Philippine Muslim Today

Lessons from America

“TRUMPEACHED”

Mehol K. Sadain | A7

Homobono A. Adaza | A8

“Lake Lanao’s wealth, a bastion of BARMM’S opportunities ignored”

OFWs unify forces for Sen. Go’s 1949 bill

Bayan G. Balt | A8

Abdul Hannan M. Tago | A9

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Vol. I, No. 31 | January 15-21, 2021 (Jumad ‘ul Akir 1-7, 1442) | 2 Sections | 16 Pages

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Rep. Mangudadatu optimistic on extended BTA transition

By ALI G. MACABALANG

EDITORIAL Can the Bangsamoro do in the next polls what the Americans did to their incumbents?

W

hat can the ordinary Muslim in the Philippines learn from the recent elections in the United States?

Apparently, a few things.

One can learn that it is indeed possible to use one’s right to vote to express his/her anger at the current state of affairs, that it is possible to say through votes that enough is enough.

(Full Story on Page A6)

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OTABATO CITY: Maguindanao 2nd District Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu remains optimistic for Congressional approval of three additional years in the lifespan of

A2 BANGSAMORO

A11 WORLD NEWS

BARMM joins dialog on proposed Bangsamoro transition extension

Sri Lanka risks losing aid from the Muslim world due to forced cremation policy

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

By ABDUL HANNAN MAGARANG TAGO

A Focus Group Discussion with the House of Representatives and some national agncy officials as held recently to tackle the Bangsamoro push for transition extension.

As the Government of Sri Lanka continue its' hard-line stand on the cremation of Muslims who died of Covid-19, it risks losing aid from Muslim countries and organizations from around the world.

the Bangsamoro Transitional Authority (BTA), the governing body of the new Muslim Mindanao autonomous region.

Full Story on Page A2

B1 TOURISM

The Badjao Woman (III)

By JOHNNY R. LEE, Ph.D

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The Bangsamoro

BARMM joins dialog on proposed Bangsamoro transition extension

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

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AKATI CITY: A Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with the House of Representatives and some officials from national agencies was held Tuesday, Jan. 12 to tackle Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s (BARMM) push for Bangsamoro transition extension from 2022-2025.

Among the agenda discussed include the status of the interim government, challenges and opportunities during the transition period, navigating the realizations of key provisions of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, and harmonizing the bills filed for the BTA extension.

Moreover, possible collaborations between the Bangsamoro Government, the legislative and executive wings of the national government to assure the fulfilment of the GPH-MILF Peace Process was considered during the FGD. BARMM’s Attorney General lawyer ShaElijah Dumama-Alba underscored salient points why the Bangsamoro Government is pushing for the transition period extension after a third party Civil Society Organization conducted a rapid mid-term assessment of the transition back in October 2019.

Alba stressed in order to sustain the gains of peace process, the interim government seeks to put in place a bureaucracy BARMM | A12

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Vol. I, No. 31 | January 15-21, 2021 (Jumad ‘ul Akir 2-8, 1442)

Rep. Mangudadatu optimistic on extended BTA transition

By ALI G. MACABALANG

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OTABATO CITY: Maguindanao 2nd District Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu remains optimistic for Congressional approval of three additional years in the lifespan of the Bangsamoro Transitional Authority (BTA), the governing body of the new Muslim Mindanao autonomous region.

OCUSED GROUP DISCUSSION. Rep. Mangudadatu, left, confident on BTA extension.

At right are key participants in the Makati City focused group dialog. (Photo supplied) Rep. Mangudadatu, nical working commit- support the regional one of lawmakers rallytees in the House have transition extension proing the extension of the already begun harmo- posal, which he said will BTA transitional period nizing the four bills for enable the BTA to fully from 2022 to 2025, smooth deliberation in translate to realities the aired his at a forum in provisions of the the plenary.

Makati City on Jan. 12, It said at least two BARMM Charter (R.A. during which he ansenators were poised to 11054) and those of the nounced the increasing major author counterpart bills government‘s momentum of the proin the Senate, in a peace deals with the posal in the House of move giving rise to pos- Moro Islamic Liberation Representatives. sibility of an approval of Front (MILF) in 2013 He announced that BTA‘s extended and 2014. a fourth enabling bill ―Sa lahat ng aking lifespan within this year. was also filed lately by mga kasamahan sa All enabling bills in efDeputy Speaker Isidro fect seek to postpone kongreso, bigyan natin Ungab ng Davao City, the election of 80 regu- ng full support itong exmaking the number of lar parliament members tension ng BTA, dahil related legislative of the Bangsamoro Au- ang mag-aani nito ay measures to four. tonomous Region in hindi po tayo, kundi ang Rep. Mangudadatu, Muslim Mindanao ating mga kababayan sa a former three-term Southern Philippines (BARMM).

Maguindanao governor, The Maguindanao lalo na sa Bangsamoro filed last Dec. 1 House solon was among law- region na nangganBill No. 8117. House makers into the Jan. 12 gailangan ng maayos na Deputy Speaker Loren dialog dubbed as ―focus pamumuLegarda, Majority Floor Mangudadatu group discus- hay,‖ Leader Martin sion‖ (FGD) attended said.

Romualdez, and Lanao BARMM Attorney also by officials from del Norte Rep. Khalid Sha-Elijah BARMM, the Office of General Dimaporo had followed the Presidential Adviser Dumama-Alba told the suit with their separate on Peace Process forum that given a longversions.

(OPAPP), and the Inter- er transition period, the He said his bill alone Governmental Rela- BTA will be able to put has already mustered tions Body (IGRB), in place and institutionthe full support of eight among other stakehold- alize a bureaucracy that fellow lawmakers volunis ―fully operational, reers. teering as co-authors.

At the forum, sponsive, and appropriMangudadatu‘s legMangudadatu urged ate for the peculiar islative staff said techfellow lawmakers to needs of the Bangsamo-

ro people.‖ She pointed out the concept behind the move is not about clinging on to power, but to give sufficient time to complete normalization and political tracks mandated in the BARMM charter and the government-MILF peace accords.

For his part, OPAPP Assistant Secretary Wilben Mayor said that although the interim Bangsamoro governance has formulated its development plan, its implementation would need to go beyond a three-year period and ensure real opportunities for the Bangsamoro people. ―Rest assured that the OPAPP will support this initiative as well as provide the technical and administrative support. The success of the Bangsamoro Government will also be the success of the national government and the whole Filipino nation,‖ Mayor said.

Lawmaker-members of the House vital panels (Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms, Committee on Muslim Affairs, and Special Committee on Peace Reconciliation and Unity) reassured their support to the extension move.

Also present in the dialog were BARMM Cabinet Secretary Moh‘d Asnin Pendatun, Bangsamoro Development and Planning Authority Director General Mohajirin Ali, Chief of Staff Alvin-Yasher Abdulgafar, and Regional Information Director Ameen Andrew Alonto. AGM

For Quality Journalism, Read Philippine Muslim Today

Across BARMM

Vol. I, No. 31 | January 15-21, 2021 (Jumad ‘ul Akir 2-8, 1442)

A3

BARMM governance news Briefs | BARMM governance news Briefs Public Works Ministry swears in 141 new personnel

to information officers (IOs) of the Health, Education and Social Welfare ministries in BARMM as well as those of the five component provincial governments as the Bangsamoro Information Office.

The IOs received different communication paraphernalia such as cameras, voice recorders, printers, video cameras, microphones, laminating machines, tele-prompters, office equipment, and laptop computers, the BIO said.

The Ministry of Public Works (MPW) of the interim Bangsamoro governance swore in 141 newly appointed workers on Jan. 13 at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex in Cotabato City.

BARMM‟s READI team assists ailing boy in North Cotabato

Minister Sinarimbo announced their acquisition of ―one of our sea ambulances‖ on Jan. 8, saying the speedboat is an imperative component of the BARMM government‘s emergency response operations during natural and man-made calamities.

The ceremony was officiated by MPW Minister Eduard U. Guerra, BARMM Executive Secretary Abdulraof Macacua, MPW Director General Danilo A. Ong, and Civil Service Acting Assistant Regional Director Dominador E. Gonzales, Jr., who all took turns in urging the new recruits in upholding ―morale governance.‖

BARMM‘s Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (READI) team workers went to Barangay Pigcawaran in Alamada, North Cotabato on Jan. 11 and provided needed cash and relief assistance for the family of an ailing boy, named as Nhur Fhaids Saripada.

The boy is suffering from congenital heart disease, even as the READI program readied ―proper medical procedure to ensure he survives,‖ Local Government Minister and READI Administrator Naguib Sinarimbo said.

BARMM Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal led the distribution of three-month salaries of 164 temporary teachers or ―para-mentors‖ from Maguindanao province on Jan 13 at his office in Cotabato City.

The United Nations Children‘s Education Fund (UNICEF) and United Kingdom Government turned over on Jan. 13 sets of communications equipment

Ramil Masukat, former HEART director, hailed the arrival of the speedboat in what he described as ―dream come true.‖

MOLE-BARMM absorbs former DOLE-12

The autonomous government‘s Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLE) has absorbed the functions and assets of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) field office in Cotabato City after a recent ceremonial turnover.

Minister Iqbal described the ―para-teachers‖ as those temporarily appointed in the absence of licensed teachers. The teachers have already signed their contract for January until the end of S.Y. 2021.

UNICEF, UK government donate communication equipment to BARMM

Contingency response services are carried out by the Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (READI), a program that replaced the defunct ARMM‘S Humanitarian Emergency Assistance and Response Team (HEART.

Second round of BARMM aids for South Upi

Eighty eight (88) of the recipients work in Maguindanao Schools Division I, while the 76 others are assigned in the Maguindanao Division II. Each of them got Php45,000.00, summing up their Php15,000.00 per month salary from October - December 2020.

The distribution of salaries of para-teachers from Lanao del Sur I, II, and Marawi City was wet on Jan. 14. Minister Iqbal has yet to announce the date of salary distribution of such types of teachers in the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, the Bangsamoro Information Office said.

READI acquires emergency response speedboat

.The distribution was held at the BARMM compound in Cotabato City, in which officials of the donor entities espoused the use of the modern gadgets for intensified health messaging strategies on COVID-19, and bolstering community engagement, the BIO said.

The new recruits will be assigned to the ministry's District Engineering Offices: 23 in Maguindanao; 14 in Lanao del Sur, 13 for Basilan, 30 for Sulu, 13 for Tawi-Tawi, and 48 for the regional office in Cotabato City.

