Philippine Muslim Today by Philippine Muslim Today

Of Pledges, Promises, Hopes and Dreams (2)

Homobono A. Adaza | A6

10-M OFWs deserve a separate department urgently

A Tribute To LTP-9 Chairman Bob Tugung

Mail-Voting or Mal-Voting

Julmunir I. Jannaral | A5

MEHOL K. SADAIN | A5

Abdul Hannan M. Tago | A4

Muslim today PHILIPPINE

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Save the Earth

Vol. I, No. 24 | Nov. 27-Dec. 3, 2020 (Rabi ‘ul Akhir 12-18, 1442) | 2 Sections | 12 Pages

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Officials explain Duterte’s nod on BARMM transition extension Editorial Moral Governance cannot be achieved overnight “Moral Governance,” the slogan adopted as platform of governance by top echelons of the Bangsamoro autonomous government is a lifetime mission. It cannot be achieved overnight. And it is too early to accuse BARMM interim government of wrongdoings and or having achieved less. Three years is not really enough to heal all wounds and change to alleviate peace and order and well-being of the Bangsamoro people. (Full Story on Page A4)

By ALI G. MACABALANG

resident Rodrigo Duterte has reportedly given his nod on calls to extend the lifespan of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) lifespan, with key Muslim officials explain-

ing the nature of the Presidential gesture and its essence in building the foundations for a strong regional autonomous government to address the so-called Mindanao conflict.

Full Story on Page A2

Adiong explains Lanao Sur mayors’ demur to BARMM transition extension

The Role of Coaches, Trainers in Sports Development in Tawi-Tawi

NCMF slams Gov. Mamba for calling the Muslims as violent people

By ALI G. MACABALANG

By JOHNY R. LEE

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

awi-Tawi‘s prominent role as regional volleyball power in Mindanao is anchored on the following: a.) Wide selection of local raw talents; b.) Sports-leaning administrators of concerned government agencies and host academic institutions; and c.) The quality of coaches and trainers handling the teams.

he National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) has condemned the comments of Gov. Manuel Mamba of Cagayan Valley as an unfortunate statement for calling the Muslims as violent people and highly irresponsible remarks coming supposedly from a highly respected government official.

(Full Story on Page A7)

(Full Story on Page B1)

(Full Story on Page A3)

The Bangsamoro

Vestiges of 2009 ‘Ampatuan massacre’ still painful – Rep. Mangudadatu

MPATUAN, Maguindanao: Full justice-seeking kin and friends of victims in the infamous massacre of 57 people, including 32 media workers, on Nov. 23, 2009 converged and reckoned the 11th year anniversary of the incident at its very site here last Monday.

MAGUINDANAO MASSACRE MEMORIAM. Rep. Toto Mangudadatu lighting a candle on the massacre site marker of his wife, Ginalyn, at Sitio Maslay, Barangay Salman in Ampatuan, Maguindanao on the 11th year commemoration of the incident last Nov. 23. (PMT photo by Nur-Ali Macabalang) Maguindanao 2nd District Rep. Esmael ―Toto‖ Mangudadatu and his siblings alongside selected friends led the event on a lower scale of commemoration due to state-prescribed protocol on social distancing in the COVID-19 pandemic. While fewer people attended, supporters said the event was meaningful as it fell on Monday, the same day over 100 armed men perpetrated the attack on 57 people travelling on convoy supposedly to filed the gubernatorial candidacy in 2010 of Mangudadatu, then a Buluan town vice mayor. Like in past 10 annual commemorations, the Mangudadatus lit candles on the massacre site markers of their loved ones led by the congressman‘s wife, Ginalyn, two sisters, two female lawyers and other mostly female kin. They also performed dua‘a (prayer) on the same spot to implore for full relief from pains spawned by the carnage. The solemn rites preceded the traditional delivery of messages from the Mangudadatu brothers, starting from former Buluan Mayor Jhong, former Mangudadatu town Mayor Freddie, former Rep. Dong, Bangsamoro Parliament Member Toy to incumbent Rep. Toto. Two witnesses in the massacre trial including former Vice Mayor Sukarno Badal and the media group represented by this writer anew also delivered messages meant to refresh minds and inspire people to help prevent a repeat of the incident that put Philippines in the global map of countries deemed dangerous for journalists. I echoed the recent declaration from the Bangsamoro government officialdom, through Minister Naguib Sinarimbo, that assured media workers of its multi-pronged protection from work-related threats. In behalf of his family members and other relatives of victims in the massacre, Rep. Mangudadatu reiterated utmost gratitude to Trial Court Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes for braving pressures in handling the protracted trials and for her guilty verdict on some key suspects in the carnage. But he quickly added that their victory in the court decision in December last year was just partial because 80 other key suspects in the massacre remain at large. Rep. Mangudadatu sounded off a profound appreciation of the role of President Duterte in his current administration that saw the court rendering decision finally after nine years of litigations, and as Davao City mayor then for lending his family a chopper used by searchers to immediately spot the massacre site. ―Kung hindi nagpahiram si Mayor Duterte noon ng helicopter, napakalaki ng posibilidad na hindi na natin nakita kung saan sila (victims) dinala at tinangkang ibaon ng mga salarin,‖ Mangudadatu pointed out. VESTIGES | A8

Vol. I, No. 24 | Nov. 27-Dec. 3, 2020 (Rabi ‘ul Akhir 12-18, 1442)

Officials explain Duterte’s nod on BARMM transition extension By ALI G. MACABALANG

resident Rodrigo Duterte has reportedly given his nod on calls to extend the lifespan of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) lifespan, with key Muslim officials explaining the nature of the Presidential gesture and its essence in building the foundations for a strong regional autonomous government to address the so-called Mindanao conflict.

BARMM officials led by ICM Ahod “Hadji Murad” Ebrahim (second from right) in a pictorial pose with Senator Christopher “Bong” Go after their meeting with President Duterte Monday night in Malacañang. (Photo supplied)

The President was categorical in giving his support during a meeting in Malacañang on Monday night, Nov. 23 with Bangasamoro Interim Chief Minister (ICM) Ahod ―Hadji Murad‖ Ebrahim and Regional Executive Secretary Abdulraof ―Sammy Gambar‖ Macacua, according to Minister Naguib Sinarimbo, who was present in the meeting. The meeting, which tackled solely the agenda on proposed postponement of 2022 election for parliament members in the Bangsamoro and extending the BTA lifespan to three more years, was attended by Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. and Interior and Local Government Sec. Eduardo Ano, Sinarimbo said. At the meeting, Sinarimbo said, the President sought the opinion of Sec. Galvez on, who in turn confirmed the lack of time in the implementation of the normalization track provided under R.A. 11054 as well as the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The normalization track mandates the decommissioning of the 12,000 MILF armed members and their transformation to civilian

peaceful and productive life with corresponding package of state assistance. Only around 7,000 members of the MILF‘s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) have been decommissioned so far in the process that was launched personally on Sept. 7, 2019 by President Duterte. The formal process will end in 2022, according to the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP). Under such track, the government would provide each decommissioned MILF combatants P1-million aid package – P100,000 given during the decommissioning ceremonies; P400,000 for the education, health welfare and other basic needs of the family members of each decommissioned fighter; and P500,000 for the building of their decent houses. Interviewed at the sidelight of Monday‘s 11th year commemoration of the 2009 ―Ampatuan massacre,‖ Maguindanao 2nd District Rep. Esmael ―Toto‖ Mangudadatu said MILF and Bangsamoro government representatives had told him that only the P100,000 instant decommissioning aid was given. The ostensive shift of

national government attention to the campaign against COVID-19 pandemic and spending of state resources in the process could be a reason in the delay of releases for the remaining P900,000 to each MILF decommissioned membercombatant, Mangudadatu said. Rep. Mangudadatu has confirmed his favor for extension in BTA lifespan, saying that he had even recommended for ICM Ebrahim to elevate to the President the issue, which has brought about viral debates in the social media. Coincidentally, ICM Ebrahim and his two cabinet key members met the President in Malacañang in the evening of Monday. BTA Parliament Member Khadafeh ―Toy‖ Mangudadatu, younger brother of the lawmaker, also expressed utmost support to the call for postponement of the 2022 elections for Bangsamoro parliament members and extending the interim autonomous governance‘s lifespan. MP Mangudadatu brushed off insinuations that the BTA passage of extension-endorsing resolution last Nov. 17 was replete with ―self-serving‖ desire. OFFICIALS | A8

The Bangsamoro

Vol. I, No. 24 | Nov. 27-Dec. 3, 2020 (Rabi ‘ul Akhir 12-18, 1442)

BARMM ranks 2nd in Mindanao in terms of economic growth

NCMF slams Gov. Mamba for calling the Muslims as violent people By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL Bureau Chief for Metro Manila News Bureau

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

angsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) ranked 2nd among the regions in Mindanao in terms of Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) and Gross Regional Domestic Expenditure (GRDE) growth rate in 2019.

