Philippine Muslim Today

A Tribute to a Young Tawi -Tawi Sama Lady leader shining in the Premier City of Manila

TREASON AND PRESIDENTS

Homobono A. Adaza | A3

Julmunir I. Jannaral | A3

Ramadan Fast: A Laboratory for Self-Disciple and Moral Governance

Ali G. Macabalang | A4

The greatest fear of an OFW

Gamson Jr Mawallil Quijano | A4

Muslim today PHILIPPINE

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Vol. I, No. 45 | April 23-29, 2021 (Ramadan 11-17, 1442) | 16 Pages | Online Issue

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BARMM clergy: ‘Covid vaccine’ does not nullify Ramadan fast Ijtihad MEHOL K. SADAIN

Muslim Filipinos mourns Wency Andanar’s demise (Story on Page A10)

Giving and Receiving and the Community Pantry

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iving and Receiving are united by a common feeling: the feeling of Gratitude. One who receives is grateful to the giver and God, the Sustainer. One who gives is likewise grateful to God, for giving him the means to give.

This is the sum and essence of giving and receiving.

Nothing more, nothing less.

(Full Story on Page A2)

PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar (2nd from right) shows last and final respect to his beloved father Lawyer Wencelito Andanar, a devout Muslim who had performed the Five Pillars of Islam including the Hajj or pilgrimage to Makkah. The late old Andanar is known as Hadji Anwar to all his relatives, friends, and brothers and sisters in the Islamic faith. (Photo courtesy of Jadjurie Arasa)

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OTABATO CITY — The Bangsamoro highest clergyman or the Grand Mufti has made a declaration that vaccine to be injected to a Muslim even though observing the fasting in the month of Ramadan will not nullify his fast at all.

Bangsamoro Grand Mufti Abuhuraira A. Udasan on Wednesday has set the record straight about the queries whether a Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19) vaccine could nullify or invalidate one’s fast or not.

Full Story on Page A11

A5 FOREIGN

A9 THE COMMUNITY

A7 MINDANAO

Reconciliation of political clans in BARMM praised

MinDA forms interagency economic recovery body

I’ll send my gray ships if EU crime gangs make you drill for oil, Duterte €139bn annually tells China

The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) initiated on Wednesday the formation of an inter-agency body for government agencies and the private sector to lead Mindanao's Economic Recovery Facilitation by addressing issues and concerns affecting the region's return to normalcy.

Despite his desire to remain friends with China, President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday said he will send “gray ships” to the West Philippine Sea (WPS) should China start drilling for oil in the disputed territory.

BARMM officialdom has lauded the major rival political clans in Lanao del Sur and Sulu for amicably resettling their differences, praising their conciliatory stances as a “positive ingredient” for a swifter voyage of the new regional governance towards greater heights.

A6 NATION

By Julmunir I. Jannaral

The European Commission has unveiled a five-year strategy to try and eliminate organized crime gangs in the EU that make profits of 139 billion Euros (PhP8.09-Trillion) annually, media recently reported, adding that officials say cocaine is now rife across the 27-nation bloc.

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Opinion Philippine Muslim Today Inc. 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 AMANODING ESMAIL Chairman, Special Committee on Administration & Finance

PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY MASIDING NOOR YAHYA Editor-In-Chief and Publisher JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL Managing Editor Bureau Chief for NCR & CALABARZON Regions ALI G. MACABALANG News Editor Bureau Chief for Bangsamoro & Central Mindanao Regions ROCAYA SUMNDAD OTICAL Bureau Chief for Northern Mindanao & CARAGA Regions 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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Vol. I, No. 45 | April 23-29, 2021 (Ramadan 11-17, 1442)

Giving and Receiving and the Community Pantry

G

iving and Receiving are united by a common feeling: the feeling of Gratitude. One who receives is grateful to the giver and God, the

Ijtihad MEHOL K. SADAIN

Sustainer. One who gives is likewise grateful to God, for giving him the means to give. This is the sum and essence of giving and receiving. Nothing more, nothing less.

One who expects more when he gives is not really giving. He is showing off.

Worse, he has a motive and an agenda, other than pleasing God. That is not giving; that is advertising. That is not charity; that is propaganda. For self or for something else.

This is like many media outfits that solicit contributions in money and in kind, then proceed to distribute these to beneficiaries under the full glare of their cameras and nationwide broadcasts, with their company names boldly emblazoned on the donations. This is no different from politicians who distribute goods bought with public money, with their names printed on the packages. And yet the same media outfits have the temerity to castigate politicians for doing what they themselves do to advertise their companies. It is a case of the pan calling the kettle black, both of them blackened by the same wayward fire. Both of them shameless.

The Noble Qur’an declares: “O you who believe, cancel not your charity by reminders of your generosity or by injury — like those who spend their wealth to be seen of men, but believe neither in God nor in the Last Day. They are in parable, like a hard, barren rock on which is little soil. On it falls heavy rain, which leaves it just a bare stone.” [Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 264] True charity is not about satisfying one’s ego. It is about altruism — a selfless concern for the good and well-being of others. And if I may add, it is solely about being grateful to God for His blessings, and in the process sharing these blessings with the less fortunate. Again, the Noble Qur’an has this to say: “Whatever of good you give benefits your own souls, and you shall only do so seeking the Face of Allah.” [Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 272] The “Face of Allah” has been interpreted as referring to the All-Encompassing and Omnipresent Supreme Being who has no comparison to anything in existence or non-existence. When one gives, seeking only His Face, one does not expect to see His Countenance anthropomorphically; one wants to feel His Existence as Ar-Rahman wa r-Raheem (The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful), the Source of all sustenance and providence. As Allah says in Surah AlA’raaf, Verse 156: “My Mercy encompasses all things!” One gives, therefore, for the sake of God, and not for the sake of the self.

Hence, the goodness in a charitable act is cancelled by two things: “reminders of generosity” and “injury”. The first is aggrandisement of the self; while the second is ill motivation against another. Both severe charity from its bond with God, and cancel His “Face” in the act of giving. When one gives seeking himself, or obliterating another, the giving becomes less of the Merciful God and more of the selfish man.

The same thing is true with the altruism of the “community pantry” phenomenon. It is selfless as long as it remains untainted by selfish motives and operates purely as an instrument to ease the sufferings of the poor masses. Some say, it is rooted in the Filipinos’ bayanihan spirit which is actually about getting together and helping each other in the bayan to make work easy, depicted by people getting together to move a house from one place to another. It is about easing difficulty, and in the case of the community pantry, it is about easing the hunger of one’s kababayan.

But there is something more in real charity, something different from bayanihan.

While the people who come together to carry a house are afterwards fed by the owner of the house as a show of gratitude for the help, the people who engage in real charity do not expect anything from those they help. Real charity is, after all, selfless and unexpecting of anything from any other human being, except to “seek the Face of God”.

If the community pantries that are now sprouting like mushrooms are to remain true to the reality of charity, they must be selfless instead of being advertisements for their movers; and they must focus on the advocacy of mercy instead of the propaganda of agitation. Charity is not the exclusive domain of anybody. Neither is it a phenomenon unique only to a particular act of giving. It has been with us in every difficulty, as it has been with us from the beginning of this pandemic. People, individually and in groups, have been giving selflessly whenever there is a crisis, but mostly unannounced, which is the essence of true giving.

Let the community pantries then be the latest symbol of charity, instead of another ploy to cast aspersion on the good work of others. Let them supplement and complement all acts of giving and receiving in this global crisis that have devastated the health and economy of nations. MKS

Opinion

Diliman Way

icero is a philosopher – he was a popular Roman politician. He was not only quoted by his peers and avid followers, he is quoted even now by knowledgeable and well read individuals but by brilliant and accomplished national and world leaders.

Why? He fits Plato’s definition of a philosopher king – a leader whose wisdom is tested and well acknowledged by everyone, including his opponents and enemies.

Cicero is a philosopher politician of all seasons – in words and in action, as shown On by the quote at the start of this article.

Provocation and Remembering: Treason and Presidents are always interesting subjects – in a

debate, political campaign, essay, and simple conversation. It becomes intriguing when it is a tussle in a court of law or in the floor of Congress – in a criminal case or a case for impeachment. It becomes more interesting and intriguing if it is the subject of book like that of Rebecca West’s New Meaning of Treason.

This article is first of two on treason and Presidents. The Presidents are the Siamese twins of the Philippine presidency – Rodrigo “Digong” Roa Duterte and Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III. On Digong, it comes as a provocation from two friends – retired general Robert Ganzon and barrister businessman Raul Corrales. Both of them are from the South –Robert from

Iloilo, the home province of my irrepressible and ebullient friend, the late Senator and Mayor Roding Ganzon while Raul is from Camiguin, Cagayan de Oro and Cebu cities.

The provocation comes in the form of a question – Can President Duterte be charged with treason on his conduct involving the West Philippine Sea? This article is a response to that question.

On Noynoy Aquino, it is a case of remembering. On March 4, 2015, Herman Tiu Laurel and I filed a case for treason against President Noynoy Aquino in the Office of the Ombudsman on his conduct in the Mamasapano incident, Noynoy’s giving Five Million (P5,000.000.00)

Batanes to Tawi-Tawi

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or the 45th Issue of this column allow me to do the reverse of the BATANES To TAWI-TAWI to TAWI-TAWI To MANILA instead.

This, I am referring to Shey Sakaluran Mohammad or She as friends call her now being a shining star.

That is because a very young lady yet very matured Tawi-Tawi Sama leader who was appointed last year no less than by the Yorme of Manila or the actor turned politician no less than Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso who appointed Shey Sakaluran Mohammad as the director of the Manila Muslim Affairs (MMA) Office.

Thus a young Sama

leader shines in Manila City, the central hub of the Philippines who took the Muslim portfolio as an added official in the City Hall of Manila.

Young Sama leader Shey grew up in the metropolis but traces her roots to Tawi-Tawi and Zamboanga City. His father Hadji Abubakar “Baks” Mohammad hails from Simunul and was once elected Vice Governor of the province of TawiTawi and is currently member of the Board of Directors of the Southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA). He used to be also the Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) during the tenure

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TREASON AND PRESIDENTS

“A nation can survive its fools, and even the ambitious. But it cannot survive treason from within. An enemy at the gates is less formidable, for he is known and carries his banner openly. But the traitor moves amongst those within the gate freely, his sly whispers rustling through all the alleys, heard in the very halls of government itself.” –Marcus Tullius Cicero

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Vol. I, No. 45 | April 23-29, 2021 (Ramadan 11-17, 1442)

Pesos to Ibrahim Murad, Chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as President Noynoy Aquino’s gift to the MILF in Tokyo, Japan and for the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

The case is docketed as IC-OC-15.0531 in the Office of the Ombudsman – filed on March 4, 2015, dismissed quickly seven (7) days later on March 11, 2015. We filed a timely motion for reconsideration on April 24, 2015 which is pending resolution before the Ombudsman for five (5) years, eleven (11) months and twenty (20) days as of this day.

Seven days to dismiss the complaint but less than eight days to exactly six (6) years with the motion for reconsideration This will be the subject of the second part on the article on treason and presidents.

The crime: There is a discussion on when can one be charged on

the crime of treason. To get a clear picture on what treason means, here is the definition of treason under Article 114 of the Revised Penal Code: “Art. 114. Treason. – Any Filipino citizen who levies war against the Republic of the Philippines or adheres to her enemies, giving them aid or comfort within the Philippines or elsewhere, shall be punished by reclusion temporal to death and shall pay a fine not to exceed a 100,000 pesos….”

