Philippine Muslim Today

THE FUTURE OF ISLAMIC PHILOSOPHY

TREASON AND PRESIDENTS (2)

Homobono A. Adaza | A3

Mehol K. Sadain | A2

Save the Earth

Blessing of Ramadhan: Lailat Al-Qadr or the Night of Decree

LIFE AS A REALITY

Gamson Jr Mawallil Quijano | A4

Imadodin Dimao | A10

The Muslim National Digital Newspaper | Bearer of Glad Tidings.

Vol. I, No. 47 | May 7-13, 2021 (Ramadan 25 - Shawwal 2, 1442) | 14 Pages | Online Issue

Covid resurges in Cotabato City; Mayor appeals for Cooperation

— Page A5

COVID vaccine claims life of the first Tausug victim What’s Special With Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Power)?

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A9 BARMM

A7 MINDANAO

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

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ANILA — Observers believed the COVID-19 vaccine inoculated on a retired Sulu division of schools’ superintendent of the Department of Education (DepEd) of the defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) was suspected to have adverse effects and claimed the life of the said official after she got inoculated and died at a hospital in Manila 5 days after on last Sunday, May 2.

Full Story on Page A6

A7 The NATION

BARMM to build 220 modern barangay halls this year

Health protocols in Davao, Zambo difficult &expensive

Wear mask or face arrest: DOJ

At least 220 modern barangay halls will be built this year in the Bangsamoro region to optimize the operations of constituent-local government units and catapult the new autonomous geopolitical entity to greater heights, according to proponent officials.

Construction works for 20 of the programmed village edifices are underway after Interim Chief Minister Ahod “Hadji Murad” Ebrahim and Local Government Minister Naguib G. Sinarimbo broke the ground for three units in Sultan Kudarat town.

DAVAO CITY — Southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA) Administrator and Chief Executive Officer Abdulghani ‘Gerry’ Ajul Salapuddin said the new and enhanced health protocols in Zamboanga City and Davao Region (Region XI) are making travel and reporting for work more difficult and expensive.

MANILA – The Palace order for law enforcers to arrest individuals not wearing face masks, a violation of public health protocols, is immediately executory. Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Thursday “the President’s directive takes effect immediately even without the guidelines.”

HAPPY RAMADAN TO ALL. — NYSONS ENTERPRISES

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Opinion

Vol. I, No. 47 | May 7-13, 2021 (Ramadan 25 - Shawwal 2, 1442)

Philippine Muslim Today Inc.

THE FUTURE OF ISLAMIC PHILOSOPHY

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 GAMSON JR MAWALLIL QUIJANO JOHNNY R. LEE, Ph.D ATTY. MEHOL K. SADAIN MA. FHEBIE ORTIL DISCLAIMER: Opinion of the writer expressed herein is not necessarily the opinion of Philippine Muslim Today nor of its management.

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Front page of PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY previous issue.

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t this age, the notion of philosophical inquiry into Islam appears to be irrelevant, and the possibility that it can significantly affect Muslim life seemingly remote. Islam, just like the other two Abrahamic religions of Judaism and Christianity, appears to be already dogmatically entrenched among their adherents to even allow a hint of speculative intrusion into its major precepts. Its two main sources, the Noble Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) are divinely revealed and inspired, respectively; hence, no amount of philosophical discourse is expected to ever change their tenets, and applicability to the Muslim ummah.

Yet, Islamic history tells us that philosophy or falasafa to the Arabs, indeed played a major role in the development of Muslim intellectualism, and bridged Greek classical thought with the European Renaissance over the dark abyss of the Middle Ages. In short, Islamic philosophy has been functional after all. On account of this role, one realizes that the intransigent Islam that many presently perceive, actually demonstrated intellectual malleability during the flowering of Islamic civilization in the Umayyad and Abbasid Dynasties. For it was during those times that Islamic philosophers of the caliber of Al-Kindi, Al-Farabi (Alfarab), Ibn Sina (Avicenna), Ibn Rushd (Averroes), Al-Ghazzali (Algazel); Ibn Bajjah (Avempace) and Ibn Khaldun, to name a few, demonstrated their mental skills at guided inquiry and speculation.

Herein rests the significance of Islamic Philosophy to Islam’s historical past, its ambivalent present and expectant future.

A serious and diligent study of the glorious past of Islam and its interplay with philosophical concepts are the keys in unlocking the dynamic scholasticism that once held sway in the courts of the Caliphs, later to be repressed by the morbid fear of bidaah (innovation) and the “closing of the doors of Ijtihad” or juridical inquiry. If Islamic law has to develop by unceasing jurisprudential improvements and consensus, so must Islamic philosophy, in contemporary times.

Just as Islamic law should actively evolve to meet the needs of contemporary Muslim society, so must Islamic philosophy. All these are to be accomplished within the stable foundations of Islamic faith and tradition.

It cannot be denied that any attempt to fuse philosophy and theology will always encounter difficulties due to differing methodologies. Philosophers hold that one must accept the possibility of truth from any source and to follow the argumentation wherever it would lead. Religion on the other hand has a set of basic and absolute dogmas that are held to be indisputable.

Islam, however, wrestled with the inherent contradictions between theology and philosophy and to a certain extent, achieved modest success in the birthing of a speculative type of Islam that adopted a different perspective on a series of significant metaphysical queries on the nature of God, Revelation and Prophecy, and the neverending debates on predestination and free will.

The clash of group doctrines is particu-

larly seen in the contrasting viewpoints and metaphysical beliefs of the Mutazilites and the Asharites. While the former rejected the doctrine of predestination, arguing that the ascription of salvation to the decision of Allah robs man of incentive to virtue, hence man should have power over his own acts; the latter de-

Ijtihad MEHOL K. SADAIN fended that all events in the universe, including human actions are indeed caused by Allah, hence, man’s decisions are subsumed within God’s Supreme Will. Man, however, through his choice of action, acquires responsibility for such action. With respect to divine revelation, the Mutazilites believed that the Noble Qur’an, even if considered Kalamullah (Words of Allah), is not eternal because if it were so, then there will be two eternals and the Qur’an becomes another God. The Asharites countered that the Qur’an as Kalam ul-Llah is indeed eternal as emanations from Allah and is not to be considered separate and apart from the Divine Entity. What is not eternal are the visible words of the Qur’an as written and recited by man.

The individual philosophers likewise presented varying viewpoints on subjects that came under their scrutiny. Hence, while Ibn Sina presented a view of the universe as consisting of necessary events (with the exception of Allah) under the Theory of Causality and Necessity; Al Farabi posited that creation is a process of emanation, a reality that is continuously flowing from a Perfect Source, hence the world was not created at one particular time, but is a work in constant progress. This view accounts for the phenomenon of change and flux in the modern world.

The great Muslim Philosopher-TheologianJurist-Mystic Al Ghazali, who successfully fused different and contrasting disciplines in his works and teachings once said that “while philosophy may be rejected (by Muslims), logic as a conceptual tool should be retained.”

Ghazali was of course referring to a rejection of philosophical concepts that contradict basic Islamic teachings as contained in the Qur’an, and the utilization of philosophical tools to unearth the truth in the scriptural teachings.

This view was adopted by most Muslim Philosophers, relying on the Qur’anic injunctions for man to use his mind and “to see” (raaytu) the divine plan and the true nature of Allah’s creation. For in the Muslim Philosopher’s mind, falasafa is a means and not an end. The end is the understanding of Allah Subhana wa Ta’ala, and the means to achieve this is the proper use of philosophical analysis.

Herein therefore reposes the elevating and purifying effect of Islamic philosophy: A Tazkiyah of the Aql or Purification of the Mind.

Just as a Muslim must purify himself to merit the Presence of Allah during prayer, so must he purify his mind to deserve Allah’s intellectual gifts of divine and esoteric ilm or knowledge. The Muslim philosophers took the methodology of the Greek Hellenistic thinkers and turned it into an instrument to elevate the individual spirit to the Universal Soul, the man to his God. SADAIN | A11

Opinion

Vol. I, No. 47 | May 7-13, 2021 (Ramadan 25 - Shawwal 2, 1442)

Diliman Way

TREASON AND PRESIDENTS (2)

“Whom the gods would destroy, they first make mad.” – Masque of Pandora by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

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reason is madness. It involves betrayal not only of country but many other things like – family, friends, and your humanity. This is one of the reasons why Herman Tiu Laurel and I filed the complaint for treason against President Benigno Simeon Aquino III (hereinafter referred to as PNoy not Balut) and some of his co-conspirators like then Senate President Franklin “S. Z. Sakal” Drilon and Speaker of the House Representatives Sonny Belmonte with the hope that they be punished for what they did - serving as examples for the rest of the country.

That was six years ago. The Ombudsman dismissed the complaint in seven days from the date of filing. Like one of the many useless and incompetent agencies of government – that office has been doing a Rip Van Winkle sleep on the motion for reconsideration for the past six years. If that is not uselessness and

incompetence – I don’t know what is.

Fading hope: As the Ombudsman then was a retired justice of the Supreme Court, I thought there was hope of getting a fare shake from that office but the Ombudman retired without resolving the motion for reconsideration. That notwithstanding, we feel it best to share the case with the public so people will at least know the details – even without having to judge.

Now, the Ombudsman is also a former justice of the Supreme Court Based on the treatment of the complaint by his former colleague, and he has been there for quite sometime - not resolving our motion for reconsideration, is a case of fading hope like the lifting of the early morning mist into limbo when the sun rises.

The case: The treason complaint against PNoy was triggered by three major events – the giving of five million (P5,000,000.00) pesos

by PNoy to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), through its Chairman, Murad Ebrahim in Tokyo, Japan while the war between the government forces and those of the MILF was going on; the Mamasapano incident where forty four (44) members of the Philippine National Police (PNP)- Special Action Force (SAF) or the Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) team were annihilated by the MILF forces while serving an arrest warrant to a foreign terrorist and his coconspirator, and the passage into law of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

So what if these events took place - Has President B. Aquino the III aka PNoy, idem sonans with the Bisayan word Pangoy (someone with a loose screw in the head) committed treason?