OMMONWEALTH AVENUE, Quezon City: The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) has condemned the comments of Gov. Manuel Mamba of Cagayan Valley as an unfortunate statement for calling the Muslims as violent people and highly irresponsible remarks coming supposedly from a highly respected government official.

Commissioner Yusoph Mando of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos. (Contributed Photo)

BARMM ranks 2nd among the regions in Mindanao in terms of Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) and Gross Regional Domestic Expenditure (GRDE) growth rate in 2019. (BPI-BARMM photo) Furthermore, BARMM ranked 7th among the 17 regions in the country after posting 5.9 percent growth rate in its GRDP. This was announced by Razulden A. Mangelen ,OIC Regional Director of Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA -BARMM), during a Virtual Dissemination Forum on the Economic Performance of BARMM held Tuesday, Nov. 24 in the city. With 40.4% contribution, Service Sector now has the largest share in the region‘s economic performance. It is followed by the Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing (AFF) sector with 34.5%, and Industry sector with 25.1 percent. In 2018, BARMM was predominantly agriculture based. According to PSA, the main growth drivers were: Public administration and defense at 16.1 percent; Manufacturing at 15.7 percent; Other services at 14.8 percent; Financial and insurance activities at 14.7 percent; and Accommodation and food services activities at 14.5 percent. AFF with its 34.5% share to the region‘s total economy inched up by 1.1% in 2019 compared to its robust increase of 8.7 percent in 2018. Industry‘s share of 25.1% to the region‘s economy expanded by 10.2% in 2019

compared to the 6.4% increase in the previous year. Services, which contributed the lion‘s share to the BARMM‘s economy at 40.4%, grew by 7.7% in 2019, a bit higher from its 2018 growth record at 7.6 percent. With the 6.0 percent GDP growth of the country in 2019, BARMM contributed 0.1 percentage point while its share to the total economy was 1.3 percent. BARMM accelerates household spending Reports from PSABARMM showed that household final consumption expenditure (HFCE) in BARMM expanded to 6.2 percent in 2019, compared with the 2.9 percent registered in 2018. Government spending in the region grew by 8.8%. Likewise, gross capital formation of the region grew by 11.7 percent in 2019. Gross capital formation slowed down by 4.4 percent in 2019, which was slower than the 17.6 percent growth in 2018. Total exports of goods and services to ROW posted double-digit growth of 69.5 percent in 2019. However, Total imports of goods and services from ROW declined by 37.7 percent. Real per capita HFCE grew by 4.1 percent in 2019. The real per capita HFCE in

the region was recorded at PhP 65,407 in 2019, lower than the national level which amounted to Php 130,743. In his video message, Bangsamoro Chief Minister Al Haj Murad Ebrahim said: ―the BARMM is an infant government. As we navigate with the ongoing transition, we acknowledge the need to bulk up our programs with sufficient data and responsive programs suited in the context of our region.‖ ―With PSA‘s unparalleled commitment to help in this process, we are optimistic that things will be smoother and not baseless. In the context of the GRDP and GRDE, it is a must for us to tailor fit its data to our development plans and programs,‖ CM Ebrahim added. Also present during the program were PSA Civil Registrar General Undersecretary and National Statistician Claire Dennis Mapa, Lanao del Sur Chief Statistical Specialist Noronisa Macadadaya, PSA-BARMM Chief Statistical Specialist Mahmur Sarail, Bangsamoro Planning and development Authority (BPDA) Director General Engr. Mohajirin Ali, and representatives from BARMM‘s different ministries and offices. With BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION-BARMM

Gov. Mamba said this statement in the recent Senate Hearing by stereotyping Muslims of being violent people. NCMF Commissioner Yusoph Mando said the statement of Gov. Mamba has caused the Muslims more to be suspected and accused of serious crimes with impunity and that the suffering of Muslims may be worsened by this irresponsible utterance. ―Just because a community is predominantly Muslim does not mean that it should be considered presumptively ‗notorious,‘ Commissioner Mando said. Kim Bagundang a Maguindanao farmer and entrepreneur and former cartoonist of the defunct Philippine Muslim Times said majority of the Muslims in Cagayan Valley are actually Maranao businessmen. ―They are not violent Muslims but peaceful people who just wanted to earn an honest living. Seemingly there was a diaspora among them because as a sign they don‘t want violent living they left their hometowns in far away south in Mindanao and opted to settle in far north of the the Philippines particularly Cagayan Valley,‖ Bagundang added. Bagundang also emphasized that Cagayan Valley is being populated mostly by Maranao, a very religious Muslims. ―Believe me this guy (Mamba) will become a Muslim soon or his children because they were Muslims before the Spaniard came,‖ a cooler headed Bagundang optimistically said. Meanwhile, Commisioner Mando said Gov. Mamba is unfortunately uneducated, misguided for being stereotype culturally. ―This will cause internal conflict and inhumane treatment of Filipinos of a different religious faith from the majority,‖ the NCMF high official said. The Cagayan Governor cited absence of Muslims for peace and order in his province, which is anti-Muslim remark during a Senate Hearing that touched on peace and order topic. Mamba said ―we do not have Muslims here kaya walang problema as far as peace and order is concerned here.‖ ―Ang iresponsableng pahayag ni Gov. Manuel Mamba laban sa mga Muslim ay walang maidudulot na mabuti bagkus ito ay magdadagdag lamang ng kalituhan, pagpapahirap, pag-aabuso, panghuhusga at lalong magsanhi ng pagkahati-hati ng sambayanang Pilipino,‖ Com. Mando lamented. Meanwhile, Hadji Abdurahman Pattaalam also lambasted Gov. Mamba for his anti-Muslim remarks. Hadji Abdurahman, a Muslim leader from Parang, Sulu said the Cagayan governor should not generalized the Muslim Filipinos since as Muslims they are believers of Islamic faith that is a religion of peace and does not teach violent to its adherents. JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

Editorial

Vol. I, No. 24 | Nov. 27-Dec. 3, 2020 (Rabi ‘ul Akhir 12-18, 1442)

DATU YUSOPH B. MAMA Chairman, Board of Trustees AMANODING D. ESMAIL President MASIDING NOOR YAHYA Executive Vice President & CEO JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL Vice President for Internal Affairs ALI G. MACABALANG Vice President for External Affairs ROCAYA SUMNDAD OTICAL Treasurer MACOD D. RASCAL Secretary CASAN C. CANA Auditor

PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY MASIDING NOOR YAHYA Editor-In-Chief and Publisher JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL Managing Editor Acting Bureau Chief for National Capital Region ALI G. MACABALANG News Editor Acting Bureau Chief for Bangsamoro & Central Mindanao Regions ROCAYA SUMNDAD OTICAL Acting Bureau Chief for Northern Mindanao Region JOHNNY R. LEE Acting Bureau Chief for Western Mindanao Region PHIL MUSLIM Layout Artist FATIMA ORTIL-JANNARAL Advertising Sales Director for NCR NUR-ALI A. MACABALANG Correspondent COLUMNISTS | WRITERS: ATTY. HOMOBONO A. ADAZA DR. BENJ BANGAHAN ATTY. JUAN PONCE ENRILE DR. JOHNNY R. LEE DATU AMINULLAH ALONTO LUCMAN ATTY. NASSER A. MAROHOMSALIC DR. FILEMON G. ROMERO ATTY. MEHOL K. SADAIN DR. ABDUL HANNAN M. TAGO DISCLAIMER: Opinion of the writer expressed herein is not necessarily the opinion of Philippine Muslim Today nor of its management. TEMPORARY BUSINESS OFFICE:

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Front page of PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY previous issue.

