Philippine Muslim Today

ON PRESIDENT’S HEALTH

Homobono A. Adaza | A3

Some crucial information on COVID19

Julmunir I. Jannaral | A3

Can't thank you enough, Frontliners!

Don’t die on COVID-19 time

Ali G. Macabalang | A4

Gamson Jr Mawallil Quijano | A4

Muslim today PHILIPPINE

Save the Earth

The Muslim National Digital Newspaper | Bearer of Glad Tidings.

Vol. I, No. 44 | April 16-22, 2021 (Ramadan 4-10, 1442) | 14 Pages | Online Issue

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BARMM helps over 2-K Marawi IDPs for Ramadan Ijtihad

By Masiding Noor Yahya

News in Photo

A

t least 2,859 internally displaced persons (IDPs) will have bearable Ramadhan this year as the Bangsamoro Government started its week-long Ramadhan relief operation for evacuees from the 2017 Marawi Siege who are now living in transitory shelters.

MEHOL K. SADAIN THE SAWM OF RAMADAN

“

Sawm” in Arabic means fasting. Hence, the most famous of the Qur’an verses on fasting, verse 183 of Surah AlBaqarah, declares: “O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you (Kutiba ‘alaykumu sSiyaamu) as it was prescribed to those before you (kamaa kutiba ala l-ladhiina min qablikum). What is the purpose of fasting?

The verse continues: That you may learn piety and selfrestraint (La-allakum tattaquun).

(Full Story on Page A2)

A5 THE COMMUNITY

NOW IT CAN BE TOLD: This is a File Photo showing our little contribution towards the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) where we also campaigned so hard using the power of the Media to create awareness on all the stakeholders, the government vis-à-vis the Bangsamoro Homeland. Here in this photo is one of the episodes of our Talk Show , Salaam Daan sa Kapayapaan, showing from left the author Julmunir I. Jannaral, Al Haj, the People’s Television (PTV-4) Talk Show Host, with Emil Carreon (center) a Co-Host with the Episode Guest Muslim entrepreneur and now the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Commissioner Yusoph Mando. Commissioner Mando had also campaigned so extensively at PTV-4 being a national television on the importance of the creation of BARMM as a key to the elusive and lasting peace in Muslim Mindanao. JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

A6 MINDANAO

Marawi City declares Friday Abu Sayyaf Group a non-working holiday declared persona non

Marawi City Mayor Majul U. Gandamra has declared Friday, April 16, 2021, as a special non-working holiday in celebration of the Islamic City of Marawi Day which falls on April 15 this year.

A8 NATION

grata in Tawi-Tawi

Voter registration still suspended in NCR, other MECQ, ECQ areas

Tawi-Tawi Provincial Peace and Order Council, Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council, and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council have jointly declared the Abu Sayyaf Group and all Lawless Armed Groups persona non grata recently.

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has announced that voter registration is still suspended in the National Capital Region (NCR) and in other areas that are under the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) or ECQ.

The operation is conducted by the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD), in partnership with the BARMM Marawi Rehabilitation Program–Program Steering Committee (BARMM MRP–PSC) and Members of the Parliament in the Ranao region.

Full Story on Page A6

A12 TOURISM

Observance of Ramadan in Tawi-Tawi

A group of professionals who participated in moonsighting at Pahut, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.

Fasting is a must for all adult Muslims, unless someone is sick, is travelling, is having their menstrual cycle, is pregnant, diabetic, or elderly.

A2

Opinion Philippine Muslim Today Inc.

Exploring tourism spots in the Bangsamoro region

Co. Reg. No. 2021030008913-02 DATU YUSOPH B. MAMA Chairman, Board of Directors 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 JOHNNY R. LEE Bureau Chief for Western Mindanao Region PHIL MUSLIM Layout Artist FATIMA ORTIL-JANNARAL Advertising Sales Director for NCR NUR-ALI A. MACABALANG Correspondent AMIR HUSSEIN ABBAS Correspondent COLUMNISTS | WRITERS: ATTY. HOMOBONO A. ADAZA ATTY. JUAN PONCE ENRILE JOHNNY R. LEE, Ph.D ATTY. MEHOL K. SADAIN MA. FHEBIE ORTIL 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.

Vol. I, No. 44 | April 16-22, 2021 (Ramadan 4-10, 1442)

T

he recent venture of the Ministry of Trade, Investments and Tourism’s (MTIT) in exploring tourist destinations in the island province of Tawi-Tawi is laudable. This is one program that we have appreciated. We know how rich is the Bangsamoro homeland in tourism attractions which are much better in some other ways than those found in the other regions of the country.

In its report on April 11, 2021, the Bangsamoro Information Office (BIO) said MTIT headed by Minister Abuamri Taddik, explored tourism destination in the island province of Tawi-Tawi.

The region’s information arm said the exploration occurred last March 24, 2021, and it is “aimed to conduct inventory and tour of some potential tourism sites and resources in the BARMM localities, being part of the area assessment and database building, as initial steps to the formulation of Provincial Tourism Master Plan (PTMP).”

The tour was initiated by the Bureau of Tourism of the MTIT in support for the development and promotion of tourism in the island province in coordination with the MTIT-Tawi-Tawi Provincial Office and its Provincial Tourism Office (PTO).

Among the places and sites toured by the ministry according to the BIO include: 1. The historical Sheik Karimul Makhdum Mosque in Tubig-Indangan, Simunul, built in 1380, which stands as the foundation of Islam in the Philippines; 2. The breathtaking Sangay Siapuh Island Resort, considered by many as the little Maldives of the South. It now stands to be one of the leading eco-tourism products of the “TawiTawi to the World” slogan; 3. The South Korean-inspired Rubber Plantation—now a great potential site for eco-farm tourism; 4. The splendid Bihing Tahik Resort. Its name is local but its ambience equalled almost the best exclusive beaches in the world; and 5. The majestic Bud Bongao Forest Park—the province’s landmark that is a must for visitors to trek to as high as 1,122 ft. and 3,608 steps just to meet the friendly monkeys and see the beautiful scenery of Tawi-Tawi island from above.

While the move was laudable, it would be more appreciated if it will really go across the Bangsamoro region, and not only of exploration but of truly developing the tourism industry.

Exploring is one thing, developing is another.

We know the Bangsamoro has unique and wonderful tourist spots. But to develop our tourist spots as a competitive industry is easier said than done. We know the success of tourism solely lies on the stability of peace and order which for decades is wanting in the region and given the day-to-day killings has yet to be achieved.

It is time the BARMM authorities exert concrete efforts for the realization of a truly peaceful community. Only then can tourism industry flourish in this part of the world. PMT

THE SAWM OF RAMADAN

“

Sawm” in Arabic means fasting. Hence, the most famous of the Qur’an verses on fasting, verse 183 of Surah AlBaqarah, declares: “O you who believe! Fasting is pre-

Ijtihad MEHOL K. SADAIN

scribed to you (Kutiba ‘alaykumu s-Siyaamu) as it was prescribed to those before you (kamaa kutiba ala l-ladhiina min qablikum). What is the purpose of fasting? The verse continues: That you may learn piety and self-restraint (La-allakum tattaquun). In short, it is to achieve taqwa, which is a state of piety and self-restraint arising from our awe of the Incomparable Supreme Powerful God. One who has acquired taqwa is called a muttaqeen.

The other significant information we derive from the verse is that fasting was also a divine prescription for those who received earlier revelations. This means that revelations from time immemorial directed people to fast so they can also achieve the piety that translates to taqwa among the Muslims. This is unity in spiritual practice and goal, and serves as a point of convergence of the different faiths; which in turn means that other faiths should not really find the Muslim fast unusual nor extraneous. Fasting, after all, is a religious devotion that cleanses the self physically (as doctors will now say) and spiritually (as preachers have always said).

Fasting is therefore an activity that is designed to benefit man. It may be an act of devotion ordered by God and directed at God, but its ultimate and real beneficiary is man. Hence, verse 185 of the same Surah tells us that in fasting, God “intends every facility for you” (Yuriidullaahu bikumul yusra), and “does not want to put you in difficulty” (Wa laa yuriidu bikumu l-‘usr). This is because “He wants you to complete the (fasting) period” (Wa litukmiluliddata), and “He wants you to glorify Him in that which He has guided you” (wa litukabbirullaaha ‘alaa maa hadaakum). For what purpose? That “perchance, you shall be grateful” (Wa la-allakum tashkuruun!)

Verse 185 of Surah 2 of the Noble Qur’an is a verse of shukr, and it is the other lesson (aside from taqwa) that the fast of Ramadan wants to inculcate in the Muslims. Gratitude for what? Gratitude for God’s Mercy (for giving us the cleansing fast) and for God’s Forgiveness (for providing us the means to wash away our sins, and escape hellfire). Hence, it is said that the month of Ramadan is one where “the beginning is mercy, the middle forgiveness, and the end deliverance from the fire” --- reasons enough for a fasting faithful to be grateful to God. SADAIN | A13

Opinion

Diliman Way

or me, the sick entertainment in these perilous times of the Xi Jin Ping corona virus is the debate over whether ‘President Duterte’ is sick or not.

Why should anybody worry about Duterte being sick or not? Many times President Duterte has admitted he is suffering from some ailments. If that is the case – why debate over his health? He is sick, based on his admission.

He says, however, that his ailment is not life threatening.

When former Senator Francisco “Kit” Tatad wrote in his column in the Manila Times that President Duterte has been going to Xi Jing Ping’s Communist China for treatment of a serious ailment, President Duterte was enraged and said, among

others, that Tatad is not a medical doctor and is in no position to say that the President is sick. What was telling were these words of Duterte – “Tell Tatad that I’m healthier than him and I am sure he will die ahead of me.”

