The Mindanao Cross | May 1, 2021

Vol. LXXIII| No. 12| Cotabato City | Saturday, May 1, 2021 |8 Pages | P10.00

P2

CHURCH / P4

Mindanao diocese to baptize 500 children to mark quincentennial of Christianity

3 peddlers fall in P3.4M Maguindanao drug bust

Sanduguan/P8 Community Pantry, good or bad?

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

EVERY BANGSAMORO NOW PHILHEALTH MEMBER

STARTING today no Bangsamoro will be left behind in terms of health care.

LONELY NIGHTS NO MORE. Members of Tboli community in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato can now enjoy the nights with the help of TESDA-12. It will not be surprising if TV sets android phones will keep the IPs busy during idle hours.

Photo courtesy of TESDA-12

T’bolis get solar power facilities

By John Felix Unson

KORONADAL CITY — Ethnic T’boli villagers got from the government solar power generating sets, among them women weaving T’nalak fabric at night after a daylong farm work.

Brig. Gen Roy Galido, commander of 601st Infantry Brigade, told Mindanao Cross that 150 households in Barangay Ned in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato received the packages from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority during a symbolic rite early this week.

The outreach activity was a joint

initiative of TESDA, South Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo, Major Gen. Juvymax Uy of the 6th Infantry Division, the 601st Brigade and its component-unit, the 5th Special Forces Battalion, and the Police Regional Office-12.

The solar electrification initiative is part of the TESDA Alay sa Liwanag at Asenso (TALA) program.

The 601st Brigade and the 5th SF Battalion have jointly been implementing humanitarian projects in Barangay Ned for more than a year now.

The T’bolis in Barangay Ned

P3

GPH, MILF activate JPST in Lanao

By Nash B. Maulana

THE Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have officially activated the first batch of Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST) in Lanao del Sur Both panels have agreed to activate the JPSTP in Brgy. Bubong Cadapaan in Balindong, Lanao del Sur where they were earlier deployed.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) supports the Joint Peace and Security Committee (JPSC) Secretariat, a bilateral mechanism provided in the annexes of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), in the activation of the 30man JPST. The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the

Peace Process said the first batch of JPST is composed of seven members from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), eight from Philippine National Police (PNP), and 15 from the of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front - Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (MILFBIAF).

Meanwhile, on its activation JPST

P3

READY TO SERVE. Members of Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST) in Lanao del Sur are now ready to help settle clan wars, prevent violent extremism and promote environmental protection.

Photo courtesy of OPPAP

This was the statement of Bangsamoro Region Health Minister Dr. Bashary Latiph after signing the Bangsamoro Region Universal Health Care (UHC) Implementing Rules and Regulations with Dr. Abdullah Dumama, Jr., DOH undersecretary for Visayas and Mindanao field implementation and coordination team.

The signing was held at a hotel in 11 in Davao City.

Latiph said the IRR would pave the way for the full implementation of UHC in BARMM, and that it is reflective of the region’s uniqueness and distinctive structure.

“The UHC affords every Bangsamoro equitable access to quality and affordable health care goods and services and protection from financial risks,” Latiph said.

Latiph said MOHBARMM crafted the IRR while incorporating all inputs from the series of consultations supported by United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the BARMM Health

P3

DID YOU KNOW? Today is Labor Day and Feast of St. Joseph, the Worker.

Labor Day was first observed in the Philippines on May 1, 1903 when a hundred thousand workers marched through Malacañang, demanding fairer working conditions from the then American-led government. On April 8th 1908, the Philippine Assembly passed a bill officially recognizing the first of May as a national holiday.

St. Joseph has two feast days on the liturgical calendar. The first is March 19— Joseph, the Husband of Mary. The second is May 1—Joseph, the Worker. He was he chaste husband of Mary, the foster father of Jesus, and a carpenter. Joseph is the patron of many things, including the universal Church, fathers, the dying and social justice.

Melons sold cheaply in Region 12

By John Felix Unson

DUE to oversupply, watermelons and cantaloupes are being sold at only P20 a kilo in roadside stalls in Central Mindanao’s adjoining South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat provinces.

Due to the low prices of palay and corn grains, many farmers in both provinces have shifted to propagation of watermelon and cantaloupe, resulting in overproduction and dip in selling prices.

In random interviews Monday, Vendors told Mindanao Cross they are profiting considerably since even low income people can afford the watermelons and cantaloupes they peddle along the highways.

The extensive growing by farmers in both provinces have resulted in big watermelon and cantaloupe harvest surpluses, now peddled at only P20 by vendors operating stalls along the General Santos-Cotabato highway.

Mission with no boundaries:

OMI mission in the distant Island of Tabawan

By Fr. Rock Saniel, OMI

TABAWAN, Tawi-tawi – It takes about twenty hours of travel from the port of Zamboanga City through a wooden boat with an estimated capacity of 200 passengers that an island called Tabawan, in Tawi-tawi can be found.

A paradise-like island, Tabawan has beautiful coral reefs and white sand coastal areas. It has a wide range of shallow water where the locals pick seafood during windy and wavy season.

During high tide, the ground is about two feet below the sea level. At low tide, the island emerges a little higher.

Tabawan is at the center of South Ubian municipality which is the easternmost area of the province. The municipality also includes the islands of Bubuan, Bintaulan, and South Ubian.

Fr. Angel Singco, OMI, director of Notre Dame of Tabawan, has been assigned in the area for almost two years now.

Fr. Singco is from Maidsayap,

P3

2

May 1, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

3 peddlers fall in P3.4M Maguindanao drug bust

THREE men got clamped down for selling P3.4 million worth of shabu to plainclothes agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Wednesday.

Candao Mamalacat and the siblings Rahim and Baluno Abusama were immediately arrested after receiving payment for their illegal merchandise during a sting at past 2:00 p.m.

Wednesday in Barangay Buayan in Datu Piang town in Maguindanao.

Juvenal Azurin, PDEA’s director for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, said the three drug dealers were entrapped with the help of their relatives.

Agents seized from them P3.4 million worth of shabu that the PDEABARMM shall use as evidence in prosecuting them for violation of the Republic Act 9165.

The RA 9165 is also known as the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Azurin said Mamalacat and his two companions are now locked together in a detention facility in the regional office of PDEABARMM in Cotabato City. John Felix Unson

ANTI-NARCOTICS agents seized P5.8 million worth of shabu in separate operations Tuesday in Basilan and in Tawi-Tawi provinces in the Bangsamoro region.

One of the operations resulted in the death of Alvin Sawadjaan Indanan, shot dead by agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

PDEA-BARMM agents who tried to entrap Sawadjaan neutralized him instead for refusing to cooperate when sensed he had sold P340,000 worth of shabu to nonuniformed anti-narcotics operatives during a tradeoff in Barangay Sta Clara, Lamitan City, Basilan.

PDEA-BARMM Director Juvenal Azurin

said local officials helped them plan the operation that resulted in the confiscation of 50 grams of shabu from the slain Sawadjaan.

PDEA-BARMM agents confiscated P4.7 million worth of shabu from Hassan Anggie Hawaan, Mannan Nusuri Muhadi and Mudzna Anggie Hawaan, who fell in a sting in Barangay Pag-asa in Bongao, TawiTawi several hours later.

The three suspects yielded peacefully when PDEA-BARMM agents frisked and cuffed them after receiving marked money as payment for their illegal merchandise.

He said the three suspects arrested in Bongao, capital of TawiTawi shall be prosecuted for violation of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. John Felix Unson

P5.8M worth of shabu seized in Basilan, Tawi-Tawi

2 hurt in Cotabato City ambush

TWO residents were hurt in an ambush here Tuesday, just two days after a similar attack in General Santos City left a former town official dead and injured two others.

Anas Naga and Ameer Diocolano sustained bullet wounds in different parts of their bodies when gunmen fired at their vehicle while motoring through a road in Barangay Tamontaka 3, Cotabato City.

The wounded Naga still managed to drive their bullet-riddled white Toyota van to a hospital, some four kilometers away from where they were attacked by still unidentified gunmen.

Brig. Gen. Eden Ugale, director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, said Wednesday he has instructed the Cotabato City police office to identify the culprits for

prosecution.

The incident was preceded by a gun attack Sunday night in Barangay Baluan, General Santos City that resulted in the death of Montasher Celozar Singco.