The answer is a resounding – Yes. Has he any coconspirators? – Yes, in the passage of the BBL and on his decisions on

Batanes to Tawi-Tawi

N

ow we have reached the 47th Issue and with a few more issues, the Philippine Muslim Today as the first Muslim Online Digital Newspaper will finally be celebrating its one year anniversary. Congrats to the men and women behind the PMT that was conceptualized and born on June 19, 2020 as one way to sustain and prolong the writing advocacies of the writers and columnists.

At the launching of our maiden issue many have joined us and graciously writing for us

gratis with no counterpart remunerations. But as days and weeks go by some of our columnists have one by one stayed in the sideline or remained outside for good. However, the management nor myself as the Managing Editor could not blame them because they are not compensated after all.

Those who have remained are only those whose determinations as columnists and writers are exemplary and beyond compare. Hence, we would like to salute them for

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the Mamasapano incident. What is the law he has violated? – Article 114 of the Revised Penal Code.

Whys and wherefores: Article 114 of the Revised Penal so provides: “Art. 114. Treason. – Any Filipino citizen who levies war against the Republic of the Philippines or 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….”

On the reason case against PNoy, the first question arises – Was the MILF waging a war against the Republic of the Philippines at the time the events mentioned in the complaint?

The answer of course is an undeniable Yes – based on the facts on the ground showing military forces of both camps fighting and killing each other and the admissions of both the government and the MILF of the existence of a state of war between the contending parties.

The next question comes into view – Does giving money to the MILF by PNoy constitute treason under Arti-

cle 114 of the Revised Penal Code? Of course, it does as it is giving aid or comfort to the enemy which is the MILF. When Pnoy gave Five Million (P5,000,000.00) Pesos, it gave the MILF money to buy food and medical supplies as well as arms and ammunition. Is that not giving aid and comfort to MILF – the enemy? The answer is as clear as day in a cloudless sky – unless you are blind.

The Mamasamsapano incident is another charge for treason against PNoy. Why? When the arrest warrant was served in the heartland of MILF territory, the PNP SWAT team asked for help as they were trapped by the MILF forces and many of them already died.

While the operation was going and the SWAT team was asking for reenforcement, PNoy was in Zamboanga City monitoring the operation and was informed about the cry for help and support by the SWAT team.

Instead of ordering the military and police teams who were within spitting from the beleaguered unit, PNoy, and this a matter of record, told PNP and military

command to stand down – meaning, not to give support and reenforcement to the SWAT officers and men. As a result of lack of support and reenforcement, forty-four (44) courageous officers and men of the SWAT team were totally annihilated.

Why? The incompetent and mentally disturbed PNoy issued the stand down order to please the MILF, the enemy, so as not to derail the peace negotiations with the MILF, so PNoy reasoned to defend his irrational, incompetent, none defensible and treason loaded decision. This is a similar decision of President Digong, PNoy’s Siamese twin, in allowing Communist China and his friend, corona virus President Xi Jin Ping, to invade and occupy the West Philippine Sea. The passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law is the third charge for treason against PNoy together with then Senate President Franklin “S.Z. Sakal” Drilon and House Speaker Sonny Belmonte who orchestrated in both chambers the passage of the BBL. Why? ADAZA | A11

A prelude to PMT 1st Anniversary and COVID-19 Vaccines Adverse Reactions

their unquestionable determination and utmost dedication to help us serve our avid readers for almost one year already.

We hope the remaining staff especially the columnists will still be with us until we have reached the 52nd issue. Thus we will be celebrating as one happy family of the Philippine Muslim Today 1st Anniversary this coming June 19, 2021.

COVID-19 Vaccines Adverse Reactions Before I was still contemplating if I will

accept to have the vaccine jab and be inoculated with any type of vaccine upon seeing on national television that even President Rodrigo R. Duterte courageously have himself vaccinated with a Sinopharm’s COVID-19 vaccine last Monday, May 3, 2021. Hence, I said it will be also safe to me since after his inoculation, President Duterte now at 76 is still very much alive and kicking. So I said “kung kaya ng President of the Republic of the Philippines,” why I cannot do it who is just a lesser mortal.

However after the

demise of Dr. Amy Malbun, the retired Sulu Schools Division Superintendent in the defunct DepEd-ARMM 5 days after she was inoculated in Manila with a COVID-19 vaccine, she died in the hospital which relatives and friends suspected the adverse reactions of the vaccine as the culprit.

Hence, she is now the 1st Muslim Victim who succumbed to the adverse reactions of COVID-19 vaccines and perhaps the 1st Tausug to have suffered the fate from the vaccine adverse reactions.

Then my faith in the vaccines that I will be

safe after all since nothing happened to the thousands of patients inoculated earlier in Manila is now a big question mark.

This was bolstered by the medical explanation of Dr. Benj Bangahan, a former faculty member of the College of Medicine of the University of Santo Tomas in Manila. Likewise he used to write a medical column entitled “My two -cents Rx” here at the Philippine Muslim Today. But he asked for an indefinite leave from writing his column last November 6, 2020.

JANNARAL | A11

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Opinion

Punchline

I am not fond of listening to government commitments and assurances, especially those involving the snail -paced rehabilitation works on war-torn Marawi City and its numerous displaced residents still unaccounted officially in the different parts of the country where they sought refuge.

But in the case of projections by regional and national officials on the possible outcome on the calls for postponement in the 2022 election of Bangsamoro Parliament members, I entertain positive notes.

This is because, to me, delaying the regional polls to 2025 and extending the interim Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) lifespan is more rational and less burdensome to both the all stakeholders and proponents.

There are six pending bills in Congress –

two in the Senate and four in the House of Representatives – moving for regional poll postponement and extending the BTA threeyear term to 2025.

Leaders and members of the two Congressional chambers have reportedly assured to pass a harmonized version of the bills once President Duterte certified it urgent. Supporting quarters including civil society groups have combined forces to solicit one million signatures online to persuade a Presidential certification, and the drive even exceeded the one million-target by more than 200 more signatures.

Lawmakers and regional officials interviewed by this writer have expressed confidence that the poll postponement drive is almost a “done deal” despite the narrowing

Fewer odds in extending BTA lifespan

number of remaining Congressional session days. Congress will adjourn sine die on June 4.

Some of them even expected a Presidential certification within the Holy month of Ramadan, saying such act will be a “meaningful gift” in the Islamic fasting season for the predominantly Muslim the autonomous region.

And I joined the optimism.

Reason: Records showed that Congress had passed laws resetting elections in Muslim Mindanao and on barangay polls on the last hours, many times – not just once.

I believe that holding the regional Parliament polls in time with the 2022 local and national elections will shape more odds and benefits for the following factors: The BTA Parliament has not passed an

Suara from the Gulf

Lately, I’ve been reading a lot of posts about the demise of certain individuals whom some of them I knew personally.

Death is inevitable no matter who you are and wherever you may be.

How many people

who were once powerful and wealthy in this world have already perished?

Maybe sooner or later, we will be the next to be posted by our family and loved ones.

Let’s be prepared to return to the place

Vol. I, No. 47 | May 7-13, 2021 (Ramadan 25 - Shawwal 2, 1442)

where we truly belong because whether we are ready or not, we will surely return to Allāh anytime from now.

To those who have died before us, Innā Lillāhi wa Innā Ilayhi Rāji’un, let’s continue to fervently supplicate for them.

electoral code, which will serve as a basis for the accreditation of local parties to participate in the regional polls. The code will specify guidelines on the process political party accreditation. Minus it, who will accredit candidates and their parties for Parliament seats? Lawyermembers of BTA said the Commission on Elections is not empowered to accredit as far as the BARMM poll is concerned.

Granting that “scheming minds” can circumvent the absence of a a regional electoral code (as has been the case in past political exercises), leaders and allies of the Moro of Islamic Liberation Front and Moro National Liberation Front now running the BARMM government will be forced to seek elective seats in the 80-member parliament.

The question is, will these reigning MILF and MNLF be ready to ac-

cept defeat in an election where traditional politics is expected to prevail as usual due to their long-existing networks and assets? Of course, the answer is no.

It is very likely that these ruling MILF and MNLF leaders would do everything within the reach to win, including the use of huge funds under their disposal to fuel their campaign and ensure victory. And such tendency will be a plain mirror of the usual corrupt practice of diverting programmed funds to political maneuvers. And the end losers will be the majority constituents of the Bangsamoro who are expecting much from the new powerful autonomous entity.

If the ruling MILF and MNLF leaders failed in getting a decisive number of seats in the regional parliament, chances are that their mandates to pursue the Normalization and Polit-

ical Tracks under the Bangsamoro Organic Law or R.S. 11054 would be relegated to somebody else.

What will happen if such mandates are not fulfilled? It is very likely that the rest of 40,000 MILF combatantmembers who have not been decommissioned will not only feel disgruntled but may even join other rebellious groups. This will give more reasons for the Abu Sayyaf and BIFF rebelling forces to continue sowing atrocities.

Only about 12,000 of the MILF combat forces have been decommissioned, but the government has paid out only P100,000 of the one million-peso rehabilitation package committed to each of them.

In a nutshell, there are more odds to expect in case of a failure in the call for three-year extension in the BTA term.

AGM

LIFE AS A REALITY May Allāh purify all of their sins, illuminate and widen their graves and may they have a rightful place in Jannah, aamin.

If I could just plead to Allāh that you and I won’t be separated from this world, I would surely do it But this is impossible because even this

world and its contents will eventually perish; Verily we belong to Allāh, and verily to Him we all shall return You are my most precious gems in this world that I could ever have and I am forever grateful to Him for having you even just for an ample of time Do you know the

thing that makes me feel better? To realize that even we will be apart, we both shall return to our Rabb, the Al Wadud, the Ever-Loving Now, what would I endlessly implore Him? Is to unite us once again in the hereafter forevermore, just how He unites us temporarily in this world.

