FIRST ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

Guarding the Message of the Qur’an BY MEHOL K. SADAIN

The Muslim National Digital Newspaper | Bearer of Glad Tidings. Vol. II, No. 01 | June 18-24, 2021 (Dhu’l Qidah 7-13, 1442)

SADAIN | A4

12 Pages | P20

Head-shaving of young girls in Maguindanao slammed King Mangudadatu

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

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1st ALLEGED LESBIAN: The first girl of the town of Ampatuan, Maguindanao suspected to be lesbian undergoes a forced shave of her hairs as a punishment for being with the LGBT, an act criticized by Maguindanao 2nd Dist. Board Member King Mangudadatu (inset). (Contributed Photo)

OTABATO CITY: A Muslim leader in the province of Maguindanao in the Bangsamoro region has criticized the forced shaving of the heads of six young Muslim women in the province’ municipality of Ampatuan recently as a form of punishment for allegedly being lesbians. He calls such a humiliating act illegal and a violation of human rights and stresses that national laws should be followed in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

(FULL STORY ON PAGE A2)

BARMM joins 123rd Independence Day celebration

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he Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on Saturday joined the country in its 123rd Independence Day celebration. In a statement, BARMM Chief Minister Ahod

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1st Mindanao Bamboo Expo slated Sept. 15

DAVAO CITY – The finest products made out of bamboo will be showcased in a week-long 1st Mindanao Bamboo Expo scheduled from Sept. 15 to 19 in the Robinsons Place Mall in Valencia City, Bukidnon.

“Murad’ Ebrahim said as a people who struggled for self-determination, the Bangsamoro understands the historic implications of the celebration.

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PMT: THE YEAR THAT PASSED

On June 16, 2020, the plan to establish a national media outfit for Muslim Filipinos first found a space in the social media to land a foothold to start with. What followed is a story full of challenges.

STORY ON PAGE A3

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MSU-GenSan readies opening of college of of medicine

Bangsamoro Parliament resumes session, girds to pass 3 more codes

GEN. SANTOS CITY – The Mindanao State University (MSU) system satellite campus is bracing up to open its own College of Medicine this academic year, pending full completion of construction works for the corresponding P162.9-million building in few weeks.

COTABATO CITY – The interim Bangsamoro parliament has resumed its third regular sessions this week, bracing up to pass the three remaining regional codes on electoral system, revenue, and local government mandated under R.A. 11054 (new autonomy charter).

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Anniversary Issue

1st Mindanao Bamboo Expo slated Sept. 15

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AVAO CITY – The finest products made out of bamboo will be showcased in a week-long 1st Mindanao Bamboo Expo scheduled from Sept. 15 to 19 in the Robinsons Place Mall in Valencia City, Bukidnon. The bamboo expo is a project of the newlyorganized Mindanao Bamboo Industry Development Council (MBIDC) which is supported by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and other agencies of government, including the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP). In a statement on Sunday, MinDA chairperson Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said individual farmers, craftsmen, artisans, commercial groups, and local government units are expected to participate in the first-ever virtual-actual hybrid expo which would display the commercial products made out of bamboo. Products like furniture, treated and laminated bamboo blocks and panels, huts, bamboo houses, and cutlery and kitchen tools will be displayed during the expo. Planting materials of giant bamboo and other bamboo varieties will also be displayed and sold during the expo. “Those who could not physically come to the expo site, MinDA and MBIDC have established a digital platform which would allow virtual visits from booth to booth. The virtual visitors could also engage the expo exhibitors in a business matching, an innovation which would allow even those living in Europe and the US to be able to check out items which they like,” Piñol said. Lectures on bamboo farming, processing, and even financing will also be conducted in actual and virtual sessions. Piñol also encouraged those interested to join the bamboo expo to coordinate with the MinDA through its Facebook page. Meanwhile, Bukidnon Giant Bamboo Resources Corp. president Rod Bioco said the expo will be headed by Bob Tinsay, chairman of the Bukidnon Giant Bamboo Resources Corp. based in Malaybalay City. Prexx Marnie Kate Trozo/PNA

Nearly 2.5M PhilSys registrants now have Land Bank accounts

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AVAO CITY – The partnership between the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) in the implementation of the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) has paid off with 2,481,788 previously unbanked registrants now with accounts as of April 30. The LBP recently reported on its website that of the total, 850,875 have been issued their Land Bank Agent Banking Cards (ABCs) without the initial deposit requirement. The rest is scheduled to receive their cards in July, LBP said. “Land Bank is one with the national government’s financial inclusion agenda. In partnership with the PSA, we are focused on opening accounts for up to eight million low-income, unbanked individuals from the 32 PhilSys priority provinces at the soonest time,” LBP president and chief executive officer Cecilia Borromeo said in a statement. As of the last count, the LBC counters are set up in 790 PhilSys registration sites in 10 regions upon the invitation of National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Karl Chua. More registration centers will be added as signup is ongoing in 32 provinces nationwide. NEARLY | A10

Vol. II, No. 01 | June 18-24, 2021 (Dhu’l Qidah 7-13, 1442)

Head-shaving of young girls in Maguindanao slammed By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

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OTABATO CITY: A Muslim leader in the province of Maguindanao in the Bangsamoro region has criticized the forced shaving of the heads of six young Muslim women in Maguindanao 2nd District Board Member King Mangudadatu emphasized that national laws should be followed in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) although there is already a regional autonomy. Board member King is the son of Maguindanao 2nd Dist. Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu. He added that when the national law is being observed too in the BARMM there can be no discrimination that would take place because there is indeed an LGBT (lesbians, gay, bisexual and transgender) rights in the Philippines. In fact, in Metro Manila for example in Mandaluyong City they have passed a City Ordinance No. 698 Series of 2018 against LGBT discrimination. Thus, with the continuing absence of a national law that will protect the human rights of LGBT Filipinos, the city of Mandaluyong passed Ordinance 698, S-2018, which seeks to “uphold the rights of all Filipinos especially those discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (SOGIE).” Forced shavings go viral on social media The younger Mangudadatu was reacting to the recent forced shaving of the heads of young Muslim girls in Ampatuan town in Maguindanao for being lesbians whose videos on actual shaving went viral on social media. Mangudadatu stressed that although BARMM is an autonomous region and has a devolved political au-

the province’ municipality of Ampatuan recently as a form of punishment for allegedly being lesbians. He said it constituted a violation of human rights.

ON THE FIRING LINE: Four of the 6 young girls alleged lesbians are waiting for their turn to undergo forced shaving of their hairs as their punishment in Ampatuan municipality in Maguindanao. (Contributed Photo) tonomy, but nonetheless it is still part of the Philippines with national laws that prohibit discrimination. Hence, the said laws must be strictly followed or observed up to the letter. He also pointed out that even if having relationship with the same sex is strictly not allowed in Islam, but all Muslims in the BARMM are governed by Philippine laws and human rights must be protected. Likewise, Mangudadatu reiterated that although having sexual relations with the same sex is strictly prohibited in Islam, however all Muslims in the Bangsamoro region are governed by Philippine laws and their human rights must be protected at all times. He added that the Philippines is not like Muslim countries where SOGIE as mentioned earlier is prohibited. “Mayroon tayong mga batas, saklaw pa rin tayo ng batas ng Pilipinas,” (We have laws and we are still covered by Philippine laws), Mangudadatu said. He cited Section 2, Article 2 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution that declares that the State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full re-

spect of human rights. This fundamental law ensures that all persons in the Philippines must be able to live peacefully, with dignity, safe from abuse of any individual or institutions, including the State. The Bill of Rights in the 1987 Constitution also guarantees equal protection for every Filipino, and prohibits discrimination of persons based on ethnicity, race, religion or belief, political inclination, social class, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, civil status, medical condition, or any other status in the enjoyment of rights The 2nd District Maguindanao Provincial Board Member further emphasized that even at Republic Act No. 11054 or the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) it states that “No person in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao shall be subjected to any form of discrimination on account of creed, religion, ethnic origin, parentage, or gender’.” The Commission on Human Rights has recently started the investigation on this matter saying that no religion can be a justification for human rights

violations. Trauma and psychosocial support Mangudadatu emphasized the trauma that these young girls who were shaved must be experiencing having been subjected to this public punishment, ridicule and complete with speakers, where no less than 50 people including small children were present as audience. He said that psychosocial services must be provided to them. “Magkakaroon dapat sila ng counseling. Minor sila at hindi natin alam kung ano ang nasa isip nila ngayon. Not less than 50 persons ang nandoon at ginawan sila ng program, may speakers, may mga tumatawa habang sila ay umiiyak. Makikita mo ang bigat pero di nila kaya iexpress kasi takot sila,” Mangudadatu said. “Sobra napahiya ang mga bata dahil kinalbo sila. Dapat hindi na nila ito ginawa at binigyan nalang sila ng advice at pagkakataon para magbago. Dahil sa ginawa sa mga kabataan na ito, baka mas lalo pa silang magrebelde (sa mga magulang) at sundin ang mga mali kesa sa mga tama bilang Muslim,” Mangudadatu HEAD | A10

Anniversary Issue

Vol. II, No. 01 | June 18-24, 2021 (Dhu’l Qidah 7-13, 1442)

BARMM joins 123rd Independence Day celebration

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BTA member Jannati praises gov’t support for Bangsamoro

By NOEL PUNZALAN

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OTABATO CITY – The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on Saturday joined the country in its 123rd Independence Day celebration. In a statement, BARMM Chief Minister Ahod “As we continue rebuilding the (BARMM) region, we hope that our humble work paves the way for a meaningful recognition of our history in fighting against colonialism and oppression,” he said. The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), once the largest Moro rebel group in Mindanao that Ebrahim also heads, has inked a comprehensive peace agreement with the government. President Rodrigo Duterte signed on July 26, 2018, the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) replacing the decades-old Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) with the new MILF-led BARMM to usher sustainable peace in the region. Ebrahim said Bangsamoro honors the sacrifices of the Filipino heroes and the people towards genuine inde-

“Murad’ Ebrahim said as a people who struggled for self-determination, the Bangsamoro understands the historic implications of the celebration.