Kit Tatad got the message and he retired as a columnist and made a journey to nowhere or as Samuel Butler would have it, to Erewhon. So you see, there is no sense speculating on the health of President Duterte. You can get a dose of the Tatad treatment – and it’s not Sinovac or Astrazeneka or sinopak (in Bisaya, objected to).

From the Palace point of view, it’s all right to be a Malacañang herbolario like Senator Christopher Lawrence Tesoro Go

aka Bong Go who like an umalohocan is shouting at the top of the roof of the Palace that President Duterte is in perfect health – riding a motorcycle and jogging.

Common kid, haven’t you read that famous quote at the beginning of this column from President Abraham Lincoln. It’s plain and simple – you don’t have to think on it. Just read it. I suppose you know how to read it even if it’s not in Chinese characters.

Another herbolario from the Palace, Harry Roque, is echoing your line. He is a lawyer – he should know better.

The era of Joseph Goebbels had been cast into the garbage of history just like Adolf Hitler and the Third Reich. It is a repudiated

Batanes to Tawi-Tawi

O

n the 44th Digital Edition of the Philippine Muslim Today, I finally thought of writing an indispensable and essential information from Batanes To Tawi-Tawi which is the crucial information on COVID19 that was passed on to me by a friend.

I thought this was just an ordinary piece of information usually being forwarded by a Facebook friend. But when I read it I came to realize that it is not only indispensable but likewise most essential just like how significant or importance the “Lugaw” is that became viral to the netizens in the Internet Province.

Hence, it says that seemingly “we will not be able to take the 2nd Phase of Lockdown,” according to the health

professionals.

And so they added that due to the collapse of the health system, no less than the health professionals have prepared this message for the people especially you who are among my readers from Batanes To Tawi-Tawi.

They said in case you don’t want to risk going to the hospital immediately; these are the following procedures that one may follow to prevent and stop the Coronavirus from coming in unexpectedly into your body system.

According to the Health Professionals, this is it, on what are the symptoms that will appear from the 3rd after one is infected with this dreaded Coronavirus or COVID19.

The following are

A3

ON PRESIDENT’S HEALTH

“You can fool all the people some of the time, some of the people all the time but you cannot fool all the people all the time.” – President Abraham Lincoln

F

Vol. I, No. 44 | April 16-22, 2021 (Ramadan 4-10, 1442)

era. The Goebbels’ line that a lie told once remains a lie, a lie told several times becomes the truth, does not work anymore with people who use their heads or have a scintilla of education. It works only with morons, simpletons, fanatics and the stupid – and they are diminishing in numbers.

Are they?

Evidence: Harry Roque should teach Senator Bong Go the fundamental but simple rule of evidence – that for evidence to be believed, it must be not only come from the mouth of a credible witness but must be credible by itself. The evidence that Senator Go submitted has two strikes against it. First, he and Roque are devotees and propagandists of Duterte - so on this matter they not credible witnesses. As Duterte defenders, they are nothing but propagandists whose genius is to tell untruths or false-

hood – as in this particular case.

Second, the evidence they submitted are not credible by itself. They are pictures with no indication when they were taken.

If President Duterte is really working in Malacañang, why don’t they just call the networks with Duterte speaking to the people which he does regularly every week?

The fact that the two herbolarios could not submit that simple evidence proves that they are not telling the truth.

No relevance: Is it relevant for the country and our people if President Duterte is sick or not? Is it pertinent to Filipinos if the President is visible or invisible?

Probably not! Why? Whether President Duterte is sick or not, he will not change. The country will not change.

His decision making process will not change.

The problems will

still be there, irrespective of his physical condition. Why? He is not a problem solver as he is a creator of problems – extrajudicial killings, continuing rise of prices of basic commodities, allowing the invasion and taking over of the West Philippine Sea by Communist China, inability to control rampant graft and corruption, failure to eliminate the illegal drug problem, wanton violation of the Constitution and failure to improve the lives of Filipinos, among others.

Many Filipinos say that what exists during the Duterte regime is the sad and unchanging reality in this country.

This kind of thinking comes from defeatists and those who do not think and read. The history of the world, ancient or contemporary, does not only show but demonstrate that realities in a country or in the world can change.

ADAZA | A13

Some crucial information on COVID-19

the Viral Symptoms in the 1st Phase: 1. Body pain 2. Eye pain 3. Headache 4. Vomiting 5.Diarrhea Runny nose or nasal congestion 1. Decomposition 2. Burning eyes 3. Burning when urinating 4. Feeling feverish 5. Scuffed throat (sore throat) Note: It is very important to count the days of symptoms: 1st, 2nd, 3rd.

1. Take action before the onset of fever.

2. Be careful, it is very important to drink plenty of fluids, especially purified water.

Drink plenty of water to keep your throat

moist and to help clear your lungs.

2nd Phase; (from 4th to 8th day) inflammatory.

1. Loss of taste and/ or smell.

2. Fatigue with minimal effort 3. Chest pain (rib cage) 4. Tightening of the chest 5. Pain in the lower back (in the kidney area) The virus attacks nerve endings; Note: The difference between fatigue and shortness of breath: A. Lack of air when the person is sitting- without making any effort- and is out of breath; B. Fatigue is when the person moves around to do something

simple and feels tired.

It takes a lot of hydration and Vitamin C. Covid-19 binds oxygen, so the quality of the blood is poor, with less oxygen.

3rd Phase- Healing; 1. On day 9, the healing phase begins, which can last until day 14 (convalescence).

2. Do not delay treatment, the sooner the better!

Good luck everyone!

The Health Professionals added, it is better to keep these recommendations, prevention is never too much!

1. Sit in the Sun for 15-20 minutes.

2. Rest and sleep for at least 7-8 hours.

3. Drink 1 and a half liters of water per day.

4. All food should be hot (not cold).

Keep in mind that the pH (Alkalinity) of the Coronavirus ranges from 5.5 to 8.5.

So all we have to do to eliminate the virus is to eat more alkaline foods, above the acid level of the virus.As;1) Bananas, Lime-9.9 pH2) Yellow Lemon-8.2 pH3) Avocado-pH 15.64) Garlic- pH 13.25) Mango-pH 8.76) Mandarin- pH 8.57) Pineapple- 12.7 pH There you are my avid or no avid at all my dear readers of Batanes To Tawi-Tawi, this is just one of saying to you that I care for you and Stay Home and Keep Safe 24/7 as well. As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Meaning, it is easier to stop something from JANNARAL| A13

A4

Opinion

Punchline

I

n medical parlance, patients theoretically know best the particular painful parts of their bodies that physicians ought to examine and diagnose with corresponding types of therapies.

While drawing hundreds of greetings and well-wishes on my birthday and that of my grandson, Hanad on April 4 in simple thanksgiving sidelined or made quite pompous by the wedding of my daughter Anisa, bad news greeted me the next day.

The sad news: Mr. Crispulo “Jun” Iban Jr., Manila Bulletin editor-inchief for 18 years and publisher for about a year, and Ms. Evelyn Estorquia, administrative finance head of the Bangsamoro government’s Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (READI) unit, died on April 5.

The first government official to convey condolences to Icban’s family was former President Gloria MacapagalArroyo, who once appointed the deceased as Press Secretary and was celebrating her birthday on April 5. On the death of Ms. Evelyn,

her immediate boss, Bangsamoro Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo was also among the earliest local dignitaries to express sympathy with a sentimental tribute via Facebook.

I am saddened by the deaths of the duo because they formed part of my over four decades of stint in the media. I served the Manila Bulletin for 26 years when Mr. Icban was news editor and editorin-chief. He was like an elder brother or father to me. On three occasions, I lobbied for the use of my stories on the front page. Instead, he used all my articles as banner stories in separate editions, one of which partly saved me from the 2009 Maguindanao massacre.

On Nov. 22, the eve of the infamous massacre of 57 people including 32 journalists, Mr. Icban published my story on a Manilahosted international forum on halal development. One of the event facilitators, the DOST Region 12 office, bought over 1,000 hard copies of the Bulletin made as part of reference materials in the

Don’t die on COVID-19 time

forum set on November 23.

I flew to Manila on Nov. 20 to cover the post-violent demolition by police-backed civilian workers of the mosque in Baclaran, Parñaque because then Congressman Mujiv Hataman and former journalist Samira Gutoc told me by phone that three Maranaos were killed in the demotion. I called up then PNP Chief Jess Versoza, my frat brother, and condemned him. Gen. Versoza denied any fatality in the incident and invited me to come and know the truth.

In Baclaran, I called up Gen. Versoza and apologized for my bad words after learning there was indeed no death in the demolition, and pleaded to him to refrain the cops from pursuing the demolition. I called up then Press Secretary Cerge Remonde to ask then President GMA to stop the demotion and possibly chip out funds for the damages on the mosque’s surrounding shanties. The Palace heeded my plea and donated P5-million.

Lawyer Ali Diampu-

Suara from the Gulf GAMSON JR MAWALLIL QUIJANO

R

ecently, during the current Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in the National Capital Region (NCR) due to the surge in COVID-19 cases, the story of “lugaw is essential” becomes viral on social media.

Filipino netizens worldwide reacted in many different ways to this trending topic. For this reason, I am exhilarated to share my own story related to this matter.

During the early stage of COVID-19 invasion, I was in Zamboanga City for my annual

vacation as an OFW. Honestly, then, I was so extremely anxious about the wellbeing of my family, especially my parents who are getting older.

The regular news updates about the increasing numbers of people afflicted by COVID-19 makes me even more woeful, not for my self but for my family.

But, I surrendered everything to Allāh, The Protector, The Bestower of Security.