Moral Governance cannot be achieved overnight “Moral Governance,” the slogan adopted as platform of governance by top echelons of the Bangsamoro autonomous government is a lifetime mission. It cannot be achieved overnight. And it is too early to accuse BARMM interim government of wrongdoings and or having achieved less.. Three years is not really enough to heal all wounds and change to alleviate peace and order and well-being of the Bangsamoro people. We do not know what made BARMM bigwigs adopt such a slogan knowing that it will take them lifetime or beyond before it could be realized, especially, when there may be some of those who compose the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) that others have doubted to fit in implementing moral governance. While there are expert members with education, experiences and integrity of the BTA, there are also others who sit there as flower-bases. They may be of the few but it would have been for the best interest of the Bangsamoro people, in particular, and the Filipino Nation, in general, if the more competent sat there instead. This dubious few should not have been appointed to sit there to enact laws that will govern the Bangsamoro people who have suffered for so long the scourge of war, poverty, injustices and corruptions and in their fight for self-determination and freedom. Not only have they no idea on how to enact laws, they don‘t also possess moral ascendancy. And this is the most probable reason why the BTA is slowly moving, complacently.. The situation might be one reason why those who are opposing the extension of the BTA term for another three years want BARMM elections to push through in May 2022. To them, three years for those with dubious personality still sitting in the BTA will not improve the regional government and may affect the expected performance of those who are better off among them. As one lawyer said, ―One code for every 2 years is a travesty of our people‘s will who have suffered the scourge of war, decades of poverty and widescale disenfranchisement of BARMM voters.‖ The BTA has only passed the Administrative Code approved just lately after over a year of taking over the reins of power in the autonomous region, he said. Of course, the lawyer was figuratively sarcastic. The Bangsamoro official website reveals the BTA has approved 12 or 13 bills which include Acts adopting the BARMM‘s official flag and official emblem, Bangsamoro Appropriations Act (BAA) 2020, Bangsamoro SocioEconomic Development Act of 2019, Bangsamoro Hymn Act of 2020, Recruitment Agency Regulation Act of 2020, Act Defining the Power of Appointment in BARMM, and creations of the Bangsamoro Attorney General‘s Office (BAGO), Bangsamoro Women‘s Commission (BWC), Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission (BHRC), Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC), and Bangsamoro Sports Commission (BSC). But the truth is passing and approving these bills cannot guarantee the realization of the so -called ―Moral Governance.‖ And if we may, we wish to suggest that the BTA should review and assess their members. If they find incompetent or non-performing members of parliament, they should find subtle ways for their immediate termination. PMT

10-M OFWs deserve a separate department urgently By ABDUL HANNAN MAGARANG TAGO

eing an overseas worker for the last 25 years, I have witnessed and made number of reports on their (OFWs) sacrifices. Despite of that, the country benefits from their USD30 billion yearly remittances helping not only their families but contributing heavily to the national growth. They also played a significant role in electing their choice candidate in 2016 presidential election that obviously displayed their ability to change the political landscape of the country. With no absolute solution to the employment problem, their number has grown to 10 million workers most of them households workforces exposing them to abuses, exploitation and maltreatment. In 2016 presidential election, the OFWs have felt some kind of relief. For them, the iron and punisher man of Davao was the only hope to address their decades of suffering. TAGO | A6

Opinion

Ijtihad

Vol. I, No. 24 | Nov. 27-Dec. 3, 2020 (Rabi ‘ul Akhir 12-18, 1442)

MAIL-VOTING OR MAL-VOTING?

MEHOL K. SADAIN

ess than eighteen months from now the country will have another national presidential election. Judging from the usual intensity of elections in the Philippines, the emerging colorful tangling personalities, the raging issues of corruption and violence played against the backdrop of the covid-19 threat in crowded gatherings like campaigns and electionday voting, the elections of 2022 is shaping into a circus ready to intrigue and entertain. This early there are talks of solving the covid19 crowd problem by introducing mail voting, which is, more or less, allowing voters to receive ballots by mail, vote in the privacy of their homes, and mail these ballots back to the Commission on Elections

before the scheduled election day. This way, less voters will have to troop to the precincts to vote. The bottom-line is to assure that no voter, even if he cannot leave his home, is disenfranchised. This was done in the recent American elections, and yielded mixed reviews from the winners and the losers. Can mail voting be done in the Philippines? Yes, it may be done, and the COMELEC can promulgate rules for this kind of voting, like it has done with the pre-election day voting for members of media and the Board of Election Inspectors who are busy with their jobs on election day. But note that mail voting has a difference with advance voting in its added feature of voting at home after receiving the ballot, and returning this ballot to

Batanes to Tawi-Tawi

the Comelec within the allowed time. To merit implementation, therefore, mail voting must comply with the postulates of a genuine and credible election: Only a qualified voter votes by casting his or her vote in secrecy. The secrecy requirement is mandated by the constitution in the article on suffrage when it says, ―the Congress shall provide a system for securing the secrecy and sanctity of the ballot.‖ [Art. V, Sec.2, 1987 Constitution] For mail voting to accomplish its purpose and be a valid means for enfranchisement it must proceed as follows: 1. The voter‘s correct identification and address should be in the Comelec‘s updated database; 2. The ballot should be mailed to the right, existing registered voter; 3. The registered voter should receive his ballot

through the mail, and personally vote his choice of candidates; and 4. After voting, the said voter must now mail or return his filled ballot to the Comelec, where it should be deposited in a safeguarded place, which is usually a ballot box that is locked and stored in a secured room. In short, the two main problems of mail voting are ballot handling and custody, which are both system and method concerns. Otherwise, what is conceived as an enfranchisement solution will end up as a disenfranchisement horror --mail voting tragically turning into mal-voting. Elections in far-flung and unguarded precincts in Muslim-dominated areas have been far from ideal. It is marked by substitute voting, vote buying, election day coercion, and violence that leads to premature closing of precincts and termination of

A Tribute To LTP-9 Chairman Bob Tugung

JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

lbert Ulama ―Bob‖ Tugung (November 10, 1939 –November 22, 1986) was a Filipino teacher, newsman, technocrat, civic leader, lawmaker, and politician. He served as Chairman of the Lupong Tagapagpaganap ng Pook (LTP) of Autonomous Region IX in Mindanao from 1979 until his assassination in 1986. Ulbert Ulama “Bob” Tugung (November 10, 1939 –November 22, 1986) was a Filipino teacher, newsman, technocrat, civic leader, lawmaker, and politician. He served as Chairman of the Lupong Tagapagpaganap ng Pook (LTP) of Autonomous Region IX in Mindanao from 1979 until his assassination in 1986. On the day Chairman Bob fell to the assassin‘s bullets in the evening of November 22, 1986, I was with him at that time since he and other Mindanao leaders held a Presscon at the Aurelio Hotel at the Corner of Roxas Boulevard and Padre Faura St. in Manila. I was one of the journalists invited to cover the

said Press Conference where I represented my outfit the Philippine Daily Inquirer as a News Correspondent for the regional desk known as ―Batanes To Tawi-Tawi‖ where I got the name of my present Column. Hence, on this fateful 22nd of November 1986, Bob and his aide, Anijay Jumaani who used to write for a local newspaper in Zamboanga City were fatally shot by assassins as they emerged from an elevator of the Hotel Aurelio. Inasmuch as I still have to write my news story for the Inquirer, I excused myself to go ahead and left from the group of Chairman Bob. In those days where Internet connectivity was not yet used by Media people there was a need for us to personally report to the Editorial office and to manually write the news story by a manual typewriter usually the Olympia brand. Laptops was then a strangest gadget to us. After writing my story, I filed it with my Editor who assured me considering the significance of the story it will

voting. We seem to forget that choosing our leaders is a solemn trust, and elections based on the vote of the majority are forms of consultative actions in government. Elections and consultations, or elections as consultations, are not to be trifled with. In the chapter of the Qur‘aan titled ―as-shuura‖ or ―the consultation‖, Allah describes the believers as those who respond to (their) Lord, establish regular prayer; and who conduct their affairs by mutual consultation, and who spend out of what We bestow on them for sustenance.‖ [Surah XLII, Ayat 38, Al-Qur‘aan] Thus the affair of choosing a leader may rightfully be conducted through an election, thereby giving elections the Islamic imprimatur of propriety. You violate election rules, you infringe the rules of mutual consultation. MKS

