The Mindanao Cross | February 6, 2021

Vol. LXXIII| No. 1| Cotabato City | Saturday, February 6, 2021 |8 Pages | P10.00

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CHURCH / P6

Marawi IDP goes to UN ICC for Afghan killings MESSAGE Congratulations to The Mindanao Cross as it turns 73 this February 6, 2021. The first issue of The Mindanao Cross came out on February 6, 1948 with Fr. Cuthbert Billman, OMI as the first editor.

In his book "The Notre Dame Banner, a Stroy of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate in the Philippines," (pp. 5455), Archbishop Gerard Mongeau, OMI wrote:"The M i n d a n a o C ro s s h a s followed a policy of dealing not only with Church news and doctrine aticles but with news of Cotabato Province etc. It has been faithful to its motto: "A little paper with a big cause."

In this day of social media, one would think that print media is already passé but it will never be.

Before a word is printed, it has gone though "thought processing." This is what makes printed matters unique.

After 73 years, The Mindanao Cross still continues its mission of standing up for truth and advocating for justice and peace. We hope and pray that MC will reach 100 years and beyond.

Thank God and thanks to all past and present editors and staff for this labor of love and service.

With my best wishes and prayers,

Archbishop Angelito R. Lampon, OMI Archbishop of Cotabato

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Maguindanao gets antiCOVID-19 provisions

500 Years of Christianity: Dioceses to designate ‘jubilee churches’

The Mindanao Cross issuu.com/mindanaocross mindanao.cross@gmail.com

MESSAGE

REAFFIRMING MC LEGACY IN 2021 STORY BY VALERIE ANN P. LAMBO

G

rowing older, staying strong.

The Little Paper with the Big Cause marks 73 years of service to Central Mindanao today, February 6.

The Mindanao Cross (Cross) remains to be the oldest running Catholic weekly newspaper in Mindanao and one of the oldest running community newspapers in the Philippines.

For the past seven decades, the Cross has grown to be a standard bearer of news for the whole of Central Mindanao, pioneering in peace reporting and advocating for Muslim,

Christian and Lumad solidarity, and the preservation of the cultures and traditions in the country's south.

The Cross continues to serve the public in the midst of a global pandemic, the astounding presence of the digital world, and the increasing amount of misinformation circulating on social media platforms.

Trying times Months of coronavirus lockdowns have taken their toll on the Philippine print media industry.

Already struggling with

declining readership, the COVID-19 pandemic forced at least 13 community papers nationwide to suspend their print editions to cut losses due to dwindling advertising revenues.

The Cross, however, is around still covering the pandemic despite months of great torment, risk of possible infection, and budget cuts.

Notwithstanding the strict quarantine protocols, Cross' staff and pool of journalists don masks and venture out into field. While others write in isolation watching livestreams, conducting interview through phone, ang joining zoom

sessions.

In order to survive, the paper's management resorted to making hard decisions such as reducing the number of newspaper pages and printed copies.

At a time like this, being able to deliver accurate and relevant information from a place of safety is almost like a luxury.

Reaffirming legacy The Cross, a perpetual time capsule in plain sight, is known for its advocacy for Muslim-ChristianLumad solidarity, peaceful resolution of domestic

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Prospects for the Shrine Ministry in COVID-19 pandemic

NDU granted Autonomous Status FOR demonstrating exceptional institutional quality and enhancement as well as outstanding performance as higher educational institution (HEI), the Notre Dame University (NDU) received “Autonomous Status” from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

This achievement was pursuant to CHED Memorandum Order No. 46 as approved by the Commission en banc through Resolution No. 9132020 and as endorsed by Minister Mohagher Iqbal of the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MBHTE-BARMM) effective December 7, 2020.

The Oblate of Mary Immaculate-run NDU is the only private HEI in Cotabato City, BARMM and Soccsksargen region that has been granted “Autonomous Status,” the highest recognition a Philippine private higher education institution can receive.

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Weekends with the Tedurays STORY BY FR. ROCK SANIEL, OMI

THE Oblate Novitiate program is a year of intense prayer, study, work and contemplation. Every OMI has to go through the novitiate year before reaching the scholasticate in Manila where they will undergo the training for theology before priesthood or brotherhood.

One of the exciting activities in the Novitiate year is the Bible Apostolate.

It is a weekend apostolate to different indigenous people areas such as Badak, Kusiong, Tapian, Nabilan, Pindaag, and Tambanan in Maguindanao. These are Teduray communities who accepted the Catholic faith and have built their chapels in the area.

The nine OMI novices, namely; Bro. Jan Philip Cadungog, Bro. Illuminado Flauta V, Bro. Mon-Gi Park (Peter), Bro. Kelly Mark Socias, Bro. Vince Dignadice, Bro. Won Hyo Heo (Paul), Bro. Giovanni Paolo Donguines, Bro. Ariel Villaflor and Bro. Sung

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More power and God bless the Mindanao Cross – a little paper with a big cause!

Fr. Gerry Gamaliel de los Reyes, OMI Provincial Superior

My hijab, my choice

did you know?

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By virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 559 signed by then Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in 2004, we are observing National Dental Health Month on February to highlight the importance of of raising dental health consciousness among Filipinos. This year's theme is "Paigtingin: Oral Health for Juan at Juana sa Gitna ng Pandemya."

(part 4) By: Fr. Eliseo Mercado, OMI

I congratulate The Mindanao Cross as she celebrates her 73rd anniversary today, the 6th of February.

She first hit the streets of Cotabato in the year 1948. From then on, she has become an important part of every household, not only in the city of Cotabato but to her neighboring towns, cities and provinces in delivering news that are truthful and factual, and also in promoting advocacies that call for peace, unity and solidarity among the tri-people of Mindanao (people of different faith) such as the Muslims, Christians and Indigenous People and in the preservation of their culture and traditions.

Social media is so much in use today. However, not everything that we find in it is informative and formative. Some are misleading and out to destroy human judgment and the society because of vested interests of the few.

Thus, The Mindanao Cross, has an important role to play in giving the right and truthful information to the people.

I pray that she continues to be guided and strengthened by the Spirit of Truth, the Omnipotent God Almighty in doing the service to the people.

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BARMM reaches out Principal charged with to lawless groups VAWC out on bail STORY BY EDWIN O. FERNANDEZ

STORY BY JOHN FELIX UNSON

DIPLOMATIC efforts are underway for Moro lawless groups to return to the mainstream and help build peace in the Bangsamoro Region, an official said.

Chief Minister Ahod “Al-Haj Murad” Ebrahim of the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) told reporter Friday that his emissaries have been holding backdoor talks with officials and members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) I Maguindanao, the remnants of Maute terrorist group and Basulta (Basilan-Sulu-Tawi-Tawi) based Abu Sayyaf Group.

At the sidelines of a peace forum - ‘Mushawarah: A Dialogue Towards an Inclusive Moral Governance’ on Friday, Ebrahim said the BARMM government is always open to dialogue.

“We are trying to open a main dialogue with them, convincing them to join us, to join the

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THE public school principal police agents arrested IN Cotabato City for violation of state law protecting women and children from violence is now out on bail.

The Mindanao Cross learned this from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (CIDG-BAR).

Police agents arrested Ronaldo Baltonado Inamach for alleged violation of Republic Act 9262, or the Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Law. The 48-year-old Inamach, principal of Datu Ayunan Elementary School, voluntarily turned himself in when personnel of the CIDG-BAR served him a warrant for his arrest from Regional Trial Court Branch 27 Judge Kasan Abdulrakman.

The CIDG-BAR announced Inamach’s arrest, after completion of a series of questioning and documentation proceedings as requisites for his

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February 6, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Marawi IDP goes to UN ICC for Afghan killings

THE Information and Evidence Unit Office of the International Criminal Court Prosecutor on Tuesday assured a Moro peace activist that the tribunal “will give consideration” to his letter on reported killings last year of civilians by Western troops deployed in Afghanistan.

Carl Ma-amor, a Maranao Muslim peace activist, has called on the United Nations ICC to probe the alleged killings of men and children, purportedly

by Australian troops in Afghanistan.

Ma-amor, regional chairman of Kilusang Pagbabago in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, said his January 27 letter to the Prosecutor’s Office of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, was sought by families of his fellow internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Marawi City late last year.

He noted that some rights advocates earlier went to the UN ICC in a bid to prosecute Philippine

President Rodrigo Duterte over killings of suspected drug peddlers, allegedly as a form of statesponsored war crimes in apparent reference to his administration’s “war on drugs.”

