The Mindanao Cross | February 13, 2021 by The Mindanao Cross

5 hurt, 8 landslides in NoCot after twin quakes

CHURCH / P6

Papal Nuncio calls Catholics to ‘forefront’ of ecumenism

TAPATAN

Dr. Margie Daylusan-Fiesta LOVE LOCKDOWN: Love in time of pandemic

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PODS OF WHALES, DOLPHINS FROLIC SARANGANI BAY

BY EDWIN O. FERNANDEZ

KORONADAL CITY – Hundreds of whales and dolphins were spotted in Sarangani Bay during the Feb. 2-5 marine mammal monitoring by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Region 12 and its partners in the protected seascape.

Gong Xi Fa Cai

Joy C. Ologuin, protected area superintendent (PASu) of Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (SBPS), said that food hunting and nursing of calves are the possible reasons why the whales and dolphins were in the bay. It was not the first time that dolphins and whales appeared in the vast Sarangani Bay. In recent months, similar marine mammals were observed coming to the coast and played to the delight of locals and tourists. Oloquin said the monitoring team was composed of personnel from DENR-12 Conservation and Development Division, Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) of SBPS, General Santos City DENR office and Environmental Conservation and Protection Center of Sarangani province. According to a report from PAMO-SBPS, around 20-30 individuals of Short-finned Pilot Whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus)

Happy Valentines Day! BAY VISITORS. The Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (SBPS) has reported the sightings of hundreds of whales, dolphins during its annual marine mammal count early this month.

IP Ministry

Photo courtesy of PAMO-SBPS

A New Focus and New Imperatives

Happily ever after... P9

did you know?

By Fr. Eliseo Mercado, OMI

Year of the Metal Ox

(1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033) Having an honest nature, Oxes are known for diligence, dependability, strength and determination. Lucky colors: white, blue, yellow, green Lucky numbers: 1 and 4 Directions of auspiciousness: East, Southeast Directions of wealth: Northwest Directions of love: South

BARMM settling IP land dispute

ISOLATION HAVEN. The OMI-run retreat house in Binoligan, Kidapawan City served as an isolation facility for individuals and families under quarantine. OMI-Philippines

LSIs, PUMs find refuge in OMI Retreat House

BY BONG SARMIENTO

KORONADAL CITY — The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is reviewing land titles in a bid to settle the complex land conflict issue on ancestral domain in South Upi, Maguindanao. BARMM Interior Minister Lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, also regional spokesperson, made the assurance in response to the call of the Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples Youth Network (NMIPYN), an umbrella of 10 non-Moro indigenous peoples (IPs) organizations, to review land titles issued in the disputed lands. “The issue in South Upi is very complex… It’s not just an issue of CADT (Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title) but of lands with Torrens titles,” he said in a virtual forum. A Torrens title is a certificate of land ownership issued by the Register of Deeds. Citing initial results of a fact-finding conducted by the Bangsamoro government, Sinarimbo said the root cause of the harassments that led to the displacement of thousands of Tedruay and Lambangian tribes in South Upi is land conflict. He noted the priority of the Bangsamoro government is to first stabilize the peace and order situation in the affected villages, as it would be difficult to settle the land dispute there if the security situation is volatile. The land conflict in South Upi came into the spotlight when armed men attacked Barangay Itaw on New Year’s Day and burned 13 houses there. A few days later, the convoy of South Upi Mayor Reynalbert Insular, coming

BY FR. ROCK SANIEL, OMI

BABY TURTLE Newly hatched Olive Ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) emerges from a nesting site in the shores of Purok Islam, Barangay Glan Padidu in Glan town, Sarangani province were released to the sea on Wednesday by environment workers and residents. Photo courtesy of Cenro-Glan

CIDG-BAR hopeful more BIFF to yield BY JOHN FELIX UNSON

THE Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region is optimistic more bandits implicated in last December’s in Datu Piang, Maguindanao will soon come out to clear their names. The CIDG-BAR, in a statement, hinted that its personnel, local officials, units under the Army’s 6th Infantry Division and the Military Intelligence Group-12 of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines are still trying to secure the surrender of another group from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) tagged in the atrocity. One of the commanders of terrorists who burned a police vehicle and shot a Catholic church and houses in the town proper of Datu Piang in December surrendered last week. Nino Ebrahim, a henchman of Imam Karialan, and his ten followers pledged allegiance to the government through

THE Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help (SOMPH) retreat house in Binoligan, Kidapawan City, an OMI-run center has become a haven of refuge for several (Locally Stranded Individuals) LSIs and (Persons Under Monitoring) PUMs under the care of city government of Kidapawan. Since last year, the shrine has been accepting individuals and families under quarantine during the event of the pandemic. Through the joint program of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) and Kidapawan City government, LSIs and PUMs are quarantined in the OMI retreat house, identified as one of the quarantine centers. In Kidapawan City, only a number of centers have been assigned for such delicate role of accepting person under quarantine.

The decision was made by Bishop Charlie Inzon, OMI, the apostolic vicar of Jolo Vicariate, who was then the OMI provincial superior during their meeting with Mayor Joseph Evangelista of Kidapawan City, early last year. It was a huge decision for the OMI congregation as it will affect the image of the retreat house. But seeing in the missionary perspective and the need of the people, it was decided that the retreat house will be offered to be one of the quarantine centers in Kidapawan City. During that time, the retreat house accepted several LUIs and PUMs for free of accommodation. It was an effort to help the city government and specially those under quarantine. The OMI retreat house has about 17 separate houses, each with

Execs, locals laud Army role in December attack

BY NASH B. MAULANA

LOCAL officials and residents of Datu Piang, Maguindanao have commended the military for sense of heroism and bravery in quelling the lawless attackers of that town on the night of December 3, 2020. Datu Piang Mayor Datu Victor Samama said it was timely and befitting for the officialdom of the town to “commend the military troops for heroism and bravery, as exemplified by and generally attributed to the Armed Forces of the Philippines during attack on this town, perpetrated by lawless elements on

December 3, 2020.” A Municipal Resolution passed in mid-January by the Sangguniang Bayan of Datu Piang said residents were surprised and shocked by the attack perpetrated by lawless elements which apparently sowed a mix of feelings, of fear and anger on the part of the civilians. Earlier, Lt. Col. Anhouvic Atilano said the military’s Charlie Coy of the 6th Infantry Battalion had engaged some 30 armed Dawla Islamiyah members who entered Barangay Poblacion of Datu Piang about 10:30 in

the evening. Samama said residents were profoundly grateful for the government security forces, the Philippine Army in particular, which drove the lawless elements on the night of the attack. The resolution noted that the “unexpected disturbance of peace, particularly in the Center of the Municipality has put the readiness and capability of the military troops in terms of responding to such emergency situation, given the normal alert level status prior to the attack.” Samama said

February 13, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

5 hurt, 8 landslides in NoCot after twin quakes

Five persons were hurt, 21 homes damaged, eight landslides were reported in Region 12 following Sunday’s twin tremors that jolted south-central Mindanao, disaster officials said. Arnulfo Villaruz, North Cotabato Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) warning and action officer, said the five persons sustained minor injuries due to panic while the ground was shaking. Villaruz said the rapid assessment conducted by the provincial engineering office showed that 21 homes have been damaged by the quake in Mlang and

Kabacan, both in North Cotabato. Two houses were totally damaged while 19 sustained minor damages. In Mlang, two local Church buildings were partially damaged and two private business establishments in Kabacan were also slightly damaged. The Sultan Kudarat provincial disaster office said a hospital in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat sustained

minor damages. In Kidapawan City, works at the city hall have been suspended this morning to pave the way for inspection and assessment on the soundness of the city hall and other city government offices. Mayor Joseph Evangelista said patients in at least three major hospitals in the city were evacuated outside the

buildings but later returned to their respective rooms after building assessment and evaluation were completed. Villaruz also said the eight landslides were reported in North Cotabato, seven of which occurred in Makilala, North Cotabato and another in nearby Mlang. School teachers in Kidapawan City were

Catamco ok to get anti-Covid shot first

North Cotabato Gov. Nancy Catamco urged all village officials in the province to help the government convince their respective constituents to avail of anti-COVID vaccination once these are available. Catamco met this morning the village officials of Kabacan, North

Cotabato to explain to them the importance of being vaccinated. She was accompanied by Dr. Philbert Malaluan, a physician and member of the North Cotabato provincial board. Malaluan is also the spokesperson of provincial inter-agency task force on infectious diseases.

“Tell and convince your constituents that the vaccines are safe and it will protect them from novel coronavirus,” Catamco told the village officials. To show to the people of North Cotabato the vaccines are safe, Catamco said she will be the first to avail of the antidote. Malaluan also

NEW FACILITY. The Cotabato Regional and Medical Center unveils new emergency room extension facility on Thursday which will help decongest the flock of patients waiting for their RT-PCR results. Photo courtesy of PIA Cotabato City

Maguindanao mayors back transition extension bid

More groups are coming out expressing support to the proposed extension of the Bangsamoro government’s transition period. The latest was from League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) – Maguindanao Chapter. League President Datu Shameem B. Mastura, mayor of Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao, said: “All the town mayors

of Maguindanao are strongly supporting calls for extension of Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) so it can deliver its commitment under the Bangsamoro Organic Law.” During the league’s general assembly on Tuesday, Feb. 9, in Sultan Kudarat, Mayor Mastura and other LMPMaguindanao officials, board of directors, and members expressed their

full support to extend the transition period and agreed to draft a resolution therefore. “Let us work together, all leaders from regional, provincial, down to municipal level up to barangay level so development comes to the grassroots,” Mastura said. Executive Secretary Abdulraof Macacua of the Bangsamoro Autonomous

assured the people of North Cotabato that the vaccines to be provided by the national government will be safe and efficient. He said vaccination is voluntary and no one will be forced to have it if he or she does not want to avail of the antiCOVID vaccines. Edwin O.

Fernandez

Abducted Cotelco worker freed

KIDAPAWAN CITY — A field technician of Cotabato Electric Cooperative (Cotelco) kidnapped by gunmen in a remote village in North Cotabato was released and reunited with his family Thursday. Kier De Vera Selibio was reunited with his wife on Wednesday night along the national highway in Don Carlos, Bukidnon. Engineer Godofredo Homez, Cotelco general manager, said Selibio was fetched by his wife and personnel from Kabacan PNP. Homez said Selibio weak and tired and dehydrated as he allegedly kept running in the area he was not familiar with until he reached a portion of the Bukidnon national highway. “He was blind folded and hand tied when the armed men abandoned him,” Engineer Homez said based on the narration of the victim to him and to police authorities.

