The Mindanao Cross | March 20, 2021

Vol. LXXIII| No. 7| Cotabato City | Saturday, March 20, 2021 |8 Pages | P10.00

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CHURCH / P4

Basilan leaders want 2022 BARMM reset to 2025

TAPATAN / 8

Pope celebrates 500 years of Christianity in PH

March: Women’s Month Atty. Jarissa Guiani

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

CATHOLIC FAITH REMAIN STRONG AMID PANDEMIC

BY EDWIN O. FERNANDEZ

The faith of Roman Catholics in the Diocese of Kidapawan remained strong despite the challenges that hit the Roman Catholic communities in recent months.

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Industrial council formed to boost BARMM economy

BY JOHN FELIX UNSON

A new tripartite industrial peace council has passed a resolution favoring a three-year extension of the tenure of the interim parliament of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The Bangsamoro Tripartite Industrial Peace Council, or BTIPC, will function under the watch of its organizer, the Ministry of Labor and EmploymentBARMM. BARMM Labor Minister Romeo Sema told Mindanao Cross Wednesday the council was organized only last Monday during a conference in Cotabato City among stakeholders.

“This BTIPC has an important role to play in empowering the industries in the region that are so important to the regional economy,” Sema told reporters Wednesday.

Members of the newly-formed council immediately passed a resolution stating the need for an extension for three years of the transition process from the defunct 29-year Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Various peace advocacy groups, local executives in BARMM and supporters of Malacañang’s diplomatic overtures with southern Moro communities, have overtly been calling on Congress and the Senate to defer to 2025 the supposed first ever Bangsamoro elections in 2022.

They cited in manifestos calling for an extension until 2025 of the term of the 80-member Bangsamoro Transition Authority, functioning as an interim parliament, the need for the regional government to fully set-

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UNDERGOUND BEAUTY. Divers and marine biologists from DENR-12 and Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape find this colorful coral reefs during recent marine mammal monitoring and biodiversity assessment along the shorelines of Maasim, Kiamba and Maitum towns in Sarangani province.

Photo courtesy of DENR-XII

SERVING THAIs. Fr. Ben Catanus, OMI, an Oblate missionary assigned in Thailand is serving both Buddhists and Christians who are in need of help.

Photo courtesy of OMI Philippines

Oblate missionary, serving the Buddhists, Christians in Thailand

BY FR. ROCK SANIEL, OMI

THAILAND – The Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) is a religious, missionary and international congregation. Its broad mission has brought its identity “experts in difficult missions” as OMIs are assigned in many parts of the world where difficulty and danger are not hindrances for doing mission.

Formerly a lay minister while working in M&S company, Fr. Ben Catanus OMI experienced a crucial moment where a rocket propelled grenade (RPG) hit the house where he lives in Plamango, Ezperanza, Sultan Kudarat during the all-outwar in 2000. Fortunately,

he was not in the house at that time. He felt that it was his second life and so he decided to enter the seminary to serve in the Church.

Fr. Catanus, OMI is a missionary assigned in Thailand. He was ordained priest on September 11, 2011 and received his first obedience to work as a missionary in Thailand. He is from Tacupan, Carmen, North Cotabato and now the parish priest of Christ the King parish in the Diocese of Udonthani, Thailand.

Thailand is a delegation under the province of OMI Philippines. As a young delegation, Thailand has only 16 OMI priests and

brothers – 3 Filipinos, 2 Italian, 1 French, 7 Thai priests and 3 Thai deacons.

Most of the missions in Thailand are among the students as teachers in school, parishes, seminaries, the refugees, the Hmong tribe and the poor.

The OMIs in Thailand are mainly living the mission Ad Gentes – Mission to the world or nations. They go to villages to look for people who are in need; they go visit homes where sick people live; they listen to their stories and share in their meals. Whether Christian or Buddhist, they are all equally important for the OMIs in

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RTC upholds CSC; BARMM on ‘provisional’ teachers

Caravan calls for extension

BY NASH B. MAULANA

BY EDWIN O. FERNANDEZ

THE 12th Regional Trial Court has upheld the Civil Service Commission in its earlier ruling on 828 teachers’ temporary appointments in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Minister Mohaguer Iqbal of the BARMM’s Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) said the court’s decision released Monday upheld the region’s cease-and-desist order on teachers, stuck in decades of temporary appointments in the region’s five component provinces.

Iqbal issued the cease-and-desist order through MBHTE Memorandum Orders No. 154 and No. 194-B on May 31, 2020 for a “decisive bold step” towards ending decades of controversies and issues surrounding the sad state of provisional teachers in the region.

The 12th RTC Branch 13 here ruled that “there is no infringement

SUPPORTERS of the Bangsamoro region government took to the streets of three-adjoining provinces in Mindanao Thursday to ventilate their calls for national government to extend the new political entity transition period to another years.

And city village officials and supporters, on the other hand, held their own rally at the Cotabato City plaza chanting “No to extension, yes to election.”

The “anti-extension” group organizers want the BARMM elections push through next year.

Organized and led by Mindanao Alliance for Peace, some 500 vehicles and motorcycles joined the “peace caravan” that commenced in Cotabato City and moved to Datu Odin Sinsuat and Shariff Aguak in Maguindanao to Isulan and Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat and Tulunan, Mlang and Kabacan

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DID YOU KNOW?

March is Rabies Awareness Month

Rabies Awareness Month is observed every March by virtue of Executive Order No. 84 signed on March 13, 1999 by then President Joseph Estrada.

Rabies is a preventable viral disease most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. The rabies virus infects the central nervous system of mammals, ultimately causing disease in the brain and death.

According to the Department of Health, a total of 1,176 rabies cases were reported in the country from January 2014 to June 2018.

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To our valued readers: In deference to the Holy Week, The Mindanao Cross will not be published on Black Saturday (April 3, 2021).

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March 20, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Basilan leaders want 2022 BARMM reset to 2025

Elected leaders in Basilan favor the deferment to 2025 of the first ever 2022 elections in the infant Bangsamoro region.

Led by Basilan Gov. Jim Salliman, the local executives from the island province also assured Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) officials of their support to efforts by BARMM leaders to put in place governance facets needed to hasten the attainment of lasting peace and sustainable development in the region.

Basilan political leaders met with BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim and Mohagher Iqbal and Abdulrauf Macacua, regional ministers for education and natural resources, respectively, on Wednesday at the Bangsamoro regional capitol in Cotabato City.

Salliman said they planned the meeting to enable them to relay to Ebrahim their support for the extension until 2025 of the term of the 80-member Bangsamoro Transition (BTA), supposedly valid only until next year.

“We’re in a peace process. We all need time to put in place all the mechanisms of this young BARMM government for it to become a very functional facet for building lasting peace and progress in the region,” Salliman said.

Salliman said he and his constituentmayors are worried of seeing the gains of the peace process between Malacañang

and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front getting ruined with not having enough time for the full transition from the defunct ARMM to the now 26-month BARMM. The Sangguniang Panglalawigan of Basilan under Vice Gov. Yusop Alano passed on March 4 a resolution manifesting support for the bid for a 3-year extension of the tenure of the BTA. The dialogue between Ebrahim and the Basilan local executives was cordial, punctuated with talks about the fragile peace now in the island province, a former bastion of the Abu Sayyaf terror group.

BARMM officials and their constituent-leaders from Basilan also shared each other’s optimism on the postponement of the 2022 Bangsamoro regional polls via an act of Congress during their two-hour engagement at the BARMM capitol in Cotabato City.

Various peace advocacy groups, political and religious leaders, among them Gov. Nancy Catamco of North Cotabato and former Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Cardinal Quevedo, have earlier called on the House of Representatives and the Senate to reset BARMM’s 2022 pioneering electoral exercise. John Felix

Unson

Road network projects in 63 BARMM barangays begins

LOCAL officials assured Wednesday to help oversee the concreting by the Bangsamoro government of farm-to-market roads in 63 barangays in this province.

Officials of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and North Cotabato Gov. Nancy Catamco, launched Monday the initial onekilometer road project each in the 63 barangays.

The 63 barangays are in towns originally under Catamco’s jurisdiction but became part of BARMM when residents voted for the inclusion of their villages into the Bangsamoro geopolitical

area during a plebiscite in January 2019.

BARMM Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo said the road projects are essential to the socioeconomic empowerment of residents in the 63 barangays, relying mainly on agriculture and fishing in the nearby Liguasan Delta as sources of income.

Besides the road project, the BARMM government shall also construct barangays halls for residents of Lower Pangangakalan, Lower Baguer and Datu Binasing, all in Pigcawayan.

The symbolic launching of the infrastructure packages

for the 63 barangays was held in Barangay Datu Binasing, Pigcawayan, North Cotabato.

The event was led

by Sinarimbo, BARMM Public Works Minister Eduard Uy Guerra, Catamco and municipal and village officials.

“We in the province, the provincial and municipal governments, will fully support the implementation of these infrastructure projects.

We are thankful to the local government and public works ministries of BARMM for these initial infrastructure interventions,” Catamco said Wednesday. John

Felix Unson

SEND OFF. A total of 1,390 vials of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines were sent off for personnel of Temporary Treatment and Monitoring Facilities or isolation centers in the entire Region 12.

Photo courtesy of PIA Cotabato City

Bangsamoro solon wants to upgrade Wao hospital

To improve its capacity and to serve more people, a district hospital in Lanao del Sur must be upgraded, a member of the Bangsamoro government said Thursday.

Medical Doctor Safrullah Dipatuan, Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Member of Parliament has filed a bill seeking to upgrade Wao District Hospital in the town of Wao, Lanao del Sur to cater to health needs of its constituents and nearby towns.