es throughout the Philippines. I sent a pager Message to the late Atty. Susan delos Reyes, a Mindanao Political Leader from Zamboanga City where I informed her that the my News Story on their Presscon will land on the Front Page of the Inquirer and for her to inform Chairman Bob Tugung of the Good News. However, the reply of Atty. Susan to me was a brief one and was a very tragic one where she answered me ―you come here Bob was shot.‖ She did not specify immediately that Chairman Bob and his Aide were fatally shot. Nevertheless I learned later that both victims Ulbert Ulama “Bob” Tugung (November 10, 1939 –November 22, succumbed to the bullet 1986) (Contributed Photo) wounds they sustained communicated through a and were pronounced D0A pager, which is a wireless (Dead on Arrival) by attendtelecommunications device ing physicians of the nearby that receives and displays Manila Doctors Hospital at alphanumeric or voice mes- the U.N. Avenue in Manila. Due to this, I immediately sages. In my case I was subscribed to a Pocket Bell told my Editor that I am going where the model I was using to write a Part 2 of the News was a national pager that can Story changing entirely my transmit and receive messag- lead paragraph that instead be used in the front page. Of course I was happy then that my efforts have paid off. Thus at that time SMS (Short Message System) or text Message was not yet introduced in the market, we just

of what had transpired on the Presscon it announced the Breaking News that ―LTP-9 Chairman Ulbert Ulama ―Bob‖ Tugung and his Aide got assassinated after the Presscon of Mindanao leaders at Aurelio Hotel.‖ Hence, after writing the Part 2 of my News Story, I immediately rushed to the ER (Emergency Room) of the Manila Doctors Hospital where I got speechless but only to mutter a short Prayer of ―Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Rajiun‖ and recited the Fatiha as well upon seeing the lifeless bodies of Chairman Bob and Anijay whom I was talking with them a few hours earlier. It was good enough that at that time there was an early morning flight of the Philippine Air Lines (PAL) known as the Bulilit Flight where the cadavers of both victims were immediately shipped out to Zamboanga City for the immediate Islamic burial. At this point, may I invite my readers to read or follow the blow by blow account on the colorful life and times of Chairman Bob Tugung with the herein well narrated story about his life carefully presented by Wikepedia. JANNARAL | A8

Opinion

Diliman Way HOMOBONO A, ADAZA

ill President Duterte ever entertain this unsolicited advice? It‘s anybody‘s guess. If we were to think of the usual behavioral pattern of President Duterte these past four years, it is not easy to conceive a favorable response from him. The pressing of the limited time line under which he is currently operating may possibly produce a favorable response. Duterte‘s option: If the President does not adopt these suggested anti-graft and corruption measures, it is about time he stops ranting against it and the people who are continuing to practice it,

He‘d just be banging his head against the wall. If he does that, he would need a bigger dosage of fentanyl to assuage the greater pain on his head. So what is his option if he wants to be fondly remembered? He should concentrate all his time, money and effort on the following activities. First, provide all the needs of hospitals and front liners on matters of higher salaries and other benefits as well as all the needed equipment, medicines and medications vaccines and vitamins to the sick and those who are in

Punchline ALI G. MACABALANG

he 80-member interim governing body called Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) of the fledgling Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) cannot by all means, without Divine intervention, fully flesh out the two-track intents of the 2014 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) final peace accord with the government. I am certain of this notion, especially so that the interim BARMM governance is expected to build stronger foundation for autonomy better than of its predecessor – the 29-year old Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Perceived malfeasances in the ARMM government ranging from alleged mishandling of public funds to sale of items positions in the education department and other

regional offices are just part of the MILF-led BARMM regime to think in building a better autonomous bureaucracy. Another major concern is how the government and the MILF can fully decommission and transform to civilian productive life the latter‘s 14-strong revolutionary forces. The BTA has just enacted the regional administrative code and education code, and is working under pressures amid adversities of their infancy, the COVID-19 pandemic challenges and illeffects of intermittent manmade and natural calamities in crafting other ordinances required for full-blown regional autonomous governance. The local governance code, the civil service code and other regional necessary laws are still under delibera-

Vol. I, No. 24 | Nov. 27-Dec. 3, 2020 (Rabi ‘ul Akhir 12-18, 1442)

Of Pledges, Promises, Hopes and Dreams (Last of 2 Part) need at the expense of the government. Second, provide the financial needs of the citizens by continuing to distribute funds to them for their survival in this crisis. Third, provide interim funds for all kinds of business which were all crippled by the pandemic. Fourth, give full financial and other forms of aid to the victims of typhoons and other similar calamities. Fifth, allow the resumption of normal activities with strict enforcement of health protocols –wearing masks and face shields, social distancing, avoiding all large gatherings, bringing alcohol to disinfect

hands that touch objects and soaping hands whenever it is necessary. These are things that are easily doable. These are activities which make people remember their President and his administration. Leave the perceived insoluble problems to the next administration because the current one is helpless to solve them. Reminders: Leadership is a risky activity. He who does not risk is undeserving to be a leader. It probably is best to reminder these memorable lines from Ralph Waldo Emerson‘s A Nation‘s Strength because they embody our hopes and dreams for our

country: ―Not gold but only men can make. A people great and strong; Men who for truth and honor‘s sake Stand fast and suffer long. Brave men who work while others sleep, Who dare while others fly… They build a nation‘s pillars deep And lift them to the sky.‖ Will President Duterte and his new Secretary of Justice dare to do the measures in our unsolicited advice? If they dare, there is basis to hope and dream of better lives for Filipinos living in a country where equality, justice and freedom prevail. (HAA)

3 Years Is Not Enough tion. And without the passage and implementation of such laws, BARMM governance cannot be better than ARMM. The interim regional government is steered by MILF officials and supporters, who have admitted their need for more exposure to and trainings for career services. It took decades for Prophet Mohammad (s.a.w.), a Divine personality, to reform Arabia and the rest of the world from ignorance of faith and idolatries. The current officials of BARMM, therefore, cannot be expected to translate to realities the provisions of the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro. In fairness to the MILF, it had bargained for six-year transition for regional government in the original draft of bill for the creation of new autonomy. Unfortunately, the draft

Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) was shelved in Congress following a public outrage over the death of 44 terrorist-hunting police commandos in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25, 2015 under the watch of then President Noynoy Aquino.. The succeeding Duterte government revived deliberations on the law it named Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) and enacted it as R.A. 11054 on July 24, 2018. The law, however, shortened the transition period from desired sis years to just three that will last until 2022. I believe the MILF with its political party called United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) can squarely participate and field candidates in the 2022 elections, but winning seats in the regional parliament is another question. MILF Chairman and BARMM Interim Chief Minis-

ter Ahod ―Hadji Murad‖ Ebrahim has acknowledged the lack of their fledgling administration‘s ―major success‖ in the government track and normalization track of the 2014 accord. He said their reign in BARMM has not met the public expectation yet, a scenario he feared to cause dismal votes for UBJP candidates in 2022. And we must consider also the fact that unless reforms are put in place, electoral contests in Bangsamoro provinces would remained a money-influenced affair of traditional politicians. The call of some quarters now backed by the BTA for a three-year extension in the transition process of the BARMM governance is proper, moral and legal – in the name of better autonomous governance. (Comments on or suggestions to this column can be sent to alimac.bulletin@gmail.com)

TAGO | from Page A4

10-M OFWs deserve a separate department urgently Then the Mayor of Davao reciprocated that by taking major steps to address the OFWs concerns including his popular promise to create a separate Department. He appointed his presidential adviser on OFWs affairs. In the previous administrations, OFWs plight has worsened while some of the government labor mission in

foreign post took advantage in abusing their power. The media exposed some of the blatant acts of those PH designated labor officers who supposed to be protectors prompting the Senate to make its investigation. The OFWs and their incomes became milking cow for the corrupt officials benefiting both from the recruit-

ment agencies and the numerous OFWs imposed contribution including Healthcare. President Rodrigo R. Duterte administration so far, has done remarkable actions in favour of OFWs except the promised OFW Department. He did promised that he will appoint some qualified OFWs as head of mission. Himself repeatedly urged

the concern lawmakers to pass the bill. Thanks to the decisive and strong push by veteran OFWs that has prompted the Senate to schedule a session this coming month. Recently, Secretary Abdullah "Dabs" Mama-o has addressed the bill in a very logic and reasonable letter to the President to make it urgent.