Thus, apart from Allāh, there are people who also have family just like many of us, but

Vol. I, No. 44 | April 16-22, 2021 (Ramadan 4-10, 1442)

they choose to struggle and sacrifice extraordinarily in order for each and every one of us to be safeguarded and protected from being afflicted by the possible deadly effect of the COVID-19.

Thus, I would like to take this opportunity to express my pride and joy to give salute, honor, sincere gratitude and appreciation to all of the people who have protected and safeguarded my family and loved ones in Zamboanga City from being afflicted by the possible deadly effect of the COVID-19.

an and Mrs. Sorayda Tamano, widow of the late Senator Mamintal Tamano, were witnesses on how I went out of journalistic limits by acting as mediator. I accompanied dozens of Maranao traders to the Paranaque City Hall, which informed us that PGMA ordered a stop in the demotion.

Back to halal forum concern, Mr. Icban’s use of my story as front page banner article prompted our eldest brother, now retired BFAR regional director, who was his agency’s focal person on halal development, to summon me to the event for my media coverage. I cancelled my early morning flight I was supposed to take to catch up in the travel of 57 people from Buluan to Shariff Aguak for Mangudadatu’s gubernatorial candidacy’s filing – and met my brother.

At about 11a.m. of Nov. 23, I received calls from Mindanao informing me about what happened to the 57 people.

I almost fainted and could only praise Allah (s.w.t.) from saving. I realized later that Mr. Icban’s use of my story and the false reports of Rep. Hataman and Sa, Gutoc were blessing in disguise.

On March 30, I pre-

sided over a meeting in Cotabato for a briefing in prelude to the formation of a Bangsamoro Press Corps at the READI conference room, which Minister Sinarimbo chose to be the venue with full assistance provided by the late Evelyn.

Evelyn even booked me and my entourage in an executive room in one of Cotabato City’s best hotels for overnight sojourn. On April 3, or less than two days before she passed away, Evelyn and I had a long conversation over the phone. I thanked her for her usual utmost assistance in my official concerns. I also informed her that my son will see her on Monday, April 5, for official concern. My son told me by phone early morning Monday that Evelyn was gone.

Evelyn reportedly died inside her house early morning Monday, but her immediate kin brought her to a hospital. The hospital workers conducted a swab test on her cold body, and announced later she was positive of COVID-19. Her family believed she died of cardiac arrest prompted by an allergy. City health workers have cordoned the house of Evelyn and mandated her body’s cremation.

In the case of Mr. Icban’s death at 85, the Manila Bulletin revealed no cause of his demise.

But editorial officials of

my former newspaper said in one of several related reports that Mr. Icban’s body “would be cremated.” I could just suspect that health workers might have also conducted a swab test on his body.

Death is an inevitable segment of humanity. It is just lamentable that many people dying during this viral pandemic always ended up branded as “positive” for COVID-19.

My suspicion on some improprieties in the COVID-19 was once bolstered by an earlier lamentation by Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia about the death of one of her male domestic workers in a stabbing incident. She took her disgust to the online media via video message that local health workers diagnosed her demised helper as “positive.”

In the video, the lady governor disclosed some instances how ordinary ailments were allegedly being deemed as COVID-19 cases “for the money of it.”

Too sad that even a life-taking pandemic is being used as a moneymaking scam, which benefits not the victims but the vultures in government and private sector.

For ordinary people, my advice is: Don’t die during this pandemic, lest you enrich more the greedy human demons.

AGM

Can't thank you enough, Frontliners!

Thank you so much to all of you, especially to the staunch leadership of the mother and mayor of Zamboanga City, MARIA ISABELLE G. CLIMACOSALAZAR, who serves as the captain of the ship.

Likewise, to our beloved Governor of Sulu, Gov. ABDUSAKUR M. TAN, who has exhausted all the possible means in order to keep everyone especially my family there in Sulu safe and sound amidst the threat of COVID19.

I wholeheartedly understand that although many afflicted

people opine that the government’s several measures related to COVID-19 seem exaggerated and are inflicted to harm, but in reality, it is us and our families who would benefit the most from it.

It must be noted well that the paramount objective of every government in imposing these measures is to protect and safeguard all of us from the detrimental effect brought by this enemy because our lives are precious and we deserve to live securely.

To all the frontliners out-there who have been energetically ac-

tive warriors in combating this unseen and agonizing enemy, THANK YOU SO MUCH for rendering invaluable services in so many ways just to protect and safeguard every precious soul of human lives during this most challenging health crisis.

May Allāh always keep US ALL including our beloved families, loved ones -- so ever be protected and safeguarded by Him at all times from the harm of COVID-19 and any natural or man-made catastrophes wherever we may be. Aamin.

GMQ

Across Mindanao

Vol. I, No. 44 | April 16-22, 2021 (Ramadan 4-10, 1442)

Marawi City declares Friday a nonworking holiday

By Rocaya Sumndad Otical Yahya

M

ARAWI CITY — City Mayor Majul U. Gandamra has declared Friday, April 16, 2021, as a special non-working holiday in celebration of the Islamic City of Marawi Day which falls on April 15 this year.

In Memorandum No 23, Series of 2021, Gandamra declared April 16, 2021 a special non-working holiday to give ample time to the constituents of the city to observe the practices during the Holy Month of Ramadhan and to provide and avenue to commemorate the Islamic City of Marawi day.

Gandamra then enjoined all government employees and city constituents to celebrate this momentous event in a manner befitting the said occasion and with compliance to the minimum health protocols implemented in the city.

Forty one years ago, on April 15, 1980, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Marawi passed Resolution No. 19-A renaming Marawi City to Islamic City of Marawi to give credence and recognition to the fact that at least 92 per cent of its population were Muslims.

Marawi City was a municipality named

Marawi City Mayor Majul U. Gandamra. (File photo)

Dansalan, capital of the defunct undivided Lanao province in the Philippines from 1907 to 1940, first under the government of the Moro Province, the Department of Mindanao and Sulu, the Bureau of Non -Christian Tribes, the Commonwealth, and finally the Republic.

According to one of the late well-known Meranao scholar Dr. Mamitua Saber, Marawi City got its charter in 1940. The granting of a charter to the old Dansalan Municipality was

jointly conceived by Commonwealth President, Manuel L. Quezon and Assemblyman, later Senator Tomas L. Cabili.

The changing of the official name from Dansalan to Marawi was through Congressional amendment of the Charter in 1956 sponsored

by Senator Domocao Alonto.” This is embodied in Republic Act No. 1552 dated June 16, 1956.

Under the impact of Islamic awareness and consciousness, the re-

naming of Marawi City into Islamic City of Marawi was proposed in Parliamentary Bill No. 261 by former Assemblyman Jamael Dianalan, brother of former late Mayor Omar Dianalan.

Professor Talib Benito in his thesis work entitled:, “the Renaming of Marawi City into Islamic City of Marawi: An Attitudinal Study Among City Residents in 1983,” revealed that the bill was read before the Batasan floor during its second session on July 24, 1979, and was transmitted to and received by the Committee on Local Government and Community Development on August 2,1979.

The bill was expected to be finally deliberated and adopted by the Congress until it just went to oblivion after a revolutionary government was declared and imposed by the late President Corazon Aquino.

RSOY

Zamboanga City exec nixes lockdown

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr. ZAMBOANGA CITY-The city government does not support the imposition of an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) or lockdown because of its effects on the people and the economy, Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said Thursday.

Salazar said this was the reason why the local government has intensified the enforcement of preventive measures, such as wearing face masks and face shields, practicing hand hygiene and physical distancing, and a range of movement restrictions.

She noted that even beaches and resorts

have been temporarily closed to curb the transmission of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) amid the rapidly increasing cases.

“Otherwise, if the cases become unmanageable, then the national government might declare ECQ, and we do not want to be under ECQ because of its effects on the livelihood of

people,” Salazar said.

In addressing the pandemic, she said the local government has to balance medical science, facts, and the opportunity for people to continue putting food on the table.

The local interagency task force on Covid-19 has sought the national government’s approval to

place this city under general community quarantine (GCQ) to restrict the movement of residents because of the sudden spike in cases.

The request for GCQ was based on the recommendation of City Health Officer Dulce Amor Miravite and City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Elmeir Apolinario.

Zamboanga City has recorded 4,796 confirmed cases with 4,120 recoveries, based on its Covid-19 tracker as of April 13.

Of the total, 470 are active cases with 206 recorded deaths.

(PNA)

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‘Islamic Relief’ distributes Ramadan packs to the needy in Lanao town ILIGAN CITY — A faith-inspired international humanitarian and development organization has recently distributed Ramadan packs to the needy Muslims in Lanao del Sur municipality of Ditsaan Ramain.

In a statement, the Islamic Relief said it has on Monday provided halal-certified food packs to at least 2,312 households in 23 barangays of the municipality for the purpose of augmenting food security this Ramadan.

This includes 20 kilos of rice, oil, mung bean, native coffee, sugar, sardines, and corned beef, the statement added.

Since 2017, at least 13,700 households throughout BARMM have benefitted from food packs distributed by Islamic Relief during Ramadan which were donated by Islamic Relief Worldwide and Maybank / Islamic Relief Malaysia, among others.

Beneficiaries were selected based on the following criteria: income of PhP 5,000 and below, women-headed households, lactating mothers, pregnant, those with children aged 5 and below, with person with disability/senior citizen member in the household, no or difficult accessibility to the market.

Islamic Relief’s Ramadan program aims to augment food security of poor and vulnerable household members especially those in areas affected/ prone to natural disasters and conflict.