Singcoy was a former member of the municipal council in nearby Alabel town in Sarangani.

Singcoy and his wife, Akiba, and his brother were together in a car when they were shot with pistols by men on motorcycles trailing.

Police Major Yol Hilado, chief of the Police Precinct 3 in General Santos Cit y, said the wounded wife and brother of Singcoy are now recuperating in a hospital.

Hilado said probers have initially theorized that either an old grudge or politics could have led to the ambush that resulted in the death of Singcoy. John Felix

Unson

END OF THE LINE. The three drug dealers entrapped by anti-narcotics operatives in Datu Piang, Maguindanao Wednesday are detained at the office of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Cotabato City.

Photo courtesy of PDEA-BARMM

Plumber electrocuted, companions hurt

A PLUMBER died while two others suffered burns when they accidentally touched a power relay cable while fixing an overhead water supply facility in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato Thursday.

The 45-year-old Jesus Tagaan died on the spot from electrocution.

His companions, the siblings Meynard, 30, and the 51-year-old

Rene Calimos, were immediately rushed to a hospital by responding rescuers from the Pigcawayan local government unit.

The Pigcawayan municipal police said the victims were setting up a water supply system near the barangay hall in Barangay Balogo when they got electrocuted.

A policeman, Sgt. Atilano Arandilla III, who helped bring

the victims down from the tall water tank, was injured when he fell while trying to carry one of the victims down where an ambulance was waiting.

The local government unit of Pigcawayan is extending help to the victims through the municipal disaster risk reduction and management council. John Felix

Unson

Grenade blast rocks North Cotabato town A GRENADE explosion ripped through the premises of the municipal hall in Carmen, North Cotabato on Wednesday night, causing panic among residents.

The local government center building is near the municipal police station.

Police and locals believed the bombing was meant to intimidate the police force, now prosecuting the culprits in the August 2020 attack

that killed then town police chief Major Joan Resurrecion.

In an initial statement early Thursday, the Police Regional Office-12 said no one was hurt in the attack.

Barangay officials said the blast that reverberated through the municipal center of Carmen, an interior town in North Cotabato, triggered panic among villagers.

Personnel of the Carmen municipal police told reporters two men riding a motorcycle together were responsible for the grenade attack.

The suspects sped away as the grenade one of them hurled near the municipal police station building went off.

Local residents are certain the bombing was related to the continuing effort of the municipal police to put behind

bars via judicial process the gunmen who killed Resurrecion.

He and his men were chasing two robbers who shot dead an uncooperative Indian moneylender they tried to rob of money and jewelries early on.

Two of the suspected robbers were killed in a police operation in nearby Kabacan, North Cotabato in late 2020. John Felix

Unson

Son replaces dad in Arms cache of 2 wanted men seized Kidapawan council

POLICE agents found explosives and firearms in the hideout of two men wanted for murder during an operation in Pandag, Maguindanao Tuesday.

Personnel of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region were to serve Joross Guimad and Joemar Sagandingan warrants for their arrest but they have escaped even before the raiding team could surround their lair in Barangay Kabuling, Pandag.

Major Esmael Madin, CIDG-Maguindanao chief, said Guiamad and Sagandingan are facing a murder case in a local court.

Community leaders told reporters Guiamad and Sagandingan are henchmen of the elusive drug syndicate leader “Commander Grasscutter,” also wanted for heinous offenses.

CIDG agents found in the abandoned house of Guiamad and Sagandingan two fragmentation grenades, a rifle grenade, a .50 caliber Barrett sniper’s rifle, an M-79 grenade launcher, gun parts and six .38 caliber revolvers.

Police and military intelligence officials told reporters Wednesday the two suspects are known “killers-for-hire,” who also distributed shabu to

P7

THE Kidapawan City’s legislative body has new member in the person of Galen Ray Lonzaga, replacing his father who resigned.

Lonzaga, son of former Kidapawan City Councilor Gregorio Lonzaga, took his oath Monday afternoon before North Cotabato Gov. Nancy Catamco at the latter’s office in Kidapawan City.

Due to health reasons, the elder Lonzaga decided to resign as members of the Kidapawan City Sangguniang Panglungsod.

The younger Lonzaga will continue the term left by his father in the city legislative body until the new set of councilors shall have been elected in June 2022.

“I will energetically continue the plans and programs of my father, especially programs that will empower the smallest unit of society – the barangays,” the young Lonzaga said in Filipino.

He will have his historic presence for the first time when he attends the city council regular session on April 28.

Present to witness his oath taking were his family and loved ones and Kidapawan City Mayor Joseph Evangelista. Edwin O. Fernanadez

May 1, 2021

3

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Every Bangsamoro now PhilHealth...from P1

Project.

In February 2019, President Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11223, or the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law which automatically includes all Filipinos into the national health insurance program under the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

Latiph esplained that with the UHC IRR signed, local governments in BARMM must register their constituents to a primary health care provider in their jurisdiction in close coordination with PhilHealth and MOH-BARMM. Latiph said the success of UHC in BARMM hinges on the full cooperation of local governments through the Provincial Health Boards.

He added that IRR also created UHC BARMM Regional Management Council (RMC), which will oversee UHC implementation in BARMM. The RMC shall set the BARMM health policy directions, supervise, and monitor the integration and delivery of health

services across the health care continuum.

It shall also establish monitoring and evaluation protocols in the implementation of the Special Health Fund.

Dr. Abdullah Dumama, Jr., DOH undersecretary for Visayas and Mindanao field implementation and coordination team, said the UHC IRR is a significant milestone in pushing for health reforms in BARMM. “The signing of UHC IRR is a clear manifestation of the BARMM Government’s sincerity to uplift the lives of the Bangsamoro people,” Dumama said.

BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim commended the MOH-BARMM and all sectors that contributed to the crafting of the UHC IRR. “I thank everyone for making this possible and we remain one with the idea that health care is not just a privilege, but a right that every Filipino and Bangsamoro must enjoy,” Ebrahim said in a video statement released by the Bangsamoro Information Office. BIO BARMM

T’bolis get solar power facilities...from P1

rely mainly on farming and weaving of their tribe’s iconic T’nalak fabric for traditional dresses.

Barangay Ned had been cleared from presence of the New People’s Army through concerted efforts of its municipal government, the military and the police.

In a statement, Tamayo, chairperson of the South Cotabato Provincial Peace and Order Council, said he is thankful to TESDA and the 601st Brigade for reaching out to his

constituents in Barangay Ned. The turnover of the solar generating sets to T’boli beneficiaries was preceded by the symbolic grant two days before of 5.7 million worth of livelihood support for 73 reforming former NPAs from across South Cotabato The event was held in a government facility here.

The 73 former NPAs surrendered in batches in recent months through the joint intercession of

Tamayo and the 601st Infantry Brigade.

They are beneficiaries of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, or E-CLIP. The South Cotabato provincial government’s effort of reintegrating former NPAs into mainstream society is in support of Malacañang’s Executive Order 70, also known as the “Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict” campaign of Malacañang.

GPH, MILF activate JPST in Lanao...from P1 helped resolved a rido (clan feud) in the area, and was set to meet April 18 for the dispute resolution, along with local peace partners led by lawyer Taharoden Abdul Wahab, and other concerned parties.

Instances of rido are among the peace and security concerns which JPSTs help resolve within their areas of responsibility through activating traditional mechanisms, channels and protocols.

Mayor Benjamin Bagul of Balindong, Lanao del Sur is quoted in an OPAPP Media statement as having expressed support to efforts of the national government in the CAB normalization track.

For his part, Deputy Chief Minister Alim Solaiman of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) said he was thankful to local and international peace partners for their support in the establishing JPST stations in the Bangsamoro region and other areas in Mindanao.

JPSC Co-Chair Brig.

Gen. Francisco Ariel Felicedario cited the Government of Japan, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), the UNDP, the Joint Normalization Committee (JNC), and other peace stakeholders for their contribution to the implementation of the security component of the normalization track.

Bangsamoro Member of Parliament Jannati

Republic of the Philippines Midsayap, Cotabato LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE

Mimbantas, front commander BIAF-MILF, said the “JPST has a common mission with a noble objective and that is to help establish peace and order, progress and prosperity in the society especially in the Ranaw Region.”