The discussion revolves primarily on whether there is war against the Philippines.

These questions arise – What is meant by war?

Does it mean a declared war when the government through Congress passes a declaration of war against another country? Or, does war under this provision mean a state of war without Congress declaring that a state of war exists?

But even if there is no war in terms of the

use of armaments, any “Filipino citizen who adheres to her enemies, giving them aid and comfort in the Philippines or elsewhere…” commits the crime of treason as defined in Article 114 of the Revised Penal Code. And Communist China is an enemy!

The answer: In law, here and elsewhere, when the words of the law are clear, there is no room for interpretation. The provision of the law, in application to President Duterte, states “– Any Filipino citizen who… adheres to her enemies, given them aid or comfort within the Philippines or elsewhere, shall be punished by reclusion temporal to death and shall pay a fine not to exceed a 100,000 pesos….”

As previously stated, the provision of this law is clear – President Duterte is adhering to China by allowing Communist China to invade ADAZA | A13

A Tribute to a Young Tawi -Tawi Sama Lady leader shining in the Premier City of Manila

of Regional Governor Nur P. Misuari at the defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Shey’s mother is Hadja Remy, a scion from among the Sama Bangingi clan in Zamboanga City.

Shey ran as City Councilor candidate from the 5th District of Manila under the ticket of Mayor Isko Moreno, but failed to land in the winning circle.

Nevertheless, she was appointed by Mayor Isko Moreno to take charge of the City of Manila Muslim Affairs Office. Her appointment was lauded by everyone from Tawi-Tawi especially from the hometown of her father at Tubig Indangan,

Simunul where the 1st Masjid (Mosque) was established in the Philippines by Sheikh Makhdum in 1380 and believed to be an era where the propagation of Islam started also.

Thus, Shey Sakaluran Mohammad is the first woman young leader the Sama ethnic group to have joined the influential circle of the City of Manila.

Let us wish her all the best and in making the Sama as as well as the humble Badjao across Southeast Asia proud.

Now with Shey at the helm as Chief of the City of Manila Muslim Affairs Office, she had the full support of Mayor Isko Moreno where for the first time in history Muslims in Manila have

now their own cemetery to bring their departed love ones to their final resting place.

That is 450 years after the founding of “Manila Muslim Principality” in the year 1250 where a Muslim cemetery was realized.

Shey Sakaluran Mohammad has also established harmonious relationships with with the law enforcers especially from the Salaam Police Directorate for Police Community Relations of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Unit. This is mandated to conduct Countering Violent Extremism & Peace Building Seminar.

A courtesy call was made by the police enforcers to Chief Shey Sakaluran Mohammad headed by

P/Lt. Col. Joel C. Tuttuh, Chief of Salaam Police , as accompanied by PEMS Marjan C. Gonzales, and PCMS Alnnajar K. Uddin.

"With the recent events that have been happening in our Muslim communities , it is an opportune time to strengthen coordination with Salaam Police, as much as we strongly condemn illegal acts, we also have to ensure the rights of our citizens are upheld, patuloy po nating paiigtingin ang pakikipagugnayan upang maitaguyod and Kapayapaan,” Shey Sakaluran Mohammad pointed out.

For your Comments & Suggestions, please send an email to munir1845media@g mail.com

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Opinion

Ramadan Fast: A Laboratory for Self-Disciple and Moral Governance

Punchline

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his column is giving way to a relevant piece contributed by Dr. Anshari P. Ali, a doctorate in Islamic Studies now serving as chancellor of the Mindanao State UniversityGeneral Santos City campus, which I deem worth heralding to our readers, especially in this current fasting month of Ramadan. Dr. Ali’s piece follows: “The observance of fasting during the Holy Month of Ramadan is one of the 5 pillars of Islam mandatory for every Muslim all over the Globe. It requires cleansing of the human body of its physical dirt and the spiritual sickness of one’s heart that involves the suppression of human desire and anger by making them submissive to the commandment of the Almighty God as enshrined in the Holy Qur'án and demonstrated by the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) in his sun-

nah (tradition).

Indeed, fasting during the whole month of Ramadan is a comprehensive training for selfdiscipline in order to acquire good moral character and righteousness that may preserve a person from committing error in making judgment and action in dealing with every aspect of life on Earth.

In other words, the month-long actualization of self-discipline within a person in which his/her soul is bound to control the operation of the five (5) external and internal senses as well as desire and anger is the basic foundation of Islamic moral governance.

In fact, Islamic moral governance is founded on the concept of Khilafah (Vicegerency) as stated in the Qur’ánic verse in which Allah says: Inni jailun fil ardhi khalifa (verily I will make a representative to the Earth).

While God is the King of the Universe, the soul is deemed as king over the humanbody kingdom representing God. Being God’s representative, the main task of the soul-king is to implement God's commandment over human -body kingdom and then the affairs of the society which he will govern.

The first trial for moral governance of the soul-king is his leadership over his human body kingdom before governing the affairs of the society as his failure to institute righteousness over his human body kingdom is the basic indication of failure in providing ideal leadership over the affairs of the society that he will govern.

In the human body kingdom, there are entities, such as the five external senses and the five internal senses.

The five external senses are the power of

Suara from the Gulf GAMSON JR MAWALLIL QUIJANO

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eing physically and distantly apart fom your beloved family and those who are dear to you is one of the saddest things in life. What more if this separation is not only temporary, but forever?

Isn’t that excruciating?

One of the greatest fears of an OFW is to be forever separated from members of the family and loved ones by death. This is inevitable and everyone has to be ready because it could happen anytime.

However, isn’t it more excruciating when this happens when you are miles away and oceans apart from them as in the case of an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW)? You

cannot immediately go home and be with your family during your bereavement.

“I was so devastated, depressed, and frustrated when my youngest brother from the Philippines informed me that our beloved father had died. I had no way to contain my emotions to the extent that in the wee hours of January 2, 2016, Saturday, I shouted in my room without thinking I could disturb my other housemates who were sleeping at that time,” narrated Binnazer Tulawie Samain, Tausug EMS OFW in Dubai, UAE. “Had I the capacity or special power to fly to my hometown at that very moment just to

Vol. I, No. 45 | April 23-29, 2021 (Ramadan 11-17, 1442)

catch and see my father for the last time, I would surely do it. I did the best I could to travel to the Philippines on the same day, hoping that I may be able to pay my last respects and bid my father farewell. Unfortunately, his remains were buried the same day following Islamic rites. I had nothing else to do but spend a couple of days in Manila waiting for my sister, who is also an OFW, to come from Saudi Arabia,” Binnazer added.

Similarly, when an OFW passes away in a foreign country, it is also extremely painful for the family and loved ones at home because they cannot see their departed loved ones for

seeing, power of hearing, faculty of smelling, power of tasting and power of touching whereas the five internal senses are the power of common sense, power of thought, power of imagination, power of memory and power of judgment.

The desire and anger are also found in the human body kingdom in which the moral governance or leadership of the soul-king can be tasted. The desire is a faculty for anything (man or woman) likes or wants, while anger is the faculty for anything that he or she dislikes or hates. Desire and anger are common to all animals and inseparable part of human body instrumental in living happily on earth, but they need to be disciplined by the soul-king by placing each of them in their respective proper places as, otherwise, the soul-king who lost control of his desire or anger is vulnerable for

dictation by his desire or his anger.

In the Holy Qur’án, Allah says: "ara ayta manittahada ilahahu hawahu," Did you see the person who made his desire as god." The basic duty of the soulking is to institute discipline over his desire and anger by placing both in their respective places or by placing them under the dictate of reason and justice or Shariah. Each of them needs to be controlled or disciplined by the soul-king in order to make them submissive to the will and commandment of God so that the soul-king may be considered successful (naps al mutmainnah) in governing his human body kingdom.

Such theory is called self-discipline which is the method of acquiring good moral character that preserves a person from committing error in making judgment and action.

The basic purpose of acquiring selfdiscipline is to produce

a good man (salih) or good woman (salihah) who is considered good in his relation to God, to himself, to his parents, his family, neighbors, community, society, animal and his environment.

It is the basic requirement for actualizing moral governance in the affairs of the society where that person belongs. In dealing with the affairs of his society, he needs to actualize at least the five universal values, such as "Ihlas" (sincerity or commitment), sabr (patience or perseverance), side (transparency or truthfulness), amanah (trust) and adl (justice or fairness).

In short, fasting during the blessed month of Ramadan is deemed as a comprehensive training for selfdiscipline which is the foundation of Islamic moral governance.

Happy Ramadan alMubarak to all Muslims across the globe.”

AGM

The greatest fear of an OFW the last time, although there are remains of OFWs, especially for non-Muslims, that are shipped back to the country so the family at home can see and give their last respects before he or she is laid to rest. For us Muslims, our remains should be buried immediately. So all we can do is be patient and accept things gradually.

“Tausug OFWs who died in Qatar were buried here. Our OMMOW (Organization of Muslim Mindanao Overseas Workers) helps through proper coordination with the authorities to speed up the process of documents needed for burial. I have witnessed most of the funerals of my fellow Muslim OFWs who died here in Qatar. Their

bereaved families and loved ones in the Philippines were only able to see the video of the funeral of their loved ones,” shares Shaykh Benhar A. Yusof, Tausug OFW and head of religious affairs of OMMOW, Doha, Qatar.

Shihanie A. Kadil, an OFW nurse in Makkah, KSA, took a short emergency leave in the Philippines when her father became ill. However, she had to go back to work in Makkah in the midst of her father’s condition. Three months later, her father passed away.

“I was at work, evening shift that day.

While I was on break, I got a video call from them. I can see the pulse going from 30 beats a minute to zero, and oxygen saturation

at 90-69-39-0. I was with my father virtually the moment he took his last breath. It’s heartbreaking, but I remained calm and comforted everyone at home, especially my mother,” Shihanie remembers.

Just like Binnazer and the rest of the OFWs, when the immediate member of their families pass away, the very first thing that comes to their minds is to go home.

Sadly, for some OFWs, it is difficult to go home in times like these or in times of family emergencies for so many reasons, among them, some of the employers doesn’t allow them to go, they don’t have enough QUIJANO | A14

World Round Up

WHO reports alarming hospitalization of 25 to 59 years old

Covid-19 cases across globe up by over 809K Sunday GENEVA – More than 809,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus infection were registered worldwide in the past day, with the overall number exceeding 140.32 million, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in its daily bulletin on Sunday.

As of 15:35 Moscow time on April 18, as many as 140,322,903 novel coronavirus cases and 3,003,794 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe.

The number of confirmed cases grew by 809,004 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 11,481.

The WHO statistics is based on officially confirmed data from the countries.

Southeast Asia accounts for more than a third of the Covid-19 daily tally (272,989 cases).

Next are North and South America (254,847 cases) and Europe (203,134).

The biggest number of coronavirus cases was reported from the United States (31,250,635), India (14,788,109), Brazil (13,832,455), France (5,178,513), Russia (4,702,101), the United Kingdom (4,385,942), Turkey (4,212,645), Italy (3,857,443), Spain (3,396,685), Germany (3,142,262), Poland (2,688,025), and Argentina (2,658,628). TASS

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EU crime gangs make €139bn annually

On Covid-19

GENEVA – New cases of Covid-19 increased for the eighth week in a row, with more than 5.2 million reported -- the most in a week so far -- and alarming hospitalizations among people aged 25 to 59 worldwide, the director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO) said Monday.

