The Mindanao Cross | April 10, 2021

Vol. LXXIII| No. 9| Cotabato City | Saturday, April 10, 2021 |8 Pages | P10.00

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14 Reds yield to Army in Sultan Kudarat

CHURCH / P4

Pope Francis to Filipinos: Keep and share the faith

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BARMM has new police director

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

KAGAWAD, FRONTLINER DIE AFTER ANTI-COVID VAX

By Williamor A. Magbanua

MATALAM, North Cotabato – Village officials and residents in a remote village here have underwent isolation and quarantine after a health worker and councilor separately died after getting anti-COVID-19 vaccines.

Ebeneger Fiolog, chairperson of Barangay Kibia, Matalam, identified the village official as Berlin Laroza, 58, who died at the Cotabato Provincial Hospital in Barangay Amas, Kidapawan City.

A COVID-19 rapid test on Laroza after she died turned out to be positive. This alarmed village officials, residents and her immediate family.

Fiolog said that based on the statement of the victim’s son, her mother had coughs and complained of body pain after she was vaccinated on March 25.

Kenneth Laroza, however, clarified that the family was not blaming the vaccination as the cause of her death.

Councilor Laroza has been cremated and her ash is now in the custody of her family.

Fiolog and other village officials are on isolation.

Barangay Health Worker Emily Salimbag, 51 also died on March 28, three days after getting anti-COVID-19 shot.

Her daughter Florelyn Salimbag,

MORNING PRAYER. Muslims here and around the globe start observing the Holy Month of Ramadhan, either Monday or Tuesday, depending on the day the crescent moon is sighted

Photo courtesy of Mark Cristino

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BARMM mourns demise of Evelyn M. Estorquia

By Edwin O. Fernandez

THE Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has lost a hardworking, willing to work on daily overtime without additional compensation in the person of Evelyn Mat-an Estorquia.

Estorquia, 48, more known among her subordinates and superiors as “Mam Eves,” breathed her last and peacefully joined her Creator on April 5.

She is the chief administrative and finance officer of Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (READi), an emergency response unit of the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao.

“She spent a well-lived life in serving God, her employees and the Bangsamoro region. Her public service will continue to serve as an inspiration to all. Godspeed and Vaya Con Dios, Ma'am Evelyn,” a statement from BARMM READi said.

As action woman, Estorquia works silently and away from publicity.

BARMM Interior Minister Naguib Sinarimbo, Mam Eves’ immediate superior, described her as smart and witty, dedicated servant who is “willing to work on daily overtime without additional compensation, no complains, and above all, when a task is given her, you can consider it done.”

Sinarimbo said he and Mam Eves served together during the Marawi crisis. She and h e r team of disaster responders “stayed with us in the capitol during t h e

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Evelyn M. Estorquia

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DID YOU KNOW?

BARMM funds 6th ID COVID-19 isolation facility

Ramadan

Ramadan is observed in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar where Muslims across the world fast from dawn to dusk, pray, and give alms.

By John Felix Unson

Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is meant to cultivate self-discipline and direct one’s heart away from distractions, as well as to cleanse one’s soul by freeing it of impurities.

The meal that Muslims consume at dawn before fasting begins is called suhoor. The breaking fast meal is known as iftar.

Lanao Sur tightens travel protocols amid rising COVID-19 cases

By Nash B. Maulana

PROVINCIAL authorities have tightened protocols of entry to any part of Lanao del Sur for land, air and sea travelers.

This developed as reference medical bulletins of the Provincial Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) of Lanao del Sur posted the highest number at 39 active Covid cases, as of 4:00 p.m. on April 7, officials said.

In a resolution, the Provincial IATF of Lanao del Sur adopts stricter measures for travelers to the province amid imposition of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in the National Capital Region within a-month duration of April 1-30, 2021.

Lanao del Sur Governor Bombit Adiong

said the Province’s IATF Resolution No. 1 Series of 2021 took effect on Monday April 5.

Adiong said Provincial IATF resolution “provides for New Travel Protocols for Travelers from all ports to routes of entry to the Province of Lanao del Sur, during the General Community Quarantine.”

Dr. Aleen Minalang, head of the Integrated Provincial health Office (IPHO), said the resolution notes that the Provincial IATF Bulletin has posted the highest number of Covid cases in a day in the province with 22 active cases as of 4:00 p.m. on April 2, 2021.

Adiong, who also heads the Provincial IATF, said “henceforth all travelers (except

for APOR –Authorized personnel Outside Residence), including locally stranded individuals (LSI), and Returning Overseas Filipinos (ROF) from places considered highrisk areas outside Lanao del Sur shall be required to present a negative RT PCR Test taken at least three days prior to travel by land, air and sea via any port accessing Lanao del Sur. The locally legislated new protocols of travel included as “ports accessing Lanao del Sur” such public facilities as the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the Ports of Manila and “other ports used by travelers to Lanao del Sur from places identified as

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PERSONNEL of the Army's 6th Infantry Division shall soon have an exclusive isolation facility for frontliners who may get sick of COVID-19 in line with quarantine enforcement duties.

The facility will rise inside Camp Gen. Gonzalo Siongco, the home of the 6th ID. Major Gen. Juvymax Uy, 6th ID commander told Mindanao Cross this week that the Bangsamoro regional government released on March 29 an initial P5.6 million tranche for the facility.

Abdullah Cusain, BARMM assistant executive secretary, said the regional government has earmarked P11.2 million for the project.

Cusain turned over to Uy last March 29 two checks with a total amount of P5.6 million to jumpstart the construction of the health facility.

A number of soldiers under 6th ID were infected with coronavirus in recent months, apparently contracted while enforcing anti-COVID-19 quarantine regulations in support of containment programs of local government units.

“The officers and troops of 6th ID are happy with this support from BARMM. We need this facility where Army personnel infected with COVID-19 can be confined and monitored by our physicians,” Uy said.

Uy was thankful to BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim for providing the funds.

He said personnel of the brigades and battalions under 6th ID are also grateful to BARMM Public Work Minister Eduard Uy Guerra and to lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, who is at the helm of the Bangsamoro local government ministry, both project proponents.

Uy said the facility shall also be open to civilian employees of the division and dependents of 6th ID’s uniformed personnel.

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April 10, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

14 Reds yield to Army in Sultan Kudarat

MILITARY authorities believed the New Peoples’ Army (NPA) has been losing grounds within the area of operation of the 6th Infantry Division with the series of rebel surrender.

A total of 14 NPA guerillas with highpowered firearms surrendered separately to the Army’s 603rd and 601st brigades in the towns of Kalamansig and Isulan, respectively.

Colonel Eduardo B Gubat, commander of the Army’s 603rd Infantry Brigade, said the combined Community Support Program (CSP) teams of 37th and 57th Infantry Battalions have successfully convinced the rebels on the benefits of yielding to the government.

After weeks of negotiations the nine rebels formally turned themselves in and surrender during ceremonies held in Sitio Tinapakan, Barangay Datu Ito Andong and Sitio Nursery, Barangay Sta Clara, all of Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat.

Gubat said the former rebels were under West Daguma Front, Far South Mindanao Region (FSMR) operating in the mountains of Sultan Kudarat, part of Maguindanao and part of Sarangani.

“These personalities revealed that they are members of Milisyang Bayan and were brainwashed by a certain Edgar Kandi in joining the Communist Terrorist Group,” Gubat said.

“They surrendered to clear their names from any involvement in the unlawful activities of the NPA and to start living again a normal and peaceful life with their families,” Gubat added.

The former rebels turned over 10 shotguns and one homemade cal. 38 revolver.

On Tuesday, five NPAs surrendered to the Army’s 7th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Kalawag, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

“This is manifested in the series of surrender including their political instructor and four members,” Lieutenant Colonel Romel Valencia, 7th IB commanding officer.

They were members of Sub-Regional Committee Daguma, Far South Mindanao Region and they turned over three Cal. 30 M1 Garand rifles, one M14 converted to Springfield, and one M79 Grenade Launcher.

Among those who surrendered was a political instructor of Local Guerilla Unit 1 of Sub-Regional Committee Daguma, FSMR, according to Brigadier General Roy Galido, 601st Infantry Brigade commander.

