‘I am the handmaid of the Lord.

May it be done to me according to your Word’. Cf.

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 19,2020

EDITORIAL An assessment of our health sector

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he COVID-19 pandemic is with us for almost a year now. Instead of improving our ability to provide Filipinos with better health care, the pandemic has caused the deterioration of our health care system. The pandemic has focused most of our health resources on the Covid problem to the detriment of other health priorities.

A few years ago, the government passed the Universal Health Care Law said to be the answer to the woes faced by the health care system. The Universal Health Care (UHC) Bill was signed into law (Republic Act No. 11223) that automatically enrolls all Filipino citizens in the National Health Insurance Program and prescribes complementary reforms in the health system. However, the law was barely implemented when the Philiippine Health Insurance Corporation, upon which it depends on for the financial support, was found to be riddled or a change, let us talk about one of the many with corruption and several anomalies. This is things that has grown quite a bit with this now presently being rectified by the government. coronavirus disease pandemic – electronic It wasn’t just PhilHealth that is setting back commerce. the success of the UHC. With the pandemic, the Months of lockdown as a result of the pandemic national government organized an Inter-Agency have given way to an increase in electronic Task Force that will formulate policies to enable transactions, or commercial dealings via the the health sector to combat or slow down the internet, if you have that all-important connection. spread of the coronavirus. The policies formulated Just as work-from-home arrangements became a were so stringent, designed to counteract an enemy new norm in many companies and agencies, so did that is not seen and which very few knowledge is online shopping, online bills payment, online bank Caloy Bautista available. transactions, and many other online transactions. caloyb@gmail.com In addition to the social distancing, frequent Following the easing-up of lockdowns, the imposition washing of hands, and the wearing of face masks of protocols that limited mobility, mandated sales jump by at least 20 percent amid the pandemic. which are the three most important security for social distancing, and others that made face-to-face Subhashish Bose, FICO head for fraud, security people in its fight against the virus, more safeguards transactions a bit taxing and stressful, continued to boost and compliance in Asia Pacific, said they are seeing were imposed on hospitals, transportation, and online transactions. Those connected to the net chose “increases in spoof sites, web skimming of customer education. to avoid long queues and waiting in line to buy grocery, details, fraudulent email offers, data breaches and other The hospitals were careful in admitting patients pay a bill, or process a document Many who had access scams. Criminal groups are also targeting digital wallets and required tests for COVID-19 negativity before to it turned to electronic transactions for the convenience and other digital payments channels which have grown admittance. In Cotabato City, a patient was said it provides. You can do it all from home, sitting in the in popularity over the pandemic.” to have died when hospital required the result comfort of your living room or relaxing on your bed.

In the Philippines, the Department of Trade and of a COVID-19 test before she was admitted.

The surge in on-line transactions also opened an Industry has noted a five-fold increase in online scams.

She was having an inflamed appendicitis which opportunity for many who lost jobs or had to close From 2,457 cases reported in 2019, complaints against broke up before she was operated on. For such business to have an alternative source of income. Just online scams recorded by the national agency from a simple appendectomy, she died while waiting about anything is being bought and sold online nowadays January to October this year, including seven months for the result of her swab test. The same is true as a result of this surge – processed and fresh food items, under community quarantine amid the coronavirus of another patient who died of a heart attack but clothing, gadgets, cosmetics – name it and it is most pandemic, have leapfrogged to 14,869. Last month, DTI cannot be given medical attention due to the lack probably available online.

Undersecretary Ruth Castelo reported to the committee of a COVID-19 test result.

Lazada Philippines chief executive officer Ray on trade and industry of the House of Representatives These are examples of instances when the Alimurung is cited in an online news report as saying in a Zoom hearing that top merchandisers Shopee and policies to combat the disease is worse than the they noted a sizeable increase in sales by some Lazada accounted for 90.13 percent of the cases, while effect of the disease itself. In a country which has merchants using their platform amid the pandemic. the remaining 9.87 percent were shared by Facebook limited funds for its priority health programs, a The market has seen an increase in smaller businesses and others. substantial amount is set aside for the provision amid the coronavirus pandemic, with most firms tapping Experts believe the e-transactions boom will not of quarantine facilities, isolation rooms, and digital platforms to reach their customers. bid us adieu immediately and fade into oblivion like personal protective equipment. Even medical Lazada Philippines said some of its merchants any other passing fad after this pandemic. It could personnel who were already set to work abroad have seen a sizeable increase in sales as they used the linger on for quite a while longer, along with the ease before the pandemic were not allowed to fill up platform amid the coronavirus pandemic. He said sales and convenience it provides, and the pitfalls too – those their contracts. At least, there were more medics during the pandemic doubled or tripled for many sellers fraudsters. to help locally, although it is against the rights of using the platform. And this is a phenomenon that is Their advice is for us to be wary of such scams and these workers to aim for better pay and working reported all over Southeast Asia or the ASEAN region, fraudsters. The first thing you need to remember, they conditions. according to Malaysian financial giant, Maybank. say, is that old saying, “if it sounds too good to be true, The health protocols were stringent indeed.

