The Mindanao Cross | May 29, 2021

Vol. LXXIII| No. 16| Cotabato City | Saturday, May 29, 2021 |8 Pages | P10.00

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Matalam councilor infected with COVID-19

CHURCH / P4

Bishops renew willingness to open church facilities as vaccination sites

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Sanduguan: People’s Assessment of the Govt. Response to the Corona Virus Pandemic

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

OMIs BURY FR. JUN ON HIS NATAL DAY

By Edwin O. Fernandez

THE Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) in the Philippines will bury today one of the seniors and influential members of the congregation, Fr. Eliseo Dela Rosa Mercado Jr, who died of cardiac arrest after surviving COVID-19.

Fr. Jun, as he is more known, was to celebrate his 73rd birthday today.

He was born on 1948 in Obando, Bulacan.

This year, he was set to celebrate 54th anniversary as OMI priest.

Fr. Jun was the third priest in the Archdiocese of Cotabato who died in a span of three days.

Fr. Jun joined his Creator on Christian High Holy Day of Pentecost, the 50th day from Easter Sunday.

It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ while they were in Jerusalem celebrating the Feast of Weeks, as described in the Acts of the Apostles.

He was tested positive to SARS-CoV2, the virus that causes COVID-19, but have

survived and was ready to go home when he suffered cardiac arrest at past 3 p.m. He was actually transferred to a private room awaiting for discharge.

Fr. Jun has undergone heart bypass operation many years ago. He has a pacemaker in body.

The OMI said Fr. Jun experienced COVID-19 symptoms at his residence at the OMI Novitiate in Tamontaka, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao and was admitted to the Cotabato Regional Medical Center (CRMC) on May 8. He tested positive to COVID-19.

H e f o u g h t successfully against the virus and its symptoms in spite of many complications and on May 22, his RTPCR test finally

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Farewell Fr. Sanoy, Fr. Bacero

By Edwin O. Fernandez

THE Archdiocese of Cotabato will send to their final resting place Fr. Loreto Sanoy and Fr. Rex “Bong” Bacero on Tuesday morning, June 1.

Both diocesan clergy members succumbed to novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The ashes of Fr. Loreto “Loret” Sanoy and Fr. Rex Bacero, both from Cotabato City, are now at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral mausoleum, ac c o r d i n g to F r . Be n Torreto, DCC, cathedral parish rector.

Fr. Sanoy, 78 died at 8:25 p.m. Friday and Fr.

SEA OF WATER HYACINTH. If remained unattended, these water lilies could trigger floods in the city’s low-lying communities, as in the past. BARMM and public works office are closely watching these natural phenomenon to save Cotabato City from disease-causing floodwaters.

Photo courtesy of Valérie Ann P. Lambo

ISULAN, Sultan Kudarat — Tucked at the foot of the lush Daguma Mountain Range here, a checkpoint in far-flung Barangay Lagandang brags an array of high-powered weapons, including semi-automatic Barrett precision rifles, which have claimed countless lives.

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MNLF questions Senate bill resetting polls

MILF men morph from armed to ecotourism warriors

By Bong S. Sarmiento Manning the checkpoint, however, are not state security forces but young fighters of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), the armed-wing of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), who are ready to take on intruders.

Predominantly Moro-

Bacero, 52 expired at about 1 a.m. Saturday.

They were isolated at the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center last week after showing symptoms of the virus. They were later tested positive for COVID-19.

Fr. Sanoy was born on December 10, 1943 and ordained priest on April 8, 1983. He was assigned to various parishes in the Archdiocese of Cotabato, including as rector of Notre Dame Archdiocesan Seminary.

He was the parochial vicar of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary

populated, the village serves as the headquarters of the BIAF 1st Brigade under the 105th Base Command. Known as Camp Gadzanfar, the enclave is a satellite camp of Camp Omar, one of the six MILF camps recognized under the Comprehensive Agreement on the

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ByJohn Felix Unson THE Moro National Liberation Front The MNLF presently has 11 urged the Senate Thursday to fix what representatives in the interim Bangsamoro is for southerners “loopholes” in its Bill parliament.

2214, meant to reset to 2025 the 2022 The parliament is led by Regional Bangsamoro regional elections.

Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, chairman of The measure can strip the MNLF of the central committee of the Moro Islamic representation in BARMM’s parliament if Liberation Front. approved without review, according to peace The MILF and the MNLF both asked activists helping the national government for the deferment of next year’s Bangsamoro and Moro communities push the Mindanao electoral exercise to 2025 to enable peace process forward. the regional government to pursue

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DID YOU KNOW? May is Volunteerism Month Volunteerism Month is observed every May by virtue of Proclamation No. 1778 signed in 2009 by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The proclamation highlights the need for volunteerism and community spirit among government, religious, civic groups and nongovernmental organizations.

VAYA CON DIOS FR. JUN! Photo courtesy of Jazz Cuaresma

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May 29, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Matalam councilor infected with COVID-19

A lady town councilor in Cotabato province have tested positive to COVID-19 despite having vaccinated with two doses of vaccines.

Councilor April Babol of Matalam town admitted in her FB page that she now has the virus.

Without saying when and where she got it, Babol said health protocols must be followed by everyone.

“As I begin my COVID (RTPCR Positive) journey today, I have come to a sense of enlightenment that God has a purpose and the realization that protocols are there to be strictly followed,” Babol, a registered nurse, said in her FB page Wednesday.

“Now, I have learned my lesson and wish wholeheartedly that nobody will go through the same thing,” Babol added.

She appealed to all people who

have close contact with her for the last 10 days to “Please observe and monitor yourself for any symptoms such as fever and cough.”

She encouraged those who have no symptoms but in close contact with her directly or indirectly to “just the same” visit and coordinated with the local government unit to arrange for proper treatment and care.

“I also encourage everyone to get vaccinated as soon as you possibly can to avoid severity. I received my 2nd shot just in time and was blessed to fall into the ‘mild symptoms’ category,” she said.

She attended the Sangguniang

Bayan session on Monday and felt some symptoms. She submitted herself for swab test along with other town legislators and it was only her that tested positive.

“As I am receiving proper care in a hospital, I am shifting all my focus in getting better. Please continue to wear your masks and get vaccinated.

And remember to always count your blessings for these are the things that remind you how wonderful life truly is,” she said.

Two town mayors, Jesus Sacdalan of Alamada and Armando Quibod of Makilala, are on the road to recovery after contracting the virus. Edwin O. Fernandez

THE Philippine flag is now flying at half-staff at the South Cotabato provincial capitol grounds after a member of Sangguniang Panglalawigan has succumbed to COVID-19 on Sunday night.

South Cotabato SP members were surprised to learned the demise of a colleague who two days earlier had a conversation with them via zoom.

South Cotabto Vice Governor Vicente de Jesus said ex-officio Board Member Wilson Paclibar expired at 8:46 p.m. at a hospital in Koronadal City due to complications to SARS-CoV2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

De Jesus said Paclibar, 47, was an elected councilor of Tantangan,

South Cotabato and was the president of Philippine Councilors League-South Cotabato chapter that earned him a slot in the provincial council.

He said the last time I saw him was on May 10 via zoom where he sought to be excused from the session due to possible COVID-19 infections.

On May 11, he was tested positive to COVID-19.

“The province and its officials mourn for the passing of Philippine Councilors League (PCL) President -South Cotabato Chapter and Board Member Wilson Paclibar,” the provincial government said in an announcement.

He was cremated Sunday night and his ashes are now lying in

repose at his residence in Poblacion Tantangan.

His family are still on quarantine after they had close contact with the board member.

Paclibar started his career in public service as a Sangguniang Kabataan Provincial Federation President in 1992-1996.

He later became the Executive Director of the Philippine Councilors League.

In May 2019, he was elected councilor of the Tantangan and was elected as the PCL of South Cotabato.

De Jesus described Paclibar as very idealistic, vibrant, honest public servant and dynamic. Edwin

SoCot board member succumbed to COVID-19

“Marawi deserves urgent attention”

FOUR years after the start of the Marawi City siege, Maranao residents are still hopeful President Duterte would make good his promise to “correct historical injustice” stemming from their massive land dispossession since the U.S. colonial administration.

Residents recall the President’s public statement to correct historic injustices upon the Moro people, and that the case of land dispossession in Marawi City would call for a land reclassification and distribution to Maranao families being the rightful owners.