Ma-amor said the same human rights advocates should also take a stand on reported postconflict atrocities allegedly committed on Afghan civilians by Australian troops.

In his letter to the UN ICC, Ma-amor said: “The reported crimes against humanity committed by the Elite Australian Troops in Afghanistan are truly disheartening and frustrating as our community strengthens ties in combating crimes

against humanity.”

In his reply on February 2, Mark P. Dillon, head of Information and Evidence Unit Office of the ICC Prosecutor, assured Ma-amor that: “We will give consideration to this communication (Ma-amor’s letter), as appropriate, in accordance with the provisions of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.”

The Rome Statute is an international treaty creating the ICC to which the Philippines is a signatory-country since in 2000. However, the Philippine Senate ratified the treaty only in 2017.

It can be recalled that in November last year, Australia said its own

Sultan Kudarat officials face admin raps post bail bond

Local officials in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat facing administrative complaint on Tuesday posted bail before the local court that issued warrants for their arrest.

This, after Isulan Vice Mayor Lord Dean Castillo, town Councilors Rene Aristoza, Mariblithe Cartujano-Garingo, Gina Belmes Dael, Ryan M. Dumaran and Sangguniang Kabataan chair and ex-officio member Clarice Lagdamen were ordered arrested

by Judge Allan Edwin Boncavil of RTC-Branch 19 for violation of RA 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act).

Castillo denied reports circulating in the social media that he and the other accused have been arrested by Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

“We were not arrested, we voluntarily went to the court to post bail, went to the police to submit

necessary documents,” Castillo said in a statement.

“We are not in any way involved in graft or corruption,” he stressed.

“We were charged with violation of RA 3019 because we allegedly cause harm on another person over our decision on a case filed against village officials.”

Castillo said he and other local officials did not receive any subpoena from the provincial prosecutor’s office to air their side on the case filed against them.

The vice mayor recalled that barangay health workers in two villages of Isulan have filed complaints against their village chairs after they were removed from their respective jobs following the 2019 elections.

“The complaints against the barangay chairpersons were filed before the Isulan SP, it is still pending,” Castillo said.

However, Castillo

Maulana

The cadavers of the victims turnedover to Chairman Toto Kunakon of Barangay Kapinpilan for immediate burial in accordance with Islamic laws.

Nobody was hurt on the government side.

Soldiers and PDEA agents found seven sachets of suspected shabu with estimated value of P210,000.

Also seized from the slain suspects were one M-16 Armalite rifle, an M4 carbine rifle, an M-14 rifle and three motorcycles.

Caballero said the apprehended suspects were turned-over to Midsayap PNP for proper disposition and filing of appropriate cases.

In statement, Brig. Gen. Roberto S. Capulong, commander of 602nd Infantry Brigade, lauded the efforts of the troops for the successful of the operation.

Gen. Uy said lawlessness group has no place in the province even as he lauded the civilians for providing time information to government forces.

“The JTF Central will continue to work with other law enforcement agencies to quell criminalities here in South-Central Mindanao,” Maj. General Uy added. Edwin O. Fernandez

INVESTIGATORS are still trying to piece together the jigsaw of last week's fatal ambush of four persons in Datu Anggal, Maguindanao, one of them wanted for large-scale trafficking of shabu.

The Datu Anggal killings came about six hours after an encounter between law enforcers and a criminal gang in Midsayap, North Cotabato that left three gunmen dead and resulted in the arrest of two others.

One of the four fatalities in the ambush at about 2:00 p.m. on January 30 in Barangay Tulunan, Datu Anggal Midtimbang was a certain Kamad Manampen, who was a high-value target of the Philippine Drug Enforcement AgencyBangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Manampen, who appeared to be the Heredin Kamidon Kanakan in police spot who had eluded entrapment operation by PDEA-BARMM agents in

Cotabato City.

PDEA-BARMM Director Juvenal Azurin, said Manampen had escaped, apparently informed by a lookout on the presence of government agents.

The local police and Army units in Datu Anggal Midtimbang are still clueless on who could have killed Manampen and his companions.

Brig. Gen. Samuel Rodriguez, director of the Police Regional OfficeBangsamoro Autonomous Region, said investigation and evidence gathering continue.

The white vehicle carrying the victims was found some 200 meters from a residential area. It appeared the gunmen opened fire on them then approached the ill-fated vehicle to finish the victims off.

Police found several sachets of shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) in their trouser pockets. John Felix

Unson

M A S T E R W E AV E R Yabing Masalon Dulo passed away on January 26, 2021. The 106-yearold B'laan Ikat weaver from Mt. Matutum, Polomolok, South Cotabato received the National Living Treasure Award or Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan in 2016.

said, the village chair filed complaint against him and other councilors before the Sangguiang Panglalawigan for violation of RA 3019. He did not name the village officials.

All the accused have filed P90,000 bail bond each before the sala of Judge Boncavil.

Castillo also smelled something unsual since the subpoena from the prosecutor’s office “The subpoena from the prosecutor’s office dated December 15, 2020 directing us to submit our counter affidavit, received at 1:09 p.m. this day February 02, 2021 after we have already been indicted and a warrant of arrest was already issued against us and after we have already posted bail,” Castillo said Tuesday.

He said all of them believed someone or somebody was behind filing of charges against them. Edwin O. Fernandez

3 gunmen slain in shootout with lawmen

Soldiers and anti-narcotic operatives killed three suspected drug peddlers and arrested two during anti-drug operation in a remote village in Midsayap, North Cotabato.

Troops from the 34th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and Midsayap municipal police office were to serve search warrant issued by a local court in Sultan Kudarat against Tony mamintal Doloan at 5 a.m. in Barangay Kapinpilan, Midsayap, Cotabato.

“While our troops were approaching the house of the target, they were fired upon by gunmen using automatic rifels, triggering a firefight that lasted for about 30 minutes,” Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, said, quoting a report from 34th IB commander Lt. Colonel Glenn Loreto Caballero.

After the firefight, three cadavers were found inside the house of Doloan.

They were identified as Talus Baundi, Tata Mamental and Fahad Angangaw, all armed followers of Doloan.

Government forces also apprehended Satar Manticayaw and Hazel Joy Camancho Mamental, wife of Doloan who was not around during the law enforcement operation.

probe “finds evidence of war crimes in Afghanistan,” and that among those killed were children, according to local media reports that triggered the home-base investigation.

Ma-mor said it was also not right to stereotype Afghans as “terrorists,” because like all nations, a vast majority of its population are civilians, non-combatants, and that they are protected under the Geneva Conventions on War. The ICC Office of The Prosecutor’s reply also assured him that “this communication (referring to his letter) has been duly entered in the Communications Register of the Office.” Nash B.

No clues yet on Datu Anggal ambush

Photo courtesy of NCCA

Revenge eyed in murder of ex-Jolo police chief

One of the two suspected killers of the controversial ex-chief of the Jolo municipal police is related to one of the four Army intelligence agents his subordinates killed in June last year.

Investigators filed last week murder cases against seven suspects, two of them drug traffickers for the November 21, 2020 murder of former Jolo police chief Lt. Col. Walter Annayo in Sultan Mastura, Maguindanao.

The cases against Rasul Nahang Radja and Nara Kagatan Asula were filed by the Criminal Investigation and Detection GroupBangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao at the office of

Maguindanao provincial prosecutor Rohaira Lao. Asula is relative of Corporal Abdal Asula, one of the four agents of the Army’s Intelligence Service Unit policemen killed in downtown Jolo in June while locating terrorists plotting to bomb certain targets in the area.

The CIDG-BAR was key player in the Special Investigation Task Group Annayo that the Bangsamoro regional police office organized to put closure to the brutal murder of Annayo, who hailed from Baguio City.

He was at the helm of Jolo PNP when when nine of his then subordinates shot dead four military intelligence operatives.

The incident caused

Annayo’s reassignment to the Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit of PRO-BAR in Parang, Maguindanao.

Annayo, 41, was to buy something from a roadside store in Barangay Macabiso, Sultan Mastura, Maguindanao when shot by gunmen. He died on the spot.

Brig. Gen. Samuel Rodriguez, PROBAR regional director, lauded the CIDG-BAR for identifying Annayo killers.