And just as the honest entrepreneur finds an it probably is.” Read the fine print to figure out what Hospitals did not allow visitors to see their opportunity in this trend to eke out a living, so are you’re really getting into. This make take up your time, patients. Relatives of victims who died of the fraudsters cashing in on it. but what’s a few minutes compared to losing your harddisease cannot bury their dead. The victims were FICO, a Silicon Valley-based analytics software firm, earned pesos? And since you’re already online, research immediately brought to the crematoriums. said fraud challenges are intensifying as e-commerce the background of the company or website. MC Thus, despite the focus on providing for better health to Filipinos through the Universal Health HENEVER I pass by that Dapdap Section of Care Law, the country will have to strive harder Sinsuat Avenue, I would look over the vast to bring the level of health care as it was before construction site of a soon-to-rise mall— as the pandemic to a higher level after the pandemic. one being curious of how they deal with that creek historically known as “Lawas a Maguindanao” (roughly, Maguindanao Creek). The creek naturally drains + rainwater from the topsoil of the Tantawan or Pedro Colina Hill by an elevated catch basin, a part of the hill’s rock formation over geological ages.

Lawas a Maguindanao is an underground river as it drains water cascading from the hilltop by an elevated catch-basin to the hill’s underground—thence onto Nash B. Maulana Kakar and Matampay River toward southeast, and to nash.penlight@gmail.com is published every Saturday by the Mindanao Cross Publishers, Manday River toward northwest (via the Spring). This Inc., Sinsuat cor Quezon Avenues, Cotabato City. Tel Nos. (064) was similarly mentioned in the treatises of Dr. Najeeb ground elevation to some safer levels from what could be 4217161 and E-mail Address: mindanao.cross@gmail.com | Saleeby, the Syrian physician commissioned by the perils of rising water. The NDU Campus may also become mincross101@yahoo.com.ph American Colonial Administration to document on the unsafe to such a probability in natural phenomena.

Fr. Rogelio Tabuada, OMI, Chief-Executive-Officer Moro Law, History and Religion in 1901.

Postscript: A Trivia. PC Hill is Pedro Colina, meaning A similar example of such geological phenomenon the Hill of Pedro. It was not known as to who the “Pedro” is Eva Kimpo - Tan, Editor-in-Chief is the Bakat Creek (locally, Lawas a Bakat) which also being referred to in this landmark name. But Spain being Edwin O. Fernandez, News Editor drains water from the Kabalukan hilltop via an elevated Catholic, historians suspect that it refers to the Disciple Gemma A. Peñaflor, Administration and Marketing Executive cave catch basin called Labuana Samal in Barangay Peter in a biblical passage of the New Testament: “Now Masulot, Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao.

I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and Valérie Ann P. Lambo, Reporter Structural experts involved in the city’s mall upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers Julito P. Torres, Circulation Officer construction should consider facts on the geological of hell will not conquer it.” (Matthew 16:18) backgrounds of the creeks and how a huge volume of Karl John B. Daniel, Graphic-Layout Artist In Saleeby’s accounts, the hill was ceded to Spain in water inundates like marsh that part of Dapdap down the time of Sultan Qudratullah Untong when he retired in areas bounded by the Bormaheco drive to the southeast. 1845. The first cession agreement signed in 1837 spared COTABATO CITY / ARMM CORRESPONDENTS Moreover, in many preconstruction works we have the creek, retaining its name as Lawas a Maguindanao, John M. Unson Ferdinandh B. Cabrera Charlie C. Señase Nash seen, project managers, safety and sanitary engineers as well as the areas bounded by it (mostly the area B. Maulana give much attention and weight of efforts to details on comprising the present-day Cotabato City). Later, Sultan NORTH / SOUTH COTABATO CORRESPONDENTS drainage. Sadly, this is not what we seem to see in the Jalaludin Pablo confined his realm into a small village Williamor Magbanua Romer “Bong” Sarmiento mall construction site—at least from yonder. in Katuli (now part of Sultan Kudarat Municipality).

Roel Osano Orlando Dinoy Here, they may need experts’ advices on geology, That is why the area was once known as the territory of waterway and flood control engineering to complement the Maguindanaons. To colonial power that was Spain, CARTOONIST their sanitary engineering team. Else, the construction that historically illustrates how they were able to reduce Lourd Jim Diazon can alter the natural course of the waterways from Maguindanao from a great nation from the times of the the rainwater catch basin underneath the hilltop of failed fleet expeditions against Rajah Silongan in 1599 Member: PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE Tantawan. Failure to act in the most appropriate way and Sultan Muhammad Dipatuan Kudarat and his father The National Association of Philippine Newspapers possible, I am afraid the whole Dapdap Community could in-law Sultan Muwallil Wassit Bungsu from 1637 to 1645 Entered as Second Class Mail at Cotabato City Post Office be exposed to risks of flash-floods. Also the earth-filling —considered the glorious years of the Maguindanao and under Permit No. 91-01 Dated August 15, 1991. that we see of the area does not seem to improve the Sulu Sultanates. MC

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This thing about online transactions Thinking Aloud

Potential risks from Dapdap mall construction

PENLIGHT

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December 19, 2020

THE MINDANAO CROSS

that united Moro noble cause has tribalized when Maguindanaons formed their own - The Moro Islamic Liberation Front of then Hashim Salamat while the MaCharlie Señase ranaw of Lanao orgacsenase@yahoo.com nized the short-lived MNLF-Reformist Group ANY liken Cotabato City as under Dimas Pundatu. a prodigal son to have return While Misuari’s MNLF succeeded to its geographical origin in to have entered into the 1996 Final Maguindanao following Tuesday’s Peace Accord with the national govsigning of official documents between ernment the MILF managed to push the national and regional governments. for an autonomous government not From RAG to riches, in the span of solely for Muslims but for all other almost 50 years, Cotabato City which inhabitants, thus the coined phrase was the permanent regional capital “Bangsamoro” that includes cultural of Central Mindanao refused to join minorities. And certainly, “moral the defunct Autonomous Region in governance” in the Bangsamoro is Muslim Mindanao and for that reason another attraction which predecessors prompted a past President to quip “It’s in the defunct ARMM used “reformed a failed autonomy.” governance on transparency and acWhat used to be RAG or Regional countability.”

