THE MINDANAO TODAY DECEMBER 28-29, 2022

By Uriel Quilinguing Contributing Editor

FLOODING due to shearline and wind convergence weather disturbances which affected Northern Mindanao since Saturday, Dec. 24, claimed nine lives while three others remain missing in Misamis Occidental.

Some 14,456 families, composed of 67,733 persons from 23 municipalities in five provinces of the region had evacuated for safety.

These even as the Office of Civil Defense-10 confirmed Tuesday (Dec. 27) that search, rescue and retrieval teams in Misamis Occidental have recovered nine corpses while three others remain missing and seven others sustained injuries, trying to save themselves from being swept away by the flood.

Two residents of Jimenez town were reported to have died while three others have been missing since Sunday morning: Fe Sencil of Macabajao village was drowned

Initial damage due to flood pegged at P34M

By Franck Dick Rosete Correspondent

THE number of deaths due to the nonstop downpour caused by a shear line in the

27, as initial

damage to properties and agriculture is pegged at P34 million.

This came as there were reported fatalities from the other parts of the region,

The Coast Guard Station Misamis Occidental deploys its personnel to conduct rescue and assistance in Clarin town and Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental Monday, Dec. 26. (Photo courtesy of the Coast Guard District Northern Mindanao)

Local governments, such as the town of Plaridel in Misamis Occidental, have to mobilize its resources in conducting search and rescue efforts Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022. (Photo courtesy of PIA Misamis Occidental)

Residents affected by the flood are staying at an evacuation center in Jimenez town, Misamis Oriental Tuesday, Dec. 27. (Photo courtesy of PIA Misamis Occidental)

Northern Mindanao region have climbed to nine, a high ranking official from the Office of the Civil Defense-10 (OCD-10) confirmed Tuesday, December

apart from the first reported deaths in the province of Misamis Occidental, said Gilbert Conde, OCD-10 assistant director, in a virtual

Wed-Thu, December 28-29, 2022

RELIEF. Mayor John Dalipe (right) and Vice Mayor Josephine Pareja (not in photo) lead the distribution of relief goods. (Photo courtesy of City Hall PIO)

MINDANAO TODAY

regions

ZAMBOANGA CITY –

Authorities have confirmed the death of one person while 748 families in 10 villages here were affected by flooding spawned by inclement weather on Christmas Day.

The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) reported that the lone fatality, who was

not immediately named, was a resident of Barangay Mercedes where six houses were totally washed away by strong water currents following incessant rains that started on Christmas eve.

CSWDO chief, Ma. Socorro Rojas, said Monday that only those affected families from Barangay Putik remain at the evacu-

ation center while 30 of the 40 flood-hit families from Barangay Guisao are temporarily housed at the barangay hall and school.

Meanwhile, a 14-yearold girl from Barangay Guisao suffered trauma injuries based on the report of the Emergency Operation Center under the City Disaster Risk Reduction

and Management Office.

Rojas said the rest of the affected families preferred to stay in their respective homes.

She said her office has served food packs, water and sleeping kits to the affected families even as assessment and validation continue. (Teofilo Garcia, Jr. | PNA)

Heavy rains dampen Christmas celebrations in Caraga

By Alexander Lopez

BUTUAN CITY – Heavy rains lashing most parts of the Caraga Region since Saturday have forced residents to abandon their abodes for safety due to floods.

The local government units (LGUs) have mobilized their respective disaster response teams

as rainfall warnings were issued on Sunday in the provinces of Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, and Dinagat Islands.

In its report on Monday (Dec. 26), the Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Caraga Region (DSWD-13) said 1,554 families or 6,265

individuals were directly affected by flooding incidents in Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Norte, and Dinagat Islands as of Sunday.

Of the total affected population, 757 families or 2,895 individuals are currently staying in 30 evacuation centers in the affected provinces while the rest are with their relatives and friends.

“Ongoing assessment and validation are still being conducted on the total number of partially and totally damaged houses,” the DSWD-13 said.

The agency added that it has PHP52.88 million worth of stockpile and standby funds ready for augmentation upon the request LGUs in the region. (PNA)

Some 98 families or 397 individuals from Barangay Masao in Butuan City were evacuated. (Photo courtesy of CSWDO Butuan)

Ex-President Duterte gifts kids living with cancer

DAVAO CITY – Former President Duterte has distributed Christmas gifts to children with cancer at the Southern Philippines Medical Center-Children Cancer Institute (SPMC-CCI) and the House of Hope on Tuesday evening.

A personal advocacy and long-held tradition, Duterte distributed toys and cash to the 32 kids admitted at the SPMC-CCI and 20 children at the House of Hope.

Duterte also pledged PHP3 million from his pension to the House of Hope as support for the facility’s operations.

The former President also thanked the staff who continue to help children with cancer.

“I am just a worker of God,” Duterte said, adding that his advocacy is being supported by a number of friends.

Meanwhile, Senator Christopher Lawrence Go

noted that children with cancer are close to the former President’s heart.

“Our hearts are breaking for the hardships they are going through. Despite this, we also admire the courage and determination of these children as well as their families,” he said.

In 2019, Duterte donated his house in Margarita Village along J.P. Laurel Avenue here to the cancerstricken kids. ( Che Palicte | PNA)

Surigao, Agusan communities flooded on Christmas Day

BUTUAN CITY – Some parts of Surigao del Norte and Agusan del Norte experienced heavy rains on Saturday night and greeted Christmas Day on Sunday with floods.

Strong winds also forced the Philippine Coast Guard stations in Surigao del Norte and Siargao Island to temporarily suspend sea travels.

The Bureau of Fire Pro-

tection (BFP) dispatched personnel to Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte as families were rescued in the villages of Mahanub, Villaflor, Ipil, Cambo-ayon and Poniente with the help of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO).

“Rescue operation is still ongoing and we are still determining the number of families affected by floods

in these barangays,” BFPGigaquit said in a statement.