“Deaths rose for the fifth straight week, and more than 3 million deaths have now been reported to the WHO,” said Tedros Ghebreyesus at a twice-weekly webinar in Geneva.

He said it took nine months to reach 1 million deaths, four months to reach 2 million, and three months to reach 3 million.

“Infections and hospitalizations among people aged 25 to 59 are increasing at an alarming rate, possibly as a result of highly transmissible variants and increased social mixing among younger adults,” Tedros said. “Big numbers can make us numb. But each one of these deaths is a tragedy for families, communities and nations.”

The WHO chief noted that Covid-19 has now killed more than 3 million people.

He noted that this week marks Earth Day on April 22 -- “a reminder that human health depends on the health of the planet that sustains us.”

Tedros said air pollution kills more than double the number killed by the novel coronavirus -- 7 million people a year.

“Despite temporary improvements in air quality last year as a result of so-called lockdowns, by September, air pollution had returned to prepandemic levels,” he said.

CO2 emissions rebound Globally, CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions only decreased by less than 6 percent last year, but by December, they had rebounded to their previous levels.

“The health argument for climate action is crystal clear. The same unsustainable choices that are killing our planet are killing people,” Tedros said.

He said at the United Nations’ COP26 climate conference in Glasgow this year, a special report will be delivered with recommendations on maximizing the health benefits of tackling climate change while avoiding the worst health impacts of the climate crisis.

He then introduced Swedish climate and environmental activist Greta Thunberg, who he said “has become the powerful voice of a younger generation demanding climate action.”

Thunberg addressed the webinar, urging the global community to address vaccine inequity that the WHO and Tedros have warned is a massive impediment to halting the Covid-19 pandemic. Anadolu

Vol. I, No. 45 | April 23-29, 2021 (Ramadan 11-17, 1442)

By Muslimedia.PH

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he European Commission has unveiled a five-year strategy to try and eliminate organized crime gangs in the EU that make profits of 139 billion Euros (PhP8.09-Trillion) annually, media recently reported, adding that officials say cocaine is now rife across the 27-nation bloc.

Jerome Hughes, reporting from Brussels for Press TV, said drugs are at the center of the EU’s organized crime network.

Hughes quoted officials as saying that cocaine, mainly imported from Latin America, can now be purchased in every small village, as easily as buying a packet of cigarettes.

The European Commission says crime gangs are running amok, he added.

It is estimated that crime gangs in the EU are making €139bn per annum, and that is a conservative estimate, according to the European Commission.

According to the report, a big part of the business relates to the trafficking of vulnerable

people. “If you think all the victims are brought into the EU from poor countries, think again,” it added.

The European Commission says half of all those trafficked in the EU are EU citizens. The majority are women and girls for the purpose of sexual exploitation. 70% of the criminals behind the trafficking are also EU citizens.

In February, this year alone, EU police

seized 25 tons of cocaine at ports. The main markets for this in the EU are Ireland, Denmark, Netherlands, Spain and France. The illegal activity is mostly coordinated online. Officials say the gangs are becoming more violent.

Also, the criminals are selling fake COVID19 jabs. In addition, they muscle in on vulnerable businesses and individuals who are stuck for cash during

the pandemic. They are sophisticated, according to experts.

The European Commission has just launched a new fiveyear strategy to try and deal with the scourge. It proposes tougher legislation allowing police to bypass encrypted online platforms. More power to seize money and assets is also on the cards. The problem is similar initiatives announced in the past have failed. Press TV

IMF official sees both potential, risk in digital currencies WASHINGTON – Digital currencies have a potential to make financial services "much more inclusive," an International Monetary Fund (IMF) official has said, while warning that there are also risks worth watching.

"There is a lot of promise in these electronic currencies," Helge Berger, the IMF's China mission chief and assistant director in the Asia and Pacific Department, told Xinhua recently. "They lower the transaction costs involved in holding cash and moving cash. They can make it more secure.”

"And we have seen some of the advantages of digital currencies during the recession last year, when the fiscal authorities in China used electronic means to target fiscal support to particular consumers in a helpful way," he said.

The IMF official, however, warned of risks related to digital currencies.

"When you go from printed currency to electronic currency, you have to have an operational framework around it that involves networks and computers and security protocols," he said. "We have to learn how to do this safely."

There is international risk as well, which needs to be kept in mind, said the IMF official.

"If electronic currencies make it easier to use one country's currency in another country, there

are complications that have to do with currency substitution, which could impact the ability of national central banks to control domestic money supply, domestic credit and inflation," he said.

Berger said it looks like many central banks are experimenting or at least conceptually thinking about rolling out digital versions of their currencies, noting that China is among the first large economies that has been pushing forward with its experiment.

"It's an exciting area," he said. "We're keeping a close eye on it and together with the Chinese authorities, we're learning from the Chinese experience." (Xinhua

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The Nation & Across PH

Over 19,000 evacuated in Catanduanes due to Typhoon Bising

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ANILA — A total of 19,119 individuals were evacuated in 11 towns of Catanduanes Sunday afternoon due to typhoon Bising, a state media reported on Monday.

Philippine Information Agency (PIA) said Governor Joseph C. Cua directed all municipal mayors and punong barangays of Catanduanes to order mandatory evacuation of all residents living near shorelines, riverbanks, and landslide-prone areas.

According to the report, the breakdown of evacuees per town were as follows: Baras (3,052); Bagamanoc (336); Bato (230); Caramoran (119); Gigmoto (2,002); Pandan (157); Panganiban (760); San Andres (247); San Miguel (2,775); Viga (69); and Virac (9,372).

All passenger vessels bound to and from the ports of Catanduanes are not allowed to venture into sea until typhoon signals are lifted.

Power supply were also cut-off provincewide, but network connections are still up.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) reported that Catanduanes along with Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, Albay, and Samar provinces are among places which may incur light to moderate damage to structures and vegetation due to strong winds and flash floods or landslides due to moderate to heavy rains.

“As of 3:00 PM today, the center of the eye of Typhoon “BISING” {SURIGAE} was located based on all available data at 500 km East of Infanta, Quezon (14.6°N, 126.3°E) with maximum sustained winds of 195 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 240 km/h. It is moving North Northwestward slowly,” Pagasa said.

JAFAR BELEN YAHYA

Vol. I, No. 45 | April 23-29, 2021 (Ramadan 11-17, 1442)

I’ll send my gray ships if you drill for oil, Duterte tells China

By Julmunir I. Jannaral MANILA — Despite his desire to remain friends with China, President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday said he will send “gray ships” to the West Philippine Sea (WPS) should China start drilling for oil in the disputed territory.

“I am addressing myself to the Chinese government, we want to remain friends, we want to share whatever it is. Sinabi ko naman sa inyo sa (I told you) Chinese government, I’m not so much interested now in fishing. I don’t think there’s enough fish really to quarrel about. But when we start to mine, when we start to get whatever it is in the bowels of the China sea sa ating oil, diyan na ako (in our oil, that’s when I will act). Then by that time I will send my ships there,” he said.

Amid criticism over his supposed silence on Chinese vessels in the contested sea, Duterte

In a pre-recorded public address, Duterte said he will state the Philippines’ territorial claim by sending navy ships in the disputed waters.

DON’T DRILL OIL. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte talks to the people after holding a meeting with the InterAgency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on April 19, 2021. Duterte said he will send gray ships if China starts drilling oil in the disputed West Philippine Sea. (Presidential photo

by King Rodriguez) said he would not allow China to dig for oil and other resources there.

“I will send my gray ships there to state a claim. ‘Yan masiguro ninyo. Pag kinuha na yung oil, kung anong

mga nickel diyan, mga precious stones (That you can be sure of. If you start digging for oil, nickel there, precious stones). That would be the time because that is the time

that we should act on it,” he added.

He said should China start drilling for oil, the Philippines would also start doing the same.

“Pag mag-umpisa na sila mag drill ng oil diyan, sabihin ko talaga sa China (If they start drilling for oil there, I’ll tell China), ‘Is that part of our agreement? Because if it is not part of our agreement, I’m going to also drill my oil there. If you own it, I own it,” he said.

Recalling a conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2017, Duterte said Xi himself vowed that China will not extract oil from the disputed sea.

DUTERTE | A14

Isko Moreno leads Ramadan lighting in Quiapo

PTFoMS hails IATF for including media workers in priority list for COVID19 jab

MANILA — City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Dumagoso with his Muslim affairs director Shey Sakaluran Mohammad personally lead the lighting of the Welcome Arch at Barangay 384, Zone 39, the Muslim Town in Quiapo, Manila on Sunday, as a manifest of his support and love for the local Muslims during Ramadan.

The event was organized in cooperation with Barangay Chairman Mohammad Khalil Pundoma, and Engineers Andres and Randy Sadac of the City Engineering and Electrical Department.

The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) headed by Secretary Saidamen Pangarungan thanked the city government of Manila and Mayor Moreno for the support to the Manila Muslim residents as well as to the entire city constituents.

JAFAR BELEN YAHYA

By Julmunir I. Jannaral

M

ANILA — In a statement sent to the Philippine Muslim Today, Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) Executive Director Under Secretary Joel Sy Egco said that Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque revealed that the IATF approved the final group of persons in the Priority Group A4 of the National COVID-19 Vaccine Deployment Plan which now includes “frontline workers in private and government news media.”

“The inclusion of media workers in the A4 priority group highlights President Rodrigo Duterte’s policy of safeguarding press freedom by protecting the life, liberty, and security of our media workers. We recognized the support of the IATF especially Vaccine Czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr, Testing Czar Secretary

The author and PTFoMS ExecDir Joel Sy Egco. (File) Vince Dizon and of course Senator Bong Go and Secretary Martin Andanar who pushed to include media workers in the priority list,” Usec Egco said.

It should be recalled that the PTFoMS, through Usec. Egco and PTFoMS CoChairman and Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Sec. Andanar, sent a letter addressed to Sec. Galvez petitioning the IATF for the inclusion of media workers among the A4

priority group.

In the letter, Egco pointed out that “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 life-saving 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 or-

der 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 previous call of Senator Go that “the media should also be given priority once the safe and effective vaccines are available so that (they) can continue with (their) work of covering and bringing news to our countrymen.”

Aside from media workers, also included in the Priority Group A4 list are commuter transport (land, air, and sea), including logistics; public and private wet and dry market venPTFoMS | A14

Across Mindanao

Vol. I, No. 45 | April 23-29, 2021 (Ramadan 11-17, 1442)

MinDA forms inter-agency economic recovery body

By Ali G. Macabalang

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OTABATO CITY – The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) initiated on Wednesday the formation of an inter-agency body for government agencies and the private sector to lead Mindanao's Economic Recovery Facilitation by addressing issues and concerns affecting the region's return to normalcy.

MinDA Chairperson Manny Piñol hosted a virtual meeting with prospect member-entities of his council, tackling with them some perceived “bottlenecks” in the transport of goods within Mindanao and those outbound from the region.

Sec. Piñol and forum discussants also talked about the need for a cohesive Coronavirus vaccination program, means of swift processing of loans with the Development Bank of the Philippines and the Land Bank of the Philippines, and the facilitation of the marketing of goods.