Bangsamoro parliament member Basit “Jannati” Mimbantas” Abbas. (PIA Photo)

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao administrative building in Cotabato City. (BOI-BARMM) pendence, citing that the sanctity of the liberty we are currently enjoying reflects the Filipino values of courage, hope, and resilience. “(Such) traits the Bangsamoro is all familiar with. It is, therefore, a must for everyone to sustain this legacy for the generation and those who will fol-

low,” he said. Ebrahim emphasized that love for the country is needed now more than ever, with the coronavirus disease 2019 affecting the lives of Filipinos for more than a year. “Our patriotism can be manifested even with the smallest acts, such as observing the

minimum health standards,” he said. Ebrahim noted that such adherence reflects the courage and nobility of the Filipino ancestors by beating an enemy, such as the pandemic. “There is hope and we need everyone to win this battle,” he said. PNA

PRO-BARMM disqualifies, charges 4 applicants, 2 cohorts EDWIN FERNANDEZ CAMP SK PENDATUN, Maguindanao – The Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PROBARMM) has disqualified and filed charges against four police applicants and two civilian cohorts for deliberately submitting fake reverse transcription - polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) test results in the ongoing recruitment process in this camp. One of the four applicants tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). “Honesty is one of the requirements in joining the ranks of the Philippine National Police (PNP),” Brig. Gen. Eden Ugale, PRO-BARMM director, told reporters in an interview here Friday. Ugale said the four applicants, whose

names were withheld for security reasons, and their two civilian cohorts, identified as Jalal Adiong and Abdullah Oga, were criminally charged and referred before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office for falsification of public documents and violation of Republic Act 11332 or the Law on Reporting Communicable Diseases. He said based on the investigation conducted by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) – BARMM on Thursday, 66 police applicants

submitted questionable RT-PCR results. “Upon further verification and validation, four out of the 66 applicants came out to have submitted spurious RTPCR results,” he said. “Investigation also showed that (the) four applicants did not undergo swab tests and were given RT-PCR results by the two civilian cohorts for a fee.” Ugale said three of the four applicants have been arrested and are in the custodial facility of the CIDG while the fourth applicant who tested posi-

tive for Covid-19 was admitted to the Parang District Hospital quarantine facility in Parang, Maguindanao. He noted that the aggressive reform in the PNP recruitment system is a long-term internal cleansing measure initiated by PNP Chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, under the intensified cleanliness policy when he assumed the top post on May 8. The move targets to demolish the culture of corruption and the “padrino system” in the PNP recruitment system. Informed of the disqualification and filing of charges against the four, Eleazar lauded the PRO-BARMM for a “job well done.” More than 17,000 policemen across the country are set to be recruited this year. PNA

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur: Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) parliament member Basit “Jannati” Mimbantas” Abbas has lauded the present administration for the visible relevant initiatives delivered in Bangsamoro communities through the normalization track. State media reported on Sunday, June 6, that Abbas recognized the striving departments and organizations that kept an eye on the peace process. This he said during the turnover of mobile rice mills kicked off by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) at Camp Bushra Somiorang in Lanao del Sur, which he chairs, on Friday, June 4. The DTI and the OPAPP handed over five mobile rice mills for the camp’s noted cooperatives through the Inter Cabinet Cluster Mechanism on Normalization-Peaceful Return and Aggressive Inclusion Social Entrepreneurship (ICCMNPRAISE). Abbas who is Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Northeastern Mindanao Front’s commander said, “We thank the generous assistance of the different contributors from the government, the DTI and other departments, the OPAPP, JNC, JPSC, other organizations and individuals who are behind the realization of our elusive dreams and for all the projects and developments in implementing the normalization track of the peace process.” MASIDING NOOR YAHYA

DILG takes over NoCot town as LGU officials in isolation KIDAPAWAN CITY: All elected officials of a town in North Cotabato are now in isolation due to possible coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infection after having close contact with a colleague who has contracted the virus. “I was told that one of our colleagues in the Sangguniang Bayan was positive of Covid-19 and we have close contact with him,” Vice Mayor Rogelio Marañon of Magpet, North Cotabato said in a phone interview by reporters here Monday. Marañon, who assumed as acting town mayor on June 11 after Mayor Florenito Gonzaga was isolated due to Covid-19 infection, said he and the rest of the 12 councilors are also currently in isolation. “We expect the results of our swab test to come anytime today (Monday). In the meantime, we are on quarantine,” he said. Marañon said the town councilor who manifested symptoms of Covid-19 joined the June 8 session of the Magpet council. “Later, he tested positive and that put the entire town council members as possible virus carrier too,” Marañon said. In the meantime, Ivy Cervantes, municipal local government operations officer of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) -12, assumed as caretaker of the office of the town mayor. Edwin Fernandez/PNA

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Anniversary Issue

Vol. II, No. 01 | June 18-24, 2021 (Dhu’l Qidah 7-13, 1442)

Philippine Muslim Today Inc. Co. Reg. No. 2021030008913-02 DATU YUSOPH B. MAMA Chairman, Board of Directors MASIDING NOOR YAHYA President/CEO JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL Vice President for Internal Affairs ALI G. MACABALANG Vice President for External Affairs

ROCAYA SUMNDAD OTICAL Treasurer MACOD D. RASCAL Secretary CASAN C. CANA Auditor AMANODING ESMAIL Chairman, Special Committee on Administration & Finance

PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY MASIDING NOOR YAHYA Editor-In-Chief and Publisher JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL Managing Editor Bureau Chief for NCR & CALABARZON Regions ALI G. MACABALANG News Editor Bureau Chief for Bangsamoro & Central Mindanao Regions ROCAYA SUMNDAD OTICAL Bureau Chief for Northern Mindanao & CARAGA Regions JOHNNY R. LEE Bureau Chief for Western Mindanao Region FATIMA ORTIL-JANNARAL Advertising Sales Director for NCR NUR-ALI A. MACABALANG Correspondent AMIR HUSSEIN ABBAS Correspondent COLUMNISTS | WRITERS: ATTY. HOMOBONO A. ADAZA IMADODIN BASAR DIMAO ATTY. JUAN PONCE ENRILE JOHNNY R. LEE, Ph.D ATTY. MEHOL K. SADAIN MA. FHEBIE ORTIL DISCLAIMER: Opinion of the writer expressed herein is not necessarily the opinion of Philippine Muslim Today nor of its management. TEMPORARY BUSINESS OFFICE:

NCR SATELLITE OFFICE:

Cor. Mercury & Pluto Streets, Rabago Subd., Villa Verde, Iligan City, 9200 Phone: 091 52184388 | 063 2290965 Email: muslimtoday2020@gmail.com Https://philmuslim.today

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Front page of PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY previous issue.

PMT: THE YEAR THAT PASSED

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ssalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu. On June 16, 2020, the plan to establish a national media outfit for Muslim Filipinos first found a space in the social media to land a foothold to start with. On June 19, 2021, Philippine Muslim Today (PMT) was adopted as the banner and its maiden digital paper issue posted. What followed is a story full of challenges. The PMT finally obtained its registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as Philippine Muslim Today Inc. with Certification No. Co. Reg. No. 2021030008913-02 on March 15, 2021. The Philippine Muslim Today Inc. therefore is the mother organi-

zation and publisher of Philippine Muslim Today newspaper. As embodied in its articles of incorporation, the organization is primarily aimed to be a national strong media entity encompassing the traditional print (hard copy) as well as the digital and online media platforms wherein independent Muslim journalists and Muslim thinkers supported by the Muslim community and non -Muslim sympathizers are united for the common good. The founders envision the organization – 1. As a unifying factor of all Muslim journalists and media practitioners in the Philippines irrespective of tribe, social standing/outlook in life, or political affiliation and persuasion; EDITORIAL | A11

GUARDING THE MESSAGE OF THE QUR’AN Muslims believe that the Noble Qur’an is a revelation from ALLAH, just like the other revelations are to other Prophets, the most commonly known of whom are Nabiy Ibrahim (Abraham with the Suhuf) Nabiy Musa (Moses with the Tawrah), Nabiy Daud (David with the Zabur) and Nabiy Isa (Jesus with the Injil), as can be seen in the following verses: “And this is in the Books of the earliest (revelations): The Suhuf of Abraham and Moses.” [Al-Qur’an, 87:18-19] “It was We who revealed the Tawrah (to Moses). Therein was guidance and light. By its standards have been judged the Jews by the Prophets who bowed to ALLAH’s Will, by the rabbis and the doctors of law…” [Al Qur’an, 5:44] “And it is your Lord that knoweth best all things that are in the heavens and on earth; and We made some of the Prophets to excel others, and We gave to David the Sabur (Psalms).” [Al-Qur’an, 17:55] “And in their footsteps, We sent Jesus, son of Mary, confirming the law that came before him. We sent him the Injil in which was guidance and light, and confirmation of

Ijtihad

HOMOBONO A. ADAZA

the law that had come before him.” [Al-Qur’an, 5:46] In Islam, belief in the Books is ranked alongside submission to ALLAH alone, and belief in all the Prophets who relayed the message of One-

ness, thus: “Say, we believe in ALLAH, and in what has been revealed to us, and what has been revealed to Abraham, Ismael, Isaac, Jacob and the Tribes, and the Books given to Moses, Jesus, and the Prophets, from their Lord. We make no distinction between one and the other; and to ALLAH we bow in submission.” [Al-Qur’an, 3:84] The Noble Qur’an, as ALLAH’s revelation is called the Kalaamullah or Words of ALLAH, and is considered as final and guarded: SADAIN | A11

