The Mindanao Cross | April 17, 2021

Vol. LXXIII| No. 10| Cotabato City | Saturday, April 17, 2021 |10 Pages | P10.00

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CHURCH / P6

With CLOA, NoCot farmers now legally own lands

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Catholic bishop calls for solidarity with Muslims during Ramadan

PDEA seized P10.2-M shabu in Marawi

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

BARMM CHECKS “UNUSUAL” FOOD PRICE HIKES

By Edwin O. Fernandez

THE Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) regional government is closely monitoring prices of basic food items as the Muslims start the fasting month of Ramadhan on Tuesday, April 13.

“It has be observed in the past years that every time fasting month begins, the prices of basic food items abnormally went up,” Minister Naguib Sinarimbo of the Ministry of the Interior and Local Governments (MILF-BARMM) said.

Sinarimbo, BARMM regional spokesperson, said the Ministry of Trade and Industry in the Bangsamoro region have taken steps to ensure Muslim consumers are protected from artificial price adjustments of basic goods.

“Sadly, some of our traders take advantage of the high demand for basic food because Muslims normally gather ample supply of food at the start of Ramadhan,” Sinarimbo said.

Ustadz Abuhuraira Udasan, grand mufti (High Islamic preacher) of the Bangsamoro Region, on Sunday night announced that the crescent moon was not sighted and declared that fasting month officially commenced on Tuesday, April 13.

Sinarimbo said close

NO OPTIONS. Unmindful of the danger, residents of Barangay Sta. Felomina, Makilala, North Cotabato have to cross the bridge along Malasila river to haul drinking water. Flash floods destroyed the hanging bridge and other infrastructures in Makilala, North Cotabato.

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Photo courtesy of Melchor Bayawan/PGO North Cotabato

South Upi IDPs return home

DID YOU KNOW?

Islamic fasting season is on

April is the Month of Planet Earth

By John Felix Unson

By John Felix Unson

AUTHORITIES returned 181 families to two barangays in South Upi town rocked by gunfights last year between two local clans.

The conflict-stricken villagers, mostly ethnic Tedurays, agreed to return to Barangays Lamud and Biarung in South Upi, Maguindanao after the Omar and Datuwata clans reconciled through the efforts of Mayor Reynalbert Insular, the Army’s 57th Infantry Battalion and the municipal police.

Local officials led by Insular and Lt. Col. Jonathan Pondanera, commanding officer of the 57th IB, facilitated their return to the two barangays using military vehicles.

The 181 internally-displaced families languished in makeshift evacuation sites inside public school campuses for about four months as a result of the hostilities involving the Omar and Datuwata clans.

Lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, local government minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, lauded early this week South Upi municipal officials, the 57th IB and

MUSLIMS in the Bangsamoro region started their Ramadhan fasting season last Tuesday, April 13.

Muslims fast from dawn to dusk during the Ramadhan as a religious obligation and to imbue among them the importance of self-restraint to achieve spiritual perfection.

The Ramadhan, touted as “holy month” in Islam, lasts for one lunar cycle, about 28 to 29 days.

Abuhuraira Udasan, head of the Darul Iftah in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, told Mindanao Cross last Monday that Ramadhan was to start Tuesday.

“The crescent moon was not seen on (day prior) during our moon watching activity. Had we seen it, we would have started observing Ramadhan Monday (April 12). We shall, thus, commence with our observance of Ramadhan on Tuesday (April 13),” Abuhuraira then said.

Abuhuraira is mufti (grand preacher) in the Datul Iftah (House of Opinion), composed of Islamic theologians, among them graduates of religious

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JUST IN TIME. Cotabato City firefighters and volunteers arrived just in time along Ilang-Ilang Street, Barangay Rosary Heights 7 that prevented the conflagration to spread from a 2-storey residence of a lawyer to other homes nearby.

Photo courtesy of Cotabato Filipino Chinese Volunteer Fire Brigade

By virtue of Proclamation No. 1482 signed on April 10, 2008 by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, April is recognized as the month of the Planet Earth.

The proclamation takes note of the Philippine support for the global consensus on the need to protect and save the planet from environmental degradation and to ensure a sustainable future for all.

Magelco assures Hopes high on BTA extension in ample power supply during Ramadhan Ramadan

By Nash B. Maulana

By Edwin O. Fernandez

THE Moro region can turn to optimism that the President, even for a Ramadan gift, will certify as urgent a measure extending the term of the Bangsamroro Transitional Authority (BTA) to three more years from 2022.

Maguindanao Rep. Esmael Mangudadatu said Congress is likely to pass the harmonized version of the bills extending the BTA term, which would also effectively reset the regional elections from May 2022 to May 2025.

Mangudadatu foresaw that the passage of the bill to extend BTA’s statutory lifespan could take place during the current Muslim fasting season of Ramadan.

The congressional passage of the BTAextending measure would be predicated by a Malacanang blessing, with President Rodrigo Roa Duterte certifying it an urgent administration bill for both Houses of Congress.

If previous acts of Chief Executives during Ramadan are anything to go by for a hint, the Muslims come close to the seat of power during their fasting season.

The President may eventually certify it as urgent, even as a Ramadan gift to the Moro people, Mangudadatu said.

Republic Act 11054, the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), provides for a threeyear BTA, transitional mechanism that sets the Parliament and the

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THE officials of Maguindanao Electric Cooperative (Magelco) on Friday assured the Bangsamoro people that the province will not experience power outages when the Muslims need it most as they perform Ramadhan related activities.

Fasting commenced on Tuesday, April 13 and expected to end on May 11.

Engr. Ashary Maongco, Magelco general manager, made the assurance after the completion of a major project that improved energy distribution to three adjoining towns of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Upi and Datu Blah Sinsuat, all in Maguindanao.

On Thursday, Maongco said the energization and switching of CapitonNuro, Upi 13.2 KV distribution lines will stabilize power supplies to Upi and Datu Blah as well as Datu Odin.

Magelco management, he said, has started the construction of 5MVA power substation dedicated for Upi and Datu Blah towns to prevent recurring complaints of power outages.

“This will improve power supplies in these areas, power supplies have been stabilized,” Maongco said in a statement.

Power distribution will only be hampered if there are disruptions beyond the cooperative’s control, he added.

The new distribution lines was another milestone project of Magelco and the people of Japan through

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April 17, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

With CLOA, NoCot farmers now legally own lands

MORE than 300 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) in North Cotabato can now claim the land that they have been tilling are legally their own.

On Wednesday, Elsie C. Lamara, agrarian reform beneficiary of Barangay Popoyon, Tulunan, North Cotabato have received the Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) in behalf of other 304 ARBs of North Cotabato during the regionwide CLOA distribution in Koronadal City.

DAR Secretary John R. Castriciones personally handed over the 341 CLOAs to Lamara.

Lamara expressed her gratefulness to

President Duterte and Sec. Castriciones for the opportunity that legalized their land ownership.

“At last the proof of land ownership is now in our hands,” Lamara said.

Castriciones have turned over CLOAs to some 3,541 ARBs during the region wide CLOA distribution program.

Castriciones also distributed a total of PHP63.4-million support services for ARBs like road network, bridges, tractors, farming tools and other

interventions. “ T h e C L O A distribution is the definitive activity in the 17 steps of the land acquisition and distribution (LAD) process of DAR,” Castriciones said.

“This is the realization of the government’s efforts towards a renewed push to hasten transformation in rural areas,” he added.

Products of DARassisted organizations in North Cotabato were also showcased during the activity. Edwin O.

Fernandez

PRO-BAR says slain DI member ‘big fish’

A senior member of the Dawlah Islamiya was killed while five policemen and a soldier were wounded in a brief gunfight in Marawi City before dawn Monday, April 12.

Police Brig. Gen. Eden Ugale, Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao regional director, said Usop Nasif, also known as Abu Asraf, died from multiple gunshot wounds.

Relatives have confirmed that Nasif was a henchman of the slain siblings Abdullah and Omarkhayam Maute, the founders of the Maute terror group that instigated the deadly May 23 to October 16, 2017 conflict in Marawi City.

He was killed in a shootout with combined personnel of the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade and the Lanao del Sur provincial police in his hideout in Barangay Guimba in Marawi City.

Police agents were supposed to serve Nasif two warrants for his arrest, one for murder and another for frustrated murder, issued by Judge Albert Quinto of the Regional Trial Court Branch 12 in Malabang, Lanao del Sur. Ugale said the gunfight between the joint police-Army team dispatched to arrest Nasif erupted when he and his cohorts opened fire, instantly wounding

five policemen and a soldier.

The companions of Nasif scampered away immediately after he was felled with rifle shots by advancing law-enforcement operatives.

“He was to be arrested peacefully but he and his companions provoked an encounter that caused his demise,” Ugale said.

Police forensic experts found in the hideout of Nasif a Glock 9 millimeter pistol and two improvised explosive devices.

They also impounded his Honda XRM motorcycle that he and his accomplices used in criminal activities.

Investigators are now validating reports that the Glock pistol recovered from Nasif was a service firearm of Sgt. Lito Pulinis of the Army’s 533 Engineering Brigade.

Pulinis was killed by motorcyclegunmen in Barangay Basak Malutlut in Marawi City on September 28, 2019.

His attackers took his pistol tucked in his waist, his wallet and wristwatch before they sped away.

