The Mindanao Cross | May 15, 2021

Vol. LXXIII| No. 14| Cotabato City | Saturday, May 15, 2021 |12 Pages | P10.00

P2

CHURCH / P6

P12

Pope Francis at the general audience: Barangay execs back ‘Prayer works miracles’ mayor’s entry to UBJP

BARMM chief appeals for vigilance vs. COVID as fasting ends

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

BLUE PUFFER FISH. This was filmed in coral garden in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat, a coastal community blessed with rich marine life and beautiful beaches.

Photo courtesy of David Yorac Junsay Jr.

‘DULL’ EID SANS OUTDOOR PRAYERS, FESTIVE MODE

By Nash B. Maulana

THE COUNTRY’S five million Filipino Muslims would have to comply with public health protocols on an otherwise festive Eidl Fitr Thursday, by suspending a traditional occasion of early morning prayers in public assembly and family reunions on the day ending a month-long daily fasting.

MOLE-BARMM names Cotabato Light as labor most compliant firm

DID YOU KNOW? May is Cervical Cancer Consciousness

By Edwin O. Fernandez

THE Ministry of Labor and Employment in the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOLE-BARMM) has recognized the Aboitiz-owned Cotabato Light and Power Company (Cotabato Light) as one of the Most Compliant Private Company/Establishment in the region.

BARMM Labor Minister Romeo Sema said Cotabato Light is a model company

May is Cervical Cancer Consciousness Month by virtue of Proclamation No. 368 signed on April 30, 2003, by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

The proclamation highlights that cervical cancer is a preventable illness and can be detected early through regular medical examination and yet, the majority of cases in the Philippines are seen by doctors only in the late stages of the illness.

Go opens 109th Malasakit Center in Maguindanao

SENATOR Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go opened Tuesday the 109th Malasakit Center in the country at the Cotabato Sanitarium Hospital (CSH) in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

It was the second Malasakit center in Maguindanao.

Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo and Maguindanao Governor Bai Mariam SangkiMangudadatu accompanied the senator together with other representatives of national government agencies.

“This center is to make you feel that you are not forgotten by President Rodrigo Duterte,” the senator told health officials, nurses, and several beneficiaries.

Go said the center would receive a monthly P3-million funding from the Office of the President to further help poor and indigent patients of the hospital.

The Malasakit Center is a One-Stop-Shop where indigent

P9

P9

in the Bangsamoro Region. He said MOLE-BARMM recognized the Cotabato Light “for all its efforts in advancing and upholding the Labor Standards and also a practitioner of 7S of Good Housekeeping, making it a model company in the Bangsamoro Region.”

Cotabato Light Human Resource head Anna Lea Lee Nataño has received the plaque of recognition, together

P9

PRO-BAR gets vehicles from MILG

348 vaccines damaged due to negligence

By Edwin O. Fernandez WHAT a waste!

But health authorities in Makilala, North Cotabato would not name who were accountable.

A total of 348 Coronavac doses manufactured by Chinese firm Sinovac were damaged after these were left in a freezer without electricity for more than two days.

Dr. Eva Rabaya, North Cotabato provincial health chief, said the vaccines had been forwarded to the Department of Health Regional Office in Cotabato City to determine if the vaccines are still safe for vaccination.

On Thursday, Dr. Philbert Malaluan, speaking for North Cotabato Inter-Agency Task Force on COVID-19, said the DOH-12 regional office has confirmed that the vaccines are no longer fit for vaccination.

Makilala municipal health officer Dr. Gina Sorilla, who was

P9

BRIG. Gen. Eden Ugale said Thursday the Police Regional OfficeBangsamoro Autonomous Region is grateful to the Bangsamoro government for providing them with five new patrol vehicles.

Bangsamoro Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo turned

By John Felix Unson over to PRO-BAR officials Monday the five Toyota Hilux pick-up trucks customized into patrol units.

The turnover event was held at the Bangsamoro regional capitol in Cotabato City.

The vehicles were procured by the Ministry

of the Interior and Local Government-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Sinarimbo is chairperson of the multisector Regional Advisory Council PRO-BAR. Ugale told Mindanao Cross they are thankful to the

P11

NEW PATROL CARS. Police in the Bangsamoro Region are now equipped with more mobility equipment to help prevent crime and respond to emergencies.

Photo courtesy of MILG-Readi

2

May 15, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

BARMM chief appeals for vigilance vs. COVID as fasting ends CHIEF Minister Murad Ebrahim of the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on Thursday appealed to all Bangsamoro to remain vigilant as Muslims celebrate Eid’l Fitr amid the pandemic.

“I would like to appeal that as we observe this meaningful day, we should not be complacent and put our guards down.

COVID-19 still exists and it is incumbent upon all of us to continue practicing the minimum health standards,” Minister Ebrahim said in his Eid’l Fitr message.

“If we continue these practices and with the help of our vaccination program, we will have the chance of having a better Ramadhan next year, In shaa Allah,” he said.

Ebrahim said the Bangsamoro Government joins the rest of the Muslim world in celebrating Eid’l Fitr this year although subdued due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As one of the two biggest feasts in the Islamic tradition, Eid’l Fitr marks the

culmination of the month-long fasting during the Holy Month of Ramadhan.

“This blessed celebration serves as a reflection to the wonderful virtues of the said month and a time to show our love to one another and our unity as one Muslim Ummah,” Ebrahim said.

Ebrahim said although there are still trials that every Bangsamoro continues to face during this pandemic, “none of which will hinder Muslims from performing our obligations to the Almighty Allah and practicing the significant Sunnah or traditions taught by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW).”

“The Holy Month of Ramadhan was an opportunity for us to achieve Taqwa. Let us pray that even as we bid farewell to

P9

RECOVERED FIREARMS. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Philippine Army (PA) 6th Infantry Division

(6ID) Commander Major General Juvymax Uy inspect the assorted firearms and ammunition recovered for the period of January to May 2021 at the Camp Brigadier General Gonzalo H. Siongco in Barangay Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao on May 11, 2021.

Photo courtesy of Philippine News

BARMM strengthens peace culture in workplace

TO promote healthy synergy and nurture a culture of peace amongst the regional employees of the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE), the Directorate General for Madaris Education (DGME) organized a one-day Ramadhan Peace Education Campaign on Tuesday, May 11.

The campaign, which carried the theme “Ramadhan Promotes Peaceful Co-existence and Strong Fraternal Ties”, sought to enlighten the employees on their significant roles and accountabilities in serving the Bangsamoro community.

In his message, MBHTE Deputy Minister Haron Meling, representing Minister Mohagher Iqbal, said, “by submitting oneself to the theory of Moral Governance, we are In Shaa Allah (In God’s Will) continuing the Al-Jihad fi Sabilillah or striving in the path of God.” Reminiscing the democratic struggle of the Bangsamoro people, Meling shared that “Peace Agreement which entered between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is recorded in the annals of modern world history and one of the most ‘prized’ achievement of modern-

day negotiation.”

“The first and most important thing that the Moros have won through the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) is its jurisdiction and authority in education,” he added.

Meling said that the launching of peace education will help improve the system of Madaris Education – an integration of Secular and Islamic Religious Education.

Under Article IX, Sec. 16 of RA No. 11054 or BOL, “Integrated System of Quality Education shall be a top priority of the Bangsamoro Government to establish, maintain, and support a complete and integrated system of quality education, which shall be a subsystem of the national education system.”

To support this, Madaris Director General Tahir G. Nalg shared that MBHTE-DGME is set to institutionalize peace education in the Bangsamoro Education System as mandated under BOL. “Alhamdulillah! Our ministry is planning and will implement Peace Education this year. This is very important because we started during Ramadhan,” Nalg said.

During the event, a total of

P9

Magelco partners with MLhuillier

THE Maguindanao Electric Cooperative (Magelco) has partnered with a money remittance center to help prevent the spread of novel coronavirus (Covid-19), the electric firm’s general manager said.

Engr. Ashary Maongco, Magelco general manager, said MLhuillier nationwide has started accepting payment for Magelco electric bill effective May 10, 2021.

“You can pay your power bill to MLhuillier anywhere in Maguindanao and the entire country,” he said.

“This is very convenient to our member consumers because they

don’t need to come to Magelco sub-offices in the province but to the nearest MLhuillier remittance center,” Maongco said in an interview.

“It will help prevent the spread of the virus, and ensure safety and good health of our member consumers,” he added.

Maongco reminded member-consumers that an electric bill must be presented upon payment and the remittance center receives payment on or before due date.

He said that partial payment is accepted and that a minimal service fee will be collected by MLhuillier.

“I urged our member consumers to religiously pay electric bills not only because you use electricity but to help our cooperative in its expansion programs,” Maongco said.

The latest Magelco project is the replacement of 40-year old structures and power system from Simuay 10 MVA Power Substation to Polloc Port via Simuay Bridge, Sultan Kudarat, Sultan Mastura National Highway and Barangay Sarmiento in Parang, Maguindanao.

“Your electric bill payment goes in these projects,” he told member consumers. Edwin O.

Fernandez

Learn Arabic to understand Qur’an

BANGSAMORO Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim has encouraged the Bangsamoro people to learn the Arabic language in order to appreciate Islam’s holy book Qur’an and embody its teachings.

Chief Minister Ebrahim said that reading the Qur’an is a must for every Muslim, as it is the major basis for living a life that pleases Allah.

He delivered his keynote speech during the culmination of the month-long series of Qur’an reading and memorization competition 2021 organized by the Office of the Wali.

Speaking in Maguindanaon language, he stressed the importance of learning the Arabic language in order to inculcate the love of reading the Qur’an.

“Ya ko kabagilay lun na importante d’n bun a b’nal e makasabut su taw

sa basa na Arab a niya kagina basa na Qur’an (“It is of high importance that we understand the Arabic language because it is the language of the Qur’an),” he said.

Ebrahim also encouraged parents to send their children to schools teaching the Arabic language in order to read and understand the Qur’an that in the long run will make them reflect from its meanings and teachings and eventually become God-fearing Muslims.

He also called for his fellow Members of the Parliament to help in the institutionalizing more Islamic schools or madrasah, so that the Bangsamoro Government can usher in more of its financial support, and to help it boost and standardize teaching the Qur-an to the youth.

L a s t w e e k ,

the Bangsamoro Government’s Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE), through its Directorate granted a total of P93.15 million subsidy to 64 Islamic schools that implement Standard Madrasah Curriculum (SMC) across the region.

The budget was drawn from the Contingency Fund of the Office of Chief Minister (OCM) Ebrahim.

According to MBHTE, a total of 18,630 madrasah learners from the 64 SMC implementers will benefit and receive 5,000 pesos from the subsidy.

The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) is set to pass the Bangsamoro Education Code as part of the priority laws of the transition government. It included the institutionalization of Public Madrasah, Private Madrasah, and Weekend Madrasah.

P9

193K U.S. Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines in PH

THE United States government sent in 193,050 doses of the U.S. Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, reportedly one of the safest and most effective vaccines in the world.

Fetched by Philippine and U.S. officials, the shipment arrived in Manila May 10 on a DHL freight flight.