The remaining battle is who is going to handle the Department. The same people from Department of Labor as manifested by DOLE in his statement which both Sec. Mama-o and the OFWs veterans have strongly opposed. This is to be created for OFWs and should be runned and handled 100 percent by themselves to make a total change in the affairs of the modern heroes. AHMT

News

Vol. I, No. 24 | Nov. 27-Dec. 3, 2020 (Rabi ‘ul Akhir 12-18,

Adiong explains Lanao Sur mayors’ objection to BARMM transition extension

anao Sur Governor Mamintal ―Bombit‖ Alonto-Adiong Jr. on Friday explained the stance of his constituent mayors in opposing calls for an extension in the Bangsamoro autonomous government‘s transitional operations beyond 2022, saying the clamor should be subjected to popular consultation. In an interview over the phone with the Philippine Muslim Today newspaper, Gov. Adiong confirmed that Interim Chief Minister Ahod ―Hadji Murad‖ Ebrahim had earlier talked to him and asked for possible provincial government endorsement of an idea floated by a non-government organization – the Mindanao People‘s Caucus – about a need for three additional years in the current timeline of the Bangsamoro Transition

By ALI G. MACABALANG

POPULAR CONSULTATION. Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal A. Adiong, Jr. said Lanao del Sur mayors’ clamor for BARMM transition extension should be subjected to popular consultation. (File photo) Authority (BTA). After the talk, the governor said, he called for a closed-door meeting with the mayors of the 39 towns in Lanao del Sur and Marawi City on Nov. 11 to get their reactions about the proposal. Thirty two (32) attended the meeting and all of them sounded off ―no‖ or objection to the proposal, Gov. Adiong said, pointing out though that the mayors‘ senti-

ments were informal and not put into official manifestation. ―I was surprised the proceedings of the closed-door meeting had leaked out to the media. None of us wanted the meeting results heralded in the media,‖ Adiong said in the vernacular. A few days after the meeting, the Philippine Muslim Today, citing reliable sources allied with the governor, car-

ried a news-breaking story about the mayors‘ resentment to the extension clamor and their desire for the pursuance of the 2022 election in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to ensure genuine electoral representation to the infant regional government. Gov. Adiong took exception to a portion of the published report that undermined the fitness or qualifications of BTA incumbent members, whom President Duterte had appointed and installed to office formally on March 29, 2019. He said his clan would never belittle or malign public officials, especially the incumbent BTA members. He said many of the appointed Parliament members are either his relatives or friends. ADIONG | A8

Two DI supporters yield with firearms in Lanao Sur COTABATO CITY: The Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC) of the autonomous government has engaged young ulama (Islamic scholars) in a two-day conference here meant to enhance their participation in promoting peace and development. Young ulama from Maguindanao, North Cotabato, and this city attended the convergence at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex here on Nov. 12-13, BYC chairperson Marjanie Macasalong said in a statement coursed through the BARMM‘s Bureau of Public Information. The meeting tackled the BYC priority agenda for 2020-2022 focused on peace-building and security, governance, and active citizenship, Macasalong said. Macasalong, who is a member of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament, said the participants were being tapped as active partners in the quest for moral governance of the Bangsamoro Government. ―Our main goal for this conference is to en-

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

A Daulah Islamia hands over one Garand rifle to 55th Infantry Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Franco Raphael Alano as a sign of returning to the fold of the law peacefully in Madalum, Lanao del Sur. (Contibuted Photo) gage young Islamic scholars—not just in our work to equip and empower the youth, but in our pursuit of the moral governance agenda,‖ Macasalong said. In a video message, BARMM Chief Minister Ahod ―Al Haj Murad‖ Ebrahim lauded the young scholars for becoming keen in rallying his administration‘s quest for sacrifices needed to achieve moral governance in the region. ―Kayo, bilang mga bagong Ma‘aalam sa ating relihiyon, ang isa mga sektor na inaasahan naming makakatulong sa pagkakabuklod buklod ng

Bangsamoro ayon na rin sa katuruan ng Sunnah at ng Qur‘an,‖ Ebrahim told the meeting participants. Bangsamoro Mufti Abu Hurarira Udasan, who is also the executive director of the the Bangsamoro Regional Darul Ifta, said the youth as constituents of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) ―can contribute greatly to building the moral governance by embodying the teachings of Islam as Muslim scholars in their respective places.‖ Key participants included Sheikh Abdulhadie Gumander, Dr.

Nadheer Ebil, and Sheikh Badiuzzaman Saliao. BTA Parliament Majority Floor Leader Lanang Ali, Jr. and Minister Naguib Sinarimbo updated the participants on the efforts of the BARMM and BTA. Parliament members Abdulwahab Pak and Ibrahim Ali, and a representative of Ahmad Gayak delivered messages during the event. Bangsamoro Wali Khalipha Usman Nando called for unity amongst the scholars to enhance support to the BARMM governance. The BYC sponsored the confab in partnership with the Hay-Atol Ulama El Muslimina Bil-Filibbin, Inc. and Union of Muslim Youth Organizations (UMYO). Nasserudin Dunding, chair of BYC‘s programs and operations, said the first cluster of this series of conference was held in Marawi City for the Muslim scholars from Marawi City and Lanao del Sur on July 23. A similar conference for young Islamic scholars from Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi is slated in the first quarter of 2021. JIJ

POPCOM pushes family planning, responsible parenthood MANILA: The Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) will highlight the interconnection of population factors and the pandemic during the observance of Population and Development (POPDEV) Week from November 23 to 29. In a statement furnished Philippine Muslim Today, POPCOM is calling on all government stakeholders and the public to address prevailing issues that affect the integrity of populations and communities. For one, practicing family planning and responsible parenthood should be part of medium-to-longterm solutions toward building the resiliency of families and communities, as these would enable couples to have greater capacity to ensure their health, financial stability, and other social protections in the future, according to the statement. ‖Our resiliency against the pandemic and other related crisis situations starts from our decision to form a family,‖ POPCOM Usec. Juan Antonio Perez III said ―We need to consider our preparedness and capabilities to provide each member their physical, social, emotional, and other pertinent needs,‖ Perez added. ‖When families are planned well, vulnerabilities diminish; thus, communities can overcome major disasters such as pandemics and natural calamities,‖ added Perez. As the central government agency for the country‘s population management program, POPCOM also provides technical assistance to local government units (LGUs) and other institutions in addressing other population issues, such as unmanaged internal migration which causes congestion and crowding in megacities. POPCOM believes initiatives that take into consideration population factors are relevant, particularly during the Covid-19 health crisis and the occurrence of recent natural disasters, as they will help local governments plan and implement their programs, with focus on communities with demographic vulnerabilities. This year‘s POPDEV Week also seeks to raise awareness on the Philippines‘ reproductive health situation and other demographic concerns adversely affected by the pandemic. It likewise aims to increase collaboration among advocates and other stakeholders for family planning, as well as adolescent health and demographic interventions, while strengthening service delivery for their beneficiaries. PMT

New Covid-19 recoveries hit 305 The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday reported that 305 individuals have successfully recovered from the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), bringing the country‘s total recoveries to 275,237 or 90.4 percent of all cases. In its daily Covid-19 bulletin, the DOH also reported 1,639 new cases, bringing the total active cases to 31,805 or 7.7 percent of all cases. Of these active cases, it said 84.7 percent are experiencing mild symptoms, followed by those without symptoms or asymptomatic at 8.1 percent, those in critical condition at 4.5 percent, severe cases at 2.4 percent, and moderate cases at 0.21 percent. Davao City once again topped the list of areas with the highest number of new cases at 113, followed by Laguna at 76, Quezon City at 75, Rizal at 75, and Cavite at 63. The DOH said 27 new deaths were reported, bringing the country‘s Covid-19 fatalities to 8,025 or 1.93 percent of all cases. The country has so far recorded a total of 415,067 cases of coronavirus. To date, about 55 percent of the country‘s 1,900 beds at intensive care units (ICU) remain available, 60 percent of 13,500 isolation beds are unoccupied, 69 percent of 5,900 ward beds are unoccupied, and 79 percent of 2,000 ventilators are unused. PNA

Vol. I, No. 24 | Nov. 27-Dec. 3, 2020 (Rabi ‘ul Akhir 12-18, 1442)

OFFICIALS | from Page A2

Officials explain Duterte‟s nod on BARMM transition extension To prove that the election postponement move involved no vested interest, he would tender his resignation as MP member immediately a day after the national government shall have officially declared postponing the polls.