Nasif was also a prime suspect in the murder on August 30, 2019 of Mojera Macalanggan, chairperson of Bubong Cadayonan in Marawi City.

Nasif was also implicated in the killings in Marawi City of

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Rehab of NoCot flood-damaged infrastructures starts

THE flashfloods spawned by heavy downpour and overflow of major rivers in North Cotabato have destroyed more than P21 million worth of infrastructure projects.

North Cotabato Governor Nancy Catamco said the provincial government is now working with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-2nd engineering district) for the rehabilitation of damaged

government projects.

The provincial engineering office, headed

by Acting Provincial Engineer Domingo Doyongan Jr, has reported to Gov. Catamco that the weekend flash floods that hit at least three to four villages have destroyed over-flow bridge, three hanging bridges, flood control dikes, and 142 houses totally destroyed.

Fish pens were also destroyed and fresh water

THE U.S. government pours in Php 170 million ($3.5 million) more in fresh aid fund to support the vaccination rollout program of the Department of Health against COVID-19.

A statement released today (Thursday April 15) by the U.S. Embassy in Manila said that the White House has announced a Php 194 billion ($4 billion) commitment to support the COVAX Commitment facility, a global initiative to support early vaccine access for 92 countries, including the Philippines.

An initial Php97.2-billion ($2 billion) contribution, provided through USAID, is supporting the purchase and delivery of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines. Through the COVAX effort— for which the United States is the largest donor—the Philippines will receive enough vaccines to immunize at least 20 percent of its population by the end of 2021, the statement said.

U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires John Law disclosed this new assistance package in a visit to a vaccination site in Caloocan City with Philippine Secretary of Health Francisco Duque III, Caloocan City Mayor Oscar Malapitan, U.S. Agency for International DevelopmentPhilippines Mission Director Lawrence Hardy II, along with other U.S. and Philippine officials.

Seen to strengthen the country’s health system and vaccine delivery

effort, the fresh infuse of assistance brings the total U.S. government support for the Philippines’ COVID-19 response to nearly Php1.3 billion ($27 million), a U.S. Embassy statement said, The embassy statement said through this new funding, the USAID will support the Philippines in strengthening the chain of vaccine supply, monitor vaccine safety, and deliver effective communication campaigns to help address attitudes of vaccine hesitancy among the beneficiary communities.

CDA Law said this assistance will also support local government units as they plan for, track, and administer vaccines.

“While the pandemic has tested our peoples and our economies, the strong bonds between Americans and Filipinos will help us rise above this challenge,” said Chargé d’Affaires Law, adding: “We will continue to fight this unprecedented global health crisis together.”

U.S. government support for the Philippines’ COVID-19 response has helped the country implement internationally-recognized infection prevention and control strategies, strengthen laboratory systems and case management, and effectively communicate about health risks to communities. Nash B. Maulana

Hopes high on BTA extension in...from P1

White House in Washington D.C. The diplomacy of opening the seat of powers for Muslims on an iftar dinner started in the White House during the presidency of Bill Clinton, when he and wife Hillary Rodham Clinton hosted U.S. Muslims to an Iftar dinner in the White House in 1997.

As Philippine President, Fidel Ramos also did as much in renewing ties he has developed with Philippine Muslims, since his early years of military career.

Then beleaguered President Joseph Estrada, amid impeachment charges in the House of Representatives opened the Malacanang Social Hall to Moro Muslims for Iftar Dinner on December 5, 2000.

Magelco assures ample...from P1

South Upi IDPs return home...from P1

the BARMM regional police for initiating the return of the evacuees to Barangays Lamud and Biarung.

The Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence contingent of the Bangsamoro regional government and the office of Insular together extended humanitarian interventions to the 181 families while in relief sites far from their villages.

Insular, 57th IB officials and representatives from the two adversarial groups first signed a peace covenant enjoining both sides to cooperate in maintaining law and order in both barangays before ushering the evacuees back to their homes.

The South Upi municipal police also helped broker the peace agreement between the two

clans, according to Insular.

The Omar and Datuwata clans squabbled for control of swaths of arable lands in the two barangays.

The two camps were also locked in a deep-seated political animosity until leaders agreed to reconcile through the intercession of their local government unit, the 57th IB and the police.

Edwin O. Fernandez

$3.5 million vs. Covid from U.S. gov’t

Executive structures operationalizing the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), as a governing body.

Mangudadatu, author of one of the bills being harmonized in the House for the proposed BTA extension, foresaw a presidential push coming in the form of a Malacanang certification to the urgency of the measure as a “Ramadan Gift” from the Chief Executive.

The Maguindanao congressman noted that the Muslims are honored in Ramadan, with the seat of powers opened to them in ceremonies Iftar or the dusk break dinners, whether in embassies of western countries in Manila, or in Malacanang and even in the

JOURNEY BACK HOME. A soldier and a lady volunteer assist an elderly Teduray board a military truck that eventually brought her and 180 other families back to their communities in South Upi, Maguindanao. They fled to safer grounds after gunmen attacked Barangays Lamud and Biarong early this year.

Photo courtesy of 57th IB

fish were washed away from rampaging flood waters with mud, boulders and forest products.

Catamco directed the provincial engineering office to come up with program of work so rehabilitation can immediately begin.

Catamco assured the people of Makilala that the provincial government will find means to fund the rehabilitation projects.

the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

“Magelco replaced the existing undersized cable wires constructed in the seventies,” Maongco said, adding that a stable power supply in Maguindanao is more important today that the Muslims observe fasting month.

He said the increasing demand for energy in Datu Blah Sinsuat town forced Magelco to install three-phase lines to supply power to its business establishments, especially ice plants.

“The conversion needs huge amount from the selffunded rehabilitation of the coop through its good

materials management program,” he said.

“This is how Magelco works and cares for its constituents – daring the undared,” he added.

As soon as the stabilization project in southern Maguindanao, Maongco said the cooperative is fast tracking another milestone project that will be energized this month.

He was referring to the double circuits, 4/0 bare wires, 50 footer concrete pole, 13.2 KV distribution lines from Sultan Kudarat 10MVA Power Substation in Barangay Simuay to Barangay Sarmiento and Polloc Port, both in Parang, Maguindanao.

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late BIENVENIDO CARCILLAR and MAURA CARCILLAR, who both died at Polayagan, Alamada, Cotabato on March 24, 2012 and November 17, 2006, respectively, left a parcel of land covered by TCT No. T-70597 containing an area of 630 sq. mts., more or less is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with deed of absolute sale before Notary Public Atty.

Jonathan O. Tabugon as per Doc. No. 484; Page No. 97; Book No. VI; Series of 2020.

MC: Apr. 17, 24 & May 1, 2021

April 17, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Ramadhan is not only by fasting; we need to feed the hungry, help the needy, guard our tongue, not judge others and forgive. That is the spirit of Ramadhan.

Cotabateños, as we enter this holy season let’s keep each other in faithful prayer— of goodness and strength, love and understanding. Let’s greet each other with much respect, be sincere in all our deeds and illuminate in our lives the beauty we celebrate this holy month.

My brothers and sisters in faith, may this Ramadhan fill our hearts with peace, harmony and joy. May our families continuously be protected during this ongoing pandemic and may we be blessed with happiness and togetherness. Lastly, let’s continuously work hand-in-hand and in unity seek for the sought-after peace we want, not just for our beloved city, but for our whole country.

I wish for all our good deeds, prayers and devotions get acceptance from the Almighty Allah SWT. Ramadhan Mubarak!

Sigay Ka Cotabato City!

GRAHAM NAZER G. DUMAMA City Vice Mayor

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April 17, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

To the relatives and friends of the late

Arsenio “Arcy” Lim Burdeos, Jr. We wish to extend our sincerest thanks for your kindness, condolences and support that we have received.

We also convey our gratitude and appreciation for all the financial and in-kind contributions, flowers and floral tributes, loving messages, unending assistance during the wake, and until the cremation. Your presence in accompanying us in this time of grieving is greatly appreciated.

His ashes will be laid to rest at the Loyola Memorial Park, Marikina City, Metro Manila.

Thank you for all your overwhelming love and prayers.

July 12, 1953 – April 5, 2021

Romans 14:8 - “If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”

The office of MP Saliga attends to displaced families in Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao With the military’s relentless operation against lawless non-state armed groups such as Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Dawla Islamiyah, residents, predominantly non-Moro Indigenous Peoples belonging to Teduray and Dulangan Manobo tribes, of Barangay Makalag opted to flee from their homes to safer grounds in Barangay Limpungo, Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

To attend to their immediate needs while at the evacuation site, the Office of Member of Parliament Romeo C. Saliga conducted a relief distribution on April 13, 2021. The office handed each displaced families 5 kilogram of rice, water container and blankets.

The office has also granted cash assistance to the bereaved family of Jun Daya Benito, who was killed on April 9, 2021 by unknown assailant, while having dinner with his family in Sitio Buntod, Barangay Limpungo, Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao.

The Burdeos Family

Republic of the Philippines Midsayap, Cotabato LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION In compliance with the publication requirements 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), a notice is hereby served to the public that Flordeliza Nellas Capiendo has filed with this office a petition for change of child’s date of birth from 03 March 1969 to 03 May 1969 in the Certificate of Live Birth of Flordeliza Bacolod Nellas who was born on March 3, 1969 at Midsayap, Cotabato and whose parents are Salvador C. Nellas and Irene A. Bacolod.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this office of Municipal Civil Registrar, Midsayap, Cotabato.