The OPAPP said the JPSC is set to turnover additional JPST stations in the provinces of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat within the month.

NOTRE DAME SPIRIT ALIVE IN TAWI-TAWI. Oblate Fr. Angel Singco, director of Notre Dame of Tabawan in Tawi-Tawi leads students in celebrating Notre Dame Day in this undated.

Photo courtesy of OMI Philippines

Mission with no boundaries: OMI mission...from P1

North Cotabato. He entered the seminary at the age of 35 after serving in the archdiocese of Cotabato as a member of the pastoral team under the Tabang Mindanao, an NGO which facilitated in helping the poor people in many parts of Mindanao.

Tabawan has been one of the important and challenging mission areas of the OMIs. The majority Muslim community, the local dialect, culture, and the long sea travel adds to its colorful and exciting experience being in the area.

In 1963, Fr. Gregoire was the first OMI assigned in Tabawan. Right now, Fr. Singco, the 14th OMI priest to be assigned school director of Notre Dame of Tabawan. To this date, the school has 16 teachers and 447 high school students with only two Christianstudents.

Many would ask, “Why do oblates stay in this place when there are only very few Christians?

Why not look for other places where to evangelize and proselytize are never a problem?” The oblates have already encountered all these questions several times and yet they remain

in these parts where majority of the people are Muslims doing mission because the OMI mission is not simply about religion but people.

Moreover, the islands of Sulu and Tawi-tawi including Tabawan have always been the forefront mission of the OMIs even in the past. These islands where there are very few Christians may be far and distant, war-stricken, and dangerous but are very dear in the heart of the mission of the OMIs in preaching the gospel to the poor and the most abandoned.

The forefront of the OMI mission in these areas is mainly education.

It has been the most necessary and impactful ministry in helping the people especially in the early years. That is why many Notre Dame schools were built in these islands to practically help alleviate poverty in the community.

Today, many people still see the OMI mission in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, like in Tabawan, as exemplary

for living the true mission daring the undared.

While many sees the island mission as unnecessary, the OMI continues to cross the seas to reach these islands and do their mission as missionaries for the poor.

“It is not easy to be assigned as a missionary in the islands where OMIs are present. It takes a lot of courage, patience, and faith to live and work alone in the islands. Sometimes, you really have to be creative in order to survive. But when you are close with the people, the mission becomes easier and exciting,” Fr. Singco said.

Fr. Singco is confident that the presence of the OMIs in Tabawan through education creates a lot of difference in the lives of many people in the area.

Through its mission, many Tabawan people who graduated from ND Tabawan have been so grateful, successful, and even now holds important position in their community either in politics or public service.

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late SILVESTRE CADUNGOG and CORAZON QUIÑANOLA who both died at Abaga, Libungan, Cotabato on May 31, 1991 and March 20, 1987, respectively, left a parcel of land Lot 2461-F, Bcn-12-000017 (CLT), with an area of 6,576 sq. mts., more or less, covered by CTC No. T-2662 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement with simultaneous deed of absolute sale before Notary Public Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 463; Page No. 93; Book No. CCXXIX; Series of 2021.

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: May 1, 8 & 15, 2021

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

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late REYNALDO ESCLETO who died on January 25, 2021 at CRMC, Cotabato City, left an insurance claim with Insular Life under Insular Diamond Life Plan with Policy No. 0002180825 is the subject of extrajudicial of estate before Notary Public Atty. Agnes R. De CastroJagunap as per Doc. No. 934; Page No. 934; Book No. XXVII; Series of 2021.

Notice is hereby given that the late SANGBAAN M. MACAAYONG, who died intestate on March 19, 2020 at Guiling, Alamada, Cotabato, left a bank account at BDO Midsayap Branch with Account No. 003740138054 is the subject of deed of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Noel A. Gretare, CPA as per Doc. No. 1,342; Page No. 79; Book No. LXXIV; Series of 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.

Republic of the Philippines Province of Cotabato City of Kidapawan LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE

Republic of the Philippines Province of Cotabato City of Kidapawan LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE

Republic of the Philippines City Government of Cotabato Region XII OFFICE OF THE CITY CIVIL REGISTRAR

Republic of the Philippines Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao South Upi, Maguindanao OFFICE OF THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

In compliance with R.A. Act No. 10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that Jocel T. Garcia has filed with this office a petition for change of Sex from Male to Female in the birth certificate of Julianna T. Garcia who was born on 09 October 2014 at City Kidapawan, Cotabato and whose parents are Jesus Jr. B. Garcia and Jocel G. Tandayag.

In compliance with R.A. Act No. 10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that Artemia L. Simbajon has filed with this office a petition for change of Sex from Male to Female in the birth certificate of Artemia Coma Luayon who was born on 18 October 1971 at Kidapawan, Cotabato and whose parents are Pablo P. Luayon and Florencia P. Coma.

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. Act No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to tge public that Dennis Catubig Gonzales has filed with this office a petition for change of first name from Donis to Dennis in the birth certificate of Dennis Catubig Gonzales who was born on December 14, 1975 at Cotabato City and whose parents are Arsenio M. Gonzales and Claudia M. Catubig.

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

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

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his /her written opposition with this office.

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1, Guidelines in the implementation of Administrative Order No. 1 series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), notice is hereby served to the public that Jayvie L. Paquera has filed with this office, a petition for correction of entry in the child’s sex from Male to Female in the Certificate of Live Birth bearing registry No. 2007-444 of Jayvie Lawan Paquera duly registered at the Local Civil Registry Office of South Upi, Maguindanao and whose parents are Johnny Corminal Paquera and Baindong Paguilidan Lawan.

(Sgd) NORAH B. CABUGWASON Municipal Civil Registrar

(Sgd) RAUL A. MALALUAN City Registrar

(Sgd) RAUL A. MALALUAN City Registrar

(Sgd)TOHAMY M. LAUBAN City Civil Registrar

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: May 1 & 8, 2021

MC: May 1 & 8, 2021

MC: May 1 & 8, 2021

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that Melagrina Biscarra Escalante has filed with this office a petition for change of first name from Paul Nemesio to Nemesio in the Certificate of Live Birth of Paul Nemesio Tenorio Viscarra who was born on January 15, 1962 at Midsayap, Cotabato and whose parents are Bernardino Viscarra and Erlinda Tenorio.

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

MC: May 1, 8 & 15, 2021

Apr. 24, May 1 & 8, 2021.

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

Apr. 24 & May 1, 2021.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than May 7, 2021.

(Sgd) KAHAR B. SANTIAGO Municipalt Civil Registrar Apr. 24 & May 1, 2021.

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

4

May 1, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Mindanao diocese to baptize 500 children to mark quincentennial of Christianity THE Diocese of Kidapawan in Mindanao will baptize 500 children to mark this year’s quincentennial of the arrival of Christianity in the country.

“By this celebration of baptism we are proclaiming to everyone that the Church in Kidapawan diocese is alive,” said Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo.

He said the Sacrament of Baptism is a reminder and a challenge to everyone of their being missionaries.

“It is a way of reminding our people of our call to mission, to witness our faith to all nations,” said the prelate in an interview with Radio Veritas 846 on Tuesday, April 27.

Bishop Bagaforo said 125 children will be baptized in each of the four vicariates under his diocese that comprises 18 parishes.

The first batch of children were baptized on Monday, April 26, at the Our Lady of Mediatrix of All Grace Cathedral in Kidapawan City.

The prelate said it is just right that Filipinos show their “appreciation and thanksgiving for the gift of faith that was given and received by us” during the observance of the quincentennial of the arrival of Christianity.

The Philippines topped the list of countries with the most number of baptisms of young children.

The country recorded more than

1.6 million baptisms of children under the age of 7 at the end of 2019 based on the Statistical Yearbook of the Church.

It was followed by Mexico with over 1.48 million, Brazil with more than 1.05 million, the United States with 595,286; and Colombia with 442,396.

The yearbook provides separate statistics for the baptism of people above 7 year old.

The Philippines also ranked third in the world with the most baptized Catholics at 89 million.

Brazil topped the list with 177 million baptized Catholics and was followed by Mexico with 115.5 million.

Fourth on the list is the US with 74 million while Italy ranked fifth with 57.8 million.

