The Mindanao Cross | March 27, 2021

Vol. LXXIII| No. 8| Cotabato City | Saturday, March 27, 2021 |8 Pages | P10.00

P2

CHURCH / P4

MILG deploys LGOOs as LGUs-BARMM ‘bridge’

OND sisters take perpetual vows

TAPATAN / P8

March: Women’s Month Myrna Jo R. Henry

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

ARMY, PNP TAPPED TO FIGHT DARKNESS

BY BONG SARMIENTO

KORONADAL CITY - Government troops have been employed to fight another battle in Soccsksargen region, as the “knights of light” for impoverished far-flung areas without electricity, an official confirmed Wednesday.

Thousands displaced in BIFF-Army clashes

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RESILIENCE AMID DISPLACEMENT. Monera Kakimam, 60, a housewife from Brgy. Liab in Mamasapano cooks camote tops for her family who are staying in Libutan Elementary School, an evacuation center, following skirmishes in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao that forced her and thousands others to flee.

Valerie Ann P. Lambo

BY JOHN FELIX UNSON

THE military is certain it has weakened the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters after 14 members perished in clashes with soldiers in Datu Saudi Ampatuan town last week.

Local officials told The Mindanao Cross Wednesday the tension in the municipality has waned after BIFF gunmen left following four days of clashes with soldiers that started March 18.

Members of the BIFF who instigated the hostilities in Barangay Kitango in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao have left the area after personnel of units under the Army’s 6th Infantry Division killed 14 from them, forcing their hasty retreat.

Hundreds of families from Barangay Kitango and nearby agricultural enclaves who fled are reluctant to return to their conflictstricken villages,

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Oblate store opens in Hong Kong

DID YOU KNOW?

BY FR. ROCK SANIEL, OMI AND FR. MARK ANTHONY SERNA, OMI

Palm Sunday

The start of Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday when Jesus triumphantly entered the city of Jerusalem before His crucifixion and resurrection. The name Palm Sunday comes from the fact that as Jesus entered Jerusalem, the people of the city waved palm branches and placed palm leaves on the ground to jubilantly welcome Jesus.

TO OUR VALUED READERS:

In deference to the

HOLY WEEK The Mindanao Cross will not be published on Black Saturday

Palm leaves and branches were a sign of special honor or respect shown publicly to kings and royalty. It also symbolizes victory and goodness.

(April 3, 2021).

“When will this Man keeping knife conflict end, it has inside abdomen become a cycle” for 14 months

BY WILLIAMOR A. MAGBANUA

BY EDWIN O. FERNANDEZ

NADA Sampato, 21, married, and a mother of two kids and a resident of Barangay Kitango, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao was thinking when these hostilities will spare her community.

"When I was still young, I experienced fleeing, running away from our homes in the middle of the night to survive,” Sampato recalled.

“Now my children are experiencing the same, I pity them because at their young age they already experienced fleeing, running away from shooting war,” she told the Bangsamoro Information Office of the Bangsamoro Region during the regional government’s relief operation.

Her fervent prayer is an end to this armed conflict so her children can play like any other child in other areas in the country.

Bainot, 39, a mother of four, also wondered when this conflict will end.

“I hope the government can really

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KIDAPAWAN CITY — A man who was to start working in a mining firm in Agusan del Sur had the greatest shock of his life – a knife has been embedded in his body for one year and two months without him knowing it.

The 25-year-old man, named Ken Ryan Tomao, from Barangay Amacion, Kidapawan City has been accepted to work in a mining company in Agusan del Sur. He underwent x-ray procedures as employment requirement.

But the x-ray film showed he had a 4-inch knife embedded in his abdomen or the back portion of his stomach.

Kent Ryan Tomao said the medical certificate, including the x-ray procedure, was the last of the long list of requirements and that made him excited to start his new job.

He submitted himself for

P2

OBLATE store, the first ever Oblates of Mary Immacualate (OMI) store designed to support and help poor families, has opened in To Kwa Wan, Hong Kong. The store opened on March 19, 2021 during the feast day of St. Joseph.

Fr Slawomir Kalisz, OMI and Fr. Mark Anthony Serna, OMI, who are directly involved in the ministry of helping poor families in Hong Kong, came up with the idea of renting a space where they can sell different products to support the ministry- and so the Oblate store was created.

The main thrust of the Oblate store is to support the increasing number of poor families in Hong Kong. It also serves as vocation promotion, creating awareness of the OMI mission in Hong Kong and to the world, to encourage the OMI mission partners and other people and to

take part and develop the spirit of love and care for the poor by donating some used items that are salable.

With the arrival of pandemic in Hong Kong since last year, the number of affected poor families has increased.

And so the OMIs in Hong Kong saw the great opportunity and started giving food in selected areas during Fridays together with some OMI youth volunteers who actively joined the program.

“It was so difficult at times. There were times when police officers would carefully watch us because of the protocols implemented by the Hong Kong government. But we never stopped. We just continued giving food especially to old and poor people. Later, I noticed that the police officers became very friendly and I guess they now understood our program why we are there on the streets even during the pandemic,” Fr. Serna said.

With the Oblate store, the OMIs in Hong Kong are confident that it will increase its capacity to help and support more families in the area.

More and more people are showing interest to volunteer as working staff in the Oblate store. Volunteers are

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BUY HERE, YOU HELP THE POOR. The Oblates in Hong Kong have put up this store to support and help poor families. Proceeds of this store in Hong Kong’s commercial district will help OMI priests there in its mission of helping the increasing number of poor people, mostly homeless.

Photo courtesy of OMI Philippines

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March 27, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

MILG deploys LGOOs as LGUs-BARMM ‘bridge’

THE Ministry of the Interior and Local Government has deployed local government operations officers (LGOOs) to towns and provinces with the final guidance direction that their functions should delve more at “bridging” the LGUs to the Bangsamoro Government.

MI LG Minister A t ty. Na guib Sinarimbo of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) said municipal and provincial LGOOs technically works for the ministry for the greater welfare of the community constituents more than having to serve the mere interest of municipal and provincial LCEs. Sinarimbo said the MILG has initially deployed MLGOOs to BARMM component towns equipped with new laptop units and android procured through a partnership fund grant from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in support to MLG’s Good Governance Program.

Pocket Wi-Fi devices were also given to Lanao del Sur Butig Municipal LGUs of Pyagapo, where the Accelerated Provision of Services (LeAPS) has been piloted.

Sinarimbo said one of the apps installed into the devices would enable him to trace whereabouts of MLGOOs and assess and validate performances from virtual tracks of their activities.

Earlier, Sinarimbo personally received

the equipment in a turnover ceremony attended virtually by UNDP Resident Representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran, among other BARMM officials and UNDP representatives.

The equipment package from the UNDP consisted of 122 android tablet units (Samsung Galaxy Tab S6), 122 wireless keyboards, 15 units of laptop (Lenovo ThinkPad E14), and 300 units of pocket WiFi. Sinarimbo said the devices were procured by MILG for use by LGOOs under ‘Localizing e-Government for Accelerated Provision of Services (LeAPS)’, launched in October 2020.

“Last year when the global pandemic started, production and supplies globally were disrupted and it became a major challenge to procure equipment from local suppliers, as the global production, shipment and movements were disrupted because of lockdowns imposed by different countries and even local government units,” Sinarimbo said.

“To surmount these challenges, we partnered with UNDP through

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Lanao Sur gets P1.6billion infra grant

THIS province got from the Bangsamoro government more than P1 billion grant for infrastructure projects needed to hasten the socioeconomic growth of the local communities.

Naguib Sinarimbo, local government minister of BARMM, told reporters Wednesday the grant was apportioned in different amounts for the Lanao del Sur provincial government and the 39 municipal governments in the province and its capital, Marawi City.

Sinarimbo, BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, the region’s public works minister, architect Eduard Uy, and local executives in the province forged separate agreements on the implementation of the projects during a symbolic rite Monday in Cagayan de Oro City.

The funding packages are for infrastructure projects that the Lanao del Sur provincial government and component-local government units

are to implement via a memorandum of agreement, or MOA, each between local executives and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Seventeen LGUs in Lanao del Sur’s first district, the Marawi City government and the provincial government got P897 million for various infrastructure projects.

From the amount, P339.4 million was earmarked for provincial infrastructure projects in the 17 towns and in Marawi City.

Twenty two other towns in Lanao del Sur’s 2nd district are to receive a total of P615.1 million worth of infrastructure projects.