PRO-BAR says slain...from P2

construction workers Jorge Butad and Arturo Macasero on November 7, 2019 and, subsequently, the siblings Edcel and Jonie Pahayahay, both carpenters, on July 28, 2020.

Police intelligence sources earlier said the four victims, all residents of Iligan City, were killed after their employers refused to pay the Dawlah Islamiya “protection money” on periodic basis. John Felix Unson

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 April 1-30, 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 April 28, 2021.

(Sgd) Norah B. Cabugwason Municipal Civil Registrar MC: Apr. 17 & 24, 2021

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late CYNTHIA IDURIA IBRAHIM, who died on March 21, 2019 at Cotabato City, left two (2) motor vehicles: Mitsubishi Montero SPT GLS-Wagon; MV File No. 1380-00000997532; Engine No. 4N15UCL7771; Chassis No. MMBGUKR10JH005020; Plate No. NCR-5238 and Toyota Hilux 2.4L 4x2-Pick Up; MV File No. 110100000532508; Engine No. 2GD4510150; Chassis No. MR0GB8DD0J1415583; Plate No. LAC-7954 are the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Nasiff Brian O. Meditar, RN as per D0c. No. 497; Page No. 100; Book No. V; Series of 2021.

MC: Apr. 17, 24 & May 1, 2021

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

Ang mga ito ay isinangla noong Abril 1-30, 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 Abril 28, 2021.

MC: Mar. 20 & 27, 2021

SUBASTA Ang SAFETY PAWNSHOP-COTABATO, Don Rufino Alonzo St., Cotabato City ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sangla magmula pa noong Oktubre 2019 hanggang Mayo 2020. Ang subasta ay sa Abril 28, 2021 sa ganap na 9:00 ng umaga hanggang ika-4:00 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

MC: Apr. 17 , 2021

JIMMY P. LIM, Proprietor

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 MC: Apr. 10, 17 & 24, 2021

BARMM checks “unusual” food price hikes ...from P1

monitoring will be conducted across the region through various BARMM offices.

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT 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.

MC: Apr. 10, 17 & 24, 2021

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

AFFIDAVIT OF LOSS

AFFIDAVIT OF LOSS

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 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.

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

MC: Apr. 10, 17 & 24, 2021

MC: Apr. 10, 17 & 24, 2021

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THE MINDANAO CROSS

April 17, 2021

MC: Apr. 10, 17 & 24, 2021

“I appeal to our traders not to take advantage of the situation, better still be charitable with our less fortunate sisters and brothers,” he added.

Sinarimbo said

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 DISTRICT 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.

-versusTHE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF DATU PIANG, MAGUINDANAO AND THE PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY Respondent. x-----------------------------------------x

the BARMM’s Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster incident (READi) and Project Tabang will intensify relief aid to families still displaced

by armed hostilities in Maguindanao and other parts of the region so they can perform their religious obligation even in evacuation sites.

CONLUCK PAWNSHOP MAIN CONLUCK DON RUFINO BRANCH & CONLUCK PAWNSHOP BRANCH 4 ng Cotabato City ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sanla. Ang mga ito ay isinangla magmula Marso 2020 hanggang Abril 2020. Ang Subasta ay sa Abril 30, 2021 sa ganap na ika 8:00 ng umaga hanggang ika 4:00 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

MC: Apr. 17 & 24, 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

Republic of the Philippines Supreme Court 5th SHARI’A DISTRICT COURT Cotabato City SDC SPL. PROC. CASE NO. 2021-521 IN THE MATTER OF CORRECTION/ CANCELLATION OF ENTRIES IN THE CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH OF LYDIA SANSANO BAWA LYDIA SANSANO BAWA, Petitioner.

-versus-

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.

Send copy of this Order to the Honorable Solicitor General, Makati City, Philippines.

Filed before this Court is a petition for cancellation of Certificate of Live Birth of Lydia Sansano Bawa , bearing Registry No. 312, alleging among others: That lately, the petitioner discovered just one erroneous entry in her Certificate of Live Birth about her year of birth which is 1976 instead of 1968 as would be shown later; That the said error was an honest mistake or administrative inadvertence; That she has been subjected to redicule and laughter by friends and co-professors in the MSU-Maguindanao, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao branding her of wanting to become young; That the petition was filed to straighten petitioner’s records, not to conceal her identities, nor to evade civil, administrative, and criminal prosecutions, as petitioner is a law abiding citizen and a professional.

The Court finds the petition sufficient in form and substance, thus, let it be heard 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. Anyone who may be adversely affected may appear on said hearing and show cause why the petition should not be granted. Send copy of this Order to the Hon. Solicitor General at Makati City, Philippines for representation purposes.

SO ORDERED.

SO ORDERED.

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

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

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

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

Notice is hereby given that the late LYDIA PASCUAL CASTILLO, who died on October 4, 2019, left a parcel of land situated at Bo. Rosary Heights, Cotabato City covered by TCT No. T- 46654 containing an area of 37 sq. mts., more or less is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Agnes R. De Castro-Jagunap as per Doc. No. 853; Page No. 853; Book No. XXVII; Series of 2021.

MC: Apr. 17, 24 & May 1, 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

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

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

SDC SPL. PROC. CASE NO. 2021-522

SDC SPL. PROC. CASE NO. 2021-523

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

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

MONAWARA MATIS SALIH, Petitioner.

SARA KONGAN ENGKEL , Petitioner.

-versus-

-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

Filed before this Court is a Respondent. petition for correction of entries x---------------------------------------x

ORDER

MC: April 10, 17 & 24, 2021

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

in the Certificate of Live Birth of Monawara Mantis Salih, bearing Registry No. 2004-3060, alleging among others: That the petitioner lately discovered some erroneous entries in her Certificate of Live Birth such as her date of birth, place of birth, date of marriage of her parents and place of marriage; That she was truly born in Libutan, Mamasapano, Maguindanao on March 14, 1990 as reflected in her school records instead of March 14, 1979 at Lanting, Talayan, Maguindanao as appearing in her Certificate of Live Birth; That the marriage of her parents was January 16, 1983 at Mlang, North Cotabato not November 3, 1975 at Lanting, Talayan, Maguindanao; That the said mistake was due to administrative inadvertence; That the filing of the petition is not to conceal her identities, nor to evade civil, administrative, criminal prosecutions but just to prevent further damages to the petitioner as she is being the subject of laughter, redicule by her classmates and friends, telling her as an old woman, 40 years old when in fact she is only 20 years old; and that the petitioner is a law abiding citizen.

The Court after reading the petition, finds it sufficient in form and substance. The case is 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. Anyone who may be adversely affected by this petition, may appear on the said date and show cause why it should not be granted. Send copy of this Order to the Hon. Solicitor General at Makati City, Philippines.

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: That 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

6

April 17, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Catholic bishop calls for solidarity with Muslims during Ramadan THE Catholic bishop of the Prelature of Marawi in the southern Philippines has expressed his solidarity with the Muslim population of the city in the observance of the holy month of Ramadan.

“We are one with you … especially as you prepare yourselves to make a big sacrifice of fasting, intense prayer, and making works of mercy,” said Bishop Edwin de la Peña of Marawi.

The chairman of the Episcopal Commission for Inter-religious Dialogue of the bishops’ conference urged Christians to show respect and support for the Muslim population during the observance.

Muslim Filipinos started the observance of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan on Tuesday, April 13.

“Let us all come together and channel the spirit of Ramadan by helping those who are less fortunate and most in need,” said President Rodrigo Duterte in a message.

He urged Filipinos to continue to promote peace and unity “by manifesting faith through action … as we face the most challenging of times.”

In a separate statement, Vice President Leni Robredo expressed hope that the Filipino people will be reminded of our “common humanity.”

“May we be brought together and be reminded of our

common humanity — our common struggles, and the common hope that binds us — and in this find the strength not only to endure, but to imagine a better normal for all, and build it,” said Robredo in her message.

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. For 29 to 30 days, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, engaging in any sexual activity, and committing sinful acts from daybreak to dusk.

Exempted from fasting are children below puberty, pregnant and lactating mothers, those who are physically and mentally incapable, and travelers.

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and is considered one of the holiest Islamic months when Muslims fast. It begins and ends with the appearance of the crescent moon.

Muslims consider the whole month as a period of introspection, communal prayer in the mosque, and reading of the Koran.

Muslims are also expected to give alms to the poor and abstain from vices. Jose Torres Jr./LiCAS.news Philippines

A Catholic bishop has offered Catholics ways to help them develop a godly and respectful attitude towards others.

A good starting point, said Bishop Patrick Daniel Parcon of Talibon, is to respect others because “we are all children of God”.

He said that people can never go wrong if they always bear in mind that they are God’s children.

“And since I am a child

be accomplished unless we remain in Him, the source of life, the source of grace,” he said.

The bishop was speaking in his homily during Mass with the baptism of 100 adults at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Rule in Cebu province’s city of Lapu-Lapu on Tuesday.

The event marked the last day of the Triduum for the 500th anniversary of the First Baptism in the Philippines on April 14.

As baptized Christians, Parcon said that people are called to respect each other regardless of their stature.

“Do not respect me because I am a bishop.

Do not respect the priests because they are priests.