At Monday‘s Palace meeting, the President‘s backing of the proposal was explicit because he instantly ordered Sec. Galvez and other concerned cabinet members to facilitate steps leading to the grant of additional three years

or so to the BTA lifespan, Minister Sinarimbo said. ―Malinaw naman po ang support ng Presidente sa extension proposal at may mga directives siya,‖ Sinarimbo said He said ICM Ebrahim and

the regional cabinet will be holding subsequent meetings with Sec. Galvez to discuss the details required in the pursuit of regional governance‘s transition extension. Earlier, Sinarimbo posted in the Facebook two photos,

one showing them in a huddle with the President and another depicting them in posterity pose with Senator Chrostopher ―Bong‖ Go, an constant buddy of the President, after their meeting with the Chief Executive. (AGM)

ADIONG | from Page A7

Adiong explains Lanao Sur mayors‟ objection to BARMM transition extension As an offspring of the prominent Adiong and Alonto political clans that helped sowed the seed of struggle for genuine autonomy for the Moro community, he said could afford to be a stumbling block to the success of the BARMM entity. The late former Senators Domocao Alonto and Alauya Alonto were grandfather and great grandfather, respectively, of the provincial governor. As much as he respects the sentiments of his constituent mayors, Adiong he would rally their demand for a popular consultation in the clamor for extension in the BARMM government transi-

tion period. During the Nov. 11 meeting at the provincial capitol complex in Marawi City, Adiong recalled, many mayors aired dismay in the failure of the MILF officialdom to deliver its promises for packages of equitable development projects and fair share in regional employment for Lanao Sur people once BOL ratification was overwhelmingly ratified in the January 2019 plebiscite. Adiong said the LGUs of Lanao del Sur and Marawi City yielded over 90 percent turnout of voters, who cast close to 100 percent affirmative votes. Lanao del Sur is second

richest-vote province in BARMM with close to 600,000 electorate. The first is Maguindanao, which has close to 700,000 voters. Apart from Maguindanao amd Lanao del Sur, BARMM also covers the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi as well as the cities of Cotabato, Marawi and Lamitan and 63 villages in North Cotabato. In a podcast with journalist Christian Esguera on Nov. 13, Chief Minister Ebrahim announced his administration‘s support to an earlier recommendation by the Mindanao People‘s Caucus (MPC) for a three-year exten-

sion in the lifespan of the BTA, the interim governing body of BARMM. The MPC had reportedly conducted a rapid review on the operation of the interim regional governance and found out that its three-year transition period ending in 2022 would not suffice for the satisfactory implementation of R.A. 11054 and the provision on the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB), particularly in the government and normalization tracks. The governmental track mandates the establishment of more meaningful bureaucratic structures in BARMM,

while the normalization track stipulates the full decommissioning of the MILF combatants for their transformation to civilian productive and peaceful life. On the basis of the podcast proceedings, the BTA passed on Nov. 17 Resolution No. 332 endorsing to Congress the call for threeyear extension in the BTA lifespan. Resolution main author Parliament Member Jose Lorena has cited earlier passages of endorsement manifestos and resolution from the provinces of Tawi-Tawi and Maguindanao. (AGM)

IX in December 1979 and implemented massive infrastructure and social projects in the Sulu Archipelago and Zamboanga Peninsula. In 1984, he had a falling out with the Marcos administration during the 1984 elections for the Batasang Pambansa, for which he was consequently removed as LTP chairman, although he remained a Regional Assemblyman representing Basilan. He founded the Basilan United Opposition (BUO) and successfully campaigned in the province for Corazon C. Aquino in the 1986 snap election. He was reappointed as LTP Chairman on July 16, 1986. Death In the evening of November 22, 1986, Tugung and his aide, Anijay Jumaani, were fatally shot as they were emerging from Hotel Aurelio in Manila after a long day of

conferences with other Mindanao leaders. He was interred in a Muslim cemetery in Tabuk, Isabela, Basilan. His widow, Elnorita, was appointed by President Aquino to succeed him as LTP chairman on November 28, 1986. In 1992, she was elected as Member of the House of Representatives for the Lone District of Basilan. Memorial For his contributions in Mindanao, Tugung Street in Isabela, Basilan and Tugung Avenue in Zamboanga City were named after him. In 1988, the Bob Tugung Peace and Development Foundation was founded with a focus on education by granting scholarship to deserving students and other education-related activities. For your comments and suggestions please send an E-mail to: munir1845media@gmail.com

JANNARAL | from Page A5

A Tribute To LTP-9 Chairman Bob Tugung Early Life and Education Ulama was born on November 10, 1939 in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi to Hadji Pangalampas Tugung and Hadja Naradja. He graduated valedictorian at TubigIndangan Elementary School (now Panglima Ibrahim Elementary School) in Simunul, Tawi-Tawi then went to Notre Dame of Bongao for high school. He obtained his law degree from the Zamboanga A.E. Colleges (now Universidad de Zamboanga) in Zamboanga City. Fresh out of college, he ran for mayor at the age of 23 in the 1961 local elections in Bongao but did not succeed. The following year, he married Elnorita Pamaran of Lamitan, Basilan. They both

became school teachers at Claret College of Isabela. From 1968 to 1973, he was publisher of the Basilan Newsweek. Career In 1970, Ulama was elected municipal councilor of Basilan when he ran as the lone opposition candidate against the slate of former mayor Leroy Brown. At the height of the Muslim secessionist movement led by the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in the mid1970s, Basilan became the scene of some of the bloodiest fighting between rebels and government forces. Tugung actively negotiated the surrender of thousands of rebels and saw to their subsequent rehabilitation. When the city of Basilan was converted into a prov-

ince in 1974, Tugung was appointed provincial board member, and concurrently deputy governor to the military governor and OIC Mayor of Isabela. In 1976, he was appointed Executive Assistant of the Mindanao Executive Development Academy and subsequently promoted as Director of the Local Government Monitoring Office of the newly organized Office of the Regional Commissioner (ORC) headed by Rear Admiral Romulo M. Espaldon. In January 1977, he became the ORC's Executive Director. In May 1979, Tugung was elected Regional Assemblyman of the Regional Autonomous Government's legislative assembly. He was subsequently appointed Chairman of the LTP (Regional Executive Council) of Region

VESTIGES | from Page A2

Vestiges of 2009 „Ampatuan massacre‟ still painful... He took exception to an adage that time heals wounds. ―Maybe time indeed has healed the once gaping wounds that has left us numb to the very fiber of our beings…but for most, if not all who are here with us would agree that what has transpired on that fateful November 23 morning 11 years ago

is incredulously impossible to forget. Lahat tayong nandito ay may dala-dala pa ring lungkot, pait o maging galit,‖ Mangudadatu said. He hinted at reported acts of massacre perpetrators in sexually molesting some of the female victims before all of 57 people were executed mercilessly. ―And for all the atrocity,

malignancy and evil that happened that day, I still (wonder) how the perpetrators managed to hatch and carry out the deed as vile as the Maguindanao Massacre. Bakit nila nagawang lapastanganin at paslangin ang aking asawa at mga kapatid kasama ang 55 pang media personalities, supporters, at inosenteng sibilyan

simply because of the task at hand or that they were in a wrong place at the wrong time,‖ the solon pointed out. In separate message, former Buluan Mayor Ebrahim ―Jhong‖ Mangudadatu said the tragedy was destined to happen to end the reign of impunity and feudalistic family in Maguindanao. With overwhelming sympathy, the Maguindanao elec-

torate catapulted Toto Mangudadatu to the governorship vie the 2010 elections drew media coverage by local and foreign journalists, and entailed unprecedented police and military security measures. Monday‘s reckoning event was provided substantial security assistance by police and Army elements led by Colonel Richard Sanchez, head of the Army‘s Mechanized Battalion assigned in Maguindanao. (AGM)

Tourism

Vol. I, No. 24 | Nov. 27-Dec. 3, 2020 (Rabi ‘ul Akhir 12-18, 1442)

The Role of Coaches and Trainers in Sports Development in Tawi-Tawi

Coron to welcome local tourists beginning Dec. 1 By JOYCE ANN L. ROCAMORA

By JOHNNY R. LEE, Ph.D

awi-Tawi‟s prominent role as regional volleyball power in Mindanao is anchored on structural elements that consist of the following: a.) Wide selection of local raw talents; b.) Sports-leaning administrators of concerned government agencies and host academic institutions; and c.) The quality of coaches and trainers handling the teams.