In his BTA Bill No. 79, Dipatuan wants the hospital’s present level 1 with 25 bed capacity into level 2 with 100 bed capacity.

He explained that his bill was incorporating the mandate of Republic Act 11054 or the Bangsamoro Organic Law which states that the Bangamoro Government shall establish by law a general hospital system to serve the requirements of its people to ensure that the individual basic right to life shall be attainable through excellent and affordable medical services.

The hospital was created by virtue of Republic Act No. 3607 in 1979.

According to the 2015 census of

population by the Philippine Statistics Authority, Wao has 45,862 inhabitants.

Dipatuan said the hospital has been serving more than its capacity.

It also provides health services not only to the people of Wao but also from the nearby towns of Amai Manabilang in Lanao Sur and residents from the towns of Banisilan and Alamada in North Cotabato and Kalilangan in Bukidnon.

“It is strategically located and caters to health needs of Wao and Amai Manabilang town constituents as well as from nearby provinces,” Dipatuan said.

Dipatuan’s bill also seeks to upgrade the hospital equipment and salaries and operating expenses of the district hospital.

“It is the Wao District Hospital’s mission to provide quality health care services to its constituents,” Dipatuan said.

In a statement, the BARMM Bureau of Information stated that Dipatuan’s bill was supported by at least 40 members of parliament.

It is expected to be passed and becomes a law within two months. Edwin

O. Fernandez

Books detailing history of Indigenous People launched

EXTENSION CARAVAN. Civil Society Organizations in collaboration with other organizations joined the Bangsamoro Peace Caravan on Thursday, March 18, to express support in the call to certify the bills, seeking for the extension of Bangsamoro Transition period from 2022 to 2025.

Photo courtesy of Bangsamoro Government

RTC upholds CSC; BARMM on...from P4 of the constitutional rights of the (teacher-) petitioners” opposing MBHTE’s cease-anddesist-order in a “petition for prohibition and mandamus.” The court also emphasized that: “appointments to government service are and have always been based on merit and fitness.”

Earlier, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) also upheld the Bangsamoro Attorney General’s Office in its legal opinion that the cease-and-desist orders were consistent with Rule IV of the 2017 Omnibus Rules on Appointments and Other Human Resource Action (Revised in 2018).

Under this rule, provisional or temporary appointments have fixed validity period of one year. However, MBHTE found out that most provisional teachers were issued appointments that allowed them to stay in position for decades, since the tenure of the defunct

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Long-term solution Iqbal said his ministry has considered some long-term solutions to the region’s sad state of teachers holding temporary appointments.

He said one such long-term solution would be a continuing free review program for old and new mentors called “parateachers” who are hired under renewable contract of services, until they obtain the required eligibility by passing Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET).

Also in a video message posted Monday night on MBHTE’s official Facebook page, Minister Iqbal said that as of March 1, the court has dismissed the petition for prohibition and mandamus filed by some of the provisional teachers against the education ministry.

The government has just published three books on cultures, history and ancestral domains of indigenous communities that stakeholders want in digital copies too for faster circulation.

Dubbed “Project Epanaw,” the publication of the Pagkilala, Paggalang and Pagtaguyod books, launched simultaneously in Luzon, Metro Manila, Visayas and in Mindanao last Sunday, was an initiative of the central office of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples.

Leaders of indigenous communities, among them Romeo Saliga of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), and North Cotabato Gov. Nancy Catamco separately told reporters Tuesday they appreciated the NCIP’s three-volume book project published

to educate Filipinos and tourists from abroad on the country’s culturallypluralistic settings.

“We can use these books as reference for our information campaign on the cultural norms and traditions of indigenous peoples in the province and those in other regions,” Catamco, a member of the Uvu-Manuvo community, said.

Catamco, the first ever governor of North Cotabato from an IP community, said they are optimistic the NCIP can also produce digital copies of the three coffee table books.

“More Filipinos can read these books if obtainable via the internet.

Meantime, we give the NCIP our proud salute for this book project,” Catamco said.

The launching in Mindanao of the three

books on Sunday was held at the SM Mall in Lanang, Davao City.

The event, attended by IP leaders from different southern regions, was capped off with the opening of a photo exhibit depicting indigenous communities at SM Mall in Lanang, a bustling economic hub in Davao City.

Secretary Allen Capuyan, NCIP’s chairperson, was quoted in an earlier Facebook post related to the book project as saying that their Project Epanaw highlights the importance of protecting IP ancestral lands.

Saliga said he will encourage tribal leaders in Maguindanao province to publicly express gratitude to the NCIP for the three books that can help address what he called “historical injustice” against IP communities.

John Felix Unson

March 20, 2021

BIFF bomb maker, sniper yields to...from P8 promoting peace building efforts to address violent extremism while pushing for lasting peace and progress in JTFC area of operation,” Gen. Uy said.

“The surrender of Dubpalig only shows that more BIFF members

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late Spouses LAURO S. GECOSALA and PATRIA E. GECOSALA, who both died in Cotabato City on June 10, 2010 and August 5, 2011, respectively, left parcels of land situated at Colina, Cotabato City covered by TCT Nos. T-2693, T-12075, T- 4 6 7 8 , T- 3 9 2 0 9 , T-39276 with the total area of 2,283 sq. mts., more or less ; at Davao City covered by TCT No. T-257191 with an area of 303 sq. mts., more or less; at Makar, General Santos City covered

by TCT Nos. T-38093, T- 3 8 0 9 2 , T- 3 8 0 9 4 with the total area of 1,175 sq. mts., more or less; at Tamontaka, Cotabato City covered

by TCT No. T-23823 with an area of 462 sq. mts., more or less; and at Matampay, Cotabato City covered by TCT N o s . T- 1 7 0 7 1 a n d T-14528, with the total area of 819 sq. mts., more or less are the subject of Extrajudicial Settlement of estate among heirs before Notary Public Atty.

Jamel M. Agantal as per Doc. No. 418; Page No. 85; Book No. I; Series of 2020

desires to realize a better future for their families and lasting peace in their communities,” Maj. Gen. Uy added. Edwin

Fernandez

Republic of the Philippines Region XII Pikit, Cotabato OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A 10172), Notice is hereby served to the public that MUNTAZ TABAI S. GUIAMLA filed with this Office, a petition for change of gender from “MALE” to “FEMALE” and Name from MUNTAZ ALULAO GUIAMLA to MUNTAZ TABAI SAMPULNA GUIAMLA in the certificate if live birth of MUNTAZ ALULAO GUIAMLA at Pikit, Cotabato and whose parents are Ganay Guiamla and Vidaria S. Alulao.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than 30 March 2021.

(Sgd) EDITHA I. MONTERDE, MAED Municipal Civil Registrar MC: Mar. 20 & 27, 2021

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC In compliance with Section 5 of Republic Act No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that ESRAPIL GUIALI USMAN has filed with this office a petition for Change of First Name fom ESTRAPIL to ESRAPIL in the Birth Certificate of ESTRAPIL GUIALI USMAN who was born on December 27, 1992 at Dados, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao and whose parents are Nasser Baliwan Usman and H. Zenaida Sandigan Guiali Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this office not later than April 2, 2021 (Sgd) PRINCESS ESNAIRA M. NUR

Municipal Civil Registrar

MC: March 20 & 27, 2021

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late FLORANTE T. UMIPIG, who both died intestate at Cotabato City on January 21, 2021, left parcels of land Lot 6, Psd-12-010502, situated in Bo. Rosary Heights, Cotabato; Lot 41, Blk. 3, Psd-11-045597 and Lot 7, Block 5, Psd-11-014945, both situated in Davao City, covered by TCT Nos. T-30478, T-342965 and T-146-2012010472, respectively, with the total area of 824 square meters, more or less are the subject of an extrajudicial settlement of estate with waiver of rights before Notary Public Atty. Agnes P. Paracha-Balleque, as per Doc. No. 47; Page No. 10; Book No. 05; Series of 2021.

MC: Mar. 13, 20 & 27, 2021

CONLUCK PAWNSHOP - SK PENDATUN CONLUCK PAWNSHOP - BONIFACIO & CONLUCK PAWNSHOP - ORC BRANCH COTABATO CITY ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sanla. Ang mga ito ay isinangla magmula Pebrero 2020 hanggang Marso 2020. Ang Subasta ay sa Marso 31, 2021 sa ganap na ika 8:00 ng umaga hanggang ika 4:00 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

MC: Mar. 20 & 27, 2021

SULTAN PAWNSHOP

corner Bonifacio and Don Rufino Alonzo Sts., Cotabato City

Ang Sultan Pawnshop ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sangla. Ang mga ito ay isinangla noong Agusto 2020.

Ang subasta ay sa Abril 05, 2021 sa ganap na ika-8:00 ng mga umaga hanggang ika-4:30 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

MC: Feb. 20 & 27, 2021

MC: Mar. 20, 27 & Apr. 10, 2021

Republic of the Philippines Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE

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THE MINDANAO CROSS

Republic of the Philippines Region XII CITY GOVERNMENT OF COTABATO OFFICE OF THE CITY CIVIL REGISTRAR

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidlines 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 LIANNE KYLA BADE GAUDIANO has filed with this Office, correction of entry in sex/gender from Male to FEMALE in the certificate of live birth of LIANNE KYLA BADE GAUDIANO who was born on November 23, 1996 at Cotabato City and whose parents are Ceasar Francisco Gaudiano and Emma Donor Bade.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office.