The provincial government has a separate allocation of P115 million for infrastructure projects in the second district of Lanao del Sur. Lanao Del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong, Jr. and Butig Mayor Dimnatang

Pansar, president of the league of mayors in the province, said they are thankful to the BARMM government for the infrastructure fund support.

Adiong said their provincial engineering office shall coordinate closely with the office of Guerra in forging ahead with the infrastructure projects bankrolled by the BARMM government.

“These projects can hasten the socio-economic growth of our province.

These projects are essential to the normalization agenda of the Mindanao peace process,” Adiong said.

Adiong said he is grateful to the office of Sinarimbo and BARMM’s Ministry of Public Works for focusing attention on the infrastructure needs of Lanao del Sur. Adiong’s office has peace and security programs complementing the bilateral normalization agenda of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Malacañang.

John Felix Unson

IPs happy with NCIP book project

IP STRAT PLAN. Fifty IP women from BARMM’s mainland and island provinces participated in the 2-day activity geared towards the formulation of the IP Women Agenda and Strategic Plan on March 24 to 25, 2021.

Photo courtesy of IAG

Mission accomplished:

1M signatures for BTA extension KORONADAL CITY — Peace advocates campaigning for the extension of the transition period in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have successfully gathered one million signatures, which were submitted to Malacañang last Thursday, March 18.

The submission of the signatures coincided with the 53rd anniversary of the Jabidah Massacre, which involved the killings of at least 23 Moro recruits by the military for “Oplan Merdeka,” an alleged clandestine Philippine government plan to invade Sabah. The Jabidah Massacre, which happened on Corregidor Island on March 18, 1968, was considered as one of the flashpoints that ignited the Moro insurgency in Mindanao.

In a virtual presser Wednesday, lawyer Mary Ann Arnado, secretary general of Mindanao People’s Caucus, said the submission of the signatures petitioning President Rodrigo Duterte to certify as priority legislative measure the extension of the transition period in the BARMM is crucial considering the looming adjournment of 18th Congress on June 5.

“Fifty-three years after the Jabidah Massacre, ang mga Bangsamoro ay nakikibaka pa rin at nagsusumikap para maitaguyod ang kapayaan sa Mindanao, in particular para maimplement ang peace agreement between the national

government and the Moro Islamic Liberaton Front (MILF),” Arnado said.

The creation of the Bangsamoro region is the key component of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the final peace deal signed by the government and the MILF in 2014 after 17 years of on-and-off negotiations.

In November, the BTA passed a resolution urging Congress to extend the Bangsamoro transition period from 2022 to 2025.

The online campaign started on February 10 and the target one million signatures were achieved on March 10, with a Maranao woman named Salimah Dilunugon as the one millionth signatory.

The first to sign the petition is a Tausug from Sulu named Al-Hakim Octavio.

The online signature campaign stated: “We appeal to you, Mr. President, to certify the extension bill as urgent and allow the transition period to succeed in the larger context of the peace process.”

Arnado said the printing of the one million signatures consumed at least 50 reams of bond paper, bounded into 72 pieces.

“We are all praying that President Duterte will listen and certify the measure extending the transition period in the BARMM as urgent,” she said. Bong

Sarmiento

SOUTHERN indigenous communities felt elated with the publication of three books on their cultures and ancestral domains, for them essential to the preservation of their centuries-old identities.

The three books, Pagkilala, Paggalang and Pagtaguyod, depicting the cultural-pluralism among the country’s indigenous sectors were published by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples under its Project Epanaw, launched last March 14 in Davao City.

Leaders of Mindanao’s Blaan, Teduray, Ubu-Manuvo, ManuvoAromanen and other ethnic groups appreciated the NCIP’s book project on their Facebook timelines.

Some have even insinuated it was a major stride towards perpetuation of their ways of life and tribal identities, now fading out due to modernization and influence of non-IP settler communities and lack of instruction, as a subject, in schools and other learning institutions.

Daisy Mangod, a Manuvo-Aromanen broadcast journalist in Cotabato City told The Mindanao Cross last weekend that she is grateful to the NICP for embarking on the book project.

Among those who had overtlyexpressed appreciation of the three books on cultures, means of livelihood of indigenous peoples, their ancestral homelands and their struggles to achieve political and socio-economic empowerment were Blaan tribal leaders in the towns of Columbio and Tampakan in Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato provinces, respectively.

Bae Dalena Samling, leader of the Blaan tribal community in Barangay Danlag in Tampakan, said the three

coffee table books can educate readers that most IP communities in Mindanao are wallowing in underdevelopment due to lack of access to schools, to state medical facilities and lack of infrastructures needed to boost agricultural productivity.

“These books can help open the eyes of people who lack understanding on what we are, what our respective identities are and our needs to become empowered based on our very own cultural and traditional perspectives,” Samling said.

The three books about the Philippine IP communities, all supported with extensive photo orientation, are to be distributed to hotels and other establishments frequented by local and foreign tourists.

Joel Unad Lipatuan, one of the leaders of the Ubo-Manuvo community in Tambubong in Baguio District in Davao City, said the three books will also enlighten Filipinos on why IP communities are trying to protect their homelands from “development aggression” that can curtail their rights to self-determination as guaranteed by the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act, or IPRA. The IPRA, also known as the Republic Act 8371, provides the IP communities in the Philippines the right to self-determination, including power to manage and harness the natural resources in their ancestral lands.

“These books are good. The national government and the local government units and IP stakeholders must also cooperate in publishing individual books on history, cultures and traditions of each IP community in the Philippines,” Lipatuan said. John Felix Unson

Man keeping knife...from P1 x-ray in a private hospital in Agusan del Sur. After waiting for few hours the physician called his attention.

According to Tomao, his physician told him that the object is similar to a knife which at least few inches near his lungs.

Tomao then recalled that on January 4, 2020, he was stabbed in Kidapawan City by some teenagers while he was riding in a tricycle on his way home from work. “I thought I

was only punched by one of them.”

He was rushed to a private hospital in Kidapawan and later moved to a government hospital.

He requested that the hospital is not identified in the report.

“We will not name the hospital and the doctor in the meantime,” Tomao told dxND Radyo Bida in Kidapawan in a phone interview.

Tomao said he was unaware all along that a

knife was inside his body.

But admitted that during cold weather, he would feel some pain but just ignored it.

He said his mother knew the name of the doctor who attended him.

He is seeking financial assistance so he can return home and have the knife removed.

“We will negotiate with the hospital to help me so that the knife is safely removed the soonest possible time,” Tomao stressed.

March 27, 2021

Thousands displaced in BIFF-Army clashes...from P1 apprehensive of a possible return of the BIFF gunmen once soldiers who drove them away return to their bases.

Major Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of 6th ID, said soldiers are now busy helping agencies of the Bangsamoro regional government extend humanitarian support to evacuees now housed temporarily in school buildings and public covered courts.

The Bangsamoro social welfare ministry and the region’s Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence, most known as the READI contingent, have been providing relief interventions since Monday to about 25,000

individuals now cramped in squalid evacuations sites.

Teams from BARMMREADI, operating under the control of Bangsamoro Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo, have initially delivered hygiene kits, food, water and other provisions needed by evacuees while in makeshift shelters.

“Our troops will not falter in providing security to these villagers,” Uy said.

The BIFF gunmen attacked soldiers dispatched by the 6th ID after villagers reported the convergence of armed men in the area, as if bracing for an attack.

Evacuees have reported that the BIFF

MILG deploys LGOOs...from P2 our Project LeAPS to allow us to utilize their global network and get access to acquisition of such equipment” at standard price-tags, he added.

LeAPS program aims to transform local governance operations in the Bangsamoro region to improve communities’ and people’s access to services and information.

The program is also a way to overcome the

reliance on archaic, paper-based, and manual processes within and among the local government units (LGUs) in the region.

In December 2020, said LGUs, along with some employees of MILG, have underwent training on designing service processes and prototypes of e-services in preparation for the digitalization of basic services this year.

Nash B. Maulana

PMARK PAWNSHOP MAIN, PMARK PAWNSHOP - BRANCH I & PMARK PAWNSHOP BRANCH II

Patalastas ng Subasta PMARK Pawnshop Main Branch ng S.K. Pendatun Avenue, Cotabato City, PMARK Branch I - Parang, Maguindanao, at PMARK Branch II - Supermarket Site, Cotabato City ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sangla. Ang mga ito ay yaon pang isinangla magmula pa noong Oktubre 2020. Ang Subasta ay sa Abril 05, 2021 sa ganap na ika 9:00 ng umaga hanggang 4:00 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

MC: Mar. 27, 2021

lost 11 members, mostly adolescents, in encounters with soldiers from March 18 until early Monday.