Galido was elated with the series of surrenders and commended the combined efforts of community support programs of the troops that led to the successful surrender of rebels in Sultan Kudarat.

Major General Juvymax R. Uy, 6th Infantry ‘Kampilan’ Division commander, said the series of surrenders manifested the waning and eventually the defeat of the communist terrorist group in Sultan Kudarat and the entire area of operations of Joint Task Force Central (JTF Central).

Uy, JTF Central chief, also disclosed that since January 1 this year, a total of 37 NPA members already surrendered to 6th ID. Edwin O. Fernandez

Matuber Bridge project accomplished

THE construction of the 75-meter Matuber Bridge in Datu Blah Sinsuat, Maguindanao was a “dream-come-true” for Muslim, Christian and Teduray communities who stand to benefit from the infrastructure.

The 13 barangay chairpersons in the seaside town in the first district of Maguindanao were convinced it will boost the local investment climate, with the seat of the local government unit, Barangay Pura, now accessible to potential investors.

T h e b r i d g e connecting both banks of the Matuber River was launched last April 3 by representatives from the Bangsamoro government, led by Chief Minister

Ahod Ebrahim.

The construction of the bridge, started in 2018, was first bankrolled by the then Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and, subsequently, continued by the newly-established Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

One of the guests to the symbolic launching of the bridge, Major Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, said it would be easier now for personnel of 6th ID and the 2nd Marine Brigade of the Philippine Navy to reach Barangay Pura for humanitarian missions.

Datu Blah Sinsuat Mayor Marshall Sinsuat told reporters after the

bridge was opened to traffic that town officials were grateful to the BARMM government for the completion of the project.

“This is so important for us, for the local business sector and for all residents in our 13 coastal barangays,” Sinsuat said.

Before the bridge was completed, residents can only reach Cotabato City, the capital of BARMM, either by boat and small motorized outrigger watecrafts before.

Minister Ebrahim was accompanied

by Regional Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo and Architect Eduard Guerra, BARMM’s public works ministry. John Felix Unson

BARMM opens new COVID facility at 105-year old Sulu hospital

THE Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has opened Monday a new isolation facility in Jolo, Sulu for local infection patients of the corona-virus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan hosted BARMM officials representing Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Al Hadj Murad Ibrahim for the opening of the 100-bed capacity COVID-19 isolation facility.

Notably, the 21st century facility forms an annex to and now stands at the compound of the 105year old Sulu Provincial Hospital. The hospital was established in Jolo capital by the American Administration of the Department of Mindanao and Sulu on November 5, 1916.

Lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, BARMM

Minister of the Interior and Local Government said the facility was constructed by the region’s Ministry of Public Works out of the Quick Response Fund (QRF) of the Ministry of Health (MoH).

Ibrahim sent Sinarimbo and MPW Minister Eduard Uy Guerra to represent him in the opening of the facility and turnover rites.

Tan is a vocal critic of BARMM, rating it at lower ‘2’ in a scale 1-10 during a live podcast interview last February with Fr. Eliseo Mercado Jr. However, under the Muslim culture, no one speaks of differences in any event that one party in a conflict reaches out to the other.

Sinarimbo made emphasis on quick response in the region’s fight against the dreaded pandemic which changed the landscape of human dealings and community

engagement.

Phase 2 of the rehabilitated Jolo Port was also inaugurated and turned over to the local government, Sinarimbo said.

Guerra said he and Sinarimbo also broke ground for the construction of two barangay hall buildings in Barangay Takut-Takut and one in Barangay Chinese Pier funded by the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG).

“The barangay hall in Takut-Takut was burned last year and I committed to the barangay chair when i visited them a day after the conflagration that I will rebuild it. We fulfilled that commitment today,” Sinarimbo said.

“We were received and warmly welcomed by the Governor of Sulu, Sakur Tan. Over several cups of "kahawa sug" ministers

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DATU BLAH SINSUAT MUNICIPAL BUILDING PROJECT. Bangsamoro officials, Maguindanao Vice Gov. Lester Sinsuat and Mayor Marshall Sinsuat together launched on April 4 the construction of the P25 million worth municipal hall building in Datu Blah Sinsuat.

John Felix Unson

NOW OPEN TO TRAFFIC. The P108 million worth Matuber Bridge in Datu Blah Sinsuat, Maguindanao was inaugurated and opened to traffic April 4.

Photo Courtesy of Avila Abobakar

BARMM mourns demise of Evelyn...from P1 most difficult days of the siege.”

“She is also perfect at anticipating works. A large part of the efficiency demonstrated by the Bangsamoro READi in responding to COVID-19 was because of her ability to preposition goods and mobilize our team,” Sinarimbo said.

“Anything I need, any action I require, it’s considered done,” he said of Mam Eves’ work attitudes.

When Sinarimbo told her READi is sending aid to earthquake victims in North Cotabato, “the next day our assistance is already in Kidapawan.”

When Sinarimbo informed her READi is sending aid to Taal eruption victims, “the next morning the trucks are already in front of the Office of the Chief Minister ready for dispatch.”

When Sinarimbo said alerted her that READi was sending a solidarity mission to Tandag City following a typhoon, “the next day the goods are already on its way to Surigao.”

He repeatedly lauded Mam Eve’s ability to anticipate what is to be done, timely and correctly.

“She is the person who genuinely looks after the welfare of her team.

She will go out of her way to help her staff,” he said adding that his last conversation with Mam Eves “was about her request to provide food assistance to our employees for Ramadhan.”

Bangsamoro Member of Parliament (MP) Amir Mawallil described Mam Eves as “one of the few who, when you encounter her along the way — the pathways, in the office building —she always has the spirit to smile

and engage in brief conversations.”

MP Zia Alonto Adiong said: “She helped us make sense of a then inexplicable situation, and continued to be generous with her time and effort as we worked towards the recovery and rehabilitation of Marawi City.”

Sinarimbo said: “Rest then Mam Eves, you have served our people well.

Indeed, from God we belong, and to Him we shall return.”

Republic of the Philippines Province of Cotabato City of Kidapawan Local Civil Registry

Republic of the Philippines Province of Cotabato City of Kidapawan Local Civil Registry

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A Act No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that Elizabeth U. Duran has filed with this office a petition for change of First Name from REMEDIOS to ELIZABETH in the birth certificate of Elizabeth EballesUnabia who was born on January 7, 1963 at Kidapawan, Cotabato and whose parent are Marcelo A. Unabia and Remedios S. Eballes .

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

In compliance with R.A No. 10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that Felmar P. Maragañas has filed with this office a petition for change of sex from Female to Male in the birth certificate of Felmar P. Maragañas who was born on 23 May 1994 at Perez, Kidapawan, Cotabato and whose parent are Feliciano T. Maragañas and Zenona P. Paga.

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

(Sgd) Raul A. MALALUAN City Registrar MC: Apr. 10 & 17, 2021

(Sgd) Raul A. MALALUAN City Registrar MC: Apr. 10 & 17, 2021

April 10, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

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Bismillahi Rahmani Raheem I join my fellow Muslims here in Cotabato City and around the world as we celebrate and observe the Holy Month of Ramadan.

A year has passed since we have been under quarantine because of the COVID-19 pandemic and indeed, our lives have never been the same since then. But no matter the challenges and difficulties that we had faced, I hope that we will still remain grateful to Allah (SWT) because we are still here and we are surviving.

It is in my prayers this year that our country will rise above this ordeal and that our people will become stronger than the virus, In Shaa Allah.

To my fellow Cotabateños, let us spend this Holy Month reflecting on the lessons that the pandemic has brought. Let us pray for more determination and will to help our frontliners in our continued fight against the deadly virus.

And lastly, let us not forget to ask Allah (SWT) to always guide us and keep our city safe from people who wish to do it harm.

To my brothers and sisters in faith, may we all have a meaningful, prayerful, and safe celebration of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Sigay Ka Cotabato City!

ATTY. FRANCES CYNTHIA J. GUIANI–SAYADI City Mayor

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April 10, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Pope Francis to Filipinos:

Keep and share the faith

THE Philippines has formally opened the yearlong Jubilee on Easter Sunday with a call from Pope Francis for Filipinos to keep sharing their faith with others even amidst life’s challenges.

In a video message in Spanish, he thanked the faithful “for giving witness to that fortitude and confidence in God who never abandons us”.