(Sgd) TOHAMY M. LAUBAN Registration Office IV MC: March 13 & 20, 2021

Republic of the Philippines Province of Cotabato CITY OF KIDAPAWAN Local Civil Registry Office

RANEN PAWNSHOP MAIN, BRANCH I, II & III Don Rufino Alonzo & Don Tomas Martinez Sts, Cot. City

Notice for Auction

All unredeemed articles pledged on August 2020 will be auctioned on April 05, 2021 at 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Please come before April 05, 2021 for renewal or redemption.

Patalastas ng Subasta

Lahat ng sangla noong Agosto 2020 ay ipagbibili ng Subasta sa Abril 05, 2021 sa ganap na ika-8:30 ng umaga hanggang ika-4:30 ng hapon. Kung maari ay pumunta bago ang Abril 2, 2021 para sa pagbayad ng tubo o pagtubos.

MC: Mar. 20 & 27, 2020

NOTICE

VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I AND BRANCH II will hold a public auction sale of all unredeemed and unrenewed items pawned from September 1 to October 31, 2020 on April 10, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. at VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I, Dayao St., and VGM PAWNSHOP INC. II, Jose Abad Santos St., Kidapawan City

SUBASTA

Be There, Management

Ang VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I ug BRANCH II magsubasta sa tanan nga wala lukata ug wala tubui gikan sa bulan sa Setyembre 1 hangtud sa bulan sa Oktubre 31 sa alas 9:00 sa buntag karung Abril 10, 2021 sa VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I, Dayao St., ug sa VGM PAWNSHOP BRANCH II, Jose Abad Santos St., Kidapawan City.

Ang Nagdumala

MC: March 13, 20 & 27, 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 March 1-31, 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 March 31, 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 Marso 1-31, 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 Marso 31, 2021.

MC: Mar. 20 & 27, 2021

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

In compliance with R.A Act No. 10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that Josephine M. Tecson has filed with this office a petition for Change of First Name from MODERNA to JOSEPHINE in the birth certificate of Moderna R. Macapagal who was born on January 1, 1964 at Kidapawan, Cotabato and whose parents are Marcelo Macapagal and Taciana.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late ANECITO C. GUANSING and TERESA FRONDA GUANSING who died intestate on May 28, 2008 and June 20, 2015, respectively at Pob. 3, Midsayap, Cotabato, a parcel of land Lot-2, Psd-000274, situated in Pob. 3, Midsayap, Cotabato, covered by TCT No. T-70011, with an area of 545 sq. mts., more or less is the subject of extrajudicial settlement with waiver of rights of share before Notary Public Rodolfton S. J. De Leon as per Doc. No. 213; Page No. 44; Book No. 71; Series of 2020.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late ADELINA CAYBOT who died on July 20, 2015 at Pagadian City, a parcel of land Lot No. 1, Pcs12-001812, situated in Baguer, Libungan, Cotabato with an area of 562 sq. mts., more or less covered by TCT No. 1522017003747 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of intestate estate with simultaneous sale before Notary Public Teresita Carreon Llaban as per Doc. No. 303; Page No. 61; Book No. XX; Series of 2018.

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office.

(Sgd) RAUL A. MALALUAN City Registrar MC: March 13 & 20, 2021

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late GUIALUDIN DIMALANIS who died on March 23, 1972 at Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, left a parcel of land Lot No. 691, situated in Municipality of Cotabato, covered by TCT No. T-89PN, with an area of 147,987 sq. mts., more or less is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Agnes R. de Castro-Jagunap as per Doc. No. 3014; Page No. 3014; Book No. XXVI; Series of 2021.

Notice is hereby given that the late SURAYA S. GARAY who died on January 20, 2020 at Kuwait, left a Bank Account at BDO-Julia Vargas IBP Tower is the subject of an extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty.

Amira S. Pagayao, CPA as per Doc. No. 10; Page No. 2; Book No. V; Series of 2021.

Notice is hereby given that the late RODOLFO B. LAO, SR. who died intestate on May 13, 2001 at Kidapawan City, left a parcel of land Lot 1, Psd51374, covered by TCT No. T-41440, situated in Kakar, Cotabato City, with an area of 415 sq. mts., more or less is the subject of extrajudicial settlement with simultaneous sale before Notary Public Atty.

Agnes R. de Castro-Jagunap as per Doc. No. 014; Page No. 014; Book No. XXVII; Series of 2021.

MC: Mar. 6, 13 & 20, 2021

MC: Mar. 13, 20 & 27, 2021

MC: Mar. 6, 13 & 20, 2021

MC: Mar. 6, 13 & 20, 2021

Notice is hereby given that the late ARETO A. TADLAS who died intestate on December 17, 2008 at Cotabato City, left a parcel of land Lot 182-B-2K-2-G,Psd-63410 covered by TCT No. T-36605, situated in Bo. Colina, Cotabato City, with an area of 741 sq. mts., more or less is the subject of extrajudicial settlement with simultaneous sale before Notary Public Atty. Abbyr Ahmad Nul as per Doc. No. 403; Page No. 81; Book No. XX; Series of 2021.

MC: Mar. 6, 13 & 20, 2021

MC: Mar. 6, 13 & 20, 2021

Notice is hereby given that the late SAMMY PENDATUN MAULANA who died on June 20, 2019 at Quezon City, left a Savings Account No. 2163-1779-54 with BPI Bank, Cotabato City is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Jaime P. Hechanova as per Doc. No. 103; Page No. 22; Book No. 140; Series of 2021.

MC: Mar. 6, 13 & 20, 2021

Republic of the Philippines Province of Cotabato CITY OF KIDAPAWAN Local Civil Registry Office

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION In compliance with R.A Act No. 10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that Noel P. Argona has filed with this office a petition for Correction of Clerical Error of birth from 04 April 1969 to 14 April 1969 in the birth certificate of Noel P. Argona who was born on 14 April 1969 at Kidapawan, Cotabato and whose parents are Freddie A. Argona and Evarista H. Paña.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office.

(Sgd) RAUL A. MALALUAN City Registrar MC: March 13 & 20, 2021

Republic of the Philippines Province of Cotabato CITY OF KIDAPAWAN Local Civil Registry Office

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION In compliance with R.A Act No. 10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that Jennifer A. Berbaña has filed with this office a petition for change of SEX from FEMALE to MALE in the birth certificate ofJennifer A. Berbaña who was born on 2448 (L-79) at Kidapawan, North Cotabato and whose parents are Eudolfo C.Berbaña and Erlinda Aguirre.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office.

(Sgd) RAUL A. MALALUAN City Registrar MC: March 13 & 20, 2021

Republic of the Philippines Province of Cotabato CITY OF KIDAPAWAN Local Civil Registry Office

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION In compliance with R.A Act No. 10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that Deanne C. Farase has filed with this office a petition for change of SEX from MALE to FEMALE in the birth certificate of Deanne C. Farase who was born on June 26, 1999 at Kidapawan City, Cotabato and whose parents are Romeo C. Farase and Japhelyn B. Cadungog.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office.

(Sgd) RAUL A. MALALUAN City Registrar MC: March 13 & 20, 2021

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the estate of the l a t e E VA N S . O N G who died on May 23, 2010 in Cotabato City, parcels of land Lot Nos. 2937-A, Csd-12-000183 and 2937-B, Csd-12000183, both situated in Sinawingan, Libungan, Cotabato, covered by TCT Nos. T-101899 & T-101900, respectively, with the total area of 40,008 sq. mts., more or less are the subject of extrajudicial settlement with simultaneous deed of absolute sale before Notary Public Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 242; Page No. 49; Book No. CCXIX; Series of 2021.

MC: Mar. 6, 13 & 20, 2021

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March 20, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Pope celebrates 500 years of Christianity in PH

VATICAN— Pope Francis offered Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday to mark 500 years of Catholic faith in the Philippines.

“Dear brothers and sisters, 500 years have passed since the Christian message first arrived in the Philippines. You received the joy of the Gospel: the good news that God so loved us that he gave his Son for us.

And this joy is evident in your people. We see it in your eyes, on your faces, in your songs and in your prayers,” Pope Francis said in his homily on March 14.

“I want to thank you for the joy you bring to the whole world and to our Christian communities,” the pope said.

The first Catholic Mass and first baptism took place in the Philippines in the year 1521. Today, the Philippines has the third largest number of Catholics in the world. An estimated 86 percent of the 108 million population of the Philippines is Catholic.

“On this very important anniversary for God’s holy people in the Philippines, I also want to urge you to persevere in the work of evangelization – which is not the same as proselytism, which is another thing. The Christian proclamation that you have received needs constantly to be brought to others. The Gospel message of God’s closeness cries out to be expressed in love for our brothers and sisters,” the pope said.

Filipino Catholics who live in Rome attended the Mass at the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter’s Basilica, which was also livestreamed for people to watch around the world.

Italy has one of the largest populations of Filipino migrant workers in western Europe with over 165,000 overseas Filipinos living in the country as of 2014.

Pope Francis reflected: “I recall the many beautiful experiences of families here in Rome – but also throughout the world – where your discreet and hardworking presence became a testimony of faith in the footsteps of Mary and Joseph. For God loves to bring the joy of faith through humble, hidden, courageous and persevering service.”

Mass began with a procession of eight representatives of the Filipino community dancing and carrying the cross of Magellan and the Holy Child of Cebu.

The pope encouraged Filipino Catholics around the world to continue evangelizing with joy.

“Never be afraid to proclaim the Gospel, to serve and to love,” Francis said.

There were no native clergy for the first 300 years of Catholicism in the Philippines.