WATCH OUT FOR THE OPENING OF YOUR ONE-STOP USED CLOTHING SHOP

NYSONS ENTERPRISES WHOLESALE AND RETAIL LOCATION: Consunji Street, Poblacion, Iligan City (fronting Gaisano Mall) Iligan City, PH 9200 | TEL: 63 228-3454

Across The Nation

Iligan CHO appeals to elderly to follow vaccination schedule

By APIPA P. BAGUMBARAN ILIGAN CITY — The acting city health officer (CHO) of Iligan requested senior citizens to follow the vaccination schedule stated in their appointment slip.

This after senior citizens flocked at the centralized vaccination center Wednesday morning in a bid to get the COVID-19 jab at the earliest.

The city government of Iligan has started administering Sinovac vaccines to its senior citizens today (May 5, 2021).

"Please, sunda lang nang atong appointment slip aron dili ta maghuot, kay ato man gyud sundon ang oras nga naa sa inyong mga appointment slip," Dr. Belinda Lim said in a press conference.

[Please, just follow our appointment slip so we won't get congested because we will definitely follow the time stated on your appointment slip..]

Lim, who is also the health cluster manager of the Emergency Operations Center, made it clear that an appointment slip is needed to get the jab and that no walk-in vaccination request will be entertained.

ILIGAN | A11

“Preloved You Might Love Free,” Marawi City Division OPCEN’s Ramadan outreach

By SITTIE NAZIMA O. RASCAL MARAWI CITY — The Operation Center (OPCEN) of Marawi City Division (MCD) has started its Ramadan seven-day outreach program for 2021 to extend help to the less fortunate teachers, learners, and parents in the city schools’ division.

Madame Anna Zenaida A. Unte, OPCEN’s deputy focal person, said the team decided to hold the program in the new OPCEN’s office which started on May 3 until May 12, 2021 or until supplies last.

Unte said they asked their friends and relatives to donate preloved items which were assorted and all branded items were selected.

They sorted things from brand new clothes to brand new mukna, to sacks of rice and cash for raffle prices for the learners, teachers, and parents.

On its first day, OPCEN catered 150 parents and teachers who came early as five o’clock in the morning.

The mechanics of the program says that it is a first come first serve basis; first come first to pick one choice only; five shoppers at a time to pick their respective choices; five minutes allotted time to shop and choose item; bring their own eco-bag; and try the raffle items by picking up raffle stubs after shoping.

The team is strictly observing the mechanics and the minimum health protocols.

Madame Anna Zenaida A. Unte is hoping for more partner donors who shall be donating to help our less fortunate teachers, learners, and parents.

She wishes that everybody also in their little ways can extend helping hands to our brothers and sisters.

The OPCEN’s Ramadhan Outreach Program was initiated way before when Madame Anna Zenaida A. Unte was still the Alternative Learning Supervisor at MCD. It was an annual activity where they visited different places to help those less fortunate learners, teachers, and parents.

OPCEN was created in August 2017 specifically for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Marawi division during the time of former Education Regional Secretary John Magno of the defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Education Asec Alfhadar pajiji is the OPCEN Focal Person. TRS

Vol. I, No. 47 | May 7-13, 2021 (Ramadan 25 - Shawwal 2, 1442)

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Covid resurges in Cotabato City; Mayor appeals for cooperation among locals

By AMIR HUSSEN ABBAS

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OTABATO CITY – City Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi has appealed for cooperation among Cotabateños amid the rising number of Covid-19 cases here.

In a video post on Wednesday, May 5, 2021, Guiani-Sayadi, a lawyer, said it was in October last year when the city had recorded the highest number of COVID-19 positive cases. “Since then, the number slowly declined until we have reached the lowest in February of this year.”

“We thought we were already doing fine, considering that we had days when the city recorded zero cases. And then on the latter part of March, the cases once again spiked,” she added.

Cotabato City has recorded in April a total of one hundred fifteen cases just after having already started their vaccination process.

“It is also a major concern that more and more cases are being recorded everyday ever since we started lifting our No Movement Sunday,” the lady mayor said.

She emphasized, “Mula noong tumaas ang bilang ng mga nag -popositibo sa NCR plus, naghigpit na din tayo sa lahat ng mga byaherong mula sa Manila at pababa ng Awang Airport.

“Ito ay upang maiwasan na makapasok sa atin ang mga bagong variant ng COVID dahil ang mga ito ay higit na malubha ang epekto sa ating katawan.

“Pero sa kabila nito, tumaas pa din ang mga kaso natin dito sa Cotabato City.”

Guiani-Sayadi said this only mean one thing. “People carrying virus to Cotabato City just came from nearby areas.”

“Ang iba dito ay taga-dito na din mismo sa atin na kung saan saang lugar nakakapunta at kung sino sino

the city mayor said,” For the information of my fellow Cotabateños, the number of COVID-19 cases in Cotabato City has once again increased.”

Cotabato City Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani Sayadi. (PNA File Photo) ang nakaka-salamuha.

Marahil dahil nga MGCQ na tayo, nabawasan na din ang pagiingat na ating ginagawa. Kung saan saan na tayo namamasyal.

Kung kani-kaninong birthday, kasal, at ano pang okasyon na ang ating pinupuntahan,” she stressed.

Guiani-Sayadi said, “Napupuno na din ang ating mga restaurant at mga mall dahil araw araw na din tayong lumalabas.

“Pero alam niyo ba na dahil sa ginagawa nating ito ay napuno na naman ang ating hospital ng mga pasyenteng may COVID-19?

“Alam niyo ba na nagkaka-ubosan na ng oxygen tank ang ating mga pagamutan dahil sa laki ng demand mula sa mga biktima ng COVID-19 na higit na malubha ang kalagayan?

“Alam niyo ba na halos linggo linggo ay may namamatay dito sa Cotabato City dahil sa COVID? “Kaya po sa gitna nito, ako ay muling umaapela sa aking mga kapwa Cotabatenio na huwag tayong mag-kumpyansa.

NO MOVEMENT SUNDAY REIMPOSED Because of the rising cases in the city, its City Inter-Agency Task Force on COVID-19

has decided on the reimplementation of the NO MOVEMENT SUNDAY starting on May 9.

Guiani Sayadi enjoined residents to refrain from out-of-town trips, weekend getaway for these maybe from where the virus are came from.

She said all establishments, offices, churches, terminals, markets, and other places frequented by people on a daily basis, will now be required to scan the digital IDs in their entrance and exit ways.

Strict border control is also imposed.

“Kailangan ay maipakita ng lahat ng mga papasok sa Cotabato City ang kanilang mga digital ID upang mascan sa ating mga checkpoint, kabilang na dito ang mga APOR, government officials and employees, at iba pang mga VIP.” Just like the mandatory wearing of face masks and face shields in public places, the implementation of the No Movement Sunday and the use of the Digital ID System is already a city ordinance and violation of these rules may cause one to pay the penalties.

“In line with this, I would like to appeal to the officials of our neighboring provinces na kung maaari ay su-

munod po sa mga patakaran ng Cotabato City,” she said. “Kahit po ang inyong mga convoy ay kailangang dumaan sa aming QR code scanning.”

The lady mayor said: “I would also like to appeal further that our neighboring towns and provinces be strict in implementing the minimum health standards.

“The wearing of face masks and face shields is a practice in the whole country, sumunod naman po sana ang lahat ng ating mga kababayan sa simpleng patakaran na ito.

“Let us all remember that the COVID-19 virus does not choose who to infect.

“Walang APOR, walang pulitiko, walang doctor, walang pulis, walang sundalo, walang mayaman, at walang mahirap para sa COVID. “Huwag po nating hintayin na lalo pang lumala ang ating sitwasyon sa Cotabato City at maging sa ating mga karatig lugar bago pa tayo mamulat sa mapait na katotohanang dulot ng COVID-19 virus.

“Again, I am asking for the cooperation and support of everyone.

Let us all take responsibility in our continued fight against COVID19,” she emphasized.

A6

Across The Nation

POPCOM to ‘pantry’ organizers: Consider giving condoms, pills MANILA — The Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) strongly encourages proponents of community pantries to include contraceptives such as condoms and pills as necessary goods in their distribution activities.

The agency has noted the increasing importance of these sprouting kiosks across the country in temporarily providing basic necessities for less privileged Filipinos and thus, is enjoining their organizers to also carry the abovementioned modern family planning methods, in coordination with local health centers.

In an interview, Undersecretary for Population and Development (POPDEV) Juan Antonio Perez III, MD, MPH noted the dispensation of family planning services and commodities as essential during the ongoing public health emergency that can help prevent unplanned and teenage pregnancies. As such, the presence of these modern methods of contraception in community pantries should also be seen as filling a void in the rollout of family planning activities, which are greatly disrupted by the pandemic.

“POPCOM is very much supportive of community pantries as a form of collective action in alleviating the need for sustenance of our less privileged. We believe that they will welcome the addition of condoms and pills among the goods they will source—with the help of their local healthcare personnel,” said the POPCOM chief.

Perez explained that in providing these essential family planning supplies, community pantry initiators should seek the support of local health personnel like barangay health workers (BHWs), as well as family planning and barangay population volunteers (BPVs), as the latter are knowledgeable of the individuals in their locale who need pills and condoms. The community pantry setup can also help facilitate the line of work of the said BHWs and BPVs. Augmenting network: Meanwhile, FP volunteers are also called upon to hand-out the family planning commodities in all possible community quarantines, as house-to-house distribution in some areas are still being implemented.

“As the most popular family planning method, pills need a prescription or enrollment in the family planning program. Our BHWs and BPVs can be invited to assist in dispensing such,” the POPCOM chief pointed out. “On the other hand, condoms may be freely given to those who are sexually active and want to avoid HIV infections and other sexually transmitted infections or STIs, as well as those who are mindful of preventing unplanned pregnancies.”

The undersecretary for POPDEV also praised propagators of the community pantries all over the country, as they manifest the bayanihan spirit of the Filipinos during these most trying times: “These laudable initiatives are observable proofs of our countrymen’s desire that no one of his fellow Filipinos will be left behind in terms of basic necessities as we continuously face the Covid-19 crisis head on. It’s an outward display of their innate drive for inclusivity in our society, where human development is a work in progress, even during a health crisis.”