Kabacan Mayor Herlo Guzman of Kabacan town waited for the police team until 1 a.m. Thursday to personally check on Selibio’s health condition. Selibio told Guzman that he was abducted in Barangay Barangay Napalico in Arakan,North Ctoabato on Monday afternoon. He managed to send text message to Engr. Homez telling him he was being kidnapped by gunmen. He recalled that he and his captors kept on walking all throughout the night until the next day in the borders of North Cotabato and Bukidnon. Guzman said Selibio told him that no food or water was given him throughout his captivity. He was abandoned by the suspects in Don Carlos town. When he noticed the armed men were no longer around, he crawled a few meters away and managed to untie himself.

Infra projects for 63 North Cotabato barangays mulled

Residents of 63 barangays in North Cotabato now under the Bangsamoro region stand to benefit from multimillion 2021 infrastructure projects now on drafting tables of regional engineers. North Cotabato Gov. Nancy Catamco said Thursday she was thankful to the commitment of the Ministry of Public Works-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to build road networks to interconnect the 63 barangays to domestic trading centers, to schools and to medical dispensaries. Voters in the 63 barangays in North Cotabato, a component-province of Administrative Region 12, voted in favor of the inclusion of their villages into the core territory of BARMM during a plebiscite in January 2019. Catamco said she received on Monday a report that MPW-BARMM engineers with North Cotabato provincial board member Kelly Antao, to discuss essential infrastructure projects. Antao is the designated

coordinator for 63 villages. Public Works Minister Eduard Guerra said Thursday the brainstorming sessions would soon be expanded, to also involve representatives from the 63 barangay governments. “Our initial goal is to identify needed road projects via consensus building. We shall coordinate all our efforts with the office of Gov. (Nancy) Catamco because these 63 barangays are inside municipalities under her watch as governor,” Guerra said. Catamco had earlier said she will continue to extend economic and humanitarian interventions for residents of the 63 barangays that are now component-barangays of the Bangsamoro region. “Their having become part of BARMM is not an absolute separation from the province. My administration and the BARMM government can cooperate on peace and development initiatives for the communities in these areas. John Felix Unson

Notorious group surrender in DBS

The Police Regional OfficeBangsamoro Autonomous Region is counting on the Datu Blah Sinsuat (DBS) municipal government to help reform for good four notorious men who voluntarily surrendered Wednesday. Brig. Gen. Samuel Rodriguez of PRO-BAR said Norodin Sinsuat and followers Thong Usman, Amil Sla and Esmael Mohammad yielded through the intercession of the DBS police and the town’s peace and order council. The multi-sector council, whose members include local Teduray and Maguindanaon elders, is led by Mayor Marshall Sinsuat. The DBS ocal government unit received

last year a special citation from Bangsamoro Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo and Juvenal Azurin, director for the Bangsamoro region of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, in recognition of its unrelenting effort to rid its 13 constituent-barangays of drug traffickers. Rodriguez said Sinsuat and his followers turned in two M16 assault rifles, a .30 caliber Garand rifle and an M79 grenade launcher with four explosive projectiles. Rodriguez said Sinsuat went underground and engaged in criminal activities for money needed to sustain himself and his coddlers after he was implicated in a 2010 murder

case filed at the Regional Trial Court Branch 12 in Cotabato City. The criminal case, docketed 2010-3908 and handled by the now retired Judge Bansawam Ebrahim, eventually got dismissed for lack of evidence. “He and his followers decided to surrender after having been convinced that they can be reintroduced to the local communities for them to start life all over again,” Rodriguez said. Rodriguez said the LGU of Datu Blah Sinsuat, a seaside town in the first district of Maguindanao, assured to help provide interventions needed to hasten the return of the four men to mainstream society.

John Felix Unson

MOBILITY AID. PWDs and senior citizens receive wheelchairs from Bangsamoro Government’s Ministry of Health during a turnover ceremony on Tuesday, February 9, in Cotabato City. BIO-BARMM

February 13, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

As we welcome the Year of the Metal Ox, I would like to extend my warmest greetings to our Chinese communities as you celebrate the Chinese New Year. It has been a tradition of the City Government, under the Guiani Administration, to commemorate this day as our way of paying tribute to the significant contributions of our past and present Chinese communities to the economic growth of Cotabato City. They have been playing a vital role in building up our city and taking it to where it is standing today. But because of the protocols that we follow during the pandemic, we deem it more important to forgo of our usual events. Nevertheless, this occasion’s meaning remains the same and the profound gratitude that we have for our Chinese brothers and sisters will always be in our hearts. I hope that as you welcome another new year, your energy will also be renewed and your determination to rise above this challenging time will be revitalized.

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Sigay Ka Cotabato City! ATTY. FRANCES CYNTHIA J. GUIANI–SAYADI City Mayor

4 t

February 13, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

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BARMM settling IP land dispute ...from P1 from the village for a humanitarian mission, was ambushed, killing a civilian and wounding three others. A faction of the Islamic State-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) was blamed by the Army’s 6th Infantry Division. Sinarimbo said the BIFF members responded to calls from fellow Maguindanaons in South Upi who were allegedly being evicted from the area with the help of the para military troops. He confirmed that the MILF is also present in the area where communist New Peoples Army rebels also pass going to other areas in Sultan Kudarat province.

Edward Abelardo, NMIPYN chair, said the displacement of members of the Teduray and Lambangian tribes in South Upi due to the intermittent harassments allegedly perpetrated by BIFF fighters, to force the villagers to abandon their ancestral land, lingered for almost two years now. He said the presence of MILF members in the area are also sowing fear among the non-Moro IPs in South Upi. Abelardo, during the virtual forum, suggested that the Bangsamoro government conduct a review of the land titles as a way to settle the land conflict in the town. “This needs a sustainable solution.

It cannot be solved by giving rice, canned goods and noodles,” he said in Filipino, referring the displacement caused by the harassments. Bong Fenis, of the Mindanao Peoples Peace Movement, said tribal residents in Barangays Kuya, Pandan and Pilar have also been uprooted in the last two years due to harassments by armed men, meant to force the villagers to abandon their communities. Abelardo lamented that the Bangsamoro parliament has yet to pass the Indigenous Peoples Code, which was filed in 2019, that “will ensure the rights and welfare of the minority non-Moro IPs are promoted and protected in the BARMM.”

the detention center have been swabbed for the reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction (RT- PCR) testing but no results yet. He said the city police office does not subject new detainees to

RT-PCR testing before they are mixed with the other prisoners due to lack of budget. Siason said either a new inmate, the visitors of the inmates or even the police officers guarding them could be the source of the virus.

Dr. Edito Vego, acting head of the City Health Office, said they have launched an extensive contact tracing to inform the close contacts of the inmates as well as to possibly determine the origin of the infections.

No visits to Koronadal police lock-up cell..from P10

Bong Sarmiento

Maguindanao mayors back transition ..from P2 Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) lauded the local chief executives for showing unity and support to BARMM. He also explained the need to extend the transition period, emphasizing the BARMM’s status in the normalization process. “The extension is not really about MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) wanting to stay in power. We only

wanted to ensure the completion of the normalization process as stated in the BOL,” Macacua said. Last year and early this year, the LMP chapters in the provinces of Tawi-Tawi and Lanao del Sur, have passed resolutions on July 2, 2020 and January 19, 2021, respectively, supporting the extension of BTA until 2025. Edwin O. Fernandez

Abducted Cotelco worker..from P2 Selibio sought help from houses nearby but was rejected. He kept on trying until one man accommodated him, provided him with water and let a mobile phone to reach his wife. Selibio is now in a

VACCINE PREPPERS. The city government of Cotabato established a COVID-19 Technical Working Group as part of its vaccination program in preparation for the vaccination of the first 70 percent of its 328,000 population. Photo courtesy of Cotabato City LGU

Ex-MILF combatants receive P16-M rice ...from P1 ease the burden among them and their families who have been affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Diciano said an assessment is currently being done by the Task Force for Decommissioned Combatants and their Communities, in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, to determine their actual

needs and develop more appropriate and sustainable and socioeconomic interventions. M e a n t i m e , Bangsamoro Executive Secretary Abdulraof Macacua described the activity as another achievement in the quest for successful peace endeavor and normalization, noting that rice is a fundamental need of everyone. He said the same rice

assistance package is scheduled to commence soon to decommissioned MILF rebels in other parts of the region that includes the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. The rice aid program is being carried out in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme that has been a long-time supporter of the GPHMILF peace process. PNA

the joint intercession of the CIDG-BAR, the Police Regional OfficeBangsamoro Autonomous Region, the 6th ID and MIG-12 agents. Karialan, leader of one of three BIFF factions is wanted for heinous offenses, including a spate of deadly bomb attacks in central Mindanao since 2014. Ebrahim and his followers, Mohidin Kusain, Mehad Guiamandal, Jiad Ebrahim, Jiamil Ebrahim, Gapor Damada, Indal Damada, Wari Damada, Hamui Amil, Kalim Zukamen and Ausain Sawsana, have confessed to their involvement in the Datu Piang attack. Ebrahim said it was the two top leaders of the BIFF, Kagi Karialan

and Imam Bongos, who ordered the attack involving more than 50 bandits to retaliate for the arrest of their followers for drug peddling, gun possession and explosives in Datu Piang. Intelligence units of PRO-BAR and 6th ID are still trying to locate at least four other BIFF commanders involved in the atrocity. “We decided to surrender and start life all over again after learning that those who have surrendered from the BIFF ahead have properly been ushered by government agencies into mainstream society,” Ebrahim said. He and his companions turned in assorted firearms during

a simple surrender rite in Barangay Buayan, Datu Piang, Maguindanao. Major Gen. Juvymax Uy, 6th ID commander and has jurisdiction over Maguindanao province, said he is thankful to the CIDG-BAR, to Army units under him and the local officials of Datu Piang for having convinced Ebrahim and his followers to return to the fold of law. Uy said he will request the regional government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao through BARMM’s local government minister, Naguib Sinarimbo, to extend essential humanitarian interventions to hasten their reintegration into the local communities.