In 1905, the first Filipino-born bishop, Jorge Imperial Barlin, was appointed. Barlin is buried in Rome, where he died during an ad limina visit in 1909.

In his homily, Pope Francis reflected

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on the words from the Gospel of John: “God so loved the world that he gave his onlybegotten Son.” The pope said: “Precisely because he loves us so much, God gives himself; he offers us his life. Those who love always come out of themselves. … Love always offers itself, gives itself, expends itself.”

“That is the power of love: it shatters the shell of our selfishness, breaks out of our carefully constructed security zones, tears down walls and overcomes fears, so as to give freely of itself. … That is how lovers are: they prefer to risk self-giving over … self preservation. And that is why God comes … to us: because he ‘so loved’ us. His love is so great that he cannot fail to give himself to us.”

In most dioceses in the Philippines, the anniversary year will be inaugurated on Easter Sunday, April 4, after nine years of preparation. The dioceses have designated certain churches as special pilgrim churches for the year.

“It is not only what we can make or earn that matters; in the end, it is the love we are able to give,” the pope said.

“Sometimes we look for joy where it is not to be found: in illusions that vanish, in dreams of glory, in the apparent security of material possessions, in the cult of our image,” he said. “But life teaches us that true joy comes from realizing that we are loved gratuitously, knowing that we are not alone, having someone who shares our dreams and who, when we experience shipwreck, is there to help us and lead us to a safe harbor.”

The Mass was attended by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples and the former archbishop of Manila.

Before the final blessing, Cardinal Tagle addressed a greeting to Pope Francis, and the pope was given two gifts by the people.

“We bring you the filial love of Filipinos in the 7,641 islands of our country. There are more than ten million Filipino migrants living in almost one hundred countries in the world. They are united with us this morning,” Tagle said.

The cardinal from the Philippines teared up as he spoke to the pope and the people.

“From 1521 to 2021, we see gift upon gift. We thank God for the bearers of the gift these 500 years: the pioneering missionaries, the religious congregations, the clergy, the grandmothers and grandfathers, the mothers and fathers, the teachers, the catechists, the parishes, the schools, the hospitals, the orphanages, the farmers, the laborers, the artists, and the poor whose

500 YEARS OF CHRISTIANITY IN PH. Pope Francis blessed two children from the Filipino Cummunity in Rome after the mass celebrating 500 years anniversary of Christianity in the Philippines Photo courtesy of CBCP NEWS

Pope Francis: The Church cannot bless same-sex unions

THE Church does not have the power to bless same-sex unions.

Such blessings, therefore cannot “be considered licit”, according to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) which issued on Monday a Response to a dubium that had been presented.

Therefore, it is not licit for priests to bless homosexual couples who ask for some type of religious recognition of their union.

The CDF says Pope Francis was informed and “gave his assent” to the publication of the Response and an accompanying Explanatory Note signed by the Prefect, Cardinal Luis Ladaria, and the Secretary, Archbishop Giacomo Morandi.

The Holy See Press Office also published an Article of Commentary on the Responsum ad dubium.

The statement is based on specific assertions and some actual practices.

The document situates its Response into the context of the “sincere desire to welcome and accompany homosexual persons, to whom are proposed paths of growth in faith”, as expressed also in the Apostolic Exhortation Amoris laetitia,

paradox is a family circle to the larger statement that seems community and society. As contradictory but a poet said, the sun does not expresses a truth. Such shine for itself, the river paradoxical statements does not drink of its own are expressed in various water, the plant does not cultures. The Daoist wise eat its own fruits. Giving men would say that nonis a law of nature. A well Rev. Fr. Antonio P. Pueyo, DCC action is the best action. where no water is drawn tonypoy_dcc0@yahoo.com Socrates, the great Greek becomes stagnant. Just philosopher says that he like the grain that dies in who thinks he does not know is truly wise. The Kung- order to be fruitful, so when we learn to die to ourself fu master says the best effort is effortlessness. In this then paradoxically, we become more productive. This Sunday’s gospel, Jesus gives some paradoxes, “if a is the experience of the martyrs, saints, and heroes. grain of wheat dies, it produces much fruit,” “whoever Jesus said, “No one has greater love than this, to lay loves his life loses it,” and whoever down one’s life for one’s friends” hates his life in this world will (John 15:13). preserve it for eternal life” (cf. Jn. Just like the candle that slowly 12:20 ff). The Prayer of St. Francis dies as it gives light, so do we. Even contains similar paradoxes, “it is in the great sun that radiates its heat pardoning that we are pardoned, and energy eventually, in billions of in giving that we receive, and in years becomes a dead star. Notice dying that we are born to eternal the sunflower as its flowers come life.” into bloom. It radiates beauty. The As we approach the Lenten sunflower is most beautiful in its full Holy Week on this Sunday before bloom and then it dies, to provide Passion week, we reflect on what hundreds of seeds for beauty to really matters in life. Life is so multiply. Let us learn from nature. short to be wasted on the nonJesus did not just preach. He essentials. How then shall we live also gave life by his actions. He our life? Let us learn from Jesus, He who is the Way, healed the sick and comforted the sinner. He gave time the Truth and the Life. Let us trace his footsteps. to those who were considered the “outsiders” of society.

What did He say and what did He do? For Jesus, living He gave hope to the downtrodden by telling stories is about giving life (Jn. 10:10). He came to give life about the kingdom, His Father’s plan of restoration to the full. More specifically he came “to bring glad and building a “new heaven and a new earth.” He built tidings to the poor and to let the oppressed go free” (Lk. a community of friends, his apostles and disciples who 4:18). Living is not so much to seek self-fulfillment would form the nucleus of a renewed people. but to become self-transcendent, to get out of oneself Finally as a final lesson to His disciples and in for the sake of others. Of course at some early point obedience to His Father’s will, He accepted death on in our life we seek to discover ourselves and develop the cross. This is the epitome of self-offering. This is our gifts. As we mature we expand our concerns and what love really means, to sacrifice oneself that others no longer become self-referential. may have life. This is the final paradox. By his We are no longer the focus but others from our death we gain life. MC

The Paradox of Life

REFLECTIONS

Just like the candle that slowly dies as it gives light, so do we. Even the great sun that radiates its heat and energy eventually, in billions of years becomes a dead star.

which speaks of “the assistance they [those who manifest a homosexual orientation] need to understand and fully carry out God’s will in their lives.” Therefore, pastoral plans and proposals in this regard are to be evaluated, including those concerning the blessings of such unions.

Fundamental to the CDF’s Response is the distinction that must be made between ‘persons’ and ‘union’.

The negative response given to the blessing of a union does not, in fact, imply a judgement regarding the individuals involved, who must be welcomed “with respect, compassion, and sensitivity” avoiding “every sign of unjust discrimination” as already written in Magisterial documents.

These are the motivations at the basis of the negative response.

The first regards the truth and value of blessings, which are ‘sacramentals’, liturgical actions of the Church which require that what is being blessed be “objectively and positively ordered to receive and express grace, according to the designs of God inscribed in creation”. Relationships, even

P7

B adaliyya Fr. Jun Mercado, OMI

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

Jeremiah 31: 31-34; Hebrew 5: 7-9; John 12: 20-33

Selected Passage:

“Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.” (Jn. 12: 24)

Meditation:

In the coming days, the mystery of “falling and dying” and “producing much fruit” will unfold in that event of Jesus’s dying for us and rising from the dead.

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…

5

THE MINDANAO CROSS

March 20, 2021 EDITORIAL

Happiness

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chose to call this piece “happiness” because it is the topic of Pope Francis in his homily last March 14, 2021. Everyone finds the piece so remarkable coming from the highest person in the Catholic world.

In a report by CNN Philippines last Sunday, Pope Francis thanked the Filipino Catholics for bringing joy to the world as he led a mass to mark the 500 years of Christianity in the country.

“Five hundred years have passed since the Christian message first arrived in the Philippines.

You received the joy of the Gospel: the good news that God so loved us that he gave his Son for us.

And this joy is evident in your people. We see it in your eyes, on your faces, in your songs and in your prayers,” said the Pope during his homily at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City.

The Pope, who is sometimes referred as Lolo Kiko by Filipinos, shared that he often described Filipino women in Rome (mostly OFWs) as “smugglers of faith.” He noted that they “sow the faith” wherever they go to work.

“Keep bringing the faith, the good news you received five hundred years ago, to others. I want to thank you for the joy you bring to the whole world and to our Christian communities,” said the Pope.

His homily during the mass celebration was given in Italian; but was translated in English so that those who are celebrating the mass in the Philippines can join and be one with the celebrant in Rome. His homily which is reprinted here in this issue (please refer to the Church page) touched mostly on the search for happiness. What does it take to be happy?

The poet in me loved that to be happy is “to find strength in forgiveness, hope in battles, security in the stage of fear, love in discord. It is not only to enjoy the smile, but also to reflect on the sadness.

It is not only to celebrate the successes, but to learn lessons from the failures.”

For a region whose Christians are still trying to comprehend how they will practice their religion in an area where they are now considered a minority, the homily of Pope Francis injects an advice when he said that…being happy is not a fatality of destiny, but an achievement for those who can travel within themselves. To be happy is to stop feeling like a victim and become your destiny’s author. It is to cross deserts, yet to be able to find an oasis in the depths of our soul. It is to thank God for every morning, for the miracle of life…

Giving a response in behalf of the Filipino community is former Manila Archbishop and now Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle. According to Cardinal Tagle the Christian faith has contributed a lot in shaping the Filipino and the Filipino nation.