U.S. Embassy Economic Counselor Chip Gamble joined Secretary of Science and Technology Fortunato de la Peña, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, and National Action Plan Against COVID-19 Deputy Chief Implementer Vince Dizon from the Philippine government, and other stakeholders at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to welcome the first arrival of Pfizer-BioNTech on Monday night.

An Embassy statement said the U.S. is by far the largest contributor

to the international COVAX effort, funding the equivalent of one in five vaccinations in the Philippines provided by the facility.

U.S. authorities in the Philippines said this shipment is the first tranche of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines, and that it followed the 2,030,400 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine on May 8, and which brings the total COVAX deliveries to the Philippines to 2,673,000 doses.

“As the largest contributor to COVAX, the United States welcomes the arrival of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine here in the Philippines. I am proud that this extraordinarily safe and effective vaccine, developed through U.S. scientific ingenuity, will protect Filipinos. As we fight the pandemic together, the United States will continue to support the Philippines’ vaccination

P9

May 15, 2021

Plan International Inc Central Mindanao Program Area No. 1 R. Manara Street, Rosary Heights 10 Cotabato City 9600 Philippines

INVITATION TO APPLY FOR ELIGIBILITY AND TO BID

1. Plan International Inc. through its Bidding Committee invites capable vendors to apply for eligibility and if found eligible, to bid for the hereunder proposed contract for the supply and delivery of goods and services, to wit Project Description Various Non-Food items fo r Plan International’s disaster response project/s • 1500 sets Hygiene Kit Content:

12 pcs 4 pcs 2 tbs 4 pcs 2 pcs 2 pcs 3 packs 2 pcs 3 pcs 4 botls 6 pcs 2 pcs 1 pc •

3

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Bath Soap, Safeguard, 130g, any color, any variant Laundry Soap, Surf, 380g, any variant Toothpaste, Colgate, 214g, regular flavor Toothbrush, Colgate, Kids, soft Toothbrush, Colgate, Adult, medium Fingernail and Toenail, Cutters, Good Quality Sanitary Napkins, Modess with Wings, 8’s Soap Box, Boilable/Durable Plastic Comb, Springmaid (31-small, 22-medium, 23-large Shampoo, Babyflo (Hypoallergenic), 125ml, any variant Face towel, Good Morning, 33x74cm Plastic Pail with lid, Orocan, 24L, Blue color Plastic Dipper with handle good quality

Wishing everyone a very happy Eid!

1500 sets Water Kit Content:

1 pc Jerry Can with faucet, 5gallones/20Liters, blue, Plan logo sticker (water resistant) 1 pc With Flyer instruction/guide •

600 sets of MHM kits Content:

1500 pcs Underwear (Woman panties) small, medium, large, 3 pcs per kit 1500 packs Hygienic Pads, normal (with wings)- 3 packs per kit 1500 pcs Carrying Pouch, for hygienic pad, water resistant, size: L=5” W-2” H-5” (1) 600 pcs Carrying Bag with handles min. 5 litres capacity with Plan logo, size 5x8x10 (1) 600 pcs Bucket plastic with lid, 10L with Plan and Donor logo (sticker) size: 4.5x7.5” water proof (16L)- 1pc 600 pcs Water Dipper 1pc 600 pcs LED Flashlight, rechargeable (medium) 1-pc 600 pcs Whistle with necklace- 1 pc 600 pcs Plan logo stickers for MHM 3.5 x 5.5”- 1 pc Note: Packed as kit Location: Plan International Inc.- Central Mindanao Program Area No. 1 R. Manara Street, Rosary Height 10, Cotabato City 9600 2. Interested suppliers are required to submit a Letter of Intent together with the following valid and/ or unexpired pre-qualification documents either original or under-oath certified photocopy:

a) b) c) d)

Latest Business Permit, e) Certificate of Good Deposit and Good DTI Registration/SEC Registration, Credit Standing from a reputable bank Latest Income Tax Return and BIR CoR and Audited Income Statement for the last 3 f) List of clients with similar projects/ years– Independent Auditor, contracts delivered to: The Bidding Committee CHAIRPERSON Plan International Inc.- Central Mindanao Program Area # 1 R. Manara Street, Rosary Height 10, Cotabato City 9600 Or email documents to: yasser.campiao@plan-international.org With subject: APPLICATION FOR ELIGIBILITY AND TO BID FOR VARIOUS NON-FOOD ITEMS

3. The Bidding Committee will issue Bidding documents only to bidders declared by the Bidding Committee to be eligible for bidding. All pre-qualified prospective bidders shall be NOTIFIED by the office through telephone and or formal letters thru email to secure all the necessary Bidding Guidelines, Specifications, Designs and other information relative to the bidding.

4. The Committee will use non-Discretionary pass/fail criteria in the Eligibility Check/Screening as well as the Preliminary Examination of Bids and it will conduct post evaluation of bids.

5. The schedule is as follows:

ACTIVITIES

Date & Time

a) Deadline for the submission of Letter of Intent and the Pre-Qualification documents b) Plan International Inc.- Central Mindanao Program Area # 1 R. Manara Street, Rosary Height 10, Cotabato City 9600 c) Submission of Bid Proposal

May 29, 2021

Happy

Eid Al-Fitr to all!

Place / Venue

Plan International Inc.- Central Mindanao Program June 2, 2021 at 2:00pm Area thru face to face and via # 1 R. Manara MS Teams Street, Rosary Height 10, June 7, 2021, 2021 at Cotabato City 9600 10:00am

6. Blacklisted contractor by Plan need not submit their Pre-qualification documents.

7. All Bid prices/costs must have a validity period of six (6) months on the particular goods and services once selected and awarded.

8. Letter of authorization and Special Power of Attorney is not allowed.

9. No subcontracting/subletting.

10. Plan International reserves the right to accept or reject any bids and to cancel the bidding at any time prior to award of the contract, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders or any obligations to inform the affected bidders of the reasons for employer’s action.

Plan International was founded over 75 years ago with a mission to promote and protect the rights of children.

Plan International is a global organization that works with 51 developing countries to promote child rights and lifts millions of children in poverty.

For more information on Plan International and its programs in the Philippines, please visit our website: www. plan-international.org. Our selection policies and procedures ensures our commitment to gender equality and keeping children safe For further details and queries please refer to: Yasser Campiao General Services Plan International Inc- Central Mindanao Program Area No. 1 R. Manara Street, Rosary Heights 10, Cotabato City Email: yasser.campiao@plan-international.org MC: May 15, 2021

Metro Cotabato Water District Gov. Gutierrez Avenue Cotabato City Tel. Nos. (064) 421-1070/2252 Fax(064) 421-3596

4

THE MINDANAO CROSS

May 15, 2021

The Eid al Fitr or the “Festival of Breaking Fast” is one of the most important holidays in Islam. It marks the end of the Holy Month of Ramadhan—a month of fasting, of prayers, and of giving alms.

It is in my hopes that as we celebrate the Eid, all our prayers will be accepted and our sacrifices be rewarded by the Almighty Allah (SWT). May the lessons of Ramadhan remain in ourselves and may the virtues of forgiveness and love reign in our hearts.

This year’s celebration may not be far different from what we had last year because of the continuing challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought us. Nevertheless, let us be comforted by the thought that Allah (SWT) doesn’t judge us by how grandiose our celebrations are or how many people we invite in our homes in this time of merry-making. He looks into the sincerity of our intentions and the faithfulness of our prayers.

As we start anew, may we continue to pray for our city and for our country that we may be able to heal and move forward from the pandemic.

To all my Muslims brothers and sisters, my most sincere greeting of a blessed and meaningful celebration of the Eid al Fitr.

Eid Mubarak!

Sigay Ka Cotabato City!

ATTY. FRANCES CYNTHIA J. GUIANI–SAYADI City Mayor

May 15, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

At the end of this Holy month, Eid’l Fitr is finally here to grace us with happiness and prosperity.

My brothers and sisters in Islam, friends and family, may we apply the self-discipline we’ve learned during Ramadhan as we continue the fight against COVID-19. Let’s continue abiding with the standard health protocols for in doing so we are not just protecting ourselves but the people around us and most especially our loved ones. Let us not lower our guards even for a second because it’s precious lives we are earnestly protecting.

We sincerely thank all of you for supporting us in our decisions and following the laws of our city government.

We still may not have our usual way of celebrating but let’s lift in prayer and gratitude the gift of life we have been blessed each day.

To my dear Cotabateños, may Allah SWT grant us a safe Eid with our families. Eid Mubarak and stay safe.

Sigay Ka Cotabato City!

GRAHAM NAZER G. DUMAMA City Vice Mayor

5

6

May 15, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Pope Francis at the general audience:

‘Prayer works miracles’ VATICAN— Pope Francis said Wednesday that persistent prayer can lead to miracles “because prayer goes directly to the heart of the tenderness of God.”

Speaking at his first general audience with members of the public for six months, the pope recounted the story of a father of a nine-yearold Argentine girl who was told that his hospitalized daughter would not survive the night.

He said: “He left his wife there with the child in the hospital, he took the train and he traveled 70 kilometers [around 45 miles] towards the Basilica of Our Lady of Luján, Patroness of Argentina. And there — the basilica was already closed, it was almost 10 o’clock at night, in the evening — he clung to the gates of the basilica and spent all night praying to Our Lady, fighting for his daughter’s health.”

“This is not a figment of the imagination: I saw him! I saw him myself. That man there, fighting.”

He continued: “At the end, at six o’clock in the morning, the church opened, he entered to salute Our Lady, and returned home. And he thought: ‘She has left us. No, Our Lady cannot do this to me.’”

“Then he went to see [his wife], and she was smiling, saying: ‘I don’t know what happened. The doctors said that something changed, and now she is cured.’”

The pope, who devoted his May 12 address to “spiritual combat,” offered the man as an example of the fruits of tenacious prayer.

He said: “That man, fighting with prayer, received the grace of Our Lady.

Our Lady listened to him. And I saw this: prayer works miracles, because prayer goes directly to the heart of the tenderness of God, who cares for us like a father.”

“And when He does not grant us a grace, He will grant us another which in time we will see. But always, combat in prayer to ask for grace.”

“Yes, at times we ask for grace we are not in need of, but we ask for it without truly wanting it, without fighting… We do not ask for serious things in this way. Prayer is combat, and the Lord is always with us.”

The pope was speaking in the San Damaso Courtyard of the Apostolic Palace in his first Wednesday audience with the public since Oct. 28, 2020.

The elegant courtyard has a capacity of around 500 socially distanced and masked pilgrims.

The address was the 33rd reflection in his cycle of catechesis on prayer, which he launched in May 2020 and resumed in October following nine addresses on healing the world after the pandemic.

He began by expressing his delight at once again meeting pilgrims “faceto-face.” He explained that it was “not nice to speak in front of nothing, to a camera,” after the Vatican decided to move the audiences behind closed doors last fall as a precaution against the spread of COVID-19.

A

He told those taking their seats in the courtyard that “seeing each one of you pleases me as we are all brothers and sisters in the Lord, and looking at each other helps us to pray for each other.”

