The Mindanao Cross | May 8, 2021

Vol. LXXIII| No. 13| Cotabato City | Saturday, May 8, 2021 |8 Pages | P10.00

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CHURCH / P4

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OND welcomes newest member, Sr. Krisel Muegue

50 test COVID-19 positive in NoCot village

6 BIFF men surrender in Maguindanao

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

FIRMS PROTECT WORKERS, SUPPORT BARMM ANTI-COVID

By John Felix Unson

PRIVATE companies in the Bangsamoro region have manifested support to the war on COVID-19 and assured to ensure safety of employees from the disease through corporate initiatives.

Representatives from different firms and large-scale entrepreneurs first manifested willingness to help push the government’s antiCOVID-19 initiatives in the region during the twoday Bangsamoro Labor Summit.

Speakers from various firms who participated in the summit, among them from the Cotabato Light and Power Company Incorporated (CLPC) and the Lamsan Trading in Maguindanao province, said company output and productivity of employees have been stymied by the coronavirus pandemic.

Anna Lea Lee Nataño, human resource manager of the CLPC, said they have formulated business continuity plans essential in coping up with the challenges brought about by the pandemic that they have to surmount.

“We have full management support to government efforts of addressing this COVID-19 problem,” she said.

Nataño said the CLPC now has a company maxim “business as usual under new normal” to motivate all of them in the company and as an assurance of unhampered service to the communities

Happy Mother’s Day!

Photo courtesy of Valerie Ann P. Lambo

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No movement Sunday back in Cotabato City

By Edwin O. Fernandez

COTABATO City Mayor Cynthia Guiani Sayadi has urged the public within and outside the city to strictly observe health protocols and avoid unnecessary mass gathering as she announced the re-implementation of “No Movement Sunday.”

In a public statement posted on her FB page, Mayor Sayadi said the re-imposition of no movement Sunday was necessary after a spike in COVID-19 infections in the city was noted the past weeks.

The re-implementation of no movement Sunday will on May 9 and the succeeding Sundays thereafter unless revoked.

“I would like to appeal to the officials of our neighboring provinces to please obey city policies,” she said.

“The wearing of face masks and face shields is a practice in the whole country, let’s also do it here.”

“Let us all remember that the COVID-19 virus does not

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Blue-tailed Bee-eater (Merops philippinus) Photo courtesy of Jose Rey Pernia

I S L A M I C C E L E B R AT I O N . F a m i l i e s i n Cotabato City flocked the Bangsamoro Government Center which is adorn with lights spectacles since the start of the Holy Month of Ramadan. The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos declared May 13, 2021 as the day of observance of the Eid’l Fitr throughout the country.

Catamco: No lockdown

Lanao Sur COVID-19 cases rise

By Nash B. Maulana

By Edwin O. Fernandez

KIDAPAWAN CITY - The North Cotabato Provincial Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) will not impose border lockdown but will remain under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ).

It was agreed during the meeting presided over by IATF chair and North Cotabato Gov. Nancy Catamco.

The salient features of what were agreed upon during the meeting in Kidapawan attended by town mayors, local officials and health frontliners will be implemented once approved by the national IATF. In the borders, there will be stricter checking of minimum health protocols such as mask-wearing and physical distancing.

“No required travel authority, medical certificate, QR codes and negative swab test results,” said North Cotabato Board Member Dr. Philbert Malaluan, provincial IATF spokesperson.

“We will be imposing stricter border control with our

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LANAO del Sur has posted seven new and 176 active cases of COVID-19 and six patients have been discharged as of Thursday, health authorities said.

Dr. Allen Minalang, head of the province’s Integrated Provincial Health Office, said the numbers were up from 11 new cases and 161 active cases on May 3 when three patients had died and five have been discharged.

Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Bombit Adiong Jr. appealed to residents and travelers for “cooperation” amid increasing cases of Covid 19 by keeping the “discipline” in health protocols, even as the province and Marawi City recorded 26 combined new cases as of Tuesday.

As this developed, the Bangsamoro

Government’s Ministry of Health (MOH) turned over eight units of ambulance to seven towns and a hospital in Lanao del Sur province on Friday, April 30, in this city.

BARMM Health Minister Dr. Bashary Latiph said the ambulances will help address Bangsamoro people’s lack of transport to hospital that in turn will prevent the loss of lives in traumatic and critical incidences.

“All they need to do is wear a mask when going out, clean their hands regularly, stay away from crowded places, and observe social distancing,” Adiong said.

Jennie Tamano, Lanao Sur provincial information officer, reported Tuesday that Lanao del Sur and Marawi

now have a total of 1,878 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 177 of which are active.

“Those ambulances will not only serve as a medical aid for the Bangsamoro people but bear sign of assurance that the government and our medical staff will always be available to treat and prevent lifethreatening incidences,” Dr. Latiph added.

Recipient towns included Tubaran, Butig, Bumbaran, Taraka, Ditsaan Ramain, and Poona Bayabao, and the Wao District Hospital.

Each of the ambulance units is loaded with vital emergency medical equipment, including oxygen cylinder, heavy duty stethoscope, folding stretcher, scoop stretcher, automatic

DID YOU KNOW? May is ‘Month of the Ocean’ The month of May is “Month of the Ocean” by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 57 signed by then President Joseph Estrada on Dec. 11, 1998. The Constitution recognizes the responsibility of the state to protect the nation’s marine wealth.

According to the proclamation, May is the peak fishing season in the Philippines and the observance allows direct beneficiaries to show their support for caring for the oceans.

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May 8, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

50 test COVID-19 positive in NoCot village

THE North Cotabato Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) has started implementing focus containment in one village after 50 of its residents have tested positive of COVID-19.

Dr. Eva Rabaya, provincial health chief and head of IPHO-North Cotabato, has reported Tuesday to the provincial Inter-Agency Task Force that focus containment has been implemented to prevent the spread of the virus.

A man was believed to have brought the virus in the village after he attended a wake in nearby barangay.

The man started experiencing high fever and lose of taste. When swabbed, he turned out to be positive of the virus.

“When you attend a wake, you lack sleep and when you lack sleep you are weak so the virus gets you,” a local health worker theorized.

Other villagers also experienced mild fever thus health officials conducted antigen test and confirmatory swab

tests.

“We have swabbed 93 individuals and 50 of them turned out to have the virus,” Dr. Rabaya told the provincial IATF about the residents of Barangay Idaoman, President Roxas.

President Roxas Mayor Jonathan Mahimpit said if needed be, a lockdown will be imposed to at least three sub-district (purok).

Municipal health chief Dr. Dominic Laus said contact tracing continues to people who may have close contact with those who tested positive.

Mahimpit said the LGU is in control of the situation.

North Cotabato Gov. Nancy Catamco has urged all Cotabatenios to follow health protocols and refrain from spreading fake news. Edwin O.

READY FOR YOU. Cotabato City Health Office team wait for residents to be vaccinated at ND Village Elementary School covered court. Groups are organized into clusters - the above is ready for RH9 constituents.

Photo courtesy of Marlyn Pesante Mending

Fernandez

CIDG scores versus wanted persons in Pandag

6th ID: Anti-BIFF efforts to continue

THE military will continue exerting pressures on the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) to contain its terror activities and secure the surrender of more members.

Major Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, told Mindanao Cross about it this week, hinting that they are expecting the surrender soon of more BIFF members through the efforts of 6th ID’s units and local executives.

Two women were killed while four soldiers were wounded in gunfights between the military and BIFF members in Datu Saudi Ampatuan town Friday last week.

Badria Alon, 40, and the 24-yearold Lagabai Mohalidin, died on the spot from shrapnel wounds.

They were trapped in the crossfire between BIFF and Army personnel dispatched to check on sightings of gunmen in Barangay Kitango, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, as if bracing for an attack.

A third blast victim, Noraisa Omar, 34, was rushed to a hospital for treatment.

“Our anti-BIFF efforts shall continue until that group has been fully neutralized,” Uy said.

He said the 6th ID and local government units in Maguindanao and nearby provinces under its jurisdiction are ready to help BIFF members who may wish to return to the fold of law.

Lt. Col. John Paul Baldomar, 6th ID spokesperson, said the hostilities in Barangay Kitango erupted when BIFF bandits fired at soldiers deployed to secure the area.

“Four soldiers were wounded in ensuing encounters,” Baldomar said.