Respect them, respect us because we are children of God,” he said “In the same manner we will respect you not because you have a title in the society, because you are somebody in the society. We will respect you because you are a child of God,” Parcon

Why we should care about respect of God, I have nothing else to do but to love, to care, to protect and to show respect to my fellow children of God,” Parcon said.

“Because we are all children of God we deserve to be respected, we deserved to be loved, we deserved to be cared for,” he said.

According to him, doing this is close to impossible unless people are connected to Christ.

“This things will never

Bishop Patrick Daniel Parcon of Talibon baptizes one of the 100 adults during Mass at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Rule in Lapu-Lapu City April 13, ahead of the 500th anniversary celebration of the first baptism in the country.

J

Photo courtesy of Sammy Navaja/CBCP NEWS

added.

He then reminded the newly baptized that baptism as a sacrament has corresponding responsibility that goes with it.

“God is asking us to be part of his mission,” the prelate said. “Our mission is to bring, to share this gift of love to one another, to all people in all walks of life.”

The Mass was presided over by Auxiliary Bishop Midyphil Billones, with Bishop Prescioso Cantillas of Maasin and retired Auxiliary Bishop Antonio Rañola of Cebu as concelebrants.

Also in attendance were Cardinal Orlando Quevedo, the archbishop emeritus of Cotabato, and Archbishop Jose Palma of Cebu.

T o m o r r o w ’ s celebrations in Cebu City will be highlighted with the reenactment of the First Baptism and Mass to be officiated by Papal nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown in front of the Magellan’s Cross beside the Santo Niño Minor Basilica. CBCP News

esus is risen. This was the of Christ. A religious content of the preaching experience may happen of the apostles. This is when we are in prayer or called the kerygma in Greek. facing a crisis in life, or We have an example of this when we are caught in joy at kind of preaching in the first some event. We may be led reading where Peter, after to faith by an experience of healing the beggar who could healing, or when saved from not walk, took the occasion to a life-threatening situation, Rev. Fr. Antonio P. Pueyo, DCC preach to the observers about or feel so much love. In these tonypoy_dcc0@yahoo.com the risen Christ, “(you) killed situations, whom do we the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To thank? It is human nature to be thankful at some good this we are witnesses” (Acts 3:15). Upon hearing this event. Whom does the non-believer thank? The stars and message, the hearers are called to conversion, “Repent the sun? therefore, and be converted , that your sins may be wiped We may not have the experience of St. Thomas away” (v. 19). to whom the risen Lord appeared personally. Or the Belief in Jesus as risen has its demands as the second dramatic experience of St. Paul who fell to the ground letter of John emphasizes, “Those who say ‘I know him’ and was blinded when Jesus spoke to him on his way but do not keep the commandments are liars, and the to persecute the Christians in Damascus. Sometime in truth is not in them; but whoever keeps his word, the our life we get confronted by this reality of the meaning love of God is perfected in him” (1 John 2:4-5). Another of existence. Is this all there is to life? We can deny the challenge upon meeting the risen Lord is to become His inner voice or we can kneel and say, “Lord. I believe.” witness and to proclaim repentance in his name as the Faith is nourished by being in a community of gospel tells the story of Jesus’ appearance to the apostles believers. St. Paul had to meet St. Peter and the other (Lk. 24:47-48). disciples to learn more from them after his conversion.

There is a game played mostly by young people, Faith also leads us to a change of life. When we know called Truth or Consequence. Either you tell the truth in Jesus more and grow in love and discipleship then we answer to a question or suffer a consequence. In the case want to give more of ourselves and our resources for the of the authentic follower of Jesus it is a matter of truth growth of God’s kingdom. and consequence. When we accept the reality of the Risen There is one modern Catholic saint, who belonged Lord in our life, there are consequences regarding our to the nobility in France. He became a military officer mind sets and our lifestyles. The writer of John’s letter and was sent to the Sahara desert, which was a colony was confronted with a situation in his community. There of France then. Although a baptized Catholic, he was were groups of believers who said that knowledge of God not observant and lived a dissolute life as a soldier. and Jesus gives them a privileged status. This knowledge While in the Sahara, he observed the Tuareg, a tribe exempts them from following the commandments. Such of Muslims, who were faithful to their daily prayers. knowledge does not impel them from changing their When he went back to France, he resigned his position moral life. They were called Gnostics, and eventually and sought spiritual direction. He knew something was they seceded from the community. missing in his life. He was eventually ordained a priest

Faith makes us believe in the risen Christ. Faith and he asked to be sent back to the Sahara where he lived makes us believe in the words of Jesus. It is faith that simply among the Tuaregs. His spirituality is that of the enables us to make an intellectual assent to what the simplicity of Jesus as the carpenter in Nazareth. He died Church teaches about Jesus. Hopefully, such faith is a martyr, St. Charles de Foucauld. His conversion led further strengthened by a personal religious experience him to mission. MC

The Kerygma

REFLECTIONS

DAILY RESURRECTION

By Fr. Jun Mercado, OMI

That means it’s never too late to start over.

Nothing is irrevocable.

No betrayal is final. No sin is unforgivable. Every form of death can be overcome. There isn’t any loss that can’t be redeemed. Every day is virgin.

In the resurrection we are assured that there are no doors that are eternally closed, every time we close a door, or one is closed on us, God opens another for us.

The resurrection assures us that God never gives up on us, even if we give up on ourselves, that God writes straight with the crooked lines of our lives, that we can forever re-virginize, regain lost i n n o c e n c e, b e c o m e post-sophisticated, and move beyond bitterness.

In a scheme of things where Jesus breathes out forgiveness on those who betray him and God raises dead bodies from the dead, we can begin to believe that in the end all will be well and every manner of being will be well and everything, including our own lives, will eventually end sunny side up.

H ow e v e r, t h e challenge of living this out is not just that of believing that Jesus rose physically from the grave, but also, and perhaps

even more importantly, to believe that – no matter our age, mistakes, b e t raya l s, wo u n d s, and deaths – we can begin each day afresh, virgin, innocent again, a child, a moral infant, stunned at the newness of it all. No matter what we’ve done, our future is forever pregnant with wonderful new possibility. Resurrection is not just a question of one day, after death, rising from the dead, but it is also about daily rising from the many minigraves within which we so often find ourselves.

How does belief in the resurrection help us rise from these minigraves? By keeping us open to surprise, newness, and freshness in our lives. Not an easy thing to do. We are human and we cannot avoid falling – into depression, bitterness, sin, betrayal, cynicism, and the tiredness that comes with age. Like Jesus, we too will have our crucifixions. More than one grave awaits us. Yet our faith in the resurrection invites us precisely to live beyond these. As John Shea once so aptly put it: What the resurrection teaches us is not how to live – but how to live again, and again, and again!

B adaliyya Fr. Jun Mercado, OMI

Short Reflection for the 3rd Sunday of Easter (B) Readings: Acts 3: 13-15. 17-19; 1 John 2: 1-5a; Luke 24: 35-48

Selected Passage: “And he said to them, thus it is written that the Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.” (Luke 24: 45-48)

Meditation: We are, indeed, witnesses of the life, teachings and deeds of the Risen Lord. Post Resurrection, we no longer see the physical face or look of the Risen Lord, yet we see and recognize him in good works done for the least of our brothers and sisters – food to the hungry; drink to the thirsty; clothes to the naked; visit the sick and prisoners; home to the strangers. The disciples recognized the Risen Lord when they gave the stranger shelter and meal to the hungry. Right at the very act of breaking/sharing of the bread, they recognized the Risen Lord.

7

THE MINDANAO CROSS

April 17, 2021 EDITORIAL

Doubting Thomases

T

he term “doubting Thomas” has been used so many times that we sometimes forget that this Thomas was actually a disciple of Jesus Christ. He was the disciple who did not believe in the resurrection until he saw Him with his own eyes and touched the nail marks of Jesus. Because of this, Jesus said that often quoted words “blessed are they who have not seen, and yet have believed” (John 20:29).

Due to our fast moving world, we rely on the many forms of communication media for news to move around. In fact, we should be thankful for the media for delivering the news right on our doorstep. But we have to bear in mind that with the positive side that we see in the media, there is also a negative side. And this is where our perception of “false news” come in. Are you aware that before the Duke of Edinburgh died this week (the husband of Queen Elizabeth), he was already reported to have died a number of times. News outfits have the tendency to outperform each other, to the detriment of the quality of news in circulation.

It is therefore left to us to discern what is false news and what is not. This makes us all doubting Thomases. We need proof that what reaches us is authentic.

With the Covid vaccination program in full swing, the government has to counter the doubts cast by many on the efficacy of the vaccines. If you are ready for vaccination, the news circulating makes you hesitate if you participate or not. It is not just the efficacy of the vaccine that are in question.

The side effects are another important factor to be considered. Some of those who already received the vaccine were reported to suffer from side effects, particularly those who are already sick with another disease – called comorbidity. The news travel so fast that there are now so many doubting Thomases in our midst who hesitate to take one vaccine over another, (should it be Sinovac, Astrozeneca, or the new one called Sputnik) or not be injected at all.

Fortunately, a number of frontliners, especially the doctors, are ready to assure us that receiving the vaccine will help in forming the “herd immunity” (another new term). At least, these doctors help us believe that vaccination is for our advantage. For the doubting Thomases out there, this could help in believing what they have not seen.