Radja and Asula are reportedly together in a drug syndicate whose operation had suffered setbacks due to extensive police law-enforcement operations that involved Annayo. John Felix Unson

February 6, 2021

BTA Parliament Supports Universityhood of CCSPC Republic of the Philippines Bangsamo Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao BANGSAMORO TRANSITION AUTHORITY Bangsamoro Center, Cotabato City SECOND REGULAR SESSION RESOLUTION NO. 102 RESOLUTION CALLING ON THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION (CHED) NATIONAL TO EXPEDITE THE PROCESS OF CONVERSION OF THE COTABATO CITY STATE POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE INTO A STATE UNIVERSITY WHEREAS, Section 17, Article II of the Constitution provides that "The State shall give priority to education, science and technology, arts, culture and sports and foster patriotism and nationalism accelerate social progress and promote total human liberation and development"; WHEREAS, Section 1, Article XIV of the 1987 Constitution lucidly expounds that “The State shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels XXX"; WHEREAS, Republic Act No. 11054 otherwise known as the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, particularly Section 16, Article IX thereof, "It shall be a top priority of the Bangsamoro Government to establish, maintain, and support a complete and integrated system of quality education X X X; WHEREAS, Section I of Republic Act No. 10585 stipulates that: Conrversion — The Cotabato City State Polytechnic College in Cotabato City is hereby converted into a State University to be known as the Cotabato State University, hereinafter referred to as the University. The main campus of the University shall be located in Cotabato City.?

WHEREAS, Section 26 of Republic Act No. 10585 on Compliance with CHED requirements for a university provides the following: (a) Level III accreditation or equivalent under CHED policies for at least four (4) of its undergraduate programs, one (1) in liberal arts and onc(1) in the sciences, and two (2) of its graduate programs; (b) Ratio of qualified full-time faculty with requisite degrees to number of students; (c) Adequate library and laboratories; (d) Research and development output of practical and commercial application to the community; (e) Relevant linkages and outreach programs that are of service to the conimunity; (f) Relevant academic policies, systems and processes.

The Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament in support to the conversion of the Cotabato City State Polytec hnic College to a State University adopted and approved Resolution No. 102 on January 26, 2021.

“Resolution Calling on the Commissionon Higher Education (CHED) National to Expedite the Process of Conversion of the Cotabato City State Polytechnic College into State University”.

Said Resolution is authored by MP Dr. Susana SalvadorAnayatin and MP/ Minister of Ministry of Basic Higher and Technical Education Hon. Mohagher Iqbal.

NOW, THEREFORE, be it RESOLVED, as it is hereby resolved by the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, to call on the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) National to expedite the process of the conversion of the Cotabato City State Polytechnic College into a state university in compliance with the requirements set forth in the language of Section 26 Republic Act No. 10585 ADOPTED, January 26, 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

AFFIDAVIT OF ADJUDICATION

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-34629 & T-32950, 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.

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

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THE MINDANAO CROSS

BARMM reaches out to...from P1 government,” Ebrahim told a news conference organized by the Foreign Correspondent Association of the Philippines (Focap).

He added that two of the three factions of the BIFF operating in Maguindanao have also opened its door for negotiations.

Ebrahim said many outlawed Moro rebels have expressed willingness to join the

mainstream and be with their families.

For BIFF who refused to peacefully surrender, Ebrahim said government law enforcement operations will continue against them, he said.

About 200 BIFF are still operating in various areas in Maguindanao and almost the same number of already surrendered to the government through the 6th Infantry Division since 2017.

detention and prosecution for violation of RA 9262.

Officials of the CIDGBAR declined to elaborate on the details of the case to protect the complainants from repercussions.

The CIDG-BAR said the operation that resulted in the arrest and subsequent detention of

the suspect was assisted by members of the Cotabato City Police Office.

Principal charged with VAWC...from A1

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby served to the public that the intestate estate of the late MATILDE S. CHUA who died on February 6, 2019 at Cotabato City, a parcel of land Lot 9-A, Psd-43802 situated at Cotabato City with an area of 150 sq. mts., covered by TCT No. T-36062, is the subject of extrajudicial settlement with simultaneous absolute sale to Carmelo S. Mungkas before Notary Public Mama S. Dalandag as per Doc. No. 275; Page No. 56; Book No. I; and Atty. Joseph Andrew L. Calubaquib as per Doc. No. 138; Page No. 29; Book No. 61; both Series of 2020. MC:Jan. 23, 30 & Feb. 6, 2021

Reaffirming MC legacy in 2021....from P1 peace and security issues, and for its continuing generation, through “community journalism.”

Leaning on this, the paper reaffirms its core values of Credibility, Integrity, Service, and Commitment. The “Little Paper with a Big Cause” will continue invigorating the “Big Cause” – service to the Church and the Community.

Looking back Originally founded by Oblates of Mary Immaculate missionary Gerard Mongeau, the first Archbishop of Cotabato, as part of the congregation’s mission in Mindanao, the Cross first hit the streets of Cotabato on February 6, 1948, with the help of a printing press that was donated to the Oblates.

The paper was born and nurtured amidst a climate of extraordinary political circumstances.

Two days after it first

hit the streets, the Philippines is commemorating the 13th anniversary of the completion of the 1935 Constitution on February 8 of every year (up until the declaration of Martial Law on September 23, 1972).

In the same year, the 6th president of the country, Elpidio Quirino, was inaugurated on April 17, 1948 following the death of President Manuel Roxas on April 15, 1948 due to a heart attack.

Fr. Cuthbert Billman, OMI was the first editor of The Mindanao Cross. After him came other Oblate priests and laymen who have pooled their talents in making the paper grow.

The reading public missed only two issues of the Cross during Martial Law. The first is the September 22 issue, the headline of which was: “No Martial Law”, citing Cotabato Gov. Carlos B. Cajelo as the source. Former Cross' New Editor Patricio Diaz said, "The Philippine Constabulary

provincial commander disallowed its circulation." While the second issue was on September 29, 1972.

Through it all, through all these 73 years, The Mindanao Cross has thrived, witnessing, chronicling, and adding its voice to the development and growth of Central Mindanao.

As the paper stands on the headland of a promising future, its editorial board, the unsung heroes and other staff take great pride in looking back at important events in Central Mindanao during the past seven decades, confident they will have the same energy and commitment to gear up to similar browbeating assignments.

As Margaret Atwood wrote, "We were the people who worked in the paper but we are also the same people who are not in the papers. We live in the blank spaces on the edge of the paper. It gave us more freedom.

We lived in the gaps between the stories."

NCot teachers get 1st salary from BARMM The more than 1,170 teaching and non-teaching personnel in 63 villages of North Cotabato that joined the Bangsamoro Region have all the reasons to smile.

On Tuesday afternoon, they received their first salary under the Bangsamoro government after they were turned over to the jurisdiction of the autonomous region.

Minister Mohaqher Iqbal of the Minsitry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) personally handed over the checks to teachers from North

Cotabato.

Iqbal said a total of 1,178 teaching and nonteaching elementary and secondary schools personnel within the Special Geographic Area (SGA) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) The SGA is composed of 63 barangays from North Cotabato province that opted for inclusion in BARMM during Bangsamoro Organic Law plebiscite on February 2019.

Of the 1,178 personnel, 1,034 were elementary

(28 from Aleosan District, 110 from Carmen, 116 from Kabacan, 206 from Midsayap, 106 from Pigcawayan, 468 from Pikit) while 144 were secondary teachers.

Meanwhile, Minister Iqbal said that the ministry is working toward the establishment of a division office and selection of personnel to oversee the schools under SGA. “Rest assured that the plans and projects we have for other schools divisions, will also be equally implemented and executed in these 63 barangays,” he said. Edwin O. Fernandez

9 cockfight aficionados charged

FED UP residents of a remote village in Parang, Maguindanao forced them to alert police authorities about illegal cockfighting in Barangay Gadungan.

According to the Criminal Investigation and Detection GroupBangsamoro Autonomous Region, civilians played key role in the arrest of nine cockfighting aficionado.

In a statement, the CIDG-BAR said members of the local Islamic religious community were among the tipsters who gave the gamblers away.

All forms of gambling are “haram” (forbidden) in Islam.

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, Psd-12003522, Lot 63-C, Psd12-007584 & 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.

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby served to the public that the intestate estate of the late ARCADIA VDA DE VALLE who died on May 27, 2002, parcels of land Lot B Psd-53816 at Borongotan, Upi, Cotabato,Lot B-55 (LRC) Psd-62511 and Lot B-56 (LRC) Psd-62511 at Poblacion, Nuro Upi, Cotabato, covered by Transfer Certificate of Title Nos. T-3540, T-3541 and T-3542, respectively, and a Residential Building situated at Nuro, Upi, Maguindanao with Tax Declaration No. 609 are the subject of extrajudicial settlement before Notary Public Atty. Agnes R. de Castro-Jagunap as per Doc. No. 9205; Page No. 9205; Book No. XXV; Series of 2020.