The Philippines this month marks the 500th anniversary of the first Christian baptism in the country.

On April 14, 1521, Cebu chieftain Datu Humabon, and 800 of his followers were baptized Catholics.

The baptism came a week after the arrival of the Spanish expedition headed by Ferdinand Magellan on the island of Cebu LICAS News

WELCOME. Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, DCC, DD, welcomes a child to the Catholic Church as he baptizes one of the 500 children to be inducted to Roman Catholic world in observance of 500th year anniversary of Christianity in the Philippines.

Photo courtesy of Diocese of Kidapawan

T

Pope Francis thanks Philippine religious men, women for contribution to Church

POPE Francis this week sent his greetings and prayers to the Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines (AMRSP) on the occasion of its 50th anniversary.

“The Holy Father recalls with gratitude the contributions of generations of consecrated persons to the building up of the Church through their multiple apostolates and work of charity,” read the pope’s letter through the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

The message was read

by Cardinal Charles John Brown, apostolic nuncio to the Philippines, in a video message during the association’s joint biennial online convention this week.

The pope expressed his prayer that the association’s meeting “will inspire the consecrated

o abide” means to reading from the letter of be steadfast and John says, “ Those who faithful. Another keep his commandments word used in the gospel remain in him and he that we read this Sunday in them” (Jn 3:24). We is “to remain.” In this abide in Jesus and Jesus discourse of Jesus about abides in us when we the vine and the branches, keep the commandments, the word remain is used and the greatest of the Rev. Fr. Antonio P. Pueyo, DCC eight times. Jesus said, “I commandments is love. tonypoy_dcc0@yahoo.com am the vine, you are the It is love that connects us branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will to Jesus. It is love that connects us to our brothers bear much fruit” (Jn 15:5). and sisters. It is love that gives us the energy In vine growing places, one can see a cycle in and inspiration to do whatever good we are doing. caring for the vine to ensure more yield of grapes. Love may be an overused word, often identified The vine is pruned and the excess branches are cut with romantic love, although there are many other off. They are no longer connected to the vine and they kinds of loving. We may substitute for it kindness, die and are burned. During this compassion and care. period, the vines seem naked with What happens when we remain in little foliage. Then the new leaves Jesus. We bear fruit and we become grow on the remaining branches productive as a disciple. When we and bunches of grapes appear are inspired by the Spirit of Jesus and ripen, ready for the harvest. then we reap the fruits of the Spirit.

Pruning is done again to prepare According to St. Paul in his letter for a new yield of fruits. The to the Galatians, “the fruit of the listeners of Jesus would be able spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, to relate easily with this image of kindness, goodness, faithfulness, the vine and the branches . One gentleness, self-control” (Gal. 5:22). has to remain faithful and loyal to In the first reading, St. Paul filled Jesus so that he can be a fruitful with the spirit spoke boldly about the disciple. risen Christ after his conversion. He A more contemporary became the most prolific evangelizer rendering of the image of the of his time. vine and the branches would be If as Jesus said, the tree is the cellphone and the service provider. If there is no known by its fruits (Mt. 7:16), then we can gauge connection between the two, then one cannot make the quality of our discipleship by the fruits we bear. calls or text messages. Another modern example is Are we more kind, more caring, more compassionate, the electricity that we use at home. If the wires are more joyful? If we are then we can become more not connected to the generator then no current flows effective witnesses of the joy of the gospel, no matter through them. Jesus is the vine, the service provider, what the circumstances. Where there is illness and the generator. When we are cut off from Jesus and injury we bring healing. Where there is strife, we cannot do what we are supposed to be doing as we bring peace. Where there is indifference and disciples. We cannot bear fruit. selfishness we bring love. Let us be fruitful disciples How do we remain in Jesus. The second by clinging to the vine. MC

Abide in Me REFLECTIONS

Leadership is not just a monopoly of one or a few

men and women in the Philippines to discern fresh ways of bearing witness to the joy of the Gospel and forming vital communities of missionary disciples.”

The theme of this year’s ARMSP celebration is “Singkwenta sa Limang Siglo: 50 Years of AMRSP on the 500th Year of Christianity in the Philippines, Celebrating the Gift of Consecrated Life in Mission at the Service of God and of Humanity.”

The AMRSP is a joint forum of the Association of Major Religious Superiors of Men in the Philippines and the Association of Major Religious Superiors of Women in the Philippines.

It was formed in the early 1970s after the formation of the associations of men and women in the 1950s as a result of directives from

the Sacred Congregation of Religious to form “permanent organizations of religious communities of (women/men) in the Philippines in the person of the major superiors.”

The original statutes of the associations said the purpose of the associations was “to coordinate the aforesaid Religious communities, to study the problems of common interest, and to assure their more effective solution through close collaboration.”

They are also mandated “to coordinate the activities of all institutes of consecrated life and societies of apostolic life” of men and women in the Philippines, “to study matters and problems of common interest and to assume their more effective solution through dialogue and cooperation.”. LICAS

News

B adaliyya Fr. Jun Mercado, OMI

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

Acts 9: 26- 31; 1 John 3: 18-24; John 15: 1-8

Selected Passage:

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you” (John 15: 7)

Meditation:

The challenge to each one of us is to remain steadfast in the faith both in good times as well as in bad times. The gospel tells us we need to connecte to Jesus in order to bear much fruit. The Father is the vine grower and we submit to his way of making us productive.

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

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

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

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

5

THE MINDANAO CROSS

May 1, 2021 EDITORIAL

D

The Philippines in the Dumps

on’t listen to the news on TV or radio while having your breakfast. The events unfolding before your eyes will surely destroy your appetite. Finish eating and listen.

It may be good for your digestion if you tune in when celebrity news are in. Issues like Community Pantry and the West Philippine Sea and the reaction of government are guaranteed to give you indigestion The Community Pantry (which Fr. Tony said was stupidly misread by SOME people as Communist Party), takes the lead because what started out as a very laudable action from young people as an emergency response to the poverty caused by the pandemic, was red tagged as a means to communicate the goals of the communist party. If I was with the red party, I will kiss Gen. Parlade for acting as my agent.

The more he insists that the community pantry carries the mission of the communist party, the more he alienates Filipinos from supporting a project that redounds positively to the country.

There would be more believers who will choose to support the communist party because the military is out to destroy any activity that would redound to their benefit. Talk about reverse psychology!

On the other hand, the issue of the West Philippine Sea had gone out of proportion because of the inaction of the president on the Chinese military incursion. It appears that the Philippines is now the model of oppression and the target of colonial intentions of China.

In all probability, there are unspoken fears among nations that they see this coming and were able to express themselves now that there is a concrete example that can be cited. With the many support coming from other nations, hopefully, the Chinese dragon will see the folly of their plans. Can they not go on continuing what they have done for centuries – sending out their people to migrate to other countries – which will solve their overpopulation problem? Some people cannot move without flexing their muscles to show power; while some people hang on to power by cowering before these power trippers.

Locally, we see the military replicating the Community Pantry through their civic-military units. It is the best way to the people’s heart, especially now that its Ramadan time, and they need food to break the fast. Last week’s showed that these are appreciated by the people. When the MC staff left to get the camera, all the vegetables displayed for the taking were all gone.

We request the civilians to join in the activity.

Those who have more (even just a little more) can easily share what they have to the pantry.

Where is the much touted Bayanihan spirit among the Filipinos? This is the chance to put this in practice.

Calling all Senior Citizens, please have yourselves vaccinated with the Covid vaccine.

In the records of Barangay RH 9, there were still some who did not show themselves to the Barangay officials and the City Health workers. Please do.

Many senior citizens (which includes me) already availed of the free vaccine. This is better than to be hospitalized or worse, to die and be cremated without your family at your side. MC +

is published every Saturday by the Mindanao Cross Publishers, Inc., Sinsuat cor Quezon Avenues, Cotabato City. Tel Nos. (064) 4217161 and E-mail Address: mindanao.cross@gmail.com | mincross101@yahoo.com.ph

Fr. Rogelio Tabuada, OMI, Chief-Executive-Officer Eva Kimpo - Tan, Editor-in-Chief Edwin O. Fernandez, News Editor Gemma A. Peñaflor, Administration and Marketing Executive 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.