More than two-thirds of that city’s around 9,000 hectare land area has been classified military reservation from a core territory of what used to be District and later, Municipality of Dansalan.

Governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr. said he himself belongs to the category of housebased among internally displaced people in Marawi City, as many of the Alontos had left ancestral home in the Most Affected Area (MAA).

“Residents of Marawi City have strongly appealed to the national government to reclassify these lands and to be redistributed to the rightful owners,” he said.

Officials said the President would have corrected such historical injustices against the Maranao people as he assured in public pronouncements that his administration will

redistribute lands in the city to the rightful owners.

Journalist-peace activist Samira Gutoc said “the plight of the people of Marawi deserves urgent attention, and that a presidential certification of the Marawi Compensation Bill in Congress deserves to be made a priority.”

“We need to institutionalize a way of providing assistance to them, to keep them from falling behind even more,” Gutoc added.

Residents said still being awaited is a concrete plan and action, and the consolidated version of the Marawi Compensation Bill which provides among others for compensation of losses or war damages.

Subjecting the Bill to several revisions is already tantamount to replacing a consolidated version with a substitute bill, and yet it has not been passed into law, they lamented.

Reza Lininding, a peace advocate among scions of prominent families, said that while major repairs were seen in infrastructure terms at MAA rehabilitation sites, “the Maranao people continue to reel from the loss of livelihoods caused by the disruption of their once peaceful lives.”

“Progress on infrastructure component of the rehabilitation under the Masterplan must be reinforced with sustainable programs to assist the business sector in order to invigorate the once thriving local economy of the city and to mitigate the expected long-term

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O. Fernandez

PRO-BAR personnel unfazed

by COVID-19 hazards

THE stringent government anti-COVID-19 protocols does not affect the lawenforcement activities of the police anywhere in the Bangsamoro region, Police Brig. Gen. Eden Ugale said Wednesday.

Ugale, director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, said the enthusiasm of their personnel to serve the local communities, particularly in helping the LGUs and government health agencies address pandemic issues, remain markedly high despite knowing the hazards accruing such missions.

“Over and above that are their continuing lawenforcement missions that never slowed down despite the COVID-19 problems

besetting some of the areas covered by PRO-BAR,” Ugale said.

He said the municipal police and the provincial police offices in the Bangsamoro region had tangible accomplishments in prevention of crimes, in arresting wanted persons, in addressing “rido,” or clan war in local languages, and in responding to disasters and calamities, amid the pandemic.

“Our campaign versus illegal drugs has also been going on nicely. Our personnel have done good work towards that end since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic,” Ugale said.

He cited as example how the PRO-BAR, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency

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Banana firm shuts down; 2,000 workers displaced

DATU PAGLAS, Maguindanao- At least 2,000 workers have lost their jobs after banana firm La Frutera, Inc. ceased operations for almost two years now, with a top local official warning that Islamic State-aligned militants could exploit the situation as a fertile ground for recruitment.

This town hogged the limelight on May 8 when a dozens of heavily-armed men belonging to the IS-aligned Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) occupied the public market, triggering terrified residents to flee to safer grounds and the closure of the national highway by authorities to avoid endangering the lives of travelers.

Vice Mayor Mohamad Paglas, Sr. said that La Frutera, the single largest investor in town, stopped operations after failing to access a bank loan to further finance its operations.

“The BIFF has been taking advantage of the hopelessness, disgruntlement and poverty of those who lost their jobs and their family members. What’s worrisome is that they are being recruited with the wrong tenets of Islam,” Paglas, also chair of Paglas Corp., the local partner of La Frutera, told The Mindanao Cross in a recent sit-down interview.

According to Paglas, who previously served as threeterm mayor of this town, potential recruits were enticed to join the BIFF with “a promise of a place in paradise if they kill in the name of religion.”

Days before the intrusion at the public market here, the military had been relentlessly going after the BIFF in the SPMS box, which refers to the contiguous towns of Shariff Aguak, Pagatin (Datu Saudi Ampatuan town), Mamasapano and Shariff Saydona.

There had been no encounter at the public market between the BIFF and the military but about three kilometers away in a farming village, which resulted to the death of four militants. Their cadavers were recovered during a military clearing operation. Soldiers took control of the situation around noon of May 8.

Vendor Cesar Sailila told The Mindanao Cross that some of the BIFF rebels who occupied the public were minors.

“I was face-to-face with three young BIFF fighters, one is armed with an M-14 rifle and the two others were carrying Armalite rifles. One of them was as tall as his Armalite,” Sailila said.

Vice Mayor Paglas expressed concerns that Datu Paglas town could relapse to its bloody past with the displacement of thousands of workers due to La Frutera’s stoppage if residents will continue to be jobless.

At the main office of La Frutera in Barangay Digal in neighboring Buluan, the capital of Maguindanao, a huge tarpaulin has been posted at the gate with the notice “Temporary (sic) Closed.”

Established in 1997, La Frutera has become a model of the “Arms to Farms” success story showcased locally and abroad by the government and peace and development advocates.

At least 1,200 hectares of land in the towns of Datu Paglas, Buluan, Pandag and Mangudadatu have been developed for the production of table-dish Cavendish bananas that landed in the Asian and Middle East markets.

It provided livelihood to at least 2,000 individuals, including members of the Moro National Liberation Front and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which forged final peace agreements with the government in 1996 and 2014, respectively.

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Farewell Fr. Sanoy, Fr. Bacero...from P1 Parish at the time of his death.

Fr. Bacero was born on April 19, 1969 and was ordained to the priesthood on April 25, 1995.

H e w a s t h e superintendent of Archdiocesan Notre Dame schools.

At the time of his demise, Fr. Bacero was the president of Notre Dame of Salaman College in Lebak town and Notre Dame of Kalamansig, both in Sultan Kudarat province.

Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, DCC, DD, officiated a wake mass Tuesday for Fr. Sanoy an Fr. Bacero.

He said he first knew Fr. Loret when he was teaching mathematics, physics and algebra at the then Notre Dame Diocesan Seminary high school department in Nuling, Sultan Kudarat.

Bishop Bagaforo later learned that Fr. Sanoy had an inclination to become a priest. They both studied at the Davao Regional Major Seminary.

“Fr. Sanoy was a very frank person, a joke among us religious was that we don’t tell our secrets to him because he will reveal it,” Bishop Bagaforo said in his homily.

He said Fr. Sanoy has sharp memory too and can memorize the names of children of his friends and parishioners.

“Fr. Bong is like a son to me, I am close to his family and I even eat with them often in their house,” Bagaforo said of Fr. Bacero.

He also described him as hardworking school administrator who never let things undone if it is for the good of the Notre Dame schools and its students.

REST IN GOD’S HANDS FR. LORET AND FR. BONG. Thank you for serving the people of the Achdiocese of Cotabato.

Karl John Daniel

May 29, 2021

MILF men morph from armed to...from P1

Bangsamoro (CAB), the final peace deal between the government and the MILF signed in 2014 after 17 years of on-and-off negotiations.

While guns are still openly displayed at the checkpoint, with many others safely hidden in their houses, MILF members have taken the cudgels that lately landed their village in the local tourism circuit.

Since the coronavirus disease pandemic reared its ugly head in early 2020, Datu Nasrullah Ibrahim Mama, commander of the BIAF 1st Brigade, gradually developed the off-the-beaten path tourism spot that offers a fascinating view of the sprawling lowlands of Isulan, the capital town of Sultan Kudarat province.

With the travel restrictions eased, Stallion Farm and Agri-Tourism resort is slowly making a name and attracting local tourists from Soccsksargen and the Bangsamoro Region.

The Stallion Farm venture is in support of the creation of the BARMM in particular and the CAB in general, said Mama, who is popularly known as Commander Stallion.

The creation of the BARMM, which was the centerpiece of the CAB, was realized two years ago

following the ratification of Republic Act 11054 or the Organic Law for the BARMM, popularly called the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

T h e B A R M M supplanted the almost threedecade-old Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, which was the product of the struggle wage by the Moro National Liberation Front, from where the MILF broke away in the late 1970s.

Commander Stallion placed his brigade’s armed followers at about 1,800, belonging to five battalions spread in Isulan, Bagumbayan and Palimbang in Sultan Kudarat and T’boli in South Cotabato.