The pope recalled his visit to the country in 2015 particularly his Mass in Manila’s Luneta Park with a massive attendance of about six million people.

“You are generous. You are bountiful. You know how to celebrate the feast of faith. Don’t lose that even in the midst of difficulties,” Pope Francis said.

“In those highly participated meetings, you showed us that this gift of faith you have received…

You say that you want to continue sharing it, and proclaiming it to all,” he said.

The leader of the world”s billion Catholics said the Jubilee Year is an invitation to thank God for the “gift of faith”.

“And I am a witness that you know how to transmit the faith, and you do it well, be it in your own country or abroad,” he said.

3 mysteries of faith In his 7-minute message, he also shared three “mysteries of our faith”, which according to him, characterize the Christian roots of Filipinos: “Nazareth, the Cross, and Pentecost”.

Contemplating on Nazareth, he said that Sto. Niño, which is the symbol of the arrival of Christianity

in the archipelago, “brings us back to the hidden life of the Holy Family in Nazareth”.

By opening their doors to the child Jesus, he said that Filipinos are able to transmit to their children the faith which they have received from their parents.

“Thank you for the profound sense of family, of community, of fraternity, which keeps you united, which keeps you firm in faith, joyful in hope, prompt in charity,” the pope said.

“All of you, pilgrim people of God in the Philippines, pastors and faithful, are also people who know how to accompany Jesus, the Nazarene, along the way of the Cross,” he said.

Pope Francis then reflected on the many difficult moments that Filipinos suffered from earthquakes, typhoons, volcanic eruptions and the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic.

But in spite of “all the pain and devastation,” he said that Filipinos have known “how to carry the cross and to continue walking.

“You have suffered much but also you have risen up one time after another,” he said, as he asked Filipinos “to continue working, reconstructing and helping one another”.

Pentecost, on the other hand, “is the point of arrival and on the other side, it is the new beginning”.

All of Mary’s greatness as a Christian, the pope

said, can be traced to the fact that the Holy Spirit came upon her, and she lived in the presence of God. “Mary has always been with all of you. She is the Mother who never abandons. She has accompanied you until here. And now we ask her to intercede for this new Pentecost of the Church in the Philippines,” he added.

‘Don’t be afraid, you’re not alone’ The 84-year-old pontiff also invited Catholics to draw inspiration from the country’s saints, San Pedro Calungsod and San Lorenzo Ruiz, as they continue their mission.

He said that the two saints, who are catechists, knew how to give freely what they have received freely: “life and faith in Jesus”.

“Do not be afraid. You are not alone in this mission. You are accompanied by two great saints of your land,” the pope said. “Keep going! The Pope accompanies you.”

Sunday’s activities include the opening of the “Jubilee Doors” in all the cathedrals and opening of the quincentennial celebration in parishes across the country.

The celebration will be concluded with the holding of the 2nd National Mission Congress in Cebu City in April 2022. Roy Lagarde/CBCP NEWS

CBCP vows to abolish “arancel system” CHURCHGOERS in the Philippines rejoiced last week when they read a pastoral statement from the Catholic bishops’ conference vowing to abolish the “arancel” system — the practice of giving a fixed stipend to priests for church services.

The conference said on Jan. 28 that the system “can be a hindrance for the poor to receive God’s grace and blessings.”

After collecting the church “tariff” for centuries, Philippine bishops have finally decided to abolish it.Subscribe to your daily free newsletter from UCA News It was imposed during the early years of Spanish colonial rule when Spanish missionaries fell short of the funds needed to build

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churches in the newly colonized Las Isla de Filipinas, as the Philippines was then known.

Money from Spain took years to arrive. Missionaries needed to look for alternative sources of funds to continue their missionary work. As a result, the arancel system was instituted primarily to supplement revenue derived from church estates.

In poor parishes, a system needed to be in place to ensure a continuous flow of funds. To rely on fluctuating donations with fixed expenses for electricity and water, among other things, would be a bane to apostolic work.

The system has become the norm. Filipinos have developed the consciousness that church services need to be paid for. Every sacrament

has a corresponding church fee.

But times have changed.

And our bishops are very much aware of it. They even quoted Scriptures in their pastoral statement to support the arancel abolition: “Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give” (Mt. 10:8).

More than citing the Bible, they have realized that the system itself is anti-poor and has become an obstacle to many people receiving the sacraments.

The number of couples living together without the Sacrament of Marriage has grown significantly in the Philippines. Couples choose to live together without having a church wedding because they think they are extremely expensive. UCA

Weddings in some Philippine Catholic churches have become unaffordable for many Filipinos.

NEWS

he past days of the 11:1). Faith is on another week within the level above empirical and octave of Easter, scientific evidences. Just the liturgy focused on the like Thomas in the gospel, various appearances of the we can be caught in doubt Lord after his resurrection. and we seek the evidences of These appearances were the senses. Once we see, we summarized by Mark (Mk. no longer have faith, rather 16:9-15). Jesus first appeared we have knowledge. When Rev. Fr. Antonio P. Pueyo, DCC to Mary Magdalene, then to we are in God’s presence we tonypoy_dcc0@yahoo.com the two disciples on their no longer need faith or hope, way to Emmaus. He then appeared to the Eleven while what remains is love. they were having their meal. In this Sunday’s gospel There are however aids to grow in our faith.

Jesus again appeared to His disciples with doubting We seek to study and know more about what we Thomas present. It was on this this occasion that Jesus believe. The traditional adage says, “faith seeks said to Thomas, You became a understanding.” For example, although believer because you saw me. Blest we have not seen God, but our faith in are they who have not seen and God is strengthened by our rational have believed” (Jn. 20:31). understanding that everything that Thomas was the epitome of exists must have a beginning or a an empiricist. He had to see the creator. In the Catholic tradition, we tangible evidences. He had to touch have ongoing catechesis to help the the wounds of Jesus. He could not baptized mature in their faith. Prayer trust the words of his friends that and worship also strengthen our faith.

Jesus was risen. He had no faith in We come to prayer in faith and there the testimony of his brothers. He may come privileged moments when had to see for himself, and so Jesus we experienced a closeness to God. appeared for him especially. Jesus We sense that we are loved accepted cared for him and did not want to and forgiven. These are religious leave him to his disbelief. Faith experiences that connect us to the in the human level involves confidence and trust in deeper reality of life. Liturgy is a community activity another person. This trust grows with the experience of where our faith is strengthened by the faith of our own the trustworthiness of the other person. We have faith family of believers through worship. in somebody’s word and promises when he consistently We need faith in these trying times. Faith gives us lives up to them the courage to face trials and tribulations. It gives us On the spiritual level, faith is trusting in God. It is the firm conviction that no matter what happens, God a gift and an initiative from God. Faith is a human act in His own way takes care of us. When we walk in faith and we come to faith and we grow in faith by the grace rather than by sight we let go of our fears and face the of God. Faith is not just knowing and believing in the challenges that life throws at us, knowing that the only “articles of the faith” or but a commitment of one’s whole thing that really matters is obeying God’s will. Yes we being to this spiritual reality we call God. Because God have reasons to fear in these times of COVID-19 but is spirit we cannot see nor touch God with our senses. As we can be paralyzed by fear and despair or do whatever the letter to the Hebrews says, “faith is the assurance of we can to bring love, cheer and hope. These times are things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Heb. the test of our faith. MC

Growing in Faith

REFLECTIONS

Faith is not just knowing and believing in the “articles of the faith” or but a commitment of one’s whole being to this spiritual reality we call God

Photo courtesy of Angie de Silva / UCA NEWS

B adaliyya Fr. Jun Mercado, OMI

Short Reflection for the 2nd Sunday of Easter (B): Divine Mercy Sunday Readings:

Acts 4:32-35; 1 John 5,1-6; John 20,19-31

Selected Passage: “Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” (John 20:29)and believe’.” (Mark 15: 29-32)

Meditation: Believing is not a question of seeing and touching. It is a question of TRUST! We believe in the testimony of the apostles and disciples – the companions of Jesus.

They saw and believe that Jesus is truly RISEN from the dead.