The group has a reputation for venting its ire on non-military targets to avenge losses in clashes with pursuing military forces.

“We are anticipating possible retaliations. We

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late SPOUSES PRISCILLA FERNANDEZ SION and BENJAMIN SION, who died on July 13, 1994 and June 6, 2008, respectively at Cotabato City, left a parcel of land Lot – 2927-B-11-C, Psd-12007596, situated in Ulamian, Libungan, Cotabato with an area of 9,492 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. 277; Page No. 56 Book No. CCXXIV; Series of 2021.

won’t let our guard down,” Uy said.

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-11045597 and Lot 7, Block 5, Psd-11-014945, both situated in Davao City, covered by TCT Nos. T-30478, T-342965 and T- 1 4 6 - 2 0 1 2 0 1 0 4 7 2 , 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. 27, Apr. 10 & 17, 2021

MC: Mar. 13, 20 & 27, 2021

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

AFFIDAVIT OF SELF-ADJUDICATION

Notice is hereby given that the late REYNALDO A. ESCLETO who died on January 25, 2021, left an insurance claims with Insular Life (Insular Diamond Life) under Policy No. 0002180825, is the subject of Extrajudicial Settlement by heir before Notary Public Atty. Agnes R. De Castro-Jagunap, as per Doc. No. 353; Page No. 353; Book No. XXVII; Series of 2021.

Notice is hereby given that NICOMEDES QUITOR, owner, possessor and occupant of a parcel of land Lot 2268, TS-215, containing an area of 600 sq. mts., more or less, located at Making, Parang Maguindanao is the subject of Affidavit of SelfAdjudication with Sale by heir before Notary Public Renato M. Eugenio, as per Doc. No. 380; Page No. 77; Book No. 202; Series of 2020.

MC: Mar. 27, Apr. 10 & 17, 2021

MC: Mar. 27, Apr. 10 & 17, 2021

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

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.

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.

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.

MC: Mar. 13, 20 & 27, 2021 Republic of the Philippines Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC MC: March & 27, 2021 In compliance with20Section 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: Mar. 20 & 27, 2021

3

THE MINDANAO CROSS

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

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

MC: Mar. 13, 20 & 27, 2021

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

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

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

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.

MC: March 13, 20 & 27, 2021

Notice is hereby given that GAUDENCIO TERANIA, owner, possessor and occupant of a parcel of land Lot 2263, Ts-215, containing an area of 372 sq. mts., more or less as per tax declaration, located at Making, Parang Maguindanao is the subject of Affidavit of Self-Adjudication with Sale by heir before Notary Public Atty.

Lyzzaik L. Laguialam, CPA, as per Doc. No. 1; Page No. 25; Book No. I; Series of 2021.

MC: Mar. 27, Apr. 10 & 17, 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

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

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

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

NOTICE

SUBASTA

AFFIDAVIT OF SELF-ADJUDICATION

Ang Nagdumala

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

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March 27, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

OND sisters take perpetual vows

Two Oblate of Notre Dame nuns take their perpetual vows on Thursday, March 25 (the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord), during a Eucharistic celebration at the Our Lady of Hope Chapel, OND Compound in Tamontaka, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

Sr. Marie Celeste Banicio Benban, OND from Columbio, Sultan Kudarat, Diocese of Kidapawan and Sr. Rovigen Topia Imperial, OND from Dumanjug, Cebu, Archdiocese of Cebu pronounced their perpetual profession of the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty and obedience.

The newly perpetually professed sisters vow to strive to exemplify in their lives Mary’s humble and courageous disposition as they commit to God and to the church for life through the congregation of the Oblates of Notre Dame. Inspired by Mary’s fiat, and fired up by their motto “To do Your will, O Lord, is my desire,” they offer themselves entirely to a lifelong journey of missionary discipleship in Jesus.

Prior to the celebration, the sisters took a Marian retreat which was facilitated by Sr. Estrella Corotan, OND. Sr. Marie Celeste’s retreat experience brought her to deepen her response guided by the verse “He called me, so I will follow Him” — pondering how God works in her life and blesses her with so much grace and abundance which brought her in deep gratitude to be called, chosen and be his beloved disciple.

She further stated that “My Marian retreat confirmed my commitment to give myself to the church and the world expressed in our motto “To do Your will oh Lord, is my desire,” as I share His mission to the poor particularly to the least, lost and last of society. May I be the example of Mary as I follow His will to live out the “Yes” I expressed in public as I fulfill God’s mission entrusted to me with faithfulness and joyful disposition in my heart always…”

Sr. Rovigen summarized her experience as “Blending God’s Love and Will in My Journey” and elaborated that “God’s love for me is encompassing.

Without His love I cannot love others the way He loves me. Doing the Will of God is my heart’s desire. My journey in Religious Life is about blending God’s love and Will. To blend His love is to see His marvelous deeds and to blend His will is to discern what it means to say “Yes” forever. Blending His love and will is allowing myself to grow in love and to accept that it is not my will but it’s always His will be done. My motto “To do Your will, O Lord, is my

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desire,” speaks about my experience and relationship with God. Sr. Erlinda C. Hisug, OND received the perpetual profession which expresses their desire to commit themselves to God through the Oblates of Notre Dame and to strive to please God always, the OND motto. Sr. Linda presented to each sister the ring, symbol of their final commitment, where the phrase “Jesus, I love you” is inscribed in the inside part. The Congregation of the Oblates of Notre Dame is grateful to God because He continues to call courageous women to follow Jesus unconditionally in community. Despite the uncertainties that exist at the present — the worsening pandemic, the political and social upheavals in our nation, the deepening polarization in our church, the graying of our communities, the warming of our planet — God still calls.

And their “Yes” to God’s call inspires hope into a world full of despair.

Fr. Rizalde T. Orola, OMI, chaplain of the Notre Dame University presided the Eucharistic Celebration. In his homily, Fr. Zalde stressed the challenges of living the vows in today’s world. He also expressed his gratitude for the opportunity of being with the two sisters during their initial formation.

In the message of thanks, Sr. Marie Celeste conveyed their gratitude to all who witnessed the event, especially their families, relatives, friends, the OND Sisters from different areas, the RNDM Sisters and Diocesan Clergy in Cotabato City, the OMI Fathers and Brothers, the Marist Brothers, their partners in various missions, and many others who gave their support of their chosen vocation and the staff of Notre Dame of Kabacan and Notre Dame of Dulawan who generously shared their talents and resources for the occasion, to the formands of the OMI and OND communities led in the singing, which was conducted by Sr. Bernadette Baldemor, OND and to many others who were unable to come for various reasons.

The new perpetually professed sisters are made aware that as consecrated women, we live the religious vows with the community that is the Church, in collaboration and solidarity with our diverse world.

Sr. Maria Luz Fernandez, OND

“Pasyon,” the Philippine Experience REFLECTIONS

NEWLY PROFESSED. Sr. Rovigen T. Imperial, OND (left) and Sr. Marie Celeste B. Benban, OND (right) are the newest addition to the Oblates of Notre Dame congregation.

Photo courtesy of CBCP NEWS

Pope Francis’ schedule for holy week 2021 unveiled

VATICAN— The Vatican has published Pope Francis’ schedule for Holy Week at the Vatican this year.

For the second year in a row, the papal liturgies for Holy Week will be much smaller than usual due to the coronavirus pandemic, with the Way of the Cross, traditionally held at the Colosseum, moved to St. Peter’s Square instead.

On Palm Sunday on March 28, Pope Francis will offer Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Altar of the Chair at 10:30 a.m. local time.

The pope will also preside over the Chrism Mass, which will occur at the same altar in the basilica on the morning of April 1, Holy Thursday.

But the pope will not be present at the Vatican’s Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper. Cardinal

s we celebrate 500 years There is a mockery of justice of Christianity in the when the accuser, judge, Philippines let us look and executioner are left to at the “Pasyon” as a motif one person or a death squad. in understanding the Filipino There is no more need for consciousness. Perhaps laws, lawyers, judges, and because of the experiences of fair trials. At least during suffering due to oppression the time of Jesus there was and poverty, the Passion draws a semblance of a trial with Rev. Fr. Antonio P. Pueyo, DCC a sympathetic response among the Jewish authorities as tonypoy_dcc0@yahoo.com our people. This explains the the accusers and Pilate, the great number of people (preRoman procurator as judge, Covid) who would come for the traditional Holy Week with the Roman soldiers acting as the executioners. There celebrations beginning Palm Sunday. I remember an uncle is mockery of all that is decent in governance when the of mine, a poor farmer, who is never seen attending masses rule of law no longer applies, instead the law of the ruler in church. I met him on the road on Good Friday on his prevails. way to church to make “duaw” or visit the crucified Christ.