164 temporary teachers receive 3month salaries

READI program‘s media relations chief Myrna Jo Henry said the new round of dispersal included hygiene kits, bath towels, malong, blankets, toothbrushes and pastes, body and detergent soaps, sanitary pads, alcohols, shampoo and water containers for 599 village families, in addition to sacks of rice and dozens of canned goods earlier given.

MOLE Minister Romeo Sema installed Dimaporo Diocolano, an engineer, as head of the city field office last Monday. (AGM)

The BARMM governance conducted a second round of relief mission on Jan. 7 for atrocitiesaffected residents in South Upi, particularly in Barangay Itaw where armed men torched 13 houses belonging to Teduray families on Dec. 31.

The new mission is a follow-up of the READI workers‘ distribution of relief goods two days after the arson incident, involving this time supplementary aids from the BARMM‘s Health Ministry.

We will be featuring Bangsamoro governance Bief news in this page.

For inquiry, please email to: muslimtoday2020@gmail.com

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Across Mindanao

Fledgling Maguindanao town fetes 13th Founding Day COTABATO CITY: Officials and residents of Pandag, Maguindanao celebrated their municipality’s 13th foundation anniversary on Jan. 12 with various events designed as sort of thanksgiving for survival from different challenges capped by lack of internal revenue share for over a decade.

Held mostly at the town’s covered court, the commemorative events were led by three-term Mayor Zihan MamalintaMangudadatu and her husband, incumbent Bangsamoro Parliament Member Khadafeh “Toy” Mangudadatu, author of the municipal charter.

BLOOD-LETTING ON PANDAG DAY. Soldiers set to undergo blood-letting, an event highlighting the 13th foundation day celebration of Pandag town in Maguindanao on Jan. 12. (Photo supplied) Pandag was created on Jan. 12, 2007 under Muslim Mindanao Act 204 enacted by the fifth Regional Legislative Assembly of the defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The husband-author had served the RLA for three-terms before President Duterte appointed him as member of the 80-seat interim parliament of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), which replaced the almost three decade- old ARMM. BARMM Wali (judicial figure head) Ustaz Khalipa Nando joined thousands of celebrants, gracing a Qur’an reading contest won by Esmail Guiabil and Aisah Balon for male and female championship rounds, respectively, according to Melvyn Avanceña Aradanas, MP Mangudadatu’s executive assistant.

Representatives from law enforcement and military establishments joined residents and the Mangudadatu couple in a bloodletting event that formed part of the celebration, said Aradanas, who posted some photos of the occasion.

Soldiers from the Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion conducted free haircuts for male residents, while medical team workers staged “libreng tuli” for boys, he added.

In a speech, MP Mangudadatu narrated Pandag town’s challenging growth from varied challenges, which peaked at the absence of regular Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) from the government due to legal interpretation dispute over national and regional standards in creating towns.

“Pandag indeed has gone a tough and long way, yet despite all the challenges, including running on meager locally-sourced funds for twelve years before being recognized as a regular municipality last year and entitle it for its share (in IRA), it has hurdled it all,” MP Mangudadatu said, describing the setbacks as “obelisks.”

The defunct ARMM government under MAGUINDANAO| A7

Vol. I, No. 31 | January 15-21, 2021 (Jumad ‘ul Akir 2-8, 1442)

NorCot officialdom slams, mourns town mayor’s killing

By ALI G. MACABALANG

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IDAPAWAN CITY: The North Cotabato officialdom has slammed the killing of Libungan town Mayor Christopher “Amping” Cuan and his driver on Monday, Jan. 11, urging authorities to investigate thoroughly the incident and give justice to the victims.

Governor Nancy Catamco heralded her ―highest degree‖ of condemnation as she visited a local funeral parlor where the mayor‘s cadaver was brought for processing.

The provincial media relations office released an image showing Gov. Catamco in conference with police officers at the funeral parlor and a file photo of her with the slain mayor during his lifetime. ―I have ordered the police to conduct thorough investigation on this violent incident in order to achieve full justice for Mayor Cuan and the other victim of this heinous crime,‖ Catamco was quoted as saying.

Vice Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza reportedly conveyed similar words of sympathy, saying Mayor Cuan‘s demise had untimely orphaned ―not only his family but his constituents who looked up to him for his leadership.‖ Mayor Cuan and his driver, named as Edwin Ihao, had just arrived at the construction site of a cockpit arena around 11 a.m. on Jan. 11 when attacked by gunmen armed with highpowered rifles.

The duo died on the spot near the mayor‘s black pickup car that reportedly had just conveyed them from Davao City to Barangay Cabaruyan, the home-village of Cuan and construction site for a cockfight pit initiated by the mayor.

Initial investigations A local police official told a Cotabato Citybased broadcast entity that at least four armed men aboard a blue SUV vehicle staged the broad daylight attack.

Empty calibers 5.56 and .45 shells were recovered from the scene, the official said.

According to raw intelligence information, construction workers witnessed the killing and saw the attackers clad with bullet-proof vests and combat head-

North Cotabato Gov. Nancy Catamco, above, in a meeting with cops at a local funeral parlor (near the body bag of Mayor Cuan’s cadaver), and another depicting the governor in a huddle with the mayor when still alive, below. (Photo supplied)

gears using two gateaway vehicles – a Toyota Avanza and HighLux Pickup.

The same raw information revealed that some of the attackers had tailed the car of the slain mayor from Davao City up to the crime scene.

Narco-politics angle Cuan, known more as Mayor Amping, had survived an earlier attack when a sniper assassin‘s bullet failed to hit him in a broad daylight attack at the vicinity of Libungan town hall on Jan. 7, 2019 and hit instead a utility worker standing near him.

On Oct. 29, 2016, combined police and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency operatives arrested Cuan in a raid at his home in Barangay Cabaruyan for alleged possession of firearms and illegal drugs. The raiders seized assorted

firearms and ammunition, but found no illegal drugs. Cuan was freed on bail.

A day earlier, Mayor Samsudin Dimaukom of Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao and nine of his companions were killed at a police antidrug operation checkpoint along Barangay Old Bulatukan in Makilala, North Cotabato.

Like Mayor Cuan, Dimaukom and his wife were named in President Duterte‘s list of narco-politicians, and denied the allegation.

On Oct. 25, 2019, gunmen stopped a police van taking David Navarro, elected mayor of Clarin town in Cebu, to the state prosecutor‘s office in Cebu City and shot him dead. Navarro was also in the President‘s list.

On that list, Mayor Vicente Loot of the central town of Daan-

bantayan later survived a 2018 ambush, while Mayor Jed Mabilog of the central city of Iloilo went into hiding in 2017.

Two other mayors in the longer list, Rolando Espinosa and Reynaldo Parojinog, were killed by police in 2016 and 2017 respectively. Espinosa was shot dead inside a police jail.

Mayor Antonio Halili, who was assassinated by a sniper as he attended a flag-raising ceremony outside his office in Tanauan city near Manila last year, was linked by Duterte to illegal drugs hours after the attack.

Published reports attributed to the PDEA said Mayor Mariano Blanco III of Ronda, Cebu was killed by unknown gunmen at his office in 2018. Blanco was also on the government‘s narcotics watchlist. AGM

Across Mindanao

Vol. I, No. 31 | January 15-21, 2021 (Jumad ‘ul Akir 2-8, 1442)

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Maguindanao town North Cotabato town mayor, driver councilman ambushed killed in ambush C

By ALI G. MACABALANG

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IDAPAWAN CITY: A town mayor in North Cotabato alongside his driver was killed in an ambush this morning, Jan. 11, according reports reaching the Philippine Muslim Today news desk.

The fatalities were named as Libungan municipal Mayor Christopher ―Amping‖ Cuan, 47, and Edwin Navarro, driver of the mayor.

Citing initial police reports, media relations workers of North Cotabato Governor Nancy Catamco said Mayor Cuan aboard his private car was on his way to inspect the construction of a cockpit building at barangay Kabaruyan in Libungan town when four unidentified men armed with long assault rifles fired upon his vehicle around 10:30 a.m.

The attackers were aboard an SUV vehicle that tailed, overtook and fired rounds of gunshots at the victims‘ car, killing the mayor and his driver instantly, according to a sketchy police report aired over a radio station her by Jun Obillo and Esther Roque, both media relations workers from the governor‘s office.

One or two other persons were also aboard the mayor‘s car but their plight after the ambush

The military said in a report that the vehicle of Sangguniang Bayan Member Basit Kamid was fired upon by armed men near a school campus along Barangay Lamud in South Upi around 7:30 a.m.

Kamid, a resident of Barangay Biarong, was aboard his vehicle but was unhurt, said a report attributed to Lt. Col. Jonathan Pondanera, commanding officer of the 57th Infantry “MASIKAP” Battalion.

Reports said councilor Kamid‟s security escorts exchanged fires with the attackers for about five minutes.

Police elements and soldiers from the Bravo Company of 57th IB responded to the scene, secured the civilians and pursued the armed men fleeing to unknown directions, the Army‟s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) said.

An FB photo of Mayor Christopher “Amping” Cuan of Libungan, North Cotabato who was ambushed on Monday morning, Jan. 11, 2021. could not be ascertained as of press time, according to Randy Patches, also a media relations worker of the governor‘s office.

Patches said the mayor and his drivers sustained bullet wounds in the head.

Police elements staged a pursuit operation on the attackers‘ car, Patches said.

The slain mayor sur-

vived an earlier attempt on his life when an assassin‘s bullet failed to hit him in a broad daylight daring attack at the vicinity of Libungan on Jan. 7, 2019.

A lone gunman entered the one-story town hall and attacked Cuan but the suspect instead wounded a utility worker, according to published reports.

Cuan, also known as

―Mayor Amping,‖ was on President Rodrigo Duterte‘s drug watch list and subjected to police search operations two years ago. But police did not find illegal drugs from the mayor, earlier media reports said.

The office of Gov. Catamco, through Obillo and Duque, conveyed condolences to relatives and friends of the slain mayor. AGM

Barangay Chairman, 3 others killed in Basilan ambush BASILAN: A barangay chairman and three of his companions died Saturday afternoon after being gunned down by unidentified armed men in the municipality of Tipo-Tipo in Basilan province, the military said on Sunday.

Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command, identified the slain barangay chairman as Bin Saudi Sarakil of Brgy. Matata, Ungkaya Pukan. The three other victims were not named.

Vinluan said Sarakil and his companions were coming from Lamitan City and were traversing the road along Sitio Bacud, Brgy.

Banah in Tipo-Tipo on board a red Honda Civic car when they were fired

OTABATO CITY: Tension escalated in South Upi, Maguindanao when armed stormed with bullets the vehicle of an elected town councilor this morning, Jan. 8, and aggravated residents‟ fear spawned by an earlier ambush of the mayor and burning of 13 houses in same municipality.