CIDG-BAR hopeful more BIFF to yield...from P1

Iqbal lays out education plans..from P10

Going back to face-to-face setting Iqbal said the Ministry of Basic Higher and Technical Education's (MBHTE) services, projects, and interventions were vastly hampered since the unprecedented emergence of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in the country for exactly a year now. He said the suspension of face-to-face interaction had realigned the education sector's implementation of the Education Continuity Plan (ECP) for SY 2020-2021 to Williamor Magbanua provide services for learners amid challenging situations. Despite these challenges faced by the interim .from P10 government, Iqbal ensured that providing essential services to the Bangsamoro education community, processes. children and young people alike, remain as a key priority Sinarimbo, BARMM's of the ministry. regional spokesperson, Meanwhile, Mr. Andrew Morris, Chief of Mindanao i s a l s o o v e r s e e i n g Field Office – UNICEF, who also acted as 2nd speaker t h e o p e r a t i o n o f t h e of the forum tackled the idea of going back to school as Bangsamoro government’s the Covid-19 pandemic eases. Rapid Emergency Action He discussed “Safe return to school: An urgent priority on Disaster Incidence to secure the future of every child in the Bangsamoro that has teams of well- region,” wherein he explained that in BARMM alone, t r a i n e d d i s a s t e r a n d a total of 890,985 enrolled children were forced to end calamity responders whose .from P2 humanitarian missions are supported by the AFP and told not to report to their and Misamis Occidental, the PNP. respective homes until the Maguindanao and Sultan The creation of the now school building evaluation Kudarat, which were 25-month BARMM that has been completed. hundreds of kilometers replaced the Autonomous The quakes, Magnitude away from the epicenter in R e g i o n i n M u s l i m 4.8 which occurred at 7:28 Magsaysay, Davao del Sur. Mindanao in February a.m. and Magnitude 6.1 North Cotabato Gov. 2019, after existing for that hit at 12:22 p.m., the Nancy Catamco reminded almost three decades, was latter being described by all her constituents to premised on two compacts seismologists as foreshock remain vigilant, always on between the MILF and that came out stronger from alert and always read. Malacañang - the 2012 an earlier quake. Should another Framework Agreement E n g r . R a m i e l quake hit the province, o n B a n g s a m o r o a n d , Amilbajar, seismologist of she advised the public to subsequently, the 2014 Phivolcs Cotabato station, come to an open field and Comprehensive Agreement said Sunday’s tremors were avoid high rise buildings or on Bangsamoro. John Felix extras strong since it was concrete structures. Edwin Unson felt to as far as Bukidnon O. Fernandez hospital in Kabacan, North Cotabato. Police authorities in Kabacan and Arakan are awaiting information from Selibio on the identity of his captors and why he was snatched.

PNP supports normalization.

the 30th PNP founding anniversary in Camp Salipada Pendatun in Parang, Maguindanao. He said he also acknowledged the efforts of the AFP in sustaining the dividends of the Mindanao peace process, meant to put closure to the nagging southern secessionist strife. Sinarimbo said the joint initiative of Malacañang and BARMM to deactivate thousands of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members, in keeping with the MILF’s peace compacts with the national government, is a challengingly tedious thrust. In the forefront of the decommissioning is the International Decommissioning Body (IDB), a bloc of transnational entities that are experts in peace

5 hurt, 8 landslides in.

schooling earlier than the regular school year due to the imposed lockdown as of March 2020. Morris said that considering the issues on connectivity to the internet and mobile network in the region, including the lack of laptops and tablets in the area, online learning modality introduced in other regions in the Philippines is not a feasible option for child learners in BARMM. “There is a growing concern on the sustainability of the home-based learning modality since not all families can provide the necessary and appropriate parental guidance and support to their children,” he said. Meanwhile, for schools that are able to open, Morris said the UNICEF is doing their part to ensure the safe return of students to schools. "Together, we’re supporting governments to adopt flexible approaches, provide sufficient resources for teachers to be adequately protected and supported, and make sure that learning remains safe for all students," he said. He also added closing schools should come as last resort, however, the idea could be considered in areas with cluster cases. BARMM BIO

Folk says 1 of 3 NPA..from P10 sparking a gunfight. The raiding team was armed with an arrest warrant from the Regional Trial Court Branch 9 in Malaybalay City in nearby Bukidnon province, signed by Judge Ma. Theresa Camannong. Col. Henry Villar, North Cotabato police director, said forensic experts found in the scene an M16 assault rifle, a .30 caliber Carbine rifle and a .45

caliber pistol. He said the Pres. Roxas municipal police and vigilant local leaders were instrumental in leading the raiding team to the exact location of Dawal and Villanueva in Barangay Sarayan. Relatives have urged the Arakan local government unit to help them secure justice for Nogollos whom they said had no criminal record and was a peace-loving person. John Felix Unson

ANNOUNCEMENT Ang Feroce Pawnshop & Money Changer Cotabato, Feroce Pawnshop Midsayap Branch, Kidapawan Branch, Toril Branch at ang Feroce Pawnshop San Pedro Branch, Davao City ay magkakaroon ng “Subasta Sale” sa darating na Pebrero 15, 2021 sa ganap na alas 8:00 ng umaga hanggang alas 5:00 ng hapon para sa mga hindi natubos na sangla sa buwan ng Mayo, Hunyo at Hulyo 2020. Upang hindi maremate ang inyong mga alahas na isinangla magbigay ng interest bago dumating ang araw ng subasta. “Sa Feroce Pawnshop na tayo kumpleto na ang serbisyo”

ANNOUNCEMENT

Ang 3G Pawnshop Main & Money Changer, 3G Pawnshop & Money Changer Branch I at ang 3G Pawnshop & Money Changer Hi-Way Branch ng Cotabato City, at ang 3G Pawnshop Midsayap Cotabato, ay magkakaroon ng “Subasta Sale” sa darating na Pebrero 15, 2021 sa ganap na alas 8:00 ng umaga hanggang alas 4:30 ng hapon para sa mga hindi natubos na sangla sa buwan ng Mayo, Hunyo at Hulyo 2020. Upang hindi maremate ang inyong mga alahas magbigay ng interest bago dumating ang araw ng subasta. “3G Pawnshop your dependable Pawnshop in Town”

ANNOUNCEMENT

Ang Agencia Cirilo & Money Changer - Main, Agencia Cirilo & Money Changer Branch I, at ang Agencia Cirilo & Money Changer Quezon Avenue Branch ay magkakaroon ng “Subasta Sale” sa darating na Pebrero 15, 2021 sa ganap na alas 8:00 ng umaga hanggang alas 4:30 ng hapon para sa mga hindi natubos na sangla sa buwan ng Mayo, Hunyo at Hulyo 2020. Upang hindi maremate ang inyong mga alahas magbigay ng interest bago dumating ang araw ng subasta. “Ang Agencia Cirilo Sigurado at Garantisado ang Serbisyo” MC: Feb. 13, 2021

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

MC: Feb. 13, 20 & 27. 2021

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late ONDI B. MAMALIMPING who died on July 27, 2019 in Cotabato City, a parcel of land situated at Bagua II, Cotabato City, with an area of 1,745 sq. mts, more or less, covered by TCT No. T- 43124 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement before Notary Public Atty. Agnes R. de Castro-Jagunap as per Doc. No. 1006; Page No. 1006; Book No. XXVI; Series of 2021. MC: Feb. 6, 13 & 20, 2021

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EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late ANANIAS CAHUCOM and MARIA CAMBALO who died intestate on January 28, 1998 and March 1, 1993 at Cawilihan, Aleosan, Cotabato, respectively, a parcel of land covered by TCT No. T-58215, Lot No.936, Pls464 situated at Cawilihan, Aleosan,Cotabato with an area of 70,582 sq. mts. more or less is the subject of Extrajudicial settlement of real estate with simultaneous waiver of rights and deed of absolute sale, before Notary Public Atty. Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 427; Page No. 86; Book No. XII; Series of 2016.

MC: Feb. 13, 20 & 27. 2021

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

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

ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sangla. Ang mga ito ay isinangla magmula pa noong Enero hanggang Pebrero 2020. Ang Subasta ay sa Pebrero 27, 2021 sa ganap na ika-8:00 ng umaga hanggang ika-4:00 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

MC: Feb. 13, 2021

Notice is hereby given that the late Romeo B. Catulong who died intestate on June 30, 2020 at Davao City left a Savings Account at METROBANK under Account No. 3337264086 is the subject of Extrajudicial settlement of estate, before Notary Public A t t y. A g n e s R . d e Castro-Jagunap as per Doc. No. 1680; Page No. 1680; Book No. XXVI; Series of 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

February 13, 2021

ANNOUNCEMENT Ang G’ ROCE Pawnshop sa Cotabato City at G’ ROCE Pawnshop Damosa, Davao City Branch ay magkakaroon ng “Subasta Sale” sa darating na Pebrero 15, 2021 sa ganap na alas 8:00 ng umaga hanggang alas 4:30 ng hapon para sa mga hindi natubos na sangla sa buwan ng Mayo, Hunyo at Hulyo 2020. Upang hindi maremate ang inyong mga alahas magbigay ng interest bago dumating ang araw ng subasta.

MC: Feb. 13, 2021

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

AFFIDAVIT OF ADJUDICATION

Notice is hereby given that the late Spouses FILOMENO BINGIL and MAXIMA MATOS BINGIL, who died intestate on May 18, 1997 and March 7, 1987 at Batiocan, Lib., Cotabato and, Cotabato City, respectively, left parcels of land covered by TCT No. T-70774, Lot 2485-C-1-A-3, Psd-12-077831 and TCT No. T-70776,Lot 2485-C-1-A-5,Psd-12-077831 situated in Bo. Poblacion, Midsayap, Cotabato with a total are of 1,077 sq. mts. more or less are the subject of Extrajudicial settlement estate with simultaneous deed of absolute sale, before Notary Public Atty. Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 496; Page No. 100; Book No. XXVI; Series of 2016.

Notice is hereby given that the late ARCADIO G. RAYRAY and EMILIA Q. RAYRAY, who died intestate on February 17,2000 and November 06, 2017 at Midsayap, Cotabato, respectively, left a parcel of land covered by OCT No. 59880, Lot No. FPA XII-12-1321, situated in Midsayap, Cotabato with an area of 106 sqare meters more or less is the subject of Affidavit of ajudication with simultaneous deed of absolute sale, before Notary Public Roland D. Jungco as per Doc. No. 180; Page No. 36; Book No. 83; Series of 2020.

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

AFFIDAVIT OF ADJUDICATION

MC: Feb. 13, 20 & 27. 2021

Notice is hereby given that the late FEDERICO MILES MADRONES who died intestate on July 16, 2020 at Sinawingan, Libungan, Cotabato left half of Savings Account with BDO Network Bank, Libungan Branch, Libungan, Cotabato bearing Account Number 040350003793 is the subject of Extrajudicial settlement of estate with waiver of rights, before Notary Public Atty. Noel A. Gretare,CPA as per Doc. No. 609; Page No. 37; Book No. LXXIII; Series of 2021.