Jesus is made to carry His cross. After being beaten and Just like in any wake, he wanted to show his respect to crowned with thorns, Jesus is given the cross to carry. The the dead. He only comes to the church on Good Friday to way of the cross is not too far. Pilgrims to Calvary today express his sympathies. walk the Via Dolorosa with a very light and small cross, Some writers studied the phenomenon of Filipino a mere symbol compared to the cross that Jesus carried. revolutionaries against Spain in relation to the Passion. His cross was so heavy that Simon of Cyrene was ordered Although these heroes rebelled against the abuses of to help Jesus carry it. The soldiers would not want Jesus the authorities, they did not leave behind their Christian to die along the way. What crosses do the Filipino people religiosity. On the contrary, they identified their struggle carry today? Beside the calamities, the chronic poverty, with the sufferings and Passion of the Lord. Revolutionaries and the epidemic of corruption, we have to bear the cross would wear the crucifix and other religious symbols even of the Covid-19 pandemic. It is now one year since the as they fought for freedom. Let us then look at the Passion declaration of total lockdown due to the pandemic. Despite and the Filipino struggle for life and human dignity in a having the longest lockdown in Asia, there seems to be no more contemporary context. end in sight. Even the vaunted vaccine of various brands, Jesus is condemned to death. Jesus was an innocent are not available to the greater population. As a senator man. He was accused of the crime of blasphemy for being asked, “Where is the vaccine?” Where is Simon of Cyrene on familiar terms with God whom He called Father. who will help the Filipino people carry the cross?

Because this would not hold water with the Roman Jesus died on the cross. Today in our country we are authorities, he was also accused of rebellion against Rome. struggling with the culture of death. Death does not just He suffered the worst punishment reserved for a rebel come due to the effects of the pandemic. Death comes against the Roman Empire, crucifixion. These days, how through riding in tandem assassins. Death comes through many of our Filipino compatriots are accused falsely of the ambushes. When the slogan is “Kill, kill, kill” then we crime of rebellion when they try to serve the downtrodden should all fear for our lives. Like Jesus, we pray, “Save me and the voiceless? They are given the death sentence by from this hour.” Yes as we enter the week of the Passion, the mere act of red-tagging. A warrant of arrest becomes we do not deny our sufferings. We name them, so that by a death warrant. Thus, the innocents are killed. naming them we can join them to the Passion of the Lord, Jesus is mocked and scourged. Isn’t democracy being remembering that it did not end with the Cross. We will mocked by the disrespect for the due process of law? rise with Christ. MC

Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside instead.

Good Friday at the Vatican will include both the papal liturgy of the Passion of the Lord at 6 p.m. and the Stations of the Cross with Pope Francis at 9 p.m. in St. Peter’s Square.

This year Pope Francis chose a scouting

group from central Italy and kids from a Roman parish to prepare the meditations for this year’s Way of the Cross.

The pope will offer the Easter Vigil Mass on April 3 in St. Peter’s Basilica at 7:30 p.m. and will also celebrate the Easter Sunday Mass at 10 a.m. after which he will offer the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing.CNA

B adaliyya Fr. Jun Mercado, OMI

Short Reflection for Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion (B) Readings: Isaiah 50: 4-7; Philippians 2: 6-11; Mark 14: 1 - 15: 47

Selected Passage: “Those passing by reviled him, shaking their heads and saying: ‘Aha! You would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself by coming down from the cross’. Likewise, the chief priests, with the scribes, mocked him among themselves and said, ‘he saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see

Reflection: The crucified Christ is the powerful symbol of God’s love - ‘greater love than this no one has… to give one’s own life for his friends’. Jesus calls us his friends and we are ransomed from our sins by his blood. The ‘Suffering Servant of Yahweh’ embraced all sufferings unto death that all creation may have life and life to the full. Thus in our sufferings, sins, trials and difficulties, especially this time of Pandemic, we look at the one exalted in the Cross to receive life and healing.

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THE MINDANAO CROSS

March 27, 2021 EDITORIAL

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What is wrong with us Filipinos?

ilipinos are known worldwide to be smart and agile when it comes to performing their duties.

This is what endears Filipino care givers to their patients who are in demand as nurses and caregivers in Europe and the Americas. They can make crucial decisions for the good of all.

However, in implementing the COVID-19 vaccine program, the Philippines seem to lag behind other countries. First, there were questions on why other countries in Asia have already started vaccination while the Philippines is still waiting for the vaccines to come. It was disheartening to listen to explanations that the people in charge were not able to comply with the documentation required, which caused the diversion of vaccine supplies to other countries.

Secondly, when the vaccines arrived, the daily rate at which the vaccinations were done was way below that of other countries; and the computation was that at the rate we are going now, the program will be able to cover all only after two or three years. Recently the issue was on mayors who received the vaccine when they are listed below the priority – meaning, they jumped over those who are supposed to be in the list. This latter issue was provided with flimsy excuse by the mayors which the interior ministry intend to investigate. Such precious time spent on unproductive activities which everyone sees as very politically motivated!

Clearly, the implementation of the program was placed in the hands of officials who are not conscious of the importance and value of time. In a country which boasts of being independent, the officials still tow the line of the WHO which has proven to be at times making questionable decisions.

In this present case, the WHO ruled that purchases of vaccines will only be done through the government.

LGUs and private companies have to go through this protocol to avail of the vaccines. With the slow pace that the DOH is implementing its vaccination program, the private sector is already impatient since their employees also need to be vaccinated. Fortunately, towards the end of this week, the protocol was revised to allow selected commercial establishments to procure vaccines with the approval of the trisectoral council.

Let’s see how this can be hastened since to delay decision making, give the issue for discussion by a council or committees.

At least, there is some improvement here because bringing in the private sector will help hasten the process of vaccination. Of course, we do not disregard the dangers of the program which the fear that the regulatory requirements for the safety of the supplies will not be followed. Another fear is for the price of vaccine to go up considering the excess of demand over supplies. On the other hand, we suspect that allowing the private sector to share in the vaccination program exposes the slow workings of government. Why do we have such slow thinkers in government nowadays?

Where is the fabled smartness of Filipinos during times like this? Are they really part of the “brain drain” which never came back?

Is it true that the highly politicized structure and process of hiring the people at the helm of government is not conducive to fast development? Look at how many qualified and dedicated people were appointed but were not approved by the Committee on Appointments.

Look also at the number of officials who were not qualified but received the nod of the Committee. As many migrant Filipinos who are now working abroad will say …. “Maloloka ako if I stay longer in Pinas”. MC

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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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mid the continuing Coronavirus pandemic and its lingering threat to the National Capital Region and nearby provinces with a renewed surge in cases and new variants being monitored, comes the most highly anticipated and animated season in the Philippines.

Election season is here again.

In a corner in Cotabato City hang tarpaulins of a potential presidential candidate in 2022 masked and flashing the trademark fist salute of the current president. Even as it bears the message encouraging those who see it to stay strong in the fight against the pandemic and hope that it can be overcome, it reeks of politics being in a place so far from the person’s sphere of influence. It smells premature campaigning, though the Commission on Elections says there is technically no such thing as an individual is not considered a candidate until that individual has filed a certificate of candidacy. The COMELEC has set the filing of certificates of candidacy from president down to municipal councilor on October 1 to 8, including weekends.

As early as February, tarpaulins believed to push Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte to run for President in the 2022 elections have sprouted like mushrooms in various areas. It was reported in Cebu City on the last week of February. Streamers the size of cars and made of tarpaulin with oversized letters saying “Run, Sara, Run” were reported seen on highways in Zamboanga de Sur much earlier, February 7. On social media, Facebook in particular, groups have sprouted urging particular individuals to run for office while gathering support from friends and contacts. Even in distant Tulunan town in Cotabato province, tarpaulin streamers bearing the question “banwa o sarili?” baffled residents who suspect politics to be behind the seemingly mysterious hanging of the same.

In the Bangsamoro Region, the question of whether or not there will be parliamentary elections in 2022 still hangs in the balance. The support for the extension of the transition period and with it the postponement of parliamentary elections until 2025 continues to mothball even as some sectors continue to express opposition to the proposal. One thing is sure. Elections for national officials – president, vice president, and senators – congressional representatives, and local posts from provincial governor

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OME people think that by putting the blame on Dr. Najeeb Saleeby for parts of Moro History they don’t like; by zeroing-in on mythology, by downplaying the role and personality of one historical character as a “nonroyal,” one can altogether sum up a different narrative to establish new historical facts.