This is the faith handed over by the apostles and disciples from one generation to another. It is the same faith handed by our parents from generation to generation. We do believe that the Resurrection of Jesus is the testimony that in the end, we, too, shall be victorious over sin and death. The Divine Mercy Sunday proclaims the RICHNESS and the BOUNDLESS MERCY of God!

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THE MINDANAO CROSS

April 10, 2021 EDITORIAL

The ChinesePhilippine Imbroglio

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ven with the COVID-19 pandemic going on in the Philippines and other parts of the world, another problem came as a detraction to our government busy with controlling the pandemic.

This is the appearance of approximately 200 Chinese boats in the West Philippine Sea., specifically in the Burgos Reef.

There is reason for the Philippine government to be concerned with the boats that China claimed were there “to seek shelter from the storm”.

This is because China has a historical record of invading and annexing Tibet due to its strategic and economic location. It serves as a buffer sone between China on one side and Indida, Nepal, and Bangladesh on the other side. It provides added level of security plus military advantage. Claiming Tibet to be part of China, it invaded Tibet in 1950 although Tibet is an independent country. This resulted in over 1.2 million Tibetans killed, 6,000 monasteries destroyed and thousands imprisoned.

The Dalai Lama, the political and spiritual leader of Tibet fled and establish a govt in exile in India.

Tibet was not ruled by the Chinese government prior to the 1950 invasion.

On the other hand, the West Philippine Sea is an area strategic to maritime trade, and is said to be rich in oil and other minerals. A number of countries has laid claim to the area, with the Philippines awarded by the International tribunal making a landmark decision granting the Philippines sovereignty over waters extending 12 nautical miles from its coast, and control over economic activities in waters on its continental shelf which includes fishing, mining, oil exploration and the construction of artificial islands.

This UNCLOS (UN Convention on the Law of the Sea) decision was not accepted by China and instead built artificial islands in the Scarborough Shoals and were observed to harass Filipino fishermen who have been fishing in the area. The latest violation was the positioning 200 military boats in the area.

These actions by the Chinese government was clearly a strategy to impose sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea. The funny thing is, it donated millions of COVID-19 vaccines to the Philippine government to help in its pandemic program.

The donation was questioned by many Filipinos because it came at a time when the sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea is in question.

But can beggars like us reject a donation which spells life and death to many Filipino citizens? Remember that the country recently experienced a surge on the incidence of COVID-19 cases, and has been criticised for moving so slow in responding to the pandemic. Considering that the Phil. President initially was hesitant in confronting China because of his “friendship” with the president of China? Since the China is already known as a “bully” in world history, what can we do about it? Filipinos may be known for producing bright and highly intellectual people, but what is our advantage over the Chinese? The government should have an in depth analysis of how it has responded to these concerns that is facing the country at present. Let the “Chinese imbroglio” give our laid back officials a lesson on how to respond to situations like this. MC +

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

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SD not ASF is the bane of the Philippine hog industry, an official of the Pork Producers Federation of the Philippines opined. Spelling out ASD as “Agriculture Secretary (William) Dar,” ProPork vice president for Luzon Nicanor Briones, interviewed by veteran broadcaster Noli De Castro in his program Teleradyo Balita Thursday morning, said the Department of Agriculture’s proposed importation of an additional 350 million kilos of pork at lowered tariffs, saying it will kill what’s left of the local hog industry. It is not ASF, which stands for African Swine Fever, that is killing the industry, but ASD or Agriculture Secretary Dar himself. The same is happening to the entire agriculture sector, said Briones, rice farmers and corn farmers included.

Briones was apparently referring to the situation that both rice and corn farmers have been complaining about for years, nay, decades even: how the government’s audacity to rely on importation as a solution to price and supply woes has continuously been their bane. RA 11203 or the Rice Tariffication Law which aims “to provide affordable prices for consumers, coupled with the goal of raising the income of palay/rice farmers” has only benefitted importers and traders who realized a P57.5 billion windfall during the first year of the Rice Tariffication Law, while farmers lost P40 billion worth of income, according to Raul Montemayor, the national manager of the Federation of Free Farmers.

As early as last month, Briones has said that increased pork importation at lower tariffs will lead to a further decline in hog numbers already decimated by African Swine Fever as this could discourage growers from rebuilding their herds.

Briones said many hog raisers will choose to cease operating if they are forced to compete with more pork imports, defeating the purpose of various ongoing efforts to rebuild hog numbers and risking another supply crisis.

Fifteen groups of hog raisers and other agriculture organizations wrote to President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday asking him to revoke the DA’s proposal to import an additional 350 million kilos of pork at lower tariffs and instead urged him to allot funds instead for biosecurity measures to prevent the further spread of the African Swine Fever. They also asked Duterte to declare a state of calamity and allot a budget to

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LONG-TERM development partnership on Cotabato City’s expansion is shaping up with Japan’s International Cooperation Agency (Jica).

What we thought as a mere outline presentation of the city’s master development plan, comes out broad and elaborate in more terms than development projection by-sector. Possible risks in natural disasters are all factored in.

A JICA team backed by home-grown experts have gone far-and-wide as it unveils technical foresights of west- east- and southward expansion from the city’s old nucleus of commerce and trade—which had been largely waterway route-based economy.

Northward, is a vision of economic complementation of the Timako Port for a ro-ro (roll-on-roll-off) terminal to and from nearby trading centers and Cotabato City, says my good neighbor in this MC Op-Ed page, market analyst economist Danny Buenbrazo on the Second Stakeholders’ Meeting held at the Pagana Pavilion on March 30.

In about east of Timako, a massive housing program is drafted with roofed-in solar power panels linking all housing units in parallel connection to produce some 3.0 Megawatt of clean energy from hybrid power supply system. The cost of development for this sector alone is estimated to the tune of Billons of Philippine Peso—and even numerically bigger in Japanese Yen. Timako also has great potential for ecotourism development, Danny and I also note. Engineer Maria Adela Fiesta, the City’s Development Planning Coordinator, presented the outline of the project during the meeting Cotabato City Administrator Dr. Danda Juanday says investors’ confidence is more evident in the city’s growing economy and the untiring efforts in JICA’s support to crafting and implementing of Urban Infrastructure Development in Greater Cotabato City.

‘ASD not ASF’

Thinking Aloud Carlos C. Bautista caloyb@gmail.com

address the outbreak and help the hog industry recover.

But on Wednesday, Duterte signed an executive order temporarily modifying the rates of pork import tariffs in a bid to address supply shortage caused by the ASF outbreak. Executive Order 128 said that the current 30 percent to 40 percent tariff rate for imported pork will be restored after the 12 months. In his order Duterte said: “There is an urgent need to temporarily reduce the Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff rates on fresh, chilled or frozen meat of swine to address the existing pork supply shortage, stabilize prices of pork meat, and minimize inflation rates.”

What short-term good or long-term damage this move will bring remains to be seen in the coming months. Already a given is the fact that it will benefit pork importers in the same way that the Rice Tariffication Law has benefitted importers and traders. It will meanwhile mean a loss of some P11.5 billion in revenues according to the estimate of Senator Francis Pangilinan. The senator noted that this means less financial support for hog raisers who have been bearing the brunt of the ASF. We are reminded here again of what former Agriculture Secretary and now Mindanao Development Authority chief Emmanuel F. Piñol said on how bad economic fundamentals and deeply embedded colonial mentality embraced by our economic planners and policy makers have caused our economic woes. “Our economic foundations are weak because we have relied on external interventions and factors for our growth and development. The obsession for Foreign Direct Investments and the craving for imported goods are the clear manifestations of the colonial economic mindset of our policy makers.”

Indeed, this is what we see now in what the country’s economic managers and policy makers are doing to address the hog problem. MC

The Greater Cotabato City of the near future Penlight Nash B. Maulana

nash.penlight@gmail.com

Dr. Nasreen Sinarimbo, who presented the transport development plan for the JICA Team, was more specific in the direction of roads development and of crisscrossing streets to provide long-term solution to the ever growing volume of traffic in the city.

Usui Shunji Sang, environment and social consideration specialist, assures the city’s development stakeholders that environmental concerns and general social welfare are and will always be primarily factored-in in the JICA team’s projections of the city’s socio-economic future in terms of expansion and modernization through urban infrastructure development.