MC: Feb. 13, 20 & 27. 2021

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late DANILO DE GUZMAN MACARAEG who died intestate on September 23, 2019 at Cotabato City, parcels of land Lot 5, Block 6, Psd (ARMM) 99-000069, Lot 4, Blck 6, Psd (ARMM) 99-000069 & Lot 3, Bock 6, Psd (ARMM) 99-000069, all situated at Making, Parang, Maguindanao with the total area of 4,048 sq. mts., more or less covered by TCT Nos. T-34998, T- 3 4 6 2 9 & T- 3 2 9 5 0 , respectively;a portion of lot situated at Purok 9-A, Poblacion Hagonoy, Davao del Sur, with an area of 1,050 sq. mts., more or less andGround Floor Level (Unit GO1) Residential type Condominium Unit at Maa, Davao City, with an area of 52 sq. mts., more or less are the subject of affidavit of adjudication by sole heir before Notary Public Atty. Habari L. Balt as per Doc. No. 241; Page No. 49; Book No. VII; Series of 2021.

Notice is hereby given that the late PAZ A. FUERTE who died intestate on August 18, 1991 at Midsayap, Cotabato, left parcels of land Lot 2485-F-2-D, Psd 12-000588, Lot 2485-F-3-B-1, Psd 12000942, Lot 2485-F-2-A, Psd 12-000588, Lot 2485-F-3-A, Psd-176104. Lot 2586-G-2-G-1, Psd12-014878 all situated at Midsayap, Cotabato with the total area of 2,463 sq. mts., more or less covered by TCT Nos. 65908, 56863, 55924, 40411 & 79589, respectively, with a total area of 2,463 more or less are the subject of Extrajudicial settlement of estate with waiver of rights, before Notary Public Atty. Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 212; Page No. 43; Book No. CCV; Series of 2020.

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late SUSAN FRONDA GUANSING who died intestate on July 12, 2020 in Poblacion 3, Midsayap, Cotabato, parcels of land Lot 2465-G-5-H, Psd12-003522, Lot 63-C, Psd-12-007584 & Lot No. 6908, Pr-148, all situated at Poblacion, Midsayap, Cotabato, covered by TCT Nos. T-71805, T-69739 & T-91577, respectively with the total area of 1,979 sq. mts., more or less and Lot 31-B-6-W, Psd-11-027079, situated at Maa, Davao City with an area of 252 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. T-177948 are the subject of extrajudicial settlement with waiver of rights of share before Notary Public Rodolfton S. J. De Leon as per Doc. No. 437; Page No. 84; Book No. 71; Series of 2020.

MC:Jan. 30, Feb. 6 & 13, 2021

MC: Feb. 13, 20 & 27. 2021

MC:Jan. 30, Feb. 6 & 13, 2021

MC: Feb. 13, 20 & 27. 2021

Notice is hereby given that the late ELIODORA GORERO, who died intestate on February 25,2008 at Lower Katingawan Midsayap, Cotabato, left a parcel of land covered by TCT No. T-116923, Lot 3883-G-1-B, Psd-12-052430 situated in Bo. Katingawan, Midsayap, Cotabato with an area of 3,050 sq. mts. more or less is the subject of Affidavit of ajudication with simultaneous deed of absolute sale, before Notary Public Atty. Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 414; Page No. 83; Book No. CXXXIII; Series of 2019.

MC: Feb. 13, 20 & 27. 2021

Republic of the Philippines Midsayap, Cotabato Local Civil Registry Office

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION In compliance with the publication requirments and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1, Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A 10172), Notice is hereby served to the public that JONALD NOBLE SOBERANO has filed with this Office a petition for change of sex from "MALE" to "FEMALE" in the Certificate of Live Birth of NICOLE MIGULLAS SOBERANO who was born on October 27, 2017 at Midsayap, Cotabato and whose parents are Jonald N. Soberano and Michelle B. Migullas. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this Office of Municipal Civil Registrar, Midsayap, Cotabato. (Sgd) NORAH B. CABUGWASON Municipal Civil Registrar MC: Feb. 13 & 20, 2021

MC: Feb. 13 & 20 2021

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 Enero 2020 hanggang Pebrero 2020. Ang subasta ay sa Pebrero 28, 2021 sa ganap na ika-8:00 ng mga umaga hanggang ika-4:00 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

MC: Feb. 13 & 20 2021

Notice for Auction Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Main, Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Roman Vilo Branch, SK Pendatun Branch, Mabini Branch, ORC Branch, Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Branch I, II, III, IV in Parang Branch, Carmen Branch, Pikit 1 and Pikit 2 Branch, Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Dalican 1, Dalican 2, Shariff Aguak Branch of Cotabato City, Parang North Cotabato, Datu Odin Sinsuat and Shariff Aguak announce the Auction Sale of all unredeemed pledges contracted February 1-29, 2020 at 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Main 4J Bldg. Corner Jose Lim Sr., and Don Roman Vilo St. Cotabato City. Auction sale will be on February 24, 2021.

Patalastas ng Subasta Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Main, Agencia de OroPawnshop Inc. Roman Vilo Branch, SK Pendatun Branch, Mabini Branch, ORC Branch, Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Branch I, II, III, IV sa Parang Branch, Carmen Branch, Pikit 1 and Pikit 2 Branch, Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Dalican 1, Dalican 2, Shariff Aguak Branch of Cotabato City, Parang North Cotabato, Datu Odin Sinsuat and Shariff Aguak ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sangla. Ang mga ito ay isinangla noong Pebrero 1-29, 2020 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 Pebrero 24, 2021.

MC: Feb. 13 & 20. 2021

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late Spouses FAUSTO F. GUIANG and LIBRADA PRINCESA GUIANG, who died intestate on March 20, 1997 and May 5, 2005 at Pob. 1, Midsayap, Cotabato,respectevly left a parcel of land covered by TCT No. T-34826, Lot 24-B, Psd-157448 with an area of 234.50 sq. mts. more or less is the subject of Extrajudicial settlement of estate with Simultaneous deed of absolute sale, before Notary Public Atty. Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 149; Page No. 30; Book No. CXXIX; Series of 2019.

Notice is hereby given that the late FELISA MANOS TRUMATA, who died intestate on December 8,1999 at Pob. 5, Midsayap, Cotabato left a parcel of land covered by TCT No. T-62894, Lot 2465-G-5-B, Psd-12-003522 situated in Bo. Poblacion, Midsayap, Cotabato with an area of 522 sq. mts. more or less is the subject of Extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous deed of absolute sale, before Notary Public Atty. Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 199; Page No. 40; Book No. III; Series of 2016.

MC: Feb. 13, 20 & 27. 2021

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late MARCELO BIGWAS who died intestate on April 6, 1994 in Midsayap, Cotabato, a parcel of land Lot 2856-A, Psd22907, situated in the Bo. of Libungan, Mp. of Midsayap, Cotabato, with an area of 79,823 sq. mts, more or less, covered by TCT No. T-58052 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement before Notary Public Rodolfton S. J. De Leon as per Doc. No. 438; Page No. 89; Book No. 71; Series of 2020. MC:Jan. 30, Feb. 6 & 13, 2021

MC: Feb. 13, 20 & 27. 2021

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late HENRY FUGATA PACUBAT who died intestate on November 21, 2019 in Midsayap, Cotabato, a parcel of land Lot 2485-F-6-C3-A, Psd-12-038265, situated in Brgy. Poblacion, Midsayap, Cotabato, covered by TCT No. T-103100 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement before Notary Public Rodolfton S. J. De Leon as per Doc. No. 62; Page No. 13; Book No. 71; Series of 2020. MC:Jan. 30, Feb. 6 & 13, 2021

February 13, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Papal Nuncio calls Catholics to ‘forefront’ of ecumenism

The Vatican’s envoy to the Philippines said Catholics should be at the lead in pursuing Christian and interreligious unity.

Archbishop Charles John Brown said that people “can’t overestimate” the importance of ecumenical and interreligious relations in the world today. “In a world that’s increasingly fractured for all kinds of reasons, we as Catholic Christians need to be at the forefront of creating unity and understanding,” Brown said.

The nuncio was speaking in his video message for the bishops’ virtual seminar on ecumenism, interreligious dialogue and indigenous peoples on Tuesday. The seminar on the theme of “Dialogue Towards Harmony” is divided into three series, with two others scheduled on February 16 and 23. The first session specifically focused on a Vatican document with suggestions from the world’s bishops to promote unity with other Christian communities. The 26-page “The Bishop and Christian Unity and Ecumenical Vademecum” was approved by Pope Francis and issued last Dec. 4 by the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. To achieve unity, Brown said that the church must continually engage in a three-fold dialogue mentioned in the document: love, truth and life. “Through this three-fold dialogue, we increase the movement towards unity, which is what our Lord prayed for at the Last Supper, ‘Ut unum sint,’ that they may all be one,” he said. CBCP News

Church official seeks action on mental health ‘pandemic’

Mental health must be part of Covid-19 response because it is another ‘pandemic’ looming over us all, a Catholic official said Thursday. Camillian Father Dan Cancino said the effects of Covid-19 are here to stay, including in the brain, “so we have to act to contain it”. “This is another pandemic aside from Covid-19,” said Cancino, executive secretary of the bishops’ Episcopal Commission on Health Care. The priest was speaking during a virtual press conference for the national celebration of

the World Day of Sick hosted by the Diocese of Naval. Cancino stressed the importance of mental health as Covid-19 restrictions lead many to feel isolated. “Mental health issues and problems would be another pandemic if we’ll not be together in helping our brothers and sisters,” he said. Even before the pandemic, the ECHC have been giving online courses and train parishbased volunteers to be “online accompanist” for mental health issues. Bishop Rex Ramirez of Naval, ECHC chairman,

also emphasized the significant role of the family, the church and the broader community in dealing with the issue. In his diocese, he said that a group composed of parents and young people is being organized for a mental health training program. “It seems that the youth are the most affected by these issues coming from the pandemic,” Ramirez said. “We hope that this will be sustained and something that they can go on with not only for this time but in the years to come,” he said. CBCP