What could be the reason for the big number of doubting Thomases in our midst? Could it be the lack of faith on the government? True faith is something that moves us in one direction, without that signpost of “to see is to believe”. For our programs to succeed, the government should cultivate the value of true faith in every Filipino especially in this region. It is high time that this should be done. MC +

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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 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.

B

ack home are the 181 mostly Teduray families from South Upi displaced last year by land related armed hostilities that have time and again rocked hinterland communities in the upland Maguindanao town. The transition from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao did not seem to have any impact on the situation of many indigenous Teduray enclaves in the region, to the chagrin of several sectors who had hoped the promise of peace bannered by the Bangsamoro Organic Law which created the BARMM would come soon.

But it is not that simple, not in this case of land related conflicts in the Bangsamoro, according to BARMM Interior and Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo. In an article on Mindanews in February this year, lawyer Sinarimbo, who also heads the Bangsamoro’s humanitarian assistance arm, BARMM-READi, was cited as saying the issue in South Upi is an overly complex one. It is not just an issue of a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title but of lands with Torrens titles, a land ownership certificate issued by the Register of Deeds, Sinarimbo said, adding that the regional government will conduct a review of land titles in a bid to settle the issue.

Peacebuilding organization International Alert Philippines, in its 2020 Bangsamoro conflict report said the explosion of clan feuds and land related conflict in 2019 threatens to stall the momentum towards peace in the BARMM. It said that even as violent conflict incidents trended downward, “flashpoints developed in many pockets and corners of the BARMM,” and clan feuding incidents tallied by the organization from police and media reports “rose by nearly 50% with highest concentrations in Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao, including Cotabato City.” It added that the feuds were “fueled by personal and political grudges and land conflict, also involved former combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), as well as local violent extremist groups such as the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).”

With the explosion of land related conflict in the region, International Alert believes that the Bangsamoro Parliament needs to craft a land law

F

RONTLINE data collectors brave-off hinterlands of Basilan for the initial step to the Tablet-Assisted PhilSys Registration by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to develop a National ID System for the Filipinos.

A national registration aims to develop a government data system of biometric-based profiles to sustain sound citizenry and provide protection from health hazards and security risks like terrorism and banditry of which Basilan is known for.

Many say the frontline data collectors do as much risky task as the health and other frontline workers deployed to help protect the communities from the Covid19 pandemic. This, even if we say banditry is fast turning a thing of the past in Basilan because of the advent of modern roads, and the efficacy of the psychosocial evaluation of young recruits to armed groups like ASG. But despite unprecedented obstacles, Hobnel Monel, supervising statistical Specialist, says contractual encoders working for the Basilan PSA Provincial Office were able to register 81,182 during the month-long Step 1 of the nationwide PhilSys Tablet-Assisted Registration from March 1 to 31.

This was achieved Monel says, notwithstanding the one-week delay in the arrival of the Tablets used, “untoward situation in some areas, like uncooperative barangay officials, peril of armed clashes, poor access to target areas by conventional transport, poor or no internet signal, and unfavorable weather condition.” “Our hired data collectors were determined to meet their expected output,” Monel says.

Earlier PSA had extended Step 1 of the PhilSys Tablet-Assisted Registration nationwide to up to

Lingering hope

Thinking Aloud Carlos C. Bautista caloyb@gmail.com

through a “strong, evidence-based and participatory and publicly accessible process”. The situation also requires the establishment of a mechanism to settle land and property disputes to prevent the escalation of violence in the region, it said.

The proliferation of unlicensed firearms and continuing presence of private and other armed groups is another thing that need to be looked into, IA believes. While there is the ongoing decommissioning of firearms in the hands of MILF combatants, this is obviously not enough.

In an online discussion organized by the Institute of Autonomy and Governance, a civil society organization representative from Lanao Del Sur emphasized the need not only of continued weapons decommissioning on the part of the MILF but also of aggressively pursuing the disarmament and disbanding of private and other armed groups in the region. The point was made in relation to ensuring peaceful and orderly parliamentary elections in the region when it happens, but there is no doubt that peaceful land conflict resolution will benefit from such.

Immediately prior to their departure for home on Tuesday, the 181 families from South Upi were provided food packs by the BARMM’s Ministry of Social Services and Development. South Upi Mayor Reynalbert Insular said the local government will help the affected families rebuild their lives and their homes in their villages.

We are quite sure that these families are hoping the peace agreement between the warring factions brokered by Insular and the 57th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army would stay and bring lasting peace to their communities. Such hopes for peace and progress lingers in countless communities in the Bangsamoro, both Moro and non-Moro. MC

PhilSys data collectors brave Basilan interiors Penlight Nash B. Maulana

nash.penlight@gmail.com

April 30.

Officer-In-Charge PSA Regional Director Engr. Naser S. Usman of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PSA-BARMM), says National Statistician Dr. Dennis S. Mapa has approved the extension of the PhilSys Tablet-Assisted Registration Step 1 to up to April 30.

Usman says all contractual personnel working under the project would then be extended and that the same number of data collectors would be deployed to fieldworks, as soon as the reconfiguration of the Tablet to be use will be completed.

Monel said each data collector is expected to register at least 600 more registrants. PSA Provincial Office in Basilan would be deploying a total of 20 data collectors across the province, Monel says.

Monel notes that the number of registered individuals in the month-long registration exceeds Basilan’s initial target of 75,000 by 7.38 percent.

Initially, Usman says the approved extension of Step 1 of the PhilSys Registration would be from April 5 to April 15, 2021. But on April 6, he received a new advisory that an extension will be until April 30, 2021. Within the 25-day extension, PSA Basilan Provincial Office projects a target of 30,000 more individual registrants—which is quite difficult for only 20 data collectors to achieve. MC

A national registration aims to develop a government data system of biometric-based profiles

8

Same old woes haunting

correct misdeeds of these lawless elements. The entrapment operation by the joint PDEA-PNP team in Datu Piang town on April 9 yielded P1.3 million worth of Shabu from a Charlie Señase Maguindanaon couple. csenase@yahoo.com And five more suspected E are a people of non-stopped peddlers in Cotabato City blame and complain that on that same day which accordingly the brought us back in the mid- result of PDEA’s close surveillance of 1950s when the basic pay then from a illegal drug activities. day’s work was only four pesos or P120 It’s sad and ironic to learn that per month, then raised later to become on the first day of the Holy Month of P8/day or P240/month.

Ramadan, a Maguindanaoan family Those were the days when your peso of three were killed in a daylight is more than enough to avail of the basic ambush in Cotabato City. The victims, food-supply needs of a family. Now a Ali Tamal, Norma Sapi, and a child kilo of pork has been pegged at P500.

Abudday Sapi Tamal, aboard a car were Would you also believe that the peppered with bullets by unidentified monthly stipend of P120 is equivalent suspects in front of a public school in price of a small residential lot?

Rosary Heights-11. The police have In the late 1970s, a brand new yet to ascertain the motive behind 120-motorcycle could be yours at P9,000 the bloody attack with optimism that cash compared to the present cost of nothing hidden that will not be revealed P50,000 each and even higher for a nor anything kept secret that will not motorbike. And the blame and complain be exposed in the light. never cease to reverberate even louder Let’s get rid of personal hate that and deafening. This is because of resorts to killing one another. For we the inherent human lust of the flesh are under God’s command to love and and eyes for worldly possessions and forgive one another. It’s God who will acclamations. avenge those who love Him in fear.

Where in the world is contentment?

The day of the LORD will come as And when will we ever be despite prophesied that His wrath and fierce affluence and high education? anger will lay the land desolate and The world has been forewarned of destroy sinners as stars, moon and the perilous times when men will be lovers sun will cease to brighten-up. He will of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, punish the world for its evil, the wicked proud, blasphemers, disobedient to for their iniquity and would lay low the parents, ungrateful, unholy, without arrogance of the proud and haughtiness mercy and self-control, brutal, traitors, of the terrible (Isaiah 13:9-11). stubborn, lovers of pleasure and not POST SCRIPT: Let’s pray for the of God. They are always learning, but early recovery of former Cotabato City never able to come to the knowledge of Mayor Ludovico “Vic” Badoy, who is the truth (2 Timothy 3). currently at an intensive care unit in a Only truth can set us free that we hospital in Manila. have to seek and ask, in order to savor According to a close kin, the exreal joy and contentment. city chief executive is in the comatose Hoping that religious tradition, stage from undisclosed ailment. So far, customs and practices will continue to as of this writing only Badoy and his reform and bring back to the fold those immediate successor Mayor Muslimin who have gone astray.

Sema are the erstwhile surviving city The arrest of illegal drug peddlers in chief executives.

Maguindanao and Cotabato City shortly Our fervent prayers for God’s grace before observance of Ramadan hopes to to both aging public servants. MC

True to Form

W

Thanks to the internet, I was able to consult with her.