He said the 6th ID is now probing on allegations that Alon and Mohalidin were accidentally hit by mortars launched from Army positions nearby.

The BIFF has a reputation for attacking civilians to avenge deaths of members killed in clashes with pursuing state security forces.

More than 10 BIFF members were killed in encounters with soldiers in Barangay Kitango just three weeks ago.

Meantime, soldiers are busy helping government agencies attend to the needs of villagers displaced by the hostilities, according to Gen. Uy, also commander of the military-led anti-terror Joint Task Force Central.

John Felix Unson

MTIT records over 4K approved business registrations

THE Bureau of Trade and Industry (BTI) under the Ministry of Trade, Investments and Tourism (MTIT) recorded a total of 4,740 approved Business Name Registrations (BNRs) across Bangsamoro region as of first quarter of 2021.

Despite the ongoing public health crisis due to Covid-19 pandemic, the Ministry registered more than 300% of Business Names in the entire BARMM compared to 1,251 BNRs recorded during the 1st quarter of 2020.

The said BNRs have generated a total of P423,242,612.00 investment cost and

10,109 employment as of 1st Quarter of 2021.

The increase was mainly due to the intensive campaign of the Ministry in registering business names and the participation of the MTIT Provincial Offices to the Business One Stop Shop (BOSS) activity of the Local Government Units (LGUs) in the region.

Recent data showed that the key growing sectors amid Covid-19 crisis include financial and insurance services, construction, professional services, transport, storage, health, and food services.

MTIT Minister Abuamri Taddik noted during the celebration of

Bangsamoro Labor Day on May 1, the ministry has been doing its part to sustain socio-economic development suitable to the systems of life, needs, and aspirations of the Bangsamoro People.

“This is through b r i n g i n g t h e inclusive services to communities, ensuring the implementation of laws provided in the Bangsamoro Organic Law, ensuring multi-stakeholder participation and facilitating appropriate partnership,” Taddik said.

Meanwhile, Dir. Hussein Biruar of BTI said that despite the threat of the

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

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

Major Esmael Madin, head of CIDG Maguindanao, told Mindanao Cross Guimad and Sagandingan are facing a murder case in a local court.

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

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

Police and military intelligence officials told reporters Wednesday the two suspects are known “killers-for-hire,” who also distributed shabu to a number of barangays in the province.

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

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

Rifle ammunition smuggling foiled

THE military foiled last Sunday an attempt to deliver 6,000 rounds of 5.56 millimeter rifle ammunition to a buyer in a stronghold of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

Major Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said personnel of the 33rd Infantry Battalion intercepted the three men in Shariff Saidona Mustapha town in the second district of Maguindanao.

Members of the BIFF, operating in the fashion of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, and soldiers are locked in a showdown in

Shariff Saidona Mustapha since last week.

The three men were together in a car carrying the boxes containing the ammunition for M16 assault rifles, en route to somewhere in Shariff Saidona Mustapha from nearby Shariff Aguak town in the same province.

“The soldiers guarding a checkpoint along the route they were motoring through noticed them acting jittery and restive after they were flagged down for inspection. The boxes containing the ammunition were found inside their car,” Uy said.

The 33rd IB also

impounded their Gray Honda Civic car with license plates YDP 800.

The suspects, whose names were withheld while efforts to identify other accomplices are still underway, are now being interrogated by the police and Army intelligence agents.

Officials of the Police Regional OfficeBangsamoro Autonomous Region told reporters Monday the three men shall be prosecuted for illegal possession of ammunition using the 6,000 rounds of 5.56 millimeter bullets seized from them as evidence. John Felix Unson

surrounding provinces of Davao del Sur, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur and Bukidnon,” Catamco said.

It was agreed that city, municipal and barangay officials will closely monitor all activities

related to prevention of the spread of COVID-19.

Local government executives agreed that ordinances that will to impose penalties for breaches of minimum health protocols, including fines and/or imprisonment

will be passed.

Gov. Catamco has appealed to the public to refrain from spreading fake and unverified information about the status of COVID-19 health protocols in the province.

Catamco: No lockdown...from P1

May 8, 2021

No movement Sunday back in Cotabato...from P1

choose who to infect.

Mayor Sayadi, IATF chair, said the decision was reached during the task force meeting to evaluate the city quarantine protocols.

“It was in October last year when we had recorded the highest number of COVID-19 positive cases and since then, the number slowly declined until we have reached the lowest in February,” Mayor Sayadi said.

The city has 354 cases in October 2020, the highest and only 44 in February this year.

In March, the COVID-19 cases in the city was at 63 and in April it recorded 115 cases.

“We thought we were already doing fine, considering that we had days when the city recorded zero cases,” she said, adding that it was in late March that the cases once again started to spike.

“This April, we

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THE MINDANAO CROSS

have recorded a total of one hundred fifteen cases, just when we have already started our vaccination process,” the mayor said.

She recalled that since the no movement Sunday was lifted in April “more cases were being recorded every day.”

In re-imposing no movement Sunday policy, Mayor Sayadi also directed all establishments, offices, churches, terminals, markets, and other places that are frequented by people on a daily basis, will now be required to scan the digital IDs in their entrance and exit ways.

Mayor Sayadi lifted the “No movement Sunday” policy on Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday to allow Catholics to observe holy days and on April 18, 25 and May 2 to allow Muslims’ free movement during the fasting month.

She pointed out

that the no movement Sunday policy, wearing of face masks and physical distancing are already a city ordinance, therefore, violators will be penalized.

She recalled that the city IATF has imposed stricter policies after a spike of COVID-19 infections in the national capital region.

Arriving plane passengers from NCR were required to submit 72-hour negative RT-PCR test results. This was to prevent the possible entry of new Covid-19 variant that experts say are more dangerous.

“Despite this, a spike was noted,” the mayor said, theorizing that infections have gone local.

“Infections are getting closer to us,” she said, adding that the carrier could be local residents who have gone, and eventually got infected, to areas where there were high COVID-19 cases.

Firms protect workers, support BARMM...from P1 within their franchise areas.

Speakers lamented that importation of raw materials and transport of products to bulk buyers and to faraway trading centers have drastically been constrained as a result of the pandemic, reducing earnings partly intended for salaries and other fringe benefits of workers.

Participants to the summit also narrated new practices meant to ensure the safety of employees through stringent health protocols and mandatory wearing of biohazard masks and face shields in workplaces.

Regional Labor Minister Romeo Sema told reporters Saturday he and other officials of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao got elated with the commitment of support from private companies to the regional government’s anti-COVID-19 campaign.

“Labor blocs also committed support to achieve that objective. All of these augurs well with the efforts of BARMM’s chief minister, Ahod Ebrahim, to address squarely the COVID-19 problem besetting the autonomous region,” Sema said.

The closing program for the two-day BARMM labor summit, organized by the Ministry of Labor and Employment, was held at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex in the 32-hectare Bangsamoro capitol center in Cotabato City.

Workers from the Ministry of Health and the Integrated Provincial Health Office in Maguindanao led by physicians

Ameril Usman and Elizabeth Samama, respectively, gave employees of MOLEBARMM anti-COVID-19 Sinovac vaccines in a makeshift clinic inside the function facility.

Usman, director-general of MOHBARMM, urged reporters covering the summit to help them correct a fallacy that Muslims observing the Ramadhan should avoid getting jabs due to religious implications.

The Ramadhan season, where Muslims fast from dawn to dusk for one lunar cycle, lasting for 28 to 29 days, as a religious obligation, started last April 13.

“The Darul Iftah has declared that it is alright for Muslims to be vaccinated during the Ramadhan and that these vaccines are `halal,’ meaning not forbidden,” said Usman, a Muslim of mixed Maguindanaon and Iranun lineage.

The Bangsamoro Darul Iftah, also known as the House of Opinions, is a bloc of Islamic theologians, among them graduates of religious schools in the Middle East and North Africa.

Sema said he is grateful to labor organizations and private companies in the Bangsamoro region for having pledged to continuously impose health protocols in workplaces to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among workers.

“The commitment is a big help to the government’s war on COVID-19,” Sema said.

Lanao Sur COVID-19...from P1

external defibrillator, nebulizer, portable suction machine, examining light, and aneroid sphygmomanometer, among others.

The ambulance unit were provided with two units of mobile phones for the drivers’ and the municipal medical officers’ use.