T

his writer is neither a lawyer nor one who has spent hours and hours burning midnight candles reading through and understanding law books. That said, we are baffled why libel is considered a criminal offense and red tagging is not. Yes, there is as yet no law that mandates such, but isn’t it about time there is one?

Some legislators believe so. In March, Senator Franklin M. Drilon filed Senate Bill 2121. The bill defines red tagging as “labeling, vilifying, branding, naming, accusing, harassing, persecuting, stereotyping, or caricaturing individuals, groups, or organizations as state enemies, left-leaning, subversives, communists, or terrorists as part of a counter-insurgency or antiterrorism strategy or program, by any state actor, such as a law enforcement agent, paramilitary, or military personnel.” It provides that “Any person found guilty of red-tagging shall be imprisoned for ten (10) years and shall suffer the accessory penalty of perpetual absolute disqualification to hold public office.”

National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict spokesperson Lorraine Badoy describes the proposed criminalization of red tagging as worrisome and very dangerous. She believes it can be used as a weapon to silence those who want to expose the legal fronts of the communist rebels. This is perhaps expected of her being a spokesperson of the government’s antiinsurgency agency created by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Badoy, who is also an undersecretary of the Presidential Communications Operations Office has prominently figured in the red tagging of organizations, lawmakers, and even celebrities, along with Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. of the Philippine Army, who is also NTF-ELCAC spokesperson.

Red tagging is dangerous, the bill contends. Citing Supreme Court Justice Marvic Leonen, the bill states that victims of red tagging “become ‘easy targets’ of government military or paramilitary units. This continuing governmental public branding has threatened the very life, liberty and security of the vilified men and women. It has resulted to serious human rights violations such as harassments, arbitrary arrests, detentions,

R

ECALL how Philippine foreign affairs reporters tried to “squeeze” President Barack Obama in his April 2014 state visit, on whether the U.S. would come to old ally Philippines’ defense in case tension rose in the South China Sea over the Spratlys.

And if I remember it right, I heard something like this on April 28, 2014: The U.S. is committed to a balanced security in the region and upholds Freedom of Navigation. Back home, a bilateral cooperation in market economy with China stands on healthy trade relations.

Territorial disputes are settled peacefully through the diplomatic channels which the U.S. promotes with allynations. We call on the neighboring nations that lay claims over the Spratlys to settle conflict through peaceful remedies and abide by the norms set by international law.

Since 1984, the United States and other countries have protested the Philippines’ understanding that “The concept of archipelagic waters [under the Law on the Seas Convention] is similar to the concept of internal waters under the Constitution of the Philippines.”

Much of the country’s position in the UN LOS Convention is inspired by “The Philippines and the Law of the Sea: A Collection of Articles, Statements, and Speeches by the late Senator Arturo M. Tolentino, the most distinguished figure in the Philippines’ membership to the 1982 UN Convention. The second prominent Filipino international lawyer in the country’s position to that UN Convention on LOS was Atty. Estelito Mendoza, a former UP Law professor, and a justice secretary in the Marcos administration.

Former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile who had worked with Mendoza, says Reed Bank, which is supposedly rich in oil and gas and is within the country’s exclusive economic zone, is not part of the Philippines’ core territory. Enrile credits Mendoza as the one who wrote Republic Act 9522 passed in 2009 to establish new Philippine baselines.

Reed Bank, Enrile says, is not part of the 1898 Treaty of Paris. But the case is not isolated in that old pact. For one, Sibutu Island southwest of Tawi-Tawi was also inadvertently excluded from Islas Filipinas as technically defined under the Treaty of Paris. The contention of former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio is that this flaw in the treaty was rectified in the 1900 Treaty of Washington which sought to include all territories of the archipelago not otherwise included in the 1898 pact between Spain and the United States.

In response to the nations’ protest, the Philippines (under the 1987 Constitution) stated in 1988 that it “intends to harmonize its domestic legislation with the

Criminalizing red tagging

Thinking Aloud Carlos C. Bautista caloyb@gmail.com

and enforced disappearances. In some instances, being red-tagged is a prelude to death.” It cites several cases, among them human rights advocate and social activist Zara Alvarez whose name was included in the Department of Justice terrorist list before she was shot by an unidentified assailant in Negros in August last year. It also cited the case of Dr. Mary Rose Sancelan of Guihulngan City who was number one on a list of people accused of being a member of the Communist Party of the Philippines in Negros Oriental. Dr. Sancelan was fatally shot in December 2020, the 6th person killed off from the list. All victims of the infamous “Bloody Sunday” of March 7, 2021 in Luzon’s CALABARZON Region have also been red tagged prior to their violent deaths.

Libel can destroy your name; red tagging can cause you your life, especially at this time when the marching order from the commander-in-chief to foot soldiers is “finish off” communists in the country: “I’ve told the military and the police that if they find themselves in an armed encounter with the communist rebels, kill them, make sure you really kill them and finish them off if they are alive… Forget about human rights… That’s my order.”

A victim of red tagging in South Cotabato has said “To be linked to a ‘terrorist communist group’ is to condemn a person as all-out anti-government...” and that very is worrisome and gravely dangerous, to borrow the words of Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy.

If that is not enough reason to criminalize it, we don’t know what is. MC

Where U.S. stands neutral on the Spratlys issue

Penlight Nash B. Maulana

nash.penlight@gmail.com

provisions of the Convention” and that it “will abide by the provisions of the said Convention.” (Limits of the Seas Vol. 142 Philippine Archipelagic and other Maritime Claims and Boundaries Office of Ocean and Polar Affairs Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, U.S. Department of State) RA 9522 establishes new archipelagic baselines. But the fact that this law does not clarify whether waters within the baselines are archipelagic waters, as provided for in the LOS Convention, or “internal waters” under the Philippine Constitution, took it to a constitutional question to the Supreme Court. In July 2011, the SC upheld the constitutionality of RA 9522 in a landmark legal issue arising from a question of whether RA 9522 “unconstitutionally ‘converts’ internal waters into archipelagic waters, hence subjecting these waters to the right of innocent and sea lanes passage under [the LOS Convention].”

President Rodrigo Duterte raised a point worthpondering on, that AJ Carpio could have wielded the most appropriate power in time to correct things, while being in the Supreme Court then. I believe that the U.S., an ally and leading advocate for the Freedom of Navigation, would have wanted the Philippine baseline law ruled “unconstitutional” by the SC then, as such would have set the parameters clearer as to the U.S, and other nations’ protest against Philippine understanding on the issue of “internal waters” and “archipelagic waters”-- “hence subjecting these (archipelagic) waters to the right of innocent and sea lanes passage under [the LOS Convention].” But had the High Court ruled RA 9522 as “unconstitutional,” the calls for amending the 1987 Constitution would have mounted anew!

And the Liberals in power then would not want this to happen. Certainly Carpio and his colleagues could have faced impeachment. So, Carpio and former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario shouldn’t be on the “damage control mode” at the expense of the Duterte administration and of our deep-rooted, aged diplomatic ties with China. MC

6 Unfazed amid adversity

already got their dose of the medicine.

Considering health as wealth, more so spiritually, in the observance of Ramadan, Regional Health Minister Bashary Charlie Señase Latip with the concurrence csenase@yahoo.com of Bangsamoro Chief n the midst of the prolonged Minister Ahod Ebrahim d i f f i c u l t i e s b r o u g h t a b o u t has formally endorsed the creation of

by COVID-19, the world is in the regional Universal Health Care quandary on what’s life beyond with Implementing Rules and Regulations the pandemic raging at its worst this of the DOH national office. week.

The global health menace that In New Delhi alone an average of brings forth socio-economic difficulties 360 people died each day at the rate and compounded by our destructive of one death for every four minutes or ways to fellowmen and the environment at least 15 in an hour. Unfortunately, are among the signs of the times that it included two Filipino OFWs among we are experiencing. the latest fatalities as confirmed by our We’ve been forewarned that those Philippine envoy to New Delhi Ramon who destroy the earth shall also be Bagatsing, Jr. destroyed (Revelation Amazingly sad 11:18). That God’s wrath to know that India is is upon the wicked among the first in the and the unrighteous world to have produced when the great deluge the COVID vaccine. during Prophet Noah’s And these advanced time happened due to countries like the USA, unbearable corruption Russia, France, Brazil and violence of men. The and Turkey are in the total desolation of Sodom top COVID cases list. and Gomorrah due to lust With the world’s of the flesh and idolatry. more than 149 million However, in the case of cases and over three Nineveh, the inhabitants million fatalities as of midweek, were saved through reconciliation with the Philippines has been ranked God in repentance.