The discussants collated issues and concerns, and offered solutions to facilitate the Mindanao economy recovery in the advent of

MinDA Chairman Manny Piñol hosts a new weekly radio program in Kidapawan City, with invited guests from the North Cotabato-based Sta. Catalina Multi-Purpose Cooperative who announced willingness to help guide households, including OFWs in small-scale investment ventures as part of Mindanao recovery program. (Photo supplied)

the global COVID-19 pandemic.

They initially named the body as Mindanao Economic Recovery Facilitation Council (MERFC), which they hoped to make the difference in fostering efforts towards normalizing social and economic movements in the region.

Sec. Piñol coupled his meeting video clip with a photo of a long

queue of motor vehicles, including cargo trucks, in a major thoroughfare in Kidapawan City ostensibly eluding highway patrol traffic enforcers.

The photo was taken by the MinDA chief’s younger brother, former Kidapawan City Vice Mayor and Congressman Jun Piñol, who has been critical of undue flogging of cargo trucks along highways.

For a constant heralding of works and advocacies in the interagency council, Sec. Piñol revived his longmissed broadcasting stride by hosting a weekly (every Mondays) radio program over the Catholic-run dxND in Kidapawan City.

At the Wednesday forum, the Department of Health, represented

by Undersecretary Abdullah Dumama, reported that new guidelines now allow the private sector and the local government units to procure vaccines for their employees.

The massive vaccination campaign, however, has largely been concentrated in Metro Manila where COVID 19 cases have increased MINDA | A13

Japanese envoy linking up MSU-GSC with Osaka University COTABATO CITY – The Japanese government through its consular office in Davao City has announced its stride in linking up the Mindanao State University-General Santos City (MSU-GSC) and the Kinki University in Osaka to boost cooperation on enhancing tuna production and marketing.

In a communiqué on April 12, Japanese Consul General Miwa Yoshiaki revealed his thrust to build a partnership of cooperation between the MSU-GSC and the Kinki University in Osaka, which he said had “succeeded in establishing a technology to farm a Blue Fin Tuna.”

The MSU-GSC campus administration led

by Chancellor Dr. Anshari P. Ali hosted a two -day visit of Mr. Yoshiaki and his party last March 18 and 19, during which the Japanese

By Ali G. Macabalang

Shown in photo are MSU-GSC Chancellor Anshari Ali and Japanese Consul General Miwa Yoshiaki in a meeting last March 19 in General Santos City. (File Photo) envoy conducted ocular assessments of the Tuna fishing port in General Santos City and a related laboratory site in the satellite campus.

“My Visit at the fish laboratory last March was very short and I was not able to grasp the necessary information in preparing the framework of this cooperation,” the Japanese diplomat recalled as he asked Chancellor Ali to send his dean and concerned faculty members

of the College of Fisheries on April 20.

He said the meeting discussion would provide him further insights on the empirical works and research plan needed for eliciting interest from the Japanese University.

Last March 3, Consul general Yoshiaki and Chancellor Ali jointly hosted a global webinar for the commemoration of the 100th year anniversary of the Japanese Consular Office in

Davao City.

In a statement to the Philippine Muslim Today news, Dr. Ali described his campus’ upcoming formal partnership with the Kinki University as “as added feather” in his administration’s thrust on building linkages with academic institutions across the globe.

Upon his investiture as campus chancellor on April 28, 2019, Dr. Ali established the Office of International Affairs to herald in the global scene the MSUGSC campus operations and build linkages with counterpart universities in the Asian, Western and European regions.

The infant office is headed by Dr. Anderson Anderson Villa, an alumnus of the Philippine-Japan scholars exchange program.

AGM

A7

Vaccinated persons can enter Zambo City sans RT-PCR test ZAMBOANGA CITY — The local government of Zamboanga City will no longer require a negative result of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test to persons fully vaccinated upon entering this city, media reports have said.

Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite, city health officer, said on Monday that a person is considered fully immunized two weeks after receiving the second dose of vaccine and that “there is no more need for them to undergo RT-PCR test”, according to the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

It however quoted Miravite as saying that those fully vaccinated persons exhibiting symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) will still be required to undergo an RT-PCR test even if they show their certificate of vaccination.

The Zamboanga City Health Office. (PNA file photo) Four laboratories here are currently offering RTPCR tests–the Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC), Philippine Red Cross Molecular Laboratory, Department of Agriculture-ZCMC laboratory, and the containerized RT-PCR testing laboratory of the Ciudad Medical Zamboanga (CMZ).

RT-PCR test is the standard laboratory testing for Covid-19, which is priced at some P3,000.

Miravite said some 3,019-medical front-liners in the A1 category have already received their second dose of either Sinovac or AstraZeneca.

Muslimedia.PH

Davao's low death rate due to efficient Covid response DAVAO CITY – A health official from the city government said the low number of Covid-19 deaths here was due to the efficient Covid-19 response and utilization of care and treatment facilities.

In a radio interview on Wednesday, Dr. Ashley Lopez, acting head of the City Health Office (CHO), said that for the past two weeks, a low death rate was recorded as the number of cases is also going down.

“In the past two weeks we have relatively, or comparatively low deaths compared to the previous months and it’s because of our hospital utilization care, particularly our critical utilization rate, it went down to less than 50 percent,” he added.

Lopez has attributed the downtrend in cases to the city’s stringent coronavirus regulations, including intensified active-case finding and surveillance activities in communities.

However, despite the low turnout of cases, he said a possibility to detect more cases would happen due to the heightened surveillance and operations.

“Because of our intensified activities in contact tracing and mandatory testing, not only for direct contacts but also for secondary and tertiary contacts – F2 or F3, it is not surprising that our positivity rate will rise, although, it is not that significant,” Lopez said.

The city’s Covid-19 positivity rate stands at 3.8 percent for the past 14 days, with community transmission going down.

“We are lower than the WHO (World Health Organization) threshold of 5 percent, which only indicates that we have a relatively low transmission for Covid-19 here in Davao City,” Lopez added. PNA

A8 Vastness of Muslim Mindanao wealth inspires major donor ILIGAN CITY — The sheer volume of natural potentials within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has encouraged the inception of a major program by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

The UNDP has been implementing pro-poor projects in the Philippines for over 40 years.

Its assistance to peace and development efforts in the South has ranged from livelihood provision, health and literacy campaigns, support to local agriculture and fisheries, and conflict resolution education.

Last year, the donor agency introduced a School for Peace and Democracy, a specialized course aimed at helping former combatants embrace a peaceful transition to progress.

In an article published on the UNDP website, authors Enrico Gaveglia and Chetan Kumar cited some of the potentials of Mindanao that may be tapped and optimized by peaceful governance.

Gaveglia is the UNDP Philippines’ Officer-inCharge while Kumar is the organization’s Peace Programme Team Leader.

They wrote that the BARMM “is one of the wealthiest in the Philippines in terms of natural resources. An Eden on Earth.”

Gaveglia and Kumar added that “the region boasts of hydroelectric power from Lake Lanao; plentiful banana, coconuts, mangosteen, and durian plantations; fish and seaweed from the oceans; and mineral treasures in the form of basalt, chromite, manganese, gold, silver, and copper.”

Yet, these competitive advantages were not exploited because “people are historically more challenged in ‘Eden-like’ environments,” they lamented, adding that “violent conflict has, for decades, prevented the sustainable and inclusive utilization of these resources, and damaged businesses, the environment, and the region’s export potential.”

The government had inked a peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in 2014.

Four years later, Congress green-lighted a Bangsamoro Organic Law. A Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) was set up in 2019, the tenure of which is currently the subject of an intense campaign for an extension.

The BTA’s life span was originally set by law until 2022. But Muslim and Christian leaders, as well as grassroots organizations across the BARMM, have called to extend the period to 2025.

Proponents of the extension have cited the need for more time to firm up institutional systems and policies that favor social equity and economic progress.

Gaveglia and Kumar noted that “the region’s full potential cannot be realized unless its current leaders—former revolutionaries from the major Moro armed groups—implement an inclusive vision for peace and sustainable development.”

PR

SCHOOL FOR PEACE AND DEMOCRACY. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched a School for Peace and Democracy (SPD), inspired by an experience in Aceh. The exploratory visit to Indonesia was participated in by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front leadership. (UNDP photo/PNA)

Across Bangsamoro

Vol. I, No. 45 | April 23-29, 2021 (Ramadan 11-17, 1442)

Veteran journo elected 1st Bangsamoro Press Corps

By Muslimedia.PH

C

OTABATO CITY — Mindanao-based journalists have formed the Bangsamoro Press Corps (BPC) to professionalize ranks Veteran journalist Ali G. Macabalang was unopposed in presidential nomination at the BPC organizational meeting attended here on Saturday by more than 60 media workers covering the operations of the two-year old Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

A journalist for over four uninterrupted decades, Macabalang currently serves as news editor of the infant Philippine Muslim Today news, an English tabloid founded by veteran scribes to provide the readers an alternative source of information on issues and concerns affecting Muslim Filipinos.

Macabalang led his fellow elected BPC officers and members in thanking the Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (READI), a unit of the autonomous government under the supervision of BARMM spokesman and Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo, for facilitating the conduct of two meetings that led to the BPC formation.

On different occasions, Macabalang had advocated the need for

the formation of a press corps among local media workers to professionalize ranks, promote their economy and security welfare, and at the same time harmonize their efforts in providing comprehensive reportage of the BARMM bureaucracy and parliament.

The BARMM governance has been formally established on March 29, 2019 under R.A. 11054 in pursuit of two major peace accords forged by the government in 2013 and 2014 with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), replacing the 29-year old Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

“We see a sort of disparity between the BARMM prospects for the betterment of its constituents and the realities in the ground.

This is a challenge for us concerned media practitioners to narrow down the gap,” said Macabalang, who had served as founding executive director of the defunct ARMM’s Bureau of Public Information (1994-1977 & 20102012).

“Field journalists also need to fostering stronger bonding to address

and provide better reportage of the two-year old new autonomous region, electing a veteran Muslim scribe as their first president.

Ali G. Macabalang (PMT file photo) sad economic of journalism, preserve dignity in media profession, and fight threats against free press,” Macabalang added, hinting at risks in local media that peaked in the infamous Nov. 23, 2009 “Maguindanao massacre” of 57 people, 32 of them journalists.

Maguindanao belongs to the BARMM, so with the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, the cities of Cotabato, Marawi and Lamitan and 63 villages in North Cotabato.

On Saturday night, Minister Sinarimbo hosted an iftar (Ramadan dinner) for the newly elected BPC officers and members.

Minister Sinarimbo had once assured that the new autonomous governance will not allow intimidations

against media workers covering the region, saying “we will come to the rescue of journalists facing professional threats.”

Other elected BPC offices include four vice presidents –John Unson (print); Erwin Cabilbigan (radio); Benny Queman (TV); Edwin Fernandez (online/multi -media); and Ferdinandh Cabrera (PhotoJournalism); Ella Dayawan, treasurer; Dennis Arco, auditor; Sam Sali and Nhur Gayak, business managers; and Michael Suan, P.R.O. READI’s Valerie Lambo was appointed secretary.

Elected Board of Director are: Bruce Matabalao, chairman (Cotabato City); Nash Maulana (Maguindanao); Ding Yahya (Lanao del Sur); Bert Digamon Jr. (North Cotabato); Fidencio Yu Castro, Jr. (SOCCSKSARGEN); Dhen Kadatuan (Muslim sector); Charlie Señase (Christian sector); Daisy Mangod (IP sector); Lacks Dama (BCOBAR); and Abduljaman Damahan (Basilan). The slots for Sulu and Tawi-Tawi will be filled up later.