The Surigao City DRRMO conducted an emergency evacuation operation at around 2 a.m. Sunday in flooded areas of Sitio Dolong and Sitio Baybay Magallanes in Barangay Washington and transferred a senior citizen, two women and two children to a temporary shelter. (Alexander Lopez | PNA)

Personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection, local police and MDRRMO rescue residents. (Courtesy of BFP-Gigaquit)

He was a regular Militia ng Bayan member under the Sandatahan Yunit Pampropaganda 16 (SYP16) of the NPA North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.

“Ka Glen was actively functioning under the SYP16 covering the towns of Claver, Gigaquit and Alegria in Surigao del Norte,” Laude said in a statement on Sunday. (Alexander Lopez | PNA)

NPA rebel killed in Zambo Sur clash on Christmas Day

ZAMBOANGA CITY – A

New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was killed in a clash with government troops in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, according

to the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) on Monday.

The Westmincom reported that Martino Ayas alias "Ka Nasser" of the NPA’s Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee

was killed in a clash with the 53rd Infantry Battalion (IB) troops on Christmas Day at Purok 2, Barangay Saad in Dumingag town, Zamboanga del Sur.

The clash ensued while the troops were checking

the reported presence of NPA rebels in Purok 2, Barangay Saad, according to the Westmincom.

Recovered from the possession of Ayas were an M16A1 rifle with short magazine loaded with 15

live ammunition; one sling bag with "malong", tobacco and one cellular phone.

Lt. Col. Terence Ylanan, 53IB commander, said in a statement Monday that Ayas together with other NPA rebels were trying to

recruit members into the NPA in Barangay Saad.

Residents in Barangay Saad recognized two of Ayas’ companions recruiting new members in their village. (PNA)

BUTUAN CITY – A member of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the police in Claver, Surigao del Norte on Saturday.

Col. Laudemer Laude, director of the Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office (SDNPPO), identified the NPA member as “Ka Glen,” 30, of the same town.

Former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte and Sen. Christopher Lawrence Go (right) give a Christmas present to a cancer patient. (PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.)

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.

PLGU Lanao Sur eyes intensification of DRRM efforts

By Claire Gigje

MARAWI CITY – The provincial local government unit of Lanao del Sur is targeting to ramp up the programs and projects centered on disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM).

Vice Gov. Mohammad Khalid Raki-in Adiong stressed that this is only among the responsibilities of every government official as each of them vowed to ensure the safety of their constituents when inevitable calamities and tragedies occur.

“To make sure of the situation and give appropriate service to the people is our prime duty as public servants. We, in the provincial government of Lanao del Sur, continue to strive to uphold our duties toward the continuous progress of our province,” he said.

Adiong emphasized that it is only fitting to extend interventions to communities, especially when a crisis arises, as they believe that a community is a true and irreplaceable infrastructure.

He admitted that one

of the downsides of his province is the insufficient programs that amplify suitable training for every resident, much more for the responders, considering that each disaster bears different intensity and required response skills.

Adiong shared that they have already commenced their undertaking by conducting comprehensive capacity training for emergency responders wherein after 45 days, at least 223 responders finished the Emergency Medical Technician and Emergency Response Training (EMT-

ERT).

He stated that this was a chance they did not let go of, acknowledging that this intensive training is proven to be effective in the field of emergency responses and recognized in most parts of the world.

Looking forward to the positive impacts of their DRRM efforts, Adiong is optimistic that Lanao del Sur province would be prepared for disasters.

“It is our pride that our brave responders are more equipped so that they will be more effective responders. This is only the start of

our initiative to broaden and strengthen our disaster risk reduction and management. Inshallah, each

citizen of our province will be disaster resilient and ready,” he said. (CRG | PIA-10 | Lanao del Sur)

Lanao Sur PNP posts higher crime clearance, solution efficiency in Q4 of 2022

MARAWI CITY – The Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office (PPO) reported that the crime clearance and solution efficiency in its area of responsibility has significantly increased during the last three months of 2022.

In its video presentation during the 4th quarter Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting, the PPO bared that the crime clearance efficiency in Lanao del Sur province climbed to 74.10% this year from 68.75% last year while the crime solution efficiency also went up

by 58.92% this year from 41.07% last year.

The police force stressed that they are doing their best to sustain the improving data of their office.

“The Provincial Investigation and Detective Management branch in coordination with our lower units are continuously conducting case reviews, monitoring and conferences to maintain the upward trend of crime clearance and solution efficiency,” said the PPO.

The PPO revealed the crime volume in its area of responsibility where

they showed that four of its eight focus crimes recorded a downtrend.

As posted, the murder cases in the province decreased from 16 incidents last year to 14 this year while the homicide also went down from four to two occurrences. On the other hand, tallied physical injury cases rested to two this year compared to six last year, and the rape incidents diminished from two to one event.

Other focus crimes are robbery which spiked to three cases this year compared to a single incident last year, and carnapping which rose to two occurrences this year compared to only one last year.

Meanwhile, theft which included the motorcycle units escalated as well to four incidents this year from zero cases last year.

Apart from these focus crimes, the PPO has also presented more accomplishments in its operation in the province, such as the confiscation of 69 loose firearms, arrest of 13 suspects with a warrant and 83 without a warrant, repossession of two motorcycles and one vehicle all stolen, recovery of gambling paraphernalia, the capture of illegally cut lumbers and smuggled cigarettes, and settlement of 31 ridos (family feuds), among others.

Moreover, the PPO

intensified its campaign against illegal drugs that resulted in the seizure of 1,353.008 grams of shabu amounting to P9,200,454.40. Also updated were the data on the drug-cleared barangays wherein three towns of the first district of the province were declared drug-free, namely, the municipalities of Kapai, Masiu and Piagapo. For the second district, four towns to include the municipalities of Calanogas, Kapatagan, Lumbatan and Madalum were announced as well as cleared of drugs.