CRISANEL PAWNSHOP-MAIN BRANCH I, II, III & Midsayap Branch

Patalastas ng Subasta Ang Crisanel Pawnshop ng Cotabato City at Midsayap, Cotabato ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sangla. Ang mga ito ay isinangla magmula pa noong Oktubre hangang Nobyebre 2020. Ang Subasta ay sa Junyo 03, 2021 sa ganap na ika 8:00 ng umaga hanggang ika 4:00 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

MC: Mar. 13, 2021

OUT FROM THE GROUP NOW. The six members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters who surrendered to the Army’s 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade this week all pledged allegiance to the government Tuesday.protection. see story on page 8.

Photo courtesy of 6th ID

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.

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

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

Notice is hereby given that the late SANGBAAN M. MACAAYONG, who died intestate on March 19, 2020 at Guiling, Alamada, Cotabato, left a bank account at BDO Midsayap Branch with Account No. 003740138054 is the subject of deed of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Noel A. Gretare, CPA as per Doc. No. 1,342; Page No. 79; Book No. LXXIV; Series of 2021.

Notice is hereby given that the late 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.

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

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

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

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

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

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

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

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

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) NORAH B. CABUGWASON Municipal Civil Registrar

(Sgd) RAUL A. MALALUAN City Registrar

(Sgd) RAUL A. MALALUAN City Registrar

(Sgd) TOHAMY M. LAUBAN City Civil Registrar

MC: May 1 & 8, 2021

MC: May 1 & 8, 2021

MC: May 1 & 8, 2021

MC: May 1, 8 & 15, 2021

Republic of the Philippines Midsayap, Cotabato LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE

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

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

Apr. 24, May 1 & 8, 2021.

MC: May 8, 15 & 22, 2021

MC: May 8 & 15, 2021

MC: May 8 & 15, 2021

MC: May 8, 15 & 22, 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

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, 2021

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 12th Judicial Region BRANCH 14 Cotabato City SPL. PROC. CASE NO. 2013-739 IN RE: PETITION FOR THE C A N C E L L AT I O N O F T H E C E RT I F I C AT E O F B I RT H O F 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 (K73) 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

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May 8, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

OND welcomes newest member, Sr. Krisel Muegue

THE congregation of the Oblates of Notre Dame (OND) welcomes new member in the Rite of First Profession of the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty and obedience of Sr. Krisel Suizo Muegue, OND who is from Koronadal City of the Diocese of Marbel.

The Eucharistic celebration was held at the Our Lady of Hope Chapel, OND Compound in Tamontaka last May 1, 2021 Feast of St. Joseph, the Worker with Rev. Fr. Ignacio Alfonso O. Rellin, OMI as the Presider and Homilist.

The theme of the profession day was: “Let it be Done to me according to your Word” (Luke 1:39) Sr. Krisel was born on April 25, 1992 and the first of the three children of Mr. Crisanto Muegue and Mrs. Ma. Leonor Suizo, the other two are Kimberly and Cristian.

She is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Accounting Technology.

She considers her vocation as a “pearl of great price.”

The desire of her heart to find God leads her to answer His call to the life of discipleship as religious missionary of the Oblates of Notre Dame. As the Blessed Virgin Mary, the first disciple proclaimed “Let it be done to me according to your Word” (Luke 1:38), she dares echo the same words as her personal motto.

In his homily, Fr. Rellin, emphasized: “How marvelous that your first profession of vows falls on the Memorial of St. Joseph, the carpenter/worker and this year (2021) the declared year of St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus and a man whose great eloquence is manifested in silence and total obedience.”

Fr. Rellin said “His obscurity calls to mind St. Francis of Assisi’s words to his followers: Preach the gospel at all times and if necessary use words.”

St. Therese of the Little Flower also reflects St. Joseph’s work by “doing ordinary things extraordinarily well or in short doing small things with great love.”

Furthermore, Fr. Rellin reminded Sr. Krisel: “This morning, as you profess your first vows, becomes a fitting time to say goodbye. First, to your supportive and loving family but only physically and proximately because you will actually be more closely and intimately bound together

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spiritually. Goodbye to your former sweet life or dulce vita. Farewell to your stable and promising career that enabled you to pursue your passion for a fashionable lifestyle.

More farewell to travel to countries you wish to explore, see, taste and experience. Who knows… God is preparing you for great adventure to foreign lands not as a tourist but as a Missionary of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

As you begin to live the vows, always remember that the life - giving Spirit of our religious vows is rooted and centered on the cross of Jesus, and behind that cross is the assurance of resurrection.”

Sr. Krisel went through several years of discernment guided by Vocation Directresses Srs. Pat Babiera, Nenita Juntilla and Ma. Althea Mana-ay before she finally decided to undergo the OND 3-year initial formation program that included one year in Pre-Novitiate with the Postulant Directress, Sr. Imelda Bequin, OND and two year Novitiate with Sr. Carmelita Olifernes, the Novice Directress.

The temporary profession was accepted by the OND Superior General Sr Erlinda C. Hisug, OND. The profession was witnessed by the OND General Councillors, Srs. Bernadette Baldemor, OND, Ma. Consuelo Flauta, OND, Marilou Tolentino, OND and Nida Macahilo, OND, OND Sisters from the Districts of Cotabato, MIDCO, KIDMAR, Sr. Krisel’s parents, siblings, partners in mission. The choir composed of OMI and OND Formands and Sisters, was conducted by Sr. Bernadette Baldemor, OND. We congratulate Sr. Krisel and assure her of our prayers as she leaves for her first mission assignment at the Notre Dame of Abuyog in Leyte. We accompany her with our prayers that she may continue to see the beauty of the vocation that she has chosen and persevere in God’s goodness and grace. SR. Ma. Luz P.

Fernandez,OND

From left to right: Sr. Carmelita Olifernes, OND, Sr. Bernadette Baldemor, OND, Sr. Erlinda Hisug, OND, Fr. Allen Polaren, DCC, Sr. Krisel Muegue, OND, Fr. Ignacio Alfonso Rellin, OMI, Sr. Consuelo Flauta, OND, Sr. Nida Macahilo, OND & Sr. Marilou Tolentino, OND. Photo taken after Photo courtesy of OND Sr. Muegue ‘s profession of vows.

Reflections on an Ordination

Retired Cardinal Orlando Quevedo, OMI, DD ON May 4, I concelebrated at an Ordination the social dimension of pastoral love, Mass with the ordaining Prelate, Abp. especially in the COVID context of Angelito Lampon, OMI, of Cotabato. The poverty, of lack of food, of death and dying. priestly Ordination of Rev. Jade Pastolero He concluded with gratitude to the Lord, took place in the Church of the Queenship as in the 2nd Reading and Responsorial of Mary. It is in the coastal town of Lebak, Psalm, "Give thanks to the Lord for he Sultan Kudarat. We travelled for two is good." hours from Cotabato over the mountains, What usually makes me tearythrough the towns of Upi Nuro and South eyed at Ordinations is when the newly Upi or Timanan, and down to the coast. ordained priest is vested by his parents Tedurays, Muslims and Christians reside with the Mass vestments. The priest-son in the two Upi towns, while Muslims and embraces his parents. This is the moment Christians live together in the two coastal for tears--parents and son, relatives and towns of Lebak and Kalamansig. other Ordination witnesses. They have Upi Nuro and Kalamansig have seen Fr. Jade grow through the years, Catholic Notre Dame High Schools while from childhood to seminary days, and Lebak or Salaman has a Notre Dame witnessed the sacrifices of his parents to College. The College recently became let him answer the mysterious call of God. famous as the Alma Mater of the Muslim Now they see him beside the Archbishop beauty, Shariffa Akeel, Miss Asia Pacific. celebrating Holy Mass.

Fr. Pastolero himself has some Muslim At the Ordination rite, they heard relatives who attended the Mass.