Autonomous Governments of Western All these reformatory moves and Mindanao (Region-9) and Central cliches were meant to erase the stigma Mindanao (Region-12) had evolved to that has been haunting the region of become LTP or Lupong Tagapagpaga- its past as being the “cheating capital” nap ng Pook under the Marcos regime. during political exercises, “the killing The so-called “People’s Power” fields,” “kidnap capital” when almost that catapulted Corazon Aquino as weekly prominent businessmen and the country’s first lady President to personalities were being snatched for oust a perceived dictator in Ferdinand ransom.

Marcos, whose stewardship ranked our Most Filipino-Chinese entreprecountry second only to Japan in terms neurs have to leave Cotabato City due of economic progress in the whole of to these threats.

Asia.

It took lawyer Cynthia GuianiThe Moro vision for self-rule per- Sayadi to be the first city lady mayor sisted long before RAG when the late that Cotabato garnered national acDatu Udtug Matalam organized the colades as the second safest city in Mindanao Independence Movement the country, next to Puerto Princesa.

(MIM) when he was governor of the It includes business and child friendly undivided Empire Cotabato that com- city awards because of its meteoric rise prises the present provinces of North to trade and investment opportunities. and South Cotabato, Maguindanao, The fate of Cotabato City is in Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and the the hands of the Supreme Court that cities therein. has yet to decide on the veracity of The arm struggle for Moro inde- the Yes Vote triumph of BARMM in pendence has become more pronounced 2019 plebiscite on the constitutional with the advent of the Moro National ground that the three equal branches Liberation Front led by former UP pro- of government (Executive, Legislative fessor Nur Misuari. The MNLF used to and Judiciary) are independent from be one with all Moro tribes united to each other. No one is above the law as gain recognition for their aspiration to in high and low. But the “court of last be independent. resort” is where justice with equity However, time changed when prevails. MC

A reminder for senior citizens this christmas

world the Son of God. "how shall this be, for I know not man?" She was then engaged to St. Joseph, who was surprised to be told in a dream that “he must worry not".

Days later, Mary's Victoria R. Franco, RPh, MS Pharmacy cousin Elizabeth came to her bringing great news franco1573victoria@gmail.com that she too, at an advanced n the first day of Simbang Gabi, a age, shall bear a son, John Catholic tradition that originated the Baptist. Both rejoiced at their in the Philippines, very "pinoy" surprises. and is now exported and practiced in By design, Mary and Joseph could many countries, thanks to our OFWs, not find an inn to stay the night, my choice of church to hear mass in the knocking at doors, instead they were internet was the Manila Cathedrall. offered a stable we now call the manger.

Archbishop Socrates Villegas delivered They were surprised that in that town a very heart warming homily. Recall they found this humble shelter. that Archbishop Villegas is the same The shepherds and the 3 Magi were baby faced assistant to the feisty surprised by the brightly shining star Cardinal Sin of,the world famous Edsa that led them to the newly born, baby Revolution.

Jesus.

A surprise is an unexpected, or Early this year, the pandemic astonishing event, fact or thing. We surprised us with the ferocious attack all love surprises. The unexpected on our health, affecting our lives present; or promotion, or good news in many ways. God surprised us in or an expression of affection. A phone sending volunteers to deliver food, call from a long lost friend, a chance medicines and other necessities; encounter with a former admirer are God moved the hearts of those in some of our delightful events that make Government to provide food, shelter, our day. quarantine facilities. God moved In the book, Surprise: Embrace medical practitioners to sacrifice in t h e u n p r e d i c t a b l e , E n g i n e e r t h e caring for the sick and scientists, unexpected; authors Tania Luna and chemists to find the cure and the right Leeann argue that surprise whether vaccine to overcome the cycle of the good or bad is important for bringing pandemic. vitality to our lives. Why is surprise so By forcing us to stay home, God led important? It turns out that surprise us to discover the joys of family eating, works on the dopamine of the brains, working together; we may be deprived helping us to duck our attention and from attending mass, but God led us to inspiring us to look at our situation in realize how important it is to find time new ways. Sharing our surprises with for prayer and adoration through the others can help us savor them more.

TV. What awakenings did God bring Negative surprises are much you in this time of pandemic? more challenging than positive onesFor now, I just learned of the receiving a devastating diagnosis, magnanimous surprise coming from having a car accident or a fall from Members of the Datu Piang Municipal the stairs, or losing a job, will not police backed by Brig. Gen. Samuel be a welcome change of pace, they Rodriguez and the SAF who helped continued.