The household (HH) allocations by their donors are as follows: 1. Maybank/Islamic Relief Malaysia – 275 HHs in 2 barangays, namely, Barimbingan – 113 HHs; Gadongan – 162 HHs. 2. Islamic Relief Worldwide – 2,037 HHs in 21 barangays, namely, Pagalongan Proper – 167 HHs, Pagalongan Guinaopan – 121 HHs, Buayaan Raya – 92 HHs, Buayaan Lilod – 142 HHs, Linamon – 141 HHs, Polo – 173 HHs, Buadi Oloc – 50 HHs, Buadi Alao – 95 HHs; Darimbang – 30 HHs, Dilausan – 69 HHs, Rantian – 167 HHs, Bagoainged – 182 HHs. PR MASIDING NOOR YAHYA

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Across Mindanao

Abu Sayyaf Group declared persona non grata in Tawi-Tawi BONGAO, Tawi-Tawi — Members of the TawiTawi Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC), Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC), and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) have jointly declared the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and all Lawless Armed Groups persona non grata recently.

On Friday, a joint resolution was passed during the Joint 1st Quarter Meeting of PPOC, PADAC and PDRRMC that jibed with the 1st Quarter Joint Provincial Health Board and Provincial School Board Meeting held at the Henry V. Kong Hall of Mindanao State University Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography (MSU TCTO) in Barangay Sanga-Sanga, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.

It was presided by Gov. Ysmael “Mang” Sali.

In the resolution, the unified movement of support condemned the terroristic activities of the ASG and all lawless armed groups in all areas of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in the guise of their false ideologies.

“The Abu Sayyaf and all Lawless Armed Groups have no place in Tawi-Tawi,’ the resolution added.

ASG NOW PERSONA NON GRATA IN TAWITAWI : Governor Ysmael “Mang” Sali of the Province of Tawi-Tawi (3rd from right) presides a forum in MSUTCTO Gymnasium in Sanga-Sanga, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi where they have declared the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and other lawless armed group as persona non grata in Tawi-Tawi by signing a resolution. Among those who attended the joint meeting were the local chief executives of Tawi-Tawi, Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi and 2nd Marine Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, Tawi-Tawi Provincial Police Office Deputy Director Police Maj. Abrurakib Ahmad, and representatives from all concerned agencies. (Contributed Photo) Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) Chief Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. said this is a good development in the campaign to sustain the peace and order in the province of Tawi-Tawi.

“We fully support the unified declaration made by our fellow peace advocates. We assure you that our anti-terrorism and anti-criminality campaigns are bolstered in cooperation with the local government units, and our partners and stakeholders in the area,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan added.

Presided by Gov. Sali, the joint meeting was participated in by the local chief executives of Tawi-Tawi, Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi and 2nd Marine Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, Tawi-Tawi Provincial Police Office Deputy Director Police Maj. Abrurakib Ahmad, and representatives from all concerned agencies.

Participating agencies presented their quarterly reports during the meeting, most notable of which are the accomplishments of the different agencies such as the dismantling of the MNLF camps, the killing of ASG leader a.k.a. Apo Mike, the observance of health protocols, and the proper implementation of ordinances by the LGUs. Gov. Sali stressed that the meeting aimed to maintain the peaceful situation of the province of Tawi- Tawi and to assess how far the province has gone in this endeavor.

In his message, Brig. Gen. Rojas expressed his elation by saying, “Alhamdulillah! Praise be to God. Together as One in the Fight Against Terrorism: A Resolution declaring the Abu Sayyaf Group and other Lawless Armed Group as PERSONA NON GRATA in the entire province of Tawi-Tawi was initiated by this unit and Gov. Yshmael “Mang” Sali, a stalwart partner for peace and development, and approved by all council members during the 1st Quarter Joint Meeting which coincided with the Araw ng Kagitingan 2021. Keep the fires burning Team Tawi-Tawi for our future generations. Magsukul! (Thank you).” JIJ

Vol. I, No. 44 | April 16-22, 2021 (Ramadan 4-10, 1442)

BARMM helps over 2-K Marawi IDPs for Ramadan

By Masiding Noor Yahya

M

ARAWI CITY — The Bangsamoro Government has started its week-long Ramadhan relief operation to at least 2,859 internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Marawi In a statement furnished to Philippine Muslim Today, BIO, Bangsamoro government information arm, said the operation which started Tuesday, April 13 in Boganga Shelter and CRS in Barangay Pantaon, was conducted by the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD), in partnership with the BARMM Marawi Rehabilitation Program– Program Steering Committee (BARMM MRP– PSC) and Members of the Parliament in the Ranao region.

It said each of the beneficiaries received a 25kg sack of rice. The distribution will continue until April 16 to reach transitory shelters in Buadi Itowa, Miphaga, Pindolunan, Pagalamatan, and Sagonsongan.

Deputy Chief Minister Ali Solaiman, who chairs the PSC, emphasized in his message that the Bangsamoro Government has not forgotten the Marawi IDPs. “The BARMM Government, through the BARMM-Marawi Rehabilitation Program, will do what it can to provide for the needs of the

City living in transitory shelters within Lanao Del Sur province, according to the Bangsamoro Information Office (BIO).

Images show a webinar with MinDA and foreign entities committed to support the pilot Cattle Fattening Program in Mindanao. ((MinDA-supplied photo) IDPs. We will not only provide rice. Insha Allah, this will be followed by many great things,” BIO quoted Solaiman a saying.

One of the beneficiaries Soraya Disoma Ali said they are thankful that the BARMM’s relief operation came in very timely as they really needed assistance especially during the month of Ramadhan.

“BARMM has always been there to help us in times like this. We are grateful that finally we have something to break

our fasts with,” she said in local dialect.

According to PSC Member MP Anna Tarhata Basman, the relief operation targets to reach not only the IDPs in transitory shelters but also those home-based.

“As promised in our last visit here, we will bring something useful for this month of Ramadhan. Our goal is to reach IDPs in the transitory shelters in one week, and the homebased IDPs, Insha Allah, within this month of

Ramadhan,” Basman said.

DCM Solaiman, Basman, along with other Ranao MPs such Marjanie Mimbantas, and representatives from the offices of MPs Hamid Aminoddin Barra, Abdullah “Bravo” Macapaar, Pundoma Sani, Jannati Mimbantas, Nabilah Margarita Pangandaman, Maisara Dandamun-Latiph, and Said Sheik, led the ceremonial distribution. (With story from the Bangsamoro Information Office) MNY

Soldiers, lawless group clash in Sibugay Province ZAMBOANGA CITY — A firefight transpired between the military and an armed lawless group in Malangas, Zamboanga Sibugay Province on the morning of Wednesday.

“Based on the report from the ground, while the combined elements of the 44th Infantry Battalion and 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company were conducting a joint law enforcement operation in Barangay Mulom, Malangas, they encountered more or less ten armed men believed to be members of the Boy Negro Criminal Group,” said Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinlu-

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL an, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

A firefight ensued which lasted for ten minutes after which the enemies withdrew bringing along their casualties with them.

According to Lt. Col. Filven Noche, Commanding Officer of the 44IB, supplemental troops were immediately deployed to reinforce the engaged troops.

“We also established blockades to contain the movements of the fleeing enemies,” Lt. Col. Noche stated.

While clearing the encounter site, troops recovered one Samsung keypad cellphone, one bonnet, six jungle hammocks, kitchen utensils, one pair of rain boots, four sacks of milled rice, two liters of cooking oil, and one poncho.

“All patrol bases of the 44IB along the coastal areas of Malangas were tasked to conduct checkpoint operations and to monitor enemy sightings,” said Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, Commander of the 102nd Infantry Brigade.

Pursuit operations are continuously being conducted to neutralize the lawless elements.

Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, Commander of the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan, commended the troops of the 102Bde and 44IB in particular for their gallantry and perseverance to end terrorism and criminalities in their area of operation.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. said the military will never cease to fulfill its mandated tasks despite the emerging threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Together with our partners, we will continue to pursue the remaining enemies of the state while we assist the government in flattening the curve of the contagion,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. JIJ

Across Mindanao

Vol. I, No. 44 | April 16-22, 2021 (Ramadan 4-10, 1442)

PTFoMS pushes for inclusion of media workers in A4 priority group for Covid19 jab

By Presidential Task Force for Media Security

T

he Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) is pushing for the inclusion of media workers in the government’s priority list of workers for Covid19 vaccination, citing their essential role as frontliners in providing news to the public about the deadly virus.

In a letter addressed to Vaccine Czar Sec. Carlito Galvez, PTFoMS Co-Chairman and Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Sec. Martin Andanar, together with PTFoMS Executive Director Joel Sy Egco, made an appeal to include media workers among the A4 priority group that also includes public utility drivers, construction workers, vendors, priests, and frontline government workers.

According to Egco, “much like the work being done by our health workers in saving the lives of our countrymen, the Philippine media have been indispensable in the fight by bringing important and lifesaving information to the

people regarding the virus and the measures put in place to stop the disease pursuant to the guidelines and advisories issued by the IATF.” “Media workers have risked their lives in order to bring the latest news and information to the Filipino people about the virus and its effects. However, as part of the so-called “frontliners”, they are inevitably exposed to health risks and hazards while they are fulfilling their duty to bring the news to the people,” the palace official added.

Andanar and Egco said they both echo the call of Senator Bong Go that “the media should also be given priority once the safe and effec-

tive vaccines are available so that (they) can continue with (their) work of covering and bringing news to our countrymen.”

President Rodrigo Duterte created PTFoMS through Administrative Order No. 1 with a dedicated mandate of protecting the life, liberty and security of media workers. The order also enjoined all agencies of the government to provide full support and cooperation to PTFoMS in carrying out its mandate.

Andanar and Egco said they believed that this support can be best served by the inclusion of the media workers in the A4 priority group. They pointed out that media workers are essential to win the

war against Covid19.