Deacon Jade promise to be a holy priest, The Ordination was very solemn, holy in life and ministry. As Fr. Jade gave joyful and moving. The homily of Abp. Lito his first priestly blessing to his parents was based on the Liturgy of the Word with and to us, after the Mass, I prayed that he the underlying theme of a "Pastor's love" would, indeed, be faithful in loving Jesus, or Pastoral Love. "Peter, do you love Me?" the Good Shepherd and High Priest; that "Yes, Lord, I love You." "Feed my sheep, he would be zealous in tending the flock tend my flock." that God entrusts to him. May his priestly The Archbishop elaborated on the heart be patterned after the heart of anointing by the Holy Spirit to preach the Christ so that he may, in truth and spirit, Good News to the poor. He emphasized be "another Christ," "alter Christus."

he motto of former help each other the best Archbishop Philip F. way they can. Friends do Smith is “Ubi Caritas, whatever they can to make Ibi Deus,” where there is the other happy. Jesus love, there God is. It did had his own close friends not remain a motto. He aside from his apostles. initiated humanitarian He was a regular visitor in projects in his former his friend Lazarus’ house Rev. Fr. Antonio P. Pueyo, DCC Apostolic Vicariate of Jolo whose sisters were Martha tonypoy_dcc0@yahoo.com and in the Archdiocese and Mary. He showed of Cotabato, notably housing projects for victims of himself first to his friend Mary Magdalene after the war and for the poor. The Archbishop was always resurrection. He asked Peter three times, “Do you a soft touch and people would approach him for love me?” Among his apostles he was closest to Peter, various needs such as hospitalization assistance, James, and John. In this Sunday’s gospel he told his scholarships, parish projects and relief and disciples, “I no longer call you servants but friends.” rehabilitation during calamities. When he himself The greatest test of friendship is when one lays down was hospitalized as a survivor of a plane crash, the his life for his friends. Jesus did this on the cross. people of the Archdiocese of Cotabato raised more

If we consider ourselves as God’s friend, what than a million pesos to help pay for his hospital then is expected of us? Let us be connected to Jesus bills. Happily, the American hospital where he like branches to the vine. One way to stay connected was treated for many months wrote off his bill for is by communication. We also call it prayer. Prayer his being an American citizen. He gave away all the can be as simple as saying “Good morning” to God money that he received to the needy. when we wake up or thanking God for our blessings.

Love shows itself in action. Our liturgical We can also shout “Help me Lord” when we are in readings this Sunday are all about love. In the gospel trouble. As God’s friend we also do that which is Jesus gave a new commandment, “Love one another pleasing to God. What pleases God most is when as I love you.” The second reading says, “ Whoever we express our love for him by caring for our fellow is without love does not know God, for God is love”. human and the earth we live in. The enemy of love In the first reading, Peter acted in a loving manner is not so much hate but indifference and not caring when he accepted Cornelius and other Gentiles into at all. By not caring we no longer recognized the the growing community of disciples saying, “God existence and the humanity of the other. If we believe shows no partiality. Rather, in every nation whoever in a God who is love, then we also love those whom fears Him and acts uprightly is acceptable to Him.” God loves.

Anyone who observes the commandment of love We are here to build a network of caring and becomes a friend of God. Jesus Himself said, “I have loving. There was a housewife whose family recently called you friends.” transferred to poor and dirty neighborhood. She Are we becoming God’s friends? What started planting flowers. Eventually when the flowers happens between friends? Friends love one another. bloomed, the neighbors became interested. They also Love between friends is expressed in various ways. started planting flowers in their yard. They started Friends seek and enjoy each other’s company. Friends visiting and talking with one another. They got their talk with each other about themselves, their joys and husbands involved in cleaning up the garbage from pains without fear of being judged. Friends talk about the streets.

Loving actions may begin small but their aspirations. Sometimes, friends just enjoy then they spread out just like flowers and community each other’s company without much talk. Friends pantries. MC

God is Love REFLECTIONS

B adaliyya Fr. Jun Mercado, OMI

Short Reflection for the 6th Sunday of Easter (B) Readings:

Acts 10: 25-26. 34-35. 44-48; 1 John 4: 7-10; John 15: 9-17

Selected Passage:

“I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have

Meditation:

Among the many names given to the followers of Jesus, the title: “FRIENDS of Jesus” is, no doubt, the closest to the heart of discipleship. Jesus calls us friends, because he shares with us all he has from the Father Yes. Have no fear, Jesus is our FRIEND and we are his…!

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

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

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

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

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THE MINDANAO CROSS

May 8, 2021 EDITORIAL

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Of Vaccines and the Pandemic

he world is now faced with so many agents of death – the uprising in Myanmar against the military authorities, the civil wars in Yemen and Libya, even the military campaign against the small separatist movements that we experience in our own backyard – but nothing compares to the large scale deaths that are caused by the Coronavirus Pandemic. Even if similar events has been foretold in the bible, it still surprises us to witness the many instances of sickness and deaths that are caused by the disease.

From MPHonline, medical reseachers are faced with the facts surrounding this COVID-19 disease which has not been experienced before, and face a blank wall on what to expect. Cholera, bubonic plague, smallpox, and influenza are some of the most wholesale killers in history. These diseases have crossed international borders, especially smallpox, which has killed between 300-500 million people in its 12,000 years of existence. Thankfully, science has found a way to prevent the spread of smallpox which hopefully will be only part of history.

The Novel Coronavirus, more popularly known as COVID-19 began appearing in December 2019 in Wuhan, China and was initially seen to be only an epidemic in China. However, It spread so quickly and was declared by the WHO as a pandemic in March 2020. Because nobody knew about the disease, everyone worldwide was advised to avoid the disease by frequent hand washing, social distancing, and wearing of masks. For their part, the governments worked on developing and procuring vaccines that will help in preventing the spread of the disease.

The pandemic has affected all aspects of our life – social, political, and economic. The economic downside is very obvious in the number of people who lost their jobs. Those who suffered most economically deserve to be given assistance so they can continue their daily subsistence; but unfortunately, the money of poor countries like the Philippines is not enough to cover all those affected. Whatever was budgeted will have to be used for the putting up of isolation rooms, quarantine rooms, purchase of ventilators and other related expenses. This is even becoming politicized when the president cannot face China on the West Philippine Sea issue because he “owes” a debt of gratitude for the vaccines that China has donated to the Philippines. We therefore throw the questions: Is China using the “donations” to soften the blow of occupying the West Philippine Sea? Is China using the Filipino people as “guinea pigs” in their tests for the efficacy of the Sinovac or Sinopharm vaccines? One writer questioned the low efficacy of the vaccines, and asked if there is a need for a 3rd booster to determine the efficacy of the vaccine against COVID-19. And the third question is….did China benefit or profit from starting the pandemic in the first place, because it already has the vaccine to sell to the different countries affected by the disease? In terms of the social aspect, is the new normal here to stay? Are we stuck with the blended distance learning in education, and the change in tradition that produced the faithful, respectful, and loving family values that are so dear to us?

Let our prayers to God be louder and more sincere so that this pandemic will come to an end soon. 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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n 1993, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed May 3 as World Press Freedom Day to serve as an occasion to inform citizens of the violations of press freedom.

According to the United Nations website www. un.org, World Press Freedom Day “is a reminder that publications and social media are censored, fined, suspended, while journalists, editors and publishers are harassed, attacked and even killed worldwide.” It adds: “This year’s World Press Freedom Day theme ‘Information as a Public Good’ serves as a call to affirm the importance of cherishing information as a public good, and exploring what can be done in the production, distribution and reception of content to strengthen journalism, and to advance transparency and empowerment while leaving no one behind. The theme is of urgent relevance to all countries across the world. It recognizes the changing communications system that is impacting on our health, our human rights, democracies and sustainable development.”

According to data compiled by Reporters Sans Frontières (Reporters Without Borders) there are 321 journalists currently imprisoned the world over while 8 have been killed since January of this year in connection with their journalistic work.

The Philippines is included in the list of countries where a journalist is currently imprisoned for reason of work – Frenchiemae Cumpio of Eastern Vista and Aksyon Radyo-Tacloban DYVL 819 who was arrested in the early morning of February 7, 2020, along with four human rights activists in Tacloban City in Leyte province. She is being held in pretrial detention on charges of illegal firearms possession, “a false accusation meant to justify her illegal arrest.” Cumpio frequently covers alleged police and military abuses, according to news reports and a statement by the National Union of the Journalists of the Philippines.

It would be easy for cynics to maintain that the Philippines is not above other countries in terms of journalist killings or incarcerations. We agree.

At the same time, we would like to point out that many of these other countries where killings and imprisonments are in almost double figures are either war zones or known for their repressive and restrictive policies relative to media.