Although his forces are outside the BARMM, he said they are doing their share for the Bangsamoro region to succeed, by leading productive and peaceful lives in adherence to the Bangsamoro peace process – even with little help both from the Bangsamoro and national governments.

Under the terms of the peace deal’s normalization track, MILF forces and their weapons will be decommissioned and the recognized rebel camps shall be transformed into peaceful and productive economic zones.

For the second phase of the decommissioning, at least 12,000 MILF fighters have been deactivated as of March 2020. They turned over 2,100 assorted weapons and at least 500 ammunition to the foreign-led Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB).

The third phase of the decommissioning process was scheduled to follow suit but the continuing onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic hampered the process. Another 35 percent of the 40,000- strong MILF will be decommissioned during this phase, while the rest of its forces will be processed until 2022 for the expected signing of the exit agreement between the government and the MILF. A little over 40 fighters under Commander Stallion’s command have been decommissioned so far, the reason why Stallion Farm was also conceptualized and eventually developed.

“We are trying to endure the meager assistance extended by the government because we are tired of getting back to war,” he told The Mindanao Cross.

“By putting up this agritourism resort venture, we are providing livelihood to our poorest members.”

and the Philippine Navy’s 5th Marine Battalion together arrested in one operation after another last May 8 in Picong, Lanao del Sur 15 members of a local drug syndicate and dismantled their dens, their springboards for distribution of shabu in the province.

“More than that, many of our personnel got infected with this nasty coronavirus but immediately returned to work, resumed their anti-

COVID-19 containment duties in the field after recuperation without any remorse and so zealous to serve the nation as what they have sworn to do when they got into the police service,” Ugale said.

He said he has directed his subordinateprovincial police directors in Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, to work closely with the government health functionaries in their

respective provinces and with their counterparts in the military in furthering Malacañang’s war versus COVID-19.

“That is something we can do without constraint because we have the support of the regional government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. We, in fact, recently got from the BARMM vehicles that we need for our operations,” Ugale said. John Felix Unson

PRO-BAR personnel unfazed by COVID-19...from P2

“Marawi deserves urgent attention”...from P2 socio-economic impacts of the armed-conflict, and the pandemic,” a statement issued by the provincial government said.

“In order to achieve this, we need to institutionalize support mechanisms to ascertain that programs and assistance under the Marawi Rehabilitation Masterplan continues and should be made not only as administrative

priorities of each sittingmember agency in the Taskforce Bangon Marawi but as a National Policy of this administration and of all succeeding administrations,” the statement added.

It is high time, residents said, that Congress introduce a specific, dedicated budget allocation intended for the Marawi Rehabilitation

Program in the future approval of the General Appropriations Act. “Land is and will always be integral to a people’s identity and way of life. Many Maranao communities continue to struggle with starting life anew, after having to move away from their familial and cultural roots,” a community statement said.

Nash B. Maulana

Banana firm shuts down; 2,000 workers...from P2 Before La Frutera’s banana plantations mushroomed in Datu Paglas and neighboring towns, travelers would dread passing through the highway due to the then raging Moro rebellion, ambushes

and broad daylight robberies.

“Temporary Closed,” says a huge tarpaulin hanging at the gate of the headquarters of La Frutera, Inc. on 19 May 2021. Bong S. Sarmiento

Republic of the Philippines Midsayap, Cotabato Local Civil Registry Office

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

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that SHEILA SEROT LIMOS has filed with this Office a petition for change of First Name from “JOSEPH MARIO” TO “RODILLO” in the certificate of Live Birth of JOSEPH MARIO CANAAN MORIN who was born on September 15, 1957 at Midsayap , Cotabato and whose parents are APOLONIO MORIN and VIRGINIA CANAAN. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this Office of Municipal Civil Registrar, Midsayap, Cotabato.

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. Act No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that Joseph Foronda Factora has filed with this office a petition for change of first name from Joey to Joseph in the birth certificate of Joey Foronda Factora who was born on April 2, 1965 at Cotabato City and whose parents are Eriberto Factora and Elena Foronda.

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

(Sgd) NORA B. CABUGWASON

(Sgd.) TOHAMY M. LAUBAN

Municipal Civil Registrar

MC: May 29 & June 5, 2021

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THE MINDANAO CROSS

Registration office IV

MC: May 29 & June 5, 2021

Republic of the Philippines Region XII City Government of Cotabato

OFFICE OF THE CITY CIVIL REGISTRAR

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), notice is hereby served to the public that Hazel Amor Atay Margate has filed with this office a correction of entry in sex/gender from Male to Female in the certificate of live birth of Hazel Amor Atay Margate who was born on July 1, 1993 at Cotabato City and whose parents are Orvel Ba-ang Margate and Ma. Eliza Legorio Atay.

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

(Sgd.) TOHAMY M. LAUBAN City Civil Registrar MC: May 29 & June 5, 2021

MNLF questions Senate...from P1 its peace and development initiatives, stifled by the COVID-19 pandemic and lack of time for a full transition from the defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to the still 26-month Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Members of the most politically active MNLF bloc, the one led by former Cotabato City Mayor Muslimin Sema, told reporters Thursday they were dismayed with how the bill, a requisite for the postponement of the 2022 regional elections, allocated slots for representatives to the regional parliament.

The bill proposes an increase to 47 of MILF representatives to the 80-member parliament, where the front only has 41 members, comprising a majority, in the present parliament.

“In short five members, possibly those representing the MNLF, or other sectors have to go,” Sema said.

The present 80-seat parliament only has 41 MILF representatives, with 39 others from the MNLF and different sectors in BARMM’s five component provinces.

“We are hoping that one of the proponents of this Bill 2214, Senator Francis Tolentino, can still initiate an immediate review of its contents. We in the MNLF have converged with the MILF, with Malacañang and member-states of the OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) in putting a diplomatic closure, via the BARMM, to the nagging Mindanao Moro problem,” Sema said Thursday.

The OIC, a group of more than 50 Muslim states, including petroleum exporting countries EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late Spouses GREGORIO L. SALJAY, SR., and ELENA O. SALJAY, who both died at Pigcawayan, Cotabato on October 25, 2014 and October 24, 2007, respectively, left a parcel of land Lot 2, Block 12, Psd-34835, situated in Poblacion, Libungan, Cotabato, covered by TCT No. T-70939, with an area of 340 sq. mts., more or less is the subject of extrajudicial settlement with simultaneous deed of sale before Notary Public Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 194; Page No. 39; Book No. CCXXXII; Series of 2021.

MC: May 29, June 5 & 12, 2021

Republic of the Philippines Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao Local Civil Registry Office

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

In compliance with the Republic Act No. 10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that Nasrally Sumagka Dalimbang had filed with this office a petition for correction of sex of the child from Male to Female in the Birth Certificate of Nasrally Sumagka Dalimbang who was born on January 15, 1995 at Dalican, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao and whose parents are Abdulkarim Balo Dalimbang and Farida Sumagka Dalimbang.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this office not later than June 18, 2021.

(Sgd.) PRINCESS ESNAIRA M. NUR Municipal Civil Registrar MC: May 29 & June 5, 2021

in the Middle East and North Africa, brokered the September 2, 1996 peace agreement between the government and the MNLF. Malaysia, also a member of the OIC, was a special facilitator in the peace talks between the government and the MILF that resulted in the crafting by both sides of two compacts - the 2012 Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro and the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro - that paved the way for the setting up of BARMM. The OIC had, in recent years, issued several strongly-worded resolutions urging Moro communities and the Philippine government to peacefully resolve the Southern Philippine secessionist strife.

The MNLF group under Sema has fused ranks with the MILF in addressing the problem.

“That was for us a very bold step towards the resolution of the now sixdecade Moro issue,” Sema said.

MNLF members staged indignation rallies Thursday in Tuburan town in Basilan, in Patikul, Sulu, in Masiu, Lanao del Sur, in Kabacan, North Cotabato, in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi and in other areas in Mindanao to manifest their sentiments over Senate Bill 2214.

A popular peace advocate, Cotabato City Councilor Bruce Dela Cruz Matabalao, also questioned, via Facebook, why Sultan Kudarat province was mentioned in Senate Bill 2214, as if a componentprovince of BARMM, despite its being in Administrative Region 12.