He added: “Thank you for your presence and your visit. Take the pope’s message to everyone. The pope’s message is that I pray for everyone, and I ask you to pray for me, united in prayer.”

The pope acknowledged that Christian prayer was not a “walk in the park.”

“None of the great people of prayer we meet in the Bible and in the history of the Church found prayer “comfortable”. Yes, one can pray like a parrot — blah, blah, blah, blah, blah — but that is not prayer. Prayer certainly gives great peace, but through inner struggle, at times hard, which can accompany even long periods of life.

Praying is not something easy, and this is why we flee from it.”

“Every time we want to pray, we are immediately reminded of many other activities, which at that moment seem more important and more urgent.”

“This happens to me too! It happens to me. I go to pray a little… and no, I must do this and that… We flee from prayer, I don’t know why, but that is how it is. Almost always, after putting off prayer, we realize that those things were not essential at all, and that we may have wasted time. This is how the Enemy deceives us.”

He acknowledged that throughout the ages saintly people have described prayer not only as joyful but also as tedious and tiring. Nevertheless, they persisted in prayer despite not finding satisfaction in it.

He said: “Silence, prayer, and concentration are difficult exercises, and sometimes human nature rebels.

We would rather be anywhere else in the world, but not there, in that church pew, praying.”

“Those who want to pray must remember that faith is not easy, and sometimes it moves forward in almost total darkness, without points of reference.”

“There are moments in the life of faith that are dark, and therefore some saints call this ‘the dark night,’ because we hear nothing. But I continue to pray.”

The pope observed that the Catechism of the Catholic Church lists the “enemies of prayer.” The worst enemies, he said, were “found within us.”

He advised people afflicted by these internal enemies to turn to “the masters of the soul” who personally discovered ways to overcome them.

Francis, the first Jesuit pope, recommended reading the “Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola,” which he described as “a short

scension Sunday is also designated as World Communications Day. It was before He ascended into heaven that Jesus gave the Great Mandate to his disciples, “Go into the whole world and preach the gospel to every creature,” (Mark 16:15). Jesus intended his mission from the Father to be continued: to proclaim God’s kingdom and its way of life. It is the proclamation of salvation and the joy of the gospel.

In the story of the Ascension from the Acts of the Apostles, Jesus gave the same mandate to his apostles before He ascended. The disciples were looking up to heaven as Jesus ascended until two angels appeared and asked them “ Men of Galilee why are you looking at the sky?” (Acts 1:11). Yes indeed, the time has come to go and preach. This shows us the two dimensions of every Christian believer’s life. On one hand is the vertical dimension of looking up to heaven. On the other hand is the horizontal dimension of continuing Jesus’ mission on earth. The Lord’s prayers affirms these two realities, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

Heaven and earth, these are the two dimensions of Christian discipleship. Our hopes and our aspirations are to be with God in heaven, but our mission is here on earth. Unlike the angels who are pure spirits, we are made up of body and soul. Our spiritual sights are directed towards heaven but our daily involvements

P10

Pope Francis’ general audience in the San Damaso Courtyard of the Apostolic Palace, May 12, 2021 VATICAN MEDIA

Celebrating Our Lady of Fatima Taken from Cardinal Orlando Quevedo’s “Thoughts to Live By”

To celebrate today the apparitions of Our Lady in 1917, let us recall the Fatima story. Near the small village of Fatima in Portugal, on May, 1917, a Lady appeared sudddenly to three young shepherd children who were playing. They were Lucia (9), her cousins, Francisco and his sister, Jacinta (6). Two years earlier, in 1916, an angel had appeared three times to the same three children while they were tending their sheep. The angel told them, “I am the angel of peace.” He told them to accept their sufferings to repair for sins and to convert sinners.

Now two years later on May 13, a Lady appears to them. Lucia described what happened. The Lady is all in white, more brilliant than the sun. She tells them not to be afraid. To Lucia’s questions, she answers that she comes from heaven. Her hands are together as in prayer. A Rosary is dangling on her right hand.

She tells them to have a great devotion to the Holy Trinity and to pray the Rosary everyday for peace and end the war [WW II]. She reveals to them that they would suffer because of the unbelief of their families and friends. She says that they would all go to heaven, but Lucia would live longer to spread her message and devotion to the Immaculate Heart. In the last apparition, the Lady reveals her name, “I am the Lady of the Rosary.” 70,000 people gather that day and see the sun dancing in the sky, making 3 circles around the sky, in a zigzag movement.

Our Lady gave three “secrets” to

Heaven and Earth REFLECTIONS Rev. Fr. Antonio P. Pueyo, DCC tonypoy_dcc0@yahoo.com

and preoccupations are here on earth. We lift up our minds and hearts to God in prayer and we extend our hearts and hands in compassion to the needy and the suffering. Our life is very much like the Cross. The vertical arm reaches to heaven and the horizontal arm embraces the world.

The Christian believer lives in these two dimensions: the spiritual and the secular. The challenge of discipleship is to live in these two realms without losing either. The spiritualists or the pietists would emphasize the heavenly realm to the point that human affairs may be disregarded. The secularists emphasize the earthly concerns to the point of disregarding or even denying the spiritual realities.

Certainly, Jesus emphasized both. Even as He

the children. The first two were a vision of hell and of the suffering souls there, the request for an ardent devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and the damage that Russia would inflict on humanity. The third “secret” was revealed in 2000 -- the persecutions of the Church and the sufferings of the Holy Father. Pope John Paul II attributed his escape from death in the attempted assasination on May 13, 1981, to the intervention of Our Lady. The attempt on his life was on the 64th anniversary of the apparitions.

Sr. Lucia has said that the consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary by John Paul II on March 25, 1984, has fulfilled the directive of Our Lady on July 13, 1917 and has been “accepted in heaven.” Sadly, some traditionalists, including the schismatic group of Bishop Lefebre, refuse to accept this testimony of Sr. Lucia.

When he was still a Cardinal, Pope Benedict XVI said that the central message of Our Lady of the Rosary is the exhortation to prayer as the path of salvation and the call to penance and conversion. Our Lady had told the children, “My Immaculate Heart will triumph.” We have confidence that the words of Our Lady will come true.

Lucia became a Carmelite nun and died at 97 years old. Pope John Paul II beatified Jacinta and Francisco in Fatima on May 13, 2000. They both died young, as Our Lady had told them. Sr. Lucia was declared “Servant of God” in 2017, a step towards beatification.

prayed to His Father in heaven, he also said “love one another.” The true measure of love is shown by caring for the hungry, the thirsty, the homeless, the sick, and the abandoned (Mt. 25) In his first preaching in his hometown’s synagogue he claimed as his mission the words of the prophet Isaiah, “ The spirit of the Lord is upon me…he sent me to bring good news to the poor.” (Lk 4:18).

St. Paul had to wrestle with these two attractions of heaven and earth as he said, “My desire is to depart and be with Christ for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account” (Phil.

1:23-24). On one hand he wants to be with Christ who called him to be an apostle and on the other hand he has a mission to fulfill. Isn’t that the prayer of some of us who are in the sunset of our lives, “Lord I want to be with you but not yet”?

The earthly realm has more attractions for us. It is something we see, touch and feel. It is more real than what we cannot see. Although this earth may be a “valley of tears” it has also given us joys, pleasures, and happiness. We are certainly influenced by the secularist culture around us. The challenge for us is to see beyond this earth and to believe in the promise of Jesus, “I go to prepare a place for you that where I am you may also be” (Jn 14:2-4). Let us set our sights on heaven and let us do God’s work here on earth. MC

7

THE MINDANAO CROSS

May 15, 2021 EDITORIAL

Ramadan during the Pandemic

H

appy Eid’l Fitr! Congratulations to those who were able to celebrate the month of Ramadan in such a difficult setting as a Covid 19 Pandemic. Many were shrouded in uncertainty because the expectation is for Muslims to fast from dawn to sunset, give zakat and sadaqah (alms giving); and devote the time for spiritual reflection and self-improvement. The Chief Mufti had to clarify that vaccination is allowed during Ramadan, which was construed by some as a violation of the fasting requirement.

Although we Christians observed many aberrations in the celebration of Ramadan, we still appreciate the efforts that local Muslims put into this special occasion. The BARMM took pains to distribute food in time for Iftar (buka) particularly to the poorer segment of the Muslim population. Some Christian youths also put up a Damayan section patterned after the Community Pantry started in Metro Manila.

However, it saddens us to hear that rebel groups like the BIFF decide to disturb the peace in a community (Datu Paglas) in disregard of the holiness of Ramadan. There were also some Muslims, particularly women, who did not observe the fasting tradition.

Are women not strictly required to fast? I am aware that there are many exceptions to fasting, but doesn’t it make the ruling in this regard somewhat loose?

From the local to a national perspective, we have to comment on the controversial West Philippine Sea. Filipinos have this bad practice of blaming the previous administration on the mistakes committed which affects the present one. We wonder why it is so difficult to follow up a decision made by the previous administration. We often hear present officials washing their hands on past decisions on the pretext that they were not party to the agreement.

If it’s hands off on a controversial decision, there is also the non-action on a sensitive case. How many cases have been filed in court against corrupt officials who go scot free because nobody wants to pursue the case in court, or leave it with the TRO filed by corrupt lawyers? It is like an international agreement which somebody said is just a piece of paper that can be thrown to the garbage can.

Just recently, former Secretary Manny Pinol mentioned an agriculture project on solar irrigation that he started with the Israeli government. For some reason, his successor Sec. Dar did not follow up the realization of the project. This could have contributed to agricultural develop-ment. This is another case which the succeeding official refused to touch an initiative of the previous one even when the merits are good. 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.

S

enator Panfilo Lacson has one word to describe the situation of Filipino voters: pathetic.

On Tuesday, Lacson was quoted by reports as saying: “A problem with our electorate, madaling ma-sway dun sa mga jokes, yung mga Budots, yung TikTok. Medyo shallow.”

“Ang nagma-matter dito yung political advertisements, yung stage, kumakanta, sumasayaw.

So it’s really, I would say it’s pathetic na ganun yung situation,” the senator was quoted as saying further.

This was following President Rodrigo Duterte’s Monday night public address where he stated that his 2016 remark about riding a jet ski to the West Philippine Sea and telling the Chinese that it belonged to the Philippines was just a campaign joke. In the same address, he said that those who believed what he said were “stupid.”

Duterte won the presidency in 2016 with a total of 6,601,997 votes, over 6.6 million more than his closest rival, administration candidate Mar Roxas, largely through a campaign that promised real change and a no-nonsense stance against criminality. Following his inauguration, Duterte, in one of his speaking engagements, had already said that his jet ski remark was just talk.

“Kalokohan yun… Istorya man lang yun…” he said back then.

But that is where the problem lies, Lacson said. The presidency is no joking matter. It is serious business.

When you mix it with jokes and the public cannot distinguish what is a joke and what is not, Lacson says there are implications, not only to the Filipinos but especially to the groups and organizations within the government who receive the message.

Bayan Muna party-list representative Carlos Isagani Zarate holds the same belief: “The presidency is not a joke.”