The Philippines should be far from such, if we are to believe President Rodrigo Duterte’s World Press Freedom Day 2021 message where he states:

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AGUINDANAO “del Norte” y “del Sur”— instead of “North” and “South”—an amendment to proposed bills dividing the province, is drawing flak among professionals.

Odin Abdula, former Consul at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Riyadh, tells me that all was well with Senate Bill (SB) 1714 and SB 1824 authored by Senators Cynthia Villar and Francis Tolentino, respectively, dividing the province into North and South Maguindanao.

Maguindanao Congressman Esmael Mangudadatu, author of the House counterpart measure, HB 6413, earlier updated the press, saying he is being thankful to senators supporting the measure—among them, Villar and Tolentino, and Senators Maria Josefa Imelda Marcos, Ronald dela Rosa, Sherwin Gatchalian, and Christopher Lawrence Go. Meanwhile, two other senators introduced this amendment to Latinize the North and South into Spanish “del Norte” and “del Sur.” Abdula adds that with an obtaining cordiality in one consultation dialogue, Maguindanao Governor Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu apparently nodded to it.

Senators should be sensitive about facts in history as opposed to Hispanizing Maguindanao, centuries after successfully defending its realm from centuries of colonial attempts at subjugation

by Spain.

Maguindanao’s Sultan Muhammad Dipatuan Kudarat triumphantly repelled Spain’s Mindanao expeditions in succession of 11 governor-generals.

In ceremonies years ago of the unveiling of Kudarat’s life-size statue in Cotabato City, Filipino writer-historian Ambeth Ocampo said the statue should have been mounted “face-to-face” with that of National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal from opposite sections of the City Plaza—“and not just in one narrow corner here” (referring to the corner fronting the DBP). I was standing next to Ocampo

World Press Freedom Day

Thinking Aloud Carlos C. Bautista caloyb@gmail.com

“the messenger itself, the press, must be protected from all forms of threat and intimidation so that they may fully serve the best interest of our people.” This even as he urged Filipinos to “continue to use the power of communication for our collective efforts in nation-building and ensure the integrity and safety of the press.”

Data gathered by the Freedom for Media, Freedom for All, a national coalition of mediaoriented organizations, there have been 223 incidents of attacks and threats against the press from June 30, 2016 to April 30, 2021, or under the current administration. These incidents include 19 killings, 52 cases of intimidation – including 30 cases of red-tagging against individual journalists, and 11 arrests. Also included is one case of shutdown, that of broadcast communication giant ABS-CBN a year ago. More than half of the cases, 152, are in Luzon. Duterte’s own Mindanao has 50 cases ranking second and Visayas has 21. Closer to home, 8 such cases of attacks and threats were recorded in SOCCSKSARGEN and 4 in the then Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

In 114 of the cases, state agents are identified as the alleged perpetrators. Of these 38 are local government units, 34 are police, another 34 point to the national government, while 8 allegedly involve the military. When state agents – persons, institutions, or agencies – meant to safeguard constitutionally freedoms like freedom of speech and the press become the source of threat, there is obviously a problem. Needless to say, there is a disconnect between what the President says in his World Press Freedom Day message and what is happening.

The sad situation is many Filipinos, including many in media, are oblivious to these cases and continue to believe that the situation of press freedom in the country is simply fine. That is, of course, until they are the ones involved. MC

‘Hispanizing’ Maguindanao in the 21st Century Penlight Nash B. Maulana

nash.penlight@gmail.com

and I heard him express his disappointment at close-range. The statue has since been moved to an elevated area at the foot of Tantawan or the Pedro Colina Hill.

Indeed, Rizal called the old kingdom of Buayan (which is now the proposed “Maguindanao del Sur”) the “Patria del Buhayen” (Nation of Buayan) in his 1892 annotation of the Spanish history book ‘Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas (Events in the Philippine Islands) by Spanish chronicler Antonio de Morga in 1602. The annotated copy of the book became documentary evidence of a “conspiracy” charge against Rizal in his trial at the Spanish military court in 1896.

I was informed that one of two senatorproponents of the “norte” and “sur” for the split of Maguindanao, is Cavite Senator Ramon Revilla.

A Muslim Filipino resident of Maharlika Village in Taguig City recalls that in Revilla’s tenure as head of the Optical Media Board (OMB), the actor-turned-politician led fully-armed government forces—as if he was filming a movie—and barged into residences of Muslims, who were then preparing for their dawn prayers, purportedly in search of fake compact discs (CDs) and digital versatile discs (DVDs). The same day, Revilla with no apparent yield, bragged about the “raid” and told an abs-cbn early morning program about how “dangerous” the operation was, depicting distrust to Muslims. MC

6 Lapu-Lapu: Fish turns Hero

His promise not to leave nor forsake us even unto the end of the age (Hebrews 13:5).

Aware that earthly life is but temporal, the three-year interim political Charlie Señase set-up of the Bangsamoro csenase@yahoo.com government wants its HILE the world is battling to few remaining months eradicate COVID-19 another extended for another term devoid of prophetic threat looms with election. recent news headlines of acclaimed US Despite opposition from some diplomat Henry Kissinger’s warning quarters for an extension, BARMM’s of a brewing US-China tension that “moral governance” is hopeful that threatens to engulf a global-scale war Congress will issue its legislative nodof two military super powers. of-approval before the scheduled 2022 And corollary to that was a similar polls. caution issued this week by North Whatever outcome, the BARMM Korea against the US government after leadership vows to reach-out and serve its President Joe Biden in a speech the dire needs of constituents, especially before Congress considered the nuclear the poor and the handicapped even in armaments development program of non-BARMM areas.

North Korea and Iran as a “big blunder” Due to its huge annual budget of and serious threats to US and world P76.6 billion compared to last year’s security.

P65.92 billion, notwithstanding other The obvious encroachment and assistance from international nonseeming control of China into the government organizations, BARMM Philippine waters which is a violation has been so generous in attending to of the international law on territorial priority public works projects of local sovereignty and integrity has remained government units. a burning issue of concern among Just this week, three hospitals warmongers and peacemakers. outside BARMM territory can now avail Rumors of wars and all sorts of of its AMBaG (Ayudang Medikal mula pestilences are prophetic signs along sa Bangsamoro Government). These with frequent natural and man-made are located in Zamboanga Sibugay disasters which are currently in our Provincial Hospital, Zamboanga City midst.

Medical Center and an LGU-run Dr. These trying times bring-in sorrows Jorge Royeca Hospital in General Santos for the world to ponder and endure City. before it ends (Matthew 24).

Interim Chief Minister Ahod Indeed, the world is a never-ending Ebrahim said the worsening COVID tug-of-war between good and evil or cases in the country prompted him to between God and other gods. For many approve request of Parliament and are out to deceive for money-sake. Cabinet members to help indigent Instead of Truth, beware falsehoods patients of their hospital bills. which are all over like wolves in sheep BARMM has also been distributing clothing. relief and food items to fire victims in Thus, we often hear of fake news and Davao City lately and other disasterdisinformation for the love of self and stricken victims of Luzon and the money even if others suffer or die. And Visayas. as a result, the love of many will grow Such humanitarian gesture from the cold due to mistrust. But the God-fearing interim BARMM is seen to entice more is steadfast to keep the faith with God’s supporters not only for extension but love intact to be compassionate to all possibly expansion or recollection of its regardless of ties and affiliation with original ancestral domain prior to 1521. MC

True to Form

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Sexism: It’s still a thing, unfortunately

leader, and the culture needs to come from the men. You’re setting the big goals, as the leader,” said Gordon, adding later: “Women are meant to A reprint from Fr. Eliseo Mercado, OMI be docile. They’re created to files for Dikhr followers follow the household order of Author: Heidi Schlumpf, National Catholic Reporter | United States their husband.” Quipped Coffin: “Men and women are not equal. erhaps you heard about the Baptist That doesn’t even make sense.” preacher in Missouri who used his Coffin even criticized St. Pope John Paul II, Sunday sermon to remind wives of the who “muddied the waters” by emphasizing need to lose weight and “not let themselves mutual submission among husband and go.” wives.