Anniversary Issue ISAMBAYAN and the 2022 Presidential Election “If you can dream - and not make dreams your master; If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim, If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster And treat those two impostors just the same:. If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools, Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken, And stoop and build'em up with worn-out tools;” – From IF by Rudyard Kipling

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congratulate the organizers of ISAMBAYAN. In the current Philippine environment, it is not easy to do that. It is swimming against the current. It is a daring move. It is not usual – considering the kind of politicians we have. All of them are in the mining business – that is mine, yours is mine, and mine all mine. This one sounds very familiar since the person known to have initiated the mining business is very much alive and kicking with unabashed desire to get back to power through her children. With a Catholic ma-

jority, it is possible that miracles can happen and the Opposition can unite against the formidable Duterte machine and succeed to defeat it. Unity: To unite a fractured Opposition is not easy, it is difficult. The fact that it is difficult does not mean it can’t be done. During the time of Marcos, it was difficult and dangerous to move for unity in the Opposition. But it was done and the rest is history. Based on our experience, unity is not enough. It should be unity for a common program designed to better the

Diliman Way

HOMOBONO A. ADAZA interest of the country and our people. There at least two precedents for a united Opposition which toppled two governments – the Marcos regime and the Erap residency. But it was unity which proved to be colossal failures. Why? The Opposition was united to topple regimes on the bases of misdeeds of the toppled leadership. While rage is a necessary instrument for unity, it is not enough. You need a vision with a blue print that defines specific programs – not motherhood statements. ADAZA | A11

Parable of PMT-19 vis-a-vis COVID-19

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appy 1st Anniversary to the Management and Staff of Philippine Muslim Today (PMT-19)! Looking back to the year 2020, COVID-19 Pandemic has newly started last year creating havoc to normal lives of the Filipino people, when the Maiden Issue of PMT-19 was also launched on June 19, 2020. Editor-in-Chief Masiding Noor Yahya and this Columnist thought of launching a digital online newspaper as one way to ward off our boredom considering that the government due to the onslaught of COVID-19 pandemic had put several places in the Philippines under a state of lockdown where your movement is monitored by the Philippine National Police, members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP); including the Barangay Tanod of every barangay. Thus having in mind

on how to elude boredom, we finally launched the maiden issue of the first National Muslim Digital Online Newspaper which is abbreviated as PMT-19. Consequently we invited well meaning Columnists who are all experts in their own rights and who are still with us sharing their words of wisdom unconditionally on without any single remuneration. They are with us through thick and thin until now. They are the likes of Atty. Mehol K. Sadain, who aside from being a legal luminary is also a Shari’ah Counselor. His column on Ijtihad is really worth reading especially for people who would like to enhance their knowledge on Islam. Thank you too Ronnie Lee who writes well an Essay as well as his narrative about the chronologically arranged “The Battle of Jolo” during the Martial Law Era. We have also Dr.

Vol. II, No. 01 | June 18-24, 2021 (Dhu’l Qidah 7-13, 1442)

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Covid 19 vaccination: to have or not to have

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ever has the world been made to bear the noxiousness of this much extensive pandemic covidization more horrendously than it has been now, in which the nasty virus has pervaded almost the whole world, killing surreptitiously and leaving some of its victims almost helpless. We had serious pandemic diseases in the past with indescribable lethality, but the extent of the areas involved was not so prevalent as the permeation undergone by this virus. Now, as we speak, it is not farfetched to state that perhaps no country, if at all, has been completely exempted. Such a unique meanness of a viral disease is enough to create an overwhelming creepiness in anyone’s state of mind. If all people have been engulfed by fear, it is because that each one always thinks of his loved ones first and

foremost and what possible state of health they are apt to be in. Indeed this Covid 19 level of horror very peculiarly different. Be that as it may, we have to settle in peace and quiet and deal with the problem with an unaffected presence of mind. Viruses, like bacteria, are organisms created to cause diseases, but some of them do not necessarily result that way because the human body defense system produces antibodies that are competent enough to prevent them from generating diseases, even without either vaccines or the development of clinical diseases. Other viruses are indeed capable of producing some mild forms of clinical symptoms, but which also activate the human defense system into creating the appropriate antibodies that

My two-cents Rx

BENJ. S. BANGAHAN, M.D., FPCP, FPCCP would render the diseases mild and shortlived. It is the drastic form of viruses, the more dreadful ones, in which problems can develop and create clinical guessing games. Despite the expertise of medical science that doctors know and apply, morbidity and mortality would still be inadequately addressed. Covi d-19 probably belongs here. Just as a corollary, the Philippine statistics has observed since about more than two weeks ago that there has been large scale spread of the different variants of CovidBANGAHAN | A13

Electrification and Its Connection to Progress and Technology

Batanes to Tawi-Tawi

JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL Benj Bangahan, a Tausug Medical Doctor who was a former faculty member of the College of Medicine of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Manila. Dr. Benj’s medical column “My two-cents Rx” can be easily understood by layman as he made the medical terms easily to be understood. Aside from being a distinguished physician, he is also an author of the Tausug Dictionary where a person who is not conversant of this local dialect can easily search for the meaning in English Writing from down South in TawiJANNARAL | A11

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s far as I am concerned, if there is is any invention of man which is the most important, it is electricity. Without electricity, the world will be largely in darkness. Without electricity that provided power and energy, industries and factories would have not existed. Without electricity, industrialization would have not been possible. Mankind would still be backward and progress is slow, if not difficult. In today's modern world, everything is run by electricity, whether it is power using fossil fuel, nuclear, geothermal and other natural sources of power and energy. In Japan for instance, their Bullet Train or Shinkasu is run by electricity, not by fossil fuels. The reason I discuss this matter about power, energy or electricity, because this is the recurring and perpetual problem in Basilan and Sulu, the lack of power and energy to

light homes and businesses and energize local industries. In Basilan Province, since more than two decades, blackouts in the night and brownouts at daytime is a daily routine of BASELCO or Basilan Electric Cooperative. The frequent on and off and the sudden upsurge of power when it is turned on had destroyed appliances and machines. Businesses are affected when there is no power. Works in the office or construction sites are delayed and affected by the recurring power failure everyday. I can vividly recall, when I first ran for Governor, as a neophyte political leader and an MNLF leader who negotiated peace locally with the Marcos government, facilitated by the then Minister of Defense Juan Ponce Enrile, through the efforts of Col. Eduardo Ermita and LtCol. Sillona, both from the Minis-

Southern Frontier

GERRY SALAPUDDIN try of Defense, during my Miting de Advance at Plaza Rizal, Isabela, as I delivered my speech, the light was turned off by the BASELCO management, by instruction of the then OIC Governor Louis W. Alano. Anyway, despite all they did against me, including laying an ambush against me in Matarling, Lantawan, after my evening campaign in Maluso, by Allah's will, I won the election which was deemed impossible that time, to become the first duly elected Yakan Governor of Basilan.

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Anniversary Issue

BTA lifespan extension at a glance

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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 for in different parts of the country where they sought refuge. But in the case of proPunchline jections by regional and national officials on the possible outcome of 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 ALI G. MACABALANG Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) lifespan is more rational and less burdensome to both the 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 three-year 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 urgently. 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” in the 18th Congress. Congress adjourned sessions sine die on June 4. But they said the Senate and the House have assured to pass the enabling bill even on special sessions upon receipt of a Presidential certification, which was reportedly endorsed by Finance Secretary Sonny Domínguez. 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 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 of political party accreditation. Minus it, who will accredit candidates and their parties for Parliament seats? Lawyer-members 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 accept defeat in an election

where traditional politics is expected to prevail as usual due to their longexisting networks and assets? Of course, the answer is no. It is very likely that these ruling MILF and MNLF leaders would do everything within their reach to win, including the use of huge funds under their disposal to fuel their campaign and ensure victory. And such a 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 Political 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

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Vol. II, No. 01 | June 18-24, 2021 (Dhu’l Qidah 7-13, 1442)

BANGAHAN | from Page A4

Covid 19 vaccination: to have or not to have 19, to wit: 1246 cases from Beta or South Africa variant, 1071 cases from Alpha or UK variant, 13 cases of Delta or India variant, 2 cases of Gamma or Brazil variant, and 163 cases of Theta variant discovered in Central Visayas but which is still under investigation by WHO. Still, by tradition, the antibody, either naturally produced or maninduced through vaccines, is still the armamentarium resorted to in this face-off. In relevance to this subject, we may have to state that, comparing the antivirus drugs and the antibiotics according to the parameters of efficacy, adverse events and price, the former is inferior and is much costlier. This is not to say that vaccines have no downsides, for there are. Now zeroing in on vaccine production. Manufacturers from different countries have been moving double time on account of worldwide panic and general fear. The state of urgency, to some extent, has apparently pushed researchers to sacrifice the standard length of time of each phase of investigation and tests for the purpose of coping up with the need. That is perhaps the reason why vaccines have been observed to have become immediately available one after another just in a span of even just about two years or even less, a short time indeed compared to the standard practice of drug study, which encompasses phases I, II, III, and even including phase IV, the period of actual clinical use, which in total can translate into much longer time. Vaccines prevent diseases by mimicking the organisms, thereby triggering the human body to generate antibodies that bring about protection if the person gets infected with the actual virus. They differ in composition, therefore, they are also expected to differ in the manner of triggering