26th in the list by the World Health Our fear of the LORD is the Organization. beginning of wisdom for the faithful M i n d - b o g g l i n g t o k n o w t h a t not to exchange truth for a lie by churches in Cagayan de Oro City having to worship creatures instead have to be closed because six priests, of the Creator (Romans 1:25). including a bishop whose church has Highly educated we become the shrine of Black Nazarene are philosophical to often justify ourselves COVID-positive. Let’s pray for their before men, but God knows our hearts; immediate recovery and all others for what is highly esteemed among afflicted by the pestilence. men is abomination in God’s sight T h e d i r e n e e d f o r m a s s i v e (Luke 16:15). inoculation as preventive measure Natural and man-made calamities against the pandemic widespread are in our midst that we have to endure is in progress amid limited vaccine with faith, hope and love intact to supply. Health authorities said over merit eternal life. For neither silver one million Filipinos have already been nor gold shall be able to deliver us in vaccinated and that more than 9,000 the day of God’s wrath (Zephaniah Muslim Mindanao health workers 1:18). MC

True to Form

I

Considering health as wealth, more so spiritually, in the observance of Ramadan

Sr. Badoy siblings were, he offered to call me Tukaya while I responded with Tukayo. Today’s generation may know him as a former mayor, not knowing perhaps that he was Outstanding Victoria R. Franco, RPh, MS Pharmacy M a y o r i n h i s h e y d a y ; father of the creation of franco1573victoria@gmail.com 37 barangays; concreted main and minor streets, and very touching show of love, affection and respect was demonstrated by drainage improved. The mega market former classmates of the former was constructed, enabled PLDT and City Mayor Ludovico Badoy at the zoom Mercury Drug to operate in the city, mass and tribute dedicated to him. rehabilitated the old City Hall. (thanks This was organized by Asso. Justice for the info, former Vice Mayor Cecil Edgar Camello and his gregarious wife, Barroga) I recall how he first got into politics Mary , sponsored by his batchmates from the Notre Dame of Cotabato Boys’ during the President Cory Aquino Department. Justice Camello somehow Administration but that’s “water under the came up with the old clarinet piece bridge”. He developed into a good leader played by Mayor Vic on their Recognition and astute politician. Eventually, after Day. The former mayor was a soloist for his stint in local governance, he honed his leadership skills as Executive Director of the ND Boys band.

The esteemed Badoys are among the the National Historical Commission, while earliest settlers in the city. Their father , we proudly watch him along other big wigs Anacleto Sr. was a school teacher, while raising the huge Philippine flag in many their mother was a nurse. All siblings were official national occasions.

To celebrate her birthday during raised in an environment of love, respect and Christian values. They are Anacleto the pandemic, unable to celebrate with Jr, Emmanuel, Lalano, Alex, Orlando, friends, Parida Chio , retired and former Buddy, Solomon, 8 boys in a row, and BPI manager, ran a campaign for her two charming women, Rhodora Ging, and favorite charity. Not only that, somehow Linda. Other settlers of their time were she found herself in an orphanage the Rupertos, Guigientos, Mandanas, for girls somewhere in Kakar in the Camellos. Viewed participating in the outskirts of the city. Friends noted the zoom were former classmates Becky posts and immediately sent some clothes, Tanghal, Marvin Cruz, Judy Guigiento . provisions and are now raising funds to All along he remained a bachelor, renovate the kitchen. The “harvest” was until he became Executive Director of good, but not enough. This pseudo girls’ the National Historic Commission. He orphanage was accidentally organized was never wanting in camaraderie and by a couple of Muslim women wanting fellowship. His staff at the commission to keep these girls safe and away from were all over praising him both for his trouble. May Allah bless them and management style and his personal provide for their noble intentions. If touch. Judging from the posts of his there are those who wish to help, they nieces, nephews , he was very much will need food always.

What your right hand does should loved and respected. They were the ones looking for a hospital for him while he not be known by the left hand, but I was already in a serious condition with wish to personally acknowledge the pneumonia. Thankfully, they did find one donors so far: Dr. Tess Mansilla is a but it was too late. The bemustached, grand solicitor as well as a donor; Drs. smiling Uncle will be badly missed for Dilangalen, Dimaren, Baguindali, Mark sure. Gone are the singing binges, trips Chua, Muhay Kome, Liah Nur, I Cuan all have pinched in. Parida is on her way to the beach, in house pow wow.

Always respectful, as the Anacleto to her advocacy. MC

Lest we Forget.

The Stuff of Life

A

May 1, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

their cries.” (82 year old retired teacher) There are a hundred more things I hear every day. I have seen different families taking care of their sick bedridden Cheridine P. Oro- Josef, M.D., DFM, FPAFP, FPCGM mothers. There are sad cheridinemd@gmail.com and happy stories but just the same, when we grow here are many ways to treat your old, all we need is an assurance that mom on Mother’s day. Almost we are loved by the children we raised. all magazines, newspapers and An elderly couple in their 70’s once tabloids feature lists of ways to pamper told me, that even when their children your mom. From giving her a bouquet seem to forget to call or ask them how of flowers to spending time with her in they are, “there will always come a a spa or nail parlour. Dining out with time that they will need you”. They the whole family is the most common have 2 children, all working out of the Mother’s Day activity though. country and they live by themselves.

But, how will you make her feel The elderly couple are left with just you really love her? Perhaps these their household help. When their words from the mouths of my elderly daughter experienced relationship patients may help you. problems with her husband, she called 1. “ I w i s h her mom in the middle I could tell my of the night after daughter that I almost 5 years of not need financial really talking to her help to buy my at length, and started maintenance to cry for long hours. medications.” (72 The mother said, “it year old retired was one of the joyous teacher) thing I experienced 2. “ T h e y ever since I retired, don’t visit us that feeling that your anymore. They children still need you are very busy was more than enough with their own reason to enjoy life lives, and I and the years that understand them God gave me.” anyway Dra.” ( 68 If there is one year old retired thing that your mother government worker) need most on Mother’s Day, that would 3. “ How I wish I could take a be that simple smile and hug which day off from taking care of my apos she longs for everyday ever since you (grandchildren), my knee and back decided to build your own nest. She may pains are becoming too much to bear!” have grown to be grouchy or irritable (75 year old retired accountant) as she aged, sometimes sensitive and 4. “I try to wash my own plate, unbearable but just the same, all she wash my own clothes and eat by myself needs is love. Even when she has done because my children get angry all the apparently grave things against you, time for my negligence. They get angry she is still your mom, the mother but they do not volunteer to do these who carried you in her womb for nine things for me, who will do these for me months and bore you in this world.

Dra?” ( 89 year old balikbayan) To all the mothers reading this, my 5. “I wish they would call more warm greetings and gratitude for being often. I miss their laughter and even simply, a mother. MC

Meaningful Mother’s Day for your elderly mom

Golden Threads

T

If there is one thing that your mother need most on Mother’s Day, that would be that simple smile and hug

Climate and Disaster Adaptations for LGUs….

the separate community studies that address various aspects of physical development in the city.

Recently, there had been issuances requiring Danny Buenbrazo the inclusion of climate danny_buenbrazo@yahoo.com change adaptation and disaster risk reduction ocal government units (LGUs) are mandated to periodically prepare in the plans of local government various development plans. Two units. The then HLURB, for example, of the most important of these are the issued Memorandum Circular No. Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) 2 in January 2019 to provide the and the Comprehensive Development parameters for reviewing the climate change adaptation and disaster risk Plan (CDP).

While the two (2) above-mentioned reduction and management contents plans are distinct from each other of a CLUP. The agency will ascertain and are reviewed and approved by if the LGU has complied with the different government agencies, these inclusion of required key elements are inextricably linked to each other. such as: hazard profiling; identification The preparation of the CLUP is being of risks elements that could adversely assisted by the Department of Human affect population, infrastructure, among Settlements and Urban Development others;; climate adaptation and risk (DSHUD) formerly HLURB while the reduction/management measures; and Department of the Interior and Local land use and zoning regulations that Government (DILG) supervises the will lessen or manage the vulnerabilities of the community to manage risks and preparation of the CDP. The CLUP is also known also as the vulnerabilities on existing land uses and master plan, land-use plan, among other proposed developments.