To complement these noteworthy activities, POPCOM has also directed its regional offices to actively take part in community pantries in their locale, using various initiatives in partnership with BHWs and BPVs. These cover the re-supply of the commodities to their existing family planning clients, the provision of onsite family planning information via distribution of related printed materials and installation of tarpaulins featuring family planning methods, and the extension of possible assistance that LGUs may request—subject to resources available.

POPCOM | A12

Vol. I, No. 47 | May 7-13, 2021 (Ramadan 25 - Shawwal 2, 1442)

COVID-19 vaccine claims life of the first Tausug victim

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

M

ANILA: The COVID-19 vaccine inoculated on a retired Sulu division of schools’ superintendent of the Department of Education (DepEd) of the defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Sambas Omar, a Tausug from Sulu who personally knows the victim said in his Facebook post that the inoculated COVID-19 vaccine was alleged to have an adverse effect and claimed the life of the first Tausug victim.

Omar identified the victim as Dr. Amy Malbun, a CESO and a retired and eligible Sulu Division of Schools superintendent of the former DepEd-ARMM. Omar bewails that most government officials especially from the Inter Agency Task Force (IATF) on Health Protocol speak highly of COVID-19 vaccine as an antigen or cure to the pandemic, but do not explain well to the people on its adverse effects.

He said perchance the Ministry of Health in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOHBARMM) and the regional government in general should now look into it for the sake of the safety of the Bangsamoro constituents in the provinces of Sulu, Basilan, TawiTawi, Lanao del Sur, and Maguindanao that are at stake.

Jurry Julpawai, a netizen even asked why BARMM has been quite about this first Tausug alleged COVID-19 vaccine victim. With this question, Omar tried to defend why the Bangsamoro government has not yet acted on the case of Dr. Malbun saying that perhaps it was not yet widely known in the autonomous region since it had just happened last Sunday in Manila.

As this developed, Dr. Benj Bangahan, a former faculty member of the College of Medicine of the University of Santos Tomas (UST) and used to be a Medi-

(ARMM) was suspected to have adverse effects and claimed the life of the said official after she got inoculated and died at a hospital in Manila 5 days after on last Sunday, May 2.

DR. AMY MALBUN is alleged the first Tausug victim of the adverse effect of COVID-19 vaccine that is supposed to be an antigen for the pandemic. (Facebook Photo)

cal Columnist of the Philippine Muslim Today also explained his medical opinion in his Facebook timeline.

According to Dr. Bangahan, “there is wisdom in accurately knowing bodily clinical status that may prove to be a contraindication to vaccination.”

“Not all medical treatment or vaccination are be-all and oneall therapeutic regimen, even if previously proven effective and safe to others,” he emphasized.

“The dictum is, no two patients are the same, hence it must be kept in mind that each one is different from another in the determination of do's and

dont's,” Dr. Bangahan further said.

With the demise of Dr. Malbun many Tausug professionals have mourned her untimely death especially on those people she had touched their hearts and those who once worked with her during her tour of duty as Superintendent of Sulu Schools Division in defunct ARMM. Noor Saada, a former DepEd-ARMM Assistant Secretary but actually a Registered Nurse by profession recalled some good things done to her by the late Superintendent Dr. Amy Malbun.

In his previous message to Dr. Malbun when the latter was still

alive, Asec Saada told her, “I remember that particular day when you recommended me to join an overseas study tour which was vehemently opposed by a regional official saying, ano ang gagawin ng school nurse doon, baka magkalat yan?!

(What would a nurse do in that overseas study tour for he might just do something not expected of as member of the study tour?)

Asec Saada said notwithstanding the vehement opposition of an official of DepEd-ARMM for his inclusion in the list of the overseas study tour, Dr. Malbun defended him that he should be allowed as member of the study tour abroad.

“But you stood your ground and having mentored me for a while, had seen something in me which I did not realize myself.

When we finally had group work in preparation for the study tour, you told me, now it is time for you to shine!,” the former DepEdARMM Assistant Secretary recalled of what he told the late Sulu schools division superintendent.

Although this is not a form of eulogy since since Asec Saada wrote Dr. Malbun when the latter was very much alive, he told her, “you create opportunities so that those around you can bloom to their full potentials.”

Asec Saada further made some sort of an “eulogy” by saying “that is you and more, Ma’am Amy Malbun, able to see beyond, able to share the limelight, unthreatened by others about to shine and having a heart of gold, ever thoughtful of those around you.”

COVID-19 | A12

DATES FOR arimpas of commission everyone th dom of Sau Busairi, the Holy Mosqu but remain

Across Mindanao

Vol. I, No. 47 | May 7-13, 2021 (Ramadan 25 - Shawwal 2, 1442)

SPDA Chief: Health protocols in Davao, Zambo difficult and expensive

By CELESTINO B. SIGLOS, ED.D.

D

AVAO CITY — Southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA) Administrator and Chief Executive Officer Abdulghani ‘Gerry’ Ajul Salapuddin said the new and enSalapuddin had expressed this view following reports that returning residents, tourists, and non-authorized persons outside residence (Apor) who will enter Davao Region will now be required to secure a negative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) test result, according to a joint resolution of the Regional Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (RIATF) and Regional Task Force Against Covid-19 (RTF).

In a joint RIATF-RTF -Davao Resolution 01 series of 2021 dated May 3, 2021, the body had already approved the uniform guidelines to regulate entry and exit in regional borders in Region XI to regulate movements "as an additional and preemptive measure against the surge of Covid-19 cases in the region."

Department of the Interior and Local Government-Davao Region (DILG-XI) Director and RIATF Chair Alex Rol-

dan said the resolution's effectivity will depend on the executive orders that the mayors of the different Local Government Units (LGUs) will issue.

Earlier, Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco had issued Executive Order 651-2021 that mandates all inbound passengers, whether APOR or private individuals, regardless of reason or purpose of entry, including transit travelers, to present negative RT-PCR test result within 5 days from date of specimen collection, following the sudden spike in COVID-19 cases in the city.

Climaco stressed that these are temporary measures designed to curb the sudden spike in cases in order to promote the health, safety, and the general welfare of the citizens.

The EO took effect on April 21, 2021 and shall remain enforced until otherwise lifted, amended or superseded.

Over his dismay, SPDA Administrator Abdulghani Ajul Salapuddin said the

hanced health protocols in Zamboanga City and Davao Region (Region XI) are making travel and reporting for work more difficult and expensive. ryngeal swabs. While samples collected from swabs were considered the gold standard in terms of generating accurate results.

These tests had required more supplies, placed health care workers in closer contact with potentially infected individuals, and were diffiAbdulghani ‘Gerry’ Ajul cult to scale up for mass Salapuddin testing.

Saliva on the other swab and saliva test results are only good for hand, had been put forth five days and they are as a low-cost, easy alnot free medical proce- ternative, but it’s efficacy and accuracy remain dures.

Not only that, he points of contention.

Even as large univeradded, they are very expensive to sustain on sities have begun rolling the part of the ordinary out ambitious, salivainitiatives on travelers like the em- based ployees of SPDA since campuses across the they are paying for it United States, private companies looking to every time they travel.

Reliable sources develop rapid, in-home disclosed that corona diagnostic tests had virus saliva testing is moved away from such priced at P2,000.00 per tools.

Trials of saliva-based test, which is P1,800.00 cheaper than the swab testing being deployed testing which is pegged in the field had yielded at P3,800.00 to mixed results, and it remains unknown under P5,000.00.

Since the early days what conditions saliva is of the pandemic, clini- most useful or how best cians and researchers it can be rolled into the had been looking for existing testing framealternatives to nasopha- work. PR

Wear mask or face arrest: DOJ

BY BENJAMIN PULTA MANILA – The Palace order for law enforcers to arrest individuals not wearing face masks, a violation of public health protocols, is immediately executory.

Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Thursday “the President’s directive takes effect immediately even without the guidelines.”

“Existing laws and ordinances define the prohibited act and impose the corresponding penalties therefor, and the relevant rules of court govern the procedure," Guevarra told reporters.

He said there is no need for any subsequent implementing rules for the order to go into effect.

"The best way to avoid being arrested while the guidelines are being formulated is to wear a face mask and obey the law," Guevarra added.

He noted that there is no inconsistency with an earlier proposal that local government ordinances on the prevention of Covid-19 may consider imposing "community service" as an alternative to stiff fines or imprisonment.

Community service as a penalty, Guevarra said, does not preclude the arrest of violators.

STAYING SAFE. A store personnel wearing a face mask prepares cups of halo-halo for delivery in Diliman, Quezon City on Thursday (May 6, 2021). Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said the President’s directive for law enforcers to arrest individuals not wearing face masks, a violation of public health protocols, takes effect immediately even without the guidelines. (PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler) "On the other hand, the President’s latest directive to law enforcers is to effect the arrest of persons caught in the act of violating laws or ordinances relating to basic health protocols. In accordance with existing rules, arrested individuals will undergo inquest procedures conducted by DOJ prosecutors,” he said. PNA

A7

Poor patients in Zambo, GenSan can now access BARMM’s AMBaG program

C

OTABATO CITY — Indigent Bangsamoro patients from communities outside the region, particularly in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay and the cities of Zamboanga and General Santos, can now benefit from Bangsamoro Government’s hospital assistance program.

This was after the regional government added Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Hospital, Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC), and local government-run Dr. Jorge P. Royeca Hospital in General Santos City as its three new partner hospitals for its Ayudang Medikal mula sa Bangsamoro Government (AMBaG) program.

On Tuesday, May 4, Chief Minister Ahod “Al Hajj Murad” Ebrahim and Senior Minister Abdulraof Macacua led through zoom conference the ceremonial signing of memorandum of agreement with Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Wilter Palma, ZCMC Hospital Chief Dr. Afdal Kunting, and Gabriel Francis Glenville Gonzalez, representative of General Santos City Mayor Ronnel Rivera.