The Polloc Freeport, although situated in Parang town, and is outside the city, will continue to be the seaport terminal for bigger volume of shipment, in complementation with the city’s own Timako Wharf, as projected in the technical forecast of the JICATeam’s multi-pronged urban development studies on Greater Cotabato City.

Also to lighten the increasing air passenger traffic from and to Cotabato City and neighboring areas, the Awang Airport Terminal Building is being proposed to be transferred to the opposite section of the aircraft ramp area (about northeast of the present terminal building), in order to widen the airport apron area or the flight line. This will open up construction of a new road, inward from the national highway, parallel to the present-day access road to the Awang Terminal. MC

6

Time is but a dream

Know this by heart that to end-up in hell is our second death but to merit heaven is life eternal.

Christ has spoken that the dead will hear His Charlie Señase voice and those who are csenase@yahoo.com dead will live. The Father EOPLE are dying and many are has given His Son the turning back to faith, hoping and authority to judge the whole human praying to end the global health race. That those who have been good malady that as of midweek took the will have life’s resurrection while lives of nearly three million of which condemnation awaits the evil ones the Philippines contributed 13,435 (John 5:26-29). dead.

It’s good to know that state A yearlong pandemic in COVID-19 government and affluent sectors are seems to prolong the agony in countries actively reaching out to dire needs with soaring number of cases that of depressed communities. A timely has reached the 132 million mark gesture in these trying times when worldwide. corruption and lawless violence still Death is inescapable and often persist. unpredictable irrespective of persons In Maguindanao, the provincial whether rich or poor, young or old, government has provided farm and learned or unschooled. livelihood assistance to 177 former This week we grieve the loss of B a n g s a m o r o I s l a m i c F r e e d o m Evelyn Estorquia, 48, the amiable Fighters, an MILF breakaway group and energetic Administrative Officer that turned into violent extremism. and Finance Chief of BARMM-READI, The aid consisted of 40 motorbikes, 12 an emergency response agency of the farm tractors, 13 motorized banca and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

131 assorted farm implements.

With or without COVID-19, people Another noteworthy public service die in God’s appointed time. And accomplishment was the formal opening this holds true to our veteran media of the P106-million Matuber Bridge in colleagues Philippine Daily Inquirer Datu Blah Sinsuat, Maguindanao. desk editor Guiller de Guzman, 72, The project is seen to boost economic and Manila Bulletin assistant editor- activity, said BARMM Chief Minister in-chief and former press secretary Ahod Ebrahim after the municipal Crispulo Julio Icban, Jr., 85. Both government has availed its Internal wrote 30 on April 3 and April 4, Revenue Allocation along with 10 other respectively.

BARMM towns.

Whatever profession or endeavor Murad, who used to be MILF w e a r e i n t o m u s t b e d e a l t w i t h vice chair for military affairs, also propriety and integrity. For anything announced an on-going housing project that emanates from the heart is truly to poor communities in Abdullah genuine and whatever is sown we will Sangki, Maguindanao. The envisioned surely reap.

50 housing units will be permanent Time is of the essence to prepare for core shelters to former comrades and the hereafter – to reform and repent for their respective families. life’s misdemeanors. Some may wonder Lesson-learned that the race is not and ask: What really is life all about? to the swift nor the battle to the strong, “ F e a r G o d a n d k e e p H i s nor bread to the wise nor riches to men commandments. For God will bring of understanding, nor favor to men of every work into judgment, including skill. But time and chance happen to every secret thing, whether good or them all. For man does not know his evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). time (Ecclesiastes 10:11-12). MC

True to Form

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local government chairman Francis Tolentino said that due to Maguindanao’s size, it had become a challenge for the provincial government to,provide basic services, like public Victoria R. Franco, RPh, MS Pharmacy health care, education, and transportation to the franco1573victoria@gmail.com most remote villages. (news report from Rappler). heers to the citizens of Palawan!

In Panama, the Panamanian They all went out to cast their votes in a plebiscite to divide Government gives to its citizen who Palawan three ways. It was a good try are COVID-19 positive this “wellness for the politicians, the folks out there package” consisting of: Acetaminophen said NAY. Winning in 19 out of 23 or paracetamol (an analgesic,anti municipalities, the “ no “vote garnered inflammatory) , 500 mg 1 tab every 172, 304 against the “yes” vote with 6 hrs for 3 days; Loratadine 10 mg 122,223. One proud Palawanon, my (antidiarrheal)1 tab every 12 hours, for 5 friend Myrna Lim couldn’t contain her days ; Zinc 50mg (mineral supplement)1 excitement over the results, she’s all tab per day for 7 days; Aspirin (anti over social media. Madam Myrna was clotting) 1 tab per day, 15 days; born in the much touted paradise Colon. Ivermectin 6 mg (anti virus) 1 tab every Closer to home, Maguindanao 12 hours for 2 days; Vitamin C 500 mg may soon be divided into 2 provinces, and Vitamin D 2000 mg, 1 tab per day M a g u i n d a n a o d e l N o r t e a n d for 7 days; Azithromycin (antibiotic ) 1 Maguindanao del Sur. The Senate tab a day for 5 days.

And, while the world is on a vaccine approved on final reading last March 09 , seeking to divide Maguindanao, part frenzy, the Indian government is of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region distributing a home COVID-19 kit with in Muslim Mindanao. Maguindanao Zinc, Doxycycline and Ivermectin, the del Norte will be composed of the total cost of which is $2.65 per person.

Clearly, both governments have municipalities of Barira, Buldon, Datu Blah Sinsuat, Datu Odin Sinsuat. figured it all out long ago. This week, K a b u n t a l a n , M a t a n o g , N o r t h e r n an “epal “congressman , probably trying Kabuntalan, Parang, North Upi, Sultan to ingratiate himself to his constituents Kudarat, Sultan Mastura and Talitay. was going to distribute Ivermectin to It’s seat of Government will be Datu his constituent in his district, for free.

Odin Sinsuat. Maguindanao del Sur No, no, no....you cannot just do that. will be composed of Ampatuan, Buluan, FDA’s director General Rolando Enrique Datu Abdulla Sanki, Datu Anggal Domingo says, 1) that medicine is an Midtimbang, Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, anti parasite for dogs; 2) there are no Datu Montawal, Datu Paglas, Datu clinical trials to support it’s curative P i a n g , D a t u S a l i b o , D a t u S a u d i effect on COVID-19 conducted here in Ampatuan, Datu Unsay, Gen. Salipada K. the Philippines; 3) and if it is already Pendatun,Guindulungan, Mamasapano, here, it will be considered contraband, Mangundadatu, Pagalungan, Paglat, smuggled-probably through on line Pandag.Rajah Buayan, Sharif Aguak, purchases 4) He also warned the public Sharif Saydona Mustapha, Sultan sa not to take ivermectin saying taking Barongis, Talayan and South Upi. It’s animal drugs can cause harm. Doctors and pharmacists are saying, while the seat of government will be Buluan.

The Senate adopted the bill that drug is cheap, can be bought from the House Representatives passed in June pharmacy, the medicine for the dogs are 1, 2020. The measure will be up for not suitable for humans. It could also President Rodrigo Duterte’s signature. cause damage to the liver or kidneys of In a press release, Senate committee on humans. MC

They did it!

The Stuff of Life

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April 10, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Older persons right to health

breakthrough illness, truly financial sustenance becomes a big problem.

The good news is, more and more senior citizens are now educated to advocate active aging. Active aging is Cheridine P. Oro- Josef, M.D., DFM, FPAFP, FPCGM a recommended way of life cheridinemd@gmail.com for older persons to minimize decline in functionality. Active hey’re called many names nowadays aging requires adopting a healthy lifestyle aside from ‘matanda’. People call through exercise, proper body mechanics, them ‘gurang’, ‘amoy lupa’, ‘tanders’, balanced diet and regular physician consult. ‘alagain’ , and label them as if aging is Even in old age, older persons have a synonymous to the adjectives ‘mainipin’, right to proper health. To exist in this world ‘mabagal’ and ‘makulit’. These labels reflect for as long as the body can take is a basic how society views the elderly. As if, aging human right. does not come to everyone.