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL upon by unknown assailants. ―Our troops from the 18th Infantry Battalion immediately responded to the area and went after the fleeing lawless elements,‖ Vinluan added.

Pursuit operation is continuously being conducted.

Joint Task Force Basilan Commander Col. Domingo Gobway said the victims sustained multiple gunshot wounds on the different parts of their bodies that caused their instantaneous death. ―We are still conducting the in-depth investigation in coordination with our police counterparts from the Lamitan City and TipoTipo stations to identify

the perpetrators and the motive of the incident,‖

Gobway added.

JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

Major Gen. Juvymax R. Uy, 6ID commander heading also Joint Task Force Central, said his command will work with officials of the provincial government and South Upi to determine the root cause of conflict and resolve the problem.

The Bangsamoro autonomous government through its Ministry of Indigenous Peoples‟ Affairs was reported as setting a meeting with concerned individuals at South Upi on January 14, 2021 to address the issue.

Investigators initially attributed the attack to a long-standing land conflict, a possible motive similar to the intermittent harassments by armed men against residents belonging to the Teduray tribe in South Upi. The latest of intimidations against Teduray residents happened on last Dec. 31 when armed men, purportedly trying to drive away the tribesmen from their ancestral domains, torched 13 houses at Barangay Itaw, also in South Upi. The Bangsamoro government and South Upi town hall had extended relief foods and other basic assistance to the affected residents.

But two days after delivering the relief stuffs to his tribal constituents, South Upi Mayor Reynalbert Insular and his staff aboard a convoy of vehicles were attacked on their return route at Barangay Pandan by armed men on Jan. 3.

Mayor Insular was unhurt but the ambush had left four casualties among his companions.

The Jan. 3 ambush, during which the attackers exploded first a roadside bomb and later felled the convoy with rifle gunshots, was the third attempt on the mayor‟s life. An improvised bomb was exploded near his office in June 2020, while armed men waylaid him along a road in 2015. He survived the two attacks unhurt.

AMBUSHED CAR: A Honda Civic car of Barangay Chairman Bin Saudi Sarakil of Barangay Matata, Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan who was killed in an ambush with three others while traversing the road along Sitio Bacud, Tipo -Tipo from Lamitan City. (Contributed Photo)

Before today‟s ambush, Maguindanao 2nd District Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu issued a statement calling on civilian, police and military authorities in Maguindanao to carryout cohesive actions what he described as growing violence in the province.

ALI G. MACABALANG

A6

Editorial

Vol. I, No. 31 | January 15-21, 2021 (Jumad ‘ul Akir 2-8, 1442)

DATU YUSOPH B. MAMA Chairman, Board of Trustees MASIDING NOOR YAHYA 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 Bureau Chief for National Capital Region ALI G. MACABALANG News Editor Bureau Chief for Bangsamoro & Central Mindanao Regions ROCAYA SUMNDAD OTICAL Bureau Chief for Northern Mindanao Region

Don’t sell your future. Don’t sell your vote.

Can the Bangsamoro do in the next polls what the Americans did to their incumbents?

JOHNNY R. LEE Bureau Chief for Western Mindanao Region

THERE IS AN URGENT NEED FOR A PARADIGM SHIFT

PHIL MUSLIM Layout Artist FATIMA ORTIL-JANNARAL Advertising Sales Director for NCR NUR-ALI A. MACABALANG Correspondent COLUMNISTS | WRITERS: ATTY. HOMOBONO A. ADAZA ATTY. BAYAN G. BALT BENJ BANGAHAN, M.D., FPCP, FPCCP ATTY. JUAN PONCE ENRILE JOHNNY R. LEE, Ph.D ATTY. NASSER A. MAROHOMSALIC FILEMON G. ROMERO, Ph.D 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.

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Front page of PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY previous issue.

I

t is no secret that the world is now rejoicing at Donald Trump’s comeuppance. It can even be said that it was forthcoming, something to be expected after the business tycoon-turned statesman-turned object of contempt had bungled and bloopered away his time at the White House right till the end.

With Trump’s bigoted stance against minorities and Muslims, with the way that he had been perceived to have mishandled America’s Covid-19 crisis, among other epic failures, long-suffering Americans can now breathe a sigh of relief when Joe Biden assumes the presidency this month.

The same goes for people worldwide who have been following US affairs and the US elections. This feeling of relief has been even made stronger by the failure of the pro-Trump mob to storm the US Capitol when Biden’s win was about to be ratified. Trump was not even spared another impeachment. All of which goes to show that his days as USA’s chief executive have ended, before he even steps outside the White House for the last time.

What can the ordinary Muslim in the Philippines learn from this? Apparently, a few things. One can learn that it is indeed possible to use one’s right to vote to express his/her anger at the current state of affairs, that it is possible to say through votes that enough is enough.

At least a great number of Americans know how to make amends for the mistakes they made in the previous elections. They know when and how to pull the plug on the circus led by a clown they had voted into power.

Can the long-suffering Moro, whose region and localities are known for being the poorest in the country, allegedly due to widespread and deeplyrooted corruption, then, make a paradigm change and do the same in the next polls? Or will he continue to perpetuate his role in this country’s brand of democracy?

Will he use his vote decisively this time, to end the long cycle of poverty, corruption and poor governance that he has, unfortunately, always known? Or will he continue to exchange his dignity again for tens of thousands of pesos handed over to him to guarantee his complacency?

One can only hope and pray. PMT

SELECTED SAYINGS OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD (SAW)

EXPERIENCE He is not a perfect man of fortitude, who hath not fallen into misfortunes; and there is no physician but the experienced. (PMT)

Opinion

Ijtihad MEHOL K. SADAIN

N

otoriety has a way of hugging headlines because, admit it, people are drawn toward the sinister and the malevolent. If you doubt this, just scan the newspapers and watch the television reports. They thrive on bad news because bad news sell.

We are drowned in covid19 illness statistics and problems in vaccine procurement instead of advances in covid19 research. We are swamped with crime stories and violent incidents instead of reports of achievements of people. We have a penchant for looking at the worse side of things instead of highlighting our better selves. We take interest in dire news and ignore the good ones.

So when we learn of

Americans storming their Capitol Building following an election loss by their President and his subsequent words of incitement, we are glued to CNN or Fox News even if the events were unfolding a thousand miles away from us. We are all the more drawn into the American political maelstrom when the American congressmen filed an impeachment case against their President and proceeded to impeach him barely a week before his term of office will end.

It is not just the impeachment. It is actually the double impeachment, this impeachment being a historic and recordsetting second vote against an American President in a single term of office. What made matters worse, and yet highly

Batanes to Tawi-Tawi JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

T

he hot News on the buying of COVID-19 Vaccine by the different countries for sure has shifted to the Breaking News on Donald Trump of the mighty and powerful United States of America where Trump is literally “Trumpeached,” borrowing the title of the Ijtihad Column of Atty. Mehol K. Sadain titled “Trumpeached.”

Datu Yusoph Champ Mama II, the Personal Executive Assistant of Datu Yusoph Boyog Mama, Chairman of the Board of Philippine Muslim Today

was laughing and told me that the Trumpeached I mentioned is a portmanteau meaning it is derived from the blending of two or more distinct forms like in the case of smog from smoke and fog. Hence, Trumpeached derived from the words Trump and Impeached.

Trump who is now a certified Ex-President and became the first and only President to be impeached twice. Most of his enabling party refused to make him pay for inciting violent insurrection.

Trump’s supporters denied reality in his defense.

Vol. I, No. 31 | January 15-21, 2021 (Jumad ‘ul Akir 2-8, 1442)

“TRUMPEACHED” dramatic, were the events leading to this second impeachment: a pugnacious election campaign that saw the President’s supporters breaking health protocols, a roller-coaster vote count in the frantic race to 270 electoral college votes, and a vitriolic denial of the election results when opposing candidate Joe Biden was already being hailed as President-elect.

Today the American media are one in proclaiming: “Trump Impeached for Second Time” or something to that effect.

In short, “Trumpeached”, --a word which can only refer to him and the bizarre events that led to his second impeachment by a vote of 232 (the same electoral college votes he got in losing to Biden) against 197, with ten of his Republican partymates voting to impeach

Some who had spent months pretending that Joe Biden hadn't won a free and fair election accused Democrats of fracturing national unity. Others warned that impeachment could spark violence, effectively validating the intimidation tactics of last week’s mob.

According to Atty. Bono Adaza this guy Trump and his blind followers are sick – in the head.

They need head doctors – psychiatrists.

But it needs more than a Trump and his irrational band which number millions to destroy America,

Fledgling Maguindanao town fetes 13th... on population and income that would entitle them to regular IRA. Invoking regional autonomy, the BARMM government led by Chief Minister Ahod “Hadji Murad”

him. The Democrats are salivating to judge him guilty in the Senate hearing that will probably follow after the inauguration of Biden.

This “trumpeachment” of Trump should be a moral lesson in humility and prudence, as it is also a stern warning against arrogance and recklessness of political leaders.

Leadership is service to others, and not to oneself. When one is elected to public office, especially as Head of State, he carries the divine trust to protect and safeguard the welfare and interest of his constituents. Governance is not about the governor; it is about the governed.

When a leader starts to measure his rule according to the selfaggrandizement he derives from his position, that is the beginning of his end.

The virtue of servitude

eluded Trump and the power of the presidency further deluded his megalomania. The four years he stayed as President failed to inculcate in him the purpose of public service, and instead heightened his sense of selfimportance. When he lost the election, he attributed that to cheating because in his mind, he cannot lose. Then instead of appealing for calm, sobriety and resort to the rule of law, he urged his supporters and followers to protest as Congress was set to certify the victory of his political opponent. In the aftermath of the mayhem, he sent five of them to their death.

If he got “trumpeached”, he deserved it, and if he is subsequently found guilty he should face the penalty that is coming his way.

MKS

Ex-US President Trump impeached Not ONCE but TWICE

MAGUINDANAO | from Page A4

separate legislations in 2007 created at least eight towns in Maguindanao to include Pandag.

But the national government the eight towns failed to meet standards

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Ebrahim ended the dispute in 2019 and entitled the eight town to the regular IRA. BARMM’s Interior and Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo

democracy and American institutions as current events prove it.

With the impeachment of Trump there will be no more obstacle for Joe Biden will be inaugurated as President on January 20, 2021.

Bono said with the Trump fiasco there are lessons for the people: Never elect a President who is a narcissist like Donald J. Trump. He loves himself only. His only friends are those who follow him wherever he goes and whatever he wants.