“The AMBaG is a flagship program born out of a simple yet meaningful desire to help the indigent and poor Bangsamoro with their hospital bills and improve their access to much needed medical procedures,” said Chief Minister Ebrahim.

While majority of the Bangsamoro people are indeed situated within BARMM, Ebrahim said there is still a significant number of Bangsamoro communities located outside the region’s territory, like those in Zamboanga and General Santos.

“Our commitment to reach our fellow Bangsamoro outside the region will never be realized if not for leaders who share the same vision for the betterment of our people,” Ebrahim said, thanking the local governments of Zamboanga and GenSan for agreeing to partner with BARMM. In response, Governor Palma also thanked the chief minister for “taking care of our people even though only 15% of the population of Zamboanga Sibugay belongs to the Bangsamoro people, and yet they are given the chance and opportunity to avail of our medical services.”

Dr. Kunting, on the other hand, said ZCMC serves patients from Zamboanga Peninsula, Sulu, Basilan, and Tawi-Tawi, and it is a “gift” from the Bangsamoro Government to have been given the “ability to treat our patients without thinking about the financial remunerations.”

Meanwhile, Senior Minister Macacua said the MOA signing "symbolizes our shared commitment to make the lives of the Bangsamoro better than ever, be it within or outside the formal territories of the region. As such, I would like to sincerely thank our partner hospitals for accepting this collaboration. You are instrumental in making this commitment a reality."

As of March 31, 2021, Ebrahim said AMBaG program has already helped 13,179 patients from its 11 partner hospitals across the region, and that 68% or 9, 070 of the patients went home without paying a single centavo.

Its partner hospitals include Amai PakPak Medical Center, Basilan General Hospital, Buluan District Hospital, Cotabato Regional and Medical Center, Cotabato Sanitarium Hospital, Datu Blah Sinsuat District Hospital, Dr. Serapio Montaner Al Haj Memorial Hospital, IPHO Maguidanao, IPHO Sulu, IPHO Tawi-Tawi, and Southern Philippines Medical Center.

According to AMBaG Project Manager and Cabinet Secretary Mohd Asnin Pendatun, e Bangsamoro Government plans to have at least 20 partner hospitals within and beyond BARMM’s territories by the end of 2021.

JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

A8

Across BARMM

Vol. I, No. 47 | May 7-13, 2021 (Ramadan 25 - Shawwal 2, 1442)

AFP, BARMM officials talks on sustaining peace and development in Sulu

One Maute Group member killed, another surrender in military ops in Lanao del Sur

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

COTABATO CITY — A Daulah Islamiyah/ Maute Group (DI-MG) member was killed while another surrendered in an encounter with the military forces on Monday in Lanao del Sur. Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) said an unidentified member of Maute Group was killed in Piagapo, while a 22-year old DI-MG named Cardo from Inudaran, Marantao, Lanao del Sur handed over his high-powered firearm to the troops under the 103rd Infantry Brigade in Barangay Bobo, Piagapo, the same province on Wednesday.

The surrendered personality turned over one Winchester Garand, one clip, and six cal. 30 live ammunition.

During the initial debriefing, the subject revealed that he was involved in the Battle of Marawi in 2017 and went on lie low status after the conflict.

“The subject has no standing Warrant of Arrest and he is currently undergoing custodial debriefing for us to be able to gather more information about him, his previous activities, and the group,” said Brig. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade.

Meanwhile, amid the conduct of focused military operations, troops from the same brigade engaged in an armed confrontation with an undetermined number of DI-MG members in Barangay Kalungnan, Piagapo on the same day.

The skirmish resulted in the death of an enemy and the recovery of one M16 rifle.

Brig. Gen. Cuerpo II, said, “While our troops were scouring the clash site, they recovered the enemy cadaver. It will be subjected to an examination to verify the identity of the slain Daulah Islamiyah/Maute Group member.”

Reinforcements were immediately deployed to conduct blocking and pursuit operations on the possible enemy withdrawal route.

While in pursuit of the enemies, troops engaged in another firefight with the fleeing DI-MG members few meters away from the first encounter site.

The exchange of fires lasted for about an hour and 49 minutes after which the operating troops successfully took over the enemy position while the enemies scampered in different directions.

During the clearing operation, troops recovered two short and one long steel magazines, one green bandolier, two PVC pipes cut, and ½ kilo Ammonium Nitrate.

Additional troops were deployed to reinforce the engaged troops while combat clearing and pursuit operations continue.

Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, commander of the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan, commended the operating troops for these recent accomplishments.

“This only proves that the security landscape in the area is changing and we are able to sustain the momentum,” said Maj. Gen. Ponio.

“Rest assured that we will continue to intensify the conduct of offensives against the remaining members of the Daulah Islamiyah/Maute Group to ensure the safety and security of the people,” he concluded.

Since January 2021, a total of 12 DI-MG members were neutralized, six of which were killed and six surrendered.

“The JTF ZamPeLan continuously employs all measures to eliminate the terrorists in their area of operation,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. “As the commander of the Western Mindanao Command, I am elated with the numerous accomplishments of the units under my command and control and I commend all my subordinate commanders and the soldiers, airmen, sailors, and marines who remain steadfast in fulfilling their mission for the common good,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr further stated.

“I also acknowledge the efforts of the local government units, stakeholders, and all the people who continue to support us in achieving all our successes,” he added.

JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

C

OTABATO CITY — Officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) Chief Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. together with military commanders of the Joint Task Force Sulu met with BARMM Chief Minister Ahod “Al Hajj Murad” Ebrahim and other BARMM key ministers at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex here in Cotabato City.

“I wish to personally convey my utmost gratitude to BARMM government led by the Chief Minister for the support given to the Western Mindanao Command, especially in our campaign in addressing the armed conflict in Muslim Mindanao,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) met here on Monday to discuss mechanisms in sustaining peace and development in the Province of Sulu.

AFP-BARMM OFFICIALS: Officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) meet the officials of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex in Cotabato City to discuss mechanisms in sustaining peace and development in Sulu. From left at the presidential table are Maj. Gen. William Gonzales, commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu and 11th Infantry Alakdan Division; Lt. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., WestMinCom commander; Chief Minister Ahod “Al Hajj Murad” Ebrahim; and Executive Secretary Abdulraof Macacua. (Contributed Photo) “The Joint Normalization is moving forward despite various challenges, and it only shows our shared commitment to finally

achieve lasting peace in Southern Philippines.

Rest assured that WestMinCom will support the Bangsamoro Government, as a strong part-

ner in our joint quest for peace and development,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. further stated.

The military officials paid a courtesy call to Chief Minister Ebrahim at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex, Bangsamoro Government Center on Monday afternoon.

The courtesy call was done purposely to provide the Chief Minister and his key Ministers areas for partnership, determine the mechanism platform of support relationship, and jointly establish a mechanism of coordination, collaboration, and convergence of efforts with the security sector.

AFP | A12

260 Filipinos return from Sabah, receive BARMM aids COTABATO CITY — At least 260 Returning Filipinos from Sabah (REFS) have arrived in different parts of the island provinces in the Bangsamoro autonomous region, receiving prompt guidance and assistance last month, according to the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD).

The REFS arrived in batches – 136 via Bongao Port in Barangay Poblacion, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi on April 20; 79 via the ports of Sulu and 45 in Basilan on April 17, the MSSD posted in a Facebook post coupled with photos.

Last March 7, the 7th batch of REFS comprising 262 individuals arrived through the same backdoor channels and were led back to their different places of origin in the region, the MSSD

By ALI G. MACABALANG

RETURNING FILIPINOS FROM SABAHA. Some of the latest batch of REFS being guided by welfare workers upon embarkation at Bongao Port from a boat from Sabah on April 20. (Photo courtesy of MSSD Tawi-Tawi Provincial Office) said.

Workers from the MSSD field offices in the island provinces provided the batches of REFS from the stages of their embarkation from boats up to their return to places of origin, after undergoing proper process prescribed under the current pandemic, it was learned.

The MSSD workers alongside local health

workers administered medical and relief services to all REFS batches, which also received welfare goods including one sack of rice each, and hygiene kits.

“Prior to embarkation, all REFS have undergone RT-PCR testing in Malaysia as part of the necessary health protocols before their official return to the Philippines in order to ensure that all of them

tested negative for COVID-19,” the MSSD Facebook post said.

Upon their arrival in the ports, the REFS also proceeded to holding areas wherein they had undergone health profiling.

MSSD also conducted a separate profiling of the REFS to look into further interventions that can be provided to them through the ministry’s social protection programs.

The Philippine Coast Guard, the provincial and municipal local government units, and the disaster risk reduction management offices are in close coordination for the turnover as well as contact tracing of the REFS to their hometowns.

Moving forward, there will be other batches of REFS who will arrive in the months to come. PR

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Across BARMM Military operations compel 6 BIFF members to surrender in Maguindanao

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

Vol. I, No. 47 | May 7-13, 2021 (Ramadan 25 - Shawwal 2, 1442)

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BARMM to build 220 modern barangay halls this year

By ALI G. MACABALANG

C

BIFF BACK TO THE FOLD OF LAW: Six members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) have surrendered with their firearms to Col. Pedro Balisi, Jr., commander of the 1st Mechanized Brigade at the unit’s headquarters at Barangay Kamasi, Ampatuan municipality in Maguindanao. The BIFF rebels are residents of Datu Abdullah Sangki and Sultan sa Barongis municipalities. Their surrender to the military was also witnessed by Mayor Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu of Datu Abdullah Sangki and Mayor Mamatanto Mamantal of Sultan sa Barongis. (Contributed Photo) COTABATO CITY: Six members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters yielded to the military troops in Maguindanao on Tuesday due to the intensified military operations.

Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) on Wednesday said the successful surrender of the six was through the efforts of the units under the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade.

“Our troops from the Joint Task Force Central continue to bolster our civil-military cooperation efforts with partner stakeholders to put an end to terrorism in central Mindanao and to convince the remaining terrorists to end their armed struggle and return into the mainstream society,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. stated.