But No! A part deemed a “myth” instead of allegorical cannot bring all the rest of the facts down. One may say that another’s genealogy is unauthentic and his is genuine, according to some sources one happens to discover wittingly or unwittingly in some foreign land.

One’s supposed evidence is presumed regular and authentic, just because this was purportedly found in another country. A doubter of the Buayan Genealogy can argue much more than repeatedly hitting on one part that one sees in the likeness of a “myth” in a genealogical narrative about the existence of a great ancestress. allegorically appearing from a bamboo. The allegory from the contention of genealogist is that this assumption in the Tarsilan figuratively means one has no known written traces of origin. Second, the evidence of fatherhood is not declared by acknowledgment, because blood exists; that which gushed forth from the wound. Under Muslim law, if one’s fatherhood of a child is not widely known, that relation should be known by public acknowledgment.

But aside from the Tarsilan, numerous historical facts can be the subject of (rational) questioning (or: mere bullying). One such fact is the existence of the Luwaran of Maguindanao. Luwaran is a codified set of laws from different Muslims Schools of Law, mainly Safi-i. But I would rather leave it to any doubting reader to rediscover it from some old manuscripts, and include the role of Maguindanao Sultans in its codification. One can go, criticize and show his book.

Another realm of contention is history itself. The territories of Buayan and Magindanao first gained a place in history when Capitan Esteban Rodriguez de Figueroa killed in 1596 in the Battle of Tampakan in Cotabato, Figueroa was a side-kick of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi.. Figueroa was killed by the brother of Rajah Silongan (grandson of an oft-disputed couple of ancestor and ancestress) when his fleet returned to Kutawato in April 1596 from Sulu where he had conspired with Governor-General Francisco de Sande on the abduction of the nephew of Sulu Sultan Batara Tenga. Tampakan and the “Buhayen” (people of Buayan) were cursed by Jesuit chronicler Antonio de Morgan in his book Sucesos

Talking elections again

Thinking Aloud Carlos C. Bautista caloyb@gmail.com

down to town councilors will still take place. The postponement, if ever, will only affect positions in the regional government or the members of parliament.

With this, the call for the passage of the Bangsamoro Electoral Code continues. The last we heard, the draft code is under study at the cabinet level. Its deliberation and eventual passage by the parliament is awaited by all and sundry in the region. The first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro is a historical landmark, many experts believe, and could pave the way for future electoral reforms in the country. That being the case, many will be interested in what the Bangsamoro Electoral Code will contain, how it will materialize and eventually institutionalize a political and electoral system that is party-oriented and not personality-driven. This is no easy task in a region where not only personality politics but clan politics has had a hold for decades.

Once a postponement of the parliamentary elections is granted, we believe it puts more pressure on the Bangsamoro Parliament to come up with a well-studied and well-prepared electoral code that will truly embody the political and structural changes mandated by the Bangsamoro Organic Law as envisioned by its drafters for the benefit of all groups and sectors in the Bangsamoro Region.

Experts also agree that there is a need for a massive drive to educate the Bangsamoro electorate on the new electoral set-up once the Bangsamoro Electoral Code is passed. This will ensure better understanding and participation. After all, the best safeguard to ensure honest, truthful, and orderly elections, more than the COMELEC or any other election office or election watch group, is an electorate that is well-versed on their role as citizens of a democracy. MC

Where dispute falls, history stands Penlight Nash B. Maulana

nash.penlight@gmail.com

de las Islas Filipinas (Events in the Philippine Islands, 1609). because of the killing of Figueroa..

This was about to become indisputable when three centuries later, Philippine National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal annotated the book of Morga in defence of the Buhayens and Maguindanaons. The annotation of Morga’s book became one of the three subversion charges that Rizal was accused of by Spanish authorities in a military court which sentenced him to die by firing squad on December 30, 1896. The other two charges were the writing of Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.

Maguindanao had become a coastal power, reaching its summit of strength and influence under Sultan Muhammad Dipatuan Kudarat (reign: 1619–1671). In the words of the famous English navigator and explorer William Dampier, “the people here are the greatest nation in the island and, trading by sea with other nations, they are therefore the more civil.” Dampier was in Maguindanao and stayed here for more than six months, from June to December 1686 (A New Voyage Round the World, 1927). Dampier in 1686 met Sultan Muhammad Barahaman, whom he referred to as Almo Sobat (Arabic, Al Mu-Thabbat), and the Sultan’s brother, the Rajah Laut (Admiral).

Listen: The Maguindanao Sultanate attained its glory of power and economic reign during the 17th century when two sultans, Sultan Muhammad Dipatuan Kudarat (1619-1671) and Sultan Muhammad Barahaman (16711699) ruled with a firm hand. They were leaders with the necessary diplomatic skills to use and manipulate the Europeans expansionists: Spanish, Portuguese, English and Dutch, and traded lucratively with the help of their following. They expanded their sphere of influence through building alliances with the datus or local chiefs.. (Ruurdje Laarhoven [1989] in Triumph of Moro Diplomacy: The Maguindanao Sultanate in the 17th Century) MC

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The WORD vs the world

government units in the country is holding on tight to the reformatory needs of constituents. From P32 billion of its 2019 budget apart from so-called block grant it went up to P75 Charlie Señase csenase@yahoo.com billion this year.

Thus, the Office of the ONEY is indispensable that Chief Minister under MILF Chair Al-haj seems the world can’t live Murad Ebrahim has been mobilizing without but for the “precious all its regional offices led by Rapid and few” to disagree in exchange for Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence what they believe and treasure the most. (READI) to attend to the dire and What’s there in money or world’s reformatory needs of constituents. currency that man has to labor at times To stop once-and-for-all so-called in blood, sweat and tears to survive the “ghost projects” and other irregularities, rigors of life’s uncertainties?

BARMM has scheduled separate Reality is, we all need money but weeklong training among engineers and should treasure priceless things that planners of the Ministry of Public Works money can’t buy. For the love of money on the use of road network mapping is the root of all evils (1 Timothy 6:10). operation through the Geographic Monetary experts agree that indeed Information System with participation money is of the essence in war or in of local officials. The trainings aim to peace, and much more in the world help the Commission on Audit and other politics where greed for power and anti-fraud groups to check if public supremacy persist buoyed up by pride, works projects were truly implemented envy and self-love. and not just in papers.

The presence of several Chinese Shamelessness persists to people vessels in the West Philippine Sea without delicadeza that extortion, graft has been construed as provocative and corruption abound. that National Defense Secretary has Just this week, a police station called for its immediate recall as commander in Zamboanga City with a Asian neighbors are worried about its rank of a major was arrested along with increasing number of 200 which China his four fellow cops in an entrapment claimed to be fishing vessels. operation for extorting P90,000 from Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin, a businessman allegedly involved in Jr. has formally filed a diplomatic illegal drugs. protest in order to appease all concerned Like erring lawmen, more and on China’s apparent aggression to more Moro and communist extremists intimidate or provoke the Philippines reportedly surrendered with their and nearby countries. The presence of firearms to Mindanao authorities saying Chinese maritime militia within the they have been doped to believe that Philippine waters is seen to undermine fighting government through violence peace and security in the region. would liberate them and their loved ones Call it China’s encroachment into from socio-economic difficulties. our territorial sovereignty and integrity At least 12,000 displaced residents after it’s donation of 600 doses of Sinovac from their atrocities in Maguindanao and additional 400 vaccines more have been provided assistance by expected anytime this week. Whatever BARMM-READI and LGUs said Army intent there is, hidden or not only God Major General Juvymax Uy, commander knows with prudence not to be overcome of 6th ID and Joint Task Force Central. by evil but overcome evil with good.

Who’s dead or who’s alive is not ours And it appears the Bangsamoro to know one’s fate or destiny except the transitory governance with huge all-knowing God Almighty, who is the budget compared to all other local First and the Last. MC

True to Form

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COVID-19 Fatigue, a Father’s Lament

dad’s EA, and made life so pleasant under the circumstances we all face because of the pandemic.

Pondering and lamenting over the extraordinary turn of events, Henry Victoria R. Franco, RPh, MS Pharmacy Sy Jr., President of the franco1573victoria@gmail.com SM group of Companies, admits to his brokenness. e can say that this pandemic He wrote: of worldwide proportions is The proud man that I was, was a great equalizer. Both rich focused on 3 things of this earth. 1) and poor countries are not spared Money which always was my concern from its scourge. The affluent, the 2) Relationships- perhaps my intense privileged, the poor and deprived, attachment to my family was also educated, uneducated are not spared. another form of idolatry 3) Prestige Even doctors, nurses, caregivers -I took pride and satisfaction in and frontliners, no particular type accomplishments and being the best of individuals are safe from this at what I do. devastating virus.