In a press statement, Zarate said many Filipinos did not take it literally then that Duterte will actually

D

OUBTERS have raised emotional responses, interpreting government imposition of restriction on religious gatherings for public welfare as “curtailment of the constitutional guarantee to free practice of religion.” This, in spite, an earlier religious decree issued by the Dharul Ifta (House of Opinion), upholding public health protocols for greater good.

City Mayor Atty. Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi had offered a live-streaming on social media of the Eid Takhbir, the singsong chants of Allahu Akhbar (Allah is Greatest)—electronically synchronized for the city’s Muslim households.

A synchronized delivery of Khutba (sermons) via electronic transmission is a usual practice in Muslim countries like Saudi Arabia and Malaysia. When I covered the Hajj in 1999, I noticed that the Khutba delivered when I was in the Tent City of Arafa was actually the same message delivered at Al-Haram Holy Mosque— transmitted onscreen via cable TV relays.

Residents were seen spreading plastic tents on raindrenched grounds. Others sneaked through small village mosques in some parts of Maguindanao, without using microphones for sermons and verse recitals in prayers.

The night before Eid, City Mayor Guiani-Sayadi said she appealed “to all Muslim brothers and sisters to perform our Eid prayers in our respective homes so we can be safe with our families and loved ones. We ask for your utmost understanding and we hope that we will continue to follow all our minimum health protocols.”

The city is on the state of modified general quarantine (MGCQ) and did not open the People’s Palace (City Hall) grounds to congregational Eid prayer.

“Our COVID-19 referral hospital is overwhelming with patients, with some of its regular wards already converted into COVID-19 wards,” the mayor said.

The country’s five million Filipino Muslims would have to comply with public health protocols on an otherwise festive Eidl Fitr, doing away Thursday with the traditional occasion of early morning prayers in public assemblies and family reunions on the day marking the end of a monthlong daily fasting on Ramadan.

Bangsamoro Mufti Abubakar Abu Huraira Udasan declared late Tuesday night that Eidl Fitr fell on Thursday.

He also upheld a 2020 decree by the Bangsamoro Dharul Ifta (House of Opinion) on the need to do away with mass gatherings, like congregational prayers in public places, including Eidl Fitr (the Feast marking the end Ramadan fasting) and Eidl Adha (Feast of Sacrifice), two of the most significant Muslim holidays celebrated in public congregational assemblies and festivities.

Maguindanao Resident Noraida Chio, a development worker for the international organization The Asia Foundation, shares: “This Eid is different from all the

A lamentable situation

Thinking Aloud Carlos C. Bautista caloyb@gmail.com

ride a jet ski to the Spratleys and plant the Philippine flag just as he said he will during the campaign. “The expectation was for him, when elected, is to uphold our claims and defend our sovereign rights against China’s aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea,” Zarate said.

Indeed, when a duly elected official of any rank who is held to account for what he promised during the campaign responds that the same promise was just a joke and calls those who took his words seriously stupid, that is sad. It implies that that particular leader does not really give value to honor and honesty.

When those who run for public office win simply because they are famous, can sing and dance, are relatives or members of the same clan however distant, or moneyed, never mind that they have no clearly defined program of governance meant to address the problems experienced by the people or are simply joking or boasting, that is sad.

Still, Senator Lacson believes that the situation is not totally lost. It can still be remedied through massive voter information campaign. Lacson believes it would not be easy, though. Indeed, many civil society groups and church organizations have embarked on voters’ education campaigns in the past decades, yet still we are in this dire situation. “it will take generations before we achieve that,” Lacson says. That is no reason to give up if we truly want genuine change to happen in this beloved country of ours. MC

Mosques on e-links even in Muslim countries Penlight Nash B. Maulana

nash.penlight@gmail.com

(previous) celebrations that we had, but we are still thankful to Allah for all the blessings and guidance that He has been bestowing upon us.”

In Datu Piang, Maguindanao a night Takhbir had been briefly held albeit in low-tone, such that chanters’ voices literally sank to sounds of roaming motorcycles, according to public school head teacher Munir Tungao.

Earlier, the Provincial Interagency Task-Force of Maguindanao passed a resolution barring on the holding of congregational prayers in public, citing Section 15 Article of the 1987 Constitution—which states that the State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instil health consciousness among them.”

Amid heated discussions on social media, Muslim journalist Edd K. Usman shares: “Let’s follow and abide by what the competent authorities say. That’s within Islam, too, protection of one’s self and others. Though Eid prayers come only once annually, and it hurts to miss it, I think prudence is still the better and safe choice. Surely, Allah will understand His servants.” Usman, a retired reporter of the Manila Bulletin, is the publisher and editor of the online Science Digital News (SDN) Earlier, Malacanang issued Proclamation 1102 declaring May 13 as a national holiday, pursuant to Republic Act 9177, which declares Eidl Fitr, among other Muslim holidays, as a national holiday.

Secretary Saidamen Pangarungan of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) in a message sent to regional offices says in prayers and in deeds, the Muslims shall “all continue to work towards peace, progress and prosperity as one nation with one God,” adding that: “The NCMF joins all Believers in celebrating the end of Ramadan and is looking forward to another year of service and goodwill.”

Proclamation 1102 signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and released on May 10, states that the “Filipino Nation should have the full opportunity to join (the Philippine Muslim Community) in peace and harmony in the observance and celebration of Eidl Fitr, subject to (prescribed rules under) community quarantine, including (health protocols like) social distancing and other public health measures.” MC

8

May 15, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Supplements Health Experts Actually Use

Fate in faith

party, Senator Go officiated the unveiling of his pet project which is the country’s 106th Malasakit Center located at the Cotabato Sanitarium Hospital compound in Sultan Charlie Señase Kudarat, Maguindanao csenase@yahoo.com before joining with the EADERS come and go as Duterte entourage at the Intramuros in Manila and Bongo Army’s 6th Infantry Division at Camp Island in Maguindanao may have General Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat been coincidentally corollary but reality town. is legacy lingers on.

Advanced Eid’l Fit’r felicitations Time to be born and time to die is sounded-off ahead of the May 13 end divine destiny that before the latter’s of Ramadan’s month-long fast and appointed time a good remembrance of abstinence as Muslim Filipinos and sort is heritage enough for the living to the world pray for peace and sobriety emulate. in the Middle East with the ongoing P r e s i d e n t D u t e r t e w a s i n Israeli-offensive against Palestine. This Maguindanao Tuesday to confer with prompted neighboring Turkey to warn Bangsamoro regional and local executives that if the Israeli government will not along with top military and police officers stop its bombing assault, Turkey along on the reported violent offensive launched with Jordan will join in defense of

by BIFF terrorists. He warned BARMM beleaguered Palestinians. officials led by Chief Minister Ahod The world appears to be in the Ebrahim to quell the terror threat before brink of turmoil as nations brace up for an all-out-AFP offensive is launched. imminent danger in the midst of the still Murad, when he assumed as the first unresolved pandemic. News headline this BARMM executive in 2019 admitted week reads: Japan launches its first joint that the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom military exercise with France and the Fighters, a breakaway group of the Moro United States.

Islamic Liberation Front which he used Elsewhere, Indian health experts to head as MILF vice chair for military warn fellow nationals against the use of affairs, has splintered into three BIFF, cow dung as COVID-19 medication which two of which are into violent extremism. according to them has no therapeutic Local government units led by lawyer claim. With an average daily death toll and Interior Minister Naguib Sinarimbo of 4,000 and about 400,000 positive cases, were in support to Duterte’s urgent India appears hopeless and desperate clarion call as shown by BARMM’s recent to trust on visible things which are distribution of five new police cars in temporal instead of the invisible which Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur. is eternal.

Five newly acquired fire trucks Let’s help and pray for one another and four ambulances are also set for that could have ushered-in this week distribution to LGUs that need to the arrest by Malaysian authorities strengthen its Rapid Emergency Action of eight Abu Sayyaf suspects with on Disaster Incidence, Sinarimbo, who close coordination with its Philippine heads BARMM’s READI, said. counterpart. The felons were out to stage President Duterte, accompanied by a kidnap-for-ransom activity in Malaysia Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, when foiled by the joint PH-Malaysia newly installed PNP Chief Guillermo crime-busting rapport.

Eleazar and Senator Cristopher “Bongo” Like Intramuros, a historic urban Go, among others, has been briefed on walled district within Metropolitan actual peace and development picture of Manila, a fortified city founded in 1571, Muslim Mindanao region. what could Bongo Island in Parang, Acting as presidential advanced Maguindanao be in hereafter? MC

True to Form

L

much to,the chagrined of other government officials because the duo beat them to the “draw”. so much so that the activations could reach a senate investigation.

Due to some concerns Victoria R. Franco, RPh, MS Pharmacy about Ivermectin ‘s safety franco1573victoria@gmail.com and efficacy, our FDA is taking measures to ensure renown physician contracted mild that this medicine will not Covid19 and chose Remdesivir for be detrimental to us, notwithstanher treatment. This was the first ding the fact that the WHO lists it as drug approved by the FDA for treating essential medicine, and extremely safe, SARS-CoV-virus. It is indicated for with no known side effects. treatment in hospitalized adults and Ivermectin has been around used children aged 12 years and older as anti-parasitic drug for animals in who weigh at least 40 kg. Wholesale the country. The surge of Covid19 acquisition cost is approximately infections triggered a frantic search $520/100mg vial totaling $3120 for a for medical interventions. In Miami 5day treatment course.

City, the son of an elderly woman was Former Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile advised by Dr. Rajter ,Jean-Jaeques , recovered from Covid19 by taking a pulmonologist, to speak for the last Ivermectin Capsule with the supervision time to his mother because she might and prescription of his personal doctor. not survive COVID-19 that evening.

At the cost of 118 thousand dollars, Not about to give up, the son begged and exclusive compounding, former the doctor to look for a cure. The doctor Pres. Joseph Estrada came out of the happened to come across Ivermectin ICU two times and finally won over in a clinical trial, and used it on the COVID-19 after being injected with dying mother. In 48 hours, the mother Leronlimab. was responding wonderfully , and in no Mayor Abalos swears by the efficacy time at all was able to leave the ICU. of Lenhua, a chinese herbal medicine. The doctor went on to use Ivermectin to He was on TV describing his experience other patients. This was in 2020, where with the use of this multi combination in Australia doctors and scientists say of herbs. that Ivermectin’s activity with Zica, Gov. Gwen Garcia, of Cebu, alarmed influenza and Sars COVID 2 in vitro by the number of COVID-19 cases in was interesting. her province convinced her constituents Based on the findings of scientists to do “suob” a traditional home remedy and doctors, Ivermectin seems to be the where one inhales steam from steamer answer to the treatment of Covid19. coming from a casserole of boiling water More evidences were put forward. In . COVID-19 cannot thrive on very hot March of 2020, in Valley View Home, environment, they believe. Do this Ontario, Canada, the residents afflicted 2 times a day. I guess it works as a with scabies were placed on the 4th preventive measure. COVID-19 cases floor, and were given ivermectin, while have gone down in the province of Cebu. their attendants were not. It was (binisaya’ practice.) There are electrical observed that the attendants, nurses devices available . and residents on the lower floors got In Panama, Ivermectin is part of infected with Covid19 while those their “wellness package” together with who were on ivermectin were not. antipyretic drugs and vitamins. Nearer Ivermectin in this case had become home, in Quezon City, constituents of prophylactics as well.