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

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late AIDA M. EUGENIO who died intestate in February 10, 2018 at Cotabato City, consisting of a Saving Account Deposit with the Land Bank of the Philippines, Cotabato City Branch, with a balance of P151,572.12, was the subject of an Affidavit of Adjudication By Sole Heir, executed by the Heir before Notary Public Renato M. Eugenio of Cotabato City on May 12, 2021, per his Natarial Register known as Doc. No. 95, Page No. 20, Book No. 210 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 coowner of Macaria M. Jabasa over a parcel of land Lot 181-B-2-A-20, Psd-62018, situated in the District of Colina, Cotabato City, covered b y T C T N o . T- 4 5 7 0 9 w i t h 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.

MC: May 22, 29 & June 5, 2021

MC: May 15, 22 & 29, 2021

PMARK PAWNSHOP MAIN, PMARK PAWNSHOP - BRANCH I & PMARK PAWNSHOP BRANCH II Patalastas ng Subasta PMARK Pawnshop Main Branch ng S.K. Pendatun Avenue, Cotabato City, PMARK Branch I - Parang, Maguindanao, at PMARK Branch II - Supermarket Site, Cotabato City ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sangla. Ang mga ito ay yaon pang isinangla magmula pa noong December 2020. Ang Subasta ay sa June 01, 2021 sa ganap na ika 9:00 ng umaga hanggang 4:00 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

MC: May. 29, 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

SUBASTA

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 City.

MC: May 15, 22 & 29, 2021

Ang Nagdumala

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May 29, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Bishops renew willingness to open church facilities as vaccination sites

A network of theology seminarians encouraged its members to engage youth voters in the upcoming local and national polls.

The country’s Catholic bishops reiterated their willingness to offer church facilities as COVID-19 vaccination centers.

Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, vice president of the episcopal conference, said they are all behind the government’s vaccine rollout.

“We are always open to partnering with the government when it’s for the common good,” David said.

The health department earlier said that the

National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (Nitag) is pushing for the use of church facilities as mega vaccination sites.

The agency noted that the Nitag has noted that churches are ideal for the administration of the vaccines owing to good ventilation in places of worship.

The bishops’ leadership in January said they are willing to transform church facilities as vaccination hubs if necessary.

As far as his diocese of Kalookan is concerned, David said they already have an established partnership with the city government.

“We have already been a long-time partner of the Caloocan LGU in many endeavors, including the fight against the pandemic and the vaccination program,” he said.

The government has been ramping up its inoculation efforts with the expected delivery of more COVID-19 vaccines this year. CBCP News

OMIs bury Fr. Jun on his natal day...from P1

yielded a COVID-19 negative result.

“Things seemed to go well and he was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit of the CRMC to complete his recovery when his heart stopped due to heart attack,” the OMI said.

“Emergency Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) was administered to him several times by the hospital staff of CRMC until his body finally gave up and was not responding anymore to any of the medical intervention being given to him,” it added.

His demise sent many of his friends, colleagues, fellow advocates speechless.

“His weekly messages were a great way to stay close to him, even though we were far away. We will all miss his joy and endless exuberance for life,” said Rita Mercado, one of his three nieces who lived in the US. Fr. Jun’s life as OMI One of the children of American aviator Eliseo Mercado Sr and Anita dela Rosa, Fr. Jun was fascinated about Mindanao and the Oblate missionary works.

Despite his penchant for politics and desire to be a politician, he joined the OMI seminary in 1964.

“I did not want to become a priest I wanted to be a politician,” he said in an Oblate documentary.

“I joined the OMI because it is the only Catholic religious presence in Mindanao and Sulu…I was attracted with the Sultanates and the challenging work among the Muslims so my vocation is really tied to Islam, that is the reason why I jointed the Oblates and that’s the reason why I deviated from my career path as a politician,” he said.

After his ordination to priesthood, he was assigned in various parishes in mainland Mindananao and Sulu.

During the pandemic, even prepandemic period, he teaches o local autonomy and governance for San Beda College through online courses.

He maintains a column at The Mindanao Cross and sends daily and weekly emails on his short reflections of daily Bible readings to friends and acquaintances.

Among the Oblates and many peace advocates in Mindanao and the country, he is known as an expert on the role of Islam in the Philippines and

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the Mindanao peace process.

Aside from his regular assignments as Oblate missionary, Fr. Mercado plays major roles in the government peace process with all Moro rebel groups in southern Philippines.

He once led the National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) in Muslim Mindanao as well as chair of Independent ceasefire monitoring body at the height of peace negotiations between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Among the non-government organizations he joined include Mindanao Task Force on Poverty Alleviation, the Social Reform Agenda (SRA) Council for Central Mindanao, the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor for Central Mindanao.

As a young priest assigned in conflict affected towns in Maguindanao, Fr. Mercado was sent by the OMIs to Egypt to take Islamic studies.

A holder of doctorate in divinity and humanity and a Master of Arts in both theology and philosophy, Fr. Mercado earned degree in Islamic Studies and Arabic Studies at the Gregorian University in Rome and the Oriental Institute in Cairo, respectively.

After serving as president of the Oblate run Notre Dame University in Cotabato City, he kept himself busy in Mindanao peace process and giving lectures in various schools here and abroad.

The Institute of Spirituality in Asia said he lectured in Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (Singapore), the University of Sains Malaya (Kuala Lumpur), and at the Ateneo de Manila University’s East Asian Pastoral Institute. His papers on Islam & Mindanao have been featured in leading publications in the Philippines and overseas.

Repeatedly misunderstood The long list of his involvement in the Mindanao peace process was unfortunately repeatedly misunderstood, even by the Roman Catholics of Mindanao, calling him “Fr. Jun, OMILF,” the tag he just laugh then.

He was tagged as more of a Muslim than a Catholic priest because of his advocacy to help resolve Moro historical injustices. “I remain a

he doctrine of the Holy Trinity is at the center of Christian belief. That God is One and Triune is a concept that is hard to grasp rationally.

How can the One God be Three? This doctrine is a stumbling block for those who wish to understand the Christian faith. This indeed is a hard concept to grasp so that theologians and catechists try hard to explain the doctrine in a way that makes it more or less reasonable. St. Patrick, the missionary to Ireland was able to bring the whole island to the Catholic faith and he used the three-cornered shamrock leaf to explain the Trinity – one leaf, three corners. This has become symbol of Catholicism in Ireland. A missionary in Africa was struggling with the explanation of the Trinity, until one elder had an insight, “Ah, it is like the sun, the same sun provides us with light, and warmth. Sun, light, and warmth are one.” The doctrine of the Trinity is explained through analogy.

When we go to the Holy Bible, undoubtedly, God is revealed as Triune, even from eternity. From the very first lines of Genesis, it says that God created the heavens and the earth and the Spirit of God was moving over the face of the waters (Gen. 1:1-2). John’s gospel opened with, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). The God who is creator and savior of His chosen people (Deut. 4: 32ff), sent His

Catholic priest” was his repeated reply.

He was a towering figure of MuslimChristian Dialogue championing such program as “Duyog Ramadhan” where he gathers Muslim and non-Muslim leaders to talk about peace.

Engr. Zamzamin Ampatuan, Agriculture undersecretary, described Fr. Mercado as “a priest with a big heart for Muslims.”

He said Fr. Mercado was a good friend of Moro secessionist leaders and very well engaged with the Muslim religious leaders.

“I take his death personally as he had been a fatherly figure for me since my high school days and up until now,” Ampatuan said. “I love this spiritual father of mine, with whom I became so comfortable with Christianity as much as he had so much respect of Islam.”

Bangsamoro Region acting chief Minister Murad Ebrahim lauded his contribution to the Mindanao peace process and the BARMM. “His knowledge and works on human rights, political transitions, poverty alleviation and social reforms have greatly contributed to the peace process. We will always remember Fr. Jun as one of the pillars of peace who steadfastly championed the Bangsamoro cause,” Ebrahim said.

Nash Maulana, a journalist and fellow columnist of The Mindanao Cross, recalled how Fr. Mercado bravely helped him and several other injured students after a grenade blast inside a room of Notre Dame of Dulawan in Datu Piang, Maguindanao.

“I first met him at a time I was half-conscious from fresh grenade shrapnel wounds. At the very site of the bomb attack on Room 10 of Notre Dame of Dulawan on June 14, 1976, Fr. Jun was one of the three persons I saw, as I started to regain consciousness,” said Maulana, then a high school student and among the blast victims.