immune response to create antibodies. As of the last couple of days, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a total of eight (8) vaccines to which it issued emergency use authorization (EUA) and which are available in the country; they are (chronologically): 1. BioNTech by Pfizer 2. Oxford AstraZeneca 3. CoronaVac vaccine by Sinovac 4. Sputnik V by Gamaleya Research Institute (Russia’s Min. of Health) 5. Janssen vaccine by Johnson & Johnson 6. Covaxin vaccine by Bharat Biotech of India 7. Moderna vaccine by Moderna, NIAID 8. Sinopharm vaccine by Beijing Inst. of Biological Products Not all vaccines are similar. Some are to be given only to 12 years and above, others given only to 16 years and older, and they have differences in adverse events. The specifications of each vaccine is a must information that medical frontliners are expecte d be aware of. It has been the belief of most viral disease experts that Covid -19 vaccination does not mean that one cannot be affected by the viral disease. What good effect the vaccination renders is, if a person does catch the disease, he can handle it better, and in all probability hospitalization may be less likely, and more importantly, he has more chances of being saved from death. The possible unpleasant side effects that might follow the vaccination, and which may become sourc es of anxiety are: tenderness, pain, warmth, reddening and swelling in the area and the vicinity of the injection; feeling of being physically weak; headache and feverishness; and musculo-skeletal discomfort. These are signs that the vaccine is actually rendering its protective effects; usually they get relieved after 2 or 3 days. Should they persist more than that, a simple pain relieving medicine ma y be taken. Allergic reactions may occur, and if it is manifested by difficulty of breathing, wheezing sound during respiration, swelling of the face, feeling of tightness of the throat, he/she must be immediately brought to a doctor. Lately, a problem of some vaccines becoming the source of adverse

events involving blood clotting has been raised since the event is quite concerning. Blood clotting has been observed to occur more in the brain and abdominal areas. Accordingly, the blood clotting issue is observed in Johnson & Johnson, Oxford AstraSeneca and Spu tnik V vaccines. All post-vaccination adverse events are looked into by the entity Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI). On the whole, the wisdom behind the advice for immunization is well founded on medical studies, but it is just unfortunate that some adverse events are unpredictable. While vaccination is said to be not mandatory, the government encourages the public to submit for vaccination and be protected, which consequently also protects the families and the general population. And in that context, postvaccinated persons must continue wearing face masks and shields, do hand washing, avoid crowd, observe distancing and maintain good ventilation. Maybe relevant to the issue are the frequently read posts that warn people about the cruel intention behind the creation of the virus, as well as the wickedness of the produced vaccines, if indeed the bases of the writers substantiate the claims. While some of the posts have been apparently made by respectable people in the medical field, and especially in virology, we are not, under the circumstances, in a position to establish who are speaking the truth regarding the issue. The very palpable reality is that, thousands and thousands worldwide die everyday, and the number is increasing in some areas more than it is abating. That reality is what needs being confronted in any way one can, for life is precious, and Allah swt has endowed all His creations the intellect to engender all modalities appropriate to stymie the calamitous event, whether or not the etiologic circumstances are known. There are times when our God-given intellect, sense of good and evil and simple common sense can be of big help. Māassalāma.

Anniversary Issue

Vol. II, No. 01 | June 18-24, 2021 (Dhu’l Qidah 7-13, 1442)

MSU-GenSan readies opening of college of medicine

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Bangsamoro Parliament resumes session, girds to pass 3 more codes

By ALI G. MACABALANG

G is

EN. SANTOS CITY – The Mindanao State University (MSU) system satellite campus bracing up to open its own Col-

Officials of the university campus here, known as MSU-GSC, said a Regional Quality Assessment Team (RQAT) of the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office 12 (CHED-RO XII) has completed its initial assessment of the campus’ College of Medicine (COM) last May 25. The RQAT, led by Auditor-Physician Bonifacio E. Valdez alongside Annabelle R. Dafielmoto, Education Supervisor II, conducted an ocular inspection of the COM’s building, library, laboratories, equipment, and facilities, officials told the Philippine Muslim Today news. Dr. Anshari P. Ali, MSU-GSC chancellor, said regional assessment was a prelude to the intent of his administration’s stride to start accepting enrollees of medical studies this school year. His internal audit unit chief, Lorraine Sarigala, was more optimistic that their campus can accommodate enrollees for this current semester. Chancellor Ali, in a chat with the PMT, corroborated the optimism, citing also a positive signal from the MSU system leadership, notably University president Habib W. Macaayong and the Board of Regents (BoR). The BoR is chaired by CHED Chairman Prospero de Vera III. The prospected COM opening will flesh out a 44-year dream among constituents in Central Mindanao (Region XII), including this city, for an institution where their children

lege of Medicine this academic year, pending full completion of construction works for the corresponding P162.9-million building in few weeks.

OCULAR ASSESSMENT: Supplied photos show inspection of the MSU-College of Medicine building and facilities, and of the COM building perspective published in December 2020.

can study medicine to become physicians, Sarigala said. Upon installation as campus chancellor on April 28, 2019, Dr. Ali committed in his investiture speech to establish a College of Medicine alongside strides to link up his campus with national agencies and international institutions, upgrade organizational operations, and expand their academic activities. MSU-GenSan presently maintains colleges of law, agriculture, business administration and accountancy, education, engineering, fisheries, natural sciences and mathematics, social sciences and humanities, and a graduate school alongside a senior high school study. In the first quarter of his chancellorship, Dr. Ali proposed to the university BOR the creation of the COM even as an “extension” unit of

the Marawi City-based main campus’ medical college. But the proposal drew objection from higher MSU officials purportedly undermining the satellite campus capability, inside sources said. “Due to Chancellor Ali’s persistence, the MSU system leadership approved the proposal but with a challenge for the MSU-GenSan campus to administer the proposed college independently,” a subordinate official disclosed. Dr. Ali said he accepted the challenge, but admitted having a mental “burden” as to sourcing out funds to construct the proposed College of Medici ne building and in sustaining its operations. Fortunately, he said, his administration's lobbies had gained the attention of key elected officials in Central Mindanao, notably those of Gen. Santos City gov-

ernment and Rep. Shirlyn BañasNograles. Rep. BañasNograles filed a bill seeking to open an “independent” College of Medicine at the MSU -GenSan campus here, and providing appropriate funds for the purpose. The lady lawmaker alongside city elected officials and other key personalities broke the ground for the construction of the COM building last last Feb. 5. MSU System President Macaayong, to his amazement, even attended the event, it was learned. Construction works worth P162-million for a four-level building have since reached substantial completion under Phase 1, Sarigala said. Of the project cost, the Ali administration allotted P46-million out of savings as counterpart, with the remaining P117-million being committed by the national government, it was learned. Sarigala said Chancellor Ali was “so eager” about the opening of COM classes that he had earlier assigned some rooms in the College of Law building for medical study classes. Elected officials in Central Mindanao are reportedly equally eager about the COM opening, because the region lacks a medical center. The Cotabato Regional Medical Center is located in Cotabato City, which is now part of the infant Bangsamoro autonomous region. AGM

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BTA CEREMONIAL OPENING: Screenshot photo of the ceremonial opening of the Bangsamoro Parliament by Regional Wali Sheikh Khalifa Nando on June 16

COTABATO CITY – The interim Bangsamoro parliament has resumed its third regular sessions this week, bracing up to pass the three remaining regional codes on electoral system, revenue, and local government mandated under R.A. 11054 (new autonomy charter) and the state’s peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The parliament’s third regular session formally resumed with the ceremonial sounding of gong by Bangsamoro Wali Sheik Khalifa Usman Nando in rites here on Tuesday, June 15, paving the way for Speaker Pangalian Balindong and Chief Minister Ahod “Hadji Murad” Ebrahim to unveil the accomplishments and agenda of their respective domains. Both Balindong, a lawyer and veteran lawmaker, and Ebrahim, the MILF chairman-turnedregional chief executive, underscored the upcoming deliberation of the regional codes on electoral system, revenue and local government as top priority legislative agenda Balindong, who physically presided over the opening of the third regular parliament session, said their chamber has already passed 18 measures, including three other priority codes— the Administrative Code, Civil Service Code and Bangsamoro Education Code. There are about 100 bills and 430 resolutions filed in the plenary. At least 122 of the resolutions have been approved, a report from Balindong’s office said. The enactment into law the Administrative Code, Civil Service Code and Education Code and of the remaining edicts on electoral system, revenue and local government has been required under R.A11054 or Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) as envisioned in the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB) between the State and the MILF. A regional technical working group had earlier submitted a draft of the electoral code to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for evaluation and suggestions. From the Comelec, the draft will be deliberated in the Parliament plenary, it was learned. “The electoral code which is probably one of the most sensitive legislation(s) that this Parliament will enact must be carefully crafted to ensure that we put premium to the betterment of the electorate. We must ensure that it will pave the way for a genuine political exercise that shall serve the core of the regular Bangsamoro Government. We shall transmit this to the parliament as soon as possible,” Ebrahim said in his virtual message. Bangsamoro government spokesman and Local Government Minister Naguib told a recent press conference that the electoral code would BANGSAMORO | A10

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Anniversary Issue

Vol. II, No. 01 | June 18-24, 2021 (Dhu’l Qidah 7-13, 1442)

INVESTIGATIVE REPORT:

Sultan Muedzul-Lail Tan Kiram calls Mudarasulail A. Kiram as “Fake Sultan” (Last Part) Philippine government interference is asked