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

MC:Jan. 23, 30 & Feb. 6, 2021

CIDG-BAR said the nine men were detained for violation of Presidential Decree 449, or the Philippine 1974 Cockfighting Law that outlawed operation of cockpits without written permit from the government.

The CIDG-BAR has charged Omak Silongan, Akas Naga, Zamir Momem, Makky Panato, Molin Undaki, Almer Cacaorao, Amir Mokamad, Abedin Esmael and Badrudin Abdullah for violation of PD 449.

They were cornered

by CIDG-BAR agents, personnel from the Bangsamoro regional police based in Camp SK Pendatun in Parang and members of the municipal police force while watching a cockfight in Barangay Gadungan with their respective cash bets on.

Police seized fighting cocks, motorbikes and other valuables from the suspects.

Brig. Gen. Samuel Rodriguez, police director for the Bangsamoro region, lauded the law enforcers and the community that helped police authorities against gamblers. John Felix Unson

THE REGENT PAWNSHOP Quezon Avenue, Cotabato City

Patalastas ng Subasta

Ang THE REGENT PAWNSHOP ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sangla magmula Hulyo 2018 hanggang Hunyo 2019. Ang subasta ay gaganapin sa Pebrero 15, 2021 sa nasabing lugar.

MC: Jan. 30 & Feb. 6, 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

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

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February 6, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

500 Years of Christianity: Dioceses to designate ‘jubilee churches’

CATHOLIC dioceses across the country will designate “jubilee churches” for the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines.

Archbishop Romulo Valles, president of the bishops’ conference, said dioceses will kick off the jubilee year by opening the pilgrim churches’ “holy door” on April 4.

“The jubilee year would open on Easter Sunday, remembering on this day the first recorded Eucharist celebrated in our land,” Valles said.

The year-long celebration, he said, will then close on April 18 to 22 next year to coincide with the 2nd National Mission Congress, which is set in Cebu City.

The designation of pilgrim churches were among the key topics of the recent bishops’ virtual plenary assembly.

Valles said this year’s activities would go as planned but with some modifications to follow health guidelines.

“On the liturgical side of the celebration, we will celebrate it according to the present health protocols,” he said.

This also means, according to him, that parishes will have to be

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more creative in their celebrations for people who cannot be accommodated in churches.

“The bishops are very concerned about the possible participation of many people… I hope the time will not come that authorities will say the public cannot attend,” he added.

In Manila, the archdiocese has already released the list of its 10 pilgrim churches to be the “centers of prayer, forgiveness, and charitable works”.

These include the Manila Cathedral, Quiapo Church, Archdiocesan Shrine of Nuestra Señora de Guia, Archdiocesan Shrine of Sto. Niño de Tondo, and San Pablo Apostol Parish, all located in the city of Manila.

Two churches are in Makati City — the National Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Sts. Peter and Paul Parish.

The San Felipe Neri Parish in Mandaluyong City, San Clara de Montefalco Parish in Pasay City and St. John the Baptist Parish in San Juan City are also declared as jubilee churches.

CBCP News

Prospects for the Shrine Ministry in COVID-19 pandemic

THE Grotto was greatly affected by the COVID-19 Pandemics. The income for months, beginning March 15, 2019, stood still!

No visitors, no income and after a few months, the fund and savings dwindled that the management the Shrine of Our Lady was frantic to call for meetings to look at the operations, relevance so to determine the future of the Shrine.

With the fund almost all gone, the issue of survival and sustainable programs has become paramount.

The operation of the Small World with all its offerings has stopped; the visitors to the Shrine, the mini Zoo and Creation Park have also ceased when schools, particularly day care centers, have stopped their regular face to face classes. The usual visits of day care center kids under the DSWD program to the small world for their exposure to the miniature beauties of the world and for their recreation have all but stopped!

While the Sunday Masses continue, the sustainability of the traditional offerings and programs is now in question. Issues, such as the maintenance of the mini zoo; the operation and repairs in the Small World; the salaries of the 10 people that constitute the Shrine Staff, need to be addressed during this pandemic.

Donors from Cotabato City and friends elsewhere

oe to me if I do not miracles, exorcisms, and preach the gospel” stories that the kingdom (1 Cor. 9:16). has come with him. The These are the words of spread of the kingdom is St. Paul in today’s second like the small seed that reading. He realized that grows into a big tree. his vocation as an apostle The task of spreading imposes an obligation to the gospel of life did not Rev. Fr. Antonio P. Pueyo, DCC proclaim the gospel of Jesus end with the death and tonypoy_dcc0@yahoo.com Christ. As a pious Jew and resurrection of Jesus. It a former Pharisee he was zealous in the defense of his continues with the community of disciples that he Jewish faith. After his conversion, the same zeal and founded. It continues with the various communities more, would impel him to proclaim the good news that Paul and the other apostles organized. The about Jesus Christ. St. Paul insisted on his being an ministry of preaching and spreading the good news of apostle equal to those called by Jesus and who walked the kingdom goes on today with the church. It is not with Him during His lifetime. He too has met the just a matter of proclaiming but also of making real Lord personally on the road to Damascus. Therefore the message of the gospel. It is a message of healing, he has the privileges and rights of an apostle. Yet reconciling, peacemaking, and all other actions that he would not claim his recompense. He is able to bring about wellness and life to the full, particularly support himself as a tentmaker. His preaching is a for the suffering. purely voluntary act for the salvation of others. In The gospel about the kingdom brings hope to the his words, “I have made myself a slave to all so as to suffering. It shows that there is a way out of this win over as many as possible” (I Cor 9: 22). valley of tears. Job in the first reading did not have St. Paul was continuing the ministry of Jesus this view of the kingdom. Instead he was buoyed by who in this Sunday’s gospel said, “Let us go on to faith in God whose ways he could not understand. the nearby villages that I may preach there also. Why would a good man like him suffer? Why would For this purpose have I come” (1Mk. 38). Preaching the innocent suffer? Thus his ruminations, “Is not and proclaiming the gospel is a ministry that the man’s life on earth a drudgery?” (Job 7:1) disciple receives from the Lord who commissioned On the other hand, the kingdom of God offers hope. them just before He ascended to heaven, “Go into all In Jesus, an innocent man suffered so that though His the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation death and resurrection, redemption comes into the (Mk. 16:15). Every disciple therefore, whether lay, world. Life is not a drudgery. Life has a purpose. Life religious, or priest shares in the ministry of preaching is directed towards a future reality called the kingdom the gospel. or a new heaven and new earth. By following Jesus But, what is the content of this gospel? What who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, our own life makes the gospel good news, so much so that we becomes purposeful. Death and suffering are not the must share this good news to others? It is the gospel end of life. We try to bring the reality of the kingdom of life. Jesus Himself said, “I came that they may in this world though our healing of the earth and all have life and have it abundantly (Jn. 10:10). When who live in it. Healing the world may seem to be Jesus preached and ministered he gave life and a gargantuan task, but like the little mustard hope through his words about His Father’s invitation seed, the kingdom grows, until the Lord comes to everyone into God’s kingdom. He showed in his again. MC

The Preacher

REFLECTIONS

By: Fr. Jun Mercado, OMI come to the immediate rescue. They provide immediate relief – feed for the animals and some urgent needs to continue the much reduced operations. The Oblates of Mary Immaculate, for the meantime, begin to subsidize the salaries and wages of the staff.

In this pandemic, Fr. Marciano Andres, OMI has begun looking for other sources of income other than the entry fees and rentals of the Small World and fees for recollections. Garden plants for sale provide the immediate relief. Then he begins the repair and refurbishing the excess shrine furniture and sell them. This, too, becomes a new source of income.

But they are not enough, and the end of Pandemic and its consequences are not insight.

What else need to do done in these times of Pandemics in order to survive…? Is it time to “rethink” and “reconfigure” the operation of the Shrine?

The first move that comes to mind is to “renew” the religious aspects of the Shrine. Fr. Andres has petitioned the Archdiocese through Archbishop Angelito Lampon, OMI, “formalize the Canonical erection” of the Shrine of our Lady of Lourdes. He hopes that the place, once again, becomes a sanctuary for local pilgrimages. The official establishment

of the Shrine will come true on the 13th of February (Fiesta of the Tamontaka Shrine), when the Archbishop during the Fiesta Mass will formally declare the Shrine of our Lady of Lourdes in Tamontaka as an Archdiocesan Shrine dedicated to our Blessed Mother. Archbishop Lampon will preside at the 10 a.m. celebration of the Eucharist. This will be preceded by a procession at 9 a.m.