At this moment, I cannot see and Soon to walk down the aisle, a understand why the Lord took her 29 year old lady is the latest fatality home at this point in her young life, of COVID-19. Jan Catherine Sy, the but God’s message to me these past eldest child of Henry Sy Jr., was few days is clear-”to trust Him with careful to avoid being contaminated all my heart, not to lean on my own with the virus especially because she understanding, but in everything and was living with her elderly parents. all ways to acknowledge Him.” She tended to them, got them their Yes, Jan was never mine to begin exercise gears bikes and helmets, with. She was loaned to us for 29 skated with beside them on their years and what a beautiful gift she daily walk; driving them whenever was from God. Her desire was for needed; encouraged them to swim, all to come to know her Savior Jesus herself a disciplined health buff and Christ, as she did when she accepted athlete. She was joyful,and kind and His free gift of salvation (Ephesians patient and most wonderful to be 2:8-9) through the forgiveness of all around even as she prepared for her her sins...through the Cross, believing wedding to Jack. in the finished work of Christ Jesus.

According to the initial reports we (John 19:30) learned about, she had been suffering

By God’s grace and compassion, He from stomach ache which she treated allowed us to speak to Jan moments with pain killers to relieve her, afraid before she was incubated and she said to go to the hospital for fear of taking she was ready to meet Jesus giving a home the virus to her household. When double thumbs up and then pointing the pain had become intolerable, she to the sky saying “with Jesus” acceded to be taken to the hospital.

Meanwhile being here on earth, Despite transfusions, antibiotics and the pain of separation, as sudden the services of specialists, she did and frightening as it was, is real and not make it through. It was too late unbearable. If not for, the grace of as sepsis, or blood poisoning took her knowing God’s promises, and the love life. and prayers and support of the body of Jan, since she was a little girl Christ, we would be completely lost. was the one who would keep asking He gives, He takes, my heart will me to come with her to church, choose to say LORD BLESSED BE said father Henry. She became her THY NAME. Job 1:21 MC

The Stuff of Life

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March 27, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Need vaccines for COVID-19?

manufacturers according to rigorous standards. The COVID-19 vaccines are tested in a broad population of people – not only young, physically fit volunteers, but also older people and Prof. Marino Ridao people with underlying ridaomarino@yahoo.com.sg health conditions. After accines can prevent infectious deployment, the vaccines diseases. Vaccines do prevent will continue to be carefully monitored for measles, polio, hepatitis B, safety and effectiveness. (How safe are influenza and many others. When most the COVID-19 vaccines? Source: https:// people in a community are protected by www.ema.europa.eu/ Google) vaccination, the ability of the pathogen to spread is limited. This is called ‘herd’ Monitoring of adverse events or ‘indirect’ or ‘population’ immunity. following immunization When many people have immunity, this Monitoring of adverse events also indirectly protects people who cannot following immunization (AEFI) is an be vaccinated, such as those who have essential strategy for ensuring the compromised immune system safety of vaccines. An AEFI is any untoward medical occurrence which How COVID-19 vaccines work? follows immunization. The adverse Vaccines greatly reduce the risk of event may be any unfavorable or infection by training the immune system unintended sign, abnormal laboratory to recognize and fight pathogens such as finding, symptom or disease but does not viruses or bacteria. Most research on necessarily have a causal relationship COVID-19 vaccines involves generating with the usage of the vaccine. A serious responses to all or part of the spike AEFI is an event that results in death, protein that is unique to the virus hospitalization or prolongation of an that causes COVID-19. When a person existing hospitalization, persistent receives the vaccine, it will trigger an or significant disability or incapacity, immune response. If the person is congenital anomaly/birth defect or is infected by the virus later on, the immune life-threatening. At the time of vaccine system recognizes the virus and, because introduction, all countries should have it is already prepared to attack the virus, an AEFI surveillance system in place protects the person from COVID-19. as described in the Global Manual on Surveillance of AEFI1. All AEFIs should How safe are the COVID-19 be reported using the standard COVID-19 vaccines?

AEFI reporting form using the fastest T h e s a f e t y r e q u i r e m e n t s f o r means possible. Source: 1 https://www.

COVID-19 vaccines are the same as who.int/vaccine for any other vaccine and will not be Companies may use various lowered in the context of the pandemic. approaches to reduce development Safety trials begin in the lab, with timelines, such as: mobilize more staff tests and research on cells and animals to analyze results from studies more first, before moving on to human quickly and map out next steps in terms studies. The principle is to start small of resources, funding and regulatory and only move to the next stage of strategy combine clinical trial phases or testing if there are no safety concerns. conducting some studies in parallel where Clinical trials are evaluating COVID-19 safe to do so. Companies are expanding vaccines in tens of thousands of study manufacturing capacity and largeparticipants to generate the scientific scale production, to facilitate vaccine data and other information needed to deployment without delay once approved. determine safety and effectiveness. These (This is partial report from WHO EPI. clinical trials are being conducted by WIN enfodemic, Google) MC

Math and Science

V

Introducing Innovations….

Market Driven

experts have a longer list while others keep to broader categorization.

Let us use the most basic ones. Innovations can be improvement or changes in products (or services), Danny Buenbrazo change in processes, or danny_buenbrazo@yahoo.com a change in the business ne of the shortest but strongest model. quotes that matter in business An example of innovation in products is “innovate or die.” There is no is the introduction of the “inverter” absolute consensus on who really coined technology for air-conditioning units this powerful quote although it is often and refrigerators. This has led to more associated with management guru Peter energy efficient appliances that help Drucker. consumers significantly reduce their The all-important message of the electrical bills. saying is: a business must always be Innovation in business processes ahead of the pace of change, otherwise include automation of certain tasks. the firm could see losing market share A relative engaged in selling chicken or, worse, close shop for good. barbecue recently showed me a video As places develop and connectivity of how they take out the feathers of f a c i l i t a t e s f a s t e r m o v e m e n t slaughtered chicken using a machine of information, people, and goods, bought from Luzon. Instead of doing the competition for business stiffens. The task for 2 hours, it now just takes them current pandemic puts more pressure a few minutes to clean up to 50 pieces on business enterprises as operation of chicken. becomes difficult with restrictions on Innovations involving business movement, rules on social distancing, model are more radical changes. Good and disruption of the supply chain. examples are business entities that Business entities need to be much better adopted franchising system instead with the range and quality of their of operating all outlets directly. products or services, managing costs, Franchising allowed them to grow marketing, among others. faster and increase their reach without The need to innovate does not only the need to physically go and manage all concern the profit-oriented organizations. new outlets or branches.

Non-profits or more popularly know as Innovations can be make-or-break Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) decisions and undertaking, thus, an must also be a cut above the rest to organization must be clear on certain survive the competition among their important points. ranks for funding. An NGO must be First, what will be the scope of the able to expand its portfolio of services Innovation? The extent of the innovation or clearly show the donor community must be clearly defined. its constant improvement in program or Second, who will introduce and project implementation. manage the Innovation? Top management Wait. What exactly is an innovation? should ratify the proposed improvements The most basic definitions include: “ and assign someone to manage it. a new method, device, or idea” or more Third, how much should we spend simply, “something new.” Innovation to implement the planned Innovation? can also refer to “the application of sound There must be a clear limit on what could or practical ideas that would lead to the be spent for an improvement project. introduction of new products, services, or Fourth, what if the Innovation does processes.” The most important outcome not produce the desired results? This for the innovation is either higher sales is related to the previous question. If and income plus business stability. the targeted result is not happening or There are differing opinions on expected to happen, put an end to the the types of business innovation, some innovation project. MC

O

Army, PNP tapped to fight darkness...from P1 Rafael Abrogar II, director of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority – Region 12 (TESDA-12), said the agency trained several soldiers and policemen for its Project TALA or “TESDA Alay ay Liwanag at Asenso.”

Project Tala is an initiative that seeks to install solar panel systems in impoverished, off-grid remote villages in the region.

He noted the AFP and PNP personnel will become master trainers on the installation of solar panel systems in remote off-grid areas in the region, after completing a three-day workshop by TESDA experts.

“We are at war, but this is not the

war of bullets and arms. This is a war against poverty and against missed opportunities in far-flung areas in the region,” Abrogar said in a statement.