Cong. Mike Defensor and Marcoleta Notable of the many received their dosage of Ivermectin, t e s t s , r e s e a r c h e s d o n e o n

The Journey of Ivermectin

The Stuff of Life

A

P10

HEALTH CORNER

By Juliette Steen

T

aking supplements you don’t need can be dangerous.

Flick through social media and you’ll come across countless supplements that people swear by -- turmeric pills, maca pills, goji berry juice powder, spirulina, kale powder -- you name it.

With so many supplements out there which are simply gimmicks, it’s tricky knowing the good ones from the useless ones.

Well, we asked four health experts which supplements they actually use and recommend, and importantly, in what circumstance you truly require them.

According to Alexandra Parker and Anna Debenham, accredited practising dietitians from The Biting Truth, the first and best way to get nutrients is from your food.

“As dietitians who focus on wholefoods for optimal nutrition and wellbeing, vitamins and micronutrient supplementation are not generally our initial recommendation,” Parker told The Huffington Post Australia.

Get your nutrients from whole foods first, then supplement if required.

“Food first, always. Food provides vitamins in the most biologically available form, in the right quantities and combined with other complementary nutrients.

“We’re big believers that if you’re otherwise healthy, a healthy eating pattern should never be replaced by a supplement.

More and more often we’re seeing people who are eating a poor diet, drinking and smoking, and believe everything will be okay if they take a supplement.”

Pharmacist and personal trainer Holly Vogt, The Fit Pharmacist, agrees.

“Vitamin supplements should not be used as a substitute for a balanced diet and if you do take them, make sure you do not exceed your daily requirement. Choosing a good health supplement should be an informed and wise decision,” Vogt said.

Food first, always. Food provides vitamins in the most biologically available

form, in the right quantities and combined with other complementary nutrients.

Although supplements may be marketed as ‘magic bullets’, unfortunately they don’t provide equal nutrients to those found in foods, nor do they counteract a poor diet.

“A piece of fresh fruit, for example, contains antioxidants, phytochemicals, fibre and many other nutrients that do not make it into the vitamin jar but play a huge role in our health,” Debenham told HuffPost Australia.

“Saying that, there is a time and a place for supplements and there’s good evidence to suggest that if a vitamin or mineral supplement replaces a deficiency, it will have beneficial outcomes. But aside from a few specific groups of people and situations, most people who eat a balanced diet have no need for supplementation.”

Who needs supplementation?

The main instances and stages of life where people may need to genuinely supplement is when food alone is simply not enough to meet an individual’s nutrient needs, and supplementation becomes integral to that person’s wellbeing. Some examples include: • Those trying to conceive and pregnant women (one month prior to conception and three months after) -- folate has been shown to reduce risk of neural tube defects.

• People on a strict vegan or vegetarian diet, and elderly people who may be eating poorly and/or absorbing less from their food -- iron, and vitamin B12 as this is found almost exclusively in animal products.

• People with an allergy or intolerance such as lactose intolerance -calcium • Autoimmune disease e.g. Crohn’s disease, cystic fibrosis or coeliac disease -supplementation may be required at some stage to correct any nutrient deficiencies.

• People who did not receive enough sunlight (e.g. bed bound, elderly, covered/ veiled women and men) -- vitamin D • Following a course of antibiotics -probiotics may be beneficial in restoring gut health after a round of antibiotic treatment.

• People with specific hormonal imbalances such as PCOS. MC

The Quest for Effective Public Managers….

and outside government.

The influence of the book and advocacy of Osborne and Gaebler prompted acceptance of the concept of NPM in the United States Government. With both Danny Buenbrazo danny_buenbrazo@yahoo.com President Bill Clinton and Vice President Albert Gore he demand for more effective public being open to ideas on how to improve the management had long been a clamor American public administrative system to from many quarters, people who make it more effective and efficient, the study and teach about governance and ideas promoted by the proponents of the policy making, the business sectors that NPM saw application during the Clinton affected by government regulations and years in the Oval Office. business-enabling initiatives, and ordinary Outsourcing of government services to citizens who pays taxes out of their income the private sector and other innovations or taxes levied on goods and services were adopted by the US Federal purchased.

Government, States, and other local In his article Effective Public government.

Management, Joseph L. Bower mentioned Other countries saw the the call from various sectors for better transformation of the US government public management. He especially cited and decided to embrace the concepts the businessmen expecting much more associated with NPM. The Philippines from the public managers since “they feel is not an exception and, thus, we see surrounded by government institutions things like the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) with which they are legally required to and the adoption of customer service interact” *Harvard Business Review, satisfaction measures.

March 1977).

Systems, procedures, and other There are contrasting views on what measures for promoting better governance effective public managers ought to be and are good but I believe that there should ought to do. Some see public managers also be a focus on the promotion and as running things like a private sector development of effective public managers. manager: ensuring that the best goods There should be a conscious effort to and services are made available to the identify people in government service citizenry at the lowest possible cost. Others (and even outside the public sector) with view public managers performing a more high potential for excellent leadership and traditional role of ensuring equity, listening management. to and following the voice of the people, Potential high flyers should be given among others. opportunity to go to good schools within Thus, the desire and/or demand to make and outside the country to development public managers more effective and efficient their management skills as well as their eventually led to the emergence of what knowledge and skills for their field of was later called New Public Management specialization (business promotion, (NPM)t. The concept was associated agricultural development, urban planning, with David Osborne and Ted Gaebler who among others). They should also be espoused adoption of business customer given the opportunity to hold a variety of model into the private sector. In their positions in government, moving from one book Reinventing Government: How the agency to another to develop wider and Entrepreneurial Spirit is Transforming the deeper skills.

Government, citizens are seen as customers It is good to talk about government and administrative role is streamlined by employees adhering to ethical standards converting policy alternatives into market but much better to have public managers choices. The approach adopts private delivering outstanding services that could business sector perspective of focusing on lift us economically and from the quagmire results and promoting competition inside of the pandemic. MC

Market Driven

T

‘Dull’ Eid sans outdoor prayers, festive...from P1 This year’s Eid iss a less-festive, if not, what many Moro Muslims say, a “meaningless” Eid (holiday) celebration, (when held) “minus the public assembly of prayers” where individuals and families at odds openly make up to each other’s embraces and emotional kisses in public.

Bangsamoro Mufti Abubakar Abu Huraira Udasan declared late Tuesday night that Eidl Fitr would be celebrated on May 13.

He also upheld a 2020 decree by the Bangsamoro Dharul Ifta (House of Opinion) on the need to suspend public gatherings, including congregational prayers held in public, like Eidl Fitr (Feast of breaking the Ramadan fasting) and Eidl Adha (Feast of Sacrifice), two of the most significant Muslim holidays celebrated with prayers and in festivities.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday met military officials and executives of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and local chief executives at Camp Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

BARMM Interior and Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo said the President appealed to local officials “to help the government in the fight against BIFF and the ISISinspired groups in Maguindanao.”

“This call of the President augurs well with the on-going effort of the BARMM in fighting violent extremism while responding to the humanitarian needs of evacuees, and at the same time, pursuing long-term development projects in the region, Sinarimbo said.

“In fact, the BARMM Cabinet approved last week the conduct of a Peace and Security Summit which aims to decisively end the conflict in the SPMS Box (in Maguindanao), and transition into long-term development in this area. The pre-summit activities are now on-going,” Sinarimbo added.

The President appealed to local officials to help the government bring

back peace and stability in the local communities, following recent attacks by extremists of breakaway Moro group called Bangsamoro Freedom Fighters.

Earlier, Malacanang issued Proclamation 1102 declaring May 13 as national holiday, pursuant to Republic Act 9177, which declares Eidl Fitr, among other Muslim holidays, a national holiday.

Secretary Saidamen Pangarungan of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) in a message of inspiration said in prayers and in deeds, the Muslims shall “all continue to work towards peace, progress and prosperity as one nation with one God,” adding that: “The NCMF joins all Believers in celebrating the end of Ramadan, and is looking forward to another year of service and goodwill.”

Proclamation 1102 signed

by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and released on May 10, states that the “Filipino Nation should have the full opportunity to join (the Philippine Muslim Community) in peace and harmony in the observance and celebration of Eidl Fitr, subject to (prescribed rules under) community quarantine, including (health protocols like) social distancing and other public health measures.”

“In order to bring the religious and cultural significance of Eidl Fitr to the fore of national consciousness, it is necessary to declare Thursday, 13th May 2021, as a regular holiday throughout the country,” Proclamation 1102 reads in part.

“Let's follow and abide by what the competent authorities say. That's within Islam, too, protection of one's self and others. Though Eid prayers come only once annually, and it hurts to miss it, I think prudence is still the better and safe choice. Surely, Allah Will understand His servants,” shared journalist Edd K. Usman, publisher and editor of the online Science and Digital News.

BARMM strengthens peace culture...from P2 six (6) resource speakers were invited to discuss significant details about peacebuilding and its essence in the concept of Islam.

These include Rufa Guiam, Liaison and Inclusion Adviser Senior Strategy from Mindanao State University (MSU)Gensan who discussed the Culture of Peace;

Hay-atul Ulama Secretary-General Sheikh Abdulhadie Gumander on Concept of Peace in Islam; Member of Parliament Said Salendab talked about Moral Governance in everyday works; National ‘Ulama Cooperation Inc. Secretary-General Prof.

Moner Bajunaid about Diplomacy during the

time of Prophet Muhamad (PBUH).

Additionally, Sheikh Haron Alimpang from Hay-atul Ulama lectured about “ISIS in the Eyes of Islam”, and Cotabato City Division Former Education Program Supervisor Albaya Badrodin, Ph.D. tackled “Women in Islam as Peace Makers.” BIO-BARMM

Learn Arabic to understand Qur’an...from P2 The Bangsamoro Government, according to Ebrahim, is guided by the principles of Islam which are primarily found in the Qur’an.

The morals found in the Qur’an,

as stressed by Ebrahim, should be applied by every Muslim, in order to help encourage the Government of the Day in their campaign for Moral Governance.

BIO-BARMM

193K U.S. Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19...from P2 and COVID-19 mitigation efforts,” said U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires John Law. This is the fourth ship ment of v accines made available through the COVAX Advance Market Commitment, a global initiative to support equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines.

The United States already has donated Php97.2 billion ($2 billion) to COVAX, to ensure the Philippines and other countries receive COVID-19 vaccines, and committed to provide an additional $2 billion.

With this delivery, the Philippines has now received more than 2.5 million vaccines through COVAX. In

9

THE MINDANAO CROSS

May 15, 2021

total, COVAX will provide 44 million doses to Filipinos. Upcoming COVAX deliveries from Pfizer will total over 2.3 million.