On Monday, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said that the A4 sector is composed of frontline personnel who have high levels of interaction with the public. This group will be next in line for the free vaccination after healthcare workers (A1), senior citizens (A2), and persons with co-morbidities (A3).

In a 2020 report, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) described journalists as frontliners in the fight against the distortion of truth about Covid19, requesting governments to guarantee their physical safety against the virus in light of their essential role. PTFOMS

MINFARCCO Mindulao farmers receive over P500K assistance from DOLE CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)Misamis Oriental Provincial Field Office has turned over Php 506,200 worth of livelihood financial assistance for Cassava Marketing to 124 Mindulao Farmers Agrarian Reform Community Cooperative (MINFARCCO) in Magsaysay, Misamis Oriental.

Despite the COVID19 pandemic, the demand for cassava products is still very high.

MINFARCCO Chairperson Ediver Joy

Buyan said the entire Misamis Oriental province cannot cope with the demand for cassava. Hence, the cooperative decided to seek aid from DOLE, not only to address the demand of the local consumers but also to address poverty in the community.

He further said the farmer-members were more than willing to take part in the expansion of cassava production, foreseeing the equitable growth, development and sustainable agriculture. The opportunities in creating rural enterprises for cassava pro-

cessing like upgrading of farming skills and price control surge of cassava products are highlighted.

Buyan expressed his gratitude to DOLE10 and the local government of Magsaysay, saying he and his members are fully determined to sustain and later on expand the project to realize their “Pay It Forward” vision, which aims to improve the lives of Mindulao farmers especially the less fortunate, marginalized and vulnerable ones.

For his part, DOLE-

Misamis Oriental Chief Errol A. Natividad thanked the Magsaysay LGU for its continued support to its constituents. He is positive that the project will succeed and grow, as it is not only income generating, but providing jobs as well.

The DOLE Integrated Livelihood Project (DILP) or Kabuhayan Program supports the governments’ agenda of inclusive growth through massive job generation and substantial poverty reduction by providing livelihood assistance.

(DOLE MisOr)

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Vietnamese fishing boat impounded for illegal fishing in Turtle Islands

Z

AMBOANGA CITY — A Vietnamese fishing boat was caught while fishing illegally in the Philippine territory recently.

Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) said, “While the combined elements of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-6 and Turtle Island Municipal Police Station were conducting a maritime security patrol in the waters off Bakungan Island in Turtle Islands in Tawi-Tawi, they spotted a foreign -flagged vessel fishing within the Philippine territory.”

According to Lt. Col. Venjie Pendon, Commanding Officer of the MBLT-6, the patrol team approached the vessel and confirmed that it has no clearance from the concerned government agencies to enter the Philippine waters.

The vessel was boarded by seven crew identified as Hunya Van Day (Boat Captain), Cao Van Mih, Lam Tang Hung, Huyuh Tuan Anh, Huyuh Van Cuong, Nguyen Ngoc Hoa, and Vo Van Taun.

They were subsequently brought to Turtle Island Municipal Police Station for documentation.

“I commend our marine troops and our partners from the police for your relentless efforts to secure our borders and protect our natural resources,” said Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, Commander of the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi.

Rear Admiral Toribio Adaci, Jr., Commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao assured that the Fleet-Marine Forces of the Philippine Navy in this part of the region will continue to support other law enforcement agencies in maintaining security and order in the maritime domain.

The impounded vessel with its crew was turned over to the PNP Maritime Group in Bongao, TawiTawi for proper disposition.

“The Philippine Navy and Philippine Marines intensify the conduct of maritime patrol to thwart illegal fishing activities in the Philippine waters and protect the intruders from becoming victims of abduction and other sea crimes,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

JTF Central gets additional forces DATU ODIN SINSUAT, Maguindanao Province, April 14-- The Joint Task Force (JTF) Central recently welcomed augmentation forces from the 1st Brigade Combat Team (1BCT).

Major General Juvymax Uy, commander of JTF Central and 6th Infantry Division said the additional forces will help strengthen security forces’ presence in support to the current peacebuilding and development efforts in South-Central Mindanao.

The 1BCT is primarily combined arms and a rapidly deployable unit composed of infantry, mechanized, artillery, support combat engineers, and EOD forces that are ready to assume any given tasks and missions. The team has been involved in the campaign against the Abu Sayyaf Group in the Province of Sulu from 2019 until 2020 and has significantly contributed to the neutralization of local and foreign terrorists. Further, it has been an active partner of Sulu Province in the realization of peace and development efforts in the said area.

It can be recalled that last year, JTF Central’s Joint Area of Operation (JAO) was extended covering the province of South Cotabato and part of Sarangani. Thus, Major General Uy stated that the additional troops will fortify Philippine Army's capabilities and strengthen the campaign against local terrorist groups such as the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Dawlah Islamiyah (DI), Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), and other lawless groups in South and South-Central Mindanao. He added that the deployment of these troops will help in maintaining peace and order in this part of the country and assist local government units in their development initiatives.

“This is part of our commitment to the residents of South-Central Mindanao to always serve the people and to secure the communities from any threat. These modernized forces are highly capable and can be rapidly deployed to adapt to any situation and address any threat in the country,” Maj. Gen. Uy emphasized. (DPAO-6ID)

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Across Philippines

Vol. I, No. 44 | April 16-22, 2021 (Ramadan 4-10, 1442)

Voter registration still suspended in NCR, other MECQ, ECQ areas

Covid makes young people vulnerable to abuse, reproductive health risks — POPCOM chief

By Phil Muslims

The negative impacts of the pandemic on health and wellbeing have spread far and wide among members of the Philippine population, and its adverse effects have crept to the level of Filipino adolescents, according to the Commission on Population and Development’s (POPCOM) executive director.

P

ASIG CITY, April 14 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has announced that voter registration is still suspended in the National Capital Region (NCR) and in other areas that are under the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) or ECQ. On its official Facebook page, COMELEC posted the schedule of COMELEC offices from April 12 to 30, 2021.

Voter registration and Voter’s Certification are suspended in the NCR Plus areas (Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal), also in Santiago City, Isabela, Abra, Quirino, other areas placed under ECQ or MECQ by their respective local government unit.

Meanwhile, COMELEC offices in areas under the general community quarantine (GCQ) and modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) areas will be open Mondays to Thursdays, from

8:00AM to 3:00PM for voter registration and from 8:00AM to 5:00PM for voter’s certification.

COMELEC further announced that the Office for Overseas

Voting (OFOV) in Intramuros, Manila will be open to applicants with urgent travel needs only during the MECQ period.

OFOV

may

be

reached via official Facebook page https:// www.facebook.com/ overseasvotingph and email overseasvoting@co melec.gov.ph or ov.concer ns@comelec.gov.ph.

(PIA NCR)

No plan to impose stricter quarantine outside NCR Plus MANILA – Malacañang ruled out Thursday the possibility of a more restrictive quarantine measure in areas outside the National Capital Region Plus (NCR Plus).

This, after the Department of Health reported an increase of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases in five regions apart from the NCR Plus which covers Metro Manila Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal.

In an online press briefing, Health Secretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said there was an upward trend of Covid19 infections in Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and Cordillera Administrative Region.

While the government is monitoring the situation in areas outside NCR Plus, it does not see the need to impose stricter quarantine rules in the entire Luzon, Roque said.

“Sa ngayon po, binabantayan naman po natin ang datos at wala pa naman pong ganoong conclusion ang nakikita natin.

Ang

talagang paglobo po ng mga kaso ay nandito sa NCR Plus. At kaya nga po ang response natin dito muna sa NCR Plus (As of now, we are monitoring the data and we have not arrived at a conclusion [to implement stricter quarantine measures in Luzon].

Rise in Covid-19 cases is seen in NCR Plus. So our response is focused on NCR Plus),” Roque said.

Roque added that the Covid-19 surge in other areas is not that “bad” unlike in NCR Plus.

“As I said, said, binabantayan din natin ang

kaso sa iba’t ibang lugar ng Pilipinas pero so far po (we are monitoring the cases in different parts of the Philippines but so far), nothing as bad as what we are seeing in the NCR Plus,” he said.

Two weeks after being under the most restrictive enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal are now under the less stringent modified ECQ (MECQ) until April 30.

Apart from NCR Plus, the City of Santiago in Isabela, Quirino province, and Abra are also under MECQ. A more relaxed gen-

eral community quarantine (GCQ) is imposed in Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Batangas, Tacloban City, Iligan City, Davao City, Lanao del Sur, and Quezon.

The rest of the country remains under modified GCQ. On Wednesday, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo advised the public to get used to the quarantine and health rules imposed by the government to stop the further transmission of Covid19 in the country.

Panelo reminded the public to keep wearing face mask and face shield, and observe physical distancing and regular handwashing. (PNA)

Speaking before a global audience at the recent ECOSOC Youth Forum on World Health Day, Undersecretary for Population and Development (POPDEV) Juan Antonio Perez III, MD, MPH disclosed that the Philippines, as a country currently under community quarantines, has witnessed the health crisis greatly bearing down on young people’s sexual and reproductive health (SRH).

In the forum, POPCOM’s head cited numbers from the 2020 study of the University of the Philippines and the United Nations Population Fund, which revealed a 42-% increase in unintended pregnancies, and a 67-% hike in unmet need for family planning among Filipino women. From these numbers, he said more than 1 out of 10 are still in their teens.

“These adolescents have no decision-making power, economic independence, autonomy, and are considered by many countries as powerless; they face greater risks of repeat pregnancies and are vulnerable to gender-based violence (GBV) as well as intergenerational poverty during, and as a result, of their early childbearing,” described Perez of the sector of Philippine society susceptible to the scourge of Covid-19.