Fr. Prudencio Alviar, OMI repair the The story of the Nativity goes Sta. Teresita Parish Church damaged back to the visit of Angel Gabriel to by the firefight between the Police and the young virgin maiden, our mother military authorities and the BIFF. Mary. This was a surprise to her when The day was also the birthday of Fr. she was told she was to bring to the Prudencio Alviar, OMI. MC

Land use planning and development…

Lost sheep TRUE TO FORM

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A God of surprises

THE STUFF OF LIFE

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GOLDEN THREADS

party area, there should always be an extra face mask or face shields and a lot of alcohol as sanitizing stations.

Comfort rooms should always be sanitized from time to time.

In whatever way, senior citizens should be reminded always: cheridinemd@gmail.com 1. You can eat. You may taste the food served on the table. If you are hristmas mean a lot to Senior Citizens. It is going back to young to middle old (60- 79 year old), it memories of the past Christmases is always wise to enjoy small frequent where they enjoy the company of meals rather than starve yourself and their children and their families. It is go bingeing. For the old old (80 and looking forward to another year added above), try to enjoy the food and in the to their long lives. It is savouring spirit of Christmas, eat more but do not the spirit of sharing and giving. It is overfeed yourself.

2. Always exercise. The call to active enjoying the sumptuous food served on the Christmas table. However, this aging encompasses all ages. It is best pandemic year, we are reminded to be to continue to be active. During the more vigilant. How can we celebrate holiday season, the cold weather is very Christmas while minimising risks and conducive to cuddling and lying down protecting ourselves and our loved on the bed under the sheets. Rise up to the cold season and move your joints. It ones?

It is best to simplify and celebrate is always best to move when you have the season with your small bubble- a lot to eat.

3. Enjoy the love. Whatever immediate family and household.

Forego visiting friends, if you intend to situation you are in and whatever do so, it is best to schedule with them problems you face, always feel the love so they can disinfect and prepare their that Christmas brings. As we age, we homes. Better if you can just do online need to be more positive. The children are away? Remember the times you Christmas party.

If your children want to hold a were together. You are all alone? Be in party, best to do it outside in an open air the company of friends and neighbours. with proper ventilation. Air-conditioned You do not have money? Look around rooms are not advisable. Always observe and share the spirit of love instead. social distancing, use face mask and Shed tears of joy rather than tears of shields. While eating, there should sadness and loneliness.

Be active and be positive. Thank be proper distancing. The usual mano po, beso beso and handshake are not God for another year added to your life. allowed. Hugging may be done from the Merry Christmas everyone! MC back wearing protective gowns.

Filipinos just love to sing. The karaoke is good but singing can potentially aerosolize droplets. When done outside, the singer may use face mask all the time while singing or stay 6 meters apart to avoid transmitting the virus.

Sanitize and disinfect everything, gifts, utensils and cups. If you can bring your own utensils, better. In the Cheridine P. Oro- Josef, M.D., DFM, FPAFP, FPCGM

C

exist and exacerbated by the shorter term of office.

Local governments are mandated to prepare a Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) that is supposed to be the basis for other plans such as the Comprehensive Danny Buenbrazo D e v e l o p m e n t P l a n danny_buenbrazo@yahoo.com (CDP) and the Annual Investment Plan (AIP), among other plans. evelopment planning in the Land use planning involves the country had been a challenge given the constant shifts in power inventory of the existing use of the at the national level and the short period land of a local government unit such as a municipality or a city. Current of the term of office at the local levels.

In the post-Marcos era, there seems demographic patterns and trends to be no continuity in the plans and in development in the locality are programs of different Administrations also analyzed. Thereafter, the local due to the lack of a stable political government units are supposed to decide party system and the failure of one on the socio-economic directions they political group to remain in power for would take for the next 10 to 20 years. more than a decade. The Cory Aquino The locality would then allocate its land Administration spent most of its time to support the strategic development putting back the essential elements of a directions of plans to pursue in the democratic society with the formulation future.

Areas should be allocated for and approval of a new constitution, the holding of free elections, and the drafting industrial, commercial, residential, of replacement laws such as the Local environmental protection, institutions, and other uses. Local ordinances would Government Code.

The first administration to craft then be passed adopting the CLUP a more detailed development plan for and prescribing the allowed uses for the country was that of Fidel V. Ramos the various land classifications in the (which gained power in 1992) with Newly territorial jurisdiction of the LGU. When done correctly, land use Industrial Country by 2000 (or NIC 2000) as its popular slogan. However, planning would ensure a balance between the plan was met with skepticism as the the need for development, preservation idea of transforming a country, burdened of the environment, and protection of with huge public debt, and still trying to the locality against disasters. Investors restore investor confidence, into an NIC and developers would be properly guided in just eight (8) appears to be unrealistic. as to which parts of a town or city could Hoping to have continuity in his drive be utilized for various purposes such as to industrialize the country, President mall development, housing, industrial Ramos back then House Speaker de development, among others.

Activities that could caused Venecia to be his successor; however, the anointed one lost to the popular Joseph disturbances in the form of pollution Estrada. The Estrada Administration and other nuisance can be placed was a short-lived one as he was ousted by in areas that are far from schools, mosques, churches, hospitals, and other another People Power Revolution.

Succeeding administrations also institutions that should have a quieter failed to get their anointed ones elected. and safer environment.

Hopefully, LGUs would make Thus, the constant change in the direction functional CLUPs instead of just of the Philippine Development Plan.

The same challenge in development complying with the requirement of planning at the local government units having one. MC

MARKET DRIVEN

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December 19,2020

THE MINDANAO CROSS

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December 19, 2020

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Cotabato City is now officially...From page 1 Turnover” over-emphasized...From page 1

Año also answered the issue on the petition filed

by Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi, saying, "nirerespeto natin ang petition na finile niya sa Supreme Court, pero that does not stop the operation of the law.”