The six surrendered personalities, who are residents of Barangay Darampua, Sultan sa Barongis and Barangay Kaya-Kaya, Datu Abdullah Sangki, both of Maguindanao, turned over one 5.56mm M653 rifle, one Cal. 30 M1 Garand converted to M14 rifle, one Cal. 30 Carbine, and one Cal. 30 M1 Garand.

Subject personalities were presented to Col. Pedro Balisi, Jr., commander of the 1st Mech Bde at the unit’s headquarters in Barangay Kamasi, Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

“I commend the troops for their resolve to end terrorism here in Maguindanao,” said Col. Balisi, Jr. The presentation of former rebels was witnessed by Datu Abdullah Sangki Mayor Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu and Sultan sa Barongis Mayor Mamatanto Mamantal.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the Joint Task Force Central said, “We are very thankful to the local government units and partner stakeholders for their support in our quest for lasting peace here in central Mindanao”.

The surrendered personalities are undergoing custodial debriefing while the firearms are placed under the custody of 1Mech Bde for documentation.

Since January 2021, a total of 80 BIFF personalities were neutralized, 38 of whom were killed and 42 surrendered. Additionally, the government forces gained a total of 47 firearms, 40 of which were surrendered, and seven were recovered.

JIJ

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OTABATO CITY – At least 220 modern barangay halls will be built this year in the Bangsamoro region to optimize the operations of constituent-local government units and catapult the new autonomous geopolitical entity to greater heights, according to proponent officials.

Construction works for 20 of the programmed village edifices are underway after Bangsamoro interim Chief Minister Ahod “Hadji Murad” Ebrahim and Local Government Minister Naguib G. Sinarimbo broke the ground for three units in adjacent Sultan Kudarat town, Maguindanao on Saturday, May 1.

Sultan Kudarat Mayor Shameem Mastura and his father, Bangsamoro Parliament Member Tocao Mastura, joined the two regional executives in the groundbreaking ceremonies at Barangays Simuay, Gang and Banubo, with hundreds of village officials and residents witnessing enthusiastically, Valerie Lambo said.

Constructing high standard barangay halls “will ensure the presence of government in the villages and ensure greater access by our constituents to government services,” Lambo, information officer of the Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG), quoted Sinarimbo as saying.

All the 220 buildings, funded by the MILG with P3.6-million each, feature office spaces for recipient barangay officials and session halls for their sanggunians (village legislatures), added Sinarimbo.

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) covers Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi provinces, the cities of Cotabato, Marawi and Lamitan and 63 villages in North Cotabato. It has a total of 118 municipalities and 2,590 barangays.

Some of such towns and villages lack decent or institutional executive and legislative buildings in what critics claimed as a “grey area” affecting punctuality and efficiency among some municipal and barangay

ABOVE: Perspective for 220 barangay hall buildings programmed in BARMM this year with P3.6-million fund each. BELOW: Symbolic groundbreaking by MILG Minister Naguib Sinarimbo and MP Tocao Mastura in the presence of Chief Minister Ahod “Hadji Murad” Ebrahim and Sultan Kudarat Mayor Shameen Mastura last May1. (Photos supplied)

officials therein.

The BARMM government through the MILG will address squarely such governmental vacuum with remedial focus by building the needed physical structures alongside the recruitment of more than 100 highly trained local government operations officers (LGOOs) to guide the LGUs, Minister Sinarimbo once told the Philippine Muslin Today news.

Five BARMM towns – Lumbaca Unayan, Sultan Dumalonding, Butig and Poona Bayabao in Lanao Sur and Pandag in Maguindanao took turns in starting construction works for their municipal halls in time with the celebration of the region’s second anniversary last January of the ratification of R.A. 11054 (Bangsamoro Organic Law). The pace of construction works was impressive so far, a recent MILG report showed.

The MILG has allocated P25million for each municipal hall, even as Minister Sinarimbo released the initial segment of the allocation to the five LGUs to kick off construction works on the com-

memorative week, it was learned.

In a recent Facebook post, Sinarimbo also announced the ongoing constructions of municipal police stations in Marantao and Amai Manabilang in Lanao del Sur, and in Datu Blah Sinsuat and Rajah Buayan in Maguindanao.

The cost of each municipal police station building was not immediately known, but the MILG released some photos showing the current stages of construction works. It noted a faster or advanced pace in the Rajah Buayan project implementation.

Sinarimbo said the kick-off rites on three barangays hall projects in Sultan Kudarat town last May 1 has brought to 20 the initial number of similar units already being built in Sulu, Lanao del Sur, the 63 North Cotabato barangays, in this city and Maguindanao.

The next 200 will be constructed within the year in all of the provinces of the BARMM, he said. AGM

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Vol. I, No. 47 | May 7-13, 2021 (Ramadan 25 - Shawwal 2, 1442)

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Ramadan FOCUS ON

َٰٓ ۟ ‫م ُن‬ َ ‫ين َءا‬ َ ‫ذ‬ ‫وا‬ ِ َّ ‫يَأَيُّ َها ٱل‬ ُ ُ َ ُ‫ٱلصيَام‬ ُ َ َ ِ‫كت‬ ‫ب عليْكم‬ ِ ُ ‫ما‬ َ َ ‫ب‬ َ ‫ك ِت‬ َ ‫ك‬ ‫علَى‬ ُ ِ‫ق ْبل‬ َ ‫من‬ ْ ‫ك‬ َ ‫ذ‬ ‫م‬ ِ ‫ين‬ ِ َّ ‫ٱل‬ ُ َّ ‫عل‬ َ‫م تَ َّت ُقون‬ َ َ‫ل‬ ْ ‫ك‬ Surah Baqarah Ayah 183. O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous –

What’s Special With Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Power)?

By Johnny R. Lee, Ph.D.

M

uslims around the world seek and observe Laylatul Qadr (the night of power) during the last ten days of the blessed month of Ramadan. The Night of Power is when the angel Jibril first appeared to the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) on the day the first revelation of the noble Qur’an was sent down.

The first verses of the noble Qur’an to be revealed to our noble Prophet (peace and

blessings be upon him) were the words, “Read!

In the name of your Lord.” This happened on a quiet evening during Ramadan when the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) was just 40 years old.

That revelation to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) was the beginning of his Prophethood. From that point on he became the Messenger of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’alla) tasked with leading the

last Ummah (Muslim nation).

It is advised during the last ten days of Ramadan for Muslims to seek the ‘Night of Power’, especially on the odd nights (that is the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th and 29th days of Ramadan).

It is reported that the noble Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said; “Whoever stays up in prayer and remembrance of Allah ‘SwT’ on the night of the Laylatul Qadr , believing fully in the promise of Allah ‘SwT’ of reward and

hoping to seek reward, he shall be forgiven for his past sins.”

The noble Qur’an describes this blessed night in a chapter named for it; Al-Qadr (The Night of Power).

Muslims around the world pass the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan with a very strong devotion, reciting special supplications (Dua), going to the mosque to read the Noble Qur’an (I’tikaf), as well as reflecting on the meaning of Allah’s message sent to us.

Ramadan is a time of

intense spirituality.

Throughout the month, the gates of Paradise are opened, believers are surrounded by angels, and the blessings and mercy of Allah are abundant.

Muslims around the globe look forward to these last ten blessed days as the highlight of the holy month.

Although no one really knows exactly when the night Laylatul Qadr will fall, our Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) indicated that the blessed night will fall during the last ten days of the

month of Ramadan, on one of the odd nights. It is believed by many Muslims to be the 27th in particular, there is however no evidence for that.

In hopes to get the rewards of a night that is more than a thousand months, Muslims double their worship and good deeds so as to be certain that whatever night it falls upon, they reap the benefits of worshiping on Laylatul Qadr.

(This article was adopted from MuslimInc., a new Muslim Media Platform with address: @14th Floor, Boulevard Tower, Downtown Dubai, UAE.)

Blessing of Ramadhan: Lailat Al-Qadr or the Night of Decree

By IMADODIN DIMAO One of the features of our religion is that there’s always new wisdom every time it is discussed in many different media until “the whole sea gets exhausted if it were inks (and so the rest of the seas) before Allah’s words are finished.” It’s precisely because of a miracle from Allah that humbled the intelligence of the entire human-being. (1) Back to the prehis-

toric times to the birth of our beloved Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him) that shed light on the universe, we can find there were authenticated accounts with regard to some Awliyaah or Awliyaol’Allah (devoted people) who dedicated themselves to just please Allah by performing several religious practices or Iba'da’t continously w ithin hundred years like

optional fasting, performing non-obligatory prayers the whole nights, or even numerous fighting in the name of Allah, and so on.

Compared to the average human lifespan of prophet Mohammed’s (PBUH) nations, which is between 60 and 70 years, we were so far, too small for those before us in terms of their sacrifices for the sake of the Almighty up to the revelation of Surah AlQadr or the Decree, informing Him and us that whatever good

deeds we have done during this exceptional night are better and more rewarding than those done in onethousand months (83 yrs.) without it - Lailat Al -Qadr. Allah has said: “Verily, We have sent it down in the Night of AlQadr. 2. And what will make you know what the Night of Al-Qadr is 3. The Night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months. 4.” (2) Should we ponder the countless blessings and mercies of Allah towards us, we can un-

doubtedly find it's out of our mathematical capabilities as he has granted us one-night that can cover our entire life being given every Ramadhan, while one mistake committed is counted once only, and what is more is that if someone had intention to do unlawful but didn’t commit it somehow, it will be recorded for him as one hasanah or good deed.