He shared the experiences of the country’s young citizens aspiring to have access to information and services on SRH as a fulfillment of their constitutional rights. Currently, this provision is withheld from Republic Act 10354, or the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH) Law of 2012.

“Young people need to have access to safe, trusted and reliable information integrated into services ensuring health, protection and psychosocial support,” Perez continued, as he explained that isolation and physical-distancing measures stemming from the pandemic’s safety protocols may be limiting the capacity of the youth to exercise their rights, which may eventually lead to their discrimination and exclusion from decision-making processes.

Addressing these concerns, Perez revealed that POPCOM will be spearheading a social protection program for adolescents who have become parents, especially the “first-timers” during the pandemic. He said the Philippine government will strive to meet their needs constantly and comprehensively through constant communication with the young heads of families.

Saying that young citizens’ wellbeing should be among every nation’s priorities and concerns, Perez called upon countries to implement a societal approach, which considers adolescents as among those vulnerable in the community. This is possible, he said, through multidimensional sources of protection, such as social safety nets, social insurance, social assistance and the possible provision of livelihood in labor markets.

“These elements will ensure young people everywhere will have meaningful participation and safe spaces during these times, as the pandemic unleashes a host of challenges to be collectively met,” the POPCOM chief remarked.

“Let us sustain partnerships with young people through initiatives that leverage on efforts in adolescents’ SRH,” Perez exhorted. “We believe that a strong and sustainable recovery is possible only if our young citizens are reached and included in this process.” (PR) PHIL MUSLIMS

Education News

Vol. I, No. 44 | April 16-22, 2021 (Ramadan 4-10, 1442)

Education ministry turns over P74-M worth classrooms in Tawi-Tawi

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

C

OTABATO CITY — Bangsamoro Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal spearheaded the official turnover of 55 classrooms to 24 schools in the Schools Division of Tawi-Tawi province on Tuesday, April 6.

Through the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) School Building Program-Project Management Office (SBP-PMO), a series of turnover rites kicked off this week in the island province for the management of the newlybuilt school projects amounting to P73,978,858.97.

Subsidized under the 2018 Basic Educational Facilities Fund (BEFF), the school building projects were constructed in compliance with the 12-Point Priority Areas of the MBHTE, which includes the “accessibility of essential school facilities and a safe space for learning and development.”

The school projects being turned over by the ministry comprised of: 1-classroom to Panglima Annao CES, Kubang Mandulan PS, Simandagit ES, Tarawakan PS, Butun ES, Lawm Tabawan, and Bubuan ES; 1-storey, 2classroom to Aliakbar PS, Karungdong CFES, Nalil ES, Paniongan ES, Panglima Biteng ES, Sallangan ES, Sapa ES, Putat PS, Sollongan ES and Banaran CES; 1-storey, 3classroom to Kasulutan PS and Luuk Banca ES; 1-storey, 4classroom to Sama Kasulutan ES, Kamagong PS and Likud Tabawan ES; and 1storey, 5-classroom to Danglong ES and Lt. Ladja Indanan ES. Apart from these, another 22 school buildings are already underway and will soon be turned over to TawiTawi Schools Division.

School projects and programs lineup Additionally, during the Bangsamoro Government’s activity dubbed “Par-sugpatan: Para sa Tawi-Tawi, Para sa Bangsamoro” held

Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal led the turnover of 55 classrooms to 24 schools in the Schools Division of Tawi-Tawi on Tuesday, April 6. He also presented significant projects and programs of the ministry for the Bangsamoro learners on the island province. (Contributed Photo) on Wednesday, April 7, Iqbal also presented the list of Education Ministry’s major plans and interventions for the Bangsamoro learners in the southernmost island.

“Inspired by the Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim’s principle of Moral Governance, the MBHTE will strengthen its internal and external processing systems to pursue an education system that prioritizes all learners’ holistic development,” said Iqbal.

“Through education, the BARMM government creates the foundation for a productive, peaceful, and just society wherein our students will become future leaders and professionals,” he stressed.

He highlighted some of the projects of the ministry for its four (4) subsectors – Basic Education, Higher Education, Technical Education, and Madaris sector.

Basic Education • Procurement of 5,000 armchairs, 1,300 teacher’s kits, 2,000 learner’s kits, and 42,000 learner’s materials • Construction of 46 school buildings (24 have already been turned over which 1storey, 3-classroom is for the Badjao learners) • Continuous implemen-

tation of the Education Continuity Plan (homebased learning approach) Higher Education • Bangsamoro Access to Higher and Modern Education (AHME) Scholarship Program • Possible conversion of Tawi-Tawi School of Arts and Trade (TTSAT) into a Polytechnic College • Teacher Development Program “The Partnership with Teacher Education Institutes’ in the Context of Pre-Service Education” • Private HEI’s inventory and review of the GRs and permits for institutions and degree programs • Strategies on the Education or Learning Continuity Plan (LCP) • Mapping of fishery and oceanography research, studies, and technologies Technical Education • KApakanan PAra sa KAbuhayan ng

NANgangailangan o KAPAKANAN TVET scholarship program • Tulong Tekbok sa Pag -angat ng Bangsamoro (TTPB) TVET scholarship Program • Construction of Training Centers in TawiTawi and in the municipalities of Simunul and Panglima Sugala Madrasah Education • Conduct of In-Service Training (InSET) for Islamic Studies and Arabic Languages (ISAL) Teachers • Hiring of competent Asatidz to improve Madrasah education system Iqbal concluded that the education ministry’s ultimate goal is to establish a transparent, effective, and relevant Bangsamoro education system that will enable the young people to be resilient and thrive in a competitive working environment while demonstrating strong character and good moral values. JIJ

For Reliable Info, Read Philippine Muslim Today

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Education Ministry to assess quality of Madrasahs across BARMM COTABATO CITY — The Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) will be conducting a region-wide School-Based Assessment on Private Madrasah for S.Y 20210-221starting April 5-23, 2021.

Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal on Tuesday said this is in order to institutionalize quality and effective Islamic Education in the Bangsamoro region.

Through a Regional Memorandum No. 391 posted by MBHTE on its Facebook page, the ministry encouraged all Madrasah—whether accredited, unaccredited and traditional across the region—to participate and submit said report.

Those madrasahs within Cotabato City, 63 Barangays in North Cotabato, Maguindanao, Marawi City, and Lanao del Sur have to submit their reports on or before April 16.

Meanwhile, island provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi need to pass reports on or before April 23.

The ministry emphasized that once reports were consolidated, it will serve as the optimal basis for support services of the Education ministry and stakeholders to identify and address the primary needs and requirements of Bangsamoro learners and teaching personnel of Madrasah.

The ministry expects the Madrasah Staff and Asatidz to: 1.) Provide all information required in the Assessment Report and 2.) Treat all gathered Information highly confidential and submit it to the Head of Madrasah or President for consolidation.

Additionally, the Head of Madrasah or President shall gather all relevant information following the required format based on General Information (Annex A) of the said memorandum.

To know more and to comply with the said memo, one can download the templates of all necessary documents required through this link: bit.ly/3uycJwG Furthermore, the ministry announced that failure to submit the report on or before the due date may be a ground for suspension of any support programs, activities, or projects of the ministry for S.Y. 2020-2021.

JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

SPDA chief greets Muslims for Ramadan DAVAO CITY: The management of the Southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA) has sent his Ramadan greetings to all his fellow Muslims in the Philippines including those Filipino Muslims residing abroad.

Abdulghani “Gerry” Salapuddin, SPDA administrator and chief executive officer (CEO) thru his Facebook Accounts said, “wish you all the blessings of Ramadan Mubarak!”

In the same manner, Salapuddin shared also the Gerry Salapuddin copy of the Muslim Prayer Time Schedule not only to all his province mates in Basilan but to all who are residing in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The Prayer Time schedule was produced by the office of Member of Parliament Ustadz Abdulmuhmin A. Mujahid of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) and shared to all either online or thru hard copy.

Salapuddin or fondly called Gerry by his friends have steered SPDA to fulfill its mandates under the law.

Thus SPDA is mandated to promote the development of Mindanao by initiating and undertaking by itself or otherwise development or business projects of corporate and economic in nature.

These are in the field of agriculture, power, infrastructure, energy, public utilities, and land development.

JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

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World Round Up

Regional News Rep. Sinsuat seeks a separate Cotabato City legislative district

By Amir Hussein Abbas

Vol. I, No. 44 | April 16-22, 2021 (Ramadan 4-10, 1442)

Stolen Radiography Camera in Mexico recovered: officials

By Sitti Rohanisa Noor Yahya

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exican authorities said the stolen radiography camera containing a radioactive source in Mexico was recovered, according to a press statement of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Maguindanao 1st Dist. Rep. Datu Roonie Q. Sinsuat Sr. (File) COTABATO CITY — Maguindanao 1st District Rep. Datu Roonie Q. Sinsuat Sr. is seeking for making the City of Cotabato to be a lone legislative district separate from the 1st district of Maguindanao.

Maguindanao 1st congressional district is presently comprised of Cotabato City and 11 other municipalities of Maguindanao province.

Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi is the present city mayor of Cotabato City while Mariam SangkiMangudadatu is Maguindanao incumbent provincial governor.

On March 3, 2021, Rep. Sinsuat filed in the House a Bill that would grant Cotabato City as a lone congressional district representing the city’s 37 barangays.

It is now pending in the House Committee on Local Government since March 8, 2021.

The Bill is entitled “An Act Separating Cotabato City from the First Legislative District of the Province of Maguindanao to Constitute the Lone District of Cotabato City.

The proposed Bill is based on a resolution drafted by the 16th Sangguniang Panlungsod of Cotabato and sent to Rep. Sinsuat urging Congress to create the Lone District of Cotabato City.