We talked lengthily to discuss my situation. Her advise was very re-assuring. First, I had to undertake some laboratory tests- the works, FBS, Blood Chemistry, Lipid Profile, THS Victoria R. Franco, RPh, MS Pharmacy for thyroid, Ca, Na, Mg and franco1573victoria@gmail.com many others. When she got the lab test results, she was onths of barely stepping out of the glad everything was within normal, which house, not talking to people other does not solve my problem. A couple of than one’s permanent room mate, watching prescriptions were prescribed, for the Karen Davila every morning, doing routine tremors of my hand and fingers - high unchallenging housework, hearing morbid dose Vit.1,6,16, a tranquilizer, notable news about Covid-19, which today compare is Melatonin which I have occasionally then pandemic to the Spanish flu of 1917 been taking if I have difficulty to sleep. By to 1919, the third wave is more dangerous God’s grace, I am over that dilemma, and than the first and second waves. We are in thanks to Dr.Cherie, all I was experiencing the grip of anxiety and fear despite biosafety were caused by the lack of sleep, possibly measures, masks, social distancing, frequent neuropathy due to stress.

New research suggests that melatonin washing of hands, etc.

Honestly, there came a time when I may protect against Covid19 by increasing enter a room and stopped to think, what tolerance to the virus. According to Feixiong am I doing here ? what did I come here for? Chang, PhD, a researcher at Cleveland Clinic’ What’s my landline number? what is her Lerner Research Institute, one way that name again? Insomnia sets in, palpitations, researchers have tried to fast track potential tremors of the fingers and hands, imagined treatments is by repurposing existing pain here and there, headache not resolved drugs, such as steroid dexamethasone and with analgesics. Provinciano, now on its 6th rendisivir.

G e r i a tr i c d o c to r s , a l s o c a l l e d year run bores me, My goodness! what is happening to me? Thoughts of Alzheimer’s geriatricians, specialize in caring for aging disease or Parkinson’s scare me, at 78, these adults who often have complex medical issues. They focus particularly on keeping scares me.

Time to fix this. Voila! Dr. Cherie Oro you functional and helping you maintain Josef is right up above my column on this your quality of life. It is an increasingly rare page. I have been reading her, as I read specialty. They diagnose and treat a wide the other writers of Mindanao Cross. She range of conditions and diseases that affect has been writing about issues and matters people as they age, including dementia, pertaining to the health and wellness of the osteoporosis, incontinence, cancer, hearing and vision loss, osteoarthritis, insomnia, elderly .

Dr. Cherie Oro Josef, I learned is one diabetes, depression, heart failure, frailty of the very few and rare practitioners of and balance issues.

They may also be able to help you Geriatric Medicine, there are only 200 of them actually. She is connected with a combat negative stereotypes about aging hospital in Manila and has her own clinic. that could affect overall health. Geriatricians Married to Jordan, they have a son and a are fully trained medical doctors. After daughter, both in their teens. Surprise too, graduating from medical school, completing she is one of the Oros of Cotabato, graduated residency requirements and becoming statefrom the ND Girls Department and the licensed to practice medicine, doctors who Notre Dame University. Concerned over the want to specialize in geriatric medicine must situation in the city, she has returned only become board certified internal medicine or once, and for 24 hours only, for,their alumni family medicine. They must also complete homecoming. She is an active member of the a geriatric medicine fellowship at an Rotary Club , a frequent volunteer in mental accredited facility and pass the Geriatric Medicine Certification Examination. MC health seminars especially for teen agers.

Geriatric Medicine

The Stuff of Life

M

April 17, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

old female patient, retired teacher who suffered from stroke. She is quite on the heavy side and couldn’t talk coherently because of the cerebrovascular accident.

She was subsequently Cheridine P. Oro- Josef, M.D., DFM, FPAFP, FPCGM admitted and was referred to cheridinemd@gmail.com a neurologist. During my first rounds, I started counselling f there are paediatricians managing the family regarding long term care for medical cases for children and their mom. When I had the chance to talk adolescents, there are doctors to her daughter, I told her that now is the specifically trained to handle and manage best time to return back to her mom the diseases of the elderly and they are love she had given them remembering how called geriatricians. Geriatrics is now a much she had loved them and how she component society of the Philippine College took care of them when they were young. of Physicians and a specialty society of the To my surprise, the daughter answered “ Philippine Medical Association. After years Im sorry Dra, hindi nya ako maaasahan of training as Adult Medicine specialists, diyan! (she cannot rely on me to do that) doctors now may choose to undergo , lumaki ako sa katulong! (I grew up with specialty training in Geriatrics. At present, my nanny)”. She continued by asking me only a few hospitals offers this kind of if I know of a Home for the Aged where we training in the Philippines although the can house her mom with her condition. I College explores the possibility of opening felt really bad about this but after several new training centers. family meetings, I was able to convince Older persons are considered as one the daughter to bring her mom home of the vulnerable sectors of society which and take care of her with a caregiver. needs special care and management. During home visits, the daughter became The aging body experiences physiologic more compassionate and eventually took changes which are distinct and requires care of her mom, only after our monthly specialty care. Geriatricians look into counselling sessions. these physiologic changes and correlate Sometimes, we thought we did a great it with existing acute or chronic diseases job raising our kids. We worked hard to experienced by the elderly. They also give them the best education and the best review medications and note on possible life but we forget that a simple hug and side effects for chronic drug use and daily time devoted for them is enough to interactions which is very common in make them remember how we love them so this population. Geriatricians, in general, dearly. In old age really, we have to invest are very passionate in taking care of our and keep some to ourselves too. If you are ‘lolos and lolas’. They manage the elderly financially disabled in old age, this will in the hospital with other specialists. pose a big problem when you get sick or They offer a unique management working you have to buy maintenance medications. hand in hand with other providers in the Sowing good things is never too late... hospitals. They do home visits of those even in our twilight years, to age gracefully; who are chronically ill and bedridden. The one must learn to sow good things-- for his goal of geriatric care is to address diseases physical health, for the community and appropriately, minimize functional losses, neighbours where one lives, and for one’s maintain physiologic balance and ensure mental health. People say that the youth quality of life as they age. is the hope of the world. To me, the elderly If you have aging parents, it is best to is the treasure of the world, but we have bring them to a Geriatrician for holistic to show the world that we are treasures, care. Geriatricians work with other that we are not a burden to the younger specialists to manage diseases of the generation. It is never too late to dream elderly. a new dream. The truth is... we will only Several years ago, I had an 81 yr reap what we sow. MC

Elderly Care

Golden Threads

I

Public Goods and Service: Greater Role for the Private Sector ….

of goods and services that the government currently provide that society be better off when provided by the private sector.

The engagement of Danny Buenbrazo the private sector in the danny_buenbrazo@yahoo.com construction, operation, and maintenance of roads, ne of the hallmarks of the Bill Clinton presidency was the effort public transport, and airport terminals to promote government efficiency had already been tried in the country, through greater engagement with or especially during the term of presidents the adoption of good practices from Arroyo and Aquino through the sothe private sector. This paradigm shift called Public-Private Partnership (PPP) is anchored on the belief that private arrangement. The PP has fast-tracked sector organizations are generally more the construction of infrastructure and economical and efficient in the production facilities that are funded by the private sector proponents instead of using public and/or provision of goods and services.

Most private sector organizations funds.

Clearly, projects undertaken through are not associated with wanton or wasteful use of resources, something PPP had been completed earlier than that cannot be said of many public sector those implemented by government. Also, they are usually better constructed and organizations.

W h a t m a k e s p r i v a t e s e c t o r well-maintained since there is a direct organizations inherently more economical correlation between the good condition and efficient vis-à-vis public sector of the infrastructure and facility with the financial outcome of the project for organizations?

Several reasons could explain the private sector proponent.

With the current economic difficulties the advantages of the private sector in producing and dispensing goods caused by the pandemic, governments and services. First, private sector (including ours) would be challenged in organizations generally have limited financing the operation of the bureaucracy resources to produce goods and services and responding to the necessities for that forces them to lessen costs and to infrastructure and other public goods save on time. Second, they normally and services. It is, therefore, in the best do not have a monopoly of the market interest of the government to increase the for their goods and services, thus, must role of the private sector in financing and strive to be the best in their segment. operating facilities and services.

For instance, instead of continuously Third, the management of private organizations (whether for profit or building new schools and expanding non-profit) are accountable to a board of existing ones, government should rather directors and stockholders for meeting send more children and young people to targets (e.g. sales, delivery of services, private schools through partial or total among others) and having good financial subsidies for their school fees. At present, many private schools have excess rooms performance.

Public sector reforms introduced and/or can scale up their capacities to during the Clinton era include the absorb more students to their premises. outsourcing of erstwhile public sector- Contrary to popular belief, the cost of provided services to the private educating one person in a typical private sector such as solid waste collection, school is lower compared to public construction of infrastructures such as schools.

And, before I forget, procurement roads and airports, and the operation and management of facilities such as prisons. and disposition of vaccines for COVID-19 While we may not be ready to go to should be better left to the private sector the extent of letting the private sector run like pharmaceutical companies and our prison system but there are a myriad pharmacies. MC

Market Driven

O

9

THE MINDANAO CROSS

April 17, 2021

Islamic fasting season is on ...from P1 schools in the Middle East and North Africa.

Muslims focus on good deeds and reparation for wrongdoings during the month of Ramadhan in the Islamic lunar-based Hijrah calendar.

Fasting during Ramadhan is one of the five pillars of the Islamic faith, which includes belief in Allah, praying five times a day facing west, performing the hajj (pilgrimage) to Makkah in Saudi Arabia at least once in a lifetime for

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

Notice for Auction All unredeemed articles pledged on September 2020 will be auctioned on May 3, 2021 at 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Please come before May 3, 2021 for renewal or redemption.