Likewise taking into consideration their documented success, the PPO affirmed the military’s pro-

nouncement that Lanao del Sur province is generally peaceful.

It further conveyed that it does not, however, render its complacency as policemen still stand firm in safeguarding the entirety of the populace in the province.

“Although the province is enjoying its tranquility, this PPO is not taking any chances by employing and maintaining a proactive and aggressive stance against all forms of criminality in coordination and coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other security forces in the area,” said the PPO. (Claire Gigje | PIA-10 | Lanao del Sur)

By Apipa Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY – A total of 223 responders here in the province completed the Emergency Medical Technician Course and Emergency Response Training (EMT-ERT) conducted by the provincial government of Lanao del Sur in partnership with Rescue Recon-Philippines.

The trainees consisted of personnel from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) and Local DRRMOs of the 39 municipalities in the province including emergency responders from line agencies and uniformed personnel

The training is one of the disaster preparedness efforts of the PDRRMO to capacitate its personnel and emergency responders from component LGUs and members of the PDRRM Council's Emergency or Disaster Cluster.

The 15-day EMT-ERT was conducted in three batches from November 1 to December 15, 2022.

“We are very grateful to our trainees, the LCEs, and the provincial government because we have materialized this training and we have involved the vital stakeholders in Lanao del Sur,” said PDRRMO head Shaminoden Sambitory.

(APB | PIA-10 | Lanao del Sur)

Merry Christmas Happy New Year New

Greetings From:

Lanao del Sur Vice Gov. Mohammad Khalid Raki-in Adiong. (Jason Casas | PIA-10 | Lanao del Sur)

Col. Robert Daculan, newly installed director of Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office. (Pamela Joyce Fumero | PIA-10 | Lanao del Sur)

GERRY J. CAÑO, PHD

AS IT HAPPENS, WHERE IT HAPPENS

JOHN

BANDO

The sign

IN waiting with hopeful patience for the kingdom of justice and peace to reign forever, we may at times, be more easily tempted not to wait and hope, but instead, to simply refuse to persevere in the “changing of our hearts.”

We may more easily decide to continue with our old selfish and oppressive ways, and “try the patience of people” as well as “try the patience of our God.”

We may also more likely challenge the patience of those who are on the other hand, struggling to help God build his kingdom among us, making them impatient themselves, hence compelling them to achieve justice and peace according to their own will and means, not according to the wishes of the Spirit.

Our shared impatience – of those and with those who cannot and will not change – will perpetuate the injustice, the anxiety and the violence of our times.

But the Creator Spirit is aware of this impatience in our human nature.

That is why he will ably support hopeful patience with a sign, which he sends “from the deepest depths or from the heights of heaven.”

Like Ahaz, we may respectfully yet deceptively turn down the offer, “I will not ask, I will not put God to the test,” but

this attitude betrays our actual determination to stubbornly remain in our old ways.

Nonetheless, the prophets warn that this sign will be sent by the Lord.

What is this sign? It is the sign that ‘God has already been present among us, and will continue to be with us’ to help build his eternal kingdom, in spite of our incessant clamoring for its fruits without wanting to work for it.

It is the sign of he who chooses out of love, to be faithful to the faithless.

It is the sign borne by those who are dedicated to the mission of revealing the disturbing image of the “God-with-us” strongly admonishing us to wait and hope for the glorious end; to humbly “change our hearts”; and to charitably and responsibly serve others, without disobeying or contesting his will.

“Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: The Virgin is with child and bears a son and calls his name Immanuel.”

This is the same sign we are confronted with every year at Christmas. But of what use is the repeated recollection of this sign, if we will only continue after Christmas with our old selfish and oppressive ways, and again “try the patience of people” as well as “try the patience of our God?”

Mercy for joy and sorrow

(1st of 2 parts)

BOTH joy and sorrow are part of one’s life but when they happen one after the other in a matter of days, one wonders “Where have you hidden beloved? You fled like a stag after wounding me. I went out calling you but you were gone.” (John of the Cross)

A few days ago, a dearest relative got married to the love of his life. This occasion was the boy’s opportunity to celebrate with his “new” family for the first time.

But let me first start from the beginning. Like a teleserye (a television series), the unfolding of the events is as interesting as the ending. We are that boy’s “new” family.

David grew up with his mother and stepfather. Although aware that his stepfather was not his biological father, this was not an issue as he had a stable and comfortable family life.

The biological father, Vincent, on the other hand was not aware that his indiscretion when he was barely 17 years old bore fruit.

Both lived normal lives with their respective families, unaware of each other’s existence, although their residences were separated by just a few kilometers.

This state of affairs would have continued but for a twist in life when

the mother was diagnosed of a terminal illness and she decided that it was the time for David to meet Vincent, his biological father.

The mother looked for Vincent’s new residence and told Vincent’s sister about David. The mother died soon after.

The father, curious, sought and found the child, now a full grown adult.

The first reunion was like a gentle shower of acceptance of the grace of presence to each other characterized by hugs and quiet smiles.

Now aware of each other, keeping in touch, both exchanged greetings on special days and sat down to talk a few times.

Not truly knowing about each other except for uncovering a few amazing similarities, the years went by. The few encounters or “talks” were characterized with no recriminations, no blaming and “what ifs” from lost opportunities, just a moving on of discovering each other.

At the wedding, now attended by Vincent’s family, I happened to be a close witness of what I could only describe as a permeation of joy.

The bond between David and Vincent was almost palpable. The frequent hugs, the supporting taps on the shoulder of the other, and the approving thumbs up at every turn were indisputably proof of the bond.

few libraries.

ATTY. RAMIL G. GABAO ATTY. EDDIE C. CUARESMA ATTY. MARINEL JUNE S. PALER Legal

UNIT 818, CITYLAND HERRERA

TOWER, VA RUFINO COR VALERO ST. SALCEDO VILLAGE MAKATI CITY 1227 Manila Office

2F CONSORTIUM BLDG.