“The law has been ratified and it has to be implemented. Hindi naman nagbigay ng decision ang Supreme Court kaya hindi natin pwedeng sawayin ang batas, dahil si Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na ang nagsabi na let's implement the law,” he added.

Meanwhile, Año also clarified that employment in the city will remain intact even it is already under the supervision of the regional government.

Año said not a single

person will lose his/her job, following the city’s official turnover to BARMM on Dec. 15.

“Tuloy-tuloy ang paglilingkod ng Cotabato City under the BARMM,” he added.

He also confirmed that there are plantilla positions for the employees of city in DILG office.

"Mayroong na-create na plantilla positions na nasa kapangyarihan na ni Atty. Sinarimbo ang pagfill-in doon, at mayroon din tayong kasamahan sa DILG na piniling sumama sa BARMM," Año said.

Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim supported Año’s statement and assured that the city employees will continue serving the City

Government.

"Ang sa atin lang ay supervision [...] ‘yung mga employees ay magtatrabaho pa din, walang mawawalan ng trabaho," Ebrahim said.

I n t h e e n d , A ñ o affirmed to strengthen its guidance and coordination with the Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG-BARMM) even after Cotabato City has been turned over to the Bangsamoro Government.

“Hindi ibig sabihin na nagtatapos na ang ugnayan ng Cotabato City sa DILG-National Government, sapagkat kami ay nakaalalay at patuloy na tutulong dahil ito ay kasama sa transition,” Año said. BPI-

Saudi Arabian embassy through the national headquarters of the Philippine National Police in Camp Crame in Quezon City.

Alsuhibani yielded peacefully to policemen who showed him a warrant for his arrest while in his residence at Barangay Balabaran.

The warrant for the arrest of Alsubihani, known in Barangay Balabaran as Khalid, was signed

by Judge Allan Edwin Boncavil of the Regional Trial Court Branch 19 in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

Rodriguez said the operation that resulted in the arrest of Alsubihani, a moneylender, was a joint accomplishment of PRO-

BAR, the CIDG-BARMM, 2nd Marine Battalion Landing Team intelligence agents from the Army’s 6th Infantry Division.

Rodriguez said police found in Alsuhibani’s house components for improvised explosives, a laptop and mobile phones with numbers of his alleged contacts in the Dawlah Islamiya operating in central Mindanao.

Police said he has communication lines with Abu Toraife, leader of one of three factions of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

The Dawlah Islamiya, tagged in all deadly bomb attacks in central Mindanao since 2014, is using the flag of the Islamic State of Iraq

and Syria as its banner.

“The PRO-BAR appreciates the effort of the CIDG-BAR that played the lead role in the arrest of this foreigner said to have links with local terrorists,” Rodriguez said Thursday morning.

Alsubihani’s wife, Norhaya, a resident of Cotabato City, denied her husband had links with the BIFF and insisted he was a money-lending businessman and a peace loving Saudi Arabian national.

The Dawlah Islamiya has been trying to sabotage the peace overture between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). John Felix

BARMM

Nabbed ISIS man in Cotabato...From page 1

Unson

Barber offers free haircut to...From page 1 gestures of support,” Evangelista said in a radio interview.

Barbershop workers were told to strictly observe health protocols such as wearing of facemask while performing hair

cutting and physical distancing. A client is required to retain his facemask while his hair is being cut.

Many residents in Kidapawan have lauded the act of the barber and

son is involved.”

But even in isolation, Tamayo said he is working through a virtual office.

He said the provincial government continues to function normally, ran by the provincial administrator and the vice governor.

In line with the province’s efforts to fight COVID-19, Tamayo said they have ordered swab test kits overseas to augment

the stocks provided by the Department of Health for South Cotabato.

He added that the designated COVID-19 hospital is ready to accept patients severely sickened by the virus.

As of Wednesday evening, December 16, South Cotabato recorded 1,085 COVID-19 cases with 978 recoveries, 83 active cases and 24 deaths, data from the South Cotabato

expressed hope he will be emulated by others who can share something, in goods, services and cash to frontliners who have been risking lives to protect everyone. Edwin

O. Fernandez

Gov. Tamayo joins COVID-19...From page 2

Integrated Provincial Health Office showed.

Ten new COVID-19 cases were recorded in Tupi town, the bailiwick of the Tamayo clan, bringing the municipality’s total to 66, the third highest for South Cotabato.

Koronadal City, the provincial capital, has the highest COVID-19 cases with 491 followed by Polomolok with 314. Bong

S. Sarmiento

further boost the potential of Cotabato City, unique with its own context and in support to its existing resources."

Sinarimbo had earlier said one possibility was that the DILG 12 would be taking in along the personnel of Cotabato City Local Government Operations Office (CLGOO), and that the BARMMMILG would bring in its human resources to run that office.

Later, Año said under the guidelines of the Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGR) Body, the transfer of supervision to MILG-BARMM also covers resources of the city’s DILG –CLGOO personnel plantilla.

“That (CLGOO) has a plantilla that is now under the control of the MLGBARMM,” Año told reporters in a press briefing following the turnover ceremonies at the Old Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Center in the city.