Patalastas ng Subasta Lahat ng sangla noong Setyembre 2020 ay ipagbibili ng Subasta sa May 3, 2021 sa ganap na ika-8:30 ng umaga hanggang ika4:30 ng hapon. Kung maari ay pumunta bago ang May 3, 2021 para sa pagbayad ng tubo o pagtubos.

MC: Apr. 17 & 24, 2021

those who can afford the cost of travel, and giving of zakat (alms) to the poor.

About 80 percent of BARMM’s more than six million residents are Muslims.

The Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (READI) contingent of the Bangsamoro government, operating under the office of Regional Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo, has started distributing Ramadhan food packs for families observing the Ramadhan season.

A total of 1,900 families in four barangays in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato received Ramadan food packs from the READI on Tuesday.

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 September 2020. Ang subasta ay sa Mayo 03, 2021 sa ganap na ika-8:00 ng mga umaga hanggang ika-4:30 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

MC: Apr. 17 & 24, 2021

COOPERATIVE BANK OF COTABATO Name of Bank

PUBLISHED BALANCED SHEET (Head Office and Branches) As of March 31, 2021

CONTROL PROOFLIST

Account Code

Current Quarter Previous Quarter

Cash and Cash Items

108000000000000000

19,087,648.32

19,087,910.33

Due from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

105150000000000000

28,964,651.65

28,964,651.65

Due from Other Banks

105200000000000000

402,989,192.37

623,036,530.01

Financial Assets at Fair Value through Profit or Loss

112000000000000000

0.00

0.00

Available-for-Sale Financial Assets-Net

195200000000000000

146,263.29

146,263.29

Held-to-Maturity (HTM) Financial Assets-Net

195250000000000000

612,808.79

612,808.79

Unquoted Debt Securities Classified as Loans-Net

195300000000000000

0.00

0.00

Investments in Non-Marketable Equity Security-Net

195350000000000000

0.00

0.00

Loans and Receivables - Net

195400000000000000

1,690,048,097.15

1,612,532,809.86

Other Financial Assets

148000000000000000

270,000.00

0.00

Equity Investment in Subsidiaries, Associates and Joint Ventures-Net 195452500000000000

0.00

0.00

Bank Premises, Furniture, Fixture and Equipment-Net

195500500000000000

114,262,883.02

109,068,162.65

Real and Other Properties Acquired-Net

195501000000000000

1,444,260.30

1,707,864.23

Non-Current Assets Held for Sale

150150000000000000

3,478,288.56

3,478,288.56

Other Assets-Net

152000000000000000

112,142,959.64

115,219,827.27

Net Due from Head Office/Branches/Agencies, if any (Phil. branch 155250000000000000 of a foreign bank)

0.00

0.00

2,373,447,053.09

2,513,855,116.64

TOTAL ASSETS

100000000000000000

Financial Liabilities at Fair Value through Profit or Loss

208000000000000000

0.00

0.00

Deposit Liabilities

215000000000000000

1,348,170,310.48

1,328,823,887.95

Due to Other Banks

220050000000000000

0.00

0.00

Bills Payable

220100000000000000

195,213,333.98

381,749,049.88

Bonds Payable-Net

295201500000000000

0.00

0.00

Unsecured Subordinated Debt-Net

295202000000000000

0.00

0.00

Redeemable Preferred Shares

220250000000000000

1,000,000.00

1,000,000.00

Special Time Deposit

220300000000000000

0.00

0.00

Due to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

230350000000000000

0.00

0.00

Other Financial Liabilities

240050000000000000

6,775,353.84

9,078,770.88

Other Liabilities

240100000000000000

134,670,781.66

126,100,894.96

Net Due to Head Office/Branches/Agencies (Philippine branch of 230850000000000000 a foreign bank)

0.00

0.00

TOTAL LIABILITIES

200000000000000000

1,685,829,779.96

1,846,752,603.67

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

300000000000000000

687,617,273.13

667,102,512.97

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

905000000000000000

2,373,447,053.09

2,513,855,116.64

TOTAL CONTINGENT ACCOUNTS

400000000000000000

5,776.00

5,676.00

Gross total loan portfolio (TLP)

499020000000000000

1,848,572,079.05

1,766,056,791.76

Specific allowance for credit losses on the TLP

499300000000000000

139,100,719.37

134,865,844.37

a. Gross NPLs

499100500000000000

303,720,244.93

266,758,981.21

b. Ratio of gross NPLs to gross TLP (%)

499150500000000000

16.43%

15.10%

c. Net NPLs

499101000000000000

203,288,064.54

170,401,527.18

d. Ratio of Net NPLs to gross TLP (%)

499151000000000000

11.00%

9.65%

e. Ratio of total allowance for credit losses to gross NPLs (%

499151500000000000

52.19%

57.55%

f. Ratio of specific allowance for credit losses on the gross TLP to 499152000000000000 gross NPLs (%)

45.80%

50.56%

499650500500000000

24.97

23.01

499650501000000000

24.23

22.33

499650501500000000

0.00

0.00

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Non-Performing Loans (NPLs)

Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) on Solo Basis, as prescribed under existing regulations a. Total CAR (%) b. Tier 1 Ratio (%) c. Common Tier 1 Ratio (%)

1/

1/ Common Equality Tier 1 is only applicapble to all Universal and Commercial Banks and their subsidiary banks.

I hereby certify that all matters set forthin this Publish Balance Sheet are true and correct, to the best of my knowledge and belief.

JUDE AL DACUTAN - ACCOUNTING MANAGER Autorized Signatory

ROLLY R. DELA CRUZ - PRESIDENT Autorized Signatory

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

TWO O CENTS

On Eve’s last days

BY VALERIE ANN P. LAMBO

At my age and line of work, I have seen the deaths of people dear to me and of those who I have never met or even known before. And all these deaths changed me. As Joan Didion says, “Life changes fast. Life changes in the instant. You sit down to dinner and life as you know it ends.”

But no death unsettles me more than the death of a young person, of one who has gone too soon. Or of one who has died on a Monday in April, just a day after the Lord has risen.

Evelyn Mat-an Estorquia, a household name in the Bangsamoro region, passed away on April 5, 2021, a day after Easter Sunday. Her death certificate revealed acute coronary syndrome as cause of death. She was just 48.

The news came to the office of the Bangsamoro Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (READi) vaguely.

Someone said she was sleeping and unresponsive. Rescuers from READi rushed to her home and brought her to the hospital at 12 noon. Minutes later, someone whispered ‘inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un’. Ate Neng, READi’s utility worker, was wailing and crying in pain. Others followed and began shedding heavy tears. In an instant, employees in that office seemed to teleport at the Notre Dame Hospital (NDH) to take a last look at their boss, Ma’am Eves.

I remember everybody crying — the immediate response to a news of death. I wasn’t crying. I was startled. There, at the emergency room of NDH I stood six meters away of what remains to Ma’am Eves. Her body lies lifeless, pale and covered with hives from all sorts of her allergies. I was studying from afar if that was really her. Maybe it was not her. Of course, it could not be her. I was thinking as small children think, as if my thoughts or wishes had the power to reverse the narrative, change the outcome.

Five years ago, I met a very young, vibrant Bellelyn Storck, as she was known to her Facebook friends. We called each other Titz, just like I call every senior female I worked with. She was the focal person of the then Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao Humanitarian Emergency Action Response Team, now Bangsamoro READi. We shared stories about law school. She gave too many advices that helped me endure my dreadful four years studying law.

Fast forward to the middle of March 2021, I moved workplace from The Mindanao Cross to READi. There I met again Titz Eves. She lost weight and had a brighter colored hair. She asked what can I do, I told her I can write anything. It was a bit cocky, but I saw her approval.

It’s a shame, really, to have only interacted with an incredible person like her for a quite short amount of time. But in the last two weeks I worked closely with her, she has shown me the very best of her leadership, public service, humility and humanity. In every relief operation the READi performed, her orders are clear: “The relief packs should be handed personally to the displaced person, not to any third persons. No one must be left behind.” In any given day, she would ask every employee how they’re feeling or if anything bothers them. She is also a ‘consider-it-done’ boss. Anything you asked from her, any queries or any help, consider it done. She will go out of her way to help anyone in need, be it her staff or a stranger. Her intentions are pure and genuine and does not distinguish between the powerful and the weak.

I have heard great stories about her in the past days — stories of her selflessness, generosity, excellence and how she touched so many lives. She used to teach English before joining the government service. As her students described her, she was kind, intelligent and has a distinct fragrant smell. You would know when she’s coming because you can smell her from afar.

“Siya ang pinakamabangong teacher ever,” wrote one of her former students on Facebook.

I could not understand why I did not cry on the hospital where her body was splayed on the bed lifeless. My officemates at READi were crying and hugging me, hoping they’d get strength from my stoic reaction. But three hours later, the severity of the situation became clear to me. I broke down in tears right after posting the official statement of her passing, in an office room I share with her. The lights flickered as I sobbed in pain.

It sucks. Losing her in the midst of this pandemic is tough and cruel. There is no physical graveyard you can visit. The people who grieve over her untimely demise, although a call away, are actually miles away. Her staff, friends and loved ones could only gather virtually. Her loss has affected many, and ripples of pain stretched far all over the country.