CORRALES EXT. CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY 9000 Mobile #: 0905 088 4778 0961 688 4888 Head Office

(1st of 2 parts)

MADILIM ang bukas. (The future is dark.)

Prices are high; the peso is low. The economy is in shambles and there is no credible plan to lift it up.

There is little food on people’s tables; and the Philippine agriculture secretary has never been appointed.

The incredible price of onions in our markets is just the tip of the iceberg.

Ninety-one (91%) percent of our children cannot read. There are no textbooks, insufficient classrooms,

And the education secretary talks about national [military training] program and mandatory toothbrush drill.

Impunity and corruption become the rule. Call it with different names, it is the same animal: intelligence fund, confidential fund, Maharlika investment fund.

Even the legislators who is supposed to provide check and balance are too “shy” to put it into question. Because they also share in the loot themselves.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former president Rodrigo Duterte “won” and they will be there for the next 6 to 12 years.

Political dynasty is the name of the game. How can plunderers chase their own kind? Much less their

parents.

The families of extrajudicial killings victims were hoping to have their day in court.

The International Criminal Court is supposed to investigate the unexplained killing spree.

There is no hope for this in the following years. Worse, police operatives together with the village officials are on the ground looking for the victims’ families for them to withdraw their court cases and complaints in exchange of some substantial cash.

Is Jesus really coming this Christmas? Will God come to transform this earth? Can we hope for a different world?

It looks like “hope” is a lonely word. It is a forgotten virtue.

People are tired of resistance. No one dares to raise their voices anymore after the pink revolution has died down.

SEC sets deadlines for AFS submission

THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has set the deadlines for the submission of the annual financial statements (AFS) and general information sheets (GIS) of corporations in 2023.

The Commission on December 6 issued SEC Memorandum Circular No. 9, Series of 2022, which

provides the 2023 Filing of Annual Financial Statements and General Information Sheet.

All stock and nonstock corporations are required to submit their annual reports online through the SEC Electronic Filing and Submission Tool (eFAST), previously called the Online Submission Tool, at https://

cifss-ost.sec.gov.ph.

The SEC and its Extension Offices shall not accept submissions over the counter and through courier, as the Commission continues to implement a zero face-to-face transaction policy, in line with the zero-contact policy and automation of business-related transactions

mandated by Republic Act No. 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018.

For the full guidelines, kindly see the MC no. 9 series of 2022 through this link: https://www.sec. gov.ph/.../mc-no-09-s-of20222023-filing.../. (PR | SEC CDOEO)

PDC okays local plans to spur dev’t in LDS

MARAWI CITY – The Lanao del Sur Provincial Development Council (PDC) approved major plans to further advance development in the province.

During its second semester meeting, PDC members okayed the updated Executive Legislative Agenda (ELA) and Provincial Development and

Physical Framework Plan (PDPFP) 2023-2025, Local Development Investment Program (LDIP) 20232025, and Annual Investment Program for 2023.

The council also endorsed priority programs, projects, and activities identified in the Peace and Order and Public Safety (POPS) Plan 2023, Gender and Development (GAD) Plan 2023, and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (PDRRM) Plan 2023.

The PDC further backed the programs of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWD) for the protection of children, senior citizens, persons with disability, and women welfare.

The PDC meeting also included reports from the different offices of the

provincial government on updates on their programs and services.

Among those who reported were the Provincial Engineer’s Office, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Provincial Health Office, PSWDO, Provincial Veterinarian Office, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, and Provincial Legal Office

Meanwhile, Radoslaw Rhezak, United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Mindanao Field Office chief, said to the body its peace project dubbed “Building Community Resilience and Delivery of Essential Services for Post-

Conflict Recovery in Lanao del Sur/Marawi City.”

Rhezak said the project aims to improve community resilience and provide essential services for children, adolescents and women in Marawi City and the 39 municipalities of Lanao del Sur, including two municipalities each in Lanao Del Norte and Bukidnon.

Specifically, the project will benefit 680,000 children, 200,000 parents, all IDPs living within Lanao del Sur, and 90,000 children in Lanao del Norte and Bukidnon. (APB/PIA10/Lanao del Sur).

AS the holiday rush comes into full swing, GCash is ramping up warnings to its customers against fake online sellers, so that they can ensure a smooth and safe Christmas shopping experience.

In line with the company’s intensified security campaign under #GSafeTayo, GCash Chief Customer Officer Winsley Bangit said, “we’re encouraging our customers to make sure they’re only purchasing from trusted online sellers especially as we try to find the perfect Christmas gifts for our loved ones. While GCash has top-notch security measures in place to protect our customers’ funds, it’s also their responsibility to ensure they’re dealing with legitimate sellers.”

Bangit also shared some quick tips to ensure an online seller is genuine: Check out the seller before checking out items. Make sure that they’ve been active for a long time and already have a history of successful transactions with other buyers.

Be careful with seller profiles that have only been recently created and if they don’t have complete information about their business.

Take time to read customer reviews. A legitimate seller usually has many good reviews posted on their accounts or pages. If a profile does not have reviews available or negative ones outnumber

positive feedback, these profiles might be fake or offer poor service.

Complete your payment once the item is delivered. Ask the seller if you can pay for the item after it has been delivered or opt to make a partial payment first.

GCash has also introduced a new product under its GInsure platform, “Online Shopping Protect,” that can help its users have

peace of mind when they shop online.

For just P34 per month, GCash customers can get up to P20,000 in insurance coverage for incomplete deliveries, defective items, accidentally-damaged, or stolen products.

The new offering, which will launch soon on GInsure, is powered by global insurance company, Chubb.