By NOROLAIN M. GUNDUL

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL At this stage, Sultan Muedzul-Lail Tan Kiram as the legitimate and ruling monarch of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo (Sabah) said he is appealing for the kind assistance of the Philippine government to come into the picture to stop once and for all the illegal activities of this Paijal Alastam Naim.In particular the legit Sultan Kiram asked National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Eric B. Distor for the NBI to conduct a full-dressed investigation on the shenanigans of this fake Sultan so that his scam business will be put to an end and no more Filipinos will be victimized by this fake Sultan.Secondly, the Sulu Sultan also said he is now making a coordination with the National Statistician and Head of Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Lisa Grace S. Bersales to declare the Birth Certificate of Paijal Alastam Naim whose late birth registration was entered as Mudarasulail Alastam Naim to declare it void ab initio or void from the beginning considering the data entered were from spurious documents. Sultan Kiram said the third course of action as a legal remedy, he will coordinate with Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. to declare also the Philippine passport issued to the fake Sultan under the name of Mudarasulail Alastam Naim as invalid passport and make it void ab initio also considering that the supporting documents like birth certificate is invalid being a fake public document and also deemed as invalid from the beginning since it is also the product of spurious documents. This Paijal Alastam Naim has all the gall to move around and declare himself as a legitimate Sultan despite being a fake one. At this point in time, Sultan Kiram has directed his Royal Ambassador and Secretary General Datu Sadja Matthew Pajares-Yngson to send official communications to NCMF Secretary Saidamen B. Pan-

garungan and NCMF Commissioner Yusoph J. Mando to write them in his behalf as the 35th Sultan of Sulu and North Borneo. Sultan Kiram in behalf also of the Royal House of Sulu informed the two NCMF officials that he learned of the courtesy call made by Paijal Alastam bin Naim to their office particularly to the office of Commissioner Yusoph J. Mando. The Sulu Sultan informed them that Paijal Alastam Naim is a false claimant and a fake Sultan pretending to be a legitimate one. At this juncture, Commissioner Mando confirmed that he received and entertained Paijal in good faith as he used to entertain anybody who comes and visit his office. “As NCMF Commissioner, I welcome everyone and we are public servants mandated to entertain people especially those with personal problems that necessitates the attention of the Commission,” Commissioner Mando emphasized.In the case of Paijal Alastam bin Naim what he told Commissioner Mando are purely lies and deceptions. That is, when he introduced himself to the unsuspecting good Commissioner that he is the Sultan of Sulu. The Commissioner was hoodwinked by Paijal pretending to be legitimate Sultan by showing so many spurious documents to hide his pure lies and deceptions. In fact, the Commissioner even told this writer that his visitor is a legit Sulu Sultan especially when the con man showed to him several documents to camouflage his fake personality. Commissioner Mando sent to this writer the picture of Paijal with him inside his NCMF office. “But when it was showed to me the picture online the commissioner noticed that I failed to recognize the Sultan he was telling this writer. He hastened to ask me further “how familiar are you with the Kiram family?” Of which this writer replied that he is very

much familiar since as among the few Tausug journalists in the country he was tapped as the Royal Minister of Information to the four succeeding Sultans that started with Sultan Jamalul Kiram III; Sultan Esmael D. Kiram; and presently with Sultan Muedzu-Lail Tan Kiram. Sultan Paduka Pahala, the Sulu East King buried in China In fact this writer was a member of the Sultanate of Sulu official entourage officially invited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China to go to Shandong Province to visit the tomb of Sultan Paduka Pahala, the Sultan of Sulu who died in 1417 in Shandong Province. He was known as the East King of Sulu, and was the most famous for being the first king from the area of the modern-day Philippines to be buried in China. He ruled one of the three kingdoms of Sulu during his time. Going back to Paijal Alastam Naim who identifies himself as Sultan Mudarasulail A. Kiram as said earlier he visited recently the NCMF head office in Quezon City. In fact after his visit to the NCMF he consequently posted on his Facebook page that he now works for the Commission. Sultan Muedzuel-Lail Kiram was dismayed by this turn of events. He said, “for the sake of all Muslim Filipinos, we hope this is not true.” Actually Paijal Naim who introduced himself to the Media as the only legitimate Sultan of Sulu in the Philippines. He was brave enough to spread his lies even to the big Media outlet like the CNN where he was quoted “His Majesty (HM) Sultan Mudarasulail Kiram, the Sultan of Sulu to assist over 500,000 undocumented Filipinos in Sabah.” Likewise the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) was also deceived by the culprit to believe his authenticity as a legitimate Sultan of Sulu where he was quoted regarding the case of the undocumented Filipinos in Sabah and said,

Guv Dimaporo turns over new isolation facility in Lanao town of Kauswagan

“they [Muslim Filipinos in Sabah] have not been granted Malaysian citizenship simply because of their Filipino ancestry and are constantly living in fear and subject to harassment and exploitation by unscrupulous parties.” Litany of lies and deceptions This Paijal Alastam bin Naim who introduced himself as the son of the late Sultan Mahakuttah Abdulla Kiram and using the name “Sultan Mudarasulail A. Kiram.” Now with this relationship between father and son, the deception is very glaring. It is common knowledge in Sulu that there are only two male children of Sultan Mahakuttah. Both of which, currently reside in Jolo. Two sons of Sultan Mahakuttah A. Kiram In fact in the family photos on file it specifically show only Datu Muedzul-Lail, now Sultan Muedzul-Lail and his younger brother Datu Yldon with their mother Farida Tan Kiram. So granting Paijal is a Kiram and supposed brother of Sultan Muedzu-Lail how can it be when all the Tausugs of Sulu know very well that the late Sultan Mahakuttah A. Kiram had only two sons. In a nutshell, the Royal Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo categorically deny any involvement in the shameful actions done by the fake Sulu Sultan. This is the statement signed by His Royal Majesty Paduka Mahasari Al-Maulana Ampun Sultan Hadji Muedzul-Lail Tan Kiram ibni Almarhum Sultan Mohammad Mahakuttah Abdulla Kiram, the 35th Sultan of Sulu and North Borneo, as contrary to the fake Sulu Sultan who is bragging his fake identity as the only legitimate Sulu Sultan in the Philippines. Alleged Fake Sultan cannot be contacted As we bring to a close or wind up this investigative report, for the sake of fair play this writer tried to seek the reactions of Mr. Paijal Alastam bin Naim to get FAKE | A10

ILIGAN CITY — Lanao del Norte provincial governor Imelda ‘Angging’ Quibranza Dimaporo and vice governor Cristy Atay led the turnover recently of the new Kapatagan Provincial Hospital Annex Isolation Unit in Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte. The isolation unit is consisting of complete amenities to serve the needs of asymptomatic, mild, and symptomatic confirmed patients of the province. It has a total of 22 rooms which were labeled according to the patient needs such as for Pedia and Delivery rooms and these were also categorized according to the gender of the patients. The facility has the capacity to cater to a total of 75 COVID-19 patients. Aside from the tables, chairs, fans, and comfortable beds, Governor Angging makes sure that each room has its Comfort rooms to make it more conducive for the patients. With the support of the two active Congressmen of this province, Congressman Mohammad Khalid Q. Dimaporo of the 1st District and Congressman Abdullah Dimakuta Dimaporo of the 2nd District, Norte through the initiative of dynamic leadership of Governor Angging, the Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte was able to fund and make this project possible in order to provide transparent, effective and affordable medical services to all the people of the province. As a development partner, Dr. Jovette Guinal of DOH-X lauded all the efforts and initiatives of the PGLDN in addressing the needs of the people amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Guinal earnestly extends her genuine appreciation to all the frontliners in the province to cope up with the surge of positive cases. Dr. Guinal also encourages everyone to submit for vaccination to attain herd immunity. “It’s been 9 months since we open the COVID19 molecular laboratory, the very first laboratory in the region that is solely funded by the LGU. And now another LGU owned facility is open to cater and respond to the increasing COVID cases in Lanao del Norte. With this, it is indeed true that the province is very lucky to have a mother-like leader who is very hands-on with such development like this”, Dr. Guinal said. The isolation unit was also made possible through the active role of the PGLDN Provincial Administrator, Ms. Sittie Aminah Q. Dimaporo. With her being hands-on from tracking of the materials to the technical structure, the project was made successful and was completed on time so that it can be used immediately by the people especially in today’s time wherein there is an insurgency of COVID-19 cases in the province. On the other hand, Governor Angging extended her appreciation to all the efforts of all Chief of Hospitals, doctors, nurses, and most importantly to the efficient management of the Provincial Administrator, for all their dedication, sacrifices, and hard work just to serve the people. “It is not easy to face this adversity alone. Your dedication and support give mes the courage to continue to fight with our quest against this unseen enemy. I hope that with this new facility, you can also help me in giving quality, transparent and effective medical services to all the people of Lanao del Norte’, Governor Angging added. The medical staff who were present in the ceremony showed great joy as Governor Angging genuinely shared the possible upgrading of salary DIMAPORO | A10

Features STEAMED LAPU-LAPU WITH MAYONNAISE

BANGSAMORO HALAL DISH With Maria Fhebie Ortil

O

ne of the healthiest recipes is steamed fish because fish is rich in omega 3 fatty acids that is beneficial to your health. Frying the fish will add cholesterol to it so steaming is the best cooking method if you are health conscious. On this recipe, it is recommended to use lapulapu or grouper which is a little expensive compared to other fishes commonly sold in wet markets or supermarkets. But you can always substitute it with other white flesh fish if lapu-lapu is not available. Other good alternatives are tilapia, talakitok (pompano) or maya-maya (red snapper). To cook steamed lapu- lapu with mayonnaise; Clean the fish and rub with salt. Stuff the mouth and abdomen with ginger. Steam lapu-lapu until cooked, about 30 minutes. Set aside at room temperature. Keep in a chiller for an hour. Remove skin. Spread mayonnaise on both sides of the fish. Sprinkle salt and pepper. Garnish with eggs, parsley and red bell pepper.