“I remember staining the back of his white robe with my blood oozing forth the right foot--for which I would profoundly apologize in all the times that I would thank or express to him how grateful I could be,” Maulana said.

BARMM Member of Parliament Susan Anayatin said the Army’s 6th Infantry Division mourns for his lost.

Both Anayatin ang Fr. Mercado are

The Mystery of the Trinity REFLECTIONS Rev. Fr. Antonio P. Pueyo, DCC tonypoy_dcc0@yahoo.com

own beloved Son and entered human history in Jesus.

Jesus in turn sent the Holy Spirit to the Church to be our source of power and strength and to assure us that we are “heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ” (Rom. 8:17).

The holy gospel explicitly mentioned the Trinity in the Great Commission of the apostles, when Jesus told them to ”Go therefore and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” (Mt. 28:19).

In his letters to the different communities that he founded, Paul the apostle clearly shows the roles of the persons of the Trinity. Paul give thanks to the Father through the Lord Jesus Christ in the power of the Spirit. God as Trinity is affirmed in the Holy Scriptures.

This doctrine of the Trinity is called a mystery in the sense that it is a reality which we cannot fully

members of 6th ID Muti-Sectoral Advisory Board (MSAB). “You are a big loss to us and surely we will miss you a lot.”

Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman described Fr. Mercado as one of the most respected personalities in the Mindanao peace process.

His contribution to the defunct ARMM cannot just be ignored. He has huge contributions to the then regional government in bringing justice to the Bangsamoro.

The priest serve as Hataman’s adviser, father, friend, consultant and vocal critic.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr remembered Fr. Mercado as advocate of inter-religious dialogue in conflict affected areas.

“He was truly a remarkable man of the cloth whose love for the people of Mindanao, as well as his steadfast dedication, passion and commitment to the peace process is much appreciated and will be forever cherished,” Sec. Galvez said.

Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi said: It pains me upon learning that Father Mercado is now in the hands of the Lord, he was like a father to me. When he was still alive, pinupuntahan niya ako sa bahay to eat lunch with me and discuss problems... we treated him like a member of the family. He was one fearless person who would tell his opinions no matter what it takes.”

Fr. Hilario Asilo, OMI, in his homily during Wednesday night’s wake mass, described Fr. Mercado as “ambassador of peace.”

He added: “Fr. Mercado is a theologian, philosopher, professor, lecturer, retreat master, writer, spiritual director, counsellor, artist, mystique, poet, the best chef, architect, gardener, nature lover, coffee drinker, politician in a positive sense, helper of the poor, true friend of the Muslims and GOAT, which means Greatest Of All Time.”

Cotabato Archbishop Angelito Lampon, OMI will preside the requiem mass at 8:30 a.m. followed by the burial at OMI cemetery in Tamontaka, DOS, Maguindanao.

The Oblates advised all joining Fr. Jun’s last journey to strictly observe health protocols.

comprehend. There are many areas of human life that are mysterious. Birth and death are mysteries. Why we are born, only to die is difficult to explain. Love is also a mystery, that people fall in and out of love and remain in love cannot be fully explained. Sin and redemption are realities of life that we wonder about.

In order that we can have a glimpse of understanding the mystery, we enter into the mystery. When we enter into the reality by living it we get some insight into the mysterious reality. One can read poems and listen to songs about love but then we understand love better by loving.

So it is with the mystery of the Trinity. We begin to understand the Trinity better when we relate to the Trinity. It means acknowledging and surrendering to God as our Father, following the path of Jesus as His disciple, and living according to the promptings of the invisible Spirit. Living the Trinitarian life also means living in communion and unity. Just as God is a community of three persons so God’s people are called to live in communion with one another, although we may differ in many ways. As Jesus prayed, “Father, may they be one as you and I are one” (John 17:21).

This Sunday is also designated as Basic Ecclesial Community Sunday. The Covid-19 pandemic may have limited our physical expressions of communion but we remain in communion by praying for one another and assisting one another in whatever way we can. Although many, we remain as one. MC

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THE MINDANAO CROSS

May 29, 2021 EDITORIAL

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That very long coastline

hen the so called baby boomers and millennials were still young, their eyes were opened by their teachers to the rich and bountiful coastal resource of the Philippines. They were told about its potentials for tourism, agriculture, and aquaculture. The description was so beautiful that it led the youngster to believe that they were living in paradise. With 7,640 islands (as of 2020 from National Geographic ) forming an archipelago covering 300,000 square kilometres in the Western Pacific Ocean, nothing seem to bring along problems that they are bound to encounter when they grow up.

Unfortunately, nothing is permanent in life except change; and along with change come the challenges that put in danger that sleepy paradise. Aside from the rebellions, secessionist movements, and of course the epidemics and the present pandemic, the focus in today’s macro view is the danger of losing some of these coastal and scattered small islands and reefs.

This means we are in danger of losing not only the bountiful fishery resources from these small islands, but the security of the people in the country when colonial powers like China feel like adding the people and its resources to its already dwindling empire.

How could a poor and impoverished country like the Philippines protect itself from its greedy neighbors? There are 4 units tasked to provide security to the country - the army, the air force, the navy, and the police. Lately we read and hear about the activities of the Philippine Coast Guard also called the Tanod Baybayin ng Philippinas – an “armed and uniformed service tasked with enforcing laws within Philippine waters, conducting maritime security operations, safeguarding life and property at sea, protecting marine environment and resources”. It conducts coastal patrol, marine border protection, marine search and rescue. Latest data shows that it has 62 patrol vessels, 10 support ships, and some aircraft and helicopters. The internet also lists its recent significant operations as: Spratley islands dispute, Scarborough Shoal standoff, and the Battle of Marawi (huh?).

With the controversy in the West Philippine Sea hugging the headlines at present, we would like to call the attention of the government to the benefits it can get by modernizing this very strategic security unit (CGP) which was late in coming (organized only in 1969), and placed under the Dept of Transportation. With the dispute in the WPS, how could this small Philippine Armada face 10 large Chinese ships?

The WPS is just the beginning, with many of the countries in the Pacific holding on dearly to its territories. Later, there will be more islands and coasts to protect considering the 7,000 islands of the Philippines. There are so many hidden isles to check on if there really is an overall plan to take over some of our reefs and shoals. Just recently, China again beefed up the number of ships that stays in the Julian Felipe Reef, and the Philippines can only make sporadic reminders to China to leave the area.

The Coast Guard made a “squeak” to drive away the Chinese cat. Sounds funny to us; but that’s all they can do.

With the government not having a consensus on the claim to the WPS, we citizens can only wonder when we will lose that territory. Anyway, we are so rich in resources that our government believe that a ton of fish and shells, and the expected oil deposits in the area are not of any value to us. 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.

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ver the past week the video of a 10-year-old boy in Sultan Kudarat plowing a two-hectare field to help his family earn money for food and medicine has gone viral, earning more than 1 million reactions and 15 million views. The story of Reymark is testament to the blunt reality of poverty in the Philippine countryside and how it impacts families and children.

The country has recorded steady drops in poverty rate in recent years. In the first half of 2018, the number of Filipinos living below the poverty line fell to 21 percent from the 27.6 percent registered in the first half of 2015, based on 2019 data from the Philippine Statistics Authority.

But the pandemic is projected to slow down the steady drop, with the state-run think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies saying there could be more poor families in the Philippines this year. While this will affect the urban poor more than the rural poor, the trickle-down impact of loss of jobs and income in the urban centers would surely be felt as well in the countryside.

Mindanao has historically been and still remains the most impoverished region in the country. This despite its vast natural resources. The top 11 of 20 poorest provinces in the country are in Mindanao according to the Philippine Statistics Authority report on the country’s official poverty statistics for the first semester of 2015: Lanao del Sur, Sulu, Sarangani, Maguindanao, Bukidnon, Sultan Kudarat, Zamboanga del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Lanao del Norte, North Cotabato, and Zamboanga Sibugay. Blamed for this is the decades-long conflict that has affected the region as well as the alleged deprivation of budget allocation for infrastructures.

What Reymark’s story reminds us is that the poverty of many is not caused by laziness or being “tamad.”