“The gift must continue being a gift. It must be shared. If it is kept for itself, it ceases to be a gift,” added Tagle. “By God’s mysterious design, the gift of faith that we have received is now being shared by the millions of Christian Filipino migrants in different parts of the world. (CNN Philippines). 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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arch 7, 2021 was perhaps just another ordinary Sunday during the pandemic for most, but not for the colleagues and families of nine activists and labor leaders in Luzon’s CALABARZON Region who met their death in the hands of police and military operatives in what is now referred to as “Bloody Sunday.”

“Bloody Sunday” happened two days after President Rodrigo Duterte gave orders to security forces to “finish off” communists in the country.

“I’ve told the military and the police that if they find themselves in an armed encounter with the communist rebels, kill them, make sure you really kill them and finish them off if they are alive… Forget about human rights… That’s my order. I’m willing to go to jail, that’s not a problem. I do not have any qualms about doing the things that I have to do.”

Duterte was quoted as saying these words in various news reports.

Phil Robertson, the deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch believes “It is not a coincidence that these deadly raids happened two days after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered police and military to ‘kill all’ communists and ‘don’t mind human rights.”

“These incidents are clearly part of the government’s increasingly brutal counter-insurgency campaign aimed at eliminating the 52-year-old communist insurgency,” Robertson said. “The fundamental problem,” he added, “is this campaign no longer makes any distinction between armed rebels and non-combatant activists, labor leaders, and rights defenders.”

News of a ranking police officer in Calbayog City requesting a court to identify lawyers representing personalities identified with the Communist Party of the Philippines seems to lend weight to Robertson’s belief.

A few days after, the Free Legal Assistance Group, the largest and oldest organization pertaining to human rights and human rights lawyers in the Philippines, came out with data that 61 lawyers, more than half of all those killed since the time Ferdinand Marcos, have died during Duterte’s administration.

Quick to the defense, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said President Duterte has no policy targeting lawyers. Being a lawyer himself, President Duterte will not put the lives of lawyers at risk,

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LL IT TAKES is a decisive, firm leadership disposition on lingering organizational issues with potential risks of causing conflict or even socio-cultural ills.

At long last, the 12th Regional Trial Court upholds the Civil Service Commission in an earlier opinion that 828 teachers’ temporary appointments in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), are still covered by the CS Omnibus Rules on Appointments.

The RTC 12 Branch 13 Presiding Judge Annabelle Piang rules that “there is no infringement of the constitutional rights of the (teacher-) petitioners” opposing MBHTE’s cease-and-desistorder in their court “petition for prohibition and mandamus.”

A petition for prohibition and mandamus seeks court relief in favor of the petitioner(s) in a legal controversy, usually with a court order compelling the respondent party to execute or implement a document or legal instrument that binds the parties under presumption of regularity.

But still, Minister Mohaguer Iqbal of the BARMM’s Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) is saddened by the fact that the teachers affected by his cease-and-desist order have stuck in decades of temporary appointments, virtually unknowing they can still stand to fair chances at professional development.

Iqbal issued the cease-and-desist order through MBHTE Memorandum Orders No. 154 and No. 194-B on May 31, 2020 for a “decisive bold step” towards ending decades of controversies and issues surrounding the sad state of provisional teachers in the region.

The court dismissed the teachers’ petition for prohibition and mandamus with strong emphasis on the fact that: valid “appointments to government service are and have always been based on merit and fitness.”

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) also upholds the Bangsamoro Attorney General’s Office

Enabling violence

Thinking Aloud Carlos C. Bautista caloyb@gmail.com

Guevarra believes. Guevarra said the attacks could be attributed to the “circumstances,” and “not because of whoever is the head of the present administration.”

“Many lawyers are representing clients who are involved in very controversial cases like drug cases, terrorism cases, corruption cases, election cases. The nature of the cases the lawyers are handling really exposes lawyers to some personal risk or issues of security,” he said.

Guevarra may have a point there. But what many observe is that there is no other president before this one that has blatantly ordered security forces to kill “enemies” of the state. He has years back said it was okay for soldiers to shoot women communist guerillas in their privates. In their view, statements like this from the Commander-In-Chief enables needless violence even against those who are simply perceived as anti-government by over-zealous security officials and personnel. They see this as alarming.

For the Episcopal Commission on Social Action, Justice and Peace of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, the “unnecessary use of force and violence in the government’s quest for peace which only victimizes the poor and the vulnerable” is wrong.

They denounce it.

In a statement on the “Bloody Sunday” killings of March 7 signed by Caritas Philippines Secretary General Fr. Antonio Labiao, Jr. and National Director Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo of Kidapawan, the Commission appealed to President Duterte “to choose the rule of law over militarization in solving the country’s insurgency and terrorism problems.

While Duterte’s much-ballyhooed ‘Whole-ofNation’ approach to end armed conflict is supposed to be premised on the promotion of social justice and inclusivity, it appears not much is happening in that area compared to red-tagging, arrests and detentions, and violent killings. MC

Fair enough; only in BARMM

Penlight Nash B. Maulana

nash.penlight@gmail.com

in its legal opinion that the cease-and-desist orders were consistent with Rule IV of the 2017 Omnibus Rules on Appointments and Other Human Resource Action (Revised in 2018).

Under this rule, provisional or temporary appointments have fixed validity period of one year. However, MBHTE finds out, however, that most provisional teachers were issued temporary appointments that allowed them to stay in position for decades, since the tenure of the defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Minister Iqbal confirms that as of March 1, the court has dismissed the provisional teachers’ petition for prohibition and mandamus against the MBHTE. But the MBHTE, he says, opts for long-term solutions to the problem by offering the affected teachers with a continuing free review program which also brings in fresh hopes among “parateachers” hired by the regional government on contract of services until they pass the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET).

The protesting provisional or temporary teachers are offered a rehiring option through renewable “contracts of services” until they obtain the required eligibility by passing LET. It’s fair and humane enough. This happens only in BARMM. That’s the difference when a head of office is sincerely backed by advices of equally unselfish subordinates—as, indeed, some BARMM top officials that I know. At MBHTE, I know of Deputy Education Minister Haron Meling, as one such thinking official next-in-level rank. MC

6 Signs and Wonders

have none of My rebuke; I also will laugh at your calamity, I will mock when your terror comes like a storm and your destruction like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come Charlie Señase upon you. Then, they will csenase@yahoo.com call on Me, but I will not HE global health menace is indeed answer; they will seek turning most of us upside down, Me diligently but they will not find. prompting some to look-up and Because they hated knowledge and did ask, is the deadly Coronavirus and not choose the fear of the LORD and other offshoot-burden to humanity have none of My counsel” (Proverbs a biblical reminder of more sorrows 1:20-33). ahead?

The solid foundation of God stands We have been forewarned of wars with this seal: “The LORD knows those and its rumors, for nation will rise who are His and let everyone who against nation. And there will be calls the name of Christ depart from famines, pestilences and earthquakes iniquity…and lust of the flesh by having in various places. to pursue righteousness, faith, love and Beware of imposters out to deceive with those who call on the LORD from with lawlessness abounding and the a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:19-26). love of many growing cold. Only those In these trying times, don’t allow who will endure to the end will be saved ourselves to be doped by hypocrites (Matthew 24). who profess to know God but in works To all the God-fearing and obedient they deny Him, being abominable, servants – “No weapon formed against disobedient and disqualified for every you shall prosper” (Isaiah 54:17). A good work. Avoid them and those who timely reminder to those who will be sow foolish disputes, contentions and immunized with the COVID-19 vaccine. divisiveness.

Fear no one, for with God, who can be We ought to discern what’s good and against us? evil or what’s heavenly and demonic.

“Blessed is the man who fears For where envy and self-seeking exist, the LORD and delights greatly in His confusion and every evil thing are there commandments. His descendants will (James 3:13-16). be mighty on earth and the generation Whoever want to be filthy rich of the upright will be blessed. Wealth through deceit in the midst of the and riches will be in his house and his global crisis, the LORD has warned of righteousness endures forever” (Psalm weeping and gnashing of teeth, saying 112).

“Your gold and silver are corrupted and If we truly trust the Most-High as their corrosion will be a witness against our only refuge and fortress, He will you, and it will eat your flesh like fire. surely deliver us from any disaster and You have heaped up treasure in the perilous pestilence like COVID-19. His last days. For you have lived earthly assurance that “A thousand may fall pleasure and luxury; you have fattened at your side and ten thousand at your your hearts as in the day of slaughter” right, but it shall not come near you. (James 5:1-6).

Only with your eyes shall you look and And the never-ending territorial see the reward of the wicked” (Psalm dispute of nation against nation must 91). have to end for we have been forewarned Stern warning to unbelievers and that “the heavens and the earth are stubborn fools to ignore God’s rebuke, reserved for fire until the day of who said: “I have called and you judgment and perdition of the ungodly” refused, I have stretched out My hand (2 Peter 3:7). These signs of the times and no one regarded. And because you will pave the way for the prophetic disdained all My counsel and would return of the Savior Jesus Christ MC

True to Form

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A final Curtain Call for a Fashion Icon

A devotee of Sto. Niño, he is a generous philanthropist, this artist and craftsman of the highest level of excellence and expertise has received various awards and recognition for his work, Victoria R. Franco, RPh, MS Pharmacy including being named one of franco1573victoria@gmail.com the Ten Outstanding Filipinos (TOFIL)and recognitions from f there is anyone who raised the level the Philippine Red Crossfor of prestige of the inaul in the world which he raised millions of pesos. His of fashion, it is Ben Farrales or Mang Alma Mater, San Beda College, recognized Ben to his affluent clients as well as his his achievements as well as the Cultural circle of friends, protégés, models, and Center of the Philippines in 2015. He associate designers. At the age of 88, he has been endorsed as National Artist for leaves an unparalleled legacy in the world Fashion Design. of fashion with his bold, elegant, exquisite Orland “Ogee” Atos, director and textured creations that have been of Farrales’s fashion shows here and showcased time and again over the last abroad for the longest time, recalls with six decades in successful shows both here fondness Mang Brn’s last curtain calls: and abroad.