“GCash is relentless in

its drive against scammers and other cybercriminals as we never stop innovating not just with our products and services, but also with our security features. Our users can also rest assured that GCash is in close coordination with authorities like the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) in the fight against fraudsters,” Bangit said. (PR | GCash)

Members of the Provincial Development Council convene to tackle programs, projects and activities to boost the progress in Lanao del Sur. (PJF | PIA-10 | Lanao del Sur)

#GSafeTayo: GCash ramps up warnings vs fake online sellers amid holiday rush

The Securities and Exchange Commission has set the deadlines for the AFS submission. (Photo courtesy of SEC CDOEO)

GCash is ramping up warnings to its customers against fake online sellers, so that they can ensure a smooth and safe Christmas shopping experience. (Photo supplied)

Scars: A story of survival and revival

THE air was thick with death as the Samsoden family crawled through the corpses of neighbors and terrorists alike in a desperate attempt to get to safety.

Carrying nothing but the clothes on their backs and holding on to the hope of safety on the other side, they swam across Lanao Lake and never looked back.

Thursday, May 23, 2017.

Whispers of ISIS movement were already making their way through the village.

Maruhomsar, the head of the family, recalled seeing individuals in all-black, not knowing that they were in fact the terrorists they refused to believe were in their midst.

They could hear explosions in the distance, but instead of fleeing, he ordered his family to stay indoors and hide.

“Sabi ko sa pamilya ko ‘magsafety kayo sa loob ng bahay kasi semento na iyong bahay natin. Hindi na iyon matatablan ng bala,” he said.

[I told my family to hide inside. Our house is made of concrete, so we will be safe from bullets.]

As the firefight continued outside, the family waited with bated breath for the conflict to subside.

Most residents were still in denial about the attack, and no one expected it to blow up to extreme proportions.

On the same day, however, former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte declared Martial Law in Mindanao and gave residents four hours to evacuate before

the government would retaliate.

Upon hearing the news, it felt like the ground beneath their feet gave out.

“Kami ay nabigla talaga. Sabi namin bakit kami bobombahin? Hindi man lang kami binigyan ng palugit ng ilang araw,” Maruhomsar said.

[We were shocked. Why would they bomb us? They did not even give us a couple of days' allowance.)

It was right then and there that the severity of the situation fully dawned upon them.

Unfortunately, it was too late. By then, the armed conflict was at its peak, and as civilians, they were nowhere near safe.

One of his children, eleven years old at the time, was even hit by a stray bullet as they tried to get away.

Thankfully, it only grazed his skin. To make matters worse, news was going around that the terrorist group was capturing eligible men and forcing them to join their ranks – those who refused were shot dead.

They had secured every entrance and every exit, even if the Samsodens were to take their car, Maruhomsar and his sons would be taken away.

No, running into them was absolutely not an option.

In a desperate attempt to escape the carnage, the family crawled through sewers filled with fresh corpses of neighbors and terrorists alike.

Once they reached the lake, all thoughts other than “survive” left their

minds and the family swam across to escape Marawi –no assurance of safety on the other side, no means of knowing what could possibly await them, just the human instinct to live pushing them through.

From then on, the Samsoden family scattered throughout Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte; some found refuge in Madamba,

others in Ganassi and Malabang.

A few of his children made it to Masiu while others wound up in Iligan and Cagayan.

They eventually reunited in Ganassi after everything died down and they moved between different municipalities before finally settling in Marantao.

Now that the family

was together again, they faced a whole new problem: finances.

The Samsodens were by no means a small family. With 21 children and two wives, Maruhomsar was caught between a rock and a hard place.

They were living in the homes of strangers who made it clear that they did not appreciate having refugees within their walls.

They were sleeping on cardboard boxes stacked on top of each other, and living off relief goods to feed themselves.

Sometimes, they could barely even eat once a day. It was a far cry from their life before when they could just hop in their car and visit Iligan and Cagayan whenever they pleased.

Maruhomsar felt like he had reached rock bottom the day they were eating fried bananas and his youngest child looked at him, confusion painted on his face, and asked, “Abi, ano ba itong kakainin natin? Ngayon lang ako makakakain ng ganito.”

[Dad, what are we going to eat? This is the first time I’m going to eat something like this.]

Overwhelmed with mixed emotions, including frustration, exhaustion, fear, pity, anger, sadness and loss, Maruhomsar simply hugged his child.

“Magtiis ka na lang, anak. Ganito na lang. Ito na ang buhay natin ngayon. Iba na ngayon.”

[Let us just endure this, child. We have to accept it. This is our life now. Things are different now.]

But just as the family was ready to resign to their life of suffering, they received word about a housing program for families who lost their homes to the siege.

All they had to do was go to Marawi City Hall and submit the necessary requirements.

Of course, while that stirred the dormant hope that lay in their hearts, there was still one thing that stood in their way.

They were in Marantao town and left all their assets in their ruined home. They had no money and had nothing to sell.

Still holding on to hope, they trudged on despite their difficulties and eventually made it back to Marawi.

LDS local gov’t earns praises from ending VAWC champions

By Apipa Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY – Champions on ending violence against women and children (VAWC) in Lanao del Sur province lauded the provincial government for establishing a residential care facility for VAWC survivors.

During the ground -

breaking ceremony for the construction of the said facility, Farida Mangcaan, Community and Family Services International (CFSI) sub-office head, said the residential care facility is one-of-a-kind and a breakthrough in the entire Bangsamoro region.

“This is the epitome and evidence of political

will, especially in local governance. Protection has been embedded finally kasi mayroong [because there is a] structure, as a symbol of the political will, for the social protection of the vulnerable and disadvantaged,” she said.

Mangcaan added that CFSI is always advocating for a safe space for VAWC survivors and she sees the construction of the residential care facility as a dream come true for the advocacy.

For Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Rayhanah Ditual, the soon-to-rise facility will give a voice to the VAWC survivors.

“Our office, the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor, commends the province for this effort to give a voice and a shelter for these victims,” she said.