Reymark and his family are definitely not lacking in diligence as are many poor Filipinos in the countryside as well as in the urban areas. The pandemic has brought to the fore the efforts of not a few in finding ways to make ends meet, resorting to peddling goods in nearby

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HE Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is engaging the services of a U.S.-founded firm for Municipal Water Projects in the region’s island municipalities where potable water is truly inadequate, if not scarce a commodity.

The Ministry of the Interior and Local Government has entered into Municipal Water Projects Contracts with Water Equipment Technologies (WET) Co., Inc. for the delivery, installation and operationalization of desalination machines and apparatus in three Sulu municipalities. WET is a subsidiary company of the Dallas, Texas-based Water Equipment Technologies founded in 1975.

Under one of three contracts, WET will install desalination facilities for P 5,909,000 with a processing capacity of 30,000 liters per day of saltwater converted into water for domestic use and for human consumption in Hadji Panglima Tahil, Sulu.

According to BARMM Interior Minister Naguib Sinarimbo, goods and services corresponding to these Municipal Water Projects will be financed with the BARMM’s contingency funds for community development programs.

Donna Faizo, WET representative and contract signatory, says the company has been into the business of bringing services of water projects installations, operations and maintenance already for 25 years in the country. Some of their projects have been water treatment and desalination facilities in Davao City and provinces, as well as in Batangas and Laguna. Saltwater, she says, turns 99.99% desalinized by the facility process into potable water fit for human consumption.

The process yields in two levels of desalination compartmentalized, such that water volume lesser desalinized could be stored for domestic use.

Sinarimbo says other municipalities of Tawi-Tawi and Basilan where access to potable water has also been extremely difficult will also have their own Municipal Water Projects of Saltwater Desalination Facilities. WET will train operators from among locals in the beneficiary communities, and that the benefitting local government units (LGUs) will manage the facility and bear cost of maintenance.

The problem of access to clean potable water in some areas in Sulu, including Lugus island municipality “has been there for generations,” Sinarimbo points out. He says he was moved by his own experience of seeing how children and families would have to bear the difficulties

A blunt reality

Thinking Aloud Carlos C. Bautista caloyb@gmail.com

neighborhoods be it on motorcycles, bicycles, or on foot, ”panglibod” they call it in Cebuano.

It is also a reminder that poverty should continue to be an election issue whether it be on the local or national level. Those who will present themselves for the opportunity to “serve” the people should be scrutinized on how they aim to reduce poverty. Beyond the rhetoric and sweeping generalizations, they should be made to present specific programs and plans.

How do they plan to address the continuing problem of landlessness in the countryside? What do they plan to do to remedy the continuing lack of meaningful support to small farmers? Or the continuing marginalization of many indigenous communities despite the presence of a law meant to uplift their condition?

Let us be reminded that it is not enough to be happy with the free manicure and pedicure, free haircut, free medical services, and the like provided to our communities from time to time and to make our choice simply on the basis of such. More than the relief services that war-affected communities get in times of conflict, a concrete and effective plan to solve the problem that leads to such conflict is more important.

Let us not make Reymark’s story lull us into the romanticized belief that hard work is enough to combat poverty. A socio-economic situation where such hard work can truly enable people to escape poverty is necessary. And the public servants we put into office should pave the way for the realization of that socioeconomic situation. MC

BARMM inks Municipal Water Projects for far Sulu towns

Penlight Nash B. Maulana

nash.penlight@gmail.com

of fetching water on boat from another island, across turbulent waters of the strong Sulu Sea current, whirling by the Celebes Sea. “This is the first bold step in addressing this issue—so the children will no longer have live with the difficulties of health hazards in having no access to clean water. Those municipalities that are facing the same problem that is as old as time will now have access to potable water,” Sinarimbo said.

POSTSCIRIPT: We bid farewell to Fr. Eliseo R. Mercado Jr. who had been a friend for decades. Fr. Jun was one person I never saw get angry--neither by those who knew him closer. We also sympathize with the bereaved families of Father Loreto “Loret” Sanoy DCC, who died Friday night and Father Rex Bacero, concurrent president of Notre Dame of Salaman College in Lebak and Notre Dame of Kalamansig, both in Province, who died Saturday morning. Fr. Loret was parochial vicar of Our Lady of Rosary Heights Parish at the time of his death.

I first met Fr. Jun Mercado at a time I was halfconscious from fresh grenade shrapnel wounds. At the very site of the bomb attack on Room 10 of Notre Dame of Dulawan on June 14, 1976, Fr. Jun was one of the three persons I saw, as I started to regain consciousness.

The other two were Dr. Osmena Mabinay and my late grandmother.

Braving speculations that “one more grenade might explode,” Fr. Jun and Dr. Mabinay entered the room and they broke that barrier of fears and uncertainty which prevented rescuers from taking me to the hospital being the last live-weight load to the stretcher.

I remember staining the back of his white robe with my blood oozing forth the right foot--for which I would profoundly apologize in all the times that I would thank or express to him how grateful I could be. Indeed, Fr. Jun distinguished himself in the religious community as a human rights activist and advocate for peace and of political reforms. MC

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skirmishes by government forces and terrorist groups in the region, particularly in the BIFF-controlled areas in Maguindanao. BARMM Chief Minister Ahod “Murad” Ebrahim has appealed to the ISIS-allied Bangsamoro Charlie Señase Islamic Freedom Fighters to csenase@yahoo.com peacefully yield to BARMM’s moral governance over HATEVER situation we are into, let’s hold-on to God’s promises of a misguided members of society out to create life time – Not to leave nor forsake chaos and displacement among peaceus even unto the end of the age which is loving constituents.

Closer rapport and coordination most promising.

But the sudden demise lately of three among government-allied forces in the Cotabato City-based Catholic friars and MNLF, MILF, armed village defenders of a prominent South Cotabato politician local government units devoid of abuses saddened many to miss their humanitarian and partisanship in its law enforcement task have been underscored by Regional concern and services.

Rest-in-Peace reverberated in the Interior and Local Government Minister media circle in memory of Diocesan clergy Naguib Sinarimbo as one of the key Loreto Sanoy, 78, Rex Bacero, 52 and factors to peaceful coexistence, that also Oblate priest Eliseo Mercado, Jr., 72. They include the active participation of peace were immediately joined-in by Provincial advocate groups and all other sectors in Board Member Wilson Paclibar, who served the community.

The recent peace summit was a timely as South Cotabato chapter president of the response to the peace and conflict resolution Philippine Councilors League.

The deadly Corona virus took their bureau’s nagging concern on how to lives, except for Mercado, a known peace counter or prevent violent extremism in the advocate who recovered from the disease Philippines that even so-called activists are but died of cardiac arrest, according to tagged as partners in crime out to topple the government. hospital authorities.

With the still unresolved pestilence Endeared by people from all walks of life, Mercado was tagged as “An Oblate in COVID-19 adversely affecting world priest with a heart for the Muslims” only economy, normal life-style and socialization, to die from a heart attack on May 23, a more tedious directive has been imposed that strictly prohibits “face-to-face” observers sighed.

The righteous perishes and no man government functions and events. A newly takes it to heart; that the righteous and signed Executive Order No.31 series of merciful men are taken away from evil. 2021, that took effect Wednesday (May They shall enter into peace as they rest in 26), covers national and local governments’ their graves with each one walking in his socialization that include even holding of press conferences and photo ops, among uprightness (Isaiah 57:1-2).

There are many causes of death that others.

Changing events really happen that God-fearing mortals shouldn’t fear about.

For it’s written not to fear those who kill the much maligned “No Sunday Movement” the body but cannot kill the soul, but rather of Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia Guianifear God who is able to destroy both soul Sayadi meant to prevent the alarming spread of the deadly virus has now been and body in hell (Matthew 10:28).

In spite of God’s warning against duplicated by some local chief executives in killing one another, the problem persists the BARMM and Central Mindanao areas.

Indeed, earthly life hangs on a balance among activists who are into extremism, with all these transformations due to terrorism and other lawless violence.