News

IP Ministry A New Focus and New Imperatives

New voices beginning with the celebration of the 500 years of America’s “discovery” call not only to celebrate the event but also to “revisit” the relationships of the “natives” of the new world with Europe or the old world. This revisiting entails a closer examination why the “natives” or the indigenous peoples of the new world lost their lands, cultures, identities and their souls! Why colonialism presents ready answer to these tragic events, the Churches with few exceptions have been active partners of the states in these conquests, subjugations and dispossessions of the natives. While there were few prophetic voices that called for justice like Fray Bartolome Casas, OP in Latin America and our own first Bishop of the Philippines, Bishop Domingo Salazar, OP, the mainstream churches went along with the colonizing powers that be. A sad commentary to the tragedies of the past, is the fact that they continue even today albeit the protection of the law and the recognition of the rights of the Indigenous Peoples over their ancestral lands, cultures and identities. The “natives” have retreated into the mountains for safety thinking that the forests and the highlands would give them haven from the

oday, Valentine’s the time of Jesus, those Day, is a good time to who are declared as lepers reflect on the healing are to be avoided. Leprosy power of love. There is covers so many forms of a real St. Valentine of skin ailments, including Rome, whose feast day what we now know as was February 14 in the Hansen’s disease (Lev. old liturgical calendar. 13: 1ff). When the temple Rev. Fr. Antonio P. Pueyo, DCC According to traditional priests declares one as tonypoy_dcc0@yahoo.com stories he was a bishop leprous he is told to avoid beheaded by Emperor the community. Even from Claudius II for helping Christian couples get afar he must shout “Unclean, unclean” to warn the married. That connects St. Valentine with the community of his presence. celebration of romantic love on his feast day. This In the gospel story, the leper dared to approach day is therefore not just a secular celebration but Jesus. This was not allowed. Jesus dared to touch has Christian religious roots. the leper. This too was taboo. According to their T h e r e a r e m a n y k i n d s o f l o v e a n d m a n y religious rules, one who touches a leper becomes expressions of love. On Valentine’s day, the romantic unclean and must be ritually purified. In the gospel aspect of love is underlined. It is the love of mutual story, the opposite happened. The leper became attraction between two people. It is a love that is clean because of the healing touch of Jesus. It takes accompanied by strong feelings and emotions. It a heroic kind of love to approach and touch a leper. is the love often celebrated by poems, songs, and The leper experienced the love of Jesus such that movies. It is the kind of love that inspires one to great he became a disciple who “spread the story abroad.” accomplishments or sometimes end up in tragedy, as Many years ago, when I used to be an unofficial in the story of Romeo and Juliet. chaplain in a leprosarium, I would say mass for B u t t h i s i s o n l y o n e k i n d o f l o v e , w h i c h the patients every Sunday. I did this for about ten philosophers call the love of eros or mutual years. A group of sisters would accompany me and attraction. There are other forms of loving, such as they did the visitation in the wards, even cleaning up the love of the parents for their children, the love and bandaging some patients. This was a heroic act of friendship, the love between siblings, the love of which even I could not bring myself to do. I teased children for their parents, the love of country, the the sisters, “I say the mass and you do the cleaning.” love exercised in the practice of one’s profession, the Agape love goes beyond the love of eros. Agape love of caregivers for their wards, so many more. love is a love that does not expect a return. It is the Sometimes, love is unrequited, but then Jesus talks love of Jesus for the leper. It is the love of God for of a higher kind of love, that of forgiving and loving us who, even while we were sinners and unlovable even one’s enemies and the unlovable. This kind of sent His own son Jesus to be our Healer. It is an love is more universal, called agape in Greek. It is unconditional kind of love. We are invited by the also the challenge of Christian loving. gospel to love even beyond just loving the lovable. As Authentic love , whether eros or agape, seeks a saintly person said, we have to care for those who the well-being and growth of the beloved. It is other- are not beautiful and who smell like the gutters, who centered rather than self-referential. It is a love are sick and cannot do much for themselves, who are that heals. It is the kind of love shown by Jesus in poor and cannot give payment, who are even hostile today’s gospel when He cured the leper (Mk. 1: 40- and unloving. Love conquers all and heals all. 45). According to the culture and practices during Have a loving Valentine’s day. MC

Love Heals

REFLECTIONS

By Fr. Jun Mercado, OMI greed and rapaciousness celebration of the 500 of those who covet their years of the landing of lands and often these acts Christopher Columbus in the or thievery go under the new world, the Pope, John guise of “legality” of land Paul II and the leadership titles and ownership that of the World Council of these evil men are able to Churches issued apology procure through corruption to the Indigenous Peoples. and political connections. This was followed also by The secular powers try some states like Australia to make amends for their and Canada for the havoc sins and omission against brought to the natives by the Indigenous Peoples. In colonialism. the Philippines during the The Oblates of Mary time of President Marcos, a immaculate, a religious special agency was created congregation dedicated to – PANAMIN to protect the the most abandoned and IP’s and give them the the poor, have “re-adjusted” proper tools and knowledge their vision and mission that they would be able to to PRIORITIZE Indigenous fend for themselves. Later Peoples Ministry. There are on the Office was given 3 stages in the development a new name – Office of of the IP consciousness and Cultural Communities until awareness in the OMI the passage of the law that Mission both in Cotabato recognizes and respects Empire Province and the the rights of the Indigenous Arc hipelago of Sulu, Peoples over their ancestral particularly in Tawi Tawi. domains, self-rule in the local The first stage was the affairs and the protection pioneering work among and preservations of their Indigenous Peoples in Upi, cultures and identities. This Kulaman and Magpet (part very important legislation 2). The second stage is protects the Indigenous the consolidation of the IP Peoples is known as the Ministry in Kulaman, South Indigenous Peoples Rights Upi and Pangipasan n(part Act or simply IPRA also 3). And the last article will known as RA 8374. be dedicated to prospects The Churches – Catholic of IP Ministry given the and the Churches of the slow implementation of Reform (WCC) - are not IPRA and RA 11054 of lacking in acknowledging the BARMM Organic Law w h a t h a d b e e n , by and the perceived lack omission or commission, of political will of the their contribution in the IP National Commission on the dispossession. During the Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).

B adaliyya Fr. Jun Mercado, OMI

Short Reflection for the 6th Sunday in the Ordinary Time (B) Readings:

Leviticus 13: 1-2. 44-46; 1 Corinthians 10:31- 11:1; Mark 1: 40-45

Gospel Passage:

“Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand, touched the leper, and said to him, ‘I do will it. Be made clean’.” (Mk.1: 41)

Reflection:

We, too, need to feel Jesus’ “touch” and hear his voice “I do will it…” In one sense, all of us are suffering from the leprosy of sin. But that disease is not our truest self, our deepest nature. Our true nature is inherently beautiful, made in the divine image and likeness. My theology professor, years ago, taught us that God imprint in us what is GOOD, TRUE and BEAUTIFUL. Thus whatever... We can still know what is BAD, FALSE NEWS and UGLY! This is what Jesus restores by his healing words and touch. “I do will it. BE MADE CLEAN.”

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…

THE MINDANAO CROSS

February 13, 2021 EDITORIAL

The Chinese among us

ebruary 12 is a red letter day for FilipinoChinese in celebration of the Chinese New Year. This date changes every year because it follows the lunar calendar, which is based on the movement of the moon. It usually falls between mid-January and mid-February, coinciding with the Spring Festival. The relationship between China and the Philippines dates back several centuries ago, when commercial trade was established between traders of the two countries. Some of the traders opened stores and establishments in some parts of the Philippines; married local girls; with some entering politics. Here in Central Mindanao, the famous Datu Piang was a son of a Chinese trader who married a local lady when he decided to stay permanently in Dulawan, a part of Maguindanao. In almost all parts of the Philippines, the Chinese figured prominently in history for their role as traders and middle men. (I should know since I married into a Chinese Filipino family). In Manila, Chinese families managed to mix with the Spanish Insulares and were able to acquire large tract of lands which later became “haciendas”. The famous families who were able to do this are the Cojuancos, the Tanjuatcos, the Gokongweis. (Notice how three family names are put together as one.) Some retained their Chinese names which are still carried on by their descendants such as the Sins, the Tans, the Yus, who are still active in trade and commerce. Their financial practices are such that they become revered Taipans with many more families being included in the list of millionaires. Chinese food and cooking have also formed part of the Filipino’s everyday life, such as the ubiquitous pancit, siopao, siomai. Even Chinese traditions have found its way into the Filipinos (Maguindanao especially), culture such as the Pajama style pants for both men and women, use of silk clothing for special occasion, wearing of shoes. Use of brasswares as cooking utensil, and various kinds of jewelry for women. Thus, knowing how Filipinos have accepted the Chinese throughout history, it surprises us how the new breed of Chinese have figured negatively in our present day problems. Of course, two of the terrible curses that China wanted to put an end to is the drug addiction and gambling which are slowly being exported to the Philippines. Could it be that the new communist regime found this as an effective strategy to get rid of a festering problem? I tried to observe how the new breed of Tsinoys (Chinese-Filipinos) react to the racist practices resulting from these recent campaign against overseas Chinese including the Western Philippine Sea diplomatic row. Fortunately, the new breed of Tsinoys give more weight to their being Filipinos than to their Chinese ancestry. Eventually, what will remain will be the family name to identify their roots, but they will call themselves Filipinos in whatever arena they are in. Welcome fellow Filipinos! Kung Hei Fat Choy. MC

ad economic fundamentals. That is the reason for the country’s economic woes. So believes Mindanao Development Authority chief Emmanuel F. Piñol. In a Facebook post early this month, the former Agriculture Secretary laments the current economic performance of the Philippines, it’s the worst performance since World War II, he says, which makes the need to review our existing economic policies and mindset a must. Caloy Bautista “I am a Filipino and although I did not earn my caloyb@gmail.com academic credentials from known and prestigious universities, my actual experiences as a local chief industry, given a measly budget and token assistance executive and rural development advocate have given creating so much unemployment and poverty in the me a clear view of what led us to this difficult economic countryside,” he added. Piñol presents how the P4.1-T 2020 national budget situation that the country is in today,” Piñol writes. He goes on to say that the COVID 19 Pandemic was apportioned and laments: “The Agriculture Sector did not cause our economic troubles and neither is it which produces food for the country, creates jobs in the the doing or undoing of this administration. “If at all, it countryside, pump-primes small industries, accounts for was actually the Pandemic which exposed the country’s the biggest bulk of exports and ensures national survival in times of calamities gets P64.7-B while flawed economic fundamentals which the economic planners and “The way Filipinos choose their the 4Ps and Cash Transfer Program get policy makers had embraced all leaders also need to change, P145.3-B.” “This was what our economic along,” he adds. giving focus and attention to strategy was when COVID 19 hit Piñol then laments our deeply embedded colonial mentality which their programs and platforms, blowing everything over and shattering the economy,” Piñol says. Still, despite is mirrored so unambiguously in this, not much has changed. He points whether these can truly our national economic mindset: “We that the biggest bulk of the budget look at other countries as models positively impact their future out for 2021 is allocated for infrastructure rather than discover and utilize instead of focusing on interventions and that of the succeeding our own strength and resources. which would address the most serious Our economic foundations are weak generations.” problem - food supply. “It looks like we because we have relied on external have not learned from the mistakes of interventions and factors for our growth and development. The obsession for Foreign the past,” Piñol says. Indeed much is to be desired from the country’s Direct Investments and the craving for imported goods are the clear manifestations of the colonial economic economic strategies. As it was is the past, so is it now. If we are to escape from this cycle, achieve an economic mindset of our policy makers.” This, he says, despite our being a country with revolution, a redirection of the national mindset is needed. 30-million hectares of fertile land in over 7,000 islands Call it intellectual liberation if you must. The situation surrounded by blue waters and rich fishing grounds. Piñol has described in his FB post has pervaded for “With these resources, our obvious strength is in centuries simply because our people have been made to believe that we cannot do anything good for ourselves agriculture and fisheries,” he says. But what did the country’s economic planners and without foreign intervention. That needs to change. The way Filipinos choose their leaders also need to policy makers in the past do? “They allowed American, Japanese and local logging companies to ravage our change, giving focus and attention to their programs and forests cutting down trees which had been growing for platforms, whether these can truly positively impact their centuries and left us with specks of greens, threatening future and that of the succeeding generations. It is not our agriculture and food supply and our very existence as easy, but it has to be done. As Piñol said, it is a choice a nation,” he says. “Agriculture was condemned as a dying between perdition or national survival. MC