“Now, look, I’m not saying every woman Only slightly more obvious than their can be the epic, the epic trophy wife of all insecurity and homophobia was the fear of time, like Melania Trump — I’m not saying women that permeated the hour-and-a-half that at all,” the not-underweight pastor conversation. It would be laughable, except preached last month. “But you don’t need to that it reveals a whole subculture in our look like a butch, either!” He has since taken church of folks who truly believe this stuff. a leave of absence and is seeking professional Among the questions in the comment counseling, according to the church’s website. section: whether a certain conservative At least Catholic women don’t have to Catholic journalist should be staying home put up with such blatant sexism from men with her kids (She “is single and can work,” in our church, right?

Gordon responds), and “When do we band Wrong. together as a militia over this COVID Just a couple weeks after the Baptist nonsense?” minister gave his unsolicited makeover Spoiler alert: most don’t, especially at suggestions, two Catholic authors and radio the top, and we’re even worse on racial/ethnic hosts took to the airwaves to complain about diversity. Progress has been made, of course how men have been emasculated by feminist (and props go to U.S. Catholic magazine for women and liberal culture. “Catholic men, having the largest percentage of women on in particular, are brainwashed to think that their staff), but as I noted in the talk, having Jesus Christ was a nice guy and that your women on the editorial staff is not the only job is to imitate him,” said Patrick Coffin, way to center women, women’s voices and formerly of Catholic Answers, an organization women’s issues in our publications. dedicated to apologetics.

How we cover things is just as important Instead, men should not be afraid to as who covers them, although an organization “ruffle feathers” and assert their authority, with few women in the room when those especially in the hierarchy of the family, in decisions are made is likely to do a poorer job which the man—the “household priest” or of covering women and women’s issues. “the bishop of the home”—is at the top of I also referenced a similar talk I had the pyramid, Coffin and Timothy Gordon given 16 years ago, in which I noted that counseled the more than 11,000 viewers on fear was the biggest deterrent to a prophetic YouTube.

Catholic press. Then, editors were fearful Sometimes physical violence may be of repercussions, especially if they wrote necessary, they hinted, while ruminating anything that suggested support for women’s on Jesus’ use of a whip while cleansing the ordination or rights for LGBT people. This temple. Among the evidence of the problem was under the pontificates of John Paul II of “effeminacy,” according to these two, are: and Benedict XVI. the expression “We’re pregnant”; girls’ sports; The blatant sexism and homophobia is no the belief that men and women can be friends; longer couched in officiousness or clericalism: NFL players wearing pink to bring attention It’s right out there, asserting that women are to cancer research; men who wear condoms; merely sex objects, as the Baptist preacher men who wear masks to prevent coronavirus was proud to say while being videotaped, spread; and man caves, because they limit or that we are subordinate baby-making men’s expansiveness in the whole home. machines, as Coffin and Gordon suggest.

How we cover things is just as important Lord, have mercy. There is still so much as who covers them. “Men need to be the work to do. MC

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May 8, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

The Secrets of Centenarians

Mancinelli, 101 “Look inside your soul and find your tools. We all have tools and have to live with the help of them. I have two tools, my words and my images. I used my typewriter, Cheridine P. Oro- Josef, M.D., DFM, FPAFP, FPCGM computer and my cameras to cheridinemd@gmail.com fight injustice. Whenever I see a possibility of helping people hen I invited her to share her secrets to the senior citizens group who are in danger, I want to help them.”

I organized in Marikina, here is Ruth Gruber, 101 “ Eat right and do what you love. what she said: “ Oh, I eat anything and everything, meat, vegetables, fruits but Whatever you love to do is play; doing more of vegetables and fruits!”. She is what you don’t like to do is work. I have ‘Nanay Conchita’. Few years back, she never worked a day in my life.” Dr. Laila was referred to me because of weakness. Denmark, 114 “ Take it easy, enjoy life. What will Eventually, I was able to help her gain strength. She was only 97 then. She lived be will be. Sleep well, have a Bailey’s Irish cream before bed if you have a cold--- you until 102.

Nanay Conching was a fine beautiful will wake up fine next morning.” Hellen lady in her youth. She boasts of her many Mulligan, 101 “ Don’t smoke. Don’t drink and don’t travels here and abroad. She has 3 equally successful children. She stayed in the US retire!” Ebby Halliday, 101 “ Take one day at a time and go along for some time before she came back home with the tide.” Gilbert Herrick, 100 to retire in our native land. “ Keep busy and do things you’ve never What is Nanay Conching’s usual diet? She is correct to say that she eats done before.” Lillian Modell, 100 “ Don’t fight the day, just let it be. Get up everything. Everything though means eating a part of the food that she is served. and be positive. Avoid any and all drama.”

She does small but frequent feeding. The Gussie Levine, 100 “ Get involved. You’ll find pleasure everyday meal always include at least 5 pieces of lady fingers (okra) which is her and sometimes disappointment but there all time favourite. She lives her life one day is a sense of achievement if you participate at a time albeit complaining why she was in a successful undertaking, whether it is organizational or professional. Work hard, given long life.

Longevity is an interplay of genetics it will pay off.” Murray Shusterman, 100 “ I had a wonderful marriage for 61 and lifestyle. However, our attitude towards life is perhaps the most important thing. years, was active and danced my whole life, I enjoy interviewing my old patients and but I believe my life is in God’s hands.” Anne wonder what keeps them going and what Lomedico, 104 “You must keep active or you will just is common among their answers are: be active, laugh a lot, do what you want to do wither away. Always be involved in some and pray. I would like to share the following activity.” Miriam Henson, 105 “ You have to make the best out of your words from Centenarians interviewed by Gwen Weiss- Numeroff written in her book, life and have a good attitude.” Barbara “Extraordinary Centenarians in America: Brody, 102 “ When you live for God, talk to him, go Their Secrets to Living a Long Vibrant Life” “Laughter keeps you healthy. You can to church,, have nice people around you; that survive by seeing the humor in everything. is the best medicine. God provides for you.

Thumb your nose at sadness; turn the tables Sometimes you don’t know when it is coming on tragedy. You can’t laugh and be angry. but it is coming.” Winifred Thomas, 101 Nanay Conching lived until 102. She You can’t laugh and feel sad, you can’t laugh returned to Our Lord in 2019. and feel envious.” Bel Kaufman, 102 Do we really want to age until 100? It “ Do the right thing, don’t smoke, don’t drink and don’t overdo it. If you need a little really depends on how we live our lives and extra help, take some vitamins. Going to what we believe in. “Make the rest of your work is what keeps me going.” Anthony life, the best of your life.” MC

Golden Threads

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Urbanization: Effective and Efficient Land Allocation….

for each category of use. For example, in determining how much land to allocate for residential purposes, population projection must be done accurately, not only considering the normal Danny Buenbrazo danny_buenbrazo@yahoo.com population growth rate but also taking into account ust last week, I discussed the possible rise in population due to pull requirement for local government factors. Things that would attract other units (LGUs) to people to migrate to a town or city, such as to periodically prepare or update better urban services or higher potential various development plans. The income from employment or business, are Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) good examples of “pull factors.” and the Comprehensive Development Adequate land must also be Plan (CDP) are two of the primary appropriated for economic development planning documents of any municipality, purposes such as industrial activities, city, or province, commercial activities, and agricultural The CLUP, a plan prepared with ventures. Studies should be made to the help of the Department of Human determine if the various planned economic Settlements and Urban Development activities are indeed feasible so as not to (DSHUD) formerly known as the HLURB, waste limited land. For instance, some is a master plan to guide future actions for towns or cities allocate large areas development. Its most important features for agriculture or aquaculture when include a vision of the future, current and productivity for these undertakings are proposed land use maps, and projections already very low due to poor soil or water as to population and other demographics. condition, weather conditions, pollution, On the other hand, the CDP which among others. Land not suitable for is prepared with the guidance and agricultural production could instead assistance of the Department of the be allocated for industrial, commercial, Interior and Local Government (DILG) institutional, or residential uses. looks at the current development (socioAs much as possible, adjacent land economic and spatial) of a locality and classification should be compatible. Land establishes the goals and guidelines for for institutional uses such as for primary future development or expansion. school should not be situated beside an After the approval of the above- industrial land to avoid posing traffic or mentioned development plans, local environmental hazards to school children. governments pass ordinances to embody Land can be conserved through high the new or revised set of policies and density use. This applies especially to regulations pertaining to the utilization of residential, commercial, and institutional land and the introduction of development uses. In housing, for example, instead of in the town or city. horizontal development thrust should be Land is a scarce resource that must towards more vertically designed housing be used effectively and efficiently. units. It is wasteful to have one family Every municipality and city must use 600 square meters of land when multiidentify the types of land uses they storey housing units can accommodate anticipate to happen in the future, around 16 to 20 families with a low-rise consistent with the development they condominium-type building. Same can be envision for their locality. Major land done for schools, hospitals, government uses include: residential, industrial, centers, and other uses, commercial agricultural, institutional, Local ordinances can provide open areas, and protected areas. incentives for more effective and efficient In allocating land for various approaches to using the land of an LGU. purposes, the local government must Thus, proper policies should follow ensure that enough space will be provided development plans. MC

Market Driven

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BARMM health minister refutes fallacies on vaccine

THE regional health minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao dismissed as “baseless” insinuations that COVID-19 vaccines are forbidden in Islam.