Abrogar said the trained government troops will augment TESDA’s pool of trainers on solar power installation to reach 2,000 households in the region that wanted to avail Project TALA. The project was launched last year in remote Sitio Blit, Barangay Ned in Lake Sebu South Cotabato, benefitting at least 600 households, data from TESDA-12 showed.

The beneficiaries were educated first on photovoltaic installation and

maintenance before they were given the solar panel system by the agency.

Abrogar noted that before the AFP and PNP personnel underwent a threeday trainer’s training, they merely served as security escorts during TESDA-12’s Project TALA outreach.

Last January, TESDA Secretary Isidro Lapeña visited Sitio Blit and lauded the region’s initiative, which is aligned with his directive to bring the government closer to the people and to defeat the communist insurgency in the area.

Sitio Blit, populated by the T’boli tribe, was lighted after seven decades of darkness.

“When will this conflict end, it has become a...from P1

find solution, a permanent solution because this is happening repeatedly in our town,” Bainot said.

She gave a pseudonym because she has relatives among the BIFF.W She asked: “When will this conflict end, it is avoidable but still happening, why?” Her questions remained unanswered.

In a brief interview at evacuation site in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Bainot said mothers are the most affected in this situation.

“First we cannot move freely because of the pandemic, second we experienced recurring floods in our communities and then we have this armed hostilities, it’s too much to bear for a mother,” Bainot said.

And she feared for the evacuees’ health situation because physical distancing is actually not being observed.

“Look around, many are not wearing masks,” she said.

Bainot and Sampato were among the thousands

7

THE MINDANAO CROSS

March 27, 2021

of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who emptied their homes with their valuables when government security forces and Moro rebel group, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Barangay Kitango, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

Lieutenant Colonel John Paul Baldomar, speaking for the 6th Infantry Division, many residents have already evacuated the night before the firefight, March 18, “because they saw the BIFF in their village.”

Skirmishes between the soldiers backed by armored personnel carriers and some 50 BIFF erupted at 10 a.m. on March 18.

The soldiers were verifying reports by civilians about the massing of BIFF in Barangay Kitango and have plotted to attack a Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST) outpost in the village.

A JPST outpost is being manned by composite teams from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front

(MILF), Army and police who were deployed to function as peacekeeping forces to ensure the security of residents within the six government-acknowledged MILF camps.

As of Tuesday, Baldomar said 14 BIFF have been confirmed dead and 25 others wounded.

Three soldiers were injured in the day-long firefight that erupted on Bangsamoro Freedom Day (March 18) in Barangay Kitango, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

Baldomar said the slain BIFF were immediately buried by their comrades according to Islamic rites.

He said the number of BIFF fatalities was verified and counter-checked with the village officials, military informants and former BIFF who now work with the government after their surrender.

The Army also reported that the BIFF fired at several homes to divert the attention of the Army’s 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade.

“They used a birthing

Office of MP Saliga holds a dialogue

COTABATO CITY — The Office of Member of Parliament Romeo C. Saliga hosted a dialogue between the Timuay Justice and Governance (TJG) as Indigenous Political Structure (IPS) together with different Indigenous Peoples Organizations (IPOs) of the Tëduray and Lambangian tribes on March 24, 2021 in Greenhills, Awang, DOS, Maguindanao in pursuit of deliberating important means and ways as to where they could help one another for the realization of their aspirations.

In attendance were members of the Timuay Justice and Governance including Teduray-Lambangian Youth and Student Association and Ingëd Fintailan, and Indigenous Women Resource Center.

MP Saliga called for the unification of the IPS and its IPOs, so they would be able to push through their agenda and walk on the same path. He as well encouraged the participants to support the swift passage of the various legislative measures he filed. Mel Antonette Amando

clinic as launching pad in trading bullets with the Army,” Baldomar said, adding that when the BIFF felt the Army was overpowering them they hurriedly left and set the clinic ablaze.

But the BIFF denied the military fatality status.

Abu Jihad, BIFF spokesperson, speaking over a local radio station, denied his group suffered 14 fatalities.

“We only had three martyrs (fatalities) and seven injured,” Jihad said in the vernacular.

The conflict have dislodged some 5,000 families or 25,000 and are now housed in various evacuation sites in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Mamasapano and Shariff Aguak, according to the Ministry of Social Services and Development (BARMM) of the Bangsamoro Region.

Joining the MSSD in extending food and nonfood items are the BARMM Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (READi), the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) and Health Organization for Mindanao, Oxfam and CO Multiversity (COM), among others.

MSSD Minister Atty.

Raisa Jajurie said other than food and non-food aid to displaced families, MSSD personnel have been providing psychosocial interventions to affected families.

"During the displacement, we have provided other programs para masigurado na ligtas ang mga bata, mga nanay, at kababaihan, katulad ng psychosocial interventions for their mental health," Jajurie said.

"Ang panawagan namin sa ibang ahensya at ministries na maghanda, dahil kung tumagal man itong kaguluhan ay handa tayo na magabot ng assistance sa mga apektadong pamilya," she said.

Being trans on Women’s Month

by Valerie Ann P. Lambo WHO counts as a woman? Is there some set of core experiences distinctive of womanhood, some shared set of adventures that every woman will encounter on her journey from diapers to the grave? Debates over experiences of women gives us new reason to return to a question feminist have been grappling with for decades.

This year's National Women’s Month Celebration serves as a tribute, a platform, and a call to action that highlights the extraordinary roles of ordinary Juanas in the society as trailblazers and harbingers of change. This celebration is also a venue to discuss and address the issues that women continue to face so empowerment can be fully achieved. The campaign is also a call for concrete, sustainable, and inclusive actions towards gender equality.

With all that women bring to the world, one day is not enough to celebrate them. However, the focus that this celebration provides also draws attention to the plight of lesbians, bi women, and trans women in our society.

Born a boy, Mikhai Jover, 27, knew from an early age certain parts of her body didn't belong to her.

“My being a transgender woman is not a choice. No one forced me into this. In fact, it’s there all the time,” said Mikhai.

A study from the University of Washington has proven that there are transgender people who become aware of their true gender as early as childhood, even without knowing the terminologies or politics of it. But this self-recognition does not necessarily translate to recognition from others, which results in some awful years growing up.

A registered nurse and government employee, Mikhai learned about the category of transgender women on social media, through a Facebook group called Trans Pinay and hormones.

“When I was growing up, I do not like the changes that puberty is causing my body. I felt uncomfortable and done trying to fit in. Eventually, in 2013, I started researching and understanding my identity. Gradually, I began transitioning as a woman in 2014 through hormone therapy,” she said.

According to the University of California Transgender Care, feminizing hormone therapy is used to induce physical changes in your body caused by female hormones during puberty (secondary sex characteristics) to promote the matching of your gender identity and your body (gender congruence). There are four areas where patients can expect changes to occur as hormone therapy progresses — physical, emotional, sexual, and reproductive.

“I am fortunate to have a very supportive family who, to understand me more, educated themselves about the changes I am going through. I did not have to come out because they’ve always known,” she said.

Mikhai, who belongs to the Teduray tribe, said she never felt a slight discrimination and bigotry from her tribe and their community. “They have treated me with utmost respect,” she said.

Prof. Stuart A. Schlegel, a missionary cultural anthropologist and specialist on the Philippines, wrote that one striking example of Teduray cultural beliefs and values concerning sexuality was their casual assumption that all people were free to choose the gender they would like to be.

"With no notion of male superiority, there were no gender politics and men had no turf to defend. If you were born a boy, but would rather be a girl, no problem; just think, dress, and act like a girl and you are one! Not like one, but a genuine girl. I could easily have missed how radically different their thought about this was from what I knew in America, had an extraordinary incident not opened my eyes," said Schlegel in his essay entitled 'On growing up a boy in America' on February 25, 2015.

At least 50 transgender or gender nonbinary individuals have been murdered across the country since 2010. There is currently no national legislation that would protect LGBTQ individuals from discrimination in the Philippines, although the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) Bill would see those who discriminate against LGBTQ individuals in the Philippines face fines or jail time.

“The road to acceptance for transgender women is a long and arduous path. It's a story that often goes untold. Transgender women bearing the emotional burden of society not accepting them for who they are. It’s 2021, let’s all work together to change this narrative,” said Mikhai.

The current debates over trans women bring us back to the question of what set of core experiences supposedly make someone who was assigned female at birth a “real” woman.

Is it menstruation or childbirth? Nope — lots of women don’t experience those, either by fate or by choice. What about being subject to sexual violence and harassment? Trans women face as much if not more sexual violence than cis women.