Philippine Imternational Aid’s “Holiday The current generation may not be Haute Couture” at St. Francis Hotel, San familiar with the Farraleses. Mang Ben Francisco, California in November 20, attended San Beda College for his early 2011, also a member of the Congresacion education, but flunking math, he had del Santisimo Nombre del Niño Jesus. We to repeat the subject in Cotabato. Why shall cherish and remember the kindness, Cotabato? He happens to be the brother generosity, artistry and guidance for young of the late Aida Farrales Pendatun. While designers to perfect their craft. Our very attending school, he took note of the attires own Pepe Quitco an exponent of the inaul worn by Muslim women. gained from his association with the Dean He was born in Zambales on the first of Fashion. of July in1932, attended the University of An emotional Cardinal Luis Tagle Santo Tomas for his degree in Fine Arts. read a compelling talk in Italian before By the time he was a freshman college Pope Francis on the occasion of the mass to student, he was working part time in a celebrate the 500th Jubilee of Christianity department store in Manila which was in the Philippines. Long live Christianity patronized by upper class women doing its in the Philippines, the country with the 3rd display windows and designing clothes for largest number of Christians in the world. the mannequins.

The woman with the most Grammy By the age of 30, he already had his wins of all time, for her win for RnB own atelier, becoming the go to designer of performance for “ Black Parade” Beyoncé many of the country’s celebrities. He was earned her 28th Grammy, surpassing named Dean of Philippine Fashion by no country bluegrass artist Alison Krause less than the socialite and Karilagan Arts who held 27 Grammys. The late Aretha International founder Conching Sunoco. Franklin won 18 Grammy Awards.

His muslim/Mindanao inspired teens The Grammy Awards or just Grammy, became his trademark. is an award presented by the Recording He brought his creations as far as the Academy to recognize achievement in the Kennedy Center in Washington DC.in the music industry. The trophy depicts a gilded United States in 1984, and the first Filipino gramophone. The annual presentation to organize a fashion show at the 5-star ceremony features performance of hotel, the Manila Hotel. Ruffa Gutierrez prominent artists and the presentation of wore his sarimanok inspired ensemble awards that have more popular interest. when she competed for Miss World in 1993 It was first awarded 61 years ago, in May where she finished second princess.

4,1949. MC

The Stuff of Life

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March 20, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Managing Type 2 Diabetes among Older People

are living independently and have no impairments in their activities of daily living.

C a t e g o r y 2 .

Functionally dependent.

This category represents Cheridine P. Oro- Josef, M.D., DFM, FPAFP, FPCGM cheridinemd@gmail.com those individuals who, due to loss of function, have impairments of ADL he aging population is u n p r e c e d e n t e d a n d t h e such as bathing, dressing, or personal proportion of older persons is care. This category includes a range of increasing while a decline in the functionally dependent older people younger population is observed. On the with diabetes. Two groups require other hand, the diagnosis of diabetes special consideration: Subcategory A : Frail. These has increased in epidemic proportions.

The increase in life expectancy raises individuals are characterized by a the number of older persons with combination of significant fatigue, recent weight loss, diabetes being severe restriction seen in the clinics. in mobility and The International strength, increased D i a b e t e s propensity to falls, Foundation (IDF) and increased risk of has issued a global institutionalization.

Guideline in the Frailty is a management of recognized condition older persons with and accounts Type 2 Diabetes. for up to 25% of “The highly older people with prevalent nature diabetes. of diabetes in Subcategory ageing populations B : Dementia. is characterized Individuals in this by complexity of sub-category have a illness, an increased degree of cognitive risk of medical coimpairment that has morbidities, and the early development of functional led to significant memory problems, a decline and risk of frailty. When degree of disorientation, or a change in these are coupled with the common personality, and who now are unable and widespread occurrence of delayed to self-care.

Category 3. End of Life Care. diagnosis, frequent admission to hospital, and clinical care systems that These individuals are characterized may be sub-optimal, if not inadequate, by a significant medical illness or it is not surprising that the IDF malignancy and have a life expectancy now feels it is important to address reduced to less than 1 year.

The IDF also recommends several these shortfalls by a Guideline which lays the foundation for high quality assessment tools to help clinicians diabetes care for older people.” (IDF) categorize the older persons. These The IDF recommended guidelines categories will now help doctors in according to functional categories properly managing older persons of the elderly. Hence, management with Type 2 diabetes and as to the is appropriated according to the choice of drugs proper to each. It is very important then to screen the following: C a t e g o r y 1 : F u n c t i o n a l l y older persons for diabetes and manage Independent. These are people who accordingly. MC

Golden Threads

T

It is very important then to screen the older persons for diabetes and manage accordingly.

Effective Work Teams….

poorly designed project or undertaking from becoming a total failure.

Matters internal to the work team that could determine its success or failure include ability to Danny Buenbrazo make decisions (correctly danny_buenbrazo@yahoo.com and quickly), existence of teamwork, problem n organizations, there are tasks that cannot ne accomplished by a single solving capacity, and agreed internal individual or even two persons. rules and processes.

The team leader or leaders should These tasks could be voluminous, complex, or require multi-disciplinary be able, not only to inspire their group mates, but also to define the mission knowledge to be accomplished.

Tasks that would require a team to the members of the project ream or of people to accomplish could either a TWG and clarify the role that each be of an ad hoc or temporary nature would be performing, as well as their or would require a group of people authority and lines of communication.

Good teamwork is achieved when working together for several months or even years. These could be just for members of the group work synergistic a one-time, short engagement such as with each person committed to working the adoption of a new human resource for the attainment of a shared goal. management software or a longer With teamwork, the group is able to assignment (e.g. implementation of a maximize the individual strengths of team members and bring out great project in a certain community).

By the nature of the assignment, performance from each of them.

How can you work more effectively one that must be completed in a specified span of time, special work as a team ?

While there are prepared sequence teams such as a Technical Working Group (TWG), Project Team, or any o f a c t i v i t i e s a n d t i m e l i n e s , t h e similar group need to be able to members of a team could agree to some function effectively and efficiently from alterations or innovations as long as no rules are violated, and the major the get-go.

The success of the work team would goals and objectives set forth shall not depend on external factors or on factors be compromised.

Processes and procedures can also that are internal to the group.

External factors would include be streamlined so that things can clarity of the project or task to be be rolled out faster. For example, accomplished, designation of sufficient required approvals for non-critical and qualified personnel (particularly activities can be reduced. Forms can t h e t e a m l e a d e r s ) , p r o v i s i o n o f be simplified or integrated to lessen sufficient resources, and grant of required paper works.

Regular meetings to discuss sufficient autonomy to make important decisions (.e.g. purchasing, hiring, progress of work and challenges being encountered in the implementation among others).

The people deciding on the creation of activities is an especially useful of the work group must be able to e x e r c i s e . S m a l l p r o b l e m s a r e provide reasonable timeframe to carry immediately identified and addressed out the scope of work, considering the before they become major concerns resources provided to them. Those well- and a threat to the success of the experienced in projects and running undertaking.

The team, or at least its leaders, special teams can easily determine that an undertaking could be doomed from should have good problem solving the beginning when it was wrongfully skills and the foresight to prepare designed. Only a great project manager contingency actions for challenges or team leader can somehow salvage a met. MC

Market Driven

I

Catholic faith remain strong amid pandemic...from P1 This was the declaration Thursday of Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, DCC in an interview by DXND Radyo Bida Kidapawan.

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late DANTE DE LA SERNA LARGO, SR., who died in Cabaruyan, Libungan, Cotabato on January 14, 2021, left a Savings Account Deposit with RCBC, General Santos City under Account No. 9017231682 is the subject of Extrajudicial Settlement with waiver of rights before Notary Public Noel A. Gretare, CPA as per Doc. No. 868; Page No. 89; Book No. LXXIII; Series of 2021.

MC: Mar. 20, 27 & Apr. 10, 2021

Republic of the Philippines Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC In compliance with Section 5 of Republic Act No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that Reyadh Purong Akilan has filed with this office, a petition for correction of gender from Male to Female in the Birth Certificate of Reyadh Purong Akilan, who was born on March 8, 1999 at SPDA,Semba, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao and whose parents are Ruben Sandayan Akilan and Badria Abdul Purong.

Any person adversely affected by said petiion may file his/her written opposition with this office not later than April 2, 2021.

(Sgd) PRINCESS ESNAIRA M. NUR Municipal Civil Registrar MC: March 20 & 27, 2021

Despite the series of earthquakes that shattered many lives and properties in North Cotabato which is under the diocese, the calamities, the pandemic, Catholics faith remained strong.

“I can proudly say that in the diocese of Kidapawan, Catholic faith is really alive and strong despite the pandemic,” Bishop Bagaforo whose apostolic jurisdiction North Cotabato’s second the

third districts as well as the town of Columbio in Sultan Kudarat.

The diocese has been battered by natural calamities like earthquakes and flash floods, armed hostilities and the pandemic.

He said people in the diocese of Kidapawan have been raring to go to Eucharistic celebration amid the pandemic but quarantine protocols

Fernandez

Thailand.