One of the concerns of in this regard People age and this is inevitable. We is that Filipino senior citizens do not meet have to remember though that aging does their daily protein requirement which not start at 60, we age from the moment we leads to dental problems. Senior dental were born. Each of us has to go through the problems can be as common as dry mouth cycle of life and eventually reach fullness in or such severe cases as periodontal disease. old age. As in any decade of life, our bodies People suffering from severe periodontal undergo physiologic changes and there are disease may double the risk of fatal heart distinct changes when we age. Although disease. Tooth infection has the potential these changes do not come at once nor in the to cause bacterial endocarditis. This is same manner to everyone, we all have to be an inflammation of the heart valves and ready to face the challenges of old age. At tissues due to bacterial infestation. middle old age (around age 70-79), changes People in their old age are at higher in vision and hearing become prominent. risk for malnutrition. One of the reasons for The taste buds decrease and we have to such is ill fitting dentures. Bad dentures can be considerate when our grandparents be a culprit in poor nutrition among older start to be choosy in the food they eat or in persons. Older persons lose their natural their preference for salty and sweet, these teeth when their jaw bones start to shrink are normal physiologic changes. The lung due to aging. The jaw bones continue to and heart function declines as well as the ‘remodel’ itself leading to improper fitting musculoskeletal system. Even the immune of dentures. Many times, older persons system goes down making older people complain that their dentures no longer fit vulnerable to infectious diseases. There is them well, it starts to become ‘slippery’ so some form of cognitive impairment in old they start limiting the kind of food that age and this should not be called dementia. they eat. Chewing becomes an ordeal, add After all , Dementia is a disease, it does not to that the embarrassment of not being able come with old age. All these physiologic to munch meat and hard food during parties changes need a lot of medical care and or festive occasions. support from the family as well as society.

Another social issue affecting dental The big problem is the way people view care is that Senior parents are hesitant the aging population. Although many are to ask money from their children for their respected for their obvious contributions to dental health. They endure the difficulty society and are consulted for their wisdom, and the discomfort of not having the a great many are abandoned and left proper denture and eventually they become on their own. In my various encounters malnourished. It is advisable that older with the senior citizens, one of them said, persons look into their dental health as their biggest problem is money. With well as they take good care of their physical the many maintenance medications to health. Sometimes, oral problems are control pathologic diseases and address sources of metabolic problems. MC

Golden Threads

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Planning for Development….

with the planning process and the realization of programs and projects?

There are several factors that we can point to that explains the Danny Buenbrazo difficulties encountered danny_buenbrazo@yahoo.com by the Philippines and its local government units he planning practices of countries and local government units is one in having an effective planning and of the key determinants of the implementation system.

One of the culprits is the lack of extent and pace of their development.

Compared to the other ASEAN continuity in the national leadership. member-countries, the Philippines In the last 3 decades, most of the sitting struggles in following a long-term administration were not succeeded by a plan. On paper, there are long-term person or party that were aligned with development plans, but implementation the President that is leaving office. is an entirely different matter as Thus, the next administration do not subsequent administrations tend to totally accept the long-term plans left change the priority programs and by its predecessor.

In the case of neighboring countries, projects, as well as the mode of ruling parties reign longer in office and implementation.

T h e c u r r e n t a d m i n i s t r a t i o n are able to make long-term plans and has apparently placed security and carry out most of the programs and infrastructure as its topmost priority projects that they have committed to w i t h i t s a c q u i s i t i o n o f m i l i t a r y undertake. The People’s Action Party hardware, increased allocation for (PAP) of Singapore, for example, had intelligence gathering, and the “Build- been in power since the 1960s. Malaysia Build-Build” program. We don’t hear also had its share of long-serving much of a comprehensive industrial administrations such as that of Prime development plan: what industries Minister Mahathir.

The three-year term of local would be developed in the next 20 to officials also hinders the preparation 30 years.

There had also been shifts in the and implementation of long-term preferred mode of financing for projects. development plans for provinces, cities, During the time of President Gloria and municipalities. This is especially Macapagal-Arroyo until the Aquino true for LGUs where there are several Administration, there was a strong political contenders for the leadership liking to the Public-Private-Partnership positions. Elected officials in these (PPP) arrangement for large projects LGUs have just more that a year to wherein private sector funds are utilized prepare plans as they have to brace for for public sector infrastructure projects. the next election on their second year However, the current administration in office.

Third, plans tend to center more on prefers to finance project using public funds rather than through the PPP infrastructure development and less approach. China’s role as a source attention is paid on serious economic of loans and Official Development development planning. Infrastructure are more visible, thus, more attractive to Assistance (ODA) has also risen.

Singapore and Malaysia usually do for elective officials as they can point have development plans that span thirty to these when they run for re-election.

(30) years, and both are generally able It is the more urban cities and provinces to adhere and execute the programs and that are able to put high priority to projects that they have laid out in their economic development plans such as respective national development plans. investment and industry promotion, Why does the National Government as well as, tourism promotion and and the local government units struggle development. MC

Market Driven

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Kagawad, frontliner die after...from P1 a nursing student, also clarified that they don’t blame the vaccines as the culprit in her mother’s death. She has chronic hypertension and died of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

cerebrovascular accident or accident.

Board Member Philbert Malaluan, provincial IATF spokesperson, said

Notice is hereby given that the late DWIGHT EDWARD GARRIGUES, who died April 1, 1972 in Matuber, Upi, Maguindanao, left parcels of land Lot No. 1 and Lot 2 of plan H-101989, situated at Bo. Matuber, Awang, Cotabato, containing the total area of 230,178 sq. mts., more or less, covered

by TCT No. (RP-1501 (N.A.) RP-580 are the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with waiver of rights before Notary Public Atty.

Jeremiah C. Completano, CPA as per Doc. No. 93; Page No. 19; Book No. XVI; Series of 2006.

Notice is hereby given that Edgar T. Miclat of Brgy. Kisupaan, Pres.

Roxas, Cotabato kept the original copies of Original Certificate of Title Nos. P-52438 and P-52439, both registered in the name of his father, the late Pablo Miclat, Sr. The said land titles were misplaced and nowhere to found despite of diligent effort exerted to locate it and therefore, were considered lost before Notary Public Vicente C. Mondragon as per Doc. No. 449; Page No. 90; Book No. 115; Series 2021.

AFFIDAVIT OF LOSS

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that Edgar T. Miclat of Brgy. Kisupaan, Pres. Roxas, Cotabato, owner of Lot. No. 52, Gss-12-000020-D under OCT No. P—52428 and Lot No. 63, Gss-12000020-D under OCT No. P-52425. The said Original Certificate of Titles were misplaced and nowhere to found despite of diligent effort exerted to locate it and therefore, were considered lost before Notary Public Vicente C. Mondragon as per Doc. No. 31; Page No. 7; Book No. 118; Series 2021.

Notice is hereby given that late PAUMETO PEÑALOSA, who died on October 30, 2015 at Pigcawayan, Cotabato, left a parcel of land Lot No. 9, CCS-12-000195-D, situated at Cabpangi, Libungan, Cotabato covered by Katibayan ng Orihinal na Titulo Blg. P-63168, containing an area of 25,716 sq. mts., more or less is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous deed of absolute sale of a portion of land before Notary Public Noel A. Gretare, CPA as per Doc. No. 953; Page No. 106; Book No. LXXIII; Series of 2021.

MC: Apr. 10, 17 & 24, 2021

MC: Apr. 10, 17 & 24, 2021

AFFIDAVIT OF LOSS

MC: Apr. 10, 17 & 24, 2021

MC: Apr. 10, 17 & 24, 2021

before the vaccination, Mrs. Salimbag passed all the medical tests and ma int ained very good blood pressure despite suffering from hypertension.

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late ANGEL A. MARQUEZ, who died on September 20, 1997 at Scout Lozano St., Quezon city, left parcels of land Lot No. 2522-O, Psd-8680; Lot No. 2522-D, Psd8680;co-owner of Lot. No.2428-A, Psd-50677; and Lot No. 2428-B, Psd-50677, covered

by TCT Nos. (T5919)-1853, (T-5918)1854, T-26125 and T-26126, respectively, containing the total area of 901 sq. mts., more or less are the subject of Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate with Donation before Notary Public Atty.

Dolcisimo G. Hinanay, Jr. as per Doc. No. 66; Page No. 01; Book No. 02; Series of 2020.