Narcissist is an individual showing sym

ptoms of or suffering from narcissis m: such as an extremely se lf-centered person who has an exaggerated sense of self-importance.

Atty. Adaza said under normal standards, his words and behavior can be described as lunatic.

One mental hospital is enough. With millions following him, we will never have enough mental hospitals in this country to contain them, he added.

For your comments and suggestions please send an E-mail to: munir1845media@gmail.com

signed memos of agreement with the mayors of Pandag and four towns in Lanao del Sur – Butig, Poona-Bayabao, Lumbaca-Unayan and Sultan Dumalonding – last month for the immediate construction of their municipal halls costing P25-

million each.

Regional Executive Secretary Abdulraof “Sammy Gambar” Macacua graced the signing ceremony and urged the five mayors to value their town halls as “official symbol of governance.”

ALI G. MACABALANG

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Opinion

Diliman Way

Vol. I, No. 31 | January 15-21, 2021 (Jumad ‘ul Akir 2-8, 1442)

Lessons from America

HOMOBONO A. ADAZA “Let us, then, be up and doing, With a heart for any fate; Still achieving, still pursuing, Learn to labor and to wait.

“Not enjoyment, and not sorrow, Is our destined end or way But to act, that each tomorrow Find us farther than today.” – A Psalm of Life

By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

L

ast weeks from intelligent human beings did their New Year‘s resolutions. Today‘s essay is a dress rehearsal for lesson learning, especially in this country where leaders and citizens never seem to learn valuable lessons of history to avoid the pitfalls of tomorrow.

Recent American developments are rich opportunities for us to learn many things fundamental which avoided us for more than a century of democratic experiment. Democracy in the Philippines continues to be an experiment as we do things by trial and error – many trials and many errors. As if we are in a Ferris wheel ride or in a Merry-Go-Round. We move in a cycle – without inching forward. We go round and round merrily without an inch of advance. In the process, we get dizzy and we continue to be dizzy for all these

years.

It is about time to stop the Ferris wheel and the MerryGo-Round – pause, think and learn.

2020 elections: The election campaign in the American presidential election is reminiscent of the antics of Filipino traditional politicians.

In anticipation of a possible defeat, President Donald J. Trump continuously declared he could only lose the election if cheated. As expected by the objective pollsters and sane sectors of media in America, Trump lost the election – fair and square.

His Department of Homeland Security declared the 2020 elections was the most secured in the history of American elections. Trump‘s Attorney General, William ―Bill‖ Barr publicly declared that the Justice Department found no evidence of irregularities in the election which

My Legal Point BAYAN G. BALT

T

he purpose of transition is to prepare a politically unstable region to Democratic and stable political entity, thru election processes. Some says, the transition period should be three (3) years or less. In the case of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) of the BARMM, its interim members are requesting for another three (3) more years from June 2022 to June 2025 or a total of six (6) years from 2019, invoking among others the COVID-19, that may have hampered their work and the government‘s alleged failure to comply with its obligations under the peace agreement, citing the unfinished Decommissioning (Res. No. 332 of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority).

The Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) that

drafted the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) maybe unaware of the vast Economic opportunities laying in lake Lanao. This economic wealth is kept under wrap by the national government from the Moro people for obvious reason. A staggering P45 Billion Pesos annual power revenues are collected by the national government thru the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (PSALM), can feed the entire BARMM region, (MinDa 2017 report), without our LGUS begging anymore from the Manila imperial government.

The ‗BTC‘s destitute of knowledge over lake Lanao‘s wealth become inimical to our economic prosperity, simply the ―BOL‖ provision of inland waters expressly excluded lake Lanao from the BARMM‘s jurisdiction, thus:

are the obvious hallucinations of Trump.

FOX, the television network that supported even the insanities of Trump, was chastised by Trump declaring earlier than the rest of the television networks in America that Trump lost to former VP Joe Biden and Trump indeed lost to Biden by a considerable majority.

Trump and his mad lawyers like Rudy Guiliani, whose reputation as a former mayor of the New York City has been badly affected by being the lawyer of Trump, filed more than forty baseless and hallucinatory cases claiming Trump was cheated in three swing states – Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania- and in two long time Republican states, Georgia and Arizona.

All these cases were dismissed by federal and states for having no basis. Many of the judges who dismissed the cases are Trump appointed as well as by other Republican Presidents. The American Supreme Court unanimously dismissed two cases also for being groundless – with three Justices appointed by Trump agreeing not dissenting.

And finally, the Electoral College sealed Trump‘s last

option in the coffin where it belongs. But still hallucinating and defying reality, Trump believes that Congress will reverse the Electoral College vote. That kind of belief belongs to a mental asylum since there is no way it can happen as the House of Representatives is controlled by the Democrats and several Republican senators have already congratulated Biden as the President-elect.

Any rational being would have realized by now the inevitable reality that Joe Biden will be inaugurated as President on January 20, 2021.

This guy Trump and his blind followers are sick – in the head. They need head doctors – psychiatrists. But it needs more than a Trump and his irrational band which number millions to destroy America, democracy and American institutions as current events prove it.

Lessons for the people: Never elect a President who is a narcissist like Donald J. Trump. He loves himself only.

His only friends are those who follow him wherever he goes and whatever he wants.

Under normal standards, his words and behavior can be described as lunatic. One

mental hospital is enough.

With millions following him, we will never have enough mental hospitals in this country to contain them.

So people, now is the time to use your heads instead of your feet and your stomach to vote for your President and the rest of your officials. One narcissist is enough another one is too much unless those of you following narcissists want to drown in the Mindanao Deep. That would be good for the country though.

Lessons for those who want to be President: If you are incompetent, stop ambitioning to be President. Stop looking at your self in the mirror. We have had a bagful of Presidents after Ferdinand Marcos. That a lot of fools and incompetents have occupied the presidency is no reason for anyone to join the despicable band at the expense of our country and the people.

These are the qualities of a good President – brilliant, visionary, idealistic, principled, knowledgeable, disciplined, with character and integrity, with focus on the work to be done and undying commitment to values that ADAZA | A12

“Lake Lanao’s wealth, a bastion of BARMM’S opportunities ignored” Article XIII, Section 22. Management of Inland Waters. - The Bangsamoro Government shall have exclusive powers over inland waters, including lakes, marshes, rivers, and tributaries within its territorial jurisdiction, except those that provide energy to power generating plants.

Lake Lanao is a source of energy as it hosts and feeds the six (6) hydroelectric power plants of the National Power Corporation (NPC) that supplies sixty-five (65%) of the power needs of Mindanao, legally it falls outside the jurisdiction of BARMM. The ―BTC‖ should have crafted a provision for a reasonable share from the power revenues generated by these power plants to funds ―BARMM‘s infrastructures and people‘s livelihood. Several revolutionary organizations that opted for Peace

Agreement with their government have demanded equitable shares from their wealth.

In South Sudan, the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), provides, thus: Under the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, the Government of South Sudan (GoSS) received 50 percent of revenues from oil produced in the south, which accounted for almost all the government‘s revenue excepting donor aid.

(ECOS, ―Getting Sudan‘s Oil Deal Right is Key to Peace,‖ press release, February 28, 2011). Likewise, the Innuit and Crit Indians of Canada got undetermined economic benefits from the Government‘s built St. James Bay hydroelectric power plants in their ancestral lake.

(Wikipedia) According to some experts, lake Lanao is a U$15Billion Dollar industry; once developed, it can irrigate

thousands of hectares of farmlands surrounding the lake while the fresh waters can be bottled for drinking and ingredients of liquid medicines, the lake floor can be developed to produce Geothermal energy. All these vast opportunities have gone astray because of the blunder committed by the ―BTC‖, some of them are now members of the Interim Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTC) demanding three (3) more years in power, without the benefit of elections.

————————— For comments: Email me at bayanbalt@yahoo.com Atty. Bayan G. Balt is former Chapter President of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP-Marawi City and Lanao del Sur, 2013-2015), Chairman of the Ranao Federal State Movement, (RFSM) and Pres. Of the Alliance of Regional Coalitions Against People’s Poverty (ARCAPP).

Opinion

By Abdul Hannan Magarang Tago

T

he 10-million Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) have proven themselves as real heroes not only for their huge remittance amounting to USD30billion a year but also for their ability to deliver a landslide victory for their own choice candidates.

This was apparent in the 2016 presidential election during which overwhelmingly OFWs across the globe have voted for then Mayor of Davao City, Rodrigo Roa Duterte and eventually won the election.

For the first time in history, the strong 10-million OFWs rallied behind a man not from Luzon for their belief that only a decisive and iron man could bring about real change including their decades clamor for higher and official representation both locally and Internationally.

OFWs have been voiceless and the most vulnerable sector for exploitation and maltreatment. They suffered

not only from their sponsors overseas but also from the designated Filipino officials.

Financially, they became milking cow for some government agencies. PhilHealth is one of them.

In the very start of his administration President Duterte reciprocated OFWs by initiating corrective and responsive acts.

He appointed a veteran OFW as his own adviser with cabinet Secretary Capacity.

He sent a high level delegation to Middle East few months after taking oath to provide financial assistance to the hundreds of OFWs affected by bankrupt companies in Saudi Arabia. Most of them opted to avail of the massive repatriation.

Unfortunately the proposed separate OFW Department has yet to gain nod and support by the opposition despite the repeated pronouncement by the president himself.

The opposition obviously and politically don‘t want this

Punchline ALI G. MACABALANG

T

he title of my column now seemed to be true in the way some people reacted to my Jan. 4, 2021 Facebook post - ―MSU system, my alma mater, needs a president whose wife won't meddle in official functions like appointments, promotions, etc.‖ which continued to draw reactions from netizens up to press time.

The post in my own page alone has already gathered 438 reactions, 51 comments and 189 shares from reactors belonging to various professions and social strata. All of them obviously know the essence of MSU (Mindanao State University) system in the lives of Mindanao people, especially the poor families.

My family resides in the MSU-Marawi campus since its first year of operation in 1960, and all of us seven siblings had earned education through the facilities of the university. I alone had completed a bacca-

laureate degree in International Relations in 1979 and Master‘s in Public Administration in 1985. I transferred residence outside only when I opted for full media practice in 1979 starting from Cotabato City and later in different parts of the country. I owe MSU for what I am now.