This prompted the Bangsamoro threats and uncertainties. But as always, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao just do it good and pleasing for God and this week to hold its first Peace and country. For with God, who can be against Security Summit following off-and-on us? MC

Hold-on: Don’t despair

True to Form

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A Leap of Faith

came my way through FB, of course. Well, we (continued from last week) “got wet already, let us continue to take a bath” so to speak. It has become Victoria R. Franco, RPh, MS Pharmacy fashionable to have your vaccination on FB. ( naki franco1573victoria@gmail.com uso lang ba) It is inevitable hatever else we complain about our national government, I that some people who have been only have praises, appreciation vaccinated against Covid19 will still and gratitude to those who assisted us get a breakthrough infection; that at the Vaccination Center of the City is, he will contract an illness despite Health Office at the Circuit Road. being vaccinated against it, because The staff, from Dr. Meyeser Patadon no vaccine is 100 percent effective, down to the nurses, aides and even warned Dr. Anthony Fauci of the a self--pointed “traffic aide” were NIAID, USA. Therefore: stick to our protocols, efficient, courteous, accommodating and patient. They came ready for wear your masks, shields, stay at the difficult task ahead of them, and home, wash your hands, avoid crowds. very professional in handling their On hand is Ivermectin Capsule 15 task. The room was cool enough , well ventilated and comfortable. I had no mg. sent by my brother who, preferred reason to be apprehensive about the to take this instead of undergoing crowd. Just one more thing, they were inoculation. He took one initial calling me “Nanay” , indeed, I should capsule on the first day after a heavy be getting AstraZeneca, specific for meal, another one 24 hours later. He will continue to take it, one capsule a my age range (buhuhuhu, in denial!)

Six hours later, my instigator week thereafter, on the same day he , Farida Ebrahim checked on me. first got his first dose. He was trying Both of us were complacent that no to convince me thus- it is a very safe side effects were coming our way. I medicine, used all over the world, and spoke too early. By midnight, I was jokingly, the only side effect would be chilling, I thought it was because of killing any parasites , tapeworm, in the newly installed air conditioner. your stomach, he said.

In a previous article which I had Upon checking my temperature with a thermometer, I was having slight suspended due to space constraints, let fever at 37. 8 degrees. For the next 24 me continue from where I stopped. My hours, I took an analgesic/antipyretic closing statement was: If Ivermectin Biogesic, as advised by the nurse, has been proven by many studies and Ms Samama, every 4 hours. I hadn’t had already been published in Medical notice that I slept through the day and Journals to be effective for treatment night, for the next 48 hours. I checked of covid19 , why are we not using it ?

The whole world does not listen on Farida, she was up and around, busying herself with some family to the Director of National Institute of activity. The hubby mercifully did not Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the USA, Dr. Anthony Fauci who,preferred get any of my similar side effects.

I g o t n u m e r o u s l i k e s i n F B , Rendisevir over Ivermectin. In many congratulatory messages, and a couple countries, Ivermectin is included in of advises. Dr. Lorraine Guiginto the treatment kits distributed to the cheered saying “it means the antibodies citizens.

Ivermectin, let us recall, was the are busy doing their job in my body”.

Comforting words indeed, because medicine given away for free by both after other friends got wind of my Cong. Michael Defensor and Cong. “achievement” some derogatory news Marcoleta. MC

The Stuff of Life

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May 29, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

The Importance of Mental Health Awareness HEALTH CORNER Jean Holthaus, LISW, LMSW

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ental illnesses affect 19% of the adult population, 46% of teenagers and 13% of children each year. People struggling with their mental health may be in your family, live next door, teach your children, work in the next cubicle or sit in the same church pew.

However, only half of those affected receive treatment, often because of the stigma attached to mental health. Untreated, mental illness can contribute to higher medical expenses, poorer performance at school and work, fewer employment opportunities and increased risk of suicide.

A mental illness is a physical illness of the brain that causes disturbances in thinking, behavior, energy or emotion that make it difficult to cope with the ordinary demands of life. Research is starting to uncover the complicated causes of these diseases which can include genetics, brain chemistry, brain structure, experiencing trauma and/or having another medical condition, like heart disease.

From the Better Health publications, the following are signs or disordersto watch out for the incidence of mental illness: Behavioural and emotional disorders in children - Common behaviour disorders in children include oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorder (CD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Treatment for these mental health disorders can include therapy, education and medication.

Bipolar affective disorder - Bipolar affective disorder is a type of mood disorder, previously referred to as ‘manic depression’.

A person with bipolar disorder experiences episodes of mania (elation) and depression.

The person may or may not experience psychotic symptoms. The exact cause is unknown, but a genetic predisposition has been clearly established. Environmental stressors can also trigger episodes of this mental illness.

Depression - Depression is a mood disorder characterised by lowering of mood, loss of interest and enjoyment, and reduced

energy. It is not just feeling sad. There are different types and symptoms of depression.

There are varying levels of severity and symptoms related to depression. Symptoms of depression can lead to increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviours.

Eating disorders - Eating disorders include anorexia, bulimia nervosa and other binge eating disorders. Eating disorders affect females and males and can have serious psychological and physical consequences.

Obsessive compulsive disorder Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder. Obsessions are recurrent thoughts, images or impulses that are intrusive and unwanted. Compulsions are time-consuming and distressing repetitive rituals. Ttreatments include cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), and medications Paranoia - Paranoia is the irrational and persistent feeling that people are ‘out to get you’. Paranoia may be a symptom of conditions including paranoid personality disorder, delusional (paranoid) disorder and schizophrenia. Treatment for paranoiainclude medications and psychological support.

Post-traumatic stress disorder Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop as a response to people who have experienced any traumatic event. This can be a car or other serious accident, physical or sexual assault, war-related events or torture, or natural disasters such as bushfires or floods.

Psychosis - People affected by psychosis can experience delusions, hallucinations and confused thinking.. Psychosis can occur in a number of mental illnesses, including druginduced psychosis, schizophrenia and mood disorders. Medication and psychological support can relieve, or even eliminate, psychotic symptoms.

Schizophrenia - Schizophrenia is a complex psychotic disorder characterised by disruptions to thinking and emotions, and a distorted perception of reality. Symptoms of schizophrenia vary widely but may include hallucinations, delusions, thought disorder, social withdrawal, lack of motivation and impaired thinking and memory. People with schizophrenia have a high risk of suicide.

Schizophrenia is not a split personality. MC

Five Ways to Improve Organizational Performance….

organization. For example, price of commodities in a grocery store or procedure for obtaining a clearance from a government agency. With technological advances, an organization can easily Danny Buenbrazo danny_buenbrazo@yahoo.com provide information through various social media n an increasingly competitive and platforms. Well-informed demanding environment in business clients mean less time spent explaining and public service, each and every procedures or having them prepare money organization must innovate to meet the for payments. expectations of internal and external Third, management can adopt the stakeholders. There are both common and doctrine of completed staff work (CSW) to unique expectations for different types of empower their employees and to lessen the organizations. burden on constantly checking progress Owners or shareholders of business of work on proposals, reports, and similar organizations expect them to be profitable activities. Completed staff work means that and stable, customers want them to churn subordinates have done all the research and fit-for-purpose and good quality goods and analysis necessary and had even explored services that are sold at reasonable prices, all options that would allow their superior while the regulators and general public to easily make decisions. With CSW in expect them to respect established rules place, managers can devote more time on and regulations. pressing concerns rather than doing all Non-Government Organizations the steps for problem solving or proposals (NGOs), especially those funded by preparation. international development agencies or Fourth, develop standard operating international humanitarian agencies, are procedures (SOPs) for commonly occurring expected to deliver programs and projects tasks and activities. Along with this is within scope, time, and quality. Aside from the standardization of forms needed to good delivery of agreed services, NGOs are facilitate or to support transactions and also expected to have a strong monitoring activities. For example, procedures on and evaluation as well as to have excellent purchasing of supplies and equipment financial record keeping systems. should be established to hasten the process.

Public sector organizations in the Thus, the required steps for requesting, Philippines, with the regular annual salary canvassing for, acceptance of delivery, and increases and provision of benefits, are also inspection of items should be identified and expected to deliver effective and efficient the required approvals (perhaps depending services to the public. on the amount involved) also established.