In Hadeeth, the Prophet narrating about his Lord I'm and said, "Allah ordered (the appointed

angels over you) that the good and the bad deeds be written, and He then showed (the way) how (to write). If somebody intends to do a good deed and he does not do it, then Allah will write for him a full good deed (in his account with Him); and if he intends to do a good deed and actually did it, then Allah will write for him (in his account) with Him (its reward equal) from ten to seven hundred times to DIMAO | A12

Vol. I, No. 47 | May 7-13, 2021 (Ramadan 25 - Shawwal 2, 1442)

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SADAIN | from Page A2

THE FUTURE OF ISLAMIC PHILOSOPHY When Islamic philosophy emerged from its classical cocoon, it was championed by the likes of Al-Afghani, Muhammad Abduh, Rashid Rida, Muhammad Iqbal, Hassan al-Banna, Sayyid Qutub and Abul ala Maududi, who in varying stages espoused the idea of modernizing the Muslim mind so that the Muslim society can be freed from the fetters of Western control. The more radical thinkers like Al-Banna and Qutub went on to say that if repression be-

comes intolerable for the practice of the faith, then it is justified to raise in arms against, and overthrow, the entrenched power. Most of them envisioned that the struggle will end in the re-establishment of the One Ummah, One Khilafah ideal, which contemporary radical elements have opportunistically arrogated unto themselves, and used to justify their extremist means.

The emphasis on self-defense and the renewal of Islam as reactions to western

colonialism, mutated into militancy, and later extremism among the ranks of some conservative Muslims. This twin phenomenon of militancy and extremism led to a rethinking of the option of jihad fi sabilillah (struggle in the way of Allah), and a re-interpretation of jihad as an indispensable duty that is fardhu ayn (individual obligation) instead of fardhu kifayah (communal obligation). Present manifestations of violence intermittently occur, which the West has

irresponsibly and unfortunately lumped together as terrorism, in the process demonizing Islam.

The militant movements of Jamaatu l-Islamiyya, Ikhwanu lMuslimeen, Al-Qaida and Haraqatu l-Islamiya have turned into convenient examples of the extreme consequence of Islamic philosophy’s political response to Western domination and aggression.

The ultimate question, “Where now, Islamic Philosophy?” should equally apply to the Muslim individual

and community, and interest Muslim intellectuals seeking to highlight the moderate Muslim majority against the radicalized extreme minority. Perhaps, the next stage of Islamic Philosophy in the present era of digital culture, transnational relations and a narrowing of the geographical distance between races and countries, should be the search for a universal Islamic socio-political philosophy of moderation and value renewal.

It should be a philosophy that emphasizes

order. Failure to obey such constitutional mandate is violation of the Constitution and our criminal laws.

PNoy is no longer President. He ceased to be President more than four years ago.

Why has this Ombudsm as well as his predecessors not ruled on the motion for reconsideration filed six years ago? Something is visibly wrong here.

Something is wrong with the Ombudsman – either the office is incompetent or political consideration has become the basis for the office to sleep on the motion for reconsideration Whatever is the reason, the persons occupying the office will be held accountable when a competent President is elected into office in 2022.

The lineage: The history of PNoy’s family has undeniable record of betrayal. His grandfather, Benigno Aquino, Sr. served as the Speaker of the National Assembly in the Japanese sponsored government during the Japanese occupation; his father, Senator Be-

nigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr., delivered a privilege speech in the Senate against the Philippine plan to recapture Sabah and in the miting de avance of the Liberal Party on August 21, 1971 at Plaza Miranda in Manila of which he was the Secretary General , he delayed his arrival at the rally as he had information that the site will be bombed.

Despite his knowledge of the information, he did not inform his fellow LP leaders, many of whom were his rivals for the presidential nomination.

A number of people died and probable LP presidential nominees like Senators Gerardo “Gerry” Roxas and Jovito “Jovy” Salonga were severely wounded.

His mother, President Corazon “Cory” Aquino reneged on her promise to then vicepresidential candidate Salvador “Doy” UNIDO that she would only be a ceremonial President and Vice-President Laurel would be Prime Minister to govern the country with his Cabinet. Not only that – she abolished the Parliament whose courageous Op-

normative values instead of the anachronistic realities of the times of revelations. It should also be a philosophy that seeks to inculcate these values in today’s Muslim societies; for these values, just like the words of Allah that ordained them, persist through time, and are not mere manifestations of the evolution of societies. Finally, it is a philosophy that will truly herald the Qur’anic reference to the Muslim Ummah as the Ummatan Wasatan or the Community of the Middle Means. MKS

ADAZA | from Page A3

TREASON AND PRESIDENTS (2) The law is unconstitutional as it violated constitutional provisions – on national territory under Article I, on equal protection clause under section 1 of Article III, on sovereignty under section 1 of Article II, on the oath of the President under section 5 of Article VII, section 4 of Article on social equality, section 10 of Article II since it will lead to social imbalance, section 12 of Article II on the sanctity of the family, section 20 of Article II which promotes an economy controlled by Filipinos, section 8 of Article III which prohibits the establishment of a religion, section 1 of Article IX which defines and denominates our country’s political subdivisions.

To sum up this flood of constitutional violations, BBL gives away Philippine territory, sovereignty, and jurisdiction over sizeable areas in Mindanao to the MILF. It is not for PNoy, Drilon and Belmonte to give away these to the MILF – an enemy of the State. They are wanton

violations of the Constitution and a serious and intolerable act of treason.

The Supreme Court declared the agreement between President Gloria M. Arroyo and the MILF which embodied almost everything in the BBL unconstitutional but despite the nullification of the agreement, PNoy and his associates continued his agreement with the MILF for the passage of the BBL. Ombudsman: Like many useless and incompetent offices of government, then and now, the Ombudsman dismissed the complaint on the claim that the President is immune from suit. What does this mean? A suit is a court case. Under current antediluvian jurisprudence, a President cannot be sued in court while in office. But the Ombudsman is not a court. The complaint is not a suit – it is just for investigation of PNoy while still in office so that if the Ombudsman finds a probable cause for treason against

PNoy and his coconspirators, the case will be filed before the Sandigan Bayan when PNoy is out of office.

There is no law which prohibits an incumbent President to be investigated by the Ombudsman. On the other hand, section 13 (1) of Article X1 of the Constitution categorically defines, the duties of the Obudsman, thus: “Section 13. The Office of the Ombudsman shall have the following functions, powers and duties: (1) Investigate on its own or on complaint by any person, any act or omission of any public official...” (Bold letters supplied.)

This constitutional provision does not provide for any exception.

The provision is written in simple English. It is clear. While it is a doctrine in this jurisdiction that the President is immune from suit while in office, it does not preclude the Ombudsman from conducting an investigation since there is a complaint.

This is a constitutional

position members paved the way for the Edsa upheaval. So it is no surprise to me that PNoy committed acts of treason against the country.

Emerging scenario: If the right President will be elected in the 2022 elections who is a no nonsense leader determined to change the face of the country, it is not unlikely that the Siamese twins, President Digong and PNoy, will be prosecuted, convicted and sentenced for treason to enjoy the rest of their lives together in a cell somewhere to reminisce about their colorful lives - complete with reminiscences about beautiful women, rape, murder, betrayal, and meanderings with the gentle winds of silahis.

Considering the current Philippine environment, is this scenario probable? This question reminds me of a movie I viewed many decades ago which starred Robert Mitchum – Only Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison. Yes, indeed, only Heaven knows whether this scenario will come to pass. But as they say, dreams never die - only dreamers gracefully fade away into the entrancing glow of sunset.

HAA

JANNARAL | from Page A3

A prelude to PMT 1st Anniversary & COVID-19 Vaccines Adverse Reactions In his medical opinion, Dr. Bangahan said: “Not all medical treatment or vaccination are be-all and one-all therapeutic regimen, even if previously proven effective and safe to others.”

He added, “the dictum is, no two patients are the same, hence it must be kept in mind

that each one is different from another in the determination of do's and dont's.”

There you are my apprehension on the safety of the vaccines is now definitely answered. So it doesn’t follow that when the President is very much safe after he has been

vaccinated too that I need not worry since I could be safe too.

But looking back at the dictum written by Dr. Bangahan which I would like to quote: “No two patients are the same, hence it must be kept in mind that each one is different from another in the determi-

nation of do's and dont's.”

PostScript: The Batanes To Tawi-Tawi would like to join the bandwagon of Netizens to congratulate incoming PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar whose appointment as the Chief of the Philippine National Police has

been signed already by President Rodrigo R. Duterte and was revealed too in a national television broadcast no less than by Presidential Spokesman Atty. Harry Roque.

When outgoing PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Debold Sinas took over the helm of the Philippine

National Police, I was surprised why it was not Lt. Gen. Eleazar who did an exemplary performance as chief of the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) in Taguig City.

For your Comments and Suggestions, please send an email to julmunir1845media@ gmail.com

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Vol. I, No. 47 | May 7-13, 2021 (Ramadan 25 - Shawwal 2, 1442)

COVID-19 | from Page A6

COVID-19 vaccine claims life of the first Tausug victim We are blessed by your generosity of love and care, and your unselfishness to share your knowledge and expertise. Among those whose lives you have touched, in our hearts, you started as our "ma'am" and ended as our "mom". That is how

dear you are to us.”

The ever grateful Asec Saada wrote more meaningful birthday greetings to Dr. Malbun: “On your birthday, may Allāh SWT continue to keep you safe, healthy and happy from today onwards. Ameen” Finally, Asec Saada

described in one birthday of the late Sulu schools superintendent saying, “Eid Milad to "the mentor of mentors" Dr Amy Malbun - the last ARMM SuptEligible and Educator CESO, the only Muslim educator to be PASS National Board Secre-

tary - You have set the bar so high that no one has come after you. On your birthday today, may this be the challenge for the current generation of the region's education leaders!

Even in your retirement, you continue to

give back and travel to the Sulu through your Sahaya Integrated School project.

Finally, Dr. Amy Malbun who was born on January 29, 1943 started her long journey to her creator on May 2, 2021 in Manila.

Thus, in Al Baqara (The Cow) of Surah 2, Verse 156 of the Holy Qur’an, it says “Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un.” (Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Allah we shall return.)

JIJ

AFP | from Page A8

AFP, BARMM officials talks on sustaining peace and development in Sulu “The strengthened cooperation and convergence between the armed forces and our stakeholders led to the effective implementation of efforts to address terrorism and insurgency in the region. This is an opportune event to sustain our gains in the province of Sulu” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. added.