D e v e l o p e d jointly by American pharmaceutical company Pfizer Inc. and German biotechnology company BioNTech SE, the PfizerBioNTech COVID-19 vaccine was the first to receive emergency use authorization from the World Health Organization and is 95 percent effective in preventing COVID-19 illness, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

In February, the U.S. government announced a total planned contribution of Php194.4

billion ($4 billion) to the COVAX Advance Market Commitment.

The United States already has provided an initial Php97.2 billion ($2 billion), and the Philippines is among the first countries in the region to have received COVID-19 vaccines through the COVAX facility.

The United States has worked closely with Philippine stakeholders throughout the pandemic to protect public health and strengthen local response to COVID-19.

To date, total U.S. government COVID-19 assistance to the Philippines amounts to nearly Php1.3 billion ($27 million). Nash B.

Maulana

Terrorist wanted by DND killed...from P12 Uy said soldiers were forced to neutralize Sahak when he and his companions opened fire, provoking a gunfight that resulted in his death.

The companions of Sahak escaped when they sensed that more soldiers were closing in from three directions. John Felix

Unson

348 vaccines damaged due to...from P1

summoned by the municipal town council to explain, said the vaccines were intended for senior citizens.

Lito Cañedo, Makilala IATF spokesperson, said the vaccines were kept at the municipal health office’s freezer and were supposed to be used for vulnerable sectors last Monday, May 10.

However, a brownout occurred at about 12:30 p.m. on May 7, Friday.

“Because of the brownout, the health workers and the police in-charge of securing the vaccines decided to transfer the vials to the freezer of the Makilala police office,” Cañedo said, adding that the PNP freezer was powered by a generator set during the duration of the brownout.

He said power supply from Cotabato

Electric Cooperative (Cotelco) was restored at about 2 p.m. Friday but no one has reverted back the power supply source to Cotelco after the generator was shut down.

Cañedo said municipal office workers, including health personnel, left at 3 p.m. as part of health protocols.

“So, nobody noticed on Friday that the freezer was not switched backed to regular power supply, Saturday and Sunday were no work days, it was only on Monday morning, May 10, that it was discovered by the personnel in charge from town health office,” Cañedo told DXND Radyo Bida Kidapawan.

He did not identify the persons responsible for mishandling the vaccines.

Go opens 109th Malasakit Center in...from P1 patients can quickly access financial medical assistance from agencies such as PhilHealth, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

“Our goal here is to let the indigent patients go home without paying any hospital bill, yet given ample services required of the hospital,” Go said.

On April 24, the senator said his office has provided the CSH management with PHP5million for the center, but added that he would add funding of PHP5 million more for the operation of the facility.

“We must look at each other’s welfare, just as what the government is doing to us,” Go said.

Mangudadatu noted that the province has now two Malasakit centers, with the first one also opened by Go in December 2019.

“We thank much the President and Senator Go for these two facilities currently attending to the needs of the indigents,” the governor said.

While in Maguindanao, Go also distributed food packs, bicycles, computer tablets to the front-liners.

For his part, CSH chief Dr. Ibrahim Pangato Jr. has asked the senator

about a pending bill in Congress on the possible expansion of the hospital to a 200-bed capacity infirmary.

Go said he would look into the matter and urged colleagues in Congress to act on it immediately.

Currently, CSH has an actual bed occupancy of 80 beds manned by 270 personnel.

In May last year, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s Ministry of Public Works has completed in 40 days a P21-million, 100-bed capacity isolation facility at the back portion of the CSH compound.PNA

MOLE-BARMM names Cotabato Light as...from P1

with Cotalight Workers' Union (CWU) President Jonathan Acosta, from Minister Sema.

“On behalf of the Management and Staff of Cotabato Light, we are very grateful for the recognition bestowed as one of the

Most Compliant Company/ Establishment,” Nataño said.

“With management's strong support and together with our labor union, represented union president Acosta here, Cotabato Light will continuously

uphold the labor standards, and one with MOLE in promoting industrial peace in the Region, as we are committed to our Culture of HOLA-V, in serving our customers. Thank you so much for this award,” she added.

Army escalates campaign vs. BIFF...from P12

companions as they fled, succumbed later, according to witnesses, two of them barrio school teachers.

Habib was from North Cotabato, according to sources in the province.

They were among about a hundred BIFF gunmen who stormed the town proper of Datu Paglas, on May 8, provoking an hour-long gunfight with responding military units.

Brig. Gen. Roy Galido, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, said soldiers were to check on the reported presence of armed men Wednesday night in the outskirts of Datu Paglas when they were attacked, sparking a gunfight that resulted in the death of the five BIFF bandits.

The encounter was preceded by Tuesday's meeting between President Rodrigo Duterte and senior officials of the Bangsamoro region and local executives from Maguindanao in the Army's Camp Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat town in Maguindanao.

President Duterte then warned that the government would flex its full military might against the BIFF if Bangsamoro officials and local government units in the province cannot help neutralize its forces in Maguindanao.

The MILF and Malacañang are bound by agreements to cooperate in addressing security issues in the Bangsamoro region.

President Duterte said the BIFF remains the biggest hindrance to peace in the BARMM area.

“The monkey wrench of the whole

situation now is the BIFF... They continue to burn, ambush, detonate bombs, talagang full-blown terrorism,” Duterte said.

He appealed to BARMM officials to help control the BIFF or he would be forced to order an all-out offensive against the group.

Duterte said he does not want the situation to go out of control, but noted that the lives of soldiers and policemen are at stake.

“It’s life that is involved here. Kung hindi ko mapigilan and there will be an all-out offensive, iyan na ang problema.

And if I give the order, I will no longer withdraw it,” he said.

“Nagmamakaawa ako sa inyo tulungan ninyo ako because otherwise if I give the order for an all-out offensive, it will be bloody and it will be sad,” Duterte said.

Uy, also commander of the anti-terror Joint Task Force Central, said their 601st and 602nd Infantry Brigades and the Brigade Combat Team 1 will escalate the hunt for BIFF forces in the province and in nearby areas.

The Brigade Combat Team 1 had just arrived in Maguindanao from Camp Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija.

“We shall hunt for them in every nook and cranny of areas within our AOR (area of responsibility). Even so, we will welcome those who would want to surrender, return to the fold of law and get reintegrated into mainstream society,” Uy said. John Felix

Unson

BARMM chief appeals for vigilance vs...from P2 this year’s Ramadhan, we carry the values it has taught us for the rest of our lives and that Allah (SWT) may accept our Ibadah, our Salah, our prayers, our fasting, our

generosity through our Sadaqah and all other good deeds that come with the observance of the Holy Month of Ramadhan,” he added.

Ebrahim then asked

5 face gambling, shabu...from P12

CIDG-BAR’s office in Cotabato City.

Madin said they are grateful to the informants who provided them information on the activities of the suspects, enabling

every Bangsamoro to also pray for the success of “our journey in establishing a regional government that is responsive to the needs of every Bangsamoro.”

Edwin O. Fernandez

the CIDG-BAR to launch the raid that resulted in their arrest.

Cases had been filed against the suspects. John Felix Unson

10

May 15, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Office of MP Saliga establishes community pantries in different parts of the Bangsamoro region The continuous spread of COVID-19 new variants, which tightened border controls, protocols and community guidelines, has continually inflicted economic disruption to many. Movements are being restricted again which worsen the struggle on food security.

As part of the Office of Member of Parliament Hon. Romeo C. Saliga’s effort to respond to the needs of people in the Bangsamoro during the surge of the deadly virus, the office have established community pantries, for free access of food, situated in provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, North Cotabato and Cotabato City.

On May 8, 2021, through Kusina Bayanihan, over 375 rice packs have been dispersed to residents of Sitio Solo, Nuro, Upi, Maguindanao. In return, beneficiaries shared products from their farms such as vegetables and fruits which were immediately transported to Cotabato City to be distributed to other communities.

Distribution in Cotabato City took place on May 10, 2021.

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 12th Judicial Region BRANCH 27 Cotabato City Special Proceeding No. 20211516 IN THE MATTER OF PETITION FOR CORRECTION OF ENTRIES IN THE CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH, JOSEFINA S. CANLAS, Petitioner, versus THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF PARANG, MAGUINDANAO Respondents. x---------------------------------------x ORDER A verified petition was filed by the petitioner, assisted by counsel, praying that after due notice, publication and hearing, an order be issued directing the Local Civil Registrar of Parang, Maguindanao, to correct the true and correct last name of herein Petitioner and her father from Salba to Salva.

Further, for the year of birth of the petitioner to appear as January 5, 1957 instead of January 5, 1958.

Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, let this case be set for hearing on June 30, 2021 at 8:30 0’clock in the morning, at which place, date and time, any person who may have interest, if any, may show cause why the petition should not be granted.

Let this Order be published in a newspaper edited and of general circulation in the City of Cotabato and Province of Maguindanao, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks prior to the date of hearing at the expense of the petitioner.

SO ORDERED. Cotabato City, Philippines, this 11th day of May 2021.

(Sgd.)KASAN K. ABDULRAKMAN Presiding Judge MC: May 15, 22 & 29, 2021

Barangay execs back...from P12

biochemist Saroshi Omura discovered and developed Ivermectin which was originally widely used for the treatment of river blindness, which affected and killed populations in Central and Southern Africa. The disease was completely irradiated,. Together with Irish American William Campbell they were awarded the Novel Prize recently for this collaboration. Dr. Campbell is formerly the head scientist of Merck. if ivermectin has this grand reputation of effectivity for COVID-19 why is it not the major choice for the treatment of COVID-19 amidst thousands deaths all over the world?

Ivermectin is a prescription medicine , already available in some pharmacies . Even if you already got vaccinated, or have the medicine, observe the protocols, stay safe, stay at home, wear your mask, shield, wash your hands often, rinse with alcohol , they say gel is better because it does not dry fast enough, be mindful of your immune system. (to be continued next week) MC

The Journey of Ivermectin

The Stuff of Life Continue from page 8

Ivermectin, the medical communities acknowledges author scientist Dr. Kory’s study which likewise have been reviewed concluding that Ivermectin is a legitimate and effective treatment against COVID-19 , a safe oral drug used for over 40 years for other illnesses of humans. His scientific medical paper has finally been published in the May-June 2021 issue of the American Journal of Therapeutics.

This means that the international medical society acknowledges Dr. Kory’s study which has likewise been peer reviewed concluding that Ivermectin is a legitimate and effective treatment against Covid19. BIRD of U.K. says “yes” to use; USA NIH says “ok”, 52 trials, 426 scientists, 17557 patients showed effective use of both as manufactured by Merck. However, the patent of Ivermectin has expired.

Flashback 1970, Japanese

Pope Francis at the general audience:...from P6 book of great wisdom that teaches how to put one’s life in order.”

He explained: “It makes us understand that the Christian vocation is militancy, it is the decision to stand beneath the standard of Jesus Christ and not under that of the devil, trying to do good even when it becomes difficult.”

Above all, he said, we should remember in times of trouble that we are not alone.

He told a story from the life of St. Anthony the Great, who helped to spread Christian monasticism in the fourth century.