In an official statement, City Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi said nothing much really will substantially change the city’s administrative setup and operations, as a chartered independent-city, and also not on its internal revenue resources provided under Republic Act 7160, the Local Government Code of 1991.

Trying to “bridge” the gap even in one’s own spirituality, businessman Narciso Yu Ekey said may the leaders be instrumental in translating fruitful plans into reality, according to

God’s Will.

Yu-Ekey, fondly called “Ongpin,” is a member of the Bangsamoro Transitional Parliament, and his father Moya Ekey is a close kin of the city mayor’s maternal family. Ekey said we implore upon God “to help us realize the Message that (He’s) trying to Tell us through these events.”

“Cotabato City is now officially a part of the BARMM,” Año said during the press briefing, but was quick to add that the city “remains a part of the national government,” citing that it “stood tall to challenges of our time.”

National Citations, Awards Año has underscored fact that Cotabato City has been cited by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) as the Most Business-Friendly City in 2019. Also in November last year, the city won Presidential Award for the Child-Friendly City.

Transfer of entities covered by Republic Act 11054, the Bangsamoro Organic Law, has been considerably slow for BARMM, as each individual case has to be bilaterally reviewed and approved by officials designated as members of IGR bodies.

Still debatable, preferably in a civil atmosphere, is whether supervision of offices devolved to LGUs under the Local Government Code (RA 7160) could still be transferred to BARMM’s corresponding agencies.

Such already devolved

offices are health, social services and health.

Many observers, however, said BARMM is up for complementation of efforts on welfare programs, projects and activities on social services and even on infrastructure development.

A separate IGR body has been ostensibly working on public works concerns, from both the national government’s Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the BARMM’s Ministry of Public Works (MPW).

It can be recalled that House Deputy Speaker Mujiv Hataman and several Muslim congressmen, had opposed the transfer to BARMM of the supervision of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), since the BOL “only provided” BARMM with powers over public works and not on highways, which remained under the jurisdiction of the national government.”

But pending resolution of that issue, Sinarimbo, as overall spokesperson for BARMM, said Cotabato City can benefit from the region’s infrastructure development programs for city roads improvement projects and rehabilitation.

The city’s DPWH Engineering District, now under Engineer Lugaya Abas-Ampatuan, was created in the time of the late Maguindanao Representative Simeon A. Datumanong as Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways in 2001. Nash B. Maulana

Introduction to Catholic Bioethics,” was recognized as a 2012 Choice outstanding academic title by the Association of College and Research Libraries.

Surge in cases during holidays The priest earlier warned of the possible surge in COVID-19 cases in the coming days with the onset of the holiday season.

“We’re approaching a time when there will be a lot of social mixing, so you want to have a caseload that is as a low as possible before Christmas,” said the priest who also works with the OCTA Research Group of the University of the Philippines.

He said, however, that the new cases should not be a cause of concern, adding that the basic rule in pandemic management

is that as you open the economy and increase mobility, there is bound to be an uptick in cases.

“The important thing is that the government has increased its capacity to fight COVID-19 and should be able to act quickly on the problem,” he said.

The Philippines, which recorded its first COVID-19 case in January, has already recorded a total of 445,540 COVID infections, with a total of 8,701 deaths as of this week.

The Philippine government is eyeing to inoculate from 50 to 60 percent of the country’s estimated 110 million population starting middle of next year to achieve “herd immunity” from COVID-19.

Carlito Galvez Jr, head of a government task force charged to combat the

spread of the virus, said any available vaccine will be deployed in “high burden” areas and among groups most at risk.

He said the strategy aims to “immediately contain contamination and transmission of the virus and to reduce it.”

“We will concentrate on focus areas that emerge as ‘epicenters’ of the pandemic and then we will focus on the sectors or priority groups,” said Galvez in a forum on Dec. 10.

In a separate forum, Dr Napoleon Arevalo from the Department of Health said authorities will determine “high-burden” areas based on the prevalence of the disease, average daily attack rate over the past three months, and case fatality rates. Ronald O.

Filipino scientist-priest works...From page 6

Reyes/LiCAS.news

Investment prospects high with Cotabato City now under BARMM...From page 1 Lawyer Ishak Mastura, chair of Regional Board of Investment (RBOI), said cursory business surveys point out that Cotabato City, due to its strategic location is the “de facto” financial center of Central Mindanao, having the most number of banks and bank branches in the area.

Cotabato City even has its own Central Bank Regional Office, which many other similar-sized cities cannot boast of.

Mastura said BARMM is considered the most underbanked region in the country with the government-owned Landbank having the most branches in the region.

While Landbank

recently opened the first bank in Lamitan City, Basilan, it already operates two branches in Cotabato City.

Now that Cotabato City is officially part of the region, the banking profile of BARMM improves dramatically.

Cotabato City has the most number of banks and bank branches in the region. About a third of all the banks in the region are situated in the city.

“These factors make Cotabato City the natural financial center of BARMM,” Mastura said in a statement.

Even before its formal inclusion in BARMM

today, Cotabato City was already serving in that role considering that it has been the provisional capital of BARMM with the Bangsamoro Government Complex located in the city.

“With the BARMM government having an annual block grant amounting to Php70 billion this year and Php75 billion next year going through the banking system in Cotabato City, this volume of money alone cements its role as the financial center of the region,” he said.

In addition, government money also goes through the city to service the needs of the military in the region with the 6th Infantry Division,

one of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ biggest divisions in terms of personnel and material resources and budget, located in the vicinity.