Anti-COVID-19 medical workers from the Integrated Provincial Health Office-Maguindanao gave Bangsamoro Health Minister Bashary Latiph a Sinovac anti-coronavirus jab Thursday.

Latiph, a physician, is a Muslim who hails from Lanao del Sur, a component province of BARMM. Latiph has reiterated his appeal to residents in all cities and provinces in BARMM to ignore fallacies and assertions on Facebook by skeptics and pessimists who are not even medical practitioners that vaccines can do more harm than good.

“Listen only to BARMM’s Health Ministry, to the Department of Health and to health workers in provinces and in cities in the Bangsamoro region,” Latiph told reporters after he got an anti-COVID-19 shot.

There are also radical clerics

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THE MINDANAO CROSS

May 8, 2021

identified with local terror groups operating in the fashion of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria overtly opposing the government’s anti-coronavirus vaccination campaign.

Even Sheik Abu Huraira Udasan of the Darul Iftah (House of Opinions) had repeatedly announced via mainstream media that it is alright for Muslims to be vaccinated.

He said vaccines are “halal,” something not forbidden in Islam.

Huraira had earlier said preservation in Islam is paramount, like a bounden duty of every Muslim.

The Darul Iftah is a bloc of Islamic theologians, among them graduates of religious schools in the Middle East and North Africa, helping BARMM’s chief minister, Hadji Ahod Ebrahim, manage the Bangsamoro regional government in an advisory capacity.

Employees of IPHO-Maguindanao, led by physician Elizabeth Samama, are in the forefront of BARMM’s war versus COVID-19 in all 36 municipalities in Maguindanao province. John Felix Unson

BARMM starts building COVID-19 facility inside 6th ID THE Bangsamoro Government is set to build a two-storey Covid-19 isolation facility for the 6th Infantry Division at Camp Siongco, Awang, Maguindanao.

On Monday, a ceremonial groundbreaking for the construction of the said 60-bedroom capacity isolation center—which costs Php11.24 million— was held, and is projected to be finished within 45 days.

In his message, BARMM Assistant Senior Minister Abdullah Cusain, representing Senior Minister Abdulraof Macacua, said the Bangsamoro Government’s partnership with 6ID Task Force Central is both an honor and a privilege, especially in the context of preparing and addressing the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

“We look forward that in the coming months or hopefully sooner than expected, the Covid-19 Isolation Center for the 6ID would be eventually erected within this site,” Cusain expressed.

He further added that “Bangsamoro Government has [already] extended its Covid-19 assistance to various sectors, such as the Local Government Units (LGUs), in constructing similarly needed infrastructures.”

Meanwhile, 6ID Commander

MGen. Juvymax Uy PA thanked the Bangsamoro Government, thru the leadership of BARMM Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim for his continued efforts in addressing the pandemic with several interventions such as the ongoing constructions of various isolation centers across the region.

“Nagpapasalamat kami sa Bangsamoro Government for making it realized the installation of Covid-19 facility inside our site. This will not only benefit us [the 6ID Task Force Central], but also the Armor Division, Marines, Air Force, Naval Component, and other support units,” Uy shared.

He also said that the facility will not just cater to the KAMPILAN Troops but also stakeholders and populations adjoining Awang village.

Moreover, Uy said that the facility will possibly be utilized as a disaster-response unit within the nearby Bangsamoro provinces.

Present during Monday’s event were Cabinet Secretary Mohd Asnin Pendatun, Bangsamoro Information Office Executive Director Ameen Andrew Alonto, CPT Jecileto Vadilles (CHS) PA, and other uniformed men and women.

BIO

Cotabato Light asks consumers to avoid power pilferage

INOCULATED: BARMM Health Minister Bashary Latiph finally receives an anti-COVID-19 shot Thursday and urged everyone to do the same.

Photo from Joeharir Usman

“Why are we sleeping on a very important project?”

KIDAPAWAN CITY — Over two years ago while we were in an event in Buluan, Maguindanao, I asked the approval of President Rody Duterte to seek Israel's help in implementing the Solar-Powered Irrigation Project which the Dept. of Agriculture proposed to boost the country's rice production.

As expected, Pres. Duterte gave me the green light and I proceeded to engage the Israeli Embassy in Manila and the LR Group, an Israeli agroindustrial company.

By Feb. 2019, the whole package was arranged.

With the help of Israeli Ambassador Rafael Harpaz and his predecessor, Ambassador Ben Matityau, and the Mashav, Israel's Agriculture Agency, a loan fund of P44-B to build SPIS units covering 500,000-hectares was committed by funders.

The Israeli-designed SPIS offered a state-of-the-art computer monitored systems and introduced the Fertigation Technology.

The LR Group proceeded to donate and build two prototypes in Lumban, Laguna which were completed shortly after I resigned as DA Secretary in June 2019.

The units were turned over by the Israelis to the DA in a much publicized event but everything went silent after that until today.

I am raising this issue not because it was I who initiated the project but because by failing to implement this project, we are wasting precious time

in the effort to make the country food sufficient.

Also, while the Israelis have not said anything about the delay in the implementation of the project, I believe this is disappointing to a nation which had gone to great lengths to help us.

Tayo na nga ang tinutulungan, tayo pa ang mabagal at parang walang interes.

Israel is not known to grant loans to other countries but in our case, they did it. I attribute this to the deep sense of gratitude that they have for the Philippines for taking in Jewish refugees during World War and for voting for the creation of the State of Israel.

Pres. Duterte has a little over one year left in his Presidency and implementing a project which would irrigate 500,000-hectares could be his greatest legacy to Philippine Agriculture.

Let us not squander this opportunity being offered by the Israelis to boosti Philippine Agriculture.

Besides, we do not know when the next El Niño would hit the country.

Kapag tinamaan na tayo ng El Niño, saka palang tayo gagalaw and we will again point blaming fingers at each other.

When that time comes, I hope people who are sleeping on this critical project will remember that on this day, May 7, 2021, they were fairly warned of the dire consequences of their inaction.

MinDA chair Sec. Emmanuel Piñol

MTIT records over 4K approved...from P2

pandemic, “we encourage the MSMEs to continue their businesses especially those essential commodities.”

However, Biruar reminds the

enterprises and establishments to observe the minimum health protocols and adjust to the new normal. BIO-

BARMM

THE Aboitiz-owned Cotabato Light and Power Company (Cotabato Light) and the city government of Cotabato have jointly asked the public to refrain or avoid unauthorized tapping of electricity.

On Friday morning, Arlene ValdezHepiga, speaking for Cotabato Light, stated that the power utility is strictly abiding by Republic Act No. 7832 or the “The Anti-Electric Transmission Lines / Materials Pilferage Act of 1994.”

“Pilferage is a crime and causes power interruption and fire,” ValdezHepiga said.

She said the Cotabato Light is intensifying its pilferage apprehension campaign against those who tamper, mutilate and steal power from Cotabato Light.

As of April, the Cotabato Light and the Cotabto City police office have

apprehended a total of 97 clients and they are required to pay the stolen electricity and face criminal charges in court according to RA 7832.

Hepiga said the Cotabato Light is repeatedly appealing to power customers to refrain from doing any electric pilferage to avoid facing criminal charges in the future.

A private electrician said illegal connection might trigger conflagration and unfair to other consumers who religiously pay electric bills.

He said illegal connection means systems loss on the part of the power provider or private distribution utilities.

Systems loss refers to electricity that did not turn in revenues because it was wasted, mostly through illegal taps.