He said: “His biographer, St. Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria, recounts one of the worst episodes in the life of the hermit saint when he was about the age of 35, a time of middle age that for many people involves a crisis.”

“Anthony was disturbed by the ordeal, but resisted. When he finally became serene again, he turned to his Lord with an almost reproachful tone: ‘But Lord, where were you? Why did you not come immediately to put an end to my suffering?’ And Jesus answered: ‘Anthony, I was there. But I was waiting to see you fight.’”

Concluding his address, the pope said: “If in a moment of blindness we cannot see His presence, we will in the future. We will also end up repeating the same sentence that the patriarch Jacob said one day: ‘Surely the Lord is in this place; and I did not know it’ (Genesis 28:16).”

“At the end of our lives, looking back, we too will be able to say: ‘I thought I was alone, but no, I was not: Jesus was with me.’ We will all be able to say this.”

A precis of the pope’s catechesis

was then read out in several languages.

After the summaries, he offered a greeting to members of the various language groups.

Addressing Portuguese-speaking pilgrims, he noted that May 13 is the feast of Our Lady of Fatima.

“Tomorrow let us remember Our Lady of Fatima with great veneration!

Let us place ourselves with confidence under her maternal protection, especially when we find difficulties in our prayer life,” he said.

To Polish-speaking pilgrims, he said: “Tomorrow is the liturgical memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Fatima and the 40th anniversary of the assassination attempt on St. John Paul II.” “He himself emphasized with conviction that he owed his life to the Lady of Fatima. This event makes us aware that our lives and the history of the world are in God’s hands.”

“To the Immaculate Heart of Mary we entrust the Church, ourselves, and the whole world. We ask in prayer for peace, an end to the pandemic, a spirit of penance, and our conversion.”

Speaking to Italian pilgrims, he said: “During this month of May, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, I invoke Our Lady’s heavenly protection on each one of you and on your respective families.”

He added: “Have frequent recourse to Mary, Mother of believers! The various forms of Marian devotion, and especially the recitation of the holy rosary, will help you to live out your journey of faith and Christian witness.”

The general audience ended with the recitation of the Our Father and the Apostolic Blessing. Catholic News

UBJP, convinced its peace and development agenda can hasten the peaceful resolution of the nagging Mindanao Moro issue.

“My constituentbarangay captains are all behind me on this. They were glad that I joined UBJP,” Sinsuat said.

He said he got fascinated with UBJP’s focus on restoring normalcy in conflict-stricken areas via participatory governance and political reforms meant to foster interfaith and cultural solidarity among BARMM’s Muslim, Christian and non-Moro indigenous communities.

Among the 11 mayors who joined UBJP last May 8 are the politically-influential Shameem Mastura of Sultan Kudarat, Cherry Lu Sinsuat of Datu Odin Sinsuat and Ramon Piang, Sr. of the upland Upi town.

The local government unit of Upi thrice received in the past three years the Seal of Good Local Governance from the central office of the

Department of the Interior and Local Government.

The DILG’s grant of the yearly SGLG award is based on the fiscal management efficiency of an LGU and its involvement on domestic security and socio-economic initiatives.

Sinarimbo said Maguindanao Vice Gov. Lester Sinsuat, former Sultan Mastura Mayor Armando Mastura and a member of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, Tucao Mastura, also joined in the May 8 event in UBJP’s headquarters in Camp Darapanan.

Sinarimbo, also BARMM’s regional spokesperson, said all municipal mayors and elected provincial officials in Tawi-Tawi also joined the UBJP last April.

The Bangsamoro region covers the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi and the cities of Marawi, Lamitan and Cotabato. John Felix Unson

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

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 May 2-31, 2020 at 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Main 4J Bldg. Corner Jose Lim Sr., and Don Roman Vilo St. Cotabato City. Auction sale will be on May 26, 2021.

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 Castro-Jagunap as per Doc. No. 934; Page No. 934; Book No. XXVII; Series of 2021.

Notice is hereby given that the late GERTRUDES BALGOS who died intestate at Sambag, Jaro, Iloilo City on January 21, 2021, is the co-owner of Macaria M. Jabasa over a parcel of land Lot 181-B-2-A-20, Psd62018, situated in the District o f C o l i n a , C o t a b a t o C i t y, covered by TCT No. T-45709 with an area of 325 sq. mts., is the subject of extrajudicial settlement with waiver of rights before Notary Public Joshua C. Alim as per Doc. No. 130; Page No. 27; Book No. I; Series of 2021.Series of 2021.

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 Mayo 2-31, 2020 sa alas 8:00 ng umaga hanggang alas 4:00 ng hapon sa Agencia de Oro - Jose Lim Branch, corner Jose Lim Sr, and Don Roman Vilo St., Cotabato City sa Mayo 26, 2021.

MC: May 1, 8 & 15, 2021

MC: May 15, 22 & 29, 2021

Agency

Notice for Auction

Patalastas ng Subasta

MC: May 15 & 22 , 2021

200 dolphins sighted..from P12

seascape.

The spinner dolphins were observed actively moving while the pod of Risso’s dolphins were basking under the heat of the sun.

Alicer said the activity was also in line with this year’s celebration of “Month of the Ocean” with the theme “The Science We Need for the Ocean We Want.”

“The importance of the ocean cannot be over emphasized considering that we depend so much on the ocean for our food requirement on the aquatic resources, that is why we are celebrating this May the month of the ocean to raise the awareness on every citizen that we need to conserve or protect our ocean,” Alicer said. Edwin

O. Fernandez

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un

“Verily we belong to Allah and verily to Him do we return”

Hadja Roweda Usop Bansuan Born: March 12, 1945 Died: April 22, 2021 Daughter of Hadji Macmod Bansuan (deceased) and Hadja Zalika Bansuan (deceased) From: Daughter : Rowena Bansuan Abpi Granddaughter: Arowen Zayn Monet

ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sanla. Ang mga ito ay isinangla magmula Abril 2020 hanggang Mayo 2020. Ang Subasta ay sa Mayo 31, 2021 sa ganap na ika 8:00 ng umaga hanggang ika 4:00 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

MC: May 15 & 22, 2021

ANNOUNCEMENT Ang Feroce Pawnshop & Money Changer Cotabato, Feroce Pawnshop Midsayap Branch, Kidapawan Branch, Toril Branch at ang Feroce Pawnshop San Pedro Branch, Davao City ay magkakaroon ng “Subasta Sale” sa darating na Mayo 15, 2021 sa ganap na alas 8:00 ng umaga hanggang alas 5:00 ng hapon para sa mga hindi natubos na sangla sa buwan ng Agusto Setyembre, st Oktubre 2020.

Upang hindi maremate ang inyong mga alahas na isinangla magbigay ng interest bago dumating ang araw ng subasta.

“Sa Feroce Pawnshop na tayo kumpleto na ang serbisyo” MC: May. 15, 2021

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 RAYMUNDO BARRIOS, who died on February 25, 1987 at Midsayap, Cotabato, left a parcel of land Lot No. 2975-C, Psd-15485, situated at Batiocan, Midsayap (now Libungan), Cotabato, containing an area of 40,328 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. T-11653 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of intestate estate with waiver of rights before Notary Public Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 330; Page No. 66; Book No. CCXXX; Series of 2021.

MC: May 8, 15 & 22, 2021

SK Pendatun and in the SPMS box.

The total number of IDPs still in evacuation sites, according to Maguindanao provincial social welfare officer was about 4,000 families or about 20,000 individuals.

The Army has already issued the green light for IDPs in Datu Paglas to return home

after normalcy has been restored.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, 6th Infantry Division commander, said the Army had thwarted the attempts by the BIFF to launch atrocities in Datu Paglas and lauded the local residents for alerting the military on the presence of terrorists in their midst.

Edwin O. Fernandez

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 Setyembre 2020. Ang subasta ay sa Hunyo 01, 2021 sa ganap na ika-8:00 ng mga umaga hanggang ika-4:30 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

ANNOUNCEMENT

Moslemin Bansuan Alpiya “Ping” Bansuan Abdulasid Bansuan and Bainaut Bansuan Sitinela Bansuan Norma Usman and Keise Usman Haron Bansuan and Ramona Bansuan Wahida Guinomla Heria Bansuan Salik and Haron Salik Family and friends

CONLUCK PAWNSHOP - SK PENDATUN CONLUCK PAWNSHOP - BONIFACIO & CONLUCK PAWNSHOP - ORC BRANCH COTABATO CITY

BARMM eyes win-win...from P12

MC: May 15 & 22, 2021

Siblings:

MC: May 1, 8 & 15, 2021

11

THE MINDANAO CROSS

May 15, 2021

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late Spouses ADRIANO RONQUILLO and LUCIA GERALDEZ RONQUILLO, who both died at Sagasa, Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat, on March 19, 1997 and April 2, 1989, respectively, left parcels of land Lot No. 1179-A, Psd-12001867 in Sagasa, Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat under TCT No. T-20697 and Lot No. 1186A, Psd-12007067 in Paitan, Ampatuan, Maguindanao (now Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat) under TCT No. T-19833 with the total area of 81,998 sq. mts., more or less, are the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Ukol M. Paglala as per Doc. No. 158; Page No. 32; Book No. XXVI; Series of 2021.

MC: May 8, 15 & 22, 2021

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

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that Ziahara S. Esmail has filed with this office, a petition for change of first name from Zahra to Ziahara in the birth certificate of Ziahara Abdulrasid Salim who was born on June 9, 1981 at Cotabato City and whose parents are Mohammad B. Salim and Zaharia Abdulrasid.

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

(Sgd) TOHAMY M. LAUBAN City Civil Registrar MC: May 8 & 15, 2021

Ang G’ ROCE Pawnshop sa Cotabato City at G’ ROCE Pawnshop Damosa, Davao City Branch ay magkakaroon ng “Subasta Sale” sa darating na Mayo 15, 2021 sa ganap na alas 8:00 ng umaga hanggang alas 4:30 ng hapon para sa mga hindi natubos na sangla sa buwan ng Agusto, Setyembre at Oktubre 2020.

Upang hindi maremate ang inyong mga alahas magbigay ng interest bago dumating ang araw ng subasta.

MC: May 15, 2021

ANNOUNCEMENT

Ang Agencia Cirilo & Money Changer - Main, Agencia Cirilo & Money Changer Branch I, at ang Agencia Cirilo & Money Changer Quezon Avenue Branch ay magkakaroon ng “Subasta Sale” sa darating na Mayo 15, 2021 sa ganap na alas 8:00 ng umaga hanggang alas 4:30 ng hapon para sa mga hindi natubos na sangla sa buwan ng Agusto, Setyembre at Oktubre 2020.

Upang hindi maremate ang inyong mga alahas magbigay ng interest bago dumating ang araw ng subasta.

“Ang Agencia Cirilo Sigurado at Garantisado ang Serbisyo” MC: May 15, 2021

Ang 3G Pawnshop Main & Money Changer, 3G Pawnshop & Money Changer Branch I at ang 3G Pawnshop & Money Changer Hi-Way Branch ng Cotabato City, at ang 3G Pawnshop Midsayap Cotabato, ay magkakaroon ng “Subasta Sale” sa darating na Mayo 15, 2021 sa ganap na alas 8:00 ng umaga hanggang alas 4:30 ng hapon para sa mga hindi natubos na sangla sa buwan ng Agusto, Setyembre at Oktubre 2020.