Sunday celebrations in Thailand is not the usual scene like what we have here in the Philippines.

In his parish, Fr. Catanus would only have at least 30 to 50 parishioners attending his Sunday mass. Sounds shocking for a parish but being in a Buddhist country it is not unusual.

Although there is a small number of Christians in Thailand, it is not an option for the OMIs to proselytize the Thai people.

For them, it is very clear that faith is not something that should be forced but something that is received as a gift.

But what is interesting is that some Buddhists would go to the Church and inquire about Catholic faith.

This is the usual scene and after some catechism, they would ask to be baptized to Catholic faith. But the main reason of the OMI presence in Thailand is not to proselytize but to serve the poor.

After his Sunday mass in the parish, Fr. Catanus would go to the villages especially those which have not been visited for years.

Visitation and going to

people’s homes are avenues where their faith is restored for some baptized Catholics.

Likewise, visitation is not only limited to Christians.

Fr. Catanus and his team would also visit Buddhists families and share some goods and aids like food, medicine, and other things the family needs.

Since there are very few Catholics in the area, Fr. Catanus would invite Buddhist kids in the Church for games, singing and some simple catechism.

Sometimes, old people would also visit the Church just to have a chat. In one school where OMIs teach, they would say mass with Buddhist students. And it’s not a problem. For them, all religions are good and the mass for them is also a blessing.

In Naluang village, Fr. Catanus with some nuns of the Daughters of Charity and a Thai priest would go and visit families of poor people to give food and to share some goods. Most of their foods are also coming from stipends and donations from generous people.

Once a week, Fr. Catanus, together with his gardener and cook would also visit another village, Rongchit. People of Rongchit

village are all Buddhists.

Before, he would rent a house for several months to have a place to stay during his visits. But after several months, someone donated a house and lot to the OMIs. That house is now turned into a small chapel used for about 5 persons during the mass.

People in Thailand are warm and hospitable. But the mission there brings some challenges especially with regard to culture and language. Since most Thais cannot speak in English, missionaries have to really know how to speak the language. It’s the only way one can understand the people and their culture.

Fr. Catanus is now wellversed with Thai language after several years of being assigned in Thailand. He now celebrates mass in Thai which is very important in that mission.

When asked why he is in Thailand, Fr. Catanus mentioned about the need of personnel in Thailand.

That Thailand delegation need OMIs to continue the mission. But deep in his heart, he knew that as an OMI, he was called and ordained by God to care and help God’s people in Thailand.

up governance facets that can hasten the attainment of peace and development in its five constituent provinces.

“Members of the BTIPC from across the region are so aware of the need for that three year extension,” Sema said.

Copies of the BTIPC’s resolution shall be forwarded to the House of Representatives, the Senate, to Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez, Jr. and to President Rodrigo Duterte, according to Sema.

Only via an act of Congress can the 2022

pioneering elections in BARMM be reset to 2025 on the behest of various groups supporting the governmentMILF peace process and popular peace activists, among them Mindanao’s top Catholic Church leader, Cardinal Orlando Quevedo and North Cotabato Gov. Nancy Catamco.

Catamco, a first-termer governor has actively been supporting the efforts of Malacañang to put a diplomatic closure to the nagging now five-decade Moro secessionist uprising despite North Cotabato’s being under Administrative Region 12.

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late SPS. PABLO HECHANOVA MENDEZ and ROSALIA CAPILITAN MENDEZ, who both died at San Mateo, Aleosan, Cotabato on December 15, 2001 and May 9, 1993, respectively, left a parcel of land Lot 981-44, Sgs12-000003, situated at San Mateo, Pikit (now Aleosan), Cotabato with an area of 24,051 sq. mts., more or less is the subject of extrajudicial settlement and partition of intestate estate before Notary Public Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 116; Page No. 24; Book No. CCIX; Series of 2020.

Notice is hereby given that the late Spouses PACIFICO DELA SERNA a n d L U C I L A TA B A R DELA SERNA who died in Libungan, Cotabato on July 4, 1986 and December 9, 2002, respectively, a parcel of land Lot 11, Block 6, Psd-165446 situated in Poblacion, Libungan, Cotabato with an area of 315 sq. mts., more or less is the subject of Extrajudicial Settlement with simultaneous deed of absolute sale before Notary Public Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 344; Page No. 69; Book No. LXXXII; Series of 2017.

MC: Mar. 13, 20 & 27, 2021

prevented them.

“In times like these, when our faith is being challenged by these events, we need to hear mass, we need to pray as a community,” Catholic Church lay leader Susana Vargas of Matalam, North Cotabato, said.

“I agree with the good bishop, our faith remained strong and will continue to be so,” she added. Edwin O.

Oblate missionary, serving the Buddhists...from P1

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

MC: Mar. 20, 27 & Apr. 10, 2021

Industrial council...from P1

Rupublic of the Philippines BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO

REGIONAL BOARD OF INVESTMENTS Cotabato City, Philippines

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the application of AL MUZAFAR AGRI-VENTURES, INC. (AMAVI) with address at Barangay Talisawa, Datu Abdullah Sangki, Maguindanao, for registration with the Regional Board of InvestmentsBARMM under Book I of the Omnibus Investments Code of 1987, otherwise known as Executive Order No. 226 as amended, as New Export Producer of Cavendish Banana with a capacity of 3.3 Million Boxes per Year at Brgy.

Talisawa, Datu Abdullah Sangki Municipality, Maguindanao -has been officially accepted on March 16, 2021 and is currently being processed.

Any person with valid objections to or pertinent comments on the abovementioned application may file his/her objection, in writing and under oath, with the BOI-BARMM within one (1) week from the date of application.

MC: Mar. 20, 2021

7

THE MINDANAO CROSS

March 20, 2021

ATTY. ISHAK V. MASTURA Chairman

Well-informed and responsible points of view on vital issues Smart and honest opinions from young generation Filipinos.

TWO O CENTS Art in diversity

BY JANNAH JANE BERJA

P

eace is not the absence of war but the presence of love, harmony and justice.

It’s quite a cliché adage, though undoubtedly evident from the passage of time. This, ‘peace’, is not just a concept that stands alone, for it is the realization of ideals of unified individuals among the society or constitution; and is always accompanied with development. However, with the booming industry from continuous development, the question lies whether we still can; or how can we sustain and promote our identity, culture and heritage.

The Bangsamoro Region which comprises different provinces and cities is a melting pot of individuals and sectors with various cultures, each that have their own unique identity and various heritages from their rich ancestries. Imagine the vibrant colors of the ‘vintas’, the aesthetic attires and traditions of different tribes, festive music and traditional lullabies. Every minute detail to glamorous and enormous construction that we can observe in the Bangsamoro people, is the product of ‘Art’.

Art is the reflection of one’s soul and collection of the artists experience and knowledge of things; and when art exceeds expectation and move hearts, it will become a timeless peace. Thus, the point of this discourse leads to the answer on how as a Bangsamoro, can we preserve our individuality. Although we are already moving towards development, one should not forget that once we have struggled with guns and grenade looming over our head to strive for peace. We should not be overwhelmed that we, the Bangsamoro people had such an experience. We should not disregard the facts to justify the current changes in some of us. Be proud of what we have become by incorporating our rich cultures and tradition to our heritage.

Just like the beautiful Pyramids of Egypt, the grandiose Great Wall of China and the great artists who left their imprint in infamous museums; the Bangsamoro should not only be remembered as a fruit of blood, sweat and tears of our brothers but as a wonderful place where development coexists with the beauty and wonders coming from the distinct traits of its constituents.

Sometimes with constant development and engineering, we tend to allocate our time in discovering new concepts that we forego of the part. However, let us be imbued that we can only move forward by learning from the past and incorporate these distinct traits to our lifestyle or the things we do for the Bangsamoro.

Moreover, as a Bangsamoro, let us cultivate our intrinsic gifts in the arts to be remembered in the progress of our region. The richness of our culture from our ancestors seen in textbooks, to monochromatic pictures treasured and preserved by time, until the advent of social media, is a great metaphor of change by molding the past into the present. Such trend will hopefully continue even in the developed future of the Bangsamoro. Let ‘art’ which we integrate in our new found peace, continue to give life to our identity, culture and heritage amidst development.

With a latin honor of Cum Laude, Jannah Jane C. Berja, 24, is a Teduray-Ilonggo professional who graduated with a degree in Bachelor in Secondary Education from the University of Southern Mindanao. She is currently helping uplift the lives of the Bangsamoro Indigenous People as the Human Resource Management Officer III of the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs. Her piece won 2nd place in the recently concluded National Arts Month 2021 On-theSpot Essay Writing Contest conducted by the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage.

Caravan calls for extension of...from P1

towns in North Cotabato.

“The caravan was aimed to air the Bangsamoro people’s desire to let the transition period go for another three years so both the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front comply with their

commitments as stated in the Bangsamoro Organic Law,” said Hadji Murshid Duma Mascud, chair of Mindanao Alliance for Peace.

The event coincided with the Bangsamoro Freedom Day, a special non-working holiday in the

BARMM region, in memory of the Moro fighters killed in Corregidor in 1969.

“Let the BARMM leadership perform and make their commitments a reality, time was not on their side,” he added in the vernacular. Edwin O.

Fernandez

Pope Francis: The Church cannot...from P4 if stable, “that involve sexual activity outside of marriage” – meaning, outside “the indissoluble union of a man and a woman”, open to the transmission of life – do not respond to the “designs of God”, even if “positive elements” are present in those relationships.

This consideration not only concerns same-sex couples, but also unions that involve the sexual activity outside of matrimony.