Ingredients 1 whole lapu-lapu 1 inch ginger cut into strips 5 grams parsley chopped 300 grams mayonnaise 5 grams red bell pepper chopped 3 pcs egg whites boiled 10 grams salt 3 pcs egg yolks boiled 10 grams ground pepper Instructions How to cook Steamed Lapu- Lapu With Mayonnaise: Clean the fish and rub with salt. Stuff the mouth and abdomen with ginger. Steam lapu-lapu until cooked, about 30 minutes. Set aside at room temperature. Keep in a chiller for an hour. Remove skin. Spread mayonnaise on both sides of the fish. Sprinkle salt and pepper. Garnish with eggs, parsley and red bell pepper. MFO

Vol. I, No. 52 | June 11-17, 2021 (Shawwal 30-Dhu’l Qidah 6, 1442)

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A Testimony of Survivor (2)

I Survived COVID-19 in Jolo! A Litany of a COVID-19 Survivor after the Storm. The night fall, and after hearing the azzan or Call to Prayer, I started to receive dosage of antibiotics from the nurses who were in full gear personal protective equipment (PPE), somehow had helped eased the pain, unmindful of the excruciating pain caused by the anti-viral injections, 'twas so piercing, whooaa, uugh! .. While I was still consciously awake that evening there were some realizations that crossed my minds. Like the WHAT IF.. And by the way, with all honesty before my Saliva test result came out the following day (June 23) I've already anticipated the possible result. And Lo! My guess was gööd as right. 'twas POSSITIVE! But that didn't change the whole gamut. I was still optimistic that in God's time I would surpassed the trials. Among the realizations that I saw were, in a tough time like I was into I was able to count in my fingers the people, regardless of gender and affinity who stood at my back despite of the risk and threatening deadly virus brought about by this Goddamn pandemic that they could possibly bumped while coming to the hospital sending food stuffs and toiletries. ONLY CHOSEN FEW! Well I had no other option than to fend my self at all cost.. But what was heart-melting was a statement from Jey Adjawie, (the one who drove me to the hospital) laung niya, "NAKA LANDUH IN PAG AMAH KU KAYMU HA NGAN SIN TUHAN, IN'SHA'ALLAH, UNUNGAN TAKAW MISAN PAKAIN." (I have treated you as if my own father in the name of Allah, In God’s Will I will be with you wherever you are.) Thank Ü so much 'nak for the food stuff and some other toiletries you provided.. Tuhan na in tumungbas sin katan hinang mu para kakuh. (Allah will reward you for all the good things you have done to me.) Likewise, BIG THANKS to Arzimar "Totoh" Paddam Sahial, a resident nurse at the SSH for all the things you've sent to my room, toiletries, Bang2x Sug (Tausug delicacies) of all sorts, everything that I needed. Damikkiyan (and also) to my loving niece, Ashda "Dah" Jannaral Suhaili for the packed of hand tissues, Alcohol, energy drinks, fruits and et al.. So much thanks go to you endlessly my beautiful niece ! Of course to my Doc Wadz who had helped us a lot in facilitating my admission with no hassles, provided me some fresh fruits during his night visit to my room. I couldn't almost recognized him because he was in full

By ABDULHAN NASSAIE JANNARAL gear PPE suit.. ThankÜ you so much Doc Wadz! To all the nurses most especially to Ms Hayudini and her male nurse counterpart who took care of me gently, and didn't fail to give me a back massage everytime they get into my room. MAGSUKUR TUUD KANIYU MANGA KAANAKAN! (Thank you to all of you my Children!) To Doc Sherhata Ajid, our former student at NDJC during her nursing days who continously keep an eye on me while I was struggling at the hospital. She was also the one who updates my wife of my condition from time to time .. Doc Sher magsukur ha manga services mo (thank you for all your services) especially in lessening our hospital bill. A thanks of gratitude is also extended to Doc Sampang, one of my attending physicians for giving me the warm comfort that I needed since day 1 until day 7. Likewise, a special thanks to Döc Ahmad Sampang Musahari, (my former student in HS) for the prayers and good wishes and for keeping in touch while I was in the hospital. To Ma’am Hji Mis and Ma’am Bevz of MSU-Sulu Laboratory High School (LHS) also goes my gratitude for their unwavering moral support. Damikkiyan (Also) to the big boss of MSU-Sulu SHS, Dr. Norms Abdurahman, MAGSUKUR (Thank you brother Haj for always being there at all times! A weight of endless gratitude to Mr and Mrs Uduk, Ets and Abdel for being our runners at the height of our needs who despite of your hectic schedules where no one at sight gave your ample time bringing my needs and purchasing some meds for my medication.. MAGSUKUR KANIYU manga manghud.! (Thank you to all of you younger siblings!) Another hero in his own humble way where I and my wife owe a tons of gratitude, Al-al Jamiri, who most of the time runs back and forth for our grocery needs, to the pharmacy even at a wee hour and most of the times brought me an early breakfast to the hospital. I could hardly imagine a working young man at Notre Dame of Job College (NDJC) SHS divide his time just to lend his helping hands and time. May Allahu Subhana Wata Allah (A.S.W.) rewards your good deeds, Allahumma Ameen! A special mention also goes to Lhugs Asri, School Nurse of NDJC SHS and his better-half for processing my PhilHealth papers needed for my discharge from the hospital. Thanks Lhugs and to your wifey! I wouldn't allow this space to

escape my notice without having a special mention to this guy, my student this semester, (biyah ku na siya anak (as if he is my own child) actually also spared much of his time to my family, driving all the way from his residence from Bud Pula, comes to our house driving my wife for an errand.. Jiy2x, Terimah Kasî kymu hambuuk anak! To my CFAI family, thank you for the financial assistance extended. To NDJC SHS family, magsukur ha manga sallamata diya nyu pa bay (thank you so much for the presents that you brought to our house) and most especially the financial aid from your end, DAGHAN SALAMAT sa inyo, and to Teacher Paul for the Milky bread.. Salamat ng marami I almost forgot, I humbly thank the Chairwoman of Brgy Asturias and the Honorable Mayor of Jolo for the relief goods sent to our home.Thank you Ma’am and Sir! To my niece Hja Nur-in Jannaral Samparani for always giving me an overseas call and for her moral and financial support all the way from Aji-ad Hospital, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Assa and Toh Pheek for sending the medicines that I needed for my medication. A bunch of thanks kaniyu manga anak. To my only brother, Munir Jannaral, Al-Haj, the Managing Editor of the Philippine Muslim Today for keeping track of my health condition.To all my biological siblings ThankÜ for all your prayers! Likewise to my sister Dr. Radzma Jannaral-Suhaili and her family, "Ate", as I fondly call her, No amount of words that could helped me expressed my endless gratitude for everything that you've been extending to me and my Ahlee, Löve, möral support and financial means.. May A.S.W rewards all the favors you've provided me a thousand folds, Ameen Ya Rabb! Tomorrow, June 10, 2021, Alhamdulilla I'll be completing the 10 day Home Quarantine following standard health protocol, and I'm scheduled to have my first follow-up check-up with my doctor at her clinic, Dra Aming. I am certain if what is in store for me after my check - up tomorrow. Well, let's hope for the best! Lastly, to my Ahlee, our 2 kids Cess and Jhann who are our sources of strength and treasures of our lives and my ever loving and caring wife, Elmida Jannaral.

Jazakamu'Allahu Khairan for the good spirit of a happy family Above all to HIM be the glory for anöther GIFT OF LIFE He had given me.. Shukran O Ya Allah for the Divine Mercy and countless blessings! JIJ

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Anniversary Issue

Vol. II, No. 01 | June 18-24, 2021 (Dhu’l Qidah 7-13, 1442)

HEAD | from Page A3

Head-shaving of young girls in Maguindanao slammed warned. Counseling must be provided According to the Board Member, the young girls families are still embarrassed about the incident because of the highly-conservative community they are in. However, there were reports, in fact, that the parents were actually the ones who sought a solution to their children’s gender orientation and the public shaving was suggested by community leaders. “May conservative

places pa rin tayo lalong lalo na sa Maguindanao na 80% ang mga Muslims ” shared Mangudadatu. He suggested that counseling must be provided not only to the girls and women, but also their families, and those who witnessed the event, especially young children. “Baka mamaya ang gagawin nila sa susunod, pag may nakitang lesbian, hindi nila iaakyat sa kinauukulan, sa LGU, kundi sila na ang gagawa dahil iisipin

nila na tama ang manakit ng kabataan kahit mali,” he explained. Role of LGUs in upholding human rights in BARMM Mangudadatu said that people in BARMM should engage the local governments including the barangay in any situation where human rights are violated. “Ang unang lalapitan ng mga tao (na naviolate ang human rights) ay ang LGU. Nasa batas na dapat tinitingnan ng mga LGU ang karapatang pantao hindi

lang ng LGBT kundi sa lahat ng mga mamamayan,” he added. Islamic teachings As a follower of Islam it is understood that the Islamic faith will never allow Muslims to have sexual relations with the same gender. Instead of being punished by having the hairs of these young girls shaved, they must have been indoctrinated with the rules of Islam and they should have been sent to Madrasah to take further studies on Islam. By

engaging in Islamic teachings there is a big chance for them to undergo reformation like when they are having a tendong or scarf and to wear also the Abaya as they attend their classes at Madrasah. Questions remain hanging Finally, Diana Verzosa Moraleda, a Senior Programme Manager Communications of the International Alert Philippines engaged in the study of Bangsamoro told the Philippine Muslim Today, there are

two very important questions remain unanswered in so far as the forced shaving of the heads of these young girls who are alleged lesbians is concerned: First question, who will be held accountable in the incident? Second question, what is the role of the Bangsamoro government in ensuring that laws are upheld, human rights are protected, and democratic space is safeguarded in the region? JIJ

FAKE | from Page A8

Sultan Muedzul-Lail Tan Kiram accuses Mudarasulail A. Kiram as “Fake Sultan” his side or to belie the accusations against him especially on his authenticity or legitimacy that he is claiming to be a Sultan of Sulu. However, he couldn’t be contacted as of this writing. Comparison of legit and fake Not unless being

scrutinized clearly readers who do not know the historical background of legit and fake Sultan will surely be deceived. In the case at bar the legitimate Sultan is known by his official title as His Royal Majesty Paduka Mahasari AlMaulana Ampun Sultan