What are the climate changes that names. , is a document being prepared

by LGUs to guide their future actions local governments need to take cognizance for development. It presents a vision for of and prepare for?

Climate changes are deviations for the future, with long-range goals and objectives for all activities that affect the usual weather patterns. Thus, LGUs local government unit. This plan includes should recognize extreme conditions the current and proposed land use maps, such as extended dry seasons that cause current and projected demographics, droughts and high temperatures as well among others. Land use planning is being as periods of intense rain that can cause done to ensure that that the current needs floods and landslides.

Natural risks, on the other hand, of residents are satisfied while adequate resources will also be available for future include earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons, among others. Different areas are more generations.

A Comprehensive Development Plan prone to a different type of natural (CDP) is a city-level investment plan that calamities. For example, localities facing reviews the current socio-economic and the Pacific Ocean are more vulnerable spatial development of a city and sets to typhoons while areas near volcanoes out goals and guidelines for its future and/or fault lines are susceptible to expansion. It also includes the details earthquakes. Coastal cities and towns of required investment to realize the near an active fault line are also vulnerable various components of the plan. The to tsunamis after the occurrence of a comprehensive plan is the single most strong earthquake.

A local government units that important document for managing a community’s physical growth because seriously identifies climate change and it can (and should) consolidate and potential disasters and prepare measures coordinate physical planning needs to mitigate or manage these would be less and goals and policies, as well as all affected when they actually occur. MC

Market Driven

L

May 1, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Catamco gets 1st COVID-19 vaccine jab

THREE men got clamped down for selling P3.4 million worth of shabu to plainclothes agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Wednesday.

North Cotabato Gov. Nancy Catamco today received her first dose of Sinovac’s CoronaVac vaccine during vaccination program held at the provincial hospital in Kidapawan City.

Catamco was the first local chief executive of North Cotabato to receive anti-Covid jab after following the vaccine rollout prioritization protocol.

“I feel good, I’m doing fine,” Catamco said after getting her fist jab. A nurse has repeatedly took Catamco’s blood pressure, at least five times, before she was injected with the vaccine.

Joining her in the inoculation program at the North Cotabato Provincial Hospital in Barangay Amas were provincial govenrment’s heads of offices, nurses from the

Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and other frontliners of IPHO-North Cotabato.

Highlighting the program was the turn-over of RT-PCR machines from Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte that she coursed through North Cotabato senior Board Member Shirlyn Macasarte.

Catamco lauded Mayor Sara for the donations.

Aside from RT-PCR machineS, IPHO also received 18,000 sampling kits, 5,000 pcs clinical thermometer, 2,500 pcs exam gloves, 2,500 pcs N95 mask, 1000 pcs surgical mask, 2000 pairs disposable gloves, 15 pcs CVC kit, 200 pcs towel and 40 pcs pump infusion kits.

This is the second time North Cotabato recived RT-PCR machine

donations. Earlier, Gov. Catamco received a Molecular Laboratory that included RT-PCR machine from Energy Development Corporation (EDC).

These facilities were placed at Mlang District Hospital.

Catamco said the pandemic should not make the people of North Cotabato think that it’s the end of the world because the government is doing its best to contain the pandemic.

Board Member Philbert Malaluan supported Catamco’s advocacy to make her vaccination public in the face of fake news spreading in the social media about negative effects of vaccines.

Malaluan, a physician, also received his second dose of Sinovac vaccine. Edwin O. Fernandez

Cops seized illegally cut lumber in Lanao Sur

ALERT police personnel and forest rangers in Lanao del Sur seized illegally cut “hard wood” forest products on Tuesday afternoon.

The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy in the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (MENRE-BARMM) on Wednesday received a report from the MENRE provincial office in Lanao del Sur about the recovery of 2,000 board feet of illegally cut Lauan lumbers in Barangay Macaguiling, Lumba Bayabao municipality.

The Provincial ENRE Office through its First District Community ENRE Officer Asnawi Dataman said

the forest product was loaded in a KIA Bongo car and was flagged down by police and forest guards along the national highway in Barangay Macaguiing.

Major Josue Delos Reyes, Lumba Bayabao town police chief, said the KIA Bongo car loaded with the poached Lauan lumbers and identified the owner as Hadji Abdullah Mohaimen Hadji Salic.

Salic could not provide permits to cut and to transport from environment provincial office, thus the lumbers were illegally cut.

“We issued apprehension receipt upon assessment and filed legal complaint against the identified

owner at the Lanao Sur Provincial Prosecutors Office,” said Dataman.

The forest products were estimated to cost about P50,000.

Two days earlier, environment field personnel also seized Lauan and other lumbers in Barangay Gadongan, Ditsaan-Ramain Municipality.

Provincial ENRE Officer Asmarie Labao commended the members of the Provincial Task Force Against illegal logging for displaying good coordination in battling illegal logging in their area.

Total log ban is still in effect in the whole of the Bangsamoro region.

Edwin O. Fernandez

2 die, 1 hurt in mortar blast

TWO women were killed and another was injured when an mortar round coming from nowhere landed in their mids in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao Wednesday morning, officials said.

The victims were harvesting vegetables in Barangay Kitango, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, according to municipal administrator Musib Tan. Explosions rocked Barangay Kitango, Datu Saudi Ampatuan starting at around 9 Wednesday morning when the Bangsamoto Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) fired at government forces, Lt. Colonel John Paul Baldomar said.

Baldomar, speaking for the regional Army unit, said responding soldiers rushed the injured woman to a nearby hospital while the two other women were killed on the spot.

Tan identified the fatalities as Badria Alon, 40 years old and Lagabai Mohalidin, 24 years old.

Injured was Noraisa Omar, 34 years old and is now recuperating at a local hospital.

Residents in Barangay Kitango had just returned home from weeks of displacement.

However, the attempt of the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to put up the Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST) detachment in Barangay Kitango was called off after the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) rebels started firing

at civilians and government forces.

Kadiguia San, a resident of Barangay Kitango posted on her FB page how sad she was she and her family had to move out again.

“Why it keep on happening amid the pandemic and while we observe the fasting month of Ramadhan is beyong my comprehension,” San said in the vernacular.

Baldomar said the soldiers were serving as security escorts as the government and MILF ceasefire panels try to establish the Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST) detachment in Barangay Kitango.

Baldomar said Army investigation on the incident has been going on.

He stressed that the Army is open to negotiation with all lawless group in Maguindanao to help establish peace, especially during Ramadhan.

“WE are open to dialogues as proposed by NGOs,” Baldomar said.

The proposed JPST site is near the land owned

by BIFF Commander Kagi Karialan that is why the outlawed armed group created skirmishes, the Army said.

The establishment of JPST is part of the peace deal signed by the government and MILF aimed at securing MILF communities across the Bangsamoro region. Edwin O. Fernandez

Arms cache...from P2

KORONADAL FARMER’S FRIEND NO MORE. This Philippine water buffalo has committed a crime of murder in Koronadal City. For still unknown reason, the carabao butted the farmer with his horns.

Photo courtesy of KuyaGen Estorque

a number of barangays in the province.

The operation that resulted in the confiscation of the firearms and explosives of the two suspects was assisted by the Maguindanao provincial police and units of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division.

Madin said they will continue to track down Guiamad and Sagandingan with the help of their vigilant relatives who led CIDG operatives and soldiers to their hideout in Barangay Kabuling. John Felix Unson

GPH, BARMM continue to deliver peace commitments

THE Philippine government and the Bangsamoro region continue to implement the Normalization Track of a bilateral peace process, particularly socio-economic programs designed to help improve the lives of decommissioned Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants.

On April 27, the OPAPP and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s (BARMM) Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) entered into a Memorandum of Agreement for the implementation of PhP 146.8 million worth of education programs in the BARMM. A handful of livelihood packages are seen to transform the landscape of erstwhile areas of conflict, as these programs would benefit, not only former MILF combatants but also members of their families and the communities, as well.