MC: Apr. 10, 17 & 24, 2021

Republic of the Philippines Supreme Court

5th SHARI’A DISCTIRCT COURT

Cotabato City

SDC SPL. PROC. CASE NO. 2021-520 IN THE MATTER OF PETITION FOR CORRECTION OF ENTRIES IN THE CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH OF LAINIE TENDING ABUBAKAR UNDER REGISTRY NO. 2010-170 LAINIE TENDING ABUBAKAR, Petitioner.

-versus-

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

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, Psd1 2 -0 0 7 5 9 6 , s i tu at ed 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.

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 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

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

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

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

7

THE MINDANAO CROSS

April 10, 2021

THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF DATU PIANG, MAGUINDANAO AND THE PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY Respondent. x-----------------------------------------x ORDER Before this Court is a petition for correction of name in the Certificate of Live Birth of Lainie Tending Abubakar alleging among others: That the sister of petitioner caused the registration of the Certificate of Live Birth of Petitioner; That lately, the petitioner discovered erroneous entries in her Certificate of Live Birth such as the surname of her father, Tending instead of Abubakar and the surname of her mother which is Abubakar instead of Tending; That the correct full name of petitioner is Lainie Tending Abubakar which she has been using since her childhood in all her official and school records and other transactions; That she files the petition to straighten her records and to avoid confusion, not to conceal her identities or evade civil, administrative or criminal prosecutions as she is a law abiding citizen.

The Court finds the petition sufficient in form and substance, thus, is hereby set for hearing on April 7, 2021 at 8:30 o’clock in the morning. The petitioner is directed to cause the publication of this order once a week in three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation. Anybody who may be adversely affected by this petition may appear on the said hearing and show cause why the petition should not be granted granted. Send copy of this Order to the Honorable Solicitor General, Makati City, Philippines.

SO ORDERED. Marawi City for Cotabato City, Philippines, March 2, 2021.

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

MC: April 10, 17 & 24, 2021

Lanao del Sur tightens...from P1 high-risk areas like the National Capital Region (plus) and those declared under ECQ.” The Provincial IATF resolution says the provincial government is empowered under the 1987 Constitution and the Local Government Code of 1991 to promulgate measures for the greater welfare of its people.

EXTRAJUDICIAL PARTITION Notice is hereby given that the late DR. ROMULO GORNES SULEIK, who died intestate on July 31, 2015 at Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, left parcels of land Lot No. 3, Block 17, Psd-27747; Lot No. 2453 of the Cadastral Survey of Cotabato and Lot. No. 7 of the ConsolidationSubdivision Pls LRC PCS-95358, covered by TCT Nos. 37861, 37863 and 260495, respectively, containing the total area of 972 sq. mts., more or less are the subject of Extrajudicial Partition with Special Power of Attorney before Notary Public Pete Bayani B. Camporedondo as per Doc. No. 137; Page No. 29; Book No. lll; Series of 2021.

MC: Apr. 10, 17 & 24, 2021

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

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

AFFIDAVIT OF SELF-ADJUDICATION

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

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;

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

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

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

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

SDC SPL. PROC. CASE NO. 2021-521

SDC SPL. PROC. CASE NO. 2021-522

SDC SPL. PROC. CASE NO. 2021-523

IN THE MATTER OF PETITION FOR CORRECTION/ CANCELLATION OF ENTRIES IN THE CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH OF MONAWARA MANTIS SALIH,

IN THE MATTER OF PETITION FOR CORRECTION/ CANCELLATION OF ENTRIES IN THE CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH OF MINOKAN PANGAWILAN ENGKEL,

MONAWARA MATIS SALIH, Petitioner.

SARA KONGAN ENGKEL , Petitioner.

-versus-

-versus-

INTHEMATTEROFPETITION FOR CORRECTION/ CANCELLATION OF ENTRIES IN THE CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH OF LYDIA SANSANO BAWA LYDIA SANSANO BAWA, Petitioner.

-versus-

THE CIVIL REGISTRAR OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF TALAYAN, MAGUINDANAO PROVINCE Respondent. x---------------------------------------x

THE CIVIL REGISTRAR OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF LEBAK, SULTAN KUDARAT PROVINCE

ORDER Respondent. x---------------------------------------x Filed before this Court is a petition for correction of entries in the Certificate of Live Birth of ORDER Monawara Mantis Salih, bearing Registry No. 2004-3060, alleging Filed before this Court is a among others: That the petitioner petition for cancellation of some erroneous entries in her the Certificate of Live Birth Certificate of Live Birth such as o f L y d i a S a n s o na Baw a her date of birth, place of birth, , bearing Registry No. 312, date of marriage of her parents alleging among others: That and place of marriage; That lately, the petitioner discovered she was truly born in Libutan, just one erroneous entry in Mamasapano, Maguindanao her Certificate of Live Birth on March 14, 1990 as reflected about her year of birth which is in her school records instead 1976 instead of 1968 as would of March 14, 1979 at Lanting, be shown later; That the said Talayan, maguindanao as error was an honest mistake or appearing in her Certificate of Live Birth; That the marriage administrative inadvertence; of her parents was January 16, That she has been subjected 1983 at Mlang, North Cotabato to redicule and laughter by not November 3, 1975 at Lanting, friends and co-professors in Talayan, Maguindanao; That the MSU-Maguindanao, Datu the said mistake was due to Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao administrative inadvertence; branding her to become young; That the filing of the petition is That the petition was filed to not to conceal her identities, nor straighten petitioner’s records, to evade civil, administrative, not to conceal her identities, nor criminal prosecutions but just to evade civil, administrative, to prevent further damages and criminal prosecutions, to the petitioner as she is the as petitioner is a law abiding subject of laughter, redicule citizen and a professional. by her classmates and friends, The Court finds the telling her as an old woman, 40 years old as in fact she is only 20 petition sufficient in form and years old; and that the petitioner substance, thus, let it be heard is a law abiding citizen. on April 7, 2021 at 8:30 o’clock The Court after reading the in the morning. The petitioner is petition, finds sufficient enough directed to cause the publication in form and substance. The case of this order once a week in is set for hearing on April 7, 2021 three (3) consecutive weeks at 8:30 o’clock in the morning. in a newspaper of general The petitioner is directed to cause circulation. Anyone who may the publication of this order once be adversely affected by this a week in three (3) consecutive petition may appear on the weeks in a newspaper of general said hearing and show cause circulation. Anyone who may why the petition should not be be adversely affected by this granted. Send copy of this Order petition, may appear on the to the Hon. Solicitor General said date and show cause why it should not be granted. Send at Makati City, Philippines for copy of this Order to the Hon. representation purposes.

Solicitor General at Makati City, Philippines.

SO ORDERED. Marawi City for Cotabato City, Philippines, March 2, 2021.

(Sgd.)HON. RASAD S. LAGUINDAB Acting Presiding Judge MC: April 10, 17 & 24, 2021

SO ORDERED. Marawi City for Cotabato City, Philippines, March 2, 2021.

THE CIVIL REGISTRAR OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF DATU ODIN SINSUAT, MAGUINDANAO

Respondent. x--------------------------------------x ORDER Filed before this Court is a petition for correction/ cancellation of entries in the Certificate of Live Birth of Minokan Pangawilan Engkel.

The petitioner alleged among others: Thaty she is the daughter of Minokan Pangawilan Engkel; That respondent Civil Registrar of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao is where the Certificate of Live Birth of Minokan P. Engkel was filed/ registered; That Petitioner’s father, Minokan P. Engkel was born on January 7, 1965 at Tanuel, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao; That he entrusted the registration of his birth to his relative, Bai Rida Ayao somtime in April 1998 which the latter did; The he was issued a Certificate of Live Birth bearing Registry No. 96-1078 but, he found out that his year of birth was erroneously entered as 1961 instead of 1965 (his correct year of birth); and that petition was not filed to deceive or defraud anyone, neither to avoid liability, nor to evade criminal, civil or administrative prosecutions, as petitioner is a law abiding citizen.

Finding the petition, sufficient in form and substance, let it be heard on April 7, 2021 at 8:30 o’clock in the morning.

Notify the Hon. Solicitor General at Makati City, Philippines. The petitioner is directed to cause the publication of this order once a week in three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation at her own expense.