Dr. Nadhira Abdul -

carim, of Amai Pakpak Medical Center's Women and Children Protection Unit (WCPU), underscored the need for a secured shelter for the survivors who have undergone processing, treatment, and counseling from WCPU.

“Hindi pwedeng pauwiin ang battered wife sa bahay nila dahil nandun lang yung perpetrator [the battered wife cannot be sent home because the perpetrator is there],” she stated.

She also emphasized that the facility will likewise benefit the frontliners who are handling VAWC cases as they often experienced threats for helping their clients.

Women and Child Protection Desk Officer Police Lt. Melanie Guerrero also saluted the initiative. (APB | PIA-10 | Lanao del Sur)

Dr. Nadhira Abdulcarim of Amai Pakpak Medical Center's Women and Children Protection Unit. (PIA-10 | Lanao del Sur)

MINDANAO TODAY

HOROSCOPES

ARIES (Mar. 21-Apr. 19) — Your transmission may be stuck in reverse today, Aries. This doesn't mean you can't be productive. You may need to change your approach. Carefully assess a situation before you proceed. Someone may be trying to cross you. Be smart about your rebuttal. Headon combat isn't the best approach. Try reasoning. You may discover that there are pieces of the puzzle you didn't know about.

TAURUS (Apr. 20-May 20) — Things should go well for you today, Taurus. There's an added serenity in the air that will help calm your nerves. There's no need to make things more complicated than necessary. The answers to things are actually quite simple. Everything you want is probably right at your fingertips. You don't need to go far to find what you seek.

GEMINI (May 21 -June 20) — It might seem like someone has dumped a bucket of water on your head today, Gemini. It seems like your fire is out. Keep in mind that this is only temporary and that your internal flame will be rekindled soon. For now, you may want to take this time to slow down and relax. Use this as an opportunity to reflect and tune in to your sensitive, caring nature. Let someone else take the reins.

CANCER (June 21 - J uly 22) — Tension may run high today as things come to a great emotional climax. It might seem as if everyone is out to get you, Cancer, but more than likely this paranoia is a figment of your imagination. Don't get carried away with crazy scenarios that have no basis in reality. People may be acting irrationally, so don't be surprised if reason and logic are nowhere to be found.

LEO (July 23 -Aug. 22) — More than likely you will be caught up in a wildly intense emotional drama if you aren't careful, Leo. Try to stay calm and collected. Find a quiet, solitary place where you can relax. Your energy is there, but it may be more reserved and subtle on a day like this. Be the stable oasis in the raging turmoil. Make peace with the people around you.

VIRGO (Aug 23 -Sep. 22) — You will find strength in your inner reserves today, Virgo. Don't hesitate to let your deepest thoughts shine through. Keep your antenna up. You will find that there's an electricity in the air that keeps people's emotions at peak level. Follow your instincts and keep in mind that this is probably your best defense against the challenges of the day. Rational thinking is overrated.

LIBRA (Sep. 23 -Oct. 22) — You may feel a bit sluggish today, Libra. Your warrior spirit would rather stay home on the couch than get up and fight. This is fine. You may simply need a break from your quest for world domination. Remember that a good leader also takes the time to sit back and reflect on recent events in order to make better plans for the future.

SCORPIO (Oct. 3 -Nov. 21) — Your sensitivity is strong today, Scorpio. You will find that your perception of situations is right on target with the truth of the matter. Keep in mind that in order to be successful, you won't need to strong-arm anyone into doing what you want. More than likely you will be able to accomplish more just by tuning in to your receptive, gentle nature.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 -Dec. 21) — You may feel a bit confused today. It might seem as if the wind has suddenly been taken out of your sails. Don't get discouraged by the slow weightiness of the day. Take the opportunity to relax and recharge your batteries. Do a bit of inward reflection as opposed to outerdirected movement. The most valuable lesson to learn is patience. Remind yourself of this throughout the day.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) — Today is an excellent day for you, Capricorn. You will be a welcome addition to any crowd. Your delightful nature is at its most active. You have the unique capability to be aggressive about getting what you want without disturbing the flow of the energy around you. People respect and honor your sensitive, nurturing qualities. This will win the game for you.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) — The world probably isn't going to revolve around you today, Aquarius, so get used to it. Even though this may not be the news you want to hear, it's probably the news you most need to hear. Use your incredible passion to nurture others. Think less about yourself and more about the people around you, especially your family. Stick close to home and take care of chores.

PISCES ( Feb. 19 - Mar. 20) — Initiate a deep, meaningful conversation with someone you've lost touch with, Pisces. It could be that a long and ugly point of contention is on the brink of resolution. All you need to do is make the first move. There's a great deal of heartfelt, loving energy in the air that will help you foster a sensitive, tender approach. Find a connection with someone that you didn't know was there.

FLOODING | from p1

while Felicidad Dangcalan, 68, of Naga village died due to cardiac arrest while being rescued from her house.

Three others, Christiline Lomo, 39; Ronilo Abastas, 39, and Cristal Bella Abastas, 4, were reported missing in Jimenez while a body of an elderly man was retrieved by rescuers in the same town on Monday, Dec. 26.

In Tudela, two bodies identified to be Mark Lester Dampas, 20, and Jestoni Lapot, 27, were found and causes of deaths have been to be confirmed.

DAMAGE | from p1

press conference on Tuesday.

Conde said two additional fatalities were recorded in Bukidnon province; one from Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental and a total of six deaths recorded in the province of Misamis Occidental.

According to the OCD10’s progress report, as of 6 a.m. of December 27, the deaths in Bukidnon were recorded in the towns of San Fernando and Impalutao.

Meanwhile, the six fatalities in Misamis Occidental are composed of two deaths each from the towns of Jimenez and Tudela, and the city of Oroquieta.

Misamis Occidental Gov. Henry Oaminal earlier reported that there were already seven deaths in the province. However, the OCD10 has yet to receive the report of the other fatality.