The 2007 Nestea Beach Volleyball Champion won by MSU Tawi-Tawi coached by Dir. Edward Lee. A Golden Trophy and P250,000.00 cash price was awarded to his players in Boracay Island. The latter (coaches and trainers) are the most pivotal element/s that propel TawiTawi‘s supremacy over other

Prof. Lee joined MSU as a faculty member fresh from his stint as top volleyball player of Southwestern Uni-

The Champion MSU Team in action during the 2019 Masts Games in Camiguin. volleyball sports associations in the region. They are the so -called ‗frontliners‘ that make things happen on the ground and on their shoulders lay the success of the team. At the core of this structural elements is one particular sportsman named Prof. Edward Lee. He is credited to be responsible for taking home numerous victories and strings of successes both for MSU Tawi-Tawi and the province. Prof. Lee is the current Sports Director of said premiere university. Aside from being the head of the sports department, he actively and personally involved as coach -cum-trainer of MSU volleyball varsity teams. His players dubbed him as a ‗great motivator and a source of inspiration‘ to his underlings both past and present.

versity of Cebu City. His alma mater ruled the Visayas region in men‘s volleyball during his varsity years. His experiences include international exposures playing with teams from Southeast Asian

countries. According to Prof. Lee, a player must not only possess the athletic ability but should be complemented with having a high I.Q. or intelligent quotient. ‗In a very stiff and competitive sport, given all things equal, the one with the superior brains will most likely prevail‘, he said. Prof. Lee graduated at the top of his class from MSU Preparatory High school in 1974. He is a certified Masters in Public Administration graduate and a holder of doctoral degree in Educational Administration. Prof. Lee is credited for moulding top volleyball players of the province who made names in the national arena. (To be continued in the next issue: ‘Remarkable Tawi -Tawi Sportsmen in the National Limelight’).

Coach Dir. Edward Lee (2nd row right) with his MSU players representing the then ARMM clinching the 2015 National SCUAA Meet in Tuguegarao City

MANILA: Coron Island will start accepting local tourists beginning December 1, the Department of Tourism (DOT) announced Tuesday. "Coron, Palawan awaits your return to its magnificent limestone rock formations and stunning lagoons as it opens for domestic travel on December 1, 2020," it said on its official Twitter account. Based on the approved guidelines and protocols for prospective visitors to Coron, Palawan, any Filipino citizen or foreigner residing in the Philippines aged 15 to 65 may enter the island for leisure purposes. To schedule a trip to Coron, the visitor must book via a DOT-certified accommodation establishment first. A negative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) result within 48 to 72 hours before arrival is also required. Visitor must also register and fill up the required health declaration form, which may be accessed soon at www.corontourism.ph. Once the registration is approved, the visitor will be given a unique QR code, which will serve as a pass upon entry and while in Coron. Upon check-in, the visitor needs to present the negative RT-PCR test; roundtrip ticket, and confirmed booking itinerary. All tourists will also undergo health assessment at the triage area of Francisco Reyes Airport in Coron, Palawan. If symptomatic, antigen testing will be required with a fee of PHP3,500 to be paid by the tourist, and once tested positive, the tourist will be isolated in a hotel isolation room. Coron will be implementing a 50-percent carrying capacity for destinations with corresponding minimum health protocols implemented. Last October 30, El Nido also expanded its travel bubble to more areas allowed for tourism activities. The travel bubble allowed visitors to enter the island, provided they undergo and submit a negative RT-PCR test result at least 72 hours before their trip. PNA

Gov Salliman turns over new building to Lamitan City school

LAMITAN CITY, Basilan: Governor Jim Hataman Salliman, along with the other local government officials, turned over on Tuesday, November 24, a two-storey six classroom building with window grills to a school in Lamitan City. The building was given to Damaso C. Furigay Jr. Memorial National High School in Barangay Calugusan. ―The ribbon cutting ceremony is a tangible manifestation that said structure is another landmark in Basilan,‖‖ said Salliman. Aside from Salliman, Vice Governor Yusop Alano, Vice Mayor Oric Furigay and Ms. Myra B. Mangkabung, Superintendent of Lamitan City Schools Division, spearheaded the turning-over. MASIDING NOOR YAHYA

Mother Nature

The Calamitous Impact of Natural Disasters In The Philippines: Why?

Vol. I, No. 24 | Nov. 27-Dec. 3, 2020 (Rabi ‘ul Akhir 12-18, 1442)

DavOr joins other LGUs banning single-use plastics By Che Palicte

By Yusuf Ashraf “Joey” Pamaran Tugung

First of 2 Parts

he recent super typhoons Rolly and Ulysses and typhoons Quinta and Siony that consecutively battered the different parts of our archipelagic country and the destruction that they have wrought along its path due to heavy rains, strong winds and severe flooding are not something new. In fact, these were expected and, sad to say, as a nation we have already become numbed to this kind of natural disaster i.e., as to the loss of lives, destructions of crops, property and infrastructure. Since time immemorial, and more so with the advent of climate change/global warming in the 1950s as a result of the Third Industrial Revolution, our country has been prone to tropical cyclones due to its geographical location in the Philippine Sea and in the North Pacific Ocean. In fact, more tropical cyclones (TCs) are entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) than anywhere else in the world. With the average of 20 TCs in this region per year, on average eight or nine tropical storms make landfall in the Philippines each year. Given these reality and facts, it does not have to take a rocket scientist to figure out what our country could do, and should do, in anticipation of a foreseeable natural calamity. And yet, despite such predictable weather forecast (and PAG-ASA is very good at it), our country seems to be perennially in a ―state of unreadiness‖ and in a ―state of calamity‖ – always caught ―flat-footed‖, as evidenced by the loss of lives and destruction of property, which is mind boggling to say the least. This is to include even just a mere torrential rain, as evidenced by the destruction of dikes, roads, bridges and levees, due to flash floods. In all of these, the government‘s response is predictably reactionary, ad hoc, chaotic, disorganized, slow, and even, comical. And to add salt to injury, the government does not have readily available and the necessary equipment, logistics, medical supplies, life-saving medical equipment, and land, sea and air transportation to launch light and major rescue operations, relief efforts and rehabilitation. There is also absence of contingency plans for temporary shelters, basic sanitation services and the provision of food, water, medicines, clothing, bedding and sleeping mats for the victims, survivors, and the internally displaced. And the mother of all incompetence, it does not have a unified on-site Incident Command System that coordinates with discipline and cohesiveness all the rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts by the different concerned public and private agencies, when ―time is of the essence‖ in disaster management. The much talked about Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (DRRMC) from the national level down to the local levels have never been proven effective in the face of this natural disaster, including during earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Its failure is evident in all the key areas that they are supposed to manage, namely: (a) disaster prevention and mitigation; (b) disaster preparedness; (c) disaster response; and (d) disaster recovery and rehabilitation. This is not surprising because the law itself that created these councils, Republic Act 10121, has been set-up to fail from the very beginning i.e., funding is only less than 5% of income from regular sources, with a ratio of 70% for prevention, mitigation and preparedness, and 30% to response, recovery and rehabilitation. Besides, it is only a council, and technically, therefore, it is not an organic institution. With that being said, its role is simply relegated to networking and coordinating when disaster strikes. And on top of that, it does not have the necessary and readily available resources at its disposal to respond to disasters. (TO BE CONTINUED)

AVAO CITY: Davao Oriental province has joined 30 other coastal provinces and local government units (LGUs) in the country in signing a petition for a nationwide ban on the use of single-use plastic. In an interview Wednesday, Joyce Sierra, Oceana's communications manager, said currently, 31 coastal LGUs, including six provinces, and 25 cities and municipalities have signed similar resolutions. Oceana is an international advocacy organization dedicated to protecting the world‘s oceans. ―The Davao Oriental provincial board passed a resolution because a large portion of plastic wastes went to their ocean, and there is a need to stop it. That is why Oceana supported their call,‖ Sierra told the Philippine News Agency. In November last year, Davao Oriental passed an ordinance for the eventual phase-out of single-use plastics and polystyrene products, effectively prohibiting non-biodegradable plastic bags and polystyrene products. Among those to be banned are plastic bags, clear plastics, plastic straw, plastic stirrers, plastic cutlery, polystyrene products, helium balloons. Aside from Davao Oriental, Cebu, Southern Leyte, Masbate, Bohol, and Aklan also passed measures to ban single-use plastics. Oceana vice-president

Gloria Estenzo Ramos said the country faces the twin problems of massive flooding and uncontrollable material waste. She pointed out that the local governments are carrying the burden of addressing the obstacles that made it more difficult as the country deals with limits posed by the coronavirus pandemic. Ramos noted that several local governments have called on the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC) to release the Non-Environmentally Acceptable Products and Packaging (NEAPP) list, considering the "deleterious‖ effects of the disposal of plastic bags and packaging materials into the environment.