PMT

PMT editors elected in Bangsamoro Press Corps COTABATO CITY — Mindanao-based journalists have formed the Bangsamoro Press Corps (BPC) to professionalize ranks and provide better reportage of the two-year old new autonomous region, electing two editors of the Philippine Muslim Today (PMT) news as pioneer officers.

PMT News Editor Ali G. Macabalang and Editor-in-Chief Masiding Noor Yahya were elected president and member of the Board of Directors (representing Lanao del Sur), respectively, at the BPC organizational meeting attended here on April 17 by 65 media workers cover-

IFTAR WITH MINISTER SINARIMBO. Some BPC elected officers pose with MILGBARMM Minister Naguib Sinarimbo after his family hosted an iftar in Cotabato City on April 17. (AGM) ing the operations of ficers and members in sion of BARMM spokesthe Rapid man and Local Governthe two-year old Bang- thanking Emergency Action on ment Minister Naguib samoro Autonomous Sinarimbo, for facilitating Disaster Incidence Region in Muslim Minthe BPC preliminary (READI), a unit of the danao (BARMM). meeting and the election autonomous governMacabalang led his event. Muslimedia.PH ment under the supervifellow elected BPC of-

Across BARMM

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

Reconciliation of political clans in BARMM praised

A9

BARMM to provide emergency vehicles to LGUs

By Ali G. Macabalang

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OTABATO CITY — The officialdom of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has lauded the major rival political clans in Lanao del Sur and Sulu for amicably resettling their differences,

praising their conciliatory stances as a “positive ingredient” for a swifter voyage of the new regional governance towards greater heights.

EMERGENCY VEHICLES FOR LGUS in BARMM: Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim and MILG Minister Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo personally inspected the emergency vehicles on Thursday, April 15, 2020.

(Courtesy of BARMM)

RECONCILIATION OF BARMM POLITICAL CLANS. The reconciliation meetings of Lanao del Sur Gov. Bombit Adiong and the Sautol Haq group in Marawi City on March 25, left, and that of the dispute settlement between Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan and Rep. Munir Arbison in Luuk island town on March 21, right. (PMT file photos) BARMM Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal and Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo particularly saluted Lanao del Sur Mamintal “Bombit” AlontoAdiong Jr. and former regional state prosecu-

tor Salic Dumarpa, on one hand, and the clans of Sulu Governor Sakur Tan and Rep. Munir Arbison for mending their political differences once feared to escalate into bloody feuds.

The regional officials

also extolled the intervening groups in the reconciliation of the Adiong-Dumarpa dispute and the Tan-Arbison political gap, saying such mediations should be promoted and replicated in other areas of

BARMM. “These exemplified ideal departure from adversarial politics that usually affect peace and growth in Bangsamoro communities…in favour of Islamic ethical and CLANS | A15

P950-M BARMM banana investment eyed to help revive industry COTABATO CITY — The Regional Board of Investments of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (RBOIBARMM) has approved the registration of Al Muzafar Agriventure Inc. (AMAVI) that would pour in PHP950 million worth of investments in the region’s banana industry.

The firm, also known as the Amavi Sweet Banana (ASB), plans to establish Cavendish banana plantations in a combined 1,000 hectares of arable lands in Datu Abdullah Sangki town and other municipalities in the province.

“The investment is expected to generate an annual production of two million to 3.3 million boxes of Cavendish bananas for export to Japan, China, and the Middle East,” RBOIBARMM chairperson Ishak Mastura, said in a statement Monday.

“The investment project is also expected to

By Noel Punzalan

Lawyer Ishak Mastura, RBOI-BARMM chairman. (File photo courtesy of RBOI-BARMM) generate 1,190 jobs for the locals,” Mastura added.

He said the AMAVIASB is a 100 percent Filipino-owned corporation with most of its investors from the BARMM. “As local BARMM investors, they still proceeded with the project despite the high risk for investments due to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic,” Mastura said.

He said the registration of the AMAVI-ASB the RBOI-BARMM on April 15 entitles them to a six-year income tax holiday, reduced duties

for the importation of capital equipment, exemption from wharfage dues, and additional deductions for labor expenses.

Without elaborating, Mastura said the undertaking is seen to help revive the region’s banana industry, which has been on a declining trend due to several factors.

“While the bulk of the banana industry is located in the Davao region, some of those areas have been hit by the Fusarium wilt or Panama disease that made them unsuitable for banana planting,” Mastura

said.

With this, he said that the BARMM is considered a prospective area for investments in planting Cavendish bananas for export that could help revive our banana industry in terms of volume and market share in the world market.

The Cavendish banana is considered a fast-growing and highvalue crop due to its export market and generates more employment per hectare than any other industrial crop. It does not require much processing, nor a big land area compared to other plantation crops.

Mastura said a Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) report released on March 12 showed that fresh bananas recorded the worst dip among the top 10 major commodity groups in terms of the value of exports at negative 46.9 P950-M | A15

COTABATO CITY — Bangsamoro Government’s Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG) is set to provide emergency vehicles to the different Local Government Units (LGUs) in the region.

On Thursday, April 15, BARMM Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim together with MILG Minister Atty.

Naguib Sinarimbo personally inspected the five (5) fire trucks, five (5) police cars, and four (4) units of ambulance, which will be given to the different priority LGUs in the region.

The ambulance will be given to the Bangsamoro Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (READi) and the local government of Tawi-Tawi.

MILG Minister Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo said these emergency vehicles will supplement the ministry’s preparedness and response program BARMM| A15

Over 3K scholars complete techVoc education in BARMM

By Amir Hussein Abbas

Beneficiaries of the BARMM Scholarship Program for TVET (BSPTVET) received their Certificate of Completion on Masonry NC II and Organic Agricultural Production during their graduation ceremony held at Tipo-Tipo Gym, Tipo-Tipo Municipality in Basilan last March 23, 2021. (Photo from MBHTE-TESD Basilan) COTABATO CITY — A total of 3,453 scholars across the Bangsamoro region have completed Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses conducted by the Bangsamoro Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education — Technical Education and Skills Development (MBHTE-TESD) for the first quarter of 2021, the Bangsamoro Information Office (BIO) announced Tuesday in its website post.

“It will open more doors for our Bangsamoro learners to hone their skills and knowledge,” BIO quoted Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal as saying during his presentation of the TVET scholarship program last year.

BIO also said, “Scholarship beneficiaries who come from disadvantaged sectors finished skills training, entrepreneurship training, values transformation training, and National Competency AsSCHOLARS | A15

A10

Across Philippines

Muslim Filipinos mourn the death of former DILG Usec Wency Andanar THE FATHER OF PCOO SECRETARY MARTIN ANDANAR RETURNS TO THE MERCY OF HIS LORD ON THURSDAY

By Julmunir I. Jannaral

JANAZA PRAYER: Muslim Jamaa of the Garden Masjid (mosque) in Maharlika Village perform the Janaza Prayer for the remains of Hadji Anwar or Atty. Wencelito Andanar (foreground) whose remains were brought first to the said masjid for the Janaza Prayer before his interment at his final resting place in nearby Maharlika Muslim Cemetery. (Photo Courtesy of former Blue Mosque Admin Jadjurie Arasa)

M

AHARLIKA VILLAGE, Taguig City, Metro Manila: In this month of Ramadan, while every Muslim in Metro Manila and elsewhere is faithfully observing the 30-day fasting during this holy month, a truly breaking

black news caught every Muslim in shock.

Atty. Wencelito Andanar, known to the Muslim world as ‘Hadji Anwar’ died on Thursday and his remains was brought to the Maharlika Mosque for IIslamic rituals for burial.

[LEFT] SON ACCOMPANIES FATHER TO HIS GRAVE: PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar (2nd from right) of Malacanang Palace has shown his last and final respect to his loving father Atty. Wencelito Andanar a devout Muslim who had performed the Five Pillars of Islam including the Hajj or annual pilgrimage to Makkah at the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Thus until his demise on Thursday he is known as Hadji Anwar to all his relatives, friends, and to all his brothers and sisters in the Islamic faith. (Photos courtesy of Jadjurie Arasa) [RIGHT] HAPPIER TIMES: The late Atty. Wencelito “Hadji Anwar” Andanar (2nd from left) in happier times has always displayed his sense of belonging to his brothers and sisters in Islam. Shown here accompanied by his loving wife (extreme left) is his brotherly visit to the office of NCMF Commissioner Yusoph Mando (3rd from left) where the latter also felt honored and cordially received Atty. Wency as a VIP Guest. He is also PRRD Special Envoy to Malaysia until his demise on Thursday. (Photo Contributed) Hadji Anuar is the father of Secretary Jose Ruperto Martin M. Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) in Malacanang.

As a Muslim, everyone who hears this kind of sad news is ought to read a brief solemn prayer by saying, “Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Rajiun (Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.)

The remains of Hadji Anwar or the old An-

danar was brought for the burial in Maharlika Village Cemetery on Thursday afternoon by no less than by his own son, Secretary Martin Andanar.

Commissioner Yusoph Mando of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) extended his sincere condolences and sympathy to the bereaved family of Atty.

Wencelito Andanar, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s (PRRD's)

Special Envoy to Malaysia. Atty Andanar was also the undersecretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Commissioner Mando also posted a picture in his Facebook Timeline showing them in a brotherly and friendly pose where the late Hadji Anwar Andanar accompanied by his wife, the mother of his son Secretary Martin.

He was cordially received by Commission-

er Mando at his office at the NCMF National Office along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City.

In his solemn prayer for the repose soul of Hadji Anwar Andanar, Commissioner Mando said. “May Allah the most merciful shower His mercy to our late brother Wency and admit him entry in Jannatul Firdauz (abode of eternal peace in Paradise).

JIJ

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

RSF Press Freedom Index: PH fares well despite global slide

By Julmunir I. Jannaral MALACANANG PALACE, Manila: The Philippines still fared well in this year's World Press Freedom Index (WPFI) of the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) released on Wednesday despite notable declines in 73% of all countries in the world, according to the statement sent to the Philippine Muslim Today by the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS).

PTFoMS Executive Director Usec. Joel Sy Egco said this is an indication that compared to previous administrations, press freedom under President Rodrigo Roa Duterte remains freer and better.

While noting a slight 2-point drop in the WPFI, Usec. Egco said the country’s rankings in the Index for the past five years remained generally better than during the term of former President Noynoy Aquino in spite of the onslaught of the Covid-19 pandemic.

RSF’s index showed that President Duterte has an average of 133.6 points counted from 2017 to 2021 with a high of 138, compared during the presidency of Aquino which averaged 142.5 points during his entire term, reckoned from 2011 to 2016, with a high of 149.

“So far, President Duterte's lowest grade is Aquino's highest. It is high time to set the record straight, there is no shrinking space for media in the Philippines based on this year’s World Press Freedom Index of the RSF”, Egco said.

Citing the pandemic as the main reason, RSF said that press freedom was “totally blocked or seriously impeded in 73 countries and constrained in 59 others,” most notably in Malaysia where an anti-fake news law and arrests of journalists led to a massive 18-point decline.

According to RSF, this year’s “index data reflect a dramatic deterioration in people's access to information and an increase in obstacles to news coverage” pointing out that the “coronavirus pandemic has been used as grounds to block journalists’ access to information sources and reporting in the field.”