Philippine Peace Secretary Carlito Galves Jr. of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), said the COVID-19 pandemic “has not stopped” the national government and regional Bangsamoro counterpart “from implementing all components under the Normalization track of the Bangsamoro peace process, particularly the socioeconomic interventions, aimed to uplift the lives of decommissioned MILF combatants, their families, and other members of their communities.”

“Amid the challenges we face during this pandemic, the national and Bangsamoro governments are working hand in hand in carrying out initiatives to improve the welfare of our MILF brothers and sisters using a whole-ofgovernment approach,” Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez, Jr said.

“The implementation of these measures pursuant to the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) is a joint responsibility of our governments. It is this ‘jointness’ which makes the relationship between our governments special. This is why we are focused on further strengthening this partnership, as we adapt to the ‘new normal,” Galvez added.

The Normalization Track has four components, namely: security; socioeconomic development; confidence-building measures, and transitional justice and reconciliation.

The MOA covers PhP 56.5 million Bangsamoro Grants-In-Aid to fund MBHTE Higher Education Program (BGIAHEP) and P90.3 million to fund Alternative Learning

7

System (ALS) Program for decommissioned combatants (DCs) and their dependents and selected residents from the six previously recognized MILF camps.

Under the MOA, OPAPP shall provide funds amounting to PhP 146.8 directly to the BARMM upon the signing of the agreement and the completion of preproject implementation documentary requirements.

Ariel Hernandez, co-chair of the Joint Normalization Committee (JNC), the provision of these funds to the Bangsamoro government “is a testament of the national government’s commitment to the full implementation of the normalization track.”

BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim and MBHTE Minister Mohagher signed the MOA on April 19 on behalf of the BARMM government, while Galvez and OPAPP Undersecretary David Diciano, who is also the Chair of the Government Implementing Panel signed the agreement on behalf of the national government.

Under the MOA, MBHTE commits to provide assistance to higher education institutions (HEIs) and government agencies to ensure accessible quality education in the BARMM. Diciano stressed that the GPH Peace Implementing Panel, together with its peace partners, “must continue to work relentlessly to deliver all commitments under the CAB.” “The implementation of the educational assistance through the BARMM MBHTE is just one of the many follow-through interventions that we have implemented for the decommissioned combatants after they received the transitional cash assistance amounting to PhP 100,000 each,” he added.

OPAPP and the MBHTE will determine the program beneficiaries and target areas for the said education projects.

The BGIAHEP is among the key programs to be rolled out in support to peace-building efforts in the Bangsamoro.

BGIAHEP is a comprehensive package of benefits which include a subsidy for tuition and other school fees for semester and summer classes, monthly stipend, book allowance, and learning support, among others.

The ALS is among the programs identified under the framework of socioeconomic development for DCs and their communities, and for other members of the community of the six recognized MILF camps.

This intervention falls under the socioeconomic component of the Normalization track. Nash

B. Maulana

8

May 1, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS Sanduguan Mindanaw is the public journalism page of The Mindanao Cross. It comes out every last Saturday of the month. The stories covered in Sanduguan are selected by the staff based on the criteria that these are the issues that matter most to the communities in the ARMM and Central Mindanao; that these stories educate, explain, empower, and help readers understand what is happening around them; and at the same time enabling them to be advocates for change. The name of the section connotes ONE BLOOD for peace.

SANDUGUAN Sanduguan Mindanao MINDANAW MINDANAW

No one expected that a group of young people who are trying to present their own contribution to lessening the hardship that the COVID-19 Pandemic is causing the poorer segment of the Philippine population would take the country by storm. Under the leadership of Patricia Non, a group from the Maginhawa area of Quezon City, thought of starting a Community Pantry the likes of which has never been experienced before. Just second week after it started, the small project became controversial because aside from growing so big that it has been replicated in different parts of the country, it also caused the ire of residents who were disturbed by the commotion caused by the hordes of hungry people, the suspicious eyes of the military searching for communist leaning youth (thus the red-tagging), and the unprepared government machinery which was not really included in its planning. As a result, this example of a much coveted value that reflects what is best in the Filipino, has been the topic of discussion that made us analyse our priorities and persuasion.

The Mindanao Cross interviewed a number of people to get their pulse on this controversial issue. They were asked two simple questions: 1. What do you know about the community pantry?

2. Are you in favor of the community pantry?

Angielou , 21 The idea of community pantry is for people to take as much as they need for free, and give as much as they can afford to give.

Yes, it helps those who are in need for the mean time (while there is pandemic) and promotes social solidarity.

Patchot, 19 Community pantry is the modern bayanihan for us today. Feeding the hungry and binding people together are the intended purposes of community pantries.

Yes, I would agree and am in favour for this. It’s a great way to help every single Filipino. It will likely be mostly used by people who are less fortunate by just giving them their needs which they can’t afford. Even if your help is just a little, it makes a difference to someone else’s life. It is worth the amount of self-satisfaction you get by helping others, which is just immeasurable. Everyone needs help, and everyone can help; helping is the key to a better world.

Dam, 22 Free goods that you can give and for people to take what they need.

Yes! Because community pantry provides food directly to those who are in need of foods and other donations, as long as ma-maintain ang social distancing sa pila ng community pantry.

Jade, 21 Ang community pantry ay proyekto ng mga pribadong indibidwal sa kanilang lugar upang makatulong sa mga taong naapektuhan sa pandemya. Maaring kumuha ang mga tao depende sa kanilang pangangailangan at pwede namang magbigay depende sa kakayahan.

Ang sagot ko ay in favor lalo na’t maraming nawalan ng trabaho at pagkakakitaan at kasabay pa nitong tumaas ang presyo ng mga bilihin lalung lalo na sa pagkain. Sa tulong ng community pantry, nababawasan ang isipin ng mga tao kung pano sila makakaraos sa isang araw.

Samantha, 44 Ang community pantry ay ginawa para mag tulongtulong ang mga tao na mag bigay, para mabigyan ng pansamantalang tulong yung mga walang kakayanan bumili ng mga pagkain. dahil sa nagaganap na pandemya.

Oo, pabor ako, pero may positive at may negative effect din ito sa mga tao. Natutulungan nito ang mga kapos talaga sa buhay, pero may mga tao rin talgang gahaman, kumukuha parin sila kahit na may kakayanan naman sila bumili ng kanilang pang araw araw na pagkain. Kaya, hindi napupunta yung mga pagkain sa mga talagang nangangaylangan dahil sakanila.

Josanbal, 57 Community pantry is akin to sharing one’s excess food and other household items to neighbors without payment.

I support community pantry provided: that 1) This should be coordinated with respective barangay; 2) This should be displayed in their respective barangay in order to follow the DOH Covid Protocol on wear facemask, face shield, social distancing, and wash hands thru alcohol dispenser. 3) Identified barangay residents are Beneficiaries of items and food stuff given in community pantries. 4)Cash donations should be published and accountability to be transparent. Tulong Pinoy ay Pusong Pinoy.

Erika, 20 Community pantry is a movement to help those people who suffers from the pandemic. People can take as much as they need like free foods and etc.

Yes, I am in favor of community pantry because it helps a lot of people who are financially affected these days.

Rashid, 39 Yun yung libreng pagkain na binibigay sa mga tao na kapos sa buhay dahil sa Covid.

Oo naman, dahil malaking tulong na yun sa mga tao sa ganitong panahon. lalo na ramadan ngayon. Ang mahal ng mga bilihin, lalo na mga isda. Sayang di na ako umabot nung merong community pantry sa Tantawan.

Pang dagdag narin sana yun sa pang-iftar, maliit lang naman kita ko sa paghabalhabal.

Arianne, 17 The community pantry distribute foods for people that are in need especially now during the pandemic.

Yes, I am in favor of community pantry. This way we can help those people who have lost their jobs due to pandemic and even those in their home.

Eddie Grenada, 32 Yan yung binibigay sa mga tao ng libreng pagkain o gulay.

Oo, syempre nakakatulong yun sa mga tao sa kanilang pagkain. At nag tutulong tulong yung mga tao mag bigay, halimbawa yung may mga tanim na gulay binibigay nila sa community pantry para makatulong sa iba. Actually pwede naman di lang pagkain ang ibigay. pwede rin samahan nila ng binhi (bigas) para maka tanim sila at may makain sila pag dumating yung panahon na walang wala na sila makain.

Interview by Karl John Daniel