―The Philippines is an archipelagic country, and wastes are sure to flow and swell into a marine litter that endangers our fisheries and ocean ecosystem. No wonder that these provinces, cities, and municipalities are now speaking out. May the political will of the Commission be harnessed to reduce the plastic menace from the source,‖ Ramos said. She added that the move of local governments "sends a strong signal to NSWMC to fulfill its almost two-decadeslong unperformed mandate to submit a list of banned items that are unsafe in production, use, post-consumer use, or that produce or release harmful by-products when discarded." (PNA)

US officially leaves Paris Climate Agreement WASHINGTON: The United States formally left the Paris Agreement on Wednesday, marking the only nation among nearly 200 signatories that abandoned the global agenda on combating climate change. US President Donald Trump announced in June 2017 that his country would leave the Paris Agreement. According to the agreement, its signatories can only formally request to quit the pact three years after it takes force, which falls upon Nov. 4, 2019, and the withdrawal will take effect one year from delivery of the notification, meaning that the United

States will formally pull out of the pact on Nov. 4 this year. Trump announced the withdrawal soon after he took office, citing concerns about the pact's threat to the US economy.

The Trump administration also rolled back environmental rules made in the Obama era to prop up the coal industry by allowing it to emit more greenhouse gases into the air. (Xinhua)

Culture & Lifestyle

Vol. I, No. 24 | Nov. 27-Dec. 3, 2020 (Rabi ‘ul Akhir 12-18, 1442)

Pitis Patani

SULTANATE OF SULU: Titles and Styles By ABRAHAM I. DALAGAN Member, Ruma Bichara Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo

"The Best of Home-Cooked Halal Tausug-Filipino Dishes"

Continuation from last issue

With MARIA FHEBIE ORTIL

20. MUFTI – (A modern usage), the assigned Islamic scholar to issue fatwas or verdicts on religious matters; He is a member of the Ruma Bichara; 21. DATU‘ MULUK BANDAR SHĀH (localized, ―Datu‘ Bandarasa‖) – Minister of the interior; Member of the Ruma Bichara; 22. DATU‘ JULKARNAIN (from the Arabic, ―Dzul-Qarnayn‖ or ―The one with Two Horns,‖ namely, Alexander the Great) – Minister of war; Or commanding general of the Sultan‘s royal armed forces; Member of the Ruma Bichara; 23. DATU‘ TUMANGGUNG DĀGANGAN – Minister of trade and industry; Secretary of commerce; Member of the Ruma Bichara; One other Datu‘ Tumanggung is the Court Protocol Officer of the Sultanate, but not necessarily a member of the Ruma Bichara; And another more notable is the Datu Tumanggung Bantilan, the Sultan‘s Executive Secretary; 24. DATU‘ SHAH BANDAR (localized, ―Datu Sabandal‖) – Manager of ports; Chief of customs; Member of the Ruma Bichara; 25. DATU‘ MAMANCHA – Minister of labor, agriculture and food; Member of the Ruma Bichara; 26. DATU‘ AMĪR BAHAR (localized, ―Datu‘ Amilbahar‖) – Admiral or chief of the navy; Member of the Ruma Bichara; 27. DATU‘ SAWADJA‘AN (from the Bruneian, ―Shah Wijaan‖) – Revenue or tax collector; Member of the Ruma Bichara; 28. DATU‘ SAHIBULMAL – The Sultanate‘s finance minister or treasurer; Member of the Ruma Bichara; 29. MAHARAJAH LAYLA – Chief of Intelligence; Reporting directly to the Sultan; 30. DATU‘ PANGLIMA – Army field com-

mander; A ruling datu‘ [of a given territory]; Provincial/district governor; Chief emissary, representative or viceroy of the Sultan; 31. DATU‘ LAKSAMANA or Laksamana – Commodore or navy captain; 32. DATU‘ SUSULTANUN – A datu‘ born of a Sultan; A datu‘ of a Sultan‘s lineage; 33. DATU‘ SADJA – A commoner who has been conferred the rank of ―datu‖ by the Sultan; 34. DATU‘ PAHALAWAN or Juhan Pahalawan – A datu known or famous for his gallantry and valor; In the battlefield, he is either a major or a colonel [in the Sultan‘s royal armed forces] commanding a battalion of Bubunu‘; 35. DATU‘ BARBANGSA – A datu coming from a family or clan of datus (admittedly, a recent coinage); He could either be a datu susultanun or a datu sadja; 36. SAURAGAL – Although, popular now as a surname, the term or title of ―Sauragal‖ refers to a person of moral or religious authority, as he is considered knowledgeable in Islam, local culture and traditions; 37. PANGIYAN – Queen or empress, the Sultan‘s wife or consort; She could be a commoner; 38. DAYANG-DAYANG – Princess, daughter of a Sultan; 39. DAYANG-DAYANG PANGIYAN – Literally, queen-princess; A Sultan‘s wife whose father was also a Sultan; (Sultan in ama‘, sultan isab in nabana); 40. DAYANG-DAYANG PUTLI‘ – A princess whose father was a Sultan and mother a daughter of a ruling rajah or datu‘; (TO BE CONTINUED)

Eye health at risk during pandemic, warns expert ANKARA: Increased use of digital devices during the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid19) pandemic could affect eye health adversely, a Turkish eye doctor warned on Wednesday. Prof. Atilla Bayer told Anadolu Agency that as online education has replaced face-to-face education in most countries because of coronavirus, both adults and children should be aware of the risk of myopia as a result of increased usage of smart phones, tablets and computers. Arguing that the use of smart devices for a long time adversely affects blinking reflex, he said: ―The duration that eye remains open increases, and consequently dryness, known as xerophthalmia, occurs. Symptoms such as redness, watering, sense of burning are more common in dry environments.‖ Synthetic tears can provide relief in case of dryness in eyes, he added. Bayer said that with the decrease in blinking reflex, light sensitivity can increase in children with allergies. ―Redness, burning, fast blinking can occur, and even tic disorders may emerge." He recommended precautions to protect eye health.

―At least 60 centimeters [nearly 24 inches] of distance should be set between the eye and the device,‖ Bayer said. ―Eyes should be rested every 30 minutes. One should go out to balcony or garden, and look

at the horizon line to change the near focus to far focus, spend time with family and indulge in different activities,‖ Bayer said. Bayer said the brightness level of the screen is also of critical importance. ―Screen brightness should be at optimum level, not too bright. Not only should they set brightness and distance properly, but the screen should be kept at eye level as well,‖ he said. He also advised limiting the use of gaming devices during this period. Anadolu

n the 24th Digital Edition of the Philippine Muslim Today with the Inclusive Week November 27- December 3, 2020, still we would like to tackle here one of the best Tausug ―kakanin‖ or in the vernacular in Sulu known as ―bang-bang,‖ particularly the ―PITIS PATANI‖ as featured in the coffee table book The Best of Halal Home-Cooked Muslim Filipino Dishes written by Tausug Chef Abdulaziz H. Hamsain. So right now we will teach you how to properly, prepare and cook the Pitis Patani. First you have to prepare the Hinti which for a recipe like the Pitis Patani, Hinti serves as a main ingredient where it is stuffed inside the glutinous rice flour. Then as soon as the Hinti is prepared the next procedure to be done is to have the glutinous rice flour flattened on banana leaf by sealing the cover with toothpick. Afterwards it will be cooked in a steam for around 20 minutes so that the Pitis Patani will be cooked so well. Finally the Pitis Patani is now ready to be served either for breakfast or merely snacks with a matching brewed coffee or hot tea. PITIS PATANI Serves 2-3 Ingredients: -500 grams grind sticky rice (glutinous rice flour) -½ tsp food coloring (violet) -Hinti' (refer to Hinti' recipe) -Banana leaves -Toothpick -Water Procedure: 1. Prepare medium size rectangular shape banana leaves, set aside. 2. In a bowl, put the glutinous rice, add water and knead. 3. Take a handful of kneaded glutinous rice, flatten on banana leaf then full it with Hinti'. 4. Roll and slightly flatten, seal the cover with toothpick. 5. Steam for 15-20 minutes or more to make sure Pitis Patani' is cooked well. *Best served during merienda or snack time..

PITIS PATANI is another Tausug delicacy served in most coffee shops in downtown Jolo but it is also being served in several occasions like weddings and birthdays. (Photo by Abdulaziz H. Hamsain)