During the call, Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. was accompanied by Joint Task Force Sulu Com-

mander Maj. Gen. William Gonzales, the commanders of the military brigades in Sulu, and the Command Staff.

According to Maj. Gen. Gonzales, the province of Sulu as one of the five provinces of BARMM is now ready for sustainable development. The security situation in the province is considered at a manageable level as manifested by the diminished level of atrocities.

Sulu is headed by Governor Abdusakur Tan where sometimes there is armed conflict between the security forces of the government due to the atrocities waged by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) terrorists in Sulu.

“We fervently believe that the BARMM and the Joint Task Force Sulu can work hand-in-hand towards sustaining the peace and can bring significant development in

the province,” said Maj. Gen. Gonzales.

“Rest assured that we in the Joint Task Force Sulu and 11th Infantry Division, your army in Western Mindanao, will remain committed as ever. We will never bring down our guards in protecting the people and the communities and shall continue to uphold and contribute to sustaining the community development,” he added.

In his message,

Chief Minister Ebrahim said, “We are fortunate that in the journey towards peace in the Bangsamoro region, we have our dear partners from the security sector to help us out in maintaining order, troops whom we once faced at the other side of defense but are now working with us side by side, one in building the Bangsamoro region.”

“We are very thankful to the Western Mindanao Command for

the help you extended to sustain the peace and order in the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, and the entire Bangsamoro region,” Chief Minister Ibrahim added.

During their arrival, the WestMinCom officials were welcomed

by Chief Minister Ibrahim and the Ministers of the different departments/offices of BARMM. JIJ

POPCOM | from Page A6

POPCOM to ‘pantry’ organizers: Consider giving condoms, pills The head of POPCOM also reminded those who will carry out the allocation of condoms and pills, as well as to those who will avail of the said family planning commodities in community pantries, to observe health proto-

cols at all times.

Most popular FP methods: POPCOM quoted the last National Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) 2017, which revealed that about 1 out of 5 Filipinas take pills as their preferred modern fami-

ly planning method. As reflected also in the said 2017 NDHS, twothirds (66%) of women ages 15 to 49 know that using condoms is a means of preventing HIV transmission. The survey also noted that for Filipinas, the pill

is the most widely known contraception method (98%), followed by the male condom (96%).

The POPCOM executive director likewise reminded of the urgency to attend to women of the aforementioned

age bracket, as there are about 3,099,000 of them with unmet need for family planning exacerbated by COVID19, according to the recent study of the University of the Philippines-Population Institute and the United

DIMAO | from Page A10

Blessing of Ramadhan: Lailat Al-Qadr or the Night of Decree many more times: and if somebody intended to do a bad deed and he does not do it, then Allah will write a full good deed (in his account) with Him, and if he intended to do it (a bad deed) and actually did it, then Allah will write one bad deed (in his account). (3) Alhamdulillah, we are already in the last ten remaining days of the holy month of Ramadhan, wherein Lailat -Qadr or Night of decree is ordained for in between. Therefore, we will discuss it and its features briefly according to some Arabic Islamic books: What is Lailat AlQadr?

It’s one of the nights of the last 10 remaining days of Ramadhan

or Al-Ashr AlAwa’khir, which is not limited or fixed on specific nights, and it has been transferring from one night to another every Ramadhan from the sunset to the emergence of dawn. This blessing was not given to any other nations since the creation of the world but to the Ummah of the Prophet Mohammed only (PBUH).

Some signs of Lailat Al-Qadr The sun rises quietly and the night is moderately felt - it will be sensed as perfect night, so every Muslim blessed with this finds no amout of inactivity nor dullness in giving all his efforts to keep the most expensive night alive by perform-

ing various worships: Reading Qur’an, and Qiyamu Al-layl that fills our hearts with deep attachment to our Creator.

Revelation of Laital Al-Qadr (Possible time) The prophet Mohammed (PBUH) has said: “Search for Laylatul-Qadr in the last ten odd days of Ramadhan” (4) meaning it might be 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, & 29th night; and the most popular among Muslim scholars is on the 27th night.

However, it might be in any day of the last 10 remaining nights, but in the whole nights of Ramadhan to be perfectly pictured in every Muslim’s mind.

Prophetic supplication during Lailat AlQadr

Aisha bint Abi Bakr, one of Prophet's wives (May Allah please with her) asked: "O Messenger of Allah! If I realize Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree), what should I supplicate in it?" He (‫)ﷺ‬ replied, "You should supplicate: ‫اللهم إنك عفو‬ ‫فاعف‬ ‫العفو‬ ‫تحب‬ ُ ‫عني‬Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun, tuhibbul'afwa, fa'fu 'anni (O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness; so forgive me). (5) Wisdom of concealment: If Allah had made it known its specific time to all us, the exaltation and magnificence of Allah remains the same, nothing less. But as we all know that every expensive stuff carries a hefty price tag

- no doubts; all licensure exams meant for a specific profession greatly demands one’s precious time and relentless sacrifices on psychological and financial aspects alike, because the fruits awaits are more worthit not just for one’s self but for his family and for the people he will serve. If this deserves sacrifices, so the Lailat Al-Qadr more. O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness; so forgive me Lastly, this Ramadhan is considered as month of forgiveness, and so it’s necessary to reflect on ourselves how many relatives, or friends we have ignored and stopped to deal with for a long time simply because

Nations Population Fund.

With familyplanning services impeded due to the nationwide implementation of community quarantines, an additional 2,070,000 might be added to the figure, bringing the total to 5,168,000—a 67-% hike. PR we believe that is the best thing to do that started with a small issue, but we have allowed Satan, our real enemy to inflame it until he was able to take us further to the lever where we think sometimes of harming them hypothetically.

My brother, if you can’t talk to them before Ramadhan ends, try to look for a space in your heart that can accommodate them there, and this will be the best of fastings you will feel in return, a real gamechanger.

————— 1.

Quran Tafsir | Tafsir Ibn Kathir - Surah 18. Al-Kahf . Ayah 109 2.

Quran Tafsir | Tafsir Ibn Kathir - Surah 97. Al-Qadr . Ayah 1-4 3.

Sahih alBukhari 6491 4.

Sahih alBukhari 2017 5.

Riyad asSalihin 1195

Rhyme and Others

Vol. I, No. 47 | May 7-13, 2021 (Ramadan 25 - Shawwal 2, 1442)

HUDDLED FIGURES

A13

FRIED FISH WITH SOY SAUCE RECIPE

By ATTY. MEHOL K. SADAIN There is fright in the huddled figures silently clasping hopes of survival, crouching behind bundled bags.

There is bitterness in the far-flung stares of the huddled figures, and seeping weariness in their weak steps

Bombs have deafened the ears of heaven, the gatekeeper has panicked and slammed shut the iron gates.

Do dead men hear the rushing silent feet in the darkening night?

Do the living see the movie house burn

away from

down into

their burning homes and bursts of bullets; walk fast, run urges the instinct, but the mind is numb.

The dark asphalt lanes have turned gory red, spilled blood paints a grotesque mural of crimson and gray.

ashes scattered on ships, blown by windy gustiness in scenes of movie gores from fiery blasts and flares leaving viewers lifeless, bloodied like sodden rags?

Or is the movie’s ending like a long winding rope that binds and secures the figures huddled tight?

Editor’s Note: This is one of the poems written on March 1974 by Atty. Mehol K. Sadain after the 1974 Battle of Jolo. Unlike "A Fire in Town" and "Jolo Exodus" that he also wrote, this “Huddled Figures” has remained unpublished.

“I have rewritten it to better depict the feeling and condition of the war refugees as they sought to escape the war-torn, burning town,” Atty. Sadain said.

ABSTRACT WAR-TORN: The image is an abstract photo of the war-torn town of Jolo in

the province of Sulu during the bloody armed conflict or “Zero Hour” in 1974 between the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) where there were hundreds of casualties died and injured from among the MNLF, AFP, and civilians as well who were caught in a crossfire. Several houses and business establishments were also razed to the grounds. What left standing is the Grand Mosque or Masjid Tulay located in Barangay Tulay in downtown Jolo.

(Contributed Photo)

BANGSAMORO HALAL DISH With Maria Fhebie Ortil

S

weet chili chicken is an easy recipe with crispy chicken and Thai sweet chili sauce. This chicken recipe is so good you will want to lick the plate! This is naturally a Halal recipe good for dinner especially in this time of Ramadan.

Fried fish with soy sauce–one of the simplest recipes for fried fish, but super delicious especially when you drench the ginger soy sauce with steamed white rice.

Growing up in Mindanao, fresh fish is abundant. There are all kinds of fish available in the wet market–big, small, tiny, deepsea, or fresh water. I prefer smaller and tiny fish, deep-fried to crispy goodness that I can just eat the whole fish with bones. If you’ve tried those, you know how great they are.

Without any hesitation, I got a couple of them and made fried fish with soy sauce–one of the simplest recipes for fried fish, but super delicious especially as I said earlier when you drench the ginger soy sauce with steamed white rice.

If you are tired of plain old fried fish with salt, try the fried fish with soy sauce recipe.

INGREDIENTS 1 lb. (600 g) fish 2 inch ginger, peeled, cut into thin strips 1 stalk scallion, cut into 2-inch length and then into thin strips 1 tbsp oil for deep frying 3 tablespoons soy sauc 4 tablespoons water 2 dashes white pepper powder 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil 2 teaspoon sugar INSTRUCTIONS Remove scales, gills, and clean the fish thoroughly. Pat dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce mixture and set aside .Heat up a big wok with enough oil to deep fry the fish, or use a deep fryer. Deep fry the fish until golden brown and crispy.

Transfer out to a serving plate.

In a wok, add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil.

When it's hot, stir-fry the ginger strips until golden brown and transfer out. Using the same oil, add the soy sauce mixture until it boils. Pour the soy sauce over the fish and garnish with the fried ginger strips and scallions. Serve immediately with steamed white rice. MFO