In keeping with all the health protocols of wearing face masks and social distancing, everyone is encouraged to come to this formal declaration.

The festive mood is now felt. The whole grounds are clean; plants are rearranged; vehicle parkings are identified; and the 9 – Novena Masses have begun beginning 4th of February at 11:30 am.

During the 9 – day novena for the Fiesta, there will also be a daily live streaming recitation of the Holy Rosary at 5 pm.

Everyone is encouraged to participate in these religious festivities. COME AND CELEBRATE WITH US THE FEAST OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES ON THE 13TH OF FEBRUARY E U C H A R I S T C CELEBRATION AT 10 A.M. AND PARTICIPATE IN OUR ONLINE DAILY RECITATION OF THE HOLY ROSARY AT 5 PM BEGINNING FEBRUARY 4th.

B adaliyya Fr. Jun Mercado, OMI

Short Reflection for the 5th Sunday of the Ordinary Time (B) Readings:

Job 7: 1-4. 6-7; 1 Corinthians 9: 16-19; Mark 1: 29-39

Selected Passage:

“He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him. Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.” (Mk.1: 34-35)

Meditation:

After a day’s labor – healing the sick and casting out demons, Jesus went into a deserted place to rest and pray. We, too, have become “busy bodies”. We are caught up in our routine work and daily chores. We need to find an appropriate time and place where we can rest and pray. There is so much noise in the world today. We need SILENCE to take stock of life and listen to God. Silence with God is a powerful daily prayer

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

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

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

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

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THE MINDANAO CROSS

February 6, 2021 EDITORIAL

The Mindanao Cross in perspective

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sk any resident of Cotabato City and its environs who have been around for 50 years on the average, if they are acquainted with The Mindanao Cross. They will most certainly answer in the positive. It’s because the newspaper has been around for 73 years. It has been consistently sold in the streets every week end (Saturdays) except for an issue during the martial law years.

Over the years, The Mindanao Cross has turned to be a standard bearer of news for the whole of Cotabato, pioneering in peace reporting and advocating for Muslim-Christian solidarity, and the preservation of the cultures and traditions of Moro, indigenous people, and Christian communities in the country’s south. For this, it has been a recipient of various awards from the Philippine Press Institute, the national association of newspapers, whose principal mandate is to defend press freedom, promote ethical standards among Filipino journalists, and encourage the growth and development of community newspapers in various parts of the country.

To quote the respected Orlando Cardinal Quevedo who takes pride in his being a newsboy of The Mindanao Cross during his younger days: “In the past 60 years, The Mindanao Cross has been respectful of various religious traditions especially of Islam. It has fostered the development of different cultures, especially of the marginalized. It has consistently demonstrated a preferential option for the poor in the universal struggle for a better future.

In the process, it has played the role of critiquing, encouraging, promoting, and advocating. It adheres to a perennial and traditional Catholic moral principle which may be liberally translated from Latin as: In matters that are certain, declare the truth; in doubtful matters, promote liberty; and in all things, exercise charity.”

Originally founded by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate missionary Gerard Mongeau, who became the first bishop of Cotabato as part of the congregation’s mission in Mindanao, The Mindanao Cross first hit the streets of Cotabato on February 6, 1948, with the help of a printing press that was donated to the Oblates in 1947. Its first editor was Fr. Cuthbert Billman. Since the time of Fr. Billman, its operations have changed hands but its vision and mission remained the same.

Among its editors, writers and columnists in the past are Emil Jurado, Ramon Carag, Angelito Cabacungan, Rufa Guiam, Guillermo Hagad, Teodoro Carrasco.

The present Chief Executive Officer is Fr. Rogelio Tabuada, OMI with the following staffers: Eva Kimpo Tan, Nash Maulana, Carlos Bautista, Victoria Rabago Franco, Charlie Senase, Edwin Fernandez, Marino Ridao, Cheridine Oro-Josef, Danny Buenbrazo, Fr. Tony Pueyo, Fr. Jun Mercado, and Fr. Rockmore Saniel. These are the new crop of opinion writers who are definitely born and bred in Central Mindanao, and who can write from experience on the problems and prospects of the region. The paper also takes pride in counting news reporters who are true Cotabatenos – John Unson, Bong Sarmiento, Willamor Magbanua, Valerie Lambo; and how could a paper be produced without the important clogs in the wheel – Gemma Peñaflor, Zelma Eliaca, Ping Barrientos, Jojo Torres, Lourd Diazon, and Karl Daniel?

Hopefully, in its 73rd life and without the ravages of COVID-19, The Mindanao Cross will be guided by God to higher levels of service focused on the constituents of Central Mindanao. MC +

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

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

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

Member: PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

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

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hile most of the news we hear and read from Congress make us raise our eyebrows, there are good things happening there as well. Whether these stories that make us applaud outnumber the ones that cause us to cringe or do a facepalm in frustration, we really cannot tell. We haven’t gone that far in our research.

Suffice it to say, though, that once in a while we come upon a story like this: “HB 8243 or the act protecting and promoting the rights to equality and non-discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, and religion has been approved on the third reading in Congress.”

We came upon that on a Facebook post by peace building organization International Alert Philippines. IA said it supports such passage of an anti-discrimination bill “that upholds religious, ethnic, and cultural freedom of Muslims and other minorities. Alert together with its local partners have continuously engaged with Senators and Representatives for the passage of a national antidiscrimination bill since the 16th Congress through participation in consultation, hearings, and technical working group meetings in relevant committees in the Senate and the House of Representatives,” the peacebuilding organization added.

The bill, titled “Equality and Non-Discrimination on Race, Ethnicity, and Religion Act” would punish discriminatory acts based on race, ethnicity, and religion with jail time is one step away from hurdling the Philippine House of Representatives. Among the bill’s authors are Mindanao and Bangsamoro’s own Representative Amihilda Sangcopan of Anak Mindanao, Cheryl Deloso-Montalla (NUP) of Zambales, Edgar Aglipay of DIWA party-list, and Jose Christopher Belmonte (LP) of Quezon City). Having been approved on third reading, it is expected to get the final nod from the House.

In his explanatory notes on the bill, Representative Aglipay who chairs the House Committee on Good Government, stressed that there are people or groups who “prey on this kind of prejudice and hatred, those who use the tyranny of the majority to exploit and dehumanize vulnerable marginalized groups.”

Representative Sangcopan said the deadly World Trade Center attack in 2011 has greatly earned Muslims international backlash, and “Muslims in Mindanao and elsewhere in the Philippines are no exemption.”

If passed into law, HB 8243 would prohibit the following acts of discrimination when committed on the basis of race, color, descent, national or ethnic origin, or religious beliefs: • Preventing the exercise of political rights of another, including the right to vote • Imposing “onerous terms” before these political rights are granted • Refusal to employ a qualified applicant

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Some good things are happening in Congress

Thinking Aloud Caloy Bautista

caloyb@gmail.com

• Denying or limiting access of an employee to work benefits and opportunities • Dismissal of an employee • Favoring another job applicant due to his or her race, ethnicity, or religion • Refusal to admit a student in a school • Denying or limiting access of a student to any benefit or privilege provided by the school • Failing to make reasonable efforts to make facilities accessible to people whose disabilities reduce their range of mobility • Refusal to supply goods or services to a person • Denial of access to medical or health services open to the general public • Denial of applications for license, clearance, certification or any other government document • Discrimination in the acquisition, possession, utilization, lease, or disposal of lands, including housing and other accommodations • Denial of entry or access to any facility and assembly that are open to the general public • Creating advertisements • The bill bans advertisements that discriminate against a person’s race, ethnicity, or religion.

HB 8243 also prohibits the discriminatory portrayal of groups as religiously, racially, or ethnically inferior in learning institutions, books, learning materials, and teaching devices.

Speeches that promote hatred or violence against another person’s race, ethnicity, and religion would be banned as well.

The bill likewise penalizes acts whose goal is to impair or nullify a person’s human rights and fundamental freedoms. This includes the “unnecessary, unjustified, illegal, and degrading” investigatory activities of the police and the military.

Those who would incite others to commit these discriminatory acts would be found liable under the bill.

Would the red-tagging and terror-tagging committed against Indigenous Peoples and Muslim Filipinos be considered as violative of HB 8243? We sure hope so. They have ruined and claimed many lives so far, to which we hope nothing more is added.MC

Notes on war crimes’

ILIPINOS claiming to champion human rights against President Rodrigo Roa Duterte had the initial impression of the UN International Criminal Court Prosecutor “following a careful, independent and impartial review of a number of communications and reports documenting alleged crimes potentially falling within the jurisdiction of the Court.”