In the later hours of my Jan. 4 posting, a certain ―Rehanna BM‖ sent messages to my messenger, a part of which ran as: ―Assalamu Alaykom kaka Ali. Kaka, ano ba yong post mo? Bkt ka ganyan? Pls lng kaka, panglarify ka muna sa mga tutuong tao (hindi sa mga taong galit dhl hindi nakuha ang gusto) bago ka mag post dhl buong mundo mo na kami sinira.‖ I replied in our vernacular, telling her that my post was hypothetical and generic in gist that alluded to any specific person in the past and present MSU administrations. I asked her what particular ad-

Vol. I, No. 31 | January 15-21, 2021 (Jumad ‘ul Akir 2-8, 1442)

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OFWs unify forces for Sen. Go’s 1949 bill administration to advance more gain despite the clarity and objectivity of the proposal especially the amended bill 1949 of Senator Christopher ―Bong‖ Go. That has prompted 350 OFWs leaders across the globe to discuss among themselves this week to have a united and strong stand.

concern including the prospect positions to be created under the department.

Most of the 350 participants of the recent webinar meeting organized by Ms. Genna Sotto in the presence of Sen. Bong Go unanimously agreed that OFWs must run their new house including the top positions.

This needs strong push; may be voice from the OFWs sector for the opposition bloc attention in the Senate.

For my fellow OFWs, we must have an open heart and understanding to prioritize the main objective of such department.

Yes, Sen. Bong bill has properly addressed the OFWs

We do agree that qualifications among others are the length of services abroad with reputable and clean track record, served voluntary fellow OFWs. For the top positions like Secretary and undersecretary, I could suggest 20 years exposure abroad could be ideal. They can be traced easily on search engine online

for easy reference.

Top officials must be knowledgeable of the host country‘s culture and traditions.

In the Arabic-speaking countries in the Middle East, candidates with rich background education should be strongly considered to effectively address and discharge duties.

China, Japan and even Russia; they only send Arabic-speaking diplomats and high ranking officials to Arab countries especially in the case of China.

Of course our neighbouring Muslim Asian countries they designate head of their mission to Arab countries with those who graduated in these states among their citizens.

For instance in the Philippines, we have hundreds of Filipinos who obtained their higher degree from Arab countries in the Middle East.

This is if the new development genuinely intended to address the OFWs affairs and concerns. AHMT MKS

Innocence makes people unveil guilt unduly ministration she was defending and who she was. I added that if alright with her, I will write a formal news article touching about her reactions vis-à-vis my intent for better future university administrations. She did not reply.

In another message, ―Rehanna‖ said: ―Salamat if ganoon ang niyat mo. Aya masakit roo na sekami i a present administration i kiyapikiraon o taw na ini pamag share ra iranden. Buong mundo ang nakakita't nakabasa….(Thanks if that is your intention. What pained me is that readers perceived us to be being alluded to as they kept sharing the post.)

In the evening of Jan. 4, I inquired from people privy to MSU operations and learned only that moment that ―Rehanna BM‖ is the wife of incumbent MSU system president Dr. Habib Macaayong.

They said ―Rehanna‖ is the Islamic alias adopted after hajj in Saudi Holy Lands by Pamela Biston-Macaayong.

On Jan. 9, President Macaayong sent from Marawi City my sister Linang and brother Malik, both MSU employees, to see me for clarification on my post. I reiterated my point to say that nobody in particular is being alluded to in my post.

On Jan. 10, some reactions via Facebook and verbal tips persisted to say I was targeting the present MSU regime, prompting to post another generic message – ―Those who felt slighted in my generic posts are free to protest, even go to court of laws. Let's call spade a spade!‖ Meantime, I took my two siblings‘ presence as an opportunity for us to visit our eldest brother, retired BFAR Regional Director Sani, who himself is a pioneer college graduate in fisheries of the MSU system, undergoing therapeutic rest in Davao City. While in the ―city of durian,‖ I already thought of deleting my posts to quell fur-

ther undue debates.

Sadly, while on our return travel back from Davao to Kidapawan City, a Facebook friend-relative showed me a post in ―Rehanna BM‘s‖ page, which castigated me for allegedly maligning her and husband‘s leadership. Her bala-I, Pharida Sansarona (former schools division superintendent) and brother, Hosnie Marmay Biston, joined the prey.

Sansarona alluded to my postings as my ―kawiyagan‖ or source of livelihood, while Biston branded me as ―arrogant‖ and ―bakla‖ for using pink as background color for my two posts.

Some friends have urged me not to stoop down to a level of narrow-mindedness. So, I now rest my pen momentarily.

I will resort to specifics next time, by then authorities might intervene to look into every ills in a particular regime.

For your comments and suggestions please send an E-mail to: alimac.bulletin@gmail.com

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Across Philippines

Vol. I, No. 31 | January 15-21, 2021 (Jumad ‘ul Akir 2-8, 1442)

Bong Go extends relief aids for QC fire victims; 79th Malasakit Center opens in Jolo

Comelec issues rules for plebiscite on Palawan partition amid pandemic

By ALI G. MACABALANG

MANILA: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday released guidelines for the conduct of the plebiscite that will divide Palawan into three provinces to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Comelec Resolution No. 10687 says only a maximum of five voters are allowed inside a voting center and must wear face masks and face shields. ―The voters, who are properly wearing their face mask and shield, have sanitized both of their hands with alcohol at the installed sanitary in stations in the polling place, shall have the right to freely enter the polling place as soon as they arrive unless there are already five voters inside, in which case they shall wait outside the polling place, form a line in the order of their arrival, observe the one meter physical distancing, and wait for their turn to enter,‖ the Resolution read. ―In all cases, there shall be a maximum of five voters inside the polling place, voting simultaneously,‖ it added.

It said the number of voters voting simultaneously may be reduced by the Plebiscite Committee (PlebComm) if the required physical distancing cannot be observed or when the number of people inside the polling place exceeds its 50 percent of its capacity. ―The voters after having cast their votes shall immediately leave,‖ it added.

Likewise, the Comelec will be establishing an Isolation Polling Place (IPP) where voters who register a temperature of 37.5 degrees Celsius or higher will cast their votes. ―Voters who upon temperature check at the entrance of the voting center… who registers a temperature of 37.5 degrees Celsius or higher and who were not subsequently cleared by the Medical Personnel, and those who answered ―Yes‖ to any of the questions contained in the Covid-19 Health Declaration Form, shall cast their votes in the IPP,‖ it said.

Comelec Resolution No. 10687 also said the IPP has an ample space capable of accommodating, at least five voters, the PlebComm and watchers, who should observe one-meter physical distancing at any time, it said.

The Comelec also released Resolution No. 10682 providing the calendar of activities for the plebiscite which aims to divide the province to Palawan del Norte, Palawan Oriental and Palawan del Sur. The posting of the computerized voters list will be on February 11 while the inspection of polling places will also begin February 11 until February 18.

The one-month information and campaign period is set to start on February 11 and will run until March 11, the holding of online, virtual, televised, or radio-aired information campaigns (―pulongpulongs‖, symposia, fora or debates).

The plebiscite period will be from February 11 up to March 20.

Casting of votes will be held on March 13 from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm. while the counting of votes will start at 3:00 pm onwards until finished.

The voter will be asked to write ―Yes‖ or ―Oo‖ if they favor the split and ―No‖ or ―Hindi‖ if they are not in favor, ―Pumapayag ka ba na hatiin ang probinsya ng Palawan sa tatlong probinsya na papangalanang: Palawan del Norte, Palawan Oriental at Palawan del Sur alinsunod sa Batas Republika Bilang 11259.

PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY

C

OTABATO CITY: At least 101 families affected by the recent fire in Quezon City‟s Barangay Culiat have received relief assistance from the Office of Senator Christopher The beneficiary-families involving 352 individuals including Muslims received meals, medicines, financial assistance, food packs, vitamins, masks, face shields and even bicycles for household heads on Jan.5, according to a post in the senator‘s Facebook page.

The aid recipients were adversely affected by conflagration that hit a residential area at Purok 2 of Baranay Culiat in Quezon City Dec. 29, 2020 night. The fire started at around 8:00 p.m., reaching the first alarm by 8:27 p.m. and the fifth alarm by 9:00 p.m., and was contained two hours later. ―As I have said numerous times, I will not limit myself to serving as a Senator only. As public servant, magseserbisyo po ako sa inyo kahit saan man kayo sa mundo para tugunan ang inyong mga suliranin, pakinggan ang inyong mga hinaing, at mag-iwan ng ngiti sa oras ng inyong pagdadalamhati,‖ Go told the fire victims via live telecast. ―Para sa amin, walang tulog ang serbisyo, lalo na sa oras ng inyong pangangailangan. Kahit anumang problema ang inyong kinakaharap — nasunugan, tinamaan ng lindol, apektado ng pagputok ng bulkan, nabahaan, lahat ng klaseng krisis — handa akong tumulong at magserbisyo sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya,‖ he added.

Personnel from the Department of Trade and Industry and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority assessed and validated possible beneficiaries among the fire victims for the livelihood and scholarship assistance, respectively, from the government.

Go urged beneficiaries suffering

Lawrence “Bong” Go in pursuit of the Davao lawmaker‟s slogan, „Walang tulog ang serbisyo.‟

MALASAKIT CENTER IN JOLO. Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan ceremonially opens the 79th Malasakit Center in Jolo town on Jan. 6.

(Contributed) from medical conditions to seek assistance in the nearby Malasakit Centers located at the Lung Center of the Philippines, Novaliches District Hospital, Philippine Heart Center, Philippine Children‘s Medical Center, National Kidney and Transplant Institute, and East Avenue Medical Center, all in Quezon City.

97th Malasakit Center opened in Sulu A day after dispersing the relief goods for the fire victims, Senator Go‘s staff workers flew to Jolo, Sulu and joined Governor Sakur Tan in inaugurating the newly established Malasakit Center in the town.

The new entity, located at the Sulu Provincial Hospital, is the 79th in the chain of Malasakit Centers established across the country

through Senator Go‘s initiative. ―Malaking tulong ang Malasakit Center sa ating mga kababayan sa Jolo dahil hindi na nila kailangan pang lumayo at dumayo sa iba pang karatig-bayan para sa kanilang mga pangangailangang medikal.

Katuwang ang DOH, DSWD, PCSO at PhilHealth, mas pinadali ang pag-proseso ng mga dokumento at walang mahabang pila ang hatid nito sa ating mga kababayan,‖ Go‘s office said a Facebook post.

AGM

Road clearing is ‘not road widening,’ DILG clarifies anew

T

he Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has clarified anew that its ordered resumption of “road obstructions clearing” campaign does not cover street widening.

Under DILG Memo Circular 2020-145, Sec. Eduardo Año ordered the resumption of the road obstruction clearing drive starting November 16 up to Jan. 15, 2020, adding the campaign applies to all areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The campaign is a continuation of the same drive mandated under DILG MC 2019-121.