The reason for our economic woes

Thinking Aloud

GENERAL Cirilito E Sobejana becomes the 55th Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines on February 4. I’ve had two occasions that I met him, whose story of gallantry and bravery in war and courage in times of peace, is rarely told of a military officer battle-tested as he is. All told of his military career awards, the other side of General Sobejana, apart from the well- Nash B. Maulana deserved Medal of Valor, is his balanced concern nash.penlight@gmail.com for the community served by the Philippine Army. He had been Commander of the Civil-Military Commanding-General of the Western Mindanao Operations Group, now the Civil-Military Operations (WestMinCom), was the highest ranking military Regiment of the Philippine Army. officer in that gathering of civilian and military General Sobejana has this giant footstep for a officials recognizing the role of Rajah Buayan in landmark peace-bridge so to speak, beginning at the heroic deeds past at quelling the first expedition Army’s home-base where he had a mosque built for of the Spanish fleet of colonial invasion force in the Moro Muslim PA members, just across the PA Mindanao. Chapel in Fort Andres Bonifacio in Taguig City. This But what was the significance of that old sword was confided to me by Col Markton Abo during the that drew a “Wow!” reaction from the gathered wake of the late Major General Alfonso Dagudag at officials? It’s the fact that: 1) Philippine National Fort Bonifacio Chapel late last year. Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal annotated the Spanish History In other words, he has been in the frontlines of Book, Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas (Events in the the military’s armed confrontation with the enemy, Philippine Islands) by Antonio de Morgan; Rizal made and in the Army’s community engagements to win the annotation in defence of Buayan Nation (Patria), the war on both aspects. Truly, one can’t ask for more the kingdom of Rajah Silongan; 2) Rizal’s annotation of a Filipino soldier. Indeed, the 6th Division under of the book (in defence of the Buayan Nation) became him was awarded the Best Division. the third criminal case for which he was charged in General Sobejana’s post-war engagements at the Spanish military court—after his writing and the Philippine deployments for international peace- publication of Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. keeping contingent forces would include having been Following General Sobejana’s path in Mindanao chief of staff of the United Nations Disengagement would not be complete without retelling his nearObserver Force (UNDOF) in 2013. death experience in Isabela, Basilan that earned for I first had the privilege of meeting then Brigadier his distinguished military career the Medal of Valor, General Sobejana when he was Commander of the Philippines’ highest military honor award, when the Joint-Task Force Sulu, days before Christmas he and his platoon troops nearly lost to Abu Sayyaf in 2017. Then Rajah Buayan Mayor Datu Zam extremists, when he was Army captain in 1995. Ampatuan invited me to ceremonies in Tacurong City, Apart from the Medal of Valor, Sobejana has been marking the unveiling of the 16th Century Sword the recipient of the Distinguished Conduct Star, five of Rajah Buayan Silongan which his brother Datu Distinguished Service Stars, the Gold Cross, two Ubal used in the historic killing of Capitan Esteban Bronze Cross Medals, the Wounded Personnel Medal, Rodriguez de Figueroa in 1596. several Military Merit Medals and Commendation Then Lieutenant-General Carlito Galvez, as Medals, states an online article on him.MC

Gen Sobejana, 55th AFP Chief of Staff

Penlight

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

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

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

Member: PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

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

February 13, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Keep the Change

and unless” unpaid taxes in billions by the giant network are settled the grant of a new franchise would be farfetched as long as he is at the helm. With 2022 national Charlie Señase elections closing-in, expect csenase@yahoo.com for would be candidates with NDENIABLY, life’s only alternative their political innovations is change to either good or bad and media grandstanding to attract depending on individual vested voters at their side. In the midst of the interest made public with subtle hidden global health concern brought about by agenda. This is true to life experience in COVID-19 and its more deadly variants, whatever endeavor we are engaged since why do people want to rule or govern? time immemorial. What is there in politics that all sectors This week’s news headlines were wish to be represented in the halls of mind-boggling to wonder why so many Congress? Is it really about public service “frontline workers” over COVID-19 or self-service first and foremost? decline to be vaccinated? A Central Self-sacrifice so others may live is an Visayas private hospital Chong Hua and ideal trait of a candidate that the electorate PhilHealth are in “hot must consider. Anyone water” when its top who walks his talks officials are accused must be fearless to of fraud due to “faked be the servant of all COVID cases report. servants which is rare The National Bureau these days due to pride, of Investigation has envy and greed for the tagged these officials love of self and money. to have violated In the world the Anti-Graft and of confusion and Corrupt Practices Act anxiety, timeliness with malversation is of the essence to through falsification temporarily withhold of public documents. implementation of the Another headline reads: “A nine-year “Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act (RAold girl dies in her sleep after COVID-19 11229) due to COVID-19. Its enforcement diagnosis.” Tested positive with the with the health problem would mean deadly virus amid “mild symptoms” with added financial burden to parents, Senator no respiratory problem, the three-day in- Richard Gordon opined. house rest was her last. With the health crisis, some 1,500 Things happen for a reason that persons with disability in the Bangsamoro the living should have considered these Autonomous Region are expected to as lesson learned. But reality is history receive free “mobility devices,” said Health repeats itself under new players and plots Regional Minister Amirel Usman. The yet same pitfalls. PWD aid that includes wheelchairs, This could have prompted the crutches, and walking canes are made timeliness of “until and unless” we change possible through government and nonfor good, there will always be rightist and government collaboration. leftist; that parabolically, the goats are FOOD FOR THOUGHT meant to stay at the left while the sheep The God-fearing will have abundance at the right side in God’s throne. while the treasure of the wicked will Tackling from COVID-19 vaccination come to naught. And, here’s something to issues President Duterte this week shifted fathom: If the righteous is scarcely saved, to the fate of ABS-CBN, the country’s where will be the ungodly sinner appear? largest broadcasting network of the God resists the proud, but gives grace to Lopez Group of Companies saying, “Until the humble. MC

True to Form

“Anyone who walks his talks must be fearless to be the servant of all servants which is rare these days due to pride, envy and greed for the love of self and money.”

but we manage to reach a middle ground to go on with “maximum tolerance” for each other’s imperfections, quirks and world views. He is certainly not perfect, as I am not, but we look at our imperfections as a space for dialogue and never ending conversations discussions...we are now Victoria R. Franco, RPh, MS Pharmacy and in our chronologically gifted franco1573victoria@gmail.com status, i.e.”senior citizenship” and we hope to celebrate our Enduring partnership, a story by Rufa anniversaries for more years to come. Guiam. “For 39 years since the other day, Alhamdullilah for all the blessings that have I have shared my life with this person, my come our way throughout our years together, ex-boyfriend, best friend, and room mate... and for our dear family members and friends we have our differences and disagreements who have been with us for almost four decades on many things, trivial and huge issues, now...” MC

Valentine Couples

The Stuff of Life

Morie & Rufa Guiam

William & Conception Uy

Ley and Betty Leyretana

Jeff and Nitz Sodusta

can make the point much stronger than simply describing the data. While they can be powerful methods, they also have the potential to ruin a presentation if they convey the wrong message or they confuse Prof. Marino Ridao the audience. Appropriate ridaomarino@yahoo.com.sg use of graphs and tables his article is based on a Google is one way to enhance the article titled “The Importance of message you are delivering. Maths in the Covid-19”. The title Truly mathematics is the science caught my attention. How can that be that deals with the logic of shape, since one is a concept while the other quantity and arrangement. Math is all is a small virus. around us, in everything we do. It is According to the article the UK the building block for everything in our government decided to drastically daily lives, including mobile devices, increase isolation measures in response architecture (ancient and modern), art, to research by scientists conducted by money, engineering, and even sports. professors in mathematics in a certain Since the beginning of recorded university. history, mathematic This implies discovery has been at that the government the forefront of every relies on the validity civilized society, and and reliability in use in even the most of the study. primitive of cultures. The government The needs of math intensified isolation arose based on the measures to control wants of society. The the spread of vicious more complex a society, infection. It warned the more complex the that UK would mathematical needs. suffer 500,000 Primitive tribes deaths if stronger needed little more action on isolation than the ability to measures wasn’t taken. count, but also relied on math to A l s o t h r o u g h m a t h e m a t i c a l calculate the position of the sun and modeling the government decided to the physics of hunting. effectively shut down Britain, closing Let us talk about the weather. schools, restaurants, cafés and non- According to PAGASA the weather essential shops. now is the effect of tail-end of the coldIn fact Britain has been locked front. Northern Mindanao, Caraga, down on the basis of mathematical the Davao Region, Soccsksargen, advice, saving lives and preventing the Maguindanao, and Lanao del Sur National Hospital Service (NHS} from should watch out for possible flash being overwhelmed. floods and landslides. The sun will rise It appears that mathematical by 6:22 a.m. and set by 5:39 p.m. It is modeling helps the people understand still dark and elderlies should be extra the need to follow the advice of the careful in walking to church early in government or they will perish. the morning Mass. Let us see what mathematical The tail-end of a cold front is the modeling means. Again in Google, interaction of cold air – the northeast it says when presenting ideas that monsoon or hanging amihan – and include references to data, it can be warm air or the easterlies coming helpful to make the point using a from the Pacific Ocean. This results graph or table. These visual methods in thunderstorms. MC

Math in COVID-19

Math and Science

“The needs of math arose based on the wants of society. The more complex a society, the more complex the mathematical needs.”