Anyone who has interest or who maybe adversely affected by this petition may appear and show cause why the petition should not be granted.

SO ORDERED. Marawi City for Cotabato City, Philippines, February 27, 2021.

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

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

MC: April 10, 17 & 24, 2021

MC: April 10, 17 & 24, 2021

8

April 10, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

BARMM has new police chief Brig. Gen. Ugale assumed on April 5 as the new director of the Bangsamoro regional police, replacing Brig. Gen. Samuel Rodriguez.

Documents obtained

by The Mindanao Cross from Camp Crame, indicated that Ugale’s designation was released a day before he took over the directorship of the Police Regional OfficeBangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR).

“I will do my best to be of help to the peace and security programs of the BARMM government,” Ugale said via text message Wednesday.

The PRO-BAR covers the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi and the cities of Marawi, Lamitan and Cotabato.

Ugale’s predecessor, Rodriguez was a staunch supporter of the peace initiatives of the BARMM government.

While BARMM police chief, Rodriguez had worked out the surrender of more than 10 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

The five provincial police offices in the region also collected more than

50 assorted unlicensed firearms turned in by residents during Rodriguez stint.

Lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, BARMM local government minister, vowed to support the peace initiatives of the new PRO-BAR director just the way it did for Rodriguez.

“We welcome Brig.

Gen. Ugale to BARMM,” said Sinarimbo, chairperson of PROBAR’s Regional Advisory Council.

The council, composed of representatives from various sectors, including the media, helps PROBAR formulate, on advisory capacity, vital programs meant to boost the community-relations thrusts of its units.

Ugale is no stranger to the Bangsamoro region.

While still a police colonel, Ugale served as assistant director for PRO-BAR before his Camp Crame assignment as head of PNP Peace and Development Center.

John Felix Unson

STRICTLY FOUND IN BULUAN. Purple Swamphen / Black-backed Swamphen is one of the “special” bird species of Lake Buluan in Maguindanao. Its not endemic but it is already a resident and considered uncommon - seems like it is restricted to few select places in Mindanao.

Photo courtesy of Allan Barredo

4 Maguindanao towns under state of calamity FOUR towns in Maguindanao have declared state of calamity in their respective jurisdictions due to on-going armed conflict that already displaced thousands of civilians.

The town councils of Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Mamasapano, Datu Saudi Ampatuan and Talitay approved the resolutions to fund local relief operations to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) due to armed conflict.

Shariff Saydona Mustapha Mayor Bai Zandria S. Ampatuan, Mamasapano Mayor Akmad A. Ampatuan Jr, Datu Saudi Ampatuan Mayor Edris A. Sindatok and Talitay Mayor Montasir M. Sabal have approved resolutions putting their localities under state of calamity.

Armed skirmishes erupted on March 19 between government forces and ISIS inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Barangay Kitango, Datu Saudi Ampatuan (DAS), Maguindanao.

The armed hostilities also displaced some 46,000 individuals from Datu Saudi Ampatuan and nearby towns of Mamasapano and Sharif Saydona Mustapha.

Based on the DAS resolution, the local government unit has Quick Response Fund amounting to P483,000 for 2021 to be used for relief aid to displaced families.

DAS has 12,215 individual-evacuees while Shariff Saydona Mustapha has 1,717 or about 8,585 individuals.

Mamasapano town has 2,729 families or about 13,645 persons.

Talitay town council approved a resolution putting the town under state of calamity, not because of Philippine Army-BIFF skirmishes but due to localized armed conflict (clan war) involving the security escorts of Mayor Sabal and Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Lt. Colonel John Paul Baldomar, 6th Infantry Division spokesperson, said the Talitay armed conflict that occurred on March 22 has displaced some 700 families or 3,500 individuals.

The IDPs were from Barangays Pageda and Gadingan of Talitay.

Baldomar identified the warring clans as followers of Mayor Sabal and the Watamama-Amiril families.

The conflict was triggered by the alleged shooting of a 16-year-old man who was fishing at a nearby marsh in Barangay Gadungan.

The Watamama-Amiril clan blamed the killing to the armed followers of Mayor Sabal.

Mayor Sabal could not be reached for comment.

Baldomar said the Watamama– Amiril families reportedly have relatives connected with the MILF. On March 26, about 50 MILF fighters stormed and strafed the abandoned house of Mayor Sabal in Barangay Gadungan. A video of the MILF attack has been posted on the social media.

The Mindanao Cross learned that some IDPs in the affected towns have started to return home but others remained in evacuation centers. Edwin

O. Fernandez

Mayor presents guns to Army

IN support to the disarmament campaign of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, a town mayor in Maguindanao has turned over assorted high powered firearms to the Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade.

On Wednesday morning, Brig. Gen. Roberto Capulong, 602nd brigade commander, welcomed the move of the officials of Pagalungan town in Maguindanao, headed by Mayor Salik Mamasabulod.

“The surrender of these firearms signaled a better relationship between the military and the locals,” Brig.

Gen. Capulong said.

“We in the 602nd ‘Liberator’ Brigade serve as a bridge leading to the attainment of peace

and development of Pagalungan,” he added.

Mamasabulod turned in three M-14 rifles, two cal. 30 Garand rifles and two M1 Carbine rifles.

Mamasabulod said the surrender of these loose firearms was a result of the joint efforts of the 602nd ‘Liberator’ Brigade, the 90th Infantry ‘Bigkis-Lahi’ Battalion, and the local government officials of Pagalungan.

The mayor emotional when he shared how the women and men of the Army brigade helped him bring about peace in his troubled town.

Mamasabulod said the absence of loose firearms in Pagalungan means lesser possibility for crimes to be

committed.

Village and town officials have joined in the move to collect these loose guns and handed over to Lt. Colonel Rommel Mundala, 90th IB commander during initial surrender rites.

Major General Juvymax R. Uy, 6th Infantry Division commander and head of Joint Task Force Central (JTFC) commended the 602nd brigade and the 90th IB officers and women and men for a job well done.

He lauded the local officials for supporting the military’s determination to push with the government’s aim to build peaceful and developed communities in Mindanao. Edwin O.

Fernandez

Girl, 10 killed in accidental gunfire

THE police on Thursday cautioned families keeping firearms against accidents after a child killed Wednesday a sibling with a home-made shotgun they thought was a toy.

The 10-year-old victim, Angel Bliss Pututan of Barangay Palavilla in Lutayan town in Sultan Kudarat, died on the spot from pellet wounds in her upper torso.

Celia Avanzado, village chair, told reporters Pututan and her 7-year-old brother were playing with a shotgun they found in their shanty when the loaded firearm went off.

Col. Noel Kinazo, Sultan Kudarat police director, said Thursday he has ordered the confiscation of the shotgun

that killed Pututan.

He urged the chiefs of all municipal police stations under his office to intensify the collection of unlicensed firearms in keeping with the national government’s disarmament campaign.

Kinazo also urged residents of Sultan Kudarat province to carefully keep licensed guns they possess as a privilege from the government.

Kinazo called on the public to surrender undocumented firearms to avoid prosecution and imprisonment for violation of Republic Act 10591, also known as the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition. John Felix

Unson

BARMM opens new COVID facility...from P2

YELLOW CORN ARMY. Farmers in Barangay Wago, Lumbayanague, Lanao del Sur are now ready to propagate modern yellow corn production after completinga four-month long technology and corn production training courtesy of under Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR).

Photo courtesy of MAFAR BARMM

Raissa, Usman, myself and my tandem Minister Ed (Guerra), Gov Sakur regaled us with his dream for Sulu and the Tausugs,” he said.

“We share his dream and the aspirations of the people of Sulu for its development. We conveyed to him the Chief Minister's

desire for the development of Sulu and of the entire region. Of course, we joked and laugh a lot!,” Sinarimbo added.

Sinarimbo and Guerra thanked Tan for hosting them, even as he also fetched and sent them off to Cotabato City.

“We will certainly be

back for more projects for the people of Sulu. Just like the rest of the constituents of the Bangsamoro, you deserve the best services from your Bangsamoro Government,” were Ibrahim’s assuring words as relayed by Sinarimbo to the Tausugs of Sulu. Nash

B. Maulana