Hadji Muedzul-Lail Tan Kiram ibni Almarhum Sultan Mohammad Mahakuttah Abdulla Kiram, the 35th Sultan of Sulu and North Borneo. Whereas the fake Sultan has this official title “His Majesty AlSultan Mudarasulail A. Kiram Ibni AlMarhum

HM Sultan Muhd Mahakuttah A. Kiram, the 30th Legitimate Sultan of Sulu.” Based on the financial background, the fake as compared to the legit has a flamboyant lifestyle being renting a condominium in Metro Manila. While the legit whose

financial status is based on his legitimate business as his source of income is very much contented of his legitimate earnings and not based on questionable income. But while he does not own a condominium unit, but he has his modest Astana or

royal house that the Tausug of Sulu have the highest respect, love, and care to His Majesty Sultan Muedzu-Lail Tan Kiram as the legitimate monarch in the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo (Sabah). JIJ

BANGSAMORO | from Page A7

Bangsamoro Parliament resumes session, girds to pass 3 more codes embody provisions for a shift from current personality-based elections to a system anchored on political party principles, platform and strides befitting the

Bangsamoro aspiration for genuine, honest and fair polls. The bills on revenue code and local government code have earlier been filed with con-

cerned Parliament committees for through deliberation, it was learned. In one of his sponsorship remarks on the Senate bill deferring the

2022 election of regular parliament members and extending the Bangsamoro transition period to 2025, Senator Francisco Tolentino acknowledged a diffi-

culty facing the autonomous government, saying that even the American government spent several years to have its own revenue code. The Philippine Con-

gress adopted parts of the U.S. code to be spared of the difficulty, he said. ALI G. MACABALANG

DIMAPORO | from Page A8

Guv Dimaporo turns over new isolation facility in Lanao town of Kauswagan grades of Nurses I & II upon the approval of the national government. Governor Angging seriously encouraged everyone to participate in global immunization.

The chief Executive deliberately said that these vaccines may not be the cure for COVID-19, but it is still important for it can give us additional prevention from the virus. “Let us help and pro-

tect each other. Let us spread factual information and discourage making more confusion by sharing negativity and false info. And most importantly we should continue to strictly fol-

low standard health protocols.” Governor Angging said. Aside from the staff of Kapatagan Provincial Hospital, also present during the event were Vice Governor Cristy

Atay, SP Committee on Health and Sanitation Board Member Harris Ali, PHO Head Dr. Marujetta Opamen, KPH Chief of Hospital Dr. Remedios Fernandez, Kolambugan Chief of

Hospital Dr. Demetrio Opamen, the PGLDN Hospital Administrator Ms. Noreen Lim, Engr. Marrietta Borillo and Engr. Joseph Apat of the Provincial Engineering Office. PIO-LDN

NEARLY | from Page A2

Nearly 2.5M PhilSys registrants now have Land Bank accounts At the registration centers, LBP representatives assist applicants in opening accounts once they have completed the Step 2 (biometrics) registration. The Land Bank

ABCs can be used for cash in, cash out, and transfer funds transactions at any branch or Agent Banking Partner. “Soon, the Land Bank ABCs can also be used as contactless cards to

pay fares in public transport modes under the Automatic Fare Collection System project of the Department of Transportation,” the bank said. Signed into law by

President Rodrigo Duterte in August 2018, Republic Act 11055, or the Philippine Identification System Act, aims to establish a single national ID for all Filipinos and resident aliens.

The national ID shall be a valid proof of identity that shall be a means of simplifying public and private transactions, enrollment in schools, and the opening of bank accounts.

It will also boost efficiency, especially in dealing with government services where people will only need to present one ID during transactions. PNA

WANNA SEE YOUR PIECE ON LINE OR IN HARD COPIES? Submit your articles to us amd we’ll feature them. It’s free. Email to: muslimtoday2020@gmail.com

Anniversary Issue

Vol. I, No. 52 | June 11-17, 2021 (Shawwal 30-Dhu’l Qidah 6, 1442)

EDITORIAL | from Page A4

PMT: THE YEAR THAT PASSED 2. To be a voice of the Muslims in the mainstream media, on the one hand, and as reliable source of infor-

mation, on the other; 3. To help strengthen the Muslim solidarity in this country and else-

where for their own common good and welfare; and 4. To be an effective partner in building a great

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PMT has lived one year of its life despite financial constraints for no outside financial support has been extended but the extraordinary effort of its founders and writers. Now as we tread

through another year or a thousand more, we remain committed the more to aspire for unity and a peaceful harmonious co-existence of humanity irrespective of their creeds and races and homelands. PMT

it is Guidance sure (without doubt) to those who reverence ALLAH.” [Al-Qur’an, 2:2] The “remembrance” in Ayat 15:9 seems to refer to the Message that ALLAH has sent through Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the rest of the Prophets, as the next Āyat 10 and 11 make clear: “We did send (messengers) before thee, amongst the sects of old. But never came a messenger (rasuulin) to them, but they mocked him.” [AlQur’an, Āyat 10-11] In short, the guarantee of “guarding” is made on Adh-Dhikra or the Remembrance, which is a remembrance of the Message of Oneness relayed by all the Prophets. To be precise, it

is the remembrance of the message of Oneness of ALLAH that ALLAH has committed to guard in Ayat 15:9. And true enough, the message of the Noble Qur’an has not changed and has not been corrupted. More important, neither have there been any addition to, or deletion from, the Qur’an more than 1400 years after its one and only official copy has been compiled, printed and reprinted, in the various copies of the Qur’an that the Muslims of old and contemporary days have read and learned by heart. Indeed, ALLAH has kept His promise to guard the Remembrance. MKS

of the country and their fellow countrymen. ISAMBAYAN should conduct an educational campaign to enlighten the voters and our people on what should they do so the right person will be elected as President of this country in the presidential election of 2022. We all should think of what these great men have

said as guide for our courses of action from this moment till the 2022 elections. US President John Fitzgerald Kennedy said in his inaugural address – “Ask not what this country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.” In a similar vein, British political philosopher, said – “The only reason for the triumph of the forces of evil is that good men do nothing,”

If the country fails to elect the right President in 2022 as we defined him in the previous paragraphs, the good men who are still around should mount an honest to goodness revolution so our people can live in progress, equality, justice resulting to peace, freedom and a better life. Other people have done it in other countries I see no reason why we can’t do it here. HAA

Then among the new columnists, the PMT-19 Management would like to express the sincerest thanks to Imadodin Basar Dimao who writes also on subject matters pertaining to Islam. However, before we forget we would like to salute and thank prolific columnist with his Southern Frontier column who also writes his words of wisdom in politics, and governance. At this juncture, I am referring to Abdulghani “Gerry” Ajul Salapuddin. He was the former revolutionary leader of the MNLF in Basilan better known with his nom de guerra as “Commander Gerry”. He was also the former

Governor of Basilan and former Representative in the Lone District of Basilan and eventually became the House Deputy Speaker for Mindanao. At present he is the Administrator and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA) based in Davao City. Then speaking of Basilan, the PMT-19 is still very much thankful to Gov. Jim HatamanSalliman as the only provincial Governor in the BARMM who did not turn us down with our request for a Maiden Issue Message of this Online Newspaper. Hence, as we celebrate the 1st Anniver-

sary of Philippine Muslim Today we would like also to express our heartfelt thanks to the Chairman of the Board, Datu Yusoph Boyog Mama, (DYBM), the Masirikampo sa Marawi (Traditional Royal Ruler of Marawi) for giving us all the supports to sustain this Digital Online Newspaper; as well as to his son his Private Executive Assistant, Yusoph Champ Mama II.

Filipino nation and in making this planet a better place to live in. Guided by the above, and imploring Divine Providence,

SADAIN | from Page A4

GUARDING THE MESSAGE OF THE QUR’AN “It is We who have sent down the Remembrance (in Arabic, “Dhikra” which is considered the Message of the Qur’an), and surely, We will guard it (from corruption).” [Al Qur’an, 15:9] The critics of the preservation of the Qur’an have argued that the Book is not exactly perfectly preserved. According to a Western writer, David Wood, the proofs of this are “early Muslim sources” where “we find that entire chapters of the Qur’an have been lost… individual verses were forgotten, and words and phrases were changed”. He then uses these allegedly historical accounts and narratives to show that the

Qur’an is not a perfectly preserved Book; and even compares it to the Dead Sea Scrolls, which were discovered in their original forms. What Wood does not say is that when found, the Dead Sea Scrolls were not complete, but the ones discovered were preserved. If then he argues that the Dead Sea Scrolls were preserved even if these are not complete, how can he say that the Qur’an is not preserved, just because according to him, it does not seem to be complete, based on historical narratives? Then too, the narratives mentioned by Wood come from traditions which are bound to

change as they are passed from narrator to narrator. This is the reason why the ahadith or sayings of the Prophet Muhammad have been subjected to intense scrutiny to confirm their authenticity, before they are made sources of law and belief. In short, these narratives are not always reliable; and to use them as arguments to a clear verse in the Qur’an like Ayat 15:9 will not pass muster in Islamic scholarship. The simple reason is the Qur’an is the highest authority in Islamic teaching, and is ranked before the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in terms of veracity and credibility. A similar but lesser analogy in the western

sense is the relationship between a constitution and a congressional legislation, with such legislation expected to bow before the authority of the constitution. Finally, Wood and other similarly-situated critics misses the real message of Ayat 15:9, with no thanks to over-eager Muslim interpreters who heap uncalled for meanings to the verse. A careful reading of the verse shows that it simply talks about Dhikra which literally translates to “Remembrance”. It does not directly talk of Kitab or “Book”, which is how the Qur’an is addressed in the Qur’an itself: “This is THE BOOK. In