Apart from the record -

CINE DE ORO | from p8

each film, there is a question and answer portion)

The festival CDOFF 2022 featured 10 competition short films in the narrative category and 10 in the newly created experimental category.

The festival opened, December 16, at the Karumata with Binisaya filmmaker Keith Deligero’s “Kordero sa Dios,” with screenings of the exhibition and main competition films following long into the midnight screening of films from Bagane Fiola’s Ngilngig Film Festival at midnight and beyond.

In the narrative category, CDOFF featured “Daybreak” by Angelo Dabay (Cagayan de Oro City), “Naboc” by Rodel JR. Artiaga (Davao de Oro), “A Sabbath on the Longest Day of the Year” by Edmund Telmo (Ozamiz City), “I Get So Sad Sometimes” by Trishtan Perez (Pagadian), “Maudi nga Arapaap” by

LUNA | from p8 seasonal],” he said.

Chris, owner and designer at Chris Gomez Creative Design has participated in various national exporter shows such as Manila Fame, among others, but sad to say, he said, his products are not known in the community where he lives.

“We wanted to have a

On Sunday (Dec. 25) evening, the bodies of a father, Mario Sambrio, 70, and daughter Elenita Calamian, 43, were dug out from a landslide in Mialen, Oroquieta City.

Clarin Mayor Emeterio “Jojo” Roa Jr. had reported earlier that two bodies were retrieved by rescuers in his town, a 17-year old person with disability and the other was crossing a bridge when he was swept away on Christmas eve, Dec. 24.

OCD-10 reported to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) that the 67,733 evacuees from 96 vil-

ed deaths, there are three missing individuals from Jimenez town.

The OCD-10 also recorded seven injured individuals, of which three are residents from Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental; two are from San Fernando, Bukidnon and two are from Clarin, Misamis Occidental.

Anthony Lucero, the weather service chief of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) regional forecasting center, said the shear line affecting Visayas and northern part of Mindanao will be moving towards the northern part of the country starting Wednesday, December 28.

“For the meantime, we are still experiencing heavy rainfall not just in Cagayan de Oro but all over Northern Mindanao. That includes Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Norte and the northern

Daniel Magayon (Antipolo, Rizal), “Golden Bells” by Kurt Soberano (Bacolod);

“Tong Adlaw nga Nagsnow sa Pinas” by Joshua Caesar Medroso (Davao), “Infolitan sa Balay ni Ben and John” by Angelo Gillo (Manila), “Trash Mesia” by Andy Alvarez and Stanley Alcala (Dumaguete), and “Ang Mga Handum Nga Nasulat sa Balas” by Richard Jeroui Salvadico and Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay (Iloilo).

Meanwhile, the experimental category featured “It’s Raining Frogs Outside” by Maria Estela Paiso, “One by One MMXXI” by Timmy Harn, “Nasa Diyos ang Gawa Nasa Tao ang Awa” by Johner Zulueta, “Ikot” by LeanderTamayo, “Jakol, or Claire de Lulu in ‘D’ Major” by Doydoy Megriño; “An Tawag Ha Ika-Pito nga Inop” by Chickenligaya, “Mga Kadini sa Kaugmaon” by Karina Jabido & Sheivar Olegario, “Roadtrip to Happiness” by Claudia Fer-

physical store so that people in Northern Mindanao and Cagayan de Oro have access for our products,” he added. There are about 19 brands housed in Lunâ varied from gifts, toys and houseware, home décor, lamps and lighting, fashion compliments and accessories, arts and crafts, gift items and souvenirs that are locally-made and design-

lages in the region were in 80 evacuation centers.

Eighty residential structures were “totally damaged” -- swept away by floodwaters, storm surge, or flattened to the ground by strong wind and landslide – while 466 other houses were “partially damaged,” as Tuesday, Dec. 27.

In Misamis Occidental, some 9,218 or 2,133 families who have been in the evacuation centers came from Oroquieta and Ozamiz cities and Aloran, Calamba, Clarin, Jimenez, Lopez Jaena, Panaon, Plaridel, Sinacaban, and Tudela towns.

Still flooded, as of this

portion of Zamboanga,” Lucero said in the same virtual press conference.

The region has been experiencing nonstop rains caused by the shear line even up to this date since the PAGASA issued its first rainfall advisory due to the said weather condition on December 23.

As of 6 a.m. of December 27, the OCD-10 already tallied 14,456 families or 67,733 affected individuals of which 8,966 families or 40,564 individuals are currently staying in the evacuation centers.

The latest report from the OCD-10 also showed that the initial estimated damages to houses, infrastructure and agriculture due to the current weather condition is now at P33,926,000.

The initial estimated damage on houses in the region is P11,290,000. This covers the 80 totally damaged (P5,200,000)

nando, “Silo” by Ashley Manugaas, and “Living Dead To Hell and Back” by Condrad dela Cruz.

This year’s festival jury is composed of filmmaker and writer Teng Mangansakan, actor and producer Alwyn Uytingco, and veteran artist Jojo Sescon for the narrative category; filmmaker and writer/director Dodo Dayao, Davaoeño filmmaker Bagane Fiola, and the godfather of Filipino experimental cinema, Roxlee, for the experimental category.

This set of jurors chose among the respective categories of short films to be the recipient of Cine de Oro’s Golden Giant Fish Trophy.

Cine de Oro gave the Lifetime Achievement Award to Reuben Rabe Canoy and Lorenzeo M. Dela Serna on December 17 for their lasting contributions to the history of Cagayan de Oro cinema as film producers, screenwriters, authors, and the former mayor of Cagayan de Oro,

forward quality products.

Sustainability-driven initiatives are the reason why Lunâ exists.

“To connect or reconnect regenerative materials and artisans enterprises with these designers so they can codesign for conscious customers like you and me,” he said.

The store is also curated.