In the early imple-

mentation of the 2019 directive, Sec, Año said clarified that such drive was meant for road widening as misinterpreted in the countryside.

In a clarification statement, the DILG chuief said they received reports from La Union, Northern Samar, and other parts of the country that MC 121-2019 was allegedly being used by contractors of the DPWH and some Local Government Units (LGUs) to remove century-old trees, demolish waiting sheds that do not obstruct sidewalks, and even demolish structures in private lots without notice and just compensation.

He emphasized that MC 121-2019 cannot be

used to justify road widening projects because that is covered by a different set of rule.― For example, the taking by government of private property for road widening purposes requires expropriation proceedings and the payment of just compensation after due notice and hearing,‖ he said.

He urged all local government units and DPWH District Engineers to advise their respective contractors or workers of the purpose and coverage of MC 121-2019 and not to interpret it in another way.

DILG spokesperson, Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya, had echoed the clarification of

Sec. Año. But he could not be contacted for interview for update in the resumed campaign.

The Philippine Muslim Today e-newspaper reached Marjorie Jalosjos, DILG undersecretary for special and Mindanao concerns, this afternoon by phone.

Usec. Jalosjos said the same nature of implementation of road obstruction drive applies in the resumed campaign.

According to reports from barangay level, some elected city/ municipal and barangay officials were allegedly poised to exploit the DILG order to focus on residences of people not allied with them road widening operations.

ALI G. MACABALANG

World News

Vol. I, No. 31 | January 15-21, 2021 (Jumad ‘ul Akir 2-8, 1442)

Sri Lanka risks losing aid from the Muslim world due to forced cremation policy

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New coronavirus strain found in 41 countries, territories

By ANADOLU AGENCY

A

s the Government of Sri Lanka continue its' hard-line stand on the cremation of Muslims who died of Covid-19, it risks losing aid from Muslim countries and organisations from around the world.

It is “a political measure where collective punishment is given to the Muslim community for political reasons” warned Sir Iqbal Sacarine founding secretary of the UK’s largest Muslim umbrella group the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB).

The situation in Sri Lanka is quite serious he says and condemns the stand of the GoSL stand as “unacceptable”.

Forced cremation of a 20-day old baby shook the collective sentiments of Muslims, both locally and around the globe as pictures and videos of protests went viral. Muslims from many nations including UK, USA, France and Italy took to the street to protest and put pressure on their respective nations to take it up with the GOSL. Political parties and activists’ groups have suggested to the Muslims in Sri Lanka to take it up with Muslim nations and aid organisations asking them to complain to the UN as millions of dollars are pumped in by them for the development of the Muslim community in Sri Lanka.

Two expert committees Two expert committees formed by the GOSL submitted diametrically opposite recommendations on the disposal of the dead due to Covid-19, with one recommending burial could be done as there is no scientific proof that the virus will spread through dead bodies and the other saying they have to be cremated.

"The main committee is still study-

GENEVA: Proliferation of the highly contagious novel coronavirus strain, first detected in Britain, has now been confirmed in 41 countries and territories, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in its Covid-19 Weekly Epidemiological Update on Tuesday evening.

AN ELDERLY MUSLIM MAN TIES A WHITE CLOTH AS A SYMBOLIC PROTEST AGAINST THE MANDATORY CREMATION POLICY - DECEMBER 23, 2020 COLOMBO, SRI LANKA | © AKILA JAYAWARDANA ing the recommendations made by a group of virologists", country's health minister said in the parliament on Thursday (7), in an attempt to conceal the role played by her ministry in appointing a second panel of experts in December, headed by a Senior Professor in Microbiology, to provide opinion on the safe disposal of remains of COVID-19 victims.

Health minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi made the special statement as a response to a question tabled by Tamil National Peoples' Front (TNPF) parliamentarian Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam, who demanded a clarification about the basis of the official policy that has ignored the guidelines laid out by the World Health Organisation, which say that the dead can be “buried or cremated” according to “local standards and family preferences”.

"We took the opinion of virologists in writing and submitted that to the main committee. We still haven't heard from them", minister Wanniarachchi said.

'President will de-

cide' Meanwhile, Dilum Amunugama, a state minister has said the final decision on the issue would be taken by the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and no one else.

“The people didn’t vote for committees, they have voted for Gotabaya Rajapaksa, they voted for this government.

The final decision will be taken by him and the government. The committee can give recommendations. It can say the water is up, the water is down. They can say anything. The final decision is the earlier decision”.

In contrast, days before the release of the report, the Government spokesman told Aljazeera TV, “the Government has nothing to do with it. It is the expert committee that decides finally. Government is the cabinet, President and Prime Minister and has nothing to with it, It is just that we are acting in terms of the advice given by the expert committee”.

The earlier decision of the government was to cremate the bodies of the covid-19 dead rather than bury according to the respective re-

ligious edicts and customs. GOSL has even written to Maldives seeking place for the bodies to be exported there to be buried, which has been severely criticised.

'Shame on Sri Lanka' Meanwhile, Sri Lanka's mandatory cremation policy has drawn strong condemnation from international rights groups and prominent individuals.

"Sri Lankan government must not forget that it has a duty to ensure all people in Sri Lankas are treated equitably," said the rights group Amnesty international in a statement.

"COVID-19 does not discriminate on grounds of ethnic, political or religious differences, and nor should the Government of Sri Lanka", it further added.

Renown American political scientist and pro-Palaestinian Jewish scholar, Professor Norman Finkelstein also joined others to denounce Sri Lanka's decision, calling it as 'disgraceful.'

"Shame on Sri Lanka! There is NO basis on burning bodies due to COVID. SRI LANKA | B3

"As of 5 January 2021, the VOC-202012/01 variant, initially detected in the United Kingdom, has been detected in a small number of cases in 40 other countries/territories/areas in five of the six WHO regions, and the 501Y.V2 variant, initially detected in South Africa, in six other countries/ territories/areas," the update said.

According to the WHO bulletin, over the past week -from December 28 to January 3- the number of people infected with Covid-19 increased globally by 4,035,226, and the number of deaths by 76,017.

Most of the new infections were detected in the Americas -1,935,621. Europe is in second place (1,553,332), and Southeast Asia, third (208,592).

Europe’s mortality statistics are the highest: 32,898 patients died in seven days. North America and South America are second (32,283), Southeast Asia, third (3,756).

The United States ranks first in the world in terms of the number of new infections per week 1,325,424. Further on the list are Great Britain (343,784), Brazil (252,018), Russia (186,539), India (136,115), Germany (124,808), Italy (102,442), Turkey (98,662), South Africa (93,978) and France (91,595). The highest death rate in seven days was recorded in the United States (17,239), followed by Brazil (4,923), Mexico (4,670), Germany (4,494), Great Britain (4,165), Russia (3,728), Italy (3,365), South Africa (2,654), France (2,346) and Poland (2,001).

On December 14, the United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock, said British scientists had identified a new coronavirus strain that might be to blame for high infection rates in southeastern England.

Hancock said preliminary analysis indicated that the newly-discovered virus strain was spreading faster than any of those exposed previously.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson told an urgent news conference on December 19 that according to the current findings the new strain might be 70 percent more contagious.

He added British experts had not yet found any proof that the virus mutation was fraught with a greater risk of lethal outcome.

The South African authorities on December 21 said the second wave of the pandemic was due to a mutated coronavirus, detected in the south of the country in the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality, Eastern Cape Province on the Indian Ocean.

Local scientists say the new strain harms mostly young people.

TASS

News

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Vol. I, No. 31 | January 15-21, 2021 (Jumad ‘ul Akir 2-8, 1442)

BARMM | from Page A2

BARMM joins dialog on proposed Bangsamoro transition extension that is fully operational, responsive, and appropriate for the peculiar needs of the Bangsamoro people.

She emphasized that the drive for extending the transition period is not about clinging on to power, but to give sufficient time to put in place the normalization and peacekeeping process.

“The ultimate goal is for the BARMM to be ready for whoever is going to compose the regular Bangsamoro Government when the time comes,” Alba stressed.

Meanwhile, Assistant Secretary Wilben Mayor from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) said although the Bangsamoro Government has been able to formulate its development plan, its implementation would need to go beyond a three-year period so that the evidence of economic development will be enjoyed by the Bangsamoro people.

“Rest assured that the OPAPP will support this initiative as well as provide the technical and

administrative support.

The success of the Bangsamoro Government will also be the success of the national government and the whole Filipino nation,” Mayor said.

Congressman Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu, who filed the House Bill 8117 last Dec. 1, 2020 supporting the transition extension, urged the Congress to give full support with the bill.

“Sa lahat ng aking mga kasamahan sa kongreso, bigyan natin ng full support itong extension ng BTA, dahil ang mag-aani

nito ay hindi po tayo, kundi ang ating mga kababayan sa Southern Philippines (lalo na sa Bangsamoro) na nanggangailangan ng maayos na pamumuhay,” Mangudadatu said.

Substantially, all of the committees (Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms, Committee on Muslim Affairs, and Special Committee on Peace Reconciliation and Unity) reassured their support to the transition period extension.

The Bangsamoro Government was represented

by Attorney General Alba, Cabinet Secretary Moh’d Asnin Pendatun, Bangsamoro Development and Planning Authority Director General Mohajirin Ali, Chief of Staff Alvin-Yasher Abdulgafar, and Bangsamoro Information Office Executive Director Ameen Andrew Alonto.

Office and Staff of Congress, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs, and Department of Finance were also present during the consultation. JIJ

SRI LANKA | from Page A6

Sri Lanka risks losing aid from the Muslim world due to forced cremation policy This is discrimination.

Plain and simple", he posted on Facebook.

According the MCB president they are in touch with more than 20 countries, different heads of state, departments and ministers of foreign affairs and they have all started putting pressure on the Sri Lankan government.

'Dead bodies as biological weapons' The MCB “has set up a special task force and God willing, we have now launched a major campaign” its president Sir Iqbal Sacraine has said in a TV interview.

“What it is doing is unfair and illegal under the international law”.

Adding that the British Foreign Office has also written to its Sri Lankan counterpart expressing concern over Muslims’ cremation, the MCB confirmed that it is in touch with the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

MCB says they have already received support

on the matter from South Africa, Botswana, Malawi, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Indonesia so far. “So, it’s a matter of time. The sense will prevail, and it will end. We don’t want this dangerous precedent to be established by Sri Lanka”.

Reacting to a statement by Sri Lankan offi-

cials that the bodies could be used as biological weapon against the communities, Sir Iqbal Sacarine described it as “nonsensical”.