However, despite a global decline in press freedom due to the pandemic, RSF’s WPFI showed that there was only a two-point drop in the country’s ranking during President Duterte’s fifth year in office. Compared that to the seven-point drop during Aquino’s third year as president, or the precipitous 34-point drop in the index during President Gloria Arroyo’s last year in office in 2009 when the Ampatuan Massacred transpired.

Egco said that RSF’s index proves beyond doubt the media environment in the country has generally improved since 2009, especially after President Duterte came to office. The 2021 WPFI also shows that despite the pandemic, the Philippine press is freer than in most countries in Asia, such as Singapore (160) or China (177).

The palace official explained that with a dedicated mandate to resolve media killings in the country, the PTFoMS oversaw the 50th case of media killing that resulted in a guilty verdict, bringing to 67 the total number of media killers that were convicted by the courts as of 2021.

It is important to recall that in 2018, RSF removed the Philippines in its list of most dangerous countries in the world for journalists.

In 2019, through the political will of the Duterte administration, the nation became a beacon of hope for press freedom when Judge Jocelyn Solis Reyes convicted Datu Andal Ampatuan Jr and Zaldy Ampatuan, the masterminds of the Ampatuan Massacre, of 57 counts of murder along with 28 other co-accused, while more than a dozen others were sentenced to 6–10 years for being accessories.

RSF | A14

The Blessed Life

Vol. I, No. 45 | April 23-29, 2021 (Ramadan 11-17, 1442)

Bangsamoro clergy says ‘Covid‘ vaccine does not nullify Ramadan fast

By Julmunir I. Jannaral

C

OTABATO CITY: The Bangsamoro highest clergyman or the Grand Mufti has made a declaration that vaccine to be injected to a Muslim even though observing the fasting in the month of Ramadan will not nullify his fast at all.

“When it comes to the vaccine on Covid19, it does not nullify your fast,” said Udasan in a video advisory on Covid-19 released by the Ministry of Health (MOH) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

To support this notion, the Bangsamoro clergy delineated what Another nullification nullifies the fasting. of fast is having sexual 1.

Eating and intercourse with your drinking intentionally. wife/husband or any Udasan said that form of sexual contact. intentional eating and However, it is permissidrinking can break the ble to hug and kiss befast. However, he extween husband and pounded, “if you forgot wife as long there is no you were fasting and sexual discharge.” ate accidentally, it does He also added not nullify your fast, prothat istimna’ or touching ceed fasting accordingone’s organ for sexual ly.” discharge is also not 2. Copulation. allowed.

Bangsamoro Grand Mufti Abuhuraira A. Udasan on Wednesday has set the record straight about the queries whether a Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19) vaccine could nullify or invalidate one’s fast or not.

3. Intentional vomiting.

The third nullification is intentional vomiting, but if it was not intended, then, it does not nullify fasting.

4.

Intending to break the fast.

The fourth is the intention or planning or to break one’s fast. This, according to Mufti, can nullify fasting, because ‘niyat’ or intention” is

one of the foundations that make your fasting valid.

5.

Committing apostasy “Another nullification of fasting is if you are murtad (apostate) in Islam because fasting of non-Muslims are not accepted,”Udasan said.

Apostasy is an act of refusing to continue to follow, obey, or recognize a religious faith.

6. Intravenous sugar solution.

Lastly, intravenous sugar solution or dextrose can nullify the fast, “because it’s not just a vaccine or injection, but changes your strength, it replaces your food intake,” said Udasan.

JIJ

Islamic religious council: ‘Allah’ use strictly for Muslims, in Islam only PORT DICKSON, April 21 — The word “Allah” is sacred and specifically for Islam and Muslims, and cannot be used by or equated with other religions, said Negri Sembilan Islamic Religious Council (MAINS) chairman Datuk Dr Abdul Aziz Sheikh Ab Kadir.

In maintaining harmony and unity

of the people in the state, as well as the sensitivity of every citizen and religion, he said the non-Muslims are advised to abide by existing laws, and for the Muslims, to adhere to the gazetted fatwa (edict) on the use of the word.

He referred to the fatwa in Negeri Sembilan, which was gazetted on Sept 14, 2016, requiring Muslims to

use the word “Allah” carefully.

“If there are elements of insult or abuse of the word, then action must be taken in accordance with the law as enshrined in the Federal Constitution,” he told reporters here.

He said there is a law in Negeri Sembilan that was formulated based on Article 11(4) of the Federal Constitution to deal with the

issue and cited the state enactment on the control and restriction on the propagation of other religions among Muslims (Enactment No.9/1991).

The enactment listed a total of 36 words, including “Allah”, that were prohibited and could not be associated with religions other than Islam.

Bernama

NEWS IN PHOTO: First ‘Iftar’ for a fish vendor family

By Mark Navales

COTABATO CITY — The Family of a fish vendor here took their first meal of ‘Iftar’ at Barangay Texing, this city in the evening of Tuesday, April 13,

2021.

It does not matter what status a Muslim belongs to perform a religious obligation such as fasting in the Holy Month of Rama-

dan in order to be closer to the Most High Creator.

Fish vendor Mokamad Lembak, 72 years old, his wife Noraisa Luz Lembak, and other

members of their family ate their first meal of ‘Iftar’ during the break of the first day of fasting in this year’s Ramadan on Tuesday.

MN

A11

English and Arabic fluency: A Hidden Treasure (1) “Knowledge of English and Arabic is a great advantage of Customer Service Representative (CRS) in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Industry, an opportunity for Bangsamoro Youth especially Asatidz or Arabic teachers.“

IMADODIN DIMAO Tenured Bilingual (English & Arabic) CSR

Coursera

“

Knowledge of English and Arabic is a great advantage of Customer Service Representative (CRS) in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Industry, an opportunity for Bangsamoro Youth especially Asatidz or Arabic teachers.“ An Arab poet once said, “Whoever learns people’s dialect is safe of their harm.”

It’s known to us yet undervalued that Bangsamoro children are almost naturally born Bilingual (someone is considered bilingual if he knows at least two international languages such as English and Arabic), precisely because our Madaris (Madaris is a plural form of Madrasah, meaning Arabic school) are everywhere throughout BARMM. Besides, they are environmentally taught since childhood of at least two local dialects like Mranaw and Tagalog; and so, the rest of Bangsamoro tribes.

Growing up, I was wondering where my fate would be heading if I couldn’t make it to college due to financial constraints, which I believe that many of us, especially those who hailed and studied until high school level in their own places, would have the same agitation as mine. It was roughly in the last remaining years of the 20th Century to the early years of the 21st Century that kept me scrutinizing the future-would-be. It was also the time that one of the trends among us Mranaw Community was working abroad (OFW).

The term abroad itself was later on locally branded to a few then who worked overseas – neighbors and relatives frequently said, your cousin is abroad (Abroad aki si tungd ka) and the likes. They were looked up to and admired by the whole village nearly how todays’ youth have a great deal of affection for their celebrity favorites, and the parents would eventually encourage their children to be like them in the future. Out of experience, one thing they shared was that Arabic is always an advantage for someone who knows it. Therefrom, the way for me became clearer that I should learn, besides English, Arabic to have a better chance working abroad too someday.

After high school, I was one of the few lucky ones when I was accepted in Zaid bin Thabit Qur’anic Institute in Marawi wherein speaking and writing Arabic are being taught in addition to memorizing the holy Quran and Islamic Studies; it’s a stay-in class for at least two years long period. All of those who went to this prestigious school would agree in common that being there is a glimpse of how the study in Arab countries looks like, provided that it’s only Arabic language allowed inside, and later on many Arabic institutes were created that followed the same way. In fact, going back to Zaid as we fondly name it is one of the best wishes had life had its own U-turn button.

Fast-forwarded, I was finally able to work in Libya in 2010, which was then seen as one of the developing economies in the world until the last quarter of the same year when the civil war started. As the conflict was getting even worse every single day, our government decided to repatriate all Filipinos there as soon as possible in the middle of February 2011, and so we were in March through Tunis since we’re in Tripoli at that time.

Our struggle seeking refuge in Tunis was one of the nightmares anyone would never dare to accept DIMAO | A12

Tourism

A12

Vol. I, No. 45 | April 23-29, 2021 (Ramadan 11-17, 1442)

English and Arabic fluency...

From page A11

CHICKEN SATAY

S

atay or chicken satay regard as a perfectly grilled and nicely charred chicken skewers with mouthwatering peanut sauce.

Chicken satay is one of the most popular Asian appetizers and everyone loves them like the people of Malaysia and people in the Southern Philippines.

It’s very easy and the best chicken satay recipe for you, including the recipe for satay sauce!

The satay recipe has been tried and tested by many readers. They are absolutely mouthwatering and delightful. Enjoy!

CHICKEN SATAY IS THE BEST! There are many versions of satay recipes from Asia, but some people who have traveled to Malaysia especially Kuala Lumpur said that the best satay in the world comes from Malaysia.

Called “Satay Ayam” in Malaysian language, any real foodies who have been to the entire Southeast Asia region will agree they are the best!

While Thai chicken sate are tasty, they are inferior to the rich flavors of Malaysian chicken satay.

Delicious chicken satay or grilled chicken skewers marinated with spices and served with peanut sauce. Easy, authentic and the best chicken satay recipe you'll find online!

INGREDIENTS: 3 tablespoons oil 2 stalks lemongrass, white parts only 2 cloves garlic, peeled 6 small pearl onions, peeled

BANGSAMORO HALAL DISH With Maria Fhebie Ortil

DELICIOUS CHICKEN SATAY OR GRILLED CHICKEN SKEWERS MARINATED WITH SPICES AND SERVED WITH PEANUT SAUCE. EASY, AUTHENTIC AND THE BEST CHICKEN SATAY RECIPE YOU'LL FIND ONLINE! SATAY IS A TERM FOR THE MALAYSIAN. HOWEVER FOR THE TAOSUG OF SULU IT IS KNOWN AS SULU SATTI.

2 teaspoons turmeric powder 1 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 tablespoon salt or more to taste 2 tablespoons sugar or honey 2 lbs. (1 kg) boneless and skinless chicken thigh and leg meat Bamboo skewers, soaked in cold water for 2 hours 1 cucumber, cut into small pieces 1 small onion CHICKEN SATAY MARINADE The marinade is the most important part of the recipe. The best satay are marinated

with lots of spices and ingredients, such as the following: Lemongrass Garlic Turmeric powder Chili powder Salt and sugar Traditionally, home cooks pound all the ingredients above with a mortar and pestle until it becomes a fine paste.

Mix the meat (either chicken, beef or mutton) with the marinade overnight to ensure that that every skewer is bursting with robust flavors.

PEANUT SAUCE Authentic and

spicy peanut sauce with spices and rich taste. This homemade peanut sauce recipe goes well with chicken satay. This is the best peanut satay sauce you will find online SATAY SPICE MIX 1 lemongrass stalk, white bottom half only, hard outer leaves removed, finely chopped 1 large onion, peeled and roughly chopped 5 garlic cloves, peeled 1 tsp ground coriander 1 tsp chilli powder 1 tsp ground turmeric 1/2 tsp fennel seeds 1/2 tsp ground cumin 1 tbsp of salt 100g of palm sugar, or dark brown sugar PEANUT SAUCE 180g of dry-roasted peanuts, lightly salted, ground using a food processor to a fine crumb 200g of coconut milk 60g of palm sugar, or dark brown sugar 2 1/2 tbsp of tamarind paste 1 pinch of chilli powder 150ml of water 1/2 tsp salt TO SERVE red onion, diced cucumber, diced JRL

NOTICE Due to unavoidable circumstance, Dr. Johnny R. Lee, our Tourism Columnist will not be able to wite for this issue. We beg indulgence from his avid readers and followers. — Editors

Advertise with Philippine Muslim Today, it brings results.

if there was a will in one’s destiny. If you saw the stranded people holding a sign “We are hungry; we need food” in Libyan border, we had witnessed that before our very own eyes. At dawn time, we reached the border and long waited till afternoon. We were hundreds of Filipinos together.