Nash B. Maulana Some newspersons have translated this development nash.penlight@gmail.com into a stage of “initial victory” on the part of anti-Duterte groups that have long wanted the President ousted before in truckloads (per batch) in Eastern Europe then. Failure his term ends in June 2022. But not yet! Not as yet, until to have established a solid ground showing consistency in ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda succeeds to convince the human rights stance and advocacy may yet send a Bensouda Court that there’s probable cause to indict the Philippine Prosecution case for “extrajudicial killings” to a recycle bin President…. of political motivation.

And still, not as yet until then—NOT until the UN shall This, to me, makes sense of a letter sent by Carl Mahave resolved on its own legal definition of the word “war.” amor, a Maranao and the KP chairman for BARMM, to This is because the ICC Prosecutor herself would have to Prosecutor Bensouda, urging the ICC to look into and convince the Court that “extrajudicial killings” as defined investigate reported killings of civilian Afghan, children in the charges are committed in the intent, deed, and in the and men, allegedly by members of Australian Elite Force UN context of a “war crime.” (probably motivated by racism), according to initial reports We note that the Prosecutor in her media statement tries disclosed in November by the Australian Government. to establish her facts-of-complaint from alleged involvement “War crimes” correspond to third of the “four core of a “State Party” into killings “in the context of a ‘war on international crimes” for which the Rome Statute created drugs’." But the problem is that the UN has yet to come the ICC in a diplomatic conference in Rome, Italy on July up with its legal definition of what “war” is, and what not, 17, 1998. The other three are 1) genocide; 2) crime against according to international treaties. It nonetheless leaves humanity; and 4) crime of aggression. wider latitude of “State liberty” to determine “war” and even We also note that former Serbian President Slobodan “withhold the term of their military adventures if they were Milosevic of the then Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was so minded.” (Law of war, Peter John Rowe, Professor of Law, indicted for war crimes during the NATO attack on Belgrade University of Lancaster, England and author of “Defence: in 1999. Journalists of different nationalities were monitoring The Legal Implications”). the events on TV screens when we were in Saudi Arabia This arms a “State Party” with all the liberty to be covering the Hajj that year. “enlightened” with a UN legal definition of the word “war”; Milosevic was put on trial (albeit in absentia) by the if not to “demolish” outright the prosecution by asking the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia Court to establish a “predicate” of track-records on how (ICTFY). He had been banished to the ICTFY by Serbian plaintiffs reacted publicly on such events as the “Ethnic Prime Minister Zoran Đinđić after corruption and election Cleansing” in Serbia and Kosovo in the 1990s--and more fraud charges failed to secure local courts conviction against recently on reported killings of Afghan children and men, him. His war crimes trial for the “Ethnic Cleansing” on allegedly by members of Australian Elite Forces. “Ethnic Muslim enclaves in the Former Yugoslavia also ended Cleansing” is a term cracked by western media, referring without verdict when he died in a prison cell in The Hague to genocide killings of Muslim women, children and men on March 11, 2006. MC

Penlight

6

Light Amid Darkness

and lawless violence abounding not only in government but in all other sectors that such callousness is shown from the anti-COVID mask covering our faces, an old Charlie Señase favorite disguise by holdcsenase@yahoo.com up gangs and outlaws.

N the world of pestilences, the When will we ever would-be afflicted by the current learn knowing that earthly life is pandemic with emerging variants temporal? Even health experts and are in a quandary whether to submit faith healers are no exemption to the o r n o t t o t h e m a n d a t o r y h e a l t h universal rule that everything has immunization process due to doubts its time as in time to be born and a and anxiety. time to die; that all visible things are Reports of high global demand for temporary but the unseen things are COVID-19 vaccines prompted more eternal. advanced countries to hastily mass In life, let’s learn to be contented of produce that raise the question of its what we have through the Creator who efficacy. vows to supply the S u c h needs of those who apprehension from love and fear Him massive vaccine (Matthew 6:33). For procurement with God, who can be prompted our against us?

Food and Drug Our God who Administration to cannot lie has conduct its own promised to His product efficacy test disciples: I will never and trials to ensure leave nor forsake you its curative rate even unto the end effectivity following of the age (Hebrews reported deaths due 13:5). to its individual Doubts and fear “side effects.” are not of God as shown in the muchThe government has just signed a talked about Anti-Terror Bill. The “supply agreement” with six COVID-19 LORD has cautioned not to fear, for vaccine makers apart from an earlier there is nothing covered that will not deal to secure 30 million vaccine doses be revealed or nothing hidden that will from India. not be known (Matthew 10:26).

Amid serious concern of authorities So-called activists or leftists under the Duterte dispensation to curb have nothing to worry about the the health menace, confirmed cases questionable bill in their pursuit for continue to rise at more than half-a- peace and tranquility. Fear no one but million with deaths of nearly 11,000.

God with His reminder “not to fear Indeed, death is inevitable to all those who kill the body but cannot kill with or without COVID-19. Whether the soul. But rather fear Him who is we like it or not, God has appointed able to destroy both soul and body in death regardless of who we are – hell” (Matthew 10:28).

Young and old, rich or poor, famous or As always, let us not be overcome not. We will all face the judgment seat by evil, but overcome evil with good - A of the Almighty. timely biblical passage as we welcome If indeed, righteousness exalts a Police Col. Rommel Javier, the new nation, what have we done as elected Cotabato City PNP Director along with or appointed government leaders? the newly installed Chief of Staff of the It’s a shame to uncover corruption AFP, Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana. MC

True to Form

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Our God who cannot lie has promised to His disciples: I will never leave nor forsake you even unto the end of the age

Penny, Walmart and some from signature companies for special occasions.

Former First Lady Melania Trump is different all together.

She wore a hefty pricy diamond studded wedding gown, but did not impress the Americanas.

She had a couple of failed fashion Victoria R. Franco, RPh, MS Pharmacy gaffe, we will leave it at that.

American fashionistas franco1573victoria@gmail.com watch their new First Lady's style. She did not disappoint. ur former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Dr. Jill Biden has begun her term as First Marcos, is famous worldwide for her thousand pairs of shoes and is still Lady with a sartorial bang stepping out in a remembered more for it these days. I happened series of stunning outfits many of which were to visit Malacañan Palace after the Edsa created by American designers with an eye Revolution when a Committee showcased her toward sustainability.

She wore a simple white dress with long wardrobe as a special exhibit attraction.

I realized later that it was necessary layered strands of pearl, and brown heeled that she had such a fabulous wardrobe since boots. (Note, seniors, boots!) In keeping with she will be photographed everywhere she her fashion choices, she matched her face went, attending several functions in one day. mask to her outfit. At the virtual Presidential Personally, I like my First Lady, my Mayor, Inaugural Prayer Service, she wore a raspberry my congressman, my governor to be dressed hued dress, a matching mask, pearls and appropriately since it reflects the state of nude heels. She changed into evening wear economy of our country or our city. Despite to attend "Celebrating America", wore a Madame Imelda's frivolities, she is admirable matching dress and coat, crafted by Gabriela Hearst, an American Label. The look was in that fashion.

Germany Chanchelor Angela Markel's embroidered with the federal flowers from response to a reporter on why she is seen in every US state and territory, place alongside the same outfit for all the years she held her one another to symbolize unity. The lining was position, was, "I am a government employee, hand-embroidered with a quote from Benjamin my job is to work for the government, I am not Franklin " Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn", a tribute a fashion endorser or model".

In the US, former First Lady Jacqueline to the work of educators like First Lady Jill.

For the Inauguration, Dr. Jill Biden wore Kennedy set her classic personal style copied all over the world by the female specie of a custom dress and overcoat by Markarian, human kind, her favorite designer was a New York based label from dqesigner Valentino. She orders personal modeling shows Alexandra O'Neil, with a waste reducing in the Presidential Residence; her younger made to order model. The choice of a color blue sister Lee Radziwill, a princess and American was chosen to signify trust, confidence and socialite competes with her sister in hunting stability. The dress was inspired by Princess for extraordinary fashion from the house of Grace Kelly was elegant, and feminine. The YSL, Oscar dela Renta, Gucci and other French design was a blue coat with a dark blue velvet and Italian houses. However, the US citizen collar and cuffs worn over a tapered dress with scalloped skirt and each hand-Embrlished with questioned the costs of her clothes.