It was learned that sources from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Region 12 said that Cotabato City has been qualified to be a separate lone congressional district since 2015 based on population, area and revenue. AHA

Police neutralizes 'Notorious gang leader' COTABATO CITY – Police and military operatives killed in a shootout a former village chairman turned gang leader in Maguindanao whose group allegedly engaged in gunrunning and illegal drug activities.

Major Esmail Madin, chief of the police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit – Maguindanao, identified the slain suspect as Marcos Manunggal, ex-village chair of Barangay Tee in Datu Salibo town and alleged leader of the Manunggal lawless group operating in the province.

Aside from gunrunning and the shabu drug trade, Madin said Manunggal’s group is also involved in extortion and gun-for-hire activities.

“The group operates in the towns of Datu Salibo, Shariff Aguak, and Mamasapano towns,” Madin told reporters.

Manunggal's four alleged cohorts, identified as Mike Guipal Badrudin, Nadia Kero, Arbaiya Bangkong Mustapha, and Ali Ebrahim, were arrested in the law enforcement operation.

Two other suspects, identified as Datumanot Manunggal and Jaybee Mastura, managed to escape before the authorities arrived.

Madin said joint operatives of the CIDGMaguindanao, Maguindanao police, and the Army’s 6th Infantry Battalion were about to serve search warrants on several members of Manunggal’s group in Barangay Tee at around 4 a.m. when the suspects fired at the approaching government forces.

“The government team fired back, triggering a brief encounter,” Madin said, adding that authorities managed to recover an M16 rifle, a BAR rifle, a 12-gauge shotgun, a .45-caliber pistol, various gun parts, and ammunition.

The arrested suspects are currently detained at the CIDG – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao headquarters in this city.

NOEL PUNZALAN/PNA

In a statement on Wednesday furnished to the Philippine Muslim Today, IAEA said the radiography camera, with an Iridium192 radioactive source, was stolen on 11 April together with the vehicle of a radiographer in the Teoloyucan municipality in Mexico State.

“The Comision Nacional de Seguridad Nuclear y Salvaguardias (CNSNS), the Mexican nuclear regulator, informed the IAEA on 13 April that the radioactive source was safely recovered intact in its shielding within the camera in the town of Ojo de Agua, Tecámac in Mexico

State,” it said.

The CNSNS informed the national civil protection authority in Mexico and a

criminal investigation is underway, it added.

Radiography cameras are used industrially to inspect welding

and concrete for hidden flaws.

The IAEA remains in contact with authorities in Mexico. SRNY

Strong quake hits Japan A strong earthquake has hit Japan on March 20, 2021, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

In a statement furnished to the Philippine Muslim Today, IAEA quoted the Japanese Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) as saying that a 7.2 magnitude earthquake occurred at 18:09 JST / 09:09 UTC on 20 March 2021.

“The NRA informed the IAEA that according to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the earthquake’s epicentre was off the coast of Miyagi Prefecture, which is located in north eastern Japan,” said the statement.

The NRA informed the IAEA that no abnormalities were reported at the nuclear power stations located in the vicinity of the earthquake’s

epicentre and NRA continues to monitor the developments following the earthquake.

The IAEA remains in contact with authorities in Japan and will provide additional public information as it becomes available. SRNY

Classified Ads ADVERTISE FOR FREE YOUR HOUSE AND/OR LOT FOR SALE If you have house and lot for sale, why not advertise it?

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Advertise with Philippine Muslim Today, it brings results.

Muslim World

Vol. I, No. 44 | April 16-22, 2021 (Ramadan 4-10, 1442)

Saudi Arabia to allow only ‘immunised’ pilgrims to Mecca

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ISLAM FOR KIDS

Learn more about the other pillars of Islam By: Grace King

By Julmunir I. Jannaral Managing Editor The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah says only ‘immunised people’ will be granted permits to perform prayers and Umrah in the Grand Mosque in Mecca.

S

audi authorities said Monday that only people immunised against COVID-19 will be allowed to perform the year-round Umrah pilgrimage, starting from the holy month of Ramadan.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said in a statement that only “immunised people” will be granted permits to perform Umrah as well as prayers in the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Mecca.

These include individuals who have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, those having received one dose of the vaccine at least 14 days before performing the pilgrimage, or a person who has recovered from the virus, the ministry said.

The ministry also said it would increase the operational capacity of the holy mosque in adherence with COVID-19 measures and restrictions.

It was also not clear whether the policy, which comes amid an uptick in coronavirus infections in Saudi Arabia, would be extended to the annual Hajj pilgrimage later this year.

Saudi Arabia has

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reported more than 393,000 coronavirus infections and over 6,700 deaths from the virus.

The kingdom’s health ministry said it has administered more than five million coronavirus vaccines, in a country with a population of over 34 million.

Last month, King Salman replaced the Hajj minister, months after the kingdom hosted the smallest Hajj in modern history due to the pandemic.

Mohammad Benten was relieved from his post and replaced by Essam bin Saeed, according to a royal decree published by the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

Only 10,000 Muslim residents of Saudi Ara-

RAMADAN 2021

bia itself were allowed to take part in the Hajj last year, a far cry from the 2.5 million Muslims from around the world who participated in 2019.

Proof of vaccination With COVID-19 vaccination drives taking place across the globe, the idea of vaccine passports or certificates has become a hotly debated solution to safely reopen international borders for travel and boost tourism sectors that have immensely suffered under coronavirus lockdowns.

Last month China launched a health certificate programme for Chinese citizens travelling internationally.

The digital certificate, which shows a user’s vaccination sta-

33-year Ramadan Cycle

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amadan begins 10 to 12 days earlier each year.

tus and virus test results, is available for Chinese citizens via a programme on Chinese social media platform WeChat.

The United Kingdom’s government is also considering asking people to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination to access crowded spaces such as pubs or sports events.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has previously said a certificate is likely to be needed for international travel.

However, British parliamentarians from across the political divide recently in a letter opposed any such move in the future, calling it “divisive and discriminatory”.

AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

asting during Ramadan is just one of five duties of Islam.The others are profession of faith, praying, charitable giving, and making a pilgrimage to Mecca.

Profession of faith The profession of faith, or shahada, is the belief that there is no god but God, and Muhammad is the messenger of God. This is the most fundamental expression of Islamic beliefs.

Prayer Muslims pray facing Mecca five times a day: in the morning, at noon, in the afternoon, when the sun sets, and at night.

Mecca is where the Islamic religion started. All Muslims pray in the direction of a sacred building called the Ka’bah, which is in the Great Mosque of Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

This is the holiest site in Islam.

Charitable giving Muslims have a responsibility to give to those in need with charitable giving.

Charitable giving can be donating money, necessities such as clothing and food, or of time by volunteering.

Pilgrimage to Mecca The pilgrimage to Mecca is a trip every Muslim who is able must take to the holy city of Mecca, which today is in Saudi Arabia.

The pilgrimage takes place during Hajj, the last month in the Islamic calendar, which is July 17 to July 22 this year.

Every year, millions of Muslims around the world make the trip to Mecca.

Comments: (319) 398-8411; grace.king@thegazette.com SOURCE: https://www.thegazette.com/

This is because the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar “Hijri” calendar with months that are 29 to 30 days long.

The next time Ramadan will start around April 13 will be about 33 years from now, or the year 2054.

Source: Al-Jazeera

ERRATUM: The banner photo of our last issue inadvertently carries the caption, “The Cotabato Grand Mosque where thousands of Muslim devotees perform Eid prayers at end of Ramadan fast.” The mosque is called “Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Grand Mesjid” not “Cotabato Grand Mosque.” — Ed

Tourism

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Vol. I, No. 44 | April 16-22, 2021 (Ramadan 4-10, 1442)

Observance of Ramadan in Tawi-Tawi

By JOHNNY R. LEE, Ph.D

DELICIOUS HONEY GARLIC SHRIMP

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amadan is one of five pillars of Islam, alongside the declaration of faith; prayer five times a day; alms-giving; and the pilgrimage to Mecca. It is the ninth month of the lunar Islamic calendar during which, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, which is an exercise in self-restraint, aimed at making the rich experience the suffering of the less unfortunate.

Fasting is a must for all adult Muslims, unless someone is sick, is travelling, is having their menstrual cycle, is pregnant, diabetic, or elderly. During this time, the pre-dawn meal is referred to as ‘suhur‘ or ‘sahur’ and the feast that happens after a fast is broken at night is called ‘iftar‘.

Moonsighting in Bongao and other communities in TawiTawi.

Before the onset of the holy month of Ramadan, preparations are underway such as sighting the ‘crescent’ or ‘hilal’ of the new moon. A Committee composed of religious leaders and devotees in the community are formed to watch the appearance of the crescent moon to mark the 1st day of the Holy month of Ramadan.

However there are still traditional practices of old when it comes to determine the 1st day of fasting. Aside from relying on the Gregorian calendar, where phases of the moon are clearly indicated, other religious community leaders will dig their old notes believed to contain records (‘padduman’) and ‘formula’ to determine the 1st day of Ramadan. Others in the remote areas are observing the movements of the tide - if it carries a certain floating powdery seaweed-like substance - an indicator to start the fasting period.

But for some Muslims devotees, especially the professional groups, who have the expertise and access to modern technology, more or less, understand the calculations of when and where the sighting occurs. Recorded data from the Moonsighting.com shows how the science of moon sighting is compared with the actu-

BANGSAMORO HALAL DISH With Maria Fhebie Ortil

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The newly constructed Central Mosque name Mesjid Rahyat Tawi-Tawi was opened in time to accommodate increasing Muslim devotees from Bongao and Sanga-Sanga areas.