There, I deeply appreciated the importance of Arabic language, and how it was a fresh breath of air to us. As we were standing already a couple of hours braving negative degrees Celsius weather while our stomachs were itching of hunger, we asked the Philippine consul based in Tunis a few meters away from us what did still hold us to cross the border, so we could at least take some rest. He told us that they were still waiting for the Philippine envoy sent from the Philippine Embassy in the United Arab Emirate (UAE) who would talk to the head of Immigration officers manning the border. Upon hearing that reason, our Filipino Community Chairman said if that was the only issue, we could then try it ourselves and called me asking if I could handle talking to the head of Immigration.

Seeing many stranded people of different nationalities who had been already desperate and violent as the food and other necessity supplies were not enough, I conquered my fear and nodded. I respectfully came to the Immigration Head and conveyed our greetings of peace (Assalamo Alaikom) to him, he replied better (Wa’alaikum asSalam Warahmatullah…) back to us. I then cordially mentioned our Prophet Mohammed’s saying (peace be upon Him) that “Allah’s help is within the man while helping his brother” in classic Arabic. He smiled and consoled me, asking what he could do for us concluding it, my Arab brother (Akhi al-Arab) – this is one of the conventional ways how Arab people appreciated nonArabs, speaking classic and standard Arabic used in the Holy Quran and the Noble Hadeeth. I felt solace upon hearing that from him and told him that our Philippine Consul asked if they could allow us to cross the border while the document required was still on its way. And he passionately said, it’s an honor for me to do so – we passed safely.

As many expats jested that once an OFW, always an OFW, I decided again to work abroad in Saudi in 2011, and this time, it was with a great account of memories as the experience got broader and broader as days passed. I got a chance twice to work in the Oil & Gas Industry in my first years where I was able to co-work with different nationalities ranging from Americans, Europeans, and of course fellow Asians that had surprisingly shown me the reality of the corporate world beyond my expectation – it was indeed a diversified community for me.

In my remaining years abroad, I took the risk to spend it in the Trading industry, hoping that it would open a door for me to see the dynamics of Trading. However, that was quite different with regard to my former companies that had standards; everyone had its own discipline, and every progress was being done with Quality Assurance strictly required by the client, Aramco. Nevertheless, in trading, you had to make sure that the deadlines were met at the end of the day however the situation, and sometime you would need to argue with other departments internally if you felt their policy could affect the smoothness of the business, meaning there was a WIN-WIN solution one-time, and someone had to WIN over other departments the other, so the struggling company amidst financial difficulty could still have managed to pay the employees and the other timely dues.

All these difficulties were handled strategically and successfully due to my Arabic language that was my prime assets in dealing with Saudi officials ranging from logistical issues, customs clearings, and other Saudi agencies whereby locals were only allowed to do business with.

(TO BE CONTINUED)

Vol. I, No. 45 | April 23-29, 2021 (Ramadan 11-17, 1442)

A13

NEWS IN PHOTO: NCMF officials take a jab of Sinovac Vaccines

By Julmunir I. Jannaral MANILA – National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Commissioner Yusoph Mando gets inoculated with a China made Sinovac Vaccine. This vaccination administered on the Muslim officials has two main purposes. First and foremost those intending pilgrims in the coming Hajj to Makkah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) have to be vaccinated with the COVID19 Vaccine as a requirement imposed by the Ministry of Hajj in the KSA. Secondly, this is in compliance with the COVID-19 Health Protocol of the Inter Agency Task Force (IATF) of the Philippines’ Department of Health (DOH). At left photo is NCMF Commissioner Yusoph Mando, who got vaccinated at the Batasan Hills National High School in Quezon City; while at right photo is NCMF Director Malo Manonggiring of the Bureau of Pilgrimage & Endowment (BPE) who is on the other hand taking a jab of Sinovac vaccine at the Robinsons Galleria in downtown Cebu City. (Contributed Photos)

ADAZA| from Page A3

TREASON AND PRESIDENTS the West Philippine Sea, exploit its resources, build artificial islands with military installations and possible nuclear weapons, preventing Filipino fishermen from fishing in our exclusive economic zones.

Other than adhering to Communist China, Duterte is also “giving aid and comfort” to Communist China not only in his conduct relating to the West Philippine Sea but by allowing their drug lords to flood the Philippine with illegal drugs, dumping and allowing electronic gambling here which is prohibited in Communist China and according to Senator Ping Lacson, allowing more than three thousand members of Communist China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to be here in the guise of workers in Communist Chinese gambling operations in the Philippines, in preparation to make legal what is a fact – de jure from de facto.

If this behavior is not adhering to Communist China and giving it aid and comfort, I really don’t know what is.

Communist China: Does invasion and

occupation of our exclusive economic zones and parts of Philippine territory make Communist China our friend? Its conduct is not that of a friend, it is that of an enemy. It simply means, the country is in state of war with China. It is not of our making – it is that of Communist China. How can that be?

President Duterte says Communist China is our friend because President Xi Jin Ping of Communist China is his friend and Xi is an honorable man. True – Duterte and Xi are friends and they deserve each other. It is none of my doggone business if they are – that’s the duo’s business. Whether they are friends or not, it does not detract from the fact that Communist China clearly behaves as an enemy – as it is in fact an enemy.

But when a supposed friend invades and occupies portions of your land and exploits your resources, is he a friend? President Duterte’s answer to this question is a deafening – yes. So what does that make of President Duterte? He is the exact embodiment of what Cicero says of

treason – Duterte is the enemy within.

Questions: Why is Duterte doing this?

One can only speculate. Observing him for the past four and a half years as President and if you wish to explain his behavior on this matter you can only arrive at speculative conclusions – certain or uncertain. Certain elements define President Duterte – he is not prepared to be President on the first day of office; he has not learned since then how to be President; he is impervious to advice; he is intractable; he projects the impression that he is better than the rest and he provides the best answers to every problem; and he is narcissistic.

Because of these, most of his decisions have produced tragic if not disastrous results – both on the national and international levels.

Let us set aside the others first and zero in on this question of his relationship with Communist China and President Xi Jin Ping, an ambitious leader for world domination.

From the standpoint of our national interest, President Duterte has placed it second to

Communist China. This is shown by a series of rhetorical questions.

Is allowing the invasion and taking over of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) in our national interest?

Is Communist China’s building of artificial islands with military installations and possible nuclear weapons at the WPS in our national interests?

Is the driving out of Filipino fishermen from traditional fishing grounds by Communist Chinese forces at the WPS in our national interest?

Is the exploitation by Communist China of our natural resources at the WPS in our national interest?

Is the prohibition and prevention of Communist China of our ships and planes at the WPS in our national interest?

Is the refusal of Communist China to recognize the ruling of the UN Arbitral Tribunal on the West Philippine Sea in our national interest?

The answers to these questions will provide the key on whether President Duterte is the enemy within as defined by Cicero.

Justification: Could Duterte’s justification be found on the following – his grand parents are both Chinese, according to some researchers; his pronouncements that our country will be richer if it becomes a province of Communist China as a result of which Filipinos will have better lives; he does not want to risk a war with Communist China because it would mean loss of thousands of Filipinos lives and we will lose a war against Communist China anyway; his gratitude to his Chinese supporters, financiers and friends; it is affirmation and demonstration of how powerful he is and there is nothing Filipinos can do whatever he decides to do; his lack of understanding of international relations and power play; his love of country is mere matter of words like many other things that he says; his lack of education and failure of understanding of the meaning how it is to be truly human and how to live in a democratic country; his inability to learn how to be President?

Or, is it a combination of some or all of these

reasons? Whatever it is – none can serve as an excuse for treason.

Final questions: Can President Duterte be charged with treason as President Noynoy Aquino was? Of course, he can be. But who will? Even if somebody does, the Ombudsman will just dismiss it as fast as it dismissed the treason complaint against President Noynoy.

But if somebody does, it will be interesting to see it for the record. It will be encouraging to see a Filipino do it to escape the charge that this is a country of cowards and you know what.

Even if nobody will possibly do it, we should all have the consoling thought, in the words of President Duterte himself – “There is always a time for reckoning.”

And the rule that President Digong said so well, ironically, applies to all, including President Digong and President Noynoy. This is so because as Scarlett O’hara said it in Margaret Mitchell’s Gone With the Wind – “There is always tomorrow.” (to be continued)

Usec Dumama said the new guidelines now would allow LGU and private sector procurement of the vaccine but this initiative was impeded by the need to consolidate the vol-

ume of the vaccines to be imported.

He said the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City has the capability of storing the vaccines which would be imported. AGM

MINDA | from Page A7

MinDA forms inter-agency economic recovery body over the last few months, prompting the local private sectors to exert measures aimed at spurring mass vaccination in Mindanao, the MinDA said.

“With less than

one million individuals, including frontline workers, inoculated by the COVID 19 vaccine in Mindanao, the issue was raised by the private sector during the first leg of the

forum,” Sec. Piñol said.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry during the first leg of the Mindanao Economic Recovery Forum asked the govern-

ment for guidelines on how to initiate a COVID vaccination program involving the LGUs and the private sector so that the economic activities could be restarted, he said.

A14

Vol. I, No. 45 | April 23-29, 2021 (Ramadan 11-17, 1442)

DUTERTE | from Page A6

I’ll send my gray ships if you drill for oil, Duterte tells China “Noon ko pa sinabi ‘yan, yung pagkatapos nung nag-usap kami ni President Xi Jinping na sinabi ko na I will get my oil also. Sabi niya (I said that a long time ago, after I spoke with President Xi Jinping, I said I will get my oil also. He said), ‘Please don’t, we just leave it that way in the meantime’,” he added.

He said his Cabinet members were there to serve as “living witnesses” that he did something to assert the country’s claim over the WPS. Stay put in the event of a standoff Meanwhile, he also blamed the previous administration for allowing China to take control of the Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal.

He said that if a standoff between the Philippines and China were to happen again, he would make sure to order the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to “stay put” and not withdraw its vessels as his predecessor did.

“In a situation like

that, if repeated in my administration, I think there is going to be a… talagang hindi ako aalis. Kung may barko ako diyan ngayon, yung coast guard ko nandiyan, hindi din ako mag-alis (I won’t leave.

If there is a ship there now, the coast guard is there, I will not leave),” he said.

During the talk to the people, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana informed the President that the PCG ships conduct regular patrol to protect the Filipino fishermen in the WPS. “Mr. President, wala naman balakid sa pagpunta natin doon, kahit nga yun Navy ships natin doon sa Pagasa Island, nagpapatrol din. (there is no hindrance in going there, even our Navy ships are also conducting patrol in the Pagasa Island). Our ships can regularly go there,” Lorenzana told Duterte China seized control of the Scarborough Shoal in a controversial standoff wherein China

blocked the access of Filipino fishermen in the area in 2012 prompting Manila to bring the case before the international arbitration.