similar background while in other instances diversity in the background of the membership is desirable. To resolve a complex legal case, for example, would probably be best done by a small group of lawyers or Danny Buenbrazo legal experts. danny_buenbrazo@yahoo.com There are matters for henever organizations encounter which a TWG is created that a difficult question or needs would benefit from having diversity in the to deal with an arduous task, composition of the group. In my stint with regardless of their being public or private government, I had the opportunity to be in nature, the natural resort is to form a part of and even lead technical working technical working group or something of groups. When the mandate of a technical that sort. working group is to come up with a There is saying that if you do development plan or any similar output, not want something done, throw the the quality of the TWG’s work could be matter to a committee. This view of enhanced by having members coming from committees could also apply to technical different institutions or backgrounds. working groups that For example, there does not get things should be experts done right or takes on infrastructure, forever to resolving an economic development, issue or completing a from the social sector, thing that needs to be among others. accomplished. People placed on What exactly is technical working a technical working groups are usually group (or TWG in subject experts but it is short) ? also important to have A Technical one or two people who Working Group is a has good leadership collection of people who and managerial are experts or at least possessing a high skills. Every time a TWG convenes, it is level of knowledge on a particular field and important that the meeting is productive they collaborate to achieve specific goals. and people do not waste their time coming The members conduct meetings intended to the assembly. This would be possible to encourage exhaustive discussions to if the person leading the group knows establish facts and come up with logical how to ensure the cooperation of the conclusion or a recommended course of members and to deal with individuals and action. Clearly, TWGs are created to serve offices that have a bearing on the regular a noble purpose. functioning of the TWG (e.g. by provision How is a Technical Working Group of funds for its)operation). supposed to be created? TWG should not have a very large Before any person is named as head membership to avoid problems with or a member of a TWG, the problem or scheduling and having sufficient budget issue that the said body is supposed to to allow it to function effectively. address must be clearly defined. Also, The timeframe within which a TWG what exactly should the TWG is intended should be able to come up with its to accomplish must be established. mandated must be established and When that is done properly then the members should be keenly aware of people who will be part of the technical this timeline. Without a deadline, it is working group. Sometimes a technical likely that the TWG would not be able working group would be homogenous to produce its mandated output at the , members coming from the same or require period or point in time. MC

On Technical Working

Market Driven

“TWG should not have a very large membership to avoid problems with scheduling and having sufficient budget to allow it to function effectively.”

Republic of the Philippines Supreme Court 5th SHARI’A DISTRICT COURT Cotabato City

CALL FOR AUCTION

ACTED (Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development), is inviting interested buyers of Secondhand Vehicles to submit their offers for the following lot of assets: Description

Second Hand Vehicles

Qty. Unit 2

1. Mitsubishi Strada 2. Isuzu D max

car

Collection point

Collection deadline

ACTED office in Cotabato

Within 72 hours from the date of signiture of the contract

Comments Whole assets auction

This auction will be conducted using ACTED standard bidding documents, open to all interested buyers. The Bidding Documents (in English) may be collected free of charge by all interested bidders at the following address(es): ACTED representative office in Cotabato: Brgy. Don Antonio Sousa, Don TV Juliano Ave. Street, Cotabato City, – Philippines Or by E-mail at philippines.tender@acted.org Cc tender@acted.org A pre-auction information session where the cars can be checked will be organized on February 15, 2021 in ACTED representative office in Brgy. Don Antonio Sousa. Don TV Juliano Ave. Street, Cotabato City, – Philippines. Participation of interested bidders to the information session is preferable but not compulsory. All bids must be submitted before February 22, 2021 at the address(es) mentioned above in a sealed envelope or by E-mail at philippines.tender@ acted.org Cc tender@acted.org. Late Bids will be automatically rejected. ACTED will not be responsible for any costs or expenses incurred by the Buyers in connection with the preparation and submission of their bids to ACTED. An Auction opening session will take place on February 23, 2021 in the ACTED representative office in Brgy. Don Antonio Sousa, Don TV Juliano Ave. Street, Cotabato City, – Philippines. The presence of bidders’ representative is allowed. For all inquiries regarding this auction, please contact the ACTED representative office in Brgy. Don Antonio Sousa, Don TV Juliano Ave. Street, Cotabato City, – Philippines not later than February 22, 2021 by telephone (064 421- 3651) or by E-mail at philippines.tender@acted.org Cc tender@ acted.org. Note: if you witness or suspect any unlawful, improper or unethical act or business practices (such as soliciting, accepting or attempting to provide or accept any kickback) during the tendering process, please send an e-mail to transparency@acted.org. MC: Feb. 13, 2021

LSIs and PUMs find refuge...from P1

4 bedrooms accommodating 2 persons per room. But in most cases, the rooms are packed with patients numbering from 40 to 60 individuals, including their families. In August and September 2020, the center was packed with even more patients. After a group of patients would end their quarantine period time of 14 days, another group of patients would arrive as replacements. It was a tough job for Bro. Gonie Bongao, OMI and Bro. Joe Aduana, OMI, the assigned oblates in the center as they facilitate in the arrangement of the facilities and the important and necessary needs of the patients. Bro. Bongao, OMI, the newly assigned director of the OMI retreat house in Binoligan has been a witness to the services offered by the center. As the director, he has to check all the facilities for any repairs and the patients’ immediate needs. Moreover, because of the pandemic, the center’s fund has depleted with no income from retreats and seminars. In regular days, the retreat house would get their fund from

accepting and facilitating retreats, recollections and seminars from different schools and companies coming from different cities and provinces in Mindanao. And so in the event of the pandemic, the center has been very dependent on the financial support of the congregation’s fund. But the situation changed when the city government of Kidapawan offered board and lodging fees for the patients from January 2021 to June 2021. It was a huge relief for the center as it can now recover from its total losses. Although the amount was a huge help, the need for repairs of some facilities is still being planned. Nevertheless, the OMI retreat house’ management is still optimistic that it will still find its footing in the next succeeding months. What is more important now for the center is to prioritize the need of the people during this trying times. Today, the OMI retreat house is still a center of refuge for many patients, both for LSIs and PUMs. Aside from its good facilities, the center is a relaxing place for those looking for silence and

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late ANTONIO DOTON who died intestate on Feb 17, 2020 at Cotabato City, left a parcel of land covered by TCT No. T-28490, Lot 4033-C15, Psd-108815 and TCT No. T-28483, Lot 4033-C-8,Psd-108815 with a total area of 885 sq. mts. more or less are the subject of Extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous deed of absolute sale, before Notary Public Atty. Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 126; Page No. 26; Book No. CXCIV; Series of 2020 MC: Feb. 13, 20 & 27. 2021

peace of mind. Moreover, it is a constant feeling of relief for Bro. Bongao and Bro. Aduana every time they learn that all the LSIs and PUMs who finish their quarantine period return in their homes and families well and healthy. The OMI retreat house is still confident that the situation will change for good. Nevertheless, for Bro. Bongao and Bro. Anduana, as long as the center is

IN THE MATTER OF THE INTESTATE OF THE DECEASED MAUWEYA ABUBAKAR MASABPI BAINAIRA SILONGAN MASABPI,

Petitioner. x-------------------------------------x ORDER

Before this Court is a petition for the issuance of the Letters of Administration alleging among others; That the petitioner, Bainaira Silongan Masabpi, was married to Muaweya Abubakar Masabpi (Muaweya) in accordance with Islamic rites and tradition on November 25, 2017; That her husband died on August 10, 2020 and was survived by the petitioner and their unborn baby (6 months old); That the decedent left the following properties: (a) Parcel of land situated in Poblacion Cotabato City, covered by TCT No. T-53846; (b) Co-owner of Masabpi Commercial Building, Hotel and Convention Hall at Mabini St., Brgy. Bagua, Cotabato City (c) One (1) Condominium Unit located at Wack Wack Twin Tower Condo Greenhills, Mandaluyong City; (d) Banco de Oro Peso Account No. 002810094272; (e) Banco de Oro Peso Account No. 002330102832 (SM Hypermart Cubao Branch; (f) Bank of the Philippine Islands Peso Account No. 003095803-93; (g) Bank of the Philippine Islands Peso Account No. 0033032103-92 (Shaw Blvd. Branch), and Banco de Oro ATM Card; That the decedent left an outstanding obligation, payable in installment basis on a Toyota Hilux Pick-up; and that the petitioner is qualified to become administratrix of the said estate and not disqualified under the law. The petition being sufficient in form and substance is set for hearing on February 23, 2021 at 8:30 in the morning. The petitioner is directed to cause the publication of this Order once a week in three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation. Anybody who maybe adversely affected by the relief sought for may file his opposition thereto or appear on said date and show cause why the petition should not be granted. SO ORDERED. Marawi City for Cotabato City, December 29, 2020. (Sgd.) RASAD S. LAGUINDAB Acting Presiding Judge MC: Feb. 13, 20 & 27. 2021

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late Spouses R I C A R D O N I E VA NIMUAN and SUSANA FA R R O N I M U A N who died intestate on April 1, 1988 and March 8, 1978 at Kilada, Matalam, Cotabato left a parcel of land covered by TCT No. P-52979, Lot 2, Sgs-2742 and TCT No. T-58626, Lot 1, Sgs2742 situated at Kilada, Matalam,Cotabato with a total area of 145,002 sq. mts. more or less are the subject of Extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous deed of sale, before Notary Public Atty. Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 318; Page No. 64; Book No. CXXVII; Series of 2019 MC: Feb. 13, 20 & 27. 2021

Execs, locals laud Army role in December attack...from P1

immediately after the attack, the Sangguniang Bayan has issued a corresponding resolution “condemning the attack and declaring the attackers as persona non-grata.” The resolution said Mayor Samama, as the

chief local executive, had promptly “alerted both the military elements and the barangay officials concerned in order to ensure the safety and security of civilians and the protection of their properties, as well.”

O CENTS TWO

SDC SPL. PROC. CASE NO. 2020-507

A/75AUCTION/MULTI/VEH/COT/08-02-2021/001

Lot No.

THE MINDANAO CROSS

February 13, 2021

It added that “it has been observed that the efforts exerted by the elements of the AFP at the time was sufficient and practical and therefore highly commendable which prevented further escalation of violence as

well as further damages upon the community.” SB Member Makmod Tuan, chairman of the SB Committee on Peace and Order, sponsored the resolution that was unanimously approved by the body.

Happily ever after...