If Muslim countries and organisations tighten their purse, Sri Lanka’s beleaguered economy would suffer further, economists have warned. © JDS

very few days from date of filing – one praying for issuance of a writ of preliminary injunction to enjoin Pennsylvania concerned officials from certifying that Joe Biden won the election in that state and other filed by scandalously opportunistic and shameless Senator Ted Cruz of Texas together with seventeen State Attorney Generals and seventy congressmen – all of them Republican.

Our Supreme Court Justices and lower court judges should learn from the examples shown by the American courts.

Lessons for poor losers: No intelligent person loves a loser. Blind followers do. But who cares about the opinion of the insane or the stupid. As the late Speaker of the House of Representatives would tell his friends, ―The place of the insane is in the mental hospital because there he has a chance of getting cured. But the stupid needs no hospital because stupidity is incurable.‖ This is the case of President Trump who refuses to concede despite overwhelming evidence he was badly beaten

by former Vice-President Joe Biden.

When Trump won in the 2016 election by getting 308 electoral votes but losing to Hillary Clinton by more than three million votes, he was jumping all over the place shouting he won by a landslide. Now, Joe Biden got the same 308 electoral votes and winning over Trump by more than eight million of the popular votes, Trump claims he was cheated. What a freak or a prick? Trump is worse than a bedraggled Trump in the streets of New York City as the tramp has more decency and principles than President Donald J. Trump.

I was about to suggest to Trump to read a book or two of the Spanish philosopher, Miguel de Unamuno. But there is no sense doing it as he is the type of a President who will never learn like some Presidents I know.

What a poor loser. What a joker and a joker wild – and wilder with every passing day.

Lessons learning: Will we ever learn the lessons from

the examples shown by American officials? If I suggest that we will, I am sure even a few of my friends will tell me I must be out of my mind or my mind has deteriorated by reason of age. I don‘t mind if they do, after all I‘ve been called names by friends and foes alike – from genius, brilliant, patriot, unmatched and inimitable to fool, traitor and criminal. I must confess that, with all immodesty, I agree with them with a lot of gusto on the complimentary names or description but I have never been a fool or a criminal or a traitor like some Presidents and high ranking officials I know.

As Catholic, I believe in miracles, even if they are not easy to come by these days.

As St. Thomas Aquinas has said, ―For those who believe no explanation is necessary.

For those who do not believe, no explanation is possible.‖ I believe because the impossible is only in the mind, in confirmation of what Napoleon Bonaparte said, a very long time ago, ―The word impossible appears only in the dictionary of fools.‖ HAA

ADAZA | from Page A8

LESSONS FROM AMERICA elevate God, country and people. Only this kind of person can rescue the country from the present dismal and unwanted situation.

Lessons for the COMELEC: The Commission on Elections has always been subject of jokes because, as a rule, it has been serving as an instrument of an incumbent President to falsify the results of the elections in his favor and of his boys and girls who are running for public office. During the time of President Marcos, Senator Ramon ―Monching‖ Mitra called the COMELEC headed

by Leonardo Perez as an office that did not know how to count. During the time of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the COMELEC was scandalized by making President Arroyo win over true and genuine winner – the inimitable movie star and principled but underestimated man, Fernando Poe, Jr. (FPJ) through massive cheating in Mindanao, documented by the infamous ―Hello Garci Tape‖.

The Commission is an independent constitutional body. But the way it behaves

and conducts elections, it is neither independent nor constitutional. On the higher level, it is beholden to Presidents.

On the lower level, it is dominated by senators, congressmen, governors and mayors.

The COMELEC officials should learn to really be constitutional and independent. It should defy Presidents and other officials – as the federal and state office in-charge of the conduct of the elections defied President Trump and his lawyers who were peddling the idea of baseless fraud and cheating in the elections.

Protests were decided in a few days. In this country, it takes years to resolve election protest. What a shame!

Lessons for Justices and judges: The federal and state judges decided the forty cases filed by President Trump through his lawyers claiming fraud and irregularities in the 2020 elections in a day or a few days after filing.

Justice was not delayed, so it was not denied. Even more outstanding and praiseworthy was the conduct of the American Supreme Court to dismiss two cases within a

Tourism

Vol. I, No. 31 | January 15-21, 2021 (Jumad ‘ul Akir 2-8, 1442)

Dodol, a Maranao delicacy

A Slice of Life of a Badjao Woman (III)

By JOHNNY R. LEE, Ph.D

Y

"Bangsamoro Halal Dish"

ears had passed. The Badjao girl, named Helen, who was groomed to undertake her study in the United States of America did not materialize.

This writer was already employed as researcher of MSU TawiTawi when he happened to bump into Helen near the marketplace of downtown Bongao. Very little had changed from the last time this writer saw her after graduation in elementary grades except that she now has a pronounced wrinkles in her face. Her skin which was a bit lighter then is now darker - perhaps by a constant exposure to sunlight while trying to eke a living out of the sea bounties.

In a quick conversation, Helen narrated that she was not able to proceed with her study for reasons that she cannot withstand ‗home sickness‘ and weariness for her parents and siblings back home in Tongkalang.

Helen, with a lighted cigarette in her hand, pulled a sample of colorful mini-mat that she weaved herself and offered it for sale. She peddled a handcrafted mat for a living. She told me that she had organized a group of Badjao elderly women in their community that engage in mat-weaving as a source of extra income.

Despite the bright prospect of obtaining an education in America, Helen fell back to her former ‗world‘ - that of living in a congested makeshift home and at times goes out fishing and collecting whatever available sea organisms in the reef vicinity.

Now back to Luiza.

Despite the sad reality she and her family had to endure on a daily basis, Luiza seemed to be content with what little they have. She is resigned to the fact that their status in life and way of living can no longer be elevated compared to their well-off neighboring tribes like the Sama, Tausug and Christian brothers in the area.

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WITH MARIA FHEBIE ORTIL

D

A Badjao family after a storm surge that bdly hit thr village.

odol is one of the most popular delicacies of the Maranaos. Dodol is usually served throughout the year but mostly served during Iftar in the Holy month of Ramadan, or during celebrations and special occasions like weddings, thanksgivings and enthronement of Sultan and Bai-aLabi.

The serving of dodol with other Maranao delicacies or confections is called Pagana.

The dodol is wrapped in corn husks or dry leaves of banana or abaca. You can always find them hanging in stores not just in Marawi City but in other towns in Lanao del Sur like in the Municipality of Ganassi.

When you travel from Cotabato City to Marawi City or vice versa in a public transportation like Van you can advise the driver to slow down along the way of a barangay in Ganassi where Dodol are sold upon. Then you just stop at the road side stores selling dodol in different sizes: small, medium and large at minimal amount.

TRIVIA: Here is a trivia about the Dodol in the Philippines, where dodol is actually a Maranao Delicacy.

However, dodol is not a Maranao term. It is also called dodol in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, and Thailand and it comes in different flavors.

Dodol in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi where both provinces are under the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is called Durul.

INGREDIENTS: Coconut Milk Brown Sugar Rice Sticky Rice Durian (as flavor and is optional) PROCEDURE: Grind the rice and sticky rice first to become rice flour (do not mix).

Mix the rice flour and thin coconut milk.

Transfer it to a big pan and then boil. Boil until oily.

Melt the sugar and then mix, and continue to boil.

Put the sticky rice flour and keep stirring in a circular motion with medium heat.

Put the durian flavor. Mix well.

As it starts to thicken, put sugar again by spreading using your finger tips.

Continue to stir and add milk. Then continue stirring again.

Remove the oil that comes out from the sides of the pan. Make sure it’s already firm and sticky (but does not stick to your fingers when you touch it), before removing it from the heat.

Choose a perfect flat dish, spread the dodol evenly and wait for it to cool down. You may cut it to desired shapes or roll it for a circular shape.

Maria Fhebie Ortil

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News

Vol. I, No. 31 | January 15-21, 2021 (Jumad ‘ul Akir 2-8, 1442)

NCMF operations in news briefs and photos | By Ali G. Macabalang NCMF-Sulu stages livelihood training for single parents

on slaughtering operations, goat raising process and other halal-related educational programs.

NCMF Secretary Saidamen B. Pangarungan has lauded the DA‘s commitment to download funds to NCMF-Davao for faster implementation on halal projects region-wide, Datu Ramos said.

NCMF, consultative council renovate Caloocan City madrasah The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) staged a trainers‘ training for the backyard gardening project of its field office in Sulu last January 8, mustering supports from the Bangsamoro autonomous government‘s Ministry of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR), commission spokesman Jun Alonto -Datu Ramos said.

NCMF-Sulu Regional Director Sitti Nafrada Uñga tapped expert lectures on production of vegetables ranging from seed germination to transplant and sustenance stages.

The training, held at the MAFAR Multipurpose Hall, Capitol Site in Bangkal, Patikul town, was meant for trainees to echo the acquired technologies among single Muslim Filipino parents in Sulu and other parts of the country, and capacitate the husbandless mothers in earning incomes for their families, Datu Ramos said.

The activity was attended by the NCMF employees, selected single mothers from the communities, and the MSU-LHS Batch '97 support group.

The lecturers included Virginia Arreza and Engking Zakilan, , MAFAR municipal officer and plant quarantine officer, respectively.

MAFAR administrative officer Wendy Reyes, chief agriculturist Jun Ammak, Community Agrarian Officer Al-Jibriel Ladjahasan, and MAFAR staff Marwa Ismael, Mudjamier Hailid, Renneth Ribuan served the event secretariat.

The NCMF and Secretary Saidamen B. Pangarungan ―look forward to the result of this partnership in providing a livelihood‖ for single parents, Datu Ramos said.!

NCMF-Davao partners with DA for LGU halal development program The NCMF and Department of Agriculture (DA) regional offices in Region 11 tackled mutual concerns on the halal food production industry in a meeting last January 7 in Davao City, Director Datu Ramos said.

The DA presented its 2020 projects implemented in partnership with the NCMF on the Halal Programs, such as the Kadiwa on Wheels, Halal Goat Project, and Regional Consultation Forum on Halal, while the Davao City government provided briefing updates on its halal slaughter project, which the NCMF assist for Islamic conformity, he said.

NCMF-Region 11 Director Sherrila PorzaSawah alongside her staff - Chief Sami Buat, Chief Ruby Sangid, and Aliezah Diator – facilitated the meeting, assuring proper issuance of hall certification to the city‘s slaughterhouse.