The other US first ladies did very well Swarovski crystals for shuttle sparkle.

Move over European brands, Markarian in the fashion houses, like Nancy Reagan, a former movie actress, had name tags Louis is taking over. FL Jill Biden is not the first Vuitton, Chanel, Dior, Balenciaga, Armani, famous celebrity to wear Markarian. Since Hermes and Prada in her wardrobe long before its first inception in 2017, it has become a she stepped into the white house. Former celebrity and fashion editor's favorite. Designer President Ronald Reagan was a movie actor, Alexandra uses unique perspective to create luxury evening wear that is both modern and governor of California.

When Michelle Obama stepped into the striking, perfect for eye-catching occasion wear.

The brand has been worn by high profile stage on the Inauguration of former Pres.

Barack Obama, a different fashion was seen celebrities such as Kate Hudson, Beanie on stage. She was tall, dark skinned and Feldstein, Constance Wu and many others. informal. Hence, her clothes show playfulness US FL Jill Biden is someone to watch out for, and cheerful. She got some of her clothes, for her clothes and her advocacies as a mother, and those of her daughters from Jayce and as a teacher. MC

First Lady as Fashion Icon

The Stuff of Life

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February 6, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Brief statement on the Philippine Senate’s recent approvalof the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons

We commend the Philippine government following the Senate’s approval on Monday, 1 February 2021, of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). The Philippine government’s action on this international instrument is an important contribution toward a world free of nuclear weapons.

Once formal notification is given to the United Nations, the Philippines will become the 53rd State to ratify the treaty, which entered into force on 22 January 2021.

The Philippines was among the 122 States that adopted the treaty in July 2017 and was one of the 50 States that signed the treaty when it opened on 20 September 2017.

The TPNW explicitly and unequivocally prohibits the use, threat of use, development, production, testing and stockpiling of nuclear weapons, and it obliges all States Parties to not assist,

encourage or induce anyone in any way to engage in an activity prohibited by the Treaty.

The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement around the world has repeatedly called on all States to ratify the Treaty, to prevent massive human suffering and environmental devastation as previously seen in the 1945 Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings.

“This Treaty – the result of more than 75 years of work – sends a clear signal that nuclear weapons are unacceptable from a moral, humanitarian, and now a legal point of view. It sets in motion even higher legal barriers and an even greater stigmatization of nuclear warheads than already exists. It allows us to imagine a world free from these inhumane weapons as an achievable goal,” said ICRC President Peter Maurer, in a statement on the Treaty’s recent entry into force. ICRC

Promoting AgriBased Industries

may need to rethink their economic development and employment creating strategies. For the meantime, traditional tourism projects would not be feasible given Danny Buenbrazo danny_buenbrazo@yahoo.com the stringent rules on gatherings and the n e o f t h e m a j o r s o c i a l a n d possibility of a similar bout with economic problems of the country an epidemic in the future. Prior to is the unemployment in both the the onset of COVID-19, tourism was urban and rural areas. Aside from the generating jobs faster than agriculture lack of employment opportunities, most and industry. of the available jobs in the rural areas, In selecting what agriculture-based especially, in the countryside are low- industries and enterprises to promote, paying and intermittent or seasonal in it would be helpful to formulate set nature. of criteria to come up with a rational Most of the employment available in decision. the urban areas are in the services and From my perspective, there are industry sectors, these are more stable two most critical considerations for a and higher paying. In contrast, many locality-based agricultural processing of the work opportunities in the rural project: viability of basic production sector are in agriculture and people are and favorable market outlook. The generally engaged during planting and first means that there is sufficient raw harvest seasons. material, or it is possible to increase There are only a handful of work in the level of output. Favorable the agricultural sector where people are market condition means that there is an employed throughout the year as more increasing demand for the commodities of the large plantations were subjected to be produced in the locality, there to the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform is a potential for taking it to outside Program (CARP) and distributed to markets, and market price is stable, if agrarian reform beneficiaries that not increasing. engage in individual rather than Infrastructure, utilities, and other corporate farming. support services are present to make The lingering menace of COVID-19 processing in the locality and taking the i s a g g r a v a t i n g t h e a l r e a d y b a d finished product to the markets viable. employment situation. Just this week, Technology and skilled workers the Philippine Air Lines (PAL) of Lucio should also be available to operate a Tan announced that the company would manufacturing or processing facility. be laying off 2,300 of its personnel.

The project cost should be reasonable Another company owned by the same for local entrepreneurs to venture into business tycoon, Philip Morris – Fortune the proposed processing activity or Tobacco will also be reducing its work investors from the outside could be force due to business losses. persuaded to establish a business in There is a silver lining to agriculture- the locality. based businesses that was revealed Other parameters for selecting what during this period of pandemic. Demand industries and enterprises can be added. for basic and processed agricultural However, the next steps are as projects remain stable even at the critical: making strategic and operation height of the COVID-19 lockdowns. plans, promoting the proposed business People can delay purchasing non-critical ventures, and ensuring implementation. items (new clothes, appliances, beauty It would be fair to say that more products, etc.) or to do activities such as than half of industry and enterprise traveling but they cannot stop eating. development plans of agencies and Those things being said, national LGUs just gather dust and never see agencies and local government units the light. MC

O

Market Driven

Weekends with the...from A1

Ho Kim (Sabino) were formed into three groups assigned to different areas.

From November to February, every Saturday, around 7:00-8:00 in the morning, they would ready themselves to go to their respective assigned areas. Some of them would take a “Habal-Habal” or motorcycle, “payongpayong,” (tricycle) while others simply have their feet to travel going to the area.

Living in other homes and families is not easy, especially when the welcoming family has only enough to offer. This is the situation in the area. The brothers have to live in the means of the family.

As the novices are well aware of the situation of the families that welcome them, they also bring with them some goods to share during meals. They bring with them noodles, sardines and other goods for their viand knowing that they have to stay for a night and a day.

Sometimes, a special native chicken is being cooked for them as a special treat for their presence. But whatever is being prepared during meals, the brothers are very happy to join the family. In that way, they experience how Jesus lived with His people, showing them love and care, and in this case, through a simple meal.

With the simple homes built by simple nipa huts, the brothers have to sleep where the family sleep. Definitely, life in the areas is different. The comfort in the seminary is not the same. But what is more interesting in this experience is that, often, the family will bring out their best kept pillows, blankets and mosquito nets to be used by their important visitors, the brothers. The brothers are most likely mesmerized and amazed by their generosity, care and hospitality.

On the following day, the brothers will then prepare for a bible service.

Since there is no priest to

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celebrate the Eucharist, the brothers stand as the presider of the bible service together with the chapel lay minister or “kaabag.”

Before, only bible service is being celebrated. Recently, Fr. Peter Sotomil, OMI, the parish priest of San Borromeo Parish in Broce encouraged the brothers to give a regular session about the bible. In that activity, the brothers are giving inputs and facilitates the sharing of the participants.

Basically, the main objective of the activity is to promote better understanding of the scripture among the Tedurays.

One particular experience of the OMI novices is with a family in Badak. One sunny Sunday morning, a family arrived in the chapel in Badak. The family walked for almost an hour going to the chapel. And so the brothers asked the parents, “You walked for an hour going here to attend the Sunday Bible Service and the road is slippery and full of mud.

Were you not tired of doing this every Sunday?”

And the mother answered, “Diba ganun man talaga Brother? Dapat unahin ang Diyos kaysa trabaho.”

(Isn’t this the right thing, brother? God must be placed first before work.)

The brothers were amazed by the response.

For them, it was a faithrevealing response that gets to their bones.

After a couple of hours of community apostolate, around 2:00 in the afternoon, the brothers then return to the Novitiate for their dinner and night prayer. There, they will reminisce their wonderful experiences in the area among the simple yet wonderful people, the Tedurays.

Every weekend is never the same, both for the brothers and the people in the areas. The weekends are moments of generosity and kindness, of great joy and blessing as God becomes the center of their encounter.

Maguindanao gets antiCOVID-19 provisions THE Integrated Provincial Health Office-Maguindanao said Thursday they are grateful to the Bangsamoro government for an equipment tranche this week they so need to boost their anti-COVID-19 efforts.

Dr. Elizabeth Samama, IPHO chief, said the new equipment from the Ministry of HealthBangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao will enhance the implementation of their programs.

The MOH-BARMM turned over Monday an ambulance and a refrigerated vaccine transport vehicle to Maguindanao province to boost domestic COVID-19 containment initiatives.

The IPHO-Maguindanao covers 36 towns in the two congressional districts of the province.