The Ho;y Month of Ramadan, as always, ushers in love, peace, happiness and prosperity especially to the lowly people like Badjaos and small-time vendors who earned considerable sum of money peddling fresh bounties of the seas, agriculture products and homemade native cakes and pastries. al observations.

The different methods used and applied in the calculation of sighting of the first moon of Ramadan has caused a ‘divide’ even among the congregations of the same village or community. The observance of the first day of fasting could

come a day, two or even three days apart from each other.

“The presence of numerous ‘hadiths’ on this issue only indicates that even the Companions and their later contemporaries differed about the start and end of Ramadan, such difference did not cause

disunity among them, and so there is no reason why it should for us”, says one Muslim scholar. JRL For Reliable Info, Read Philippine Muslim Today

simple way to prepare Halal Dish Salmon, which is an Asian-Style Marinated Salmon while adding an exotic flavor can be done when the Salmon is marinated for 30 minutes.

Assalamu Alaykum and Ramadan Mubarak to All! This honey garlic shrimp is perfect for any meal especially we are now in the month of Ramadan where we used to cook special recipes different from the regular days.

As simple as it sounds, this is probably one of the most delicious recipes that I came across for this month of Ramadan.

I love shrimps and I can eat shrimp every day especially when we are not observing fasting during Ramadan.

I used 4 ingredients for the glaze: honey, garlic, salt and cayenne pepper.

Preparation and cooking take only 15 minutes in total duration.

You may use a lot of garlic so every bite is bursting with the garlicky flavors. Cook it on a cast-iron skillet so all the garlicky and honey goodness sticks to the bottom of the skillet.

INGREDIENTS FOR HONEY GARLIC SHRIMP RECIPE • Shrimp • Lemon • Garlic • Honey • Butter • Parsley • Cayenne pepper FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: HOW LONG CAN YOU KEEP COOKED SHRIMP IN THE FRIDGE BEFORE IT GOES BAD? Shrimp lasts in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.

HOW DO YOU NOT OVERCOOK SHRIMP? To not overcook shrimp, remove them from the heat right when the meat is the same color pink all around (no brown/grey). Perfectly cooked shrimp will be in a loose C shape while tight C shapes usually indicate overcooked shrimp.

WHAT DISHES TO SERVE WITH THIS RECIPE? This dish is best served with rice or pasta. For a wholesome meal and easy every Sahur or the night dinner during the holy month of Ramadan.

MFO

Vol. I, No. 44 | April 16-22, 2021 (Ramadan 4-10, 1442)

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SADAIN | from Page A2

THE SAWM OF RAMADAN There are many glorious teachings about fasting in Ramadan, but the one I like best is the saying of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), reported by Abu Hurayrah, which goes this

way: “Fasting is an armor, with which one protects himself, so let not him who fasts utter immodest speech, nor let him act in an ignorant manner; and if a man quarrels with him

or abuses him, he should say twice, ‘I am fasting’. And by Him in whose Hand is my soul, the odor of the mouth of a fasting man is sweeter to Allah than the fragrance of musk. (Allah

will say), ‘he gives up his food, and his drink and his desire for My sake. Fasting is for Me, and I will grant his reward, and a virtue brings a reward ten times like it!’” [Bukhari,

30:2] Piety, gratitude, mercy, forgiveness, and a reward that God Himself will confer on the fasting person in the month of Ramadan. What more can he

or she ask for? No wonder, a Muslim always anticipates the coming of the month of Ramadan, and grieves over its ending.

MKS

jokes and bullying. If you wish entertainment in this disturbed and disturbing time of the Chinese Communist Xi Jin Ping’s corona virus, looking for President Duterte is a journey into charted territory – it is not entertainment. It is nothing new. Visible or invisible, our lives will not change.

True – he is the problem but there is no solution to this problem for now. The political Opposition is inutile – it is useless, even surpassing the inutility of President Duterte. The military and the police are in his pocket – fattened as they have never been before, not knowing or forgetting their duties under the Constitution.

The communist rebels are still in the

mountain fastnesses or countryside – unable to topple the government for the last fifty years, so in love with their wrong strategy and tactics. They are no less failures than President Duterte.

So what we got? As Lenin would have it – what is to be done?

We’ve got some blabbermouth in mainstream and social media who think they can convince the whole country to march behind them.

Of course, that cannot be true because Filipinos are preoccupied with their morbid fear of Communist Xi Jin Ping’s corona various and the question with Hamlet overtones – to be vaccinated or not to be vaccinated.

They are even dying to

survive.

To march behind anybody to confront the Duterte government is a lot of hallucination.

The task: The duty of everyone is to prepare for the 2022 elections.

To chose a right leader who will bring our country and our people to the Promised – a revolutionary, visionary, brilliant, focused on his plans and execution of his plans for the people and country, disciplined, principled with the right values and character and integrity.

In short, someone who thinks outside the box with brains in his balls and balls in his brains – may utak sa bayag at may bayag sa utak, in the words of the late ebullient parliamentarian, the legendary Pepito Laurel.

So that’s it while remembering these lines from Henry Wadsworth in his A Psalm of Life: Not enjoyment, and not sorrow, Is our destined end or way; But to act, that each to-morrow Find us farther than to-day In the world’s broad field of battle, In the bivouac of Life, Be not like dumb, driven cattle!

Be a hero in the strife!

Trust no Future, howe’er pleasant!

Let the dead Past bury its dead!

Act, act in the living Present!

Heart within, and God o’erhead!

HAA

of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, and he negotiated the 1783 Treaty of Paris ending the Revolutionary War. Thus, he famously advised fire-threatened

Philadelphians in 1736 that “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Clearly, preventing fires is better than fighting them, but to what extent can we protect ourselves

from natural disasters like the menace of this COVID-19 Pandemic?

ADAZA| from Page A3

ON PRESIDENT’S HEALTH Changing realities: It takes a leader of great consequence to change the realities in his country or in the world.

Moammar Khadaffi did it in Libya; Napoleon Bonaparte did it in France; Lenin, Trotsky and Stalin did it in Russia and in the other countries in the USSR; Mao Tse Tung, Chou En-Lai and Chu Teh did it China; Fidel Castro and Che Guevara did it Cuba; Ben Bella, Ben Kheda and Houari Boummediene did it Algeria; Ben Gurion and Moshe Dayan did it in Israel; Ho Chi Min and Vo Nguyen Giap did in Vietnam; Sukarno did it in Indonesia; Manuel Luis Quezon did in the Philippines; Winston Churchill did it Great Britain; Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln,

Woodrow Wilson, Franklin Delano Roosevelt and John Fitzgerald Kennedy did it in the United States of America; and many others.

Sick or not, visible or invisible – it takes impossible men to change countries and the world.

And President Duterte is not among the impossible men. He is just like the common run of failed Presidents in our country – Cory, Erap, GMA and PNoy. To quote Napoleon Bonaparte once again, “The word impossible appears only in the dictionary of fools.” And to reiterate my familiar refrain –The impossible is only in the mind.

The problem: Speculating on the health of President Duterte is really a waste of time unless you miss his sick

JANNARAL | from Page A3

Some crucial information on COVID-19 happening in the first place than to repair the damage after it has happened.”

The Benjamin Franklin axiom that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”

is as true today as it was when Franklin made the quote. Although many use the quote when referring to health, Franklin actually was addressing fire safety.

Benjamin Franklin was also a Founding Father and an inventor, scientist, politician, freemason and diplomat.

According to the Wikipedia, Franklin helped to draft the Declaration

For your Comments/ Suggestions, please send it to this email address: munir1845media@gmail.com

Military, PNP, LGU officials convene to resolve security concerns in Zamboanga Sibugay ZAMBOANGA CITY — Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) Chief Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. spearheaded a consultative meeting in Zamboanga Sibugay Province on Monday.

Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff for Civil-Military Operations Col. Alaric Avelino Delos Santos told the Philippine Muslim Today on Wednesday that the meeting was conducted purposely to integrate efforts among security forces and local government units and to come up with feasible solutions to address the security concerns of the municipalities of Mabuhay, Olutanga, and Talusan, all of Zamboanga Sibugay.

It can be recalled that Mabuhay Vice Mayor Restituto Calonge and his companion were killed by an alleged member of the notorious Anwar Ansang Group on February 26, 2021, according to Col. Santos.

Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. said the military will assess the current security situation of the municipalities and will address the concerns of the local government officials and the communities.

“Speak out your concerns and we will see how we can help you,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. The meeting was held at Mabuhay Municipal

By Julmunir I. Jannaral

Mabuhay town Mayor Edreluisa Calonge (with microphone) speaks before military, PNP, and LGU officials who are convened to resolve security concerns in Zamboanga Sibugay province. (Contributed Photo) Hall and was attended by Joint Task Force ZamPeLan Commander Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, 102nd Infantry Brigade Commander Leonel Nicolas, 102nd Infantry Brigade Deputy Commander Col. Antonio John Divinagracia, 44th Infantry Battalion

Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Filven Noche, Mabuhay Mayor Edreluisa Calonge, Olutanga Mayor Arthur Ruste, and Talusan Mayor Orlando Ramiso.

Maj. Gen. Ponio assured that though the recent incident is a police matter, the military will closely coordinate with the PNP to ensure that justice will be served.

“We are always here to protect the people and to go after the enemies of the state,” Maj. Gen. Ponio stated.

Likewise, Mayor Calonge expressed her gratitude to the armed forces for always making the people of Zamboanga Sibugay feel that they are safe and secured.

Also present during the meeting were WestMinCom Chief of Unified Command Staff Col. Elmer Suderio, Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff for Operations Col. Jessie Montoya, Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff for Civil-Military Operations Col. Alaric Avelino Delos Santos, Command Sergeant Major Chief Master Sergeant Felix Sedano, and the local government officials of the above mentioned municipalities. JIJ