Datu Ramos said the NCMF-Davao office was also contemplating on conducting training

Officials of the NCMF-South Luzon Regional Office and the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Region 5 met on January 11, 2021 at the DSWD- 5 regional office, and forged a partnership in the delivery relief services to Muslim communities in the region, Datu Ramos said.

NCMF-South Luzon Regional Director Ceazar Maranda and DSWD Regional Director Arnel Garcia agreed on modes of providing services to the Muslim Filipinos in the Bicol region, he said.

Director Garcia cited the unique situation of the Muslims living in Luzon, particularly in the Bicol region, even as he lauded his earlier receipt of letter from Director Maranda requesting relief packs for Bicol Muslim communities, and thus ordered the release of 1,345 food packs, Datu Ramos said.

NCMF Secretary Pangarungan congratulated Director Maranda for successfully forging what Datu Ramos described as ―historic‖ partnership unprecedented in their agency‘s history. (AGM)

3 soldiers, 1 civilian found dead in Lanao town

By Ali G. Macabalang

Caloocan City-based Litahhfeedhil Qur‘an Al-kareem madrasah underwent intensive renovation from Dec. 28, 2020 up to last Jan. 5 for the comfort of its morits (students) and asatids (mentors), courtesy of joint supports by the NCMF National Capital Region office and the city‘s Muslim Consultative Council (MCC).

Islamic-Arabic school, located at Phase 4, Pack 9, Block 80, Lot 18, Bagong Silang, Caloocan City, underwent partial renovation because a full makeover would cost additional P150,000, Director Datu Ramos said.

The initial renovation fund was provided by NCMF-Bureau of Muslim Cultural Affairs under Director Laman Piang as approved by Secretary Saidamen B. Pangarungan.

The madrasah administrator Abdullah Said requested renovation assistance in a letter coursed through Settlement Division Acting Chief Nena Balindong during their rice distribution on October 7, 2020 in the Caloocan City Muslim communities, Datu Ramos said.

Caloocan City MCC President Engr. Camal Papandayan helped estimate and purchase the materials used for the repairs on the second floor of the building, covering three rows extension using concrete hollow blocks, plastering, and temporary roofing with refurbished materials, he said.

NCMF-South Luzon, DSWD-Region 5 forge partnership

COTABATO CITY - Three soldiers and one civilian were shot and killed by unknown perpetrators Thursday morning, Jan. 14, according to the Western Mindanao Command (WMC).

Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., WMC commanding general, said the shooting incident transpired at around 8:45 a.m.

He said the 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion (MIB) was tipped by a civilian informant regarding a shooting incident in the boundary of Poona Piagapo and Pantao Ragat, Lanao del Norte.

“Troops immediately responded and proceeded to the area to validate the information.

Upon arrival, the responding team discovered 4 dead bodies with gunshot wounds,” Gen. Vinluan said.

He said prompt verification showed three of the fatalities were personnel of the 43rd Mechanized Company under the 4th MIB stationed at Tangclao Detachment, Poona Piagapo.

In the WMC report, Lt. Col. Domingo Dulay, 4th MIB commander, said the three soldiers were “onboard a motorcycle to go on marketing when the incident happened.”

He said troops from his battalion conducted pursuit operations and coordinated with police elements in Poona Piagapo and Pantao Ragat “for investigation.”

Meanwhile, 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade head Brig. Gen. Facundo Palafox said they were “still establishing the circumstances and we do not have any other information at the moment.”

He said fourth fatality was a civilian sans an identity yet, adding the names of the slain troops were withheld pending “notification to their next of kin.”

Joint Task Force ZamPeLan chief Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio condemned the incident as “terroristic act” the military would not let pass without corresponding proper sanction.

Gen. Ponio vowed to exhaust resources under his disposal for the “immediate identification and neutralization of the perpetrators.”

The WMC report was coupled with a photo of a civilian house in which the four cadavers and the soldiers‟ motorcycle were reportedly recovered. (AGM)

People and Events

Vol. I, No. 31 | January 15-21, 2021 (Jumad ‘ul Akir 2-8, 1442)

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Duterte Cabinet Members,diplomatic corps, BARMM Parliament, LGUs, ASP-1845, CSO members greet Hj Munir on his 66th birthday Honoring Hj Munir, the managing editor of Philippine Muslim Today on is 66t birthday.

S

ome Cabinet Members of President Rodrigo Duterte, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Members of Parliament of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), local government units (LGUs), Alpha Sigma Phi-1845, Civil Society Organizations, and members of the Media have sent their warmest greetings to birthday celebrator Julmunir Jannaral on his 66th birthday on January 10, 2021.

Then from the Diplomatic Corps those who greeted the Birthday Celebrator were Ambassador Akmad A. Sakkam of the Philippine Embassy in the Royal Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan as well as Atty. Jainal Rasul, the Philippines Labor Attache also in Amman, Jordan. Many friends ave extended reetins to JIJ but teir potos could not be accommodated ere due to space constraints. PMT

JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL at Route 66 with his Face Mask in compliance with the the Guidelines of the Inter Agency Task Force (IATF).

Undersecretary Joel Sy Egco, the executive director of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS).

Secretary Wendel E. Avisado of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM)

Secretary Wendel E. Avisado of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the fraternity brother of the Celebrator in the Alpha Sigma Phi-1845 was the first one to extend his greetings, where he said: “ Happy Happy Happy Brod. All the best and Allah bless you more and more and more.”

Another well wisher is Secretary Martin M. Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) where as of midnight of January 10, 2021 at the start of the natal day of the celebrator he likewise extended his “happy birthday greetings.”

Secretary Martin M. Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO)

In addition also coming from Malacanang is the birthday greetings of Undersecretary Joel Sy Egco, the executive director of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS).

“I felt honored and humbled by the greetings from the Cabinet Members of President Rodrigo Duterte who have remembered me as I celebrated my 66th birthday,” Jannaral said.

BTA Member of Parliament Atty. Rasol Y. Mitmug, Jr.

People and Events

Vol. I, No. 31 | January 15-21, 2021 (Jumad ‘ul Akir 2-8, 1442)

B3

Philippine Muslim Today holds New Year Reunion in Service to the Filipino Muslims

By MUSLIMEDIA.PH

P

ASAY CITY: The Philippine Muslim Today (PMT) held a New Year Reunion with the theme “In Service to the Filipino Muslims through Quality Reportage” last Sunday, January 9 at the Marriott Café at Marriott Hotel, Resorts World Manila here in this city.

Datu Yusoph Champ Mama II, the Son and PES (Personal Executive Assistant) and official spokesman to Chairman of the Board of PMT Datu Yusoph Boyog Mama (DYBM) announced that Chairman DYBM is elated by what he calls as the “Quality Reportage” of Philipppine Muslim Today.

The Chairman who is concurrently the “Masirikampo sa Marawi”(Traditional Leader) told the Managing Editor Julmunir I. Jannaral who was present at the Marriott Hotel meeting and expressed his happiness and over-all satisfaction which he considered as the high rating of Philippine Muslim Today as the first Muslim Digital Online Newspaper in the Philippines serving the many Filipinos most especially the Bangsamoro people.

The PES who is popularly known as Champ is an Associate of the premier firm, Bancom II Consultants.

He was an erstwhile Vice-Chairman of the Atenean Heroes Memorial Committee (AdMU-AHMC); and he has served the Philippine Government in various capacities including being the former Executive Officer (Head of Operations Group and the Secretariat) of the Presidential Task Force 211 (Inter-agency Task Force Against Extrajudicial Killings: Anti-Political and Media Killings) under the Office of the President.

PRELUDE TO BOARD MEETING: Datu Yusoph Boyog Mama (DYBM), Chairman of the Board of Philippine Muslim Today (Center) has hosted a prelude Dinner Board Meeting at Marriott Café at Marriott Hotel, Resorts World Manila in Pasay City. He is with his Personal Executive Assistant (PES) and Son Datu Yusoph Champ Mama II. Chairman DYBM is outlining some of the Plans & Programs he has in mind for the Management of this First Muslim Digital Online Newspaper to be implemented in 2021. At right is Managing Editor Julmunir I. Jannaral, Al Haj who is also on his 66th birthday today, January 10, 2021. At extreme right is Culinary Writer Maria Fhebie Ortil, while Second from right is the Advertising Sales Director Fatima O. Jannaral.(Contributed Photo)

Champ was also a former Team Leader under the Intellectual Property Office Philippines, Office of the DirectorGeneral, for the National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR) - Enforcement Group (DTI-IPOPHL).

The New Year Reunion of Philippine Muslim Today has coincided also with the advance birthday dinner hosted by DYBM at the Marriott Hotel for the PMT Managing Editor.

At the same time the occasion served as a prelude to the Board Meeting to be held in Manila early this year.

In attendance were Fatima Ortil-Jannaral, the PMT Advertising Sales Director and Maria Fhebie Ortil who writes for the weekly culinary column on BARMM Halal Foods.

PES CHAMP: Chairman's Personal Executive Assistant (PES), and son, Datu Yusoph Champ Mama II (seated left), where Chairman of the Board Datu Yusoph Boyog Mama is outlining some of the Plans & Programs he has in mind for the Management of this First Muslim Digital Online Newspaper to implement in 2021. Of course seated at extreme right is Julmunir I. Jannaral, Managing Editor and concurrently Bureau Chief of Metro Manila News Bureau. Photo by Fatima O. Jannaral

Since the occasion was just a prelude to Board Meeting proper to be called by Chairman DYBM early this Year, he said it is "best we publish the future Plans & Programs once we've fleshed out the better part of the details consistent with PMToday's vision & mission" and the timing can best suit our purposes most probably during a future „milestone issue‟ (40th or 50th issue) per our reckoning.”

Hence, in behalf of EIC Dean Masiding Noor Yahya, the Managing Editor accepted the proposition of Chairman DYBM since other members of the Board were not present.

PES Champ said the "Philippine Muslim Today: New Year Reunion in Service to the Filipino Muslims through Quality Reportage" as taken up together is a kind of a 'positive signification' from the PMToday family for the reading public, after all, looking unto the near future, In Shaa Allah.

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD: Datu Yusoph Boyog Mama (The Masirikampo-sa-Marawi, seated center), Chairman of the Board of Muslimedia.PH, publisher of Philippine Muslim Today, has hosted a birthday dinner and a prelude to Board Meeting at Marriott Café at Marriott Hotel, Resorts World Manila in Pasay City. At right is Managing Editor Julmunir I. Jannaral, Al Haj who celebrated also his recent 66th birthday last January 10, 2021. While standing at left is Yusoph Champ Mama II, the PES (Personal Executive Assistant) to the Chairman and also his son and official Spokesman (SPOX). Photo by Fatima O. Jannaral