Dr. Amirel Usman, BARMM health minister, personally

turned over the equipment to Samama during a simple rite at the Provincial Hospital compound in Shariff Aguak town.

The ambulance and the “cold chain vehicle,” or a pick-up truck with a refrigerated cubicle, essential in delivering COVID-19 vaccines to far-flung areas that Samama received from MOHBARMM, were donated to the regional government by foreign benefactors just last month.

The United Kingdom government, International Organization on Migration and the German Cooperation are supporting BARMM in its war on COVID-19.

IPHO also received refrigerator for vaccines, solar power generating sets, hygiene kits and biohazard protection supplies needed by antiCOVID-19 frontliners. John

THE more than 1,170 teaching and non-teaching personnel in 63 villages of North Cotabato that joined the Bangsamoro Region have all the reasons to smile.

On Tuesday afternoon, they received their first salary under the Bangsamoro government after they were turned over to the jurisdiction of the autonomous region.

Minister Mohaqher Iqbal of the Minsitry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) personally handed over the checks to teachers from North Cotabato.

Iqbal said a total of 1,178 teaching and non-teaching elementary and secondary schools personnel within the Special Geographic Area (SGA) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)

The SGA is composed of 63 barangays from North Cotabato province that opted for inclusion in BARMM during Bangsamoro Organic Law plebiscite on February 2019.

Of the 1,178 personnel, 1,034 were elementary (28 from Aleosan District, 110 from Carmen, 116 from Kabacan, 206 from Midsayap, 106 from Pigcawayan, 468 from Pikit) while 144 were secondary teachers.

Meanwhile, Minister Iqbal said that the ministry is working toward the establishment of a division office and selection of personnel to oversee the schools under SGA. “Rest assured that the plans and projects we have for other schools divisions, will also be equally implemented and executed in these 63 barangays,” he said. Edwin O. Fernandez

Felix Unson

No clues yet on Datu Anggal ambush

OBLATE MEDIA

NDU granted Autonomous Status...from A1 During the formal awarding ceremony held on January 28, 2021 at the NDU Tanghalang Michael Clark, CHED Chairperson J. Prospero E. De Vera III, DPA, who joined the ceremony via Zoom app, explained that CHED grants Autonomous Status to a select set of private HEIs that have passed and complied with the commission’s stringent review and accreditation process.

As of Academic Year 2019-2020, of the thousands of private higher education institutions in the Philippines, only 74 HEIs made it to either “Deregulated” or Autonomous Status.

NDU now belongs to this renowned group of HEIs. Dr. Nelia A. Alibin, CHED 12 regional director, personally awarded the Certificate of Autonomous Status to Fr. Francis Efren C. Zabala, OMI, D. Min, NDU president.

Dr. Alibin enumerated the privileges accorded to HEIs with Autonomous Status.

These privileges include: • Being a priority in CHED's granting of subsidies and other financial incentives or assistance whenever funds are available; • Being able to determine and prescribe curricular programs to achieve global competence and establish linkages with recognized foreign higher education institutions • To offer new courses or programs in the undergraduate and or graduate levels in areas of expertise, without securing permit from CHED, • To extend classes to expand access to higher education, to deliver program(s) via the alternative mode such as distance education, ETEAAP, or transnational education • To grant an honorary degree to deserving individuals in line with the provisions of the existing CHED issuance on conferment of honorary degrees; and,

• Being exempted from issuing Special Order for NDU graduates.

After receiving the award, Fr. Zabala cited NDU educators and employees’ response to the COVID situation: “If we have this kind of courage and commitment, if we have this kind of fortitude and dedication among our teachers and personnel, aside from passing the stringent quality standards set by the Commission on Higher Education, then I say, we deserve the award given to us today,” he said.

Fr. Zabala added: “Yes, we have been evaluated, and we have been found worthy. Today, I have accepted this singular honor given to us by CHED with a prayer—that our people here in the University, aligned with and animated by our University vision, may continue as ever to demonstrate the same drive, the same daring, and the same determination in responding to the mission of educating for social transformation even or most especially in difficult situations.”

“In our hearts, let us keep the fire burning. Let us keep the FIRES alive,” the NDU president said.

Joining the ceremony virtually and gracing the ceremony with their congratulatory messages were CHED Commissioner Ronald Adamat, BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, Minister Mohagher Iqbal of the MBHTE, former University Presidents: Orlando Cardinal Quevedo, OMI, DD, Fr. Eliseo Mercado Jr., OMI, Fr. Eduardo Tanudtanud, OMI, and Bishop Charlie Inzon, OMI. NDU faculty members, staff and students also witnessed the ceremony via Facebook Live.

In attendance onsite were the NDU administrators Cotabato City Administrator Dr. Danda Juanday who represented Cotabato City Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani Sayadi; Oblate provincial superior Fr. Gerry Gamaliel Delos Reyes, OMI and CHED-12 officials.

NDU’s Autonomous Status is valid for two years. NDU

O CENTS TWO My hijab, my choice

I

BY: HS*

was seven, in my prayer abaya holding a yellow paper, practicing my skit for an upcoming musabaqah (skill exhibition) in front of my mother. It was a sermon about wearing hijab. The delivery went smoothly the following day. My father was truly proud. 20 years later I walk the streets of a city away from home without hijab.

Wearing hijab for a lot of Muslim women is a comfort. A security. For years my hijab would protect me from unwanted gazes of men down hallways and alleys. It made me feel as though Allah (Subhanahu Wa Taala) created the perfect protection through a piece of clothing. It gave me an identity at one look. Pride in every step out of my house.

A feeling of being in my place, of belonging somewhere. Hijab felt like home, no matter the size, shape or type of fabric.

As a kid and into teenage, I was rarely seen with a hijab on. If I did it was at important ceremonies. Of course, my obstinacy came with daily scolding. Any Muslim daughter have been told to wear hijab or else she will never enter Paradise. Post-university, I finally wore hijab by will. “My ticket to Jannah is finally here!” I told myself. Wearing hijab did not just mean putting a head cover. It means wearing loose and long clothing that would hide the figure of your body, which attracts gazes from all sorts of people. Following this practice, I discovered a lot of advantages of wearing hijab. I could wear pajamas under my long, flowy skirt and never be guilty about it. I did not have to worry about sweating in my fit clothes because loose shirts were airy and comfortable. I never had to worry about men following stares of my butt or my bosom. And I got to wear my sisters’ clothes too!

Hijab felt home and cozy. Perhaps there was never really an inconvenience or uncomfortable about wearing it. Except when I had to wear pants for field work. I moved forward with my ever-changing preferences and decided it was time for pants to take over.

I still wore hijab over my head but my clothes were tighter and with less fabric. It came to a point that wearing the headscarf with tight clothes conflicted me. I started feeling bad about having to choose between my practice and comfort at work. Then there were external factors like listening to my fellow Muslim women pulling at the way I dress for work while practicing my religion. This started my drifting apart from my relationship with fellow hijabis. It was one thing to have to deal with my family imposing that I wear hijab since a kid but another to get it from people who never shared my history. When I left Cotabato City, I decided to keep my hijabs in a storage box.

I wanted to keep my head free of cognitive dissonance and just not wear hijab altogether.

That way, it is my choice and I did it with 100 percent free will.

To me, religious practice is a very personal pursuit. I never imposed my Muslim best friend to come and pray with me because it felt like violating her free will. My sisters wear hijab in stricter forms. Two of them are niqabis. You would think that it is extreme and their husbands must have compelled them to do so. The answer is no. One of them started to wear niqab before getting married. The other quit her job because she wanted to start wearing niqab. Women are free to choose the type of clothing that matches their values and principles in life. Muslim women choosing to wear hijab and niqab is the same as a non-Muslim woman choosing to wear a jacket for the purpose of weather. It is preference.

The signing of House Bill No. 8249 declaring February 1 as National Hijab Day is not a trophy for lawmakers to pride themselves in for inclusivity. It should be a step to acknowledge hijab as a choice. A piece of fabric that gives women comfort, protection and a symbol of their free will at the same time.

I put on my hijab on my way home to Cotabato City because protecting my peace of mind is more important than my confused ego. Never mind that I contradict my own sermon 20 years ago in front a hundred people. Never mind that my father is not proud that I don’t wear hijab outside my hometown.

Never mind that former friends and work colleagues smirk at the sight of me wearing hijab only back home. On the days that I am home, my head feels incomplete without a hijab on. *HS is a development communication worker, filmmaker and photographer telling stories of the Bangsamoro. Her real name has been changed to protect her identity and privacy.

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