ADAZA | from Page A5

ISAMBAYAN and the 2022 Presidential Election What to find: ISAMBAYAN should do better than just having a list of traditional politicians and a religious sect leader. It should look for other persons who are out of the box thinkers, visionaries with a complete blue print and complete program on all areas of development and departments for national governance; disci-

plined with integrity, character and correct values with undying commitment to our country and our people and those who have balls in their brains and brains in their balls. Not just any Juan, Pablo and Pedro can qualify for President. Only those with intellectual incandescence skirting the fringes of divinity deserve

to be President. The reason why this country has been floundering these past few decades is - we have had a number of fools and ignoramuses as Presidents. Wake up time: Filipino voters have been sleeping for so long either for reason of ignorance, stupidity, greed or opportunism that it is about time they think

JANNARAL | from Page A5

Parable of PMT-19 vis-a-vis COVID-19 Tawi is Dr. Johnny R. Lee, Ph.D. who writes about tourist spots like the pristine white sandy beaches of the Southern most province; and may his soul Rest In Peace (RIP) was our Columnist who writes about environment. Unfortunately he passed away due to this pandemic just this year. I am referring to Dr. Filemon G. Romero, a certified environmentalist and former Chancellor of the Mindanao State University-Tawi-Tawi. The PMT-19 Management would like also to express our thanks to Maria Fhebie Ortil who writes her weekly Bangsamoro Halal Cuisine; as well

as to Mark Twister Ortil though his stint at the PMT-19 was short live but he was our Cartoonist when this Digital Online Newspaper Maiden Issue was launched on June 19, 2020. Another Columnist who likes to punch his subjects due to his upper cut and blow by blow jab is Ali G. Macabalang with his long running Column the Punchline aside from being a Bureau Chief for BARMM and Region 12 based In Kidapawan City. Another Columnist writing for PMT-19 needs no further introduction as I know the Filipino people from Batanes To Tawi-Tawi

know him well. He is Atty. Homobono “Bono” Adaza who is very witty and humorous lawyer who writes about political issues on his column DILIMAN WAY. Of course another Columnist who is nationally known is JPE or Juan Ponce Enrile. But he occasionally writes due to his vision as what he told this Columnist. Although he said, he really wants to share his words of wisdom with the readers of PMT-19. There are other columnists who have a short live tenure with the PMT-19 for reasons that are known to them only the likes of Dr. Abdul Hanan Tago; and Atty. Bayan Balt.

Likewise to all other officers and members of the PMT-19 who are with us from the launching of the Maiden Issue until now. We would like to say Shukran to all of you! For your Comments/ Suggestions please write to my email address: julmunir1845@gmai l.com

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Anniversary Issue

IMADODIN BASAR

“And (it is one) of His signs that He has created spouses for you from your own species that you may find comfort in them. And He has induced mutual love and tenderness between you. Behold! There are signs in this for people who would reflect.” Qur’an, 30:21 This verse implies when man and woman were still single, both were somehow in complicated status especially for those who were capable but chose to remain bachelors without valid reasons. Because the Almighty Allah has characterized that the home we know is not enough to provide us with tranquility, but it's in our wives or spouses in general.

I'm afraid the passion of Mawaddah and Rahmah or Love and Mercy can't be appreciated fairly unless it's read and studied in its origil Arabic contexts through old and modern books of Tafseer or Qur'an interpretation and other Islamic books in Arabic, which I believe all of Muslim scholars - speaking and understanding Arabic would agree with me. For instance, love can be fake and a matter of flame that doesn’t stay longer, whereas Mawaddah is lifetime and true. And that is why a man can somehow unlove his partner and even his son for a reason but couldn’t hurt them physically or verbally because of

Vol. II, No. 01 | June 18-24, 2021 (Dhu’l Qidah 7-13, 1442)

Towards Happy Marriage (4): Love and Compassion or Mawaddah wa Rahmah

Mawaddah. And then there is mercy; in short, the secret behind ideal marriage in Islam is based and tied-up with love and compassion to hold out against ups and downs and roller coaster ride of life. So, how are Love and Mercy attained and kept in Marriage? Have a good intention In every religious practice and good deed, it will last and be accepted only through intention that it's solely for the sake of Allah alone. As a Muslim, spouses should do their respective parts seeking for the pleasure of Allah other than anything else, and that where blissful relationship is firmly based on;

SALAPUDDIN | from Page A5

PMT: THE YEAR THAT PASSED On my first week at the old Provincial Capitol at Isabela, I summoned Engr. Reginaldo Bucoy, the General Manager of BASELCO to my Office. As he enters my office, noticeably, he was apprehensive and looking pale, because he was guilty of what he did to me. Instead of scolding him or being vengeful against him, I told him: "Don't be afraid. I did not invite you to my office because I have an axe to grind against you. I invited you as Governor of Basilan to purposely ask you, if what can I do to help BASELCO augment its lack of power." Only then there was blood in his paled face and I can see he was feeling at ease. He then replied: "Thank you very much Sir for your magnanimity in victory and your expression of support to BASELCO." He told me that they have outstanding request from the National Electrification Administration or NEA for the construction of a mini-hydro power plant, tapping the Kumalarang River. He also told me that we must also request the National Power Corporation or NAPOCOR to provide us a floating power barge and two land based generating sets. After that meeting with BASELCO GM Engr. Bucoy, I decided that we go together to Manila to talk to NEA and NAPOCOR. Our joint efforts yielded favorable results. NAPOCOR sent a power barge to Basilan, anchored at Tabuk, Isabela. And NEA approved the loan of BASELCO for the construction of the mini-hydro in Kumalarang River and sent two land based generating sets. Since then, BASELCO managed to expand its electrification to all the other towns of Basilan, aside from Isabela, Lamitan, then both were municipalities, but were the commercial centers of Basilan. Unfortunately, after I ended my term as Governor of Basilan, succeeded by Gov. Wahab Akbar for 9 years, followed by his wife Gov. Jum Jainuddin-Akbar for 9 years and currently Gov. Jim Salliman-Hataman, on his second term now, or a number of 23 years, the power supply of BASELCO had never been augmented. Due to stable peace and order and the implementation of basic infrastructures like roads and bridges by the then ARMM government under Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman and on the other hand the improving economic well-being of our people, more and more of our people are building new houses and putting up more businesses, causing lack of power supply in Basilan. I therefore strongly call on the Energy Regulatory Commission or ERC to approve the power rate application of Lamitan City Power which entered into a Purchase Power Agreement with BASELCO, so that their standby 5 Megawatts land based gensets can be operationalized to significantly augment the power supply of BASELCO. I would also like to call upon NAPOCOR to rehabilitate their floating power barge because only one engine is operational. Or better yet, they recall this old

precisely because whoever attached to Him will be safeguarded eternaly. He has the absolute power to make anything possible. Keep discovering It’s common for us, Mranaw to be specific I believe - that we think Marriage is the end point of exploring the beauty of life; it might be because of our upbringing that you are done once you get married, whereas life brings us limitless chances and opportunities to learn new things every single day. It allows us to revisit those mistakes committed intentionally or not for us to get better or gain lessons at least - a single mistake can shape you into a successful one eventually if you could use it to lock yourself up not to commit the same ever again. Limit show off It’s necessary to understand that personal issues should be kept and preserved from the world of Social Media as it has addiction that enslaves one’s mind and well-being when the limit is crossed based on individual, spiritual, and psychological capability that is hard to resist because of FOMO factor or the so-called “Fear of Missing Out”

anxiety. How many romantic photos of couples online that are ironically going through in real life. However, don’t get me wrong, please! You are free to share your achievements on Facebook for instance, or it’s even recommended to do so within the limit to inspire others. But not your personal life; it’s too sacred and private to show it off. You are not a celebrity, not at all! Else, you will be drowned in the deepest sea of Social Media. Focus on bigger thing in life This is mostly for our sisters in Islam. You know what is meant. Don’t invest your precious time SPYING your husbands because of the privilege given to them by Allah, the exalted. He knows everything, but you do nothing, not us men. You should rather trust His wisdom; everything happens only according to His will. This world has two faces: the bright side and the dark one, so FOCUS on the brighter side. Be responsible Being a man is molded with responsibility, and your first duty is your family: your wife and your children. You are commanded by Allah to SAVE yourself and your family from the hellfire. You have to

teach them that religion is above everything else; not your wealth, yourself, and your loved ones. If you want your family to be successful, let the teaching of ISLAM reign over them, and be a role model in practicing Islam. Avoid negativity When prophet Ismael grew up and had a first family, Prophet Abraham, his father, had checked on his son's life and asked his wife about their life, and the responses were filled with negativity, and therefore Prophet Ibrahim asked to tell her husband when he’s back that there’s old man ordering him to change his doorstep it’s euphemism to divorce her - for being so pessimist Pray together It’s healthy for a couple to date exclusively at specific times to bring back their early days or to celebrate something special or just to talk in places with exceptional ambiance. But there’s better and yet so economic than that: PRAY together. It’s a moment that lets you surrender and get you closer, so closer to the real Protector, the Almighty One. The uniqueness of this ignored practice is that it will inspire every husband to learn how to read the Quran however his professional affiliation, so that he can lead his family in Prayer. Imad Dimao +63 926-478-8548

power barge and replace it with a functional power barge. Farther, I would also like to call on GRECKO, the other power supplier of BASELCO to augment and/or replace their engines, in order to stop once and for all this miserable lives of living in the dark. And finally, I would like to request Gov. Jim Salliman-Hataman and Deputy Speaker Mujiv Hataman to support BASELCO in making assertive representation with the concerned agencies of government regarding the power problem of Basilan. And if nothing is done about this problem, since BASELCO has failed to find way to augment its power supply for the past 23 years, then, the possibility of privatizing it must be another option. GS