"We should be celebrated not because of our labels but simply because we're human. As humans, we automatically coexist in the communities with each other," Mikhai said.

Oblate store opens in Hong Kong...from P1

coming from the 2 parishes of the Oblates, OMI youth ministry and from the schools where OMIs are presently working. At present, five volunteers work in the store every single day.

The store sells brand new and used items, such as: clothes, kitchen wares, bags, shoes and stationeries. These are donations coming from generous individuals who shared the same vision with the OMIs in helping the poor.

Now, the Oblate store receives regular donations from different individuals and families. With a monthly rent of HK$12,500, the store is gaining confidence that it will generate income to pay for the expenses. Aside from the Oblate store, they also have online selling of furniture, washing machines and other gadgets.

Fr. Kalisz and Fr. Serna, are very optimistic to the success of the project due to the support of all the Oblates in

the China Delegation including the four schools where OMIs are assigned, OMI Parishes, Missionary Association of Mary Immaculate (MAMI), OMI YOUTH, and other mission partners.

In the future, they are planning hire a fulltime staff to join with the volunteers. For now, Fr. Serna is the store manager while Fr. Kalisz is the store supervisor. The store is open on Monday to Friday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. And on Saturday and Sunday the store is open from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

“Hopefully, the Oblate store will create consciousness to the community where people will take care of each other. That they may see the beauty and importance of giving and helping others. And through this project, hopefully, more people will get involved and become part in our ministry as they buy and donate to expand our reach of helping the poor and those in need,” Fr. Serna said.

8

March 27, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

‘Manisan ka Palimbang’:

TAPATAN SA OBLATE MEDIA

MYRNA JO R. HENRY OPERATIONS CHIEF BARMM-READI

The United Nations estimated that over 40 percent of the half a million humanitarian workers globally, who provide frontline care during emergencies, wars and disasters, are women. Women are also increasingly at the forefront of improving health for conflict-affected populations through service delivery, education and capacity strengthening, advocacy, and research. Myrna Jo Henry, the operations chief of the Bangsamoro government’s Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence, has led humanitarian efforts in the region since 2013.

For 30 years in the government service, she began her career in the ARMM at the time of Candao administration at the region’s Bureau of Public Information. Born and raised in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat, she finished Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication at the Holy Cross of Davao College.

She is a single mother to her only son, loves playing candy crush, and a self-declared plantita.

Moving on from a terrifying past

PALIMBANG, Sultan Kudarat — After six decades, this coastal town is having its first government–owned “high-rise” concrete building, a two-story edifice facing the Celebes Sea.

Fronting the Palimbang Green Palace, the town’s guesthouse worth P10 million, is also the newly-constructed baywalk, a P3 million facility now becoming the premiere destination of local residents and tourists for sunset viewing and evening promenade.

The Maguindanaoan phrase “Manisan ka, Palimbang” conspicuously dot the baywalk. It means “Palimbang is beautiful.”

Both the guesthouse and the baywalk are located along the highway in Barangay Baranayan.

Mayor Joenime Kapina initiated such development projects, said the P100million local government compound will also be rising in the vicinity.

The local government has been using the municipal hospital in the Poblacion area to serve clients after the town hall

was razed by fire in 2014.

The inauguration of the Palimbang Green Palace and the groundbreaking of the 14-hectare local government compound was conducted on March 22, with Sultan Kudarat Gov. Suharto Mangudadatu leading the event.

Mangudadatu distributed 40 units of 150 cc motorcycles to each of the town’s barangays. The provincial government of Sultan Kudarat funded the purchase of the motorcycles.

With the signs of progress and the relatively peaceful condition in the municipality after decades of violence, Kapina said that local tourists have started flocking to Palimbang.

Palimbang was the site of the infamous Malisbong Massacre where about 1,500 male Moros were killed by government

forces in 1974, many of them inside the mosque in Barangay Malisbong, two years after the late President Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law.

The used to be “battle ground” for Moro families locked in “rido” (clan war).

“Before, when 5 p.m. strikes, you will seldom see people in the streets due to the fear sown by lawless elements. When I took over the helm two years ago, I strongly advocated the need to stabilize peace and order. Even if it’s just a minor quarrel between families, we immediately fix them (to prevent rido),” he told The Mindanao Cross.

“Now, Palimbang is generally safe and peaceful and tourists from Region 12 have been coming in to explore our beaches and waterfalls,” he added. Bong

Sarmiento

The major challenges in the kind of work we have include security, handling the displaced families, and the support from local government units. With security, if it's well-coordinated, there is no problem. The mandate of the office is immediate response within 72 hours. The first response is coordination. Without proper coordination with all security forces, there is no movement on our part. That is how important coordination is. Internally displaced persons (IDP) are becoming a challenge during relief operations. These people, understandably, are hungry and traumatized. We had an experience before when one of our rescuers had to chase an IDP for stealing relief goods. It turns out that the IDP has with him a bolo so our rescuer had to draw back and let him run away. In this kind of operation, our number one rule is safety first. If you think you're at risk, don't do it. Support from the local government units becomes a challenge when they are not communicated well. Thus, communication is the key to success.

Our office has a contingency plan or disaster risk reduction and management plan for armed conflict, human induced and natural disasters. But since coronavirus caught us off guard, we have yet to make a contingency plan for a global pandemic. However, the region was quick to respond to these needs. A week after the declaration of lockdown, BARMM convened for a contingency plan. Now this plan is being used in the whole region.

The respect is always present. I have never been treated less nor disrespected. In fact, I feel safe knowing I work with skilled rescuers. I always make sure to listen to them. Ask for their suggestions and from there, we'll meet halfway.

I never felt the need to prove my worth to anyone. I don't think they will give me a task if they do not trust me. Also, it’s important that I know who I am working with and they know who I am too.

I'm tired of hearing 'women cannot do what men can'. Women today have proven that we are capable of doing the things men can.

With all due respect to the President, women can be president. We learned in school that family is the basic unit of the society. And mothers are the light of the family. For some households without fathers, it is the mothers who juggles both responsibilities of the parents. So, if women can lead a house, she can lead a nation too.

Know the field of your work. Be strong. Always be ready. Trust that God has a plan for you and always ask for His guidance.

Interview by Valerie Ann P. Lambo

SIGN THAT PEACE IS AROUND. A baywalk in Palimbang, Sultan Kudart that is facing the Moro Gulf is becoming favorite local tourists’ destination, especially during the time when the sun sets.

Bong Sarmiento

10-member armed gang gives up

TEN gunmen identified with a slain mayor included in President Rodrigo Duterte’s list of narco-politicians surrendered to the police Thursday.

The group, led by Andih Anso, turned over assorted firearms, including a .50 caliber Barrett sniper’s rifle to Major Gen. Albert Ignatius Ferro, director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, during a simple surrender rite in a police camp in Cotabato City.

Anso also turned in three live riflepropelled grenades and two 40 millimeter grenade projectiles.

Anso said they decided to yield through the intercession of two officials of the CIDG-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Major

Esmael Madin and Col. Tom Tuzon, and Lt. Col. Cyrus Belarmino, CIDG’s provincial officer for Zamboanga del Sur. Ferro said credit for the surrender of Anso and his companions has to go to the local government unit of Parang and its municipal police force.

Anso and his nine followers were all from Parang, Maguindanao.

“They do not have criminal cases so there is no problem helping them get back to mainstream society to start life all over again,” Ferro said.

Ferro said Anso and his men were followers of a former mayor who was killed in an anti-narcotics operation in Cotabato City about three years ago. John

Felix Unson

Abu Sayyaf bombers yield to Army THREE confessed bombcouriers of the Abu Sayyaf terror group in Basilan surrendered and pledged allegiance to the government, the military said Wednesday.

Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. of the Western Mindanao Command said the three gunmen, whom he identified only as Jallim, Aman, and Salim for their safety, yielded on Monday through the backdoor intercession

of Army officials in the province.

The three men, all from Lamitan City in Basilan, turned in an M16 assault rifle and two .30 caliber M1 Garand rifles to Lt. Col. Freddie Calosing, commanding officer of the 68th IB, during a simple surrender rite Monday.

Vinluan said Jallim, Aman and Salim together pledged allegiance to the government through the efforts of Calosing

and Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway, commander of the 101st Infantry Brigade that has jurisdiction over Basilan’s 11 towns and two cities, Isabela and Lamitan.

The three men, who renounced their membership with the Abu Sayyaf before officials of the 68th IB, shall assume new names as they get reintroduced to Basilan’s mainstream society. John

Felix Unson