Here are some ways for organizations Fifth, a culture of innovation must to significantly upgrade their level of be encouraged in the organization so performance. that effectiveness and efficiency will First, improving data collection, data continuously be improving. Management storage, and data analysis. Sound decisions should foster and atmosphere that facilitate and crafting of programs and projects the expression of ideas for improving cannot be expected to happen in the absence products/services or how things are of complete and timely information. How being done by the organization. At the irritating it is to request a five-year dating minimum, the organization should properly on business licenses issued from a local acknowledge innovations contributed government unit and be told that the data by their personnel. If they can afford it, is not available? financial or material rewards should be Second, and in relation to the above, given. making readily available to the clients or A well-functioning organization will customers information that they should always get the admiration and support of its have for smooth transaction with the customers and maintain its relevance. MC

Market Driven

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May 29, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

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The Oblates of Mary Immaculate of the Philippine Province wishes to convey their sincerest gratitude to all those who condoled with them on the death of their brother,

Eliseo De La Rosa Mercado,Jr., OMI Born: May 29, 1948, Obando, Bulacan Died: May 23, 2021 First Vows: June 15, 1967, Tamontaka, DOS Perpetual Profession: June 15, 1970, Tamontaka, DOS Ordination: August 25, 1974, Obando, Bulacan

As he faithfully fulfill God’s ministry on earth, may God now give him eternal rest.

May God grant to us who remember him a deeper faith, fidelity in our ministry.

Praised be Jesus Christ and Mary Immaculate.

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May 29, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

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

SANDUGUAN Sanduguan Mindanao MINDANAW MINDANAW

People's Assessment of the Govt. Response to the Corona Virus Pandemic The people residing in Central Mindanao are new to the concept of a Pandemic.

Those who have lost a love one in the previous pandemics (which were not really felt in the region) can only remember that a mother or a sister left for the Hadj, and were not able to return. That makes the onslaught of the disease worldwide – thus a Pandemic. This was some fifty years ago when the Spanish Flu became widespread.

Previous to this was the Smallpox pandemic which was fortunately controlled. Very recently was the SARS, which may still be fresh in the minds of some people.

The past two years was busily spent by people coping with the impact of the Corona Virus. From the small province of Wuhan, China, the virus as spread worldwide. Just like the SARS before, we do not know this enemy but understand its impact of the Covid 19 on the health of people in Central Mindanao. The government was busy promoting awareness of the disease, and how to avoid catching it. It was only after a year that a vaccine to fight the disease is made available through

Rock, 25 Cotabato City

government channels. As an ordinary Filipino, how do you assess the government actions in relation to this? Please answer the following questions: 1. Do you agree with the health protocols imposed to control the spread of the disease? (use of mask, frequent washing of hands, maintain social distancing).

In your opinion, did it help control the disease in your community?

2. What is your reaction to the vaccination program? Please assess its implementation in your municipality.

3.

Do you think with these government actions, the Covid 19 pandemic will be controlled soon?

4. Do you have any recommended action that will contribute to stopping the spread of Covid 19?

Interview by Karl John Daniel

The protocols imposed by the government for COVID-19 have made a huge impact in preventing, monitoring, and fighting against the spread of the disease. But these protocols are just tools to safeguard the community and cannot totally eradicate the disease. Nevertheless, the government must strictly monitor and impose these protocols to be effective.

Many people are still unaware or indifferent to the extent of the ill-effect of COVID-19. That is why many people have little interest on the necessity of the vaccine. By being unaware, many people are fearful of the possible negative effect of the vaccine. What is needed for the government is to intensify its vaccination program to encourage people to avail of the program.

There is no approved cure yet for this COVID-19. What we have for now is the vaccine. Thus, the government must intensify its program for vaccination encouraging people to avail of the vaccine. This could be done through social media, print and radio programs to educate people on the importance of having the vaccine. But that is only for prevention. The government must also intensify and support medical research team working on the cure for this disease and promote scientific health programs for long-term strategies for our country.

Fahad M. Abdullah, 23 Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao Oo agree ako sa protocol na binigay ng government. Dahil para din sa ikakabuti namin to. Concern ko lang dito eh hindi pa masyado nagawa ng maayos dahil nagkakaroon ka din ng sakit, kahit sunod ka sa protocols or nabakunahan ka na. Parang hindi maayos ang pag prioritize ng targets - mga bata ba or matanda.

Siguro makokontrol din naman nila kung sumusunod lahat sa rules. Marecommend ko for this 2021 ay mag lockdown ulit at least 2 months para masecure at masigurado na yung paglilinis at pag alis ng virus.

JPT, 48 Libungan, North Cotabato Yes, I agree. The health protocols implemented by the authorities ay malaki ang naitulong na maiwasan ang sakit na dulot ng COVID-19 in our community.

So far, mukhang maganda naman ang naging epekto ng vaccination program based on my observation. Maganda ang pag prioritize gaya sa ginawang pag grupo ng mga tao for the vaccination.

Sana ang IATF ay gawin nilang regular hindi lang ngayon kundi para sa pagpapatupad ng standard health protocols. Tulad ng pag check ng ccts, face mask, face shield at iba pa. I observed madalas sa mga establisments, offices, and even sa checkpoints hindi mahigpit ang pagsasagawa ng checkup ng requirements.

Government Retiree, 63 Kidapawan City A house to house campaign for vaccination would be better, especially for senior citizens who are instructed to stay at home. I’m not sure kung ma control ang pandemic sa mga protocols na ito. Dapat may self-discipline especially in following health and safety protocols.

Rose, 48 Cotabato City Yes, I agree with these protocols. In our barangay, senior citizens are the first to receive the vaccine. And I do agree with that idea because there are people who have a weak immune system.

I think it will take more time, months or maybe years to stop the virus if people do not follow the protocols. I’ve heard that COVID-19 cases are increasing in our nearby cities.

People should always follow the protocols. If they are not afraid of the virus, they should do it for their families and friends who may become victims.

There are still people who don’t care about the protocols.

Jimboy, 33 Libungan, North Cotabato

The best and effective way that we can help our government to stop spreading the virus is to get involve with others. I agree that in this very own simple act of cooperation at least we can contribute to lessen the continuous positive high cases every day, and to help ease the burden to our front liner’s as well. And I guess they are not doing this for themselves but for the safety of everybody since we don’t have yet a medicine intended for this virus, Yes we have vaccines but as of now it will not guarantee that you will not get infected.

Our cooperation is really highly needed at this very moment in time. We have to pray to give us guidance and peace of mind The reaction to this, so far so good as of now, since we rarely heard the adverse effect to some who received the vaccine already. I observed we have smooth vaccination program compared to Luzon area. We understand although disappointed with the municipality who wasted the vaccines due to negligence especially since we considered vaccines as gold, every drop of it.

Government alone without everybody’s cooperation, will fail. Simply properly following our health protocol is a big help already. Hopefully this will be controlled and end soon. And by that we are all healed and win this fight together. Since we don’t know how and what possible way we can ease and help this crisis but for now it should be our cooperation as ordinary Filipino citizen. This is a simple task compared to our front liners who risk their entire life.

Wine, 65 Magpet, North Cotabato The vaccination program is Good…it might be of help for the country and the economy as well. In our municipality medyo mabagal.

Well, if all of us Filipinos will unite and really follow the health protocols imposed by the government, I’m pretty sure we can lessen the spread of COVID-19, by simply “Staying at Home” and avoid crowded places. Don’t just rely on the government. The main factor to avoid the virus is us…the individual citizen. “Walang magagawa ang gobyerno kung tayo mismo na Pilipino pasaway.”

Shira, 55 Cotabato City Yes, following the health protocols can really help control the quick spreading of COVID-19. The vaccination program is very significant for us in fighting this deadly virus. The implementation is very slow, considering the limited vaccines allotted to our area by the National Government.

Government needs to acquire enough vaccines, strictly impose the standard health protocols, and for the community itself to be compliant to rules and regulations.

Ariel Guanzon, 31 Mlang, North Cotabato Agree ako, makatulong ito sa pagpigil na kumalat ang virus. Kaya lang, kulang ang impormasyon na nakakrating sa amin tungkol dito. Sana house to house ang kanilang kampanya Dapat tutukan nila ang vaccination program at ibigay ang tamang serbisyo para sa lahat. Mahigpit na ipatupad ang health protocols sa buong bansa.

Marichu, 54 Cotabato City We have to trust the vaccination program of our government. There’s transparency about vaccine implementation in our locality. It is your freedom of choice about vaccine effectiveness and adverse effects. Let’s work together with the government so that COVID-19 will be controlled soon. Hopefully, very soon with God’s mercy and healing power.

Do your little contribution, as much as possible stay at home, be safe and healthy. Get vaccinated and follow health protocols.