International donors and Official Development Assistance from foreign aid agencies including the agencies of the United Nations, which have programs to assist the BARMM, also course their money through the city’s financial ecosystem internationalizing its fund sources further.

This is aside from the huge remittances flowing to its banks from Overseas Filipino Workers, of which Central Mindanao is a top recruiter and source

for several years now, particularly for those bound for the Middle East.

Mastura also said said that his agency is promoting Cotabato City as the Islamic Banking and Finance Hub not only of the region but of the country.

“Under the Investment Priority Plan 2020 recently signed by President Duterte, only investment operations in the BARMM of Islamic banks and financial institutions can enjoy fiscal incentives from RBOI, such as Income Tax Holidays and Reduced Duties and Tariffs for imported capital equipment,” said Mastura.

Currently, Al-Amanah Islamic Investment Bank is the only Islamic bank that

operates in the country and has a branch in Cotabato City. This is set to change with last year’s passage of Republic Act No. 11439 or the Philippine Islamic Banking Act. “Together with RBOI Board of Governor Mohamad Pasigan, we recently talked with the Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines in order for MAYBANK, which is Malaysian-owned and its biggest bank, to open a branch in Cotabato City and eventually for its Islamic Banking Subsidiary, MayBank Islamic, the largest Islamic bank in ASEAN, to follow shortly,” he said. RBIO BARMM

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THE MINDANAO CROSS

December 19,2020

Army blames BIFF in blasts that killed pregnant woman, hurt 6 Military authorities have blamed the Dawla Islamiya-Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (DI-BIFF) for shelling civilian communities in Maguindanao that left a pregnant woman dead and six others injured.

The separate explosions ripped through villages in the adjoining Datu Salibo and Shariff Saidona towns in Maugindanao Monday and Tuesday.

“It was diversionary tactic of the BIFF,” Lt. Colonel Anhouvic Atilano,

6th Infantry Division spokesperson, told DXMS Radyo Bida Thursday.

Since the Datu Piang harassment by the BIFF, the military has been pounding BIFF positions in Maguindanao’s marshland with artillery fire.

“The BIFF fires

mortars or rifle grenades toward civilian homes to force the military to cease shelling,” Atilano said.

“Then the BIFF spreads rumors through social media that the mortar came from the Army, that is baseless because we know pretty

well where to land the mortars,” he added in the vernacular.

Local officials of Shariff Saydona identified the pregnant as Ramea Damada who was inside her house, located in Sitio Sedsang in Barangay Pusaw Shariff Sadyona

Mustapha.

She was rushed to the Maguindanao provincial hospital in Datu Hofer where she was declared dead on arrival.

Earlier, six were hurt when a mortar projectile landed on the roof and went off inside a house in

Barangay Sambulawan in Salibo town, Maguindanao.

The victims were identified as Harris Abdulkarim, 36, Kusain Hamdan, 20, Nano Mama, 44 and three children aged 6, 8 and 15 who all sustained shrapnel injuries. John Felix Unson

Drug trafficker charged THE PHILIPPINE Drug Enforcement Agency has filed a case against drug dealer Allan Sambutuan Abdul from whom agents seized P680,000 worth of shabu last weekend.

"A corresponding case had been filed against him," Juvenal Azurin, director of PDEA-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, told Mindanao Cross Wednesday.

He said Abdul is now clamped down in their detention facility in Cotabato City.

Abdul was arrested in the Upper Capiton area in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao by combined PDEA-

BARMM agents and Datu Odin Sinsuat municipal police after selling his merchandise to a non-uniformed anti-narcotics operative.

The entrapment operation that led to Abdul's arrest was laid after the PDEA-BARMM received a tip from his relatives detailing his shabu peddling activities in Datu Odin Sinsuat and in nearby towns in Maguindanao.

Azurin said the PDEA-BARMM will prosecute Abdul for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, using the P680,000 worth of shabu confiscated from him as evidence. John Felix Unson

Cotabato City gets 8 health stations from DOH-12

WAYLAID. Police officers inspect the spot where a school district supervisor in President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat province, was shot dead Wednesday morning, December 16, by a motorcycle reining-in-tandem. A pursuit operation is ongoing against the suspects, authorities say.

Photo courtesy of Max FM – Sultan Kudarat

2 dead, barangay exec wounded in gun attacks

A retired public school teacher and a businessman were killed while a barangay chairman was seriously wounded in separate gun attacks Wednesday in central Mindanao.

The 68-year-old teacher, Ofelia Maria Castillano, was shot dead while inside a tricycle in a residential area in Kidapawan City by two men riding a motorcycle together.

Lt. Col. Ramel Hojilla, Kidapawan City police chief, said Thursday, the killers of Castillano, both wearing facemasks and dark eyeglasses, immediately escaped after the attack.

The driver of the tricycle carrying Castillano survived the

attack unscathed.

The incident was preceded by the murder two hours earlier of the 43-year-old businessman Rex Liboon in the public market of Esperanza town in Sultan Kudarat.

Liboon was shot from behind by two men armed with .45 caliber pistols, according to a report from the Esperanza municipal police.

His killers scampered away towards different directions amid a commotion triggered by the shooting incident.

Norodin Manalasal, chairman of Barangay Malingao in Midsayap town in North Cotabato was shot and wounded on the same day by two men armed with pistols.