“Because our product is not the typical, pasalubong

writing, are Aloran, Clarin an d Tudela while floodwaters in Jimenez and Ozamiz (Maningcol village) have started to recede.

The OCD-10 report also showed that Misamis Oriental has 56,917 evacuees, most of them from Gingoog City with 34 081 while the rest from the city of El Salvador and the municipalities of Balingasag, Balingoan, Laguindingan, Magsaysay, Medina, and Talisayan.

Flooding incidents were also reported in Iligan (Lanao del Norte), Malaybalay, Valencia and San Fernando (Bukidnon), as well as in Mambajao (Camiguin. (MT)

and 466 partially damaged (P6,090,000) houses from four different provinces.

For the infrastructure, it tallied P15,500,000 initial estimated damage and this covers damaged roads, bridges, power lines and water system.

Meanwhile, the nonstop downpour already incurred P7,136,000 initial estimated damage in the agriculture sector. This covers the damages tallied in rice production (P1,350,000), fisheries (P5,750,000) and fishing boat and fishing gears (P36,000).

The local government units of the affected areas, together with the Department of Social Welfare and Development-10, are continuously monitoring the situation in the evacuation centers to address the needs of the affected residents.

The local government of Cagayan de Oro already sent a team to deliver relief goods to the affected areas. (MT)

Reuben Rabe Canoy, and film director, screenwriter, radio, and print director, Lorenzo M. Dela Serna.

The Golden Giant Fish trophy

Cine de Oro presented a special mention award to Dodoy Megrino's “Jakol, or Claire de Lulu in ‘D’ Major” for expanding on its deceptively thin premise with an almost joyous, quite cinematic playfulness, according to the jury.

CDOFF awarded the Grand Jury Prize to Timmy Harn's “One by One MMXXI.”

CDOFF describes the film as a blast of psychedelic imagery that never abandons the emotional turmoil, articulating, achieving poignancy with its surreal visual riot.

Cine de Oro presented its Golden Giant Fish Award to Maria Estela Paiso’s “It's Raining Frogs Outside” in the Experimental category.

(SAYU | PIA-10)

and souvenir, to sustain us, we need to double time working with marketing,” Chris said.

Chris is doing product development for them [designers] every two months. “Like me, personally designing them for the new collection, dili pwede nga balik balik lng ang product [products should not be repeated]”, he said. (JMOR | PIA-10)

captivates audiences in intimate festival

By Shaun Alejandrae Uy CAGAYAN DE ORO

CITY – The third edition of the Cine de Oro Film Festival (CDOFF) hosted a myriad of films, from playful imagery to rich cinematic nuances, at the Karumata in Barangay Macasandig, here, December 16-17.

This year’s Cine de Oro brings back visual storytellers who have been on hiatus from the film scene for the most part of this pandemic.

In a recent Talakayan sa PIA episode, Joe Bacus, CDOFF festival director, said, “Cine de Oro was founded by us, a group of filmmakers, around six years ago. Then, four years

ago, we started with film screenings, workshops. The time came when we needed a bigger platform, and that was in 2019.”

The first Cine de Oro

Film Festival came to fruition, December 15, 2019, when it opened with Bacus’ internationally-acclaimed full length film “Markado: The Moon Devourer” at the

Limketkai Cinemas.

On the day, Cagayan de Oro felt a jolt in the earth, which Bacus noted as a sign that the “Oro” affirmed the festival’s launch.

In local lore, the “Oro” is a giant fish that resides in a cave beneath the St. Augustine Cathedral in the city; when it moved, the people would feel an earthquake.

Then the pandemic came and sent the world spiraling into virtual real-

ity. This paved the way for CDOFF to launch the online screenings of the films harvested for the year 2020.

Although the feel of watching movies in cinemas was certainly missed, the second edition was a success, as filmmakers refused to back down from the effects of Covid-19.

Reeling from the economic decline, CDOFF organizers felt it was time to give it a break in 2021, as the difficulty in holding

mass gatherings was still not allowed, filmmakers had to go through a lot of strict health protocols just to be able to produce a film, and securing funding was a little too burdensome.

This year, the country slowly opened up its doors to economic activities that created opportunities for filmmakers to get those shelved screenplays into the light and onto the screens—physically.

Bacus said, “Tungod sa pandemic, naanad ta nga naa ra ta sa balay magtanaw og pelikula, but in film festivals, muadto ka didto uban imong friends and maka-meet pud ka og new friends. Maka-interact pud ka sa mga filmmakers kay after each film naa may Q and A.”

(Because of the pandemic, we got used to watching movies at home, but at film festivals, you go there with your friends and possibly meet new ones. You can also interact with the filmmakers as, after

Looking back on the past to create the future, a Lunâ story

By Jasper Marie Rucat

of Lunâ, an artisanal boutique and café store in Cagayan de Oro City who recently opened a 2nd store at SM City CDO Uptown NorthWing, depicted how the store was conceptualized and his vision

moving forward.

“I want to look back on our past to move and create new and dimensional artisan hip products,” said Chris.

Lunâ, means a Piece of Land or Area where designers and manufac-

turers can display their crafts.

“We don't have a platform for makers and producers. Taman ra ta ug bazars, seasonal ra kaayo [we are limited to bazars which are very

Planning to conquer the waters during the holidays? Try Mapple's Patio & Resort – the newest place in Iponan, Cagayan de Oro City where family and friends can gather and enjoy moments together. They also have rooms for those who want to stay a night or two. (Photo by the Phil. Information Agency-10)

Festival Director Joe Bacus introduced the third edition of the Cine de Oro Film Festival in a special episode of the Talakayan sa PIA, December 14, 2022. (PIA-10)

Trishtan Perez (center) receives the Cine de Oro Film Festival’s (CDOFF) Golden Giant Fish Award for his film “I Get So Sad Sometimes” during the awarding ceremony. (XU Film Society)