The firm did not reveal how much losses it had in 2020 or during the first quarter of 2021. Edwin O. Fernandez

Region-12 COVID-19 tally rising

THE Department of Health Center for Health Development in the Soccsksargen region yesterday reported a whopping 144 new confirmed Covid-19 infections, data from Regional COVID-19 tracker showed.

It also reported 63 new recovery with two deaths.

In its regional COVID-19 tracker as of May 6, the region now has a total of 7,864 COVID-19 confirmed cases.

Of this number, 913 or 11.61 percent are active cases, 6,687 or 85.03 percent of recoveries and 262 or 3.33 percent COVID-19 related deaths.

Two were reported to have died due to complications due to COVID-19.

One is a 54 year-old COVID positive male from Kabacan, North Cotabato who died of acute respiratory failure

secondary to pneumonia.

Another was an 80-year-old COVID positive female from Pres.

Roxas, North Cotabato who died of acute respiratory failure.

Of the 144 new cases, 40 patients were from Korondal City, 17 from Pres. Roxas, North Cotabato, 16 from Alabel, Sarangani, 15 in Kidapawan City and also 15 in Gen. Santos City.

Of the 63 recovered patients, 15 were from Gen. Santos City.

On Monday, DOHCHD reported a 118 new infections.

Of the 118 new infections, Koronadal City had the highest number of infections at 29 followed

by President Roxas in North Cotabato with 26.

In the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao, Marawi City-Lanao del Sur and Cotabato City are the frequent frontliners in

the tally.

As of Friday, the Ministry of Health through the BARMM Inter-Agency Task Force, reported that Marawi/Lanao del Sur had 19 new cases and Cotabato City had 10.

Marawi and Lanao del Sur has the highest number of confirmed cases at 1,926 followed by Cotabato City with 1,421.

Cotabato City has 59 admitted patients while Marawi and Lanao Sur has 41.On May 6, the Bangsamoro IATF recorded 37 new cases and eight patients surviving the virus.

To date, BARMM now has 5,216 confirmed cases, 408 of whom are active while 4,618 have fully recovered.

Health officials have again reminded the public to maintain observing physical distancing, wear face masks and face shields all the time, even at home.

Edwin O. Fernandez

PDEA burns P1.84-M illegal drugs...from P8

Tampakan town, South Cotabato province in January.

A total of 449 drug personalities were arrested during the operations and are facing charges in local courts. PNA

NoCot guv assures rebel returnees of...from P8

Catamco because of her all out support to our program,” Brig. Gen. Camba said.

About 50 former rebels are participating the deradicalization program to be facilitated by the 1002nd brigade Civil Military Operations Chief Major Ferdinand Mopal.

Mopal said this project forms part of the End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) program of the national government. Edwin O. Fernandez

8

May 8, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

6 BIFF men surrender in Maguindanao

Six more members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters surrendered to the military Tuesday.

The six men, names withheld pending relocation to safe areas, pledged allegiance to the government after renouncing their membership with the BIFF at the headquarters of the Army’s 1st Mechanized Brigade in Barangay Kamasi in Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

Major Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, said the group yielded through the efforts of local officials in Maguindanao’s Sultan sa Barongis and Datu Abdullah Sangki towns and Col. Pedro Balisi, Jr., the commanding officer of of the 1st Mechanized Brigade.

“They decided to surrender when they learned that those who returned to the fold of law ahead of them are now being reintegrated into mainstream society by the government,” Uy said.

More than 300 BIFF gunmen have surrendered in batches to units of 6th ID since 2017.

The group, operating in the fashion of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, is tagged in all deadly bombings in central Mindanao since 2014.

It has also been trying to sabotage the peace overture between Malacañang and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, whose chairman, Ahod Ebrahim, is now an appointed chief minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

More than 40 BIFF bandits surrendered to the 6th ID through the efforts of Uy and local government units in Maguindanao since January. John

Felix Unson

TAKE, DONATE. Inspired by the Maginhawa Community Pantry, a group of friends from Cotabato City sets up Damayan Community Pantry to aid Cotabateños during a pandemic.

Join the community effort and donate goods and basic necessities at The Mindanao Cross office in front of Tantawan Park.

Karl John Daniel

Aide of Maute group founders killed SOLDIERS killed a henchman of the slain founders of the Maute terror group and wounded three others in an encounter in Piagapo, Lanao del Sur Wednesday.

Brig. Gen. Jose Ma. Cuerpo, commander of the Army’s 103rd Brigade, said Thursday the slain terrorist was among more than 20 gunmen who attacked soldiers patrolling in a secluded area in Barangay Kalungan in Piagapo, sparking a two-hour gunfight.

Community elders and religious leaders in the municipality said the slain Maute terrorist was known to them as Sarip, who was from Lanao del Sur’s Butig town, the hometown of the siblings Omarkhayam and Abdullah Maute.

The duo were killed in clashes with

soldiers during the May 23 to October 16, 2017 deadly conflict in Marawi City.

The Maute terror group is now most known as the Dawlah Islamiya that operates in the fashion of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

Soldiers recovered in the scene of the encounter rifle magazines, ammunition and components of improvised explosive devices.

Cuerpo said the Dawlah Islamiya gunmen scampered away when they sensed that more Army reinforcements were closing in.

Villagers have confirmed that the terrorists carried three wounded companions identified only as Musib, Solaiman and Sajid as they escaped.

John Felix Unson

NoCot guv assures rebel returnees of gov’t support

North Cotabato Gov. Nancy Catamco has assured former communist rebels the government will not turn its back on them.

"We already have a government ready to support your needs. Let this program be your legacy for your children and the generations to come,” Catamco told former communist rebels during the “Deradicalization to former rebels program” of the Army’s 1002nd Infantry Brigade.

The activity was held in Kidapawan City.

“The government is ready to help you, especially (under)

my administration,” Catamco added.

Brig. Gen Potenciano Camba, 1002nd brigade commander, said the deradicalization to former rebels program aims to re-direct the former rebels’ outlook in life to give them the opportunity to fully reform and live normal lives.

Catamco lauded Camba’s program for the rebel returnees and vowed to provide support to it.

“Government intervention will not end after you laid down your guns, it will continue to support you until you become productive

citizens of our province,” she told the former rebels.

"I am willing to support you. I understand you have reasons, but what is important is we understand to whose interest prevail in insurgency,” she said.

“Let us stop fighting each other, we are all Filipinos,” Catamco added.

Brig. Gen. Camba also urged the returnees to maintain their stance and decision to live normal lives with their families.

"We need to reset our minds to become productive members of the community.

We appreciate Gov.

P7

PDEA burns P1.84-M illegal drugs

MOTORISTS’ MISERY. When will Metro Cotabato Water District completes this project. Motorists have suffered so much, especially during peak hours. These excavations are located along Sinsuat Avenue and at the corner of Quezon Avenue, Cotabato City.

Karl John Daniel

GENERAL SANTOS CITY – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 12 (Soccsksargen) destroyed on Thursday afternoon more than P1.8 million worth of illegal drugs that were seized in various operations in the region.

Naravy Duquiatan, PDEA-12 director, said the illegal items, composed mainly of shabu and marijuana, were ordered destroyed by local courts after being used as evidence in previous cases.

These were burned at the Monte Cielo crematorium in Purok Intake, Barangay Mabuhay here at about 4 p.m.

Duquiatan said the destroyed items consisted of 269.09 grams of shabu with an estimated street value of P1,829,820.16, a total of 109.54 grams of marijuana valued at PHP13,144, and expired medicines worth PHP4,255.

“This is in compliance with the directive of the President (Rodrigo

Duterte) for the immediate destruction of recovered contraband to prevent their recycling,” she told reporters.

She explained that they could not just dispose of the seized illegal drugs following their operations, as these would still be used as evidence in the filing of charges against the suspects.

The destruction should be based on legal order, especially from the courts, after the issuance of a decision on the cases, she said. “(However,) these items are no longer needed as evidence in court,” Duquiatan said.

The PDEA-12, in coordination with other law enforcement agencies, recovered illegal drugs valued at P7.1 million in 435 operations from January to March in parts of Soccsksargen.

This included some 13,000 hills of marijuana plants valued at P2.6 million that were uprooted from an upland plantation Sitio Bong Sbang, Barangay Danlag in

P7