Upang hindi maremate ang inyong mga alahas magbigay ng interest bago dumating ang araw ng subasta.

“3G Pawnshop your dependable Pawnshop in Town” MC: May 15, 2021

RANEN PAWNSHOP MAIN, BRANCH I, II &

Don Rufino Alonzo & Don Tomas Martinez Sts, Cot. City

Notice for Auction

All unredeemed articles pledged on September 2020 will be auctioned on June 01, 2021 at 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Please come before June 01, 2021 for renewal or redemption.

Patalastas ng Subasta

Lahat ng sangla noong Setyembre 2020 ay ipagbibili ng Subasta sa Hunyo 01, 2021 sa ganap na ika-8:30 ng umaga hanggang ika-4:30 ng hapon. Kung maari ay pumunta bago ang Hunyo 01, 2021 para sa pagbayad ng tubo o pagtubos.

MC: May 15 & 22, 2021

NOTICE

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

Ang VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I ug BRANCH II magsubasta sa tanan nga wala lukata ug wala tubui gikan sa bulan sa Nobyembre 1 hangtud sa bulan sa Disyembre 31 sa alas 9:00 sa buntag karung Hunyo 10, 2021 sa VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I, Dayao St., ug sa VGM PAWNSHOP BRANCH II, Jose Abad Santos St., Kidapawan MC: May 15, 22 & 29, 2021

BARMM government for providing the regional, provincial and municipal police offices in the Bangsamoro region with support needed to boost lawenforcement operations.

The office of Sinarimbo also has been helping local government units bereft of police stations construct such buildings with grants from the Bangsamoro government.

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late KUTIANG S. TAPARAK, who died on April 3, 2021 at Cotabato City, left a bank account with the Philippine National Bank (PNB) under Account No. 405110008630 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Agnes R. De CastroJagunap as per Doc. No. 1012; Page No. 1012; Book No. XXVIII; Series of 2021.

MC: May 8, 15 & 22,

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late MILDRED M. BOLONGON, who died on April 19, 2021 at Cotabato City, left a bank account with the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) under Account No. 94092105-51 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Agnes R. De Castro-Jagunap as per Doc. No. 1035; Page No. 1035; Book No. XXVII; Series of 2021.

MC: May 8, 15 & 22,

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 12th Judicial Region BRANCH 14 Cotabato City SPL. PROC. CASE NO. 2013-739

ANNOUNCEMENT

SUBASTA

PRO-BAR gets vehicles...from P1

Ang Nagdumala

IN RE: PETITION FOR THE C A N C E L L AT I O N O F T H E CERTIFICATE OF BIRTH OF SHARON CHAN PER LCR NO.1,563 (K-73) AND FOR THE CORRECTION OF LIVE BIRTH OF SHARON SETIAR PER LCR NO.1643 (A-78),

SHARON CHAN SETIAR, Petitioner, -versusTHE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF COTABATO CITY, Respondent. x---------------------------------------x ORDER This is in reiteration of the Order of this Court dated August 13, 2014 wherein a verified petition was filed by the petitioner thru counsel, praying that after due notice, publication and hearing, an Order be issued directing the Office of the Local Civil Registrar of Cotabato City to CANCEL AND SET ASIDE Petitioner’s Certificate of Birth as registered under Registry No.1,563 (K-73) dated November 29, 1973 and INSERT the name “CHAN” as Petitioner’s Middle Name under Item No.3 in Petitioner’s Certificate of Birth as registered under Registry No.1643 (A-78) dated August 18, 1978.

Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and in substance, let this case be set again for hearing on May 25, 2021 at 1:30 o’clock in the afternoon, at which place, date and time, any person who may have interest, if any, may show cause why the petition should not be granted.

Let this Order be published in a newspaper edited and general circulation in the City of Cotabato and Province of Maguindanao, once a week for three consecutive weeks prior to the date of hearing at the expense of the petitioner.

SO ORDERED. Cotabato City, Philippines, this 15th day of April, 2021.

(Sgd.) KASAN ABDULRAKMAN Acting Presiding Judge

MC: May 8, 15 & 22, 2021

12

May 15, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Barangay execs back mayor’s entry to UBJP

Barangay leaders in what could now be Maguindanao’s most peaceful town are certain their mayor’s having joined the United Bangsamoro Justice Party will boost their municipal government’s development initiatives.

MAYOR Marshall Sinsuat, mayor of the seaside Datu Blah Sinsuat town in Maguindanao, joined the UBJP last May 8.

The Datu Blah Sinsuat is most known as DBS, a booming town along the west coast of Maguindanao province.

Lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, local government minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, said Thursday Sinsuat and 10 other mayors in the first district of Maguindanao were sworn in as new

members of the UBJP by BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim.

The event was held at Camp Darapanan of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao, about 15 kilometers north of BARMM’s capitol in Cotabato City.

In a statement Wednesday, all 13 barangay chairpersons in DBS, the fishing capital of Maguindanao, said they were elated with Sinsuat’s having joined the

MILF-led UBJP. The fledgling Datu Blah Sinsuat was created only in 2006 by the Regional Assembly of the now defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The UBJP was founded by the MILF before Ebrahim, the front’s figurehead, was appointed BARMM chief minister by President Rodrigo Duterte in 2019. Ebrahim is president of UBJP. Sinsuat said he did not hesitate to join the

P9

200 dolphins sighted in Sarangani Bay

MARINE MAMMALS. Some of the 200 Spinner Dolphins sighted by DENR-12 in Sarangani Bay on May 12-13 monitoring indicates the bay is rich in marine life and safe haven for mammals.

Photo courtesy of DENR PAMO-SBPS

“SPMS box” is a military term to identify the adjoining towns of Shariff Aguak, Datu Saudi Ampatuan (Pagatin), Mamasapano and Shariff Saydona Mustapha.

“Hopefully the conflict will come to an end, it already spilled over to Datu Paglas, I hope it will stop,” Jajurie said in radio interview.

She was referring to the conflict in Datu Paglas where the BIFF

and the military had a showdown, brief firefight and confrontation that sent some 1,500 families fleeing.

Jajurie said the MSSD-BARMM has already sent emergency relief goods to displaced families of Datu Paglas and other non-combatants who fled homes due to armed conflict and are now staying in evacuation centers in the towns of Paglat, Buluan,

P11

Terrorist wanted by DND killed

SOLDIERS shot dead a wanted member of the Dawlah Islamiya group - long wanted by the Department of National Defense for acts of terror - in an encounter Tuesday in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

Major Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said Wednesday that Kopang Sahak, also known as “Tarzan,” died on the spot from multiple gunshot wounds.

Sahak belonged to the Dawlah Islamiya’s Ansa’r Al-Khilafa Philippines bloc based in Sarangani province.

Army intelligence agents are still trying to establish how he got into Barangay Dapiawan in Datu Saudi, where there is presence of the Bangsamoro

P10

5 face gambling, shabu, gun raps

BARMM eyes win-win solution to Maguindanao armed conflict

THE Bangsamoro Region is searching for winwin solution to the ongoing armed conflict in Maguindanao that already affected non-combatants during fasting month.

Atty.

Raisa Jajurie, BARMM social services minister, said in the coming days the Bangsamoro leadership will discuss how to put an end to recurring hostilities in Maugindanao’s so called “SPMS box.”

KORONADAL CITY — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the Soccsksargen region and its partners have monitored and sighted more than 200 dolphins in Sarangani Bay. Atty. Felix Alicer, DENR-12 regional executive director, said the estimated 200 dolphins were sighted during the May 12-13 regular marine mammal monitoring activities of the Protected Area Management Office of Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (PAMO-SBPS) and its partners.

Alicer said the PAMO-SBPS was joined by Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR-12) and various students and vlogger “in order to showcase the beauty of Sarangani Bay and to reach out to different stakeholders to enhance the protection and conservation of the SBPS.” “The sightings indicate that the Saranggani Bay is safe haven for these marine mammals and that the area is rich in marine life,” said Khadija BayamBenpolok, head of DENR-12 Regional Strategic Communication and Initiatives Group (RSCIG).

According to PAMO-SBPS, they spotted 150-200 individuals of Spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) and 16 individuals of Risso’s Dolphins (Grampus griseus) off the coast of Alabel, Sarangani Province during their two-day monitoring in the protected

Islamic Freedom Fighters, which is operating in the fashion of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

Sahak was killed by personnel of the 1st Mechanized Brigade dispatched to check his presence in Barangay Dapiawan based on reports by vigilant residents.

He was among dozens of terrorists in Arrest Order 216 from the Department of National Defense, issued in connection with the 2017 deadly siege of Marawi City by combined members of the Maute terror group in Lanao del Sur and Abu Sayyaf gunmen from Basilan.

The Ans’ar Al-Khilafa and the BIFF are both using the ISIS flag as revolutionary banners.

P9

THE Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region has charged five persons arrested Wednesday with violation of state laws against gambling, unlicensed firearms and possession of narcotics in Maguindanao.

Police agents seized two assault rifles and shabu from five men caught Wednesday while playing cards with hefty cash bets in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

Suspects Al-Muslimin Lauban, 33, Recto Mindalbus, 50, Mohammad Usman, 24, Bagundang Hadji Salik, 29, and the 39-year-old Kevin Gogo, are now in the custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

Major Esmael Madin, CIDG-BAR’s

provincial officer for Maguindanao, said they arrested the five men only for illegal gambling but found out that they have two assault rifles, an M16 and an M14, in their hideout.

CIDG-BAR agents also found shabu in their trouser pockets.

The anti-gambling raid that resulted in the arrest of the five men was launched based on tips by their vigilant neighbors in Barangay Datu Kiram in Datu Odin Sinsuat.

Madin said they are to prosecute the suspect for violation of state anti-gambling law, possession of unlicensed firearms and shabu.

Lauban, Mindalbus, Usman, Hadji Salik and Gogo are now clamped down in a detention facility at the

Army escalates campaign vs. BIFF

THE military is preparing for retaliations by the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters following Wednesday’s death of five members in a clash with soldiers in Datu Paglas, Maguindanao.

The BIFF has a reputation for bombing non-military targets, business establishments and public conveyances to avenge losses in clashes with pursuing state security

forces.

“We will not lower our guard. Our efforts to nip this group from the bud will continue until normalcy is restored in areas where they operate,” Major Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said Thursday.

The five BIFF gunmen, initially identified only as Anding, Said, Bitol, Musib and Habib, were killed in an encounter with soldiers

P9

of the Army's 601st Infantry Brigade in the outskirts of Datu Paglas on Wednesday morning.

(The Datu Paglas municipal police claimed the clash occurred in Sitio Linek, Barangay Digal, Buluan, Maguindanao - ed) Four of them were confirmed dead based on “body counts” while the fifth, Habib, who was wounded in the gunfight and was carried by

P9