Manalasal was riding

a barangay service vehicle motoring through a busy thoroughfare in the town proper of Midsayap when two men on a motorcycle trailing behind opened fire as they got close, hitting him four times in different parts of his body.

Lt. Col. John Calinga, Midsayap police chief, said Thursday responding policemen rushed Manalasal to a hospital for treatment.

Calinga said the attempt to kill Manalasal could be related to his being chairman of an interior barangay where a number of families are locked in deadly clan wars sparked either by political rivalries, or land disputes. John Felix

THE NATIONAL Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) has called on pilgrims to register from Dec. 16-31 this year for the 2021 Hajj to Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

"This is to determine the actual number of intending pilgrims for the 2021 Hajj,” said Director Malo Manonggiring of NCMF’s Bureau of Pilgrimage and Endowment (BPE), in a statement on Wednesday.

Manonggiring said the BPE accepts registrants between the scheduled dates but no

fees would be collected until the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) will release a confirmation on foreign pilgrims' inclusion.

“There is no advice yet from the KSA if foreign worshipers would be allowed for the 2021 Hajj,” Manonggiring said.

However, he said Saudi Arabia has already eased some restrictions for foreign pilgrims who were allowed to perform the “Umrah” pilgrimage.

Umrah is the name given to a pilgrimage to Mecca, which is a shorter

version of the annual Hajj gathering.

Manonggiring said it was still possible for the 2021 Hajj to push through for the international Muslim community.

The annual Hajj is a religious duty for ablebodied Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey at least once in their lifetime. It is one of the five pillars of Islam.

Manonggiring said registration is free of charge and fees would only be collected upon approval. PNA

Eight barangay health facilities were turned over by the Department of Health Region 12 to the City Government of Cotabato during the ceremonial activity Wednesday at the Social Hall of the city hall.

A total of P13.5 million were allocated for the construction and renovation of these barangay health facilities, according to Dr. Aristides Concepcion Tan, DOH-12 regional director.

This construction and renovation of these health facilities were made under DOH-12 Completed Infrastructure Projects of Health Facilities Enhancement Program.

Tan said as the department envisions implementing improved access to quality hospitals and health facilities, its main goal is to further develop the delivery of basic, essential, and specialized health services.

Out of the eight recipient-barangays, four villages received newly constructed health stations.

These are Barangays Tamontaka Mother, Bagua 2, Rosary Heights 11, and Rosary Heights 9.

Three barangays have their health stations repaired and renovated.

These are barangays Rosary Heights Mother, Bagua 1, and Rosary Heights 8.

Barangay Kalanganan 2 has a newly constructed birthing home.

All facilities were completed and functional with their respective equipment.

Tan said giving these facilities to Cotabato City is expected to give more energy to the city's health workers as they provide quality services to their fellow constituents. He hoped that these will be properly maintained and serve its purpose well.

Cotabato City Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia J. Guiani-Sayadi expressed her gratitude to DOH12 for always choosing Cotabato City as one of the top recipients of the department's programs

and projects.

Her directive to officials of the recipient-villages was for them to use these facilities for the benefit of all their constituents.

Mayor Sayadi called for everyone's cooperation to continue to work together with more energy, more vigor, and to never lose sight of our end goal--that is to build a better and brighter Cotabato City for the next generation to come.OCM-PIPD AFFIDAVIT OF LOSS Know all men by these presents that THELMO B. BULQUERIN of legal age, Filipino, married and proprietor of THEL CONSTRUCTION AND SUPPLY, with business address at Poblacion 7, Midsayap, Cotabato, procured as principal from the People’s General Insurance Corporation (Surety) an advance payment Bond Policy with PGIC Bond numbered 013074. That the original copy of the said Policy could no longer be found and was declared lost before Notary Public Jessica Resurrecion L. Pader as per Doc. No. 115; Page No. 24; Book No. I; Series of 2020.

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

Unson

NCMF announces registration sked for Hajj 2021 pilgrims

FACILITY TURNOVER. Eight barangay health facilities were turned over by the Department of Health Region XII to the City Government of Cotabato during the ceremonial activity at the People’s Palace as part of DOH’s Completed Infrastructure Projects of Health Facilities Enhancement Program.

Photo courtesy of OCM-PIPD

12

THE MINDANAO CROSS

The Bangsamoro Government’s Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) through the Office of Parliament Members Dr. Susana Salvador Anayatin in partnership with MP Narciso Yu Ekey, CPA successfully conducted the Forum on the Provisions of Bangsamoro Administrative Code on the Creation of Office for Settler Communities on December 4, 2020 held at Pagana Pavillion, Cotabato City.

The forum was graced by BARMM Interim Chief Minister Hon. Ahod B. Ebrahim through virtual message, His Eminence Orlando Cardinal B. Quevedo, OMI, DD message read by MP Anayatin, and attended by almost 100 invitees both physical and online including other Parliament Members, Ministers, representatives from sectors of Religious, Academe, Business, Women, Youth, Media, Local Government Unit, Civil Society Organization, Non-Government Organization, People’s Organization and Lay Leaders.

Presentation on the salient features of the BAC on the provisions for the creation of the Office for Settler Communities or the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act. No. 13 was highlighted on the said event which was aired via radio throughout the five provinces of the region including the 63 barangays of North Cotabato thus, informing the public especially the settlers on the laws enacted for their rights and benefit, the establishment of said office will promote and make venue to address the issues and concerns of the settler communities in the Bangsamoro Region.

December 19, 2020