On July 12, 2016, the Philippines won the arbitration case it lodged against China after the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands invalidated Beijing’s nine-dash line claim over the contested waters. China refused to acknowledge the arbitral ruling.

Duterte has opted to pursue a bilateral approach to address the maritime row with China since he assumed office in 2016.

‘Only by force’ He admitted that there is no way that the country can reclaim the WPS without any bloodshed.

“The issue of the West Philippine Sea remains to be a question forever until such time that you know, we can take it back. Ang akin ‘yan is walang iba, giyera lang (For me, the

only way is by war),” he said.

Duterte warned that promoting a war against China would have serious consequences.

“If we promote a war against China and America, medyo siguro madalian, pero (we might be able to speed it up but) what at cost to us? ‘Yan talaga ang problema (That’s really the problem). But we can retake it only by force. There is no way that we can get back the Philippine Sea without any bloodshed,” he added.

If military officials no longer support his decisions concerning the WPS, Duterte said he is willing to step down.

“If I cannot have the cooperation of the Armed Forces, then there’s no point in working for this government,” he said.

Rumors that a group of retired and active military officers have withdrawn support for Duterte over his silence on Chinese vessels in the WPS

have circulated over social media.

Defense Secretary Deflin Lorenzana dismissed them as “irresponsible propaganda” while Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief Gen. Cirilito Sobejana urged the public to spare his agency from partisan politics.

‘Tell me what to do’ Duterte dared retired Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio to provide solutions to the sea dispute that are not being undertaken by government.

“Sige, tell me what to do except yung papel papel ninyo (just papers). Just to create a well, whatever it is. Maraming daldal, wala ka naman talagang magawa (You talk too much but haven’t done anything),” he said.

He mocked Carpio for being a “dreamer”, insisting that it was impossible for China to accept the arbitral ruling that invalidates their nine-dash line

claim over the contested waters.

“I’d ask you a question, if the United Nations would ask China to surrender because of the award given to us, ibibigay ba ng China ‘yan? Andun yung problema (China would give it to us?

That’s the problem).

Can the United Nations compel China? And do you think China will just give it freely because of the United Nations demand?” he said. “I’ll give you 100 years, you can never get something there miski isang basong tubig sa China ngayon (even one glass of water from China now).”

He reminded Carpio that China started the “construction occupation” during the administration of former President Benigno Aquino III. “The construction occupation of WPS was completed by the singular act of China not retreating,” Duterte said, referring to the Scarborough Shoal standoff in 2012. (PNA)

PTFoMS | from Page A6

PTFoMS hails IATF for including media workers in priority list for COVID19 jab dors; frontline workers in groceries, supermarkets, delivery services; workers in manufactur-

ing for food, beverage, medical and pharmaceutical products; frontline workers in food re-

tail, including food service delivery; frontline workers in private and government financial

services; and frontline workers in hotels and accommodation establishments.

President Duterte created PTFoMS through Administrative Order No. 1 in 2016

with a mandate of promoting the welfare of media workers.

JIJ

RSF | from Page A10

RSF Press Freedom Index: PH fares well despite global slide In 2020, the country was declared as the “biggest mover” in the Committee to Protect Journalists’ (CPJ) Global Impunity Index released last year. According to CPJ, the Philippines is the most improved country in last year’s rankings, improving from the fifth world-

wide to seventh. The Philippines is also not included in CPJ’s list of “World’s Worst Places to Be a Journalist” or “10 Most Censored Countries.”

In the 2020 DirectorGeneral Report on the Safety of Journalists and the Danger of Impunity released by the

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), it cited the “significant progress” made by the country in the case of the Ampatuan Massacre case in view of the 2019 conviction of the masterminds.

The UNESCO report highlighted that Philip-

pines was among a few countries that has set up or strengthened monitoring mechanisms to track attacks against journalists which has contributed to better reporting on the safety of journalists.

The report also emphasized that the Philippines has put up measures in place to

prevent crimes against journalists and media workers and established specific bodies dedicated to ensuring the prosecution of crimes against journalists.

The Philippines is believed to be the first and only country in the world to establish a government body devoted

exclusively to media security. On October 11, 2016, President Duterte created PTFoMS by virtue of Administrative Order No. 1 to establish an inter-agency task force with the goal of protecting the life, liberty and security of media workers. JIJ

and I hated everything. I tried to laugh on the outside but felt shattered on the inside. I’m afraid to go home and see that my father is not with us anymore.”

“One of the painful realizations in life is that we are busy growing up, we often forget that our parents, our elders

and loved ones are growing old, too.

Hence, always make time while there’s still time, forgive a lot, and spread love as much as we can,” said Aldhakeel Amjad Tulawie, Tausug OFW in Qatar.

Never waste the short precious moments that you should

have been spending with your family and loved ones just because of pride. Don’t delay showing your love, care, and compassion to anyone around you especially your family and loved ones.

Likewise, hastily reconcile when there

are misunderstandings between and amongst you. At least, when one of you will inevitably be gone one day, you will depart with love and mercy in your hearts.

Tomorrow is never a promise and regret is useless!

GMQ

QUIJANO | from Page A4

The greatest fear of an OFW money to pay for the round trip airplane ticket since they need to provide this personally, and many other procedures that need to be done.

“I intend to return home, even though I just got back from an emergency leave three months ago. However,

due to COVID-19 related flight cancellations/ restrictions, likewise, the health care workers were stopped from leaving the country due to threat of COVID-19, I didn’t make it,” Shihanie added.

I understand exactly how Shihanie felt when she said, “I was furious

Vol. I, No. 45 | April 23-29, 2021 (Ramadan 11-17, 1442)

A15

Environment ministry rescues captive slow loris in Tawi-Tawi C

OTABATO CITY: Locally known as “Kokam”, a Philippine slow loris held captive in Tawi- Tawi was turned over to the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy’s (MENRE) provincial office last week, April 16.

A local resident found the animal in a malnourished condition in Barangay Mandulan, Bongao municipality.

According to Community ENRE Officer of TawiTawi 1st District Saido Espiliro, the animal was held captive for a few months before it was rescued.

“The slow loris is now being monitored to determine if it has any diseases or if it is already capable of acclimatizing to its natural diet and habitat,” Espiliro said.

Tawi-Tawi CENRE Office, with assistance from the Police Provincial Office, conducted the rescue activity in Baywalk, Pahut, Bongao.

By Julmunir I. Jannaral

The rescue of the slow loris also served as a turning point for MENRE to conduct a community awareness campaign about the ecological importance of native and endemic wildlife species in Tawi-Tawi, as well as the dangers of mishandling venomous species such as the Philippine slow loris.

A native to the country’s Sulu Archipelago, slow loris is classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 2015 due to their decreasing population.

Their continuing decline is mainly due to human encroachment into their natural habitat, harvesting them for pet trade.

According to Emerson Sy, executive director of the Philippine Center for Terrestrial and Aquatic Research, this was the second time a Philippine slow loris was rescued from captivity in the last decade. The first was in 2019 in the municipality of Simunul, also in Tawi-Tawi province.

MENRE Tawi-Tawi is eyeing Bud Kabugan as a release site to ensure the animal’s safety.

Another community awareness campaign will be conducted in the area to gain commitment from the residents that they will not hunt, collect, harm, and trade said wildlife species. JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

CLANS | from Page A9

Reconciliation of political clans in BARMM praised moral principles,” Minister Iqbal said, referring to the acts of mediation and conciliation.

For Minister Sinarimbo, the internal governances in Lanao del Sur and Sulu would principally benefit from the options of their reining leaders for collective bonding, no longer for selfish-driven reclusion.

“We cannot expect our local elected officials to be fully focused

on delivering services in the midst of potential harm from political adversaries,” Sinarimbo said.

Ministers Iqbal and Sinarimbo were interviewed over the phone separately by the Philippine Muslim Today news to get their reactions to the AdiongDumarpa and TanArbison reconciliations.

In reconciling with the Adiong camp on

March 25 in Marawi City, lawyer Dumarpa represented the Sautol Haq (The Voice Truth) group that challenged the governor in past elections and subsequently filed administrative cases against him before the Ombudsman’s office. The governor in turn filed libel against the group, which reportedly led to issuance of a warrant, it was learned.

Lawyer and former Lanao del Sur Vice Governor Dimapuno “Pangnal” Datu Ramos, a former member of the Sautol Haq reconciled first with the Adiong family, to which he is related by affinity, and eventually helped broker the peace covenant forging, according to Gov. Adiong.

“We share happiness to see that the

differences between the two parties have finally been settled (differences) after several years. May this mark the beginning of something good for the people of Lanao, especially seeing their leaders united (for good).

Mabuhay kayong lahat!,” Sultan Am,in Manking Salomabao said in a Facebook post.

In Sulu, on the other

hand, Gov. Tan and his entourage cruised by boat from Jolo to Luuk in Sulu on March 21 and reconciled with Rep. Arbison, one of former arch political rivals of the sitting governor.

Tan was joined by his son Vice Governor Toto, some mayors and board members in reconciling with Rep. Arbison. AGM

P950-M | from Page A9

P950-M BARMM banana investment eyed to help revive industry percent as of January 2021.

The PSA data also showed that the value

of banana exports in January this year fell by 47 percent to US$84.6 million from US$159.4

million last year.

Mastura said that the Department of Agriculture, in a separate re-

port, has attributed the decline in banana production to the spread of the Fusarium wilt, a soil-

borne fungal disease that initially attacks the roots of banana plants.

The disease turns

the leaves of banana plants from green to yellow before eventually wilting. PNA

strengthen our emergency response capability while attending to the immediate need for relief assistance of our

constituents in the Bangsamoro,” the Minister stressed. (With story from Bangsamoro Information Office)

BARMM | from Page A9

BARMM to provide emergency vehicles to LGUs under the internal security services.

On which LGUs shall receive the emergency vehicles, Minister Sinarimbo said, “the

MILG has a deployment agreement with the Bureau of Fire Protection on who among the priority LGUs will receive the emergency vehicles.”

Additionally, Sinarimbo said the ambulance units will be given to the Bangsamoro Rapid Emergency Action on

Disaster Incidence (READi) and the local government of TawiTawi.

“We continue to

SCHOLARS | from Page A9

Over 3K scholars complete techVoc education in BARMM sessment. They also received a Training Support Fund from the program.”

According to MBHTE, with a certification rate of 85.4%, roughly 3,142 out of 3,679 scholarship grantees, who have undergone National Competency Assessment, are now certified competent

skilled workers in their respective areas of skills training.

To date, BARMMfunded scholarship programs listed 1,410 graduates and 2,006 enrollees from various TVET qualifications and programs.

On the other hand, the TESD scholarship programs such as Pri-

vate Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA), Skills Training for Employment Program (STEP), Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP), and Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA) remain to support the Bangsamoro constituents.

The said program was able to produce 2,043 graduates from 3,945 enrollees for the first quarter of the year.

MBHTE guarantees continuous delivery of skills training in the region through BARMM and nationally funded scholarship programs in the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur,

Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, including the special geographic area of North Cotabato.

To implement its primary goal in education dubbed “No Bangsamoro child will be left behind”, the Education Ministry vows to deliver more free skills development training to its priority recipients.

As such, these are members of the indigenous people and cultural communities, fisherfolks and farmers, out-of -school youth, persons with special needs, senior citizens as well as the decommissioned combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

With BIO