I wasn’t new to this feeling. When my grandfather died, I thought my concept of death was already well-formed. Working on the newspaper for the last seven years, ‘dead’, ‘passed away’ and ‘returned to her/his Creator’ were euphemisms that I heard every day, such that they would become household terms. But when you are exposed to pain experienced by other people, and it is you they ask intervention or help from, you would think you’d know how to handle yours better. But boy, I could not have been more mistaken. Grief is one powerful awful thing.

I could not count the times during the average day when something would come up that I needed to tell and ask her.

This impulse did not end with her death. What ended was the possibility of her usual quick response. I hope to see an end to this conflict in my head. And to this extreme sadness, hopefully.

Vaya Con Dios, Titz Eves.

Valerie Ann P. Lambo, 28, is a former journalist at The Mindanao Cross. She earned her degree in Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and Juris Doctor from Notre Dame University. She is now working at the Bangsamoro READi.

10

April 17, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

TAPATAN SA OBLATE MEDIA

A Bishop talks on the COVID problem.

MOST REV. JOSE COLIN M. BAGAFORO, D.D.

How would you rate the performance level of the government in responding to the COVID situation?

The government performance now is not above average, as since 2020, we are not seeing any improvement in how the COVID response is being carried out.

Do you agree with the structure adopted such as the IATF? Do you find them useful?

There is always a need for special coordination bodies to carry-out extraordinary tasks such as the COVID response. However, such must enable the following: a. Better ways of doing things b. Improved quality of service delivery c. Improved and more systematic coordination and communication d. More efficient use of resources e. Involvement of more technical experts who can determine at one glance the course of action, and who can recommend evidence-based and need-based actions to the government These are not manifested in the over-all performance of the IATF even a year after the onslaught of the pandemic. The involvement and important role of the multi-sectoral (private, Church and civil societies) could have been tapped in coming up with appropriate measures in response to this crisis.

If you were to review the response both at the national and the local level, do you find them appropriate? Can you identify those which you agree with and those you disagree with?

At the national level, those supposed to serve as the main driver of the COVID response, has failed to: a. Ensure preparedness before the declaration of community quarantine and lockdowns, which led to over 4 million unemployed Filipino. IBON Foundation, and even the Philippine Statistics Authority say that the number of Filipino families experiencing hunger will be worse in the coming months. b. The Balik Probinsya program could have been implemented after the government has instructed DOLE, DTI and DSWD on how to receive them in their provinces with enough jobs and other stable sources of income. c. The numerous well-established non-government organizations who have been working with both urban and rural communities could have been tapped to assist the DILG, LGUs and the DOH in the hiring of COVID trackers and volunteers. Of the 30,000 needed trackers, the government has only around 7,000 individuals for the job. d. The strategic communication roll-out of the government is also in shambles with several “authorities” taking turn to misinform the public, and show not-sogood-examples – with the recent viral memes on #lugawisessential, and the proper use of face masks, which put USEC. Densing of DILG, Sec. Duque of DOH, Presidential Spokesperson Roque, and even Pres. Duterte under heavy public scrutiny. Even the pronouncement of FDA regarding restrictions to Astrazeneca is uncalled for at a time when the government is just starting to develop public confidence in the vaccine roll-out.

However, the consistency of public announcements from USEC. Rosario Vergeire is one thing the national government is doing good.

In addition to, the individual yet complimentary efforts of the LGUs in responding to the pandemic are commendable such as; the digital system of contact tracing, the strict implementation of the basic health protocol (face mask and physical distancing) and the sacrifices beyond the call of duty of our Local Health Institutions.

If you were a consultant of the COVID program, what changes would you introduce to make the process more effective? a.Conduct a job summit collectively involving all relevant agencies and organizations: DOLE, GoNegosyo, NGOs providing livelihoods, experts to community social enterprises, Church organizations, etc. b.A provision of welfare subsidy should be studied to utilize portions of the loaned funds on COVID response. c.A cut in the intelligence fund should be done, and re-aligned to fund subsidies for the poor and job/livelihoods creation.

What role can the church play that will make the program more responsive to smaller communities?

Aside from providing high spiritual guidance to the people, the Church has been doing its fair share to help local communities: a. The CBCCP Commission on Social Action/Caritas Philippines have implemented in many Dioceses the Caritas Kindness Stations and Stores since April 2020 until now. This did not only bring immediate food relief to needy families, the program also enabled the practice of generosity, kindness and compassion within the neighborhood. The Caritas Kindness Stores also provided venue to farmers and fisher folks to sell their products at fair price, ensuring local economic activity despite the lockdowns and quarantine. b. We have offered our facilities as quarantine areas, temporary shelters to medical frontliners, and vaccination areas.

Interview by: Carlos C. Bautista

PDEA seized P10.2-M shabu in Marawi

State agents confiscated a total of P10.2 million worth of shabu in separate anti-drug operations in Cotabato City and Marawi City.

In Marawi, Ating Pundogar and his wife, Norhata, were immediately arrested after selling a kilo of shabu to agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency disguised as drug dependents in a tradeoff along a stretch of national highway in Barangay Matampay in Marawi City.

Juvenal Azurin, director of PDEABangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, said the suspects are now detained.

“This is a big catch,” Azurin said.

He said their entrapment operation that resulted in the arrest of the suspects was laid with the help of personnel of the Marawi City police and soldiers under the 103rd Infantry Brigade.

“The suspects shall be subjected to extensive interrogation so we can extract information from them as to the sources of their illegal merchandise,” Azurin said.

Besides Shabu, PDEA-BARMM agents also impounded the red Kia Sportage vehicle of Pundogar and his spouse, from where they found mobile phones bearing the numbers of their contacts.

In Cotabato City, anti-narcotics operatives arrested Thursday morning two women alleged drug peddlers and seized P3.4 million worth of suspected shabu.

Agent Anthony Naive of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA– Maguidnanao) identified alleged lady peddlers as Elena Minala Daud and Sarah Badawi Parok, both of Cotabato City.

Seized from them were 500 grams of suspected shabu estimated to cost P3.4 million, marked money made of photocopied P1,000 bills, mobile phones and various identification cards.

Daud, who claimed she is eight month pregnant, was arrested after she handed over the stuff to an undercover agent in front of McDonald food chain located at the corner of Quezon Avenue and Makakua Street at 7:40 a.m.

Daud denied she was peddling illegal drugs and told investigators that a friend from Manila told her to bring the plastic bag to the food outlet and someone will meet her there.

“I am now aware the content of the bag was illegal drugs,” Daud told reporters. “I cannot do it (peddling) because I know its illegal,” she added.

Daud and Parok are now detained at PDEA detention facility at PC Hill, Cotabato City while charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 are being prepared against them. John Felix Unson

AWESOME DRUGS. The 500 grams of suspected meth, the boodle money, two mobile phones and various ID cards that PDEA-Maguindanao seized from two pregnant women after a buy bust in front of food chain along Quezon Avenue, Cotabato City.

Photo courtesy of Ruffa Mokalid

6 PAG members yieldto BARMM PNPA

SIX members of Private Armed Group (PAG) operating in Maguindanao have voluntarily surrendered and turned in their firearms to police authorities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PRO-BAR).

Brigadier General Eden T Ugale, PROBAR regional director, said the PAG members surrendered Tuesday morning a Garand Rifle, an improvised shotgun, a home-made cal. 50 Barret rifle and ammunition during surrender rites held at Camp SK Pendatun, the home of PRO-BAR situated in Barangay Making, Parang, Maguindanao.

He named the group as Matalam Private Armed Group because it was led by a man named Matalam.

“This successful surrender of Matalam Private Armed Group is in line with the programs under the security aspect of the normalization process of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro that focus on dismantling the PAGs in the Bangsamoro core territory,” Brig. Gen. Ugale said.

The program also covers adjacent areas around the region in order to stabilize the security situation within the BARMM which the National Task Force for the Disbandment of Private Armed Groups (NTF-

DPAGs) is overseeing.

Ugale said PRO BAR, with the unwavering support of the other law enforcement agencies in the region, is determined to dismantle all existing Private Armed Groups in the region He also lauded the operating units involved and the Local Government Officials in Maguindanao for the meaningful cooperation and efforts in facilitating the peaceful surrender of the gunmen “who actually save themselves and their families from possible skirmishes with government forces who are determined to implement the law of the land.”Edwin

O. Fernandez

Relatives want closure for murder of Teduray farmer

RELATIVES of an ethnic Teduray farmer killed by gunmen Friday night, April 9, in Datu Hoffer town urged Sunday their tribal leaders and the police to cooperate in putting closure to the gruesome incident.

The 46-year-old John Daya Benito died on the spot from multiple gunshot wounds.

Benito’s wife, Gloria, 33, said one of the gunmen who arrived in their farm at about 7:00 p.m. Friday casually approached her husband and opened fire with an assault rifle.

Benito, father of six grade school children, died on the spot from multiple bullet wounds.

His relatives told reporters this week they are certain that the culprits belong to the same group implicated in the killings

early on of Teduray farmers in Datu Hoffer and in the uplands in Maguindanao’s nearby Datu Unsay, Shariff Aguak and Ampatuan towns. They did not elaborate, however.

More than 20 ethnic Teduray farmers have been killed in one attack after another in hinterland tribal enclaves in the four towns and in South Upi, also in the second district of Maguindanao, in the past three years.

Brig. Gen. Eden Ugale, director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, said Sunday he has directed the Maguindanao provincial police to enlist the help of local officials in identifying the killers of Benito for prosecution. John Felix Unson