BY CHRISTINE BERNADETTE ALMOITE

ong before we learned how to walk, the world has given us fairy tales. We learned about how Prince Charming saved Cinderella from the evils of Lady Tremaine. We heard about Snow White and her Prince, too. Belle and The Beast. But what happened after the wedding? What happened after the kiss? We never knew when the ‘happily-ever-after’ really comes to pass. As children, fairy tales taught us that love is constant, effortless, and ever-present. Looking back on my teenage years, I yearned for my own Cinderella moment — where I would go from an unnoticed, ugly duckling into a fine-looking princess. For many years, I was waiting and craving for the moment to arrive where I would meet my prince charming and be swept off my feet. Like most Disney stories, my fairy tale always centered around a knight in shining armour coming to rescue me in distress. But the older I got, the more I realised how holding on to those expectations can prove fatal. Prancing through life with a fairy tale attitude left me disappointed. Simply put, when I look at myself in the mirror, I don’t ask ‘who’s the fairest one of all?’ I just take a deep breath, shoulders shrugged, and leave. The problem is that fairy tale has become synonymous to two words – love story. We cling tightly to the other two words that we land in hot water when reality kicks in. You see, love stories are far from the picture-perfect Disney movies. Love stories often include betrayal and big blow-ups, moving away, changing priorities, finding new careers, and — on the path to finding oneself — you find prince charming does not fit into the equation. Love stories don’t always end with happily-ever-after, too. Some reached a quiet conclusion, which is even more painful than a messy split. One minute you and prince charming are inseparable – from sharing your most intimate thoughts and details – the next minute you are faced across a crowded room or polite acquaintances at best. Love is but a complicated thing. It is unpredictable and often unexpected. But one thing is sure – love is not enough. Fundamental values such as respect, faithfulness, and commitment towards the people we care about count too. It requires more than pure emotion or lofty passions. The harsh truth is – there are things more important in our lives and our relationships than simply being in love. And the success of our relationships hinges on these more profound and more important values. When dating and looking for a partner, use your heart but always take your brain with you. You need to evaluate a person’s values, how they treat themselves, how they treat those close to them, their ambitions, and their worldviews in general. When your partner shows you their red flags, do yourself a favour and learn to love the sound of your feet walking away from things that are not meant for you. If you ignore the warning signs, it will only cost you later. But what about those who say I-will-never-love-again after experiencing a heartbreak? News flash: as long as we see our past relationships as failure, we are the villains of our own story. Failed relationships teach us more about who we are; it acts as a pair of scissors, cutting off pieces of a story that we believe was ours to have. They say move on; I say - forget about moving on but envision moving forward. Let go of the attachment but keep the lesson. Take note of the things that made a relationship end and not be “The End”. The truth is, “one true love” does not exist. You are going to fall in love many times. You are going to love some people more than others. Sometimes, you will meet someone and think “He’s the one”. Maybe yes, maybe not. But does not say anything about you. You are not flawed, have lost pieces, or have lost chances. You are taking a step towards being more than you ever have become. And what is going to speak about you is whether or not you are going to open your eyes and learn: learn that you cannot be with someone who does not appreciate you and will make sure it is safe for you and them to share what you are both feeling, even if it means some temporary discomfort. Love is but a messy, ragged thing. Sometimes, it is not always worth sacrificing yourself. Love does not begin nor end with romance but develops over time as we embrace our partners in different, unexpected ways. In the end, it comes down to this: You do not need a prince charming to have your happy ending; you are your happily ever after. Christine Bernadette Almoite, 26, is an Australia Awards Scholarship Recipient, and is eternally grateful to all the women before her who fought for their rights.

PODS of whales, dolphins...from P1 were documented during the four-day monitoring activity. The team also sighted and filmed about eight Risso's Dolphins, 80 to 100 Spinner dolphins and about 150 to 200 Fraser's Dolphins swimming between the coastal waters of Malapatan and Glan in Sarangani Province. Ologuin said they are conducting the marine mammal monitoring every month to ensure the strict protection and conservation of the SBPS. “The presence of these sea mammals in Sarangani

was a clear indication our sea waters are safe and that they felt safe here thus they keep coming back,” Oloquin said. Veterinarian Dr. Roy Mejorada, marine biologist of Environmental Conservation and Protection Center-Sarangani Province, said the presence of these beautiful creatures in Sarangani Bay show that they found enough food and that the people along the coast lines are not harming. “The locals have been educated and trained how to protect marine line,” he said.

February 13, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

TAPATAN LOVE LOCKDOWN Love in time of pandemic BY VALERIE ANN P. LAMBO

ow's your romantic life in a global pandemic? HWhether you've been together for a handful of months or several decades,

or just recently single or engaged, or is out there looking for love, it's far too easy to get swept up in the daily ins and outs of life. Add in a pandemic and getting a relationship off the ground becomes even more complicated. The old rules of dating don’t seem to matter anymore, and it’s easy to want to put things on hold when there’s a lot of uncertainty. While it’s not a bad thing to lean into the comfort of an established relationship and some sense of routine during this time, keeping that spark of romance bodes well for your emotional and physical connection, as well as your mental health. For many, the only way to contact people not living in their households has been through the internet. This can be especially difficult for couples who don't live together or for people in the early stages of a romance. The Mindanao Cross hears from Dr. Margie Daylusan-Fiesta, a licensed guidance counselor and psychometrician, on how the coronavirus pandemic affects romantic relationships.

How to keep relationships healthy and strong during the pandemic? An open communication is a key to having a healthy and loving relationship. Find time in doing hobbies, be it for personal achievements or for relationships itself. Keep your faith in your partner while having faith in God. One has to realize that relationships are always perfect in our minds but in the real world, true love requires patience and inner strength.

How does intimacy work when both partners are cities or provinces away? Though you are miles apart from each other, try to sustain the level of intimacy you had once. Through social media, we can now be inches away. Using this platform, couples can talk and be comfortable thru their respective screens while talking about life, plans, or even about their day.

Forced to lockdown, how can couples strengthen their marriages when they never have a space apart? Space does not correspond to restrictions. Space before married life requires emotion. The lockdown period serves as a reminder that married couples should realize that by doing things together, helping each other out of daily tasks in life, being sensitive to each other’s feelings are significant for their marriage to grow even deeper. As Hanz Nouvenz says “In true love the smallest distance is too great and the greatest distance can be bridged”. This can be bridged by being more emphatic to our partners.

During this time of uncertainty, countless single men and women are experiencing an increase in acute loneliness. How can loneliness be avoided? It is our choice to be happy. When loneliness seems striking you, think back on what you wanted in life that kept you going till this time. Look around you. Observe how less fortunate (in material possessions) people strive to survive in this trying time. They strive for economic survival; you strive for emotional survival and be happy once more.

No visits to Koronadal police lock-up cell KORONADAL CITY — Regular visits to the police lock-up cell here has been suspended after 21 inmates have tested positive to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Lt. Col. Joefel Siason, city police chief, said no visitors will be allowed for all inmates for 21 days, based on the recommendations of the city health offices, to avoid spreading the

deadly disease. He said the COVID-19 positive inmates have been separated from the other prisoners to prevent spread, especially those with co-morbidities. The city police’s

detention center is overcrowded, Siason admitted, noting it has a capacity to hold 15 to 20 inmates. Currently, it has 65 inmates. Siason said the officers manning

Folk says 1 of 3 NPA fatalities wasn’t rebel

ONLY two of three men killed Monday by a combined police-military group in an operation in President Roxas town were members of the New People's Army, sources told reporters after the incident. A combined police-military team killed a wanted regional New People’s Army official and two alleged commanders in a brief clash in President Roxas town on Monday morning. Buenaventura Dawal, executive committee chairman of the NPA’s selfstyled Southern Mindanao Regional Command, and two companions, Dennis Nogollos and a certain Alambro, all died on the spot. Barangay folk and relatives told

reporters Nogollos was not an NPA member and that he was merely trapped in the crossfire between Dawal and Alambro and government forces. Nogollos was on his way to a water supply facility near the scene of the encounter bringing with him a flashlight when he was felled by a hail of bullets. His wife is a public school teacher, according to local officials. Dawal is wanted for multiple murders, armed robbery and other heinous offenses. Police and soldiers were to serve Dawal a warrant for his arrest in Barangay Sarayan in President Roxas but neutralized him and Alambro instead when they opened fire,

EDUCATION minister Mohagher Iqbal underscored Wednesday some of the education sector’s plans in addressing the challenges amidst the new normal. “Admittedly, the pandemic has slowed down our operations and crusade for long-term reforms since I took my oath as your Education Minister in 2019,” Iqbal said during the 3rd series of “Online Kapihan: Accountable childbased reporting in the new normal.” Accordingly, solutions to the existing problems are further laid out in the Bangsamoro Education Code and highlight the advocacy of “No Bangsamoro Child Shall Be Left Behind.”

THE Bangsamoro government is grateful to the police for supporting the normalization agenda of the Mindanao peace process, meant to return thousands of Moro rebels into mainstream communities. Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo told officials of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region about the need to keep supporting the normalization tract of the peace process during an engagement last Monday. Sinarimbo, chairman of the multisector Regional Advisory Council of PRO-BAR, was guest of honor in Monday’s commemoration of

Iqbal lays out PNP supports education plans normalization

Ex-MILF combatants receive P16-M rice assistance

COTABATO CITY — A total of 12,145 decommissioned combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are set to receive PHP16-million worth of rice assistance as part of the socio-economic intervention for the former rebels. This came as a total of 106 former MILF fighters benefitted from the first batch of

rice assistance during simple ceremonies held at MILF’s Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on Wednesday. “This is just the start of the help that we will extend to you. There are more assistance to come,” Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Undersecretary David Diciano, chair of

the Government Peace Implementing Panel on the Bangsamoro Peace Accord, told the beneficiaries during the activity. The rice assistance will benefit the rebels who were decommissioned in 2015 and 20192020, respectively, which covered the first and second phases of decommissioning. It also aims to

What is the better way to deal with mental health for a person who just went into a break up? Indeed, it is heart-wrenching after breaking up with someone you love so much and with whom life seem to only evolve with. Sleepless nights spent thinking where did I go wrong? Till you feel down and lonely. These are just normal feelings. Just feel it…then, process your feelings with the goal of accepting the reality. You may be aided in the process of acceptance by asking yourself “is this person worth my tears?” YOU ARE SINGLE NOW. Move on. Love yourself by being a respectable individual and “searchers” around would find a lovable person-it’s you.

What is your advice for people who are single but not looking for love? Congratulations! You have chosen a life you feel you are more comfortable and happier. You can be your own person who could work for others without reservations and could love many without conditions. Hold on to your strengths that made you withstand the hitches of being single.

RICE AID Five of the 106 former MILF combatants present their rice assistance from the government and its partners during simple turnover ceremonies held at the MILF’s Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on Wednesday (Feb. 10, 2021).

Photo courtesy of OPAPP Cotabato