Another reason for the negative response is the risk that the blessing

of same-sex unions may be mistakenly associated with that of the Sacrament of Matrimony.

The CDF concludes by noting that the Response to the dubium does not preclude “the blessings given to individual persons with homosexual inclinations, who manifest the will to live in fidelity to the revealed plans of God”, while it declares impermissible “any form of blessing that tends to acknowledge their unions as such.

Vatican News

8

March 20, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

TAPATAN SA OBLATE MEDIA

ATTY. JARISSA G. GUIANI

PRESIDENT, COTABATO CITY CHAPTER INTEGRATED BAR OF THE PHILIPPINES

Some women inspire. Some women influence. And some women are capable of doing both. Women’s professional ascension has been going on for a while, and in the legal field, it’s not different. Atty.

Jarissa G. Guiani is blazing her own trails through multiple paths to excellence and public service. Atty. Jars, 35, is the current president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Cotabato City Chapter.

IBP is the national organization of lawyers in the Philippines. It is the mandatory bar association for Filipino lawyers. She works at the city government of Cotabato as an executive assistant since 2017, right after she passed the 2016 Bar Exams. With a limited authority to practice law, she is currently the managing partner of the Guiani and Associates Law Office. Atty. Jars is a scion of a famed political family in Cotabato City. She is the third of the four children of former Mayor Japal ‘Jojo’ Guiani, Jr., the sister of Councilor Japal ‘Jay’ Guiani, III, the niece of Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi, and the cousin of Vice Mayor Graham Nazer Dumama. She got married to a police officer on October 2020. She is also the Vice President of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines Cotabato City council and the current chair of the City Advisory Council. Aside from her day job, she loves practical shooting and motorbike riding as a hobby.

Suspect in P20.4 million drug deal charged A criminal case had been filed at the Sulu provincial prosecutor’s office against a large-scale shabu dealer busted in a P20.4 million shabu deal last March 14.

Juvenal Azurin, director of the Philippine Drug-Enforcement AgencyBangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, said Wednesday Suspect Ejek Abdulhalim is now awaiting his day in court.

He was charged with violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2022, Azurin said.

Azurin and Brig. Gen. Samuel Rodriguez, director of the Bangsamoro regional police, separately told reporters Abdulhalim was entrapped with the help of relatives.

Linked to big drug ring Officials of the Bangsamoro regional police are now verifying Abdulhalim’s possible link with the group that killed former Jolo police chief Lt. Col. Walter Annayo in Sultan Mastura, Maguindanao on November 21, 2020.

Annayo, while in Jolo for a number of months until his transfer in August last year to the Bangsamoro regional

police headquarters in Maguindanao, repeatedly hit the news for his extensive anti-narcotics campaign in the municipality, the capital of Sulu island province.

Personnel of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in the Bangsamoro region confirmed in February that two of the suspects in the murder of Annayo in Sultan Mastura town near Cotabato City, Rasul Nahang Radja and Nara Kagatan Asula, are from Jolo and are both into large-scale distribution of shabu in their province.

Azurin said Abdulhalim was arrested after selling three kilos of shabu, valued at P20.4 million, to nonuniformed agents during a sting at almost noontime on March 14 in Jolo, capital town of Sulu.

Azurin said officials of CIDG in BARMM and in Region 9 helped plot the sting that resulted in the fall of Abdulhalim and the confiscation from him of P20.4 million worth of shabu.

John Felix Unson

I'm leaning on the improvement of the chapter, as well as adopting the program from the IBP national. So far, we have more or less 200 lawyers in the city. I'm looking forward to a more participative IBP members and chapter during my time. I hope to introduce and teach, through our partners, the gun handling safety. This was requested by the lawyers in the city for their protection because many members of the legal profession are killed in line of their work. I also want to introduce camaraderie regardless of our political stand. As much as possible I would like the IBP to remain an independent body. We may have our own beliefs, but when it comes to issues concerning IBP, we have to be independent.

Usually, the Public Attorney’s Office refer to the IBP free legal aid cases if ever there are conflict on their part. The vice president of the IBP is in-charge for free legal aid for indigent individuals. Currently it's Atty. Rodolfo Chung. He is very capable of handling or giving free legal aid to our indigent. For as long as the client can prove that they are indigent, they can qualify for the free service. Previously it was mandatory for the IBP to take up pro bono cases but because of the pandemic, it was stopped. And most of our members are working in the government and has tight schedule, so medyo hirap din kami sa free legal aid.

Yes, we are also alarmed. We're just doing our job. I hope people will not take it against us if we're going to handle a case. Although we do not have cases yet, we cannot be too complacent. We’re still exercising caution and vigilance.

In the legal profession, gender is not an issue. As long as we can do our job properly and we know what we're doing, there can be no problem with that. The men in the legal profession are helpful, especially the seniors. They encourage us to be more assertive and they give tips.

There were none. As for me, when I am given a task, I always give my best. Your worth is not defined by your profession or status in life. You give yourself your worth. If you think you're inferior, that is your problem. But if you think you can improve yourself and do better, there is nothing wrong with competing in the legal profession.

I'm tired of hearing "women are lesser than men." I believe we are created equally but uniquely. There are things men can do that women cannot, and women can but men cannot.

Today, no one can say that women are totally inferior to men.

I don't think so. Gender is not an issue in leadership. If you can truly lead your nation, it doesn't matter if you’re a woman or a man. You can be president as long as you have the political will, the heart to serve the people, and you’re not easily swayed by your personal interest. You have to consider a lot of things but bear in mind that you are doing it for the entire population and not for specific sectors only.

I would like to correct that. The local government unit (LGU) was not entirely turned over to them. Although some agencies like DILG, DepEd, DOLE and others were turned over to them, there are still many agencies which remains reporting in the Region 12. We still have pending case at the Supreme Court. We're just waiting for the order. Also, when turning over an LGU, the presence of the president is required, there has to be a written order signed by the president transferring Cotabato City to BARMM. For as long as there is no express instruction by the president to the DILG secretary, the latter cannot transfer the city. As to the extension of the transition, if it is granted, more people will suffer. The extension is not a guarantee that they can deliver what is due to the people and not a guarantee that they can fulfill their mandate. They enjoy the position they have now because they are appointees. They do not have clout among the electorates. The public will still believe and listen to the people they have voted for.

If you really want to be a lawyer, you go for it. Nothing is impossible. For as long as you worked hard for it, you push yourself. Regardless of what school you've graduated from, what matters most is you’re A-T-T-Y. It is your choice how to make a difference. When you pass the bar, you’re all lawyers with the same education. If you're not bold enough to try and take a risk in learning, that is your choice.

You work hard for it. Although as a young girl, I always dreamt of becoming a lawyer, it wasn't an easy path. There were many obstacles along the way – I was in law school for eight years. If you want to achieve something, you have to persevere. Work hard for it. Wala namang panagarap na nakukuha ng madali.

Inteview by Valerie Ann P. Lambo

DUYAN FOR SALE. These local traditional hand weaved rattan hammock along with other native products are sold at the border near the towns of Tacurong and Tantangan in South Cotabato.

Photo courtesy of Jazz L. Cuaresma

BIFF bomb maker, sniper yields to Army in NoCot

A member of outlawed armed group in Maguindanao has surrendered Sunday to the Army’s 34th Infantry Battalion of the 602n Infantry Brigade in Midsayap, North Cotabato.

Lt. Col. Edgardo Vilchez Jr., the commanding officer of 34th, said Monday a bomb expert of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) under the Kagi Karialan faction, voluntarily surrendered to the

military with his rifle, a cal. 50 Barret sniper rifle.

Vilchez said Tong Dubpalig claimed he was a bomb expert and sniper of the BIFF. According to Brig. Gen. Roberto Capulong, 602nd Brigade commander, Dubpalig was involved in a series of bombing incidents in Maguindanao and North Cotabato provinces.

He is also a former follower of the late Mando Mamalumpong, former Division Commander/ Spokesperson of BIFF-

Karialan Faction who was neutralized by the government forces at Midsayap, North Cotabato in 2019.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, 6th Infanry Division commander, has lauded the 602nd brigade and 34th IB for another milestone in attaining peace and resolving conflict to their area of operations.

“As your Commander, I am glad that you beef up our efforts in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) program as we are

P3

5 BIFF yield in Maguindanao A new batch of five members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) – Karialan Faction voluntarily surrendered with their firearms to the Army’s 1st Mechanized Brigade in Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

These former extremists were presented to Col. Pedro Balisi Jr., Commander of 1st Mechanized Brigade, and Hon. Bai Yasmin Mangudadatu, Municipal Vice-Mayor of Ampatuan, Maguindanao through a simple ceremony at Headquarters 1st Mechanized Brigade in Barangay Kamasi,

Ampatuan.

The surrenderers turned in six highpowered firearms, including two cal. 50 Barret sniper rifles. “ W e a r e experiencing hardship in the hinterlands of Maguindanao, we do not have peace of mind and we’re always running and hiding,” one of the returnees said in the vernacular.

Col. Balisi expressed his gratitude to the local officials of Ampatuan and local officials of Maguindanao for their continuous support to the 1st Mechanized Brigade in attaining peace and

order in the locality.

“Government forces will always welcome members of the extremist group who decide to come back to the folds of the law, yet we will be relentless to those who plan to sow terror and atrocities in the community,” Col. Balisi said.

6th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Juvymax R. Uy, also chief of Joint Task Force Central said that the influx of surrenderor is attributed to the collaborative efforts of the military, local government units, the traditional leaders, and the peace-loving people of Maguindanao. DPAO-6ID