Philippine Muslim Today

12 Pages | P20

Vol. II, No. 11 | Aug 27— Sept 2, 2021 (Muharram 18-24, 1443)

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Odds on BARMM national highways bared, explained

By ALI G. MACABALANG

SPECIAL REPORT

LPP wants Pacquiao as ‘Presidential Standard Bearer’

PACQUIAO | A6

O

dds in lack of funds for maintenance or improvement on national highways in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have resurfaced in social and mainstream media, with town and regional officials renewing calls for higher authorities for prompt remedies.

(FULL STORY ON PAGE A2)

LONGEST UNFINISHED HIGHWAYS. Bangsamoro people are suffering from unfinished portions of the highways in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) left for so long unrepaired.

(Supplied photo)

Creation of 2 hospitals, upgrading of 2 others in BARMM pushed in parliament bills COTABATO CITY - Four bills have been filed at the regional parliament here for the establishment of two new public hospitals and upgrading of two others in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), even as the author appealed for support from colleagues to fortify health services in the infant geo-political zone.

A2 Across BARMM

BTA bill for P50-M worth of oxygen buffer stock passed

COTABATO CITY – The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament has authorized the allocation of P50-million for the purchase of sufficient supply of oxygen tanks in support of the state campaign to mitigate the effects of Coronavirus pandemic and its variants in the autonomous region.

A9 Tourism

Dr. Saffrulah Dipatuan, a Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament member and former health minister of the region, urged his peers to rally the four bills he filed on Wednesday, Aug. 25.

“I am asking my colleagues to

A10 Foreign Across Mindanao Story

please help me and join me in passing these proposed bills that will convert hospitals from Level I bed capacity to Level II bed capacity,” Dipatuan said in his privilege speech.

CREATION | A2

A12 People & Events

Why the Bangsamoro region is a Philippine tourism pride

A mosque was broken into Rep. Mangudadatu and vandalized in Scarformally weds beauty borough, Toronto queen Akeel

The Bangsamoro region ought to be a prime tourist destination in the Philippines. Its lush forests, clean beaches, waterfalls and waters teeming with colorful marine life boost the region as a tourism pride of the country.

Toronto Police launch an investigation over the vandalism and mosque break-ins in Scarborough, Canada.

The vandalism at the Baitul Jannah Islamic Centre at Kingston Road and Brimley Road was first discovered when the worshipers arriving at the mosque for morning prayer at around 5:30 a.m. on Sunday.

Maguindanao 2nd District Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatuand Miss Asia Pacific International 2018 Sharifa Akeel formally tied the knot at a grand ceremony here on Wednesday, Aug. 25, ending talks about an “affair” between them that had become a controversial fascination in social media and tabloid interest.

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The Bangsamoro

BTA bill for P50-M worth of oxygen buffer stock passed

Vol. II, No. 11 | Aug 27— Sept 2, 2021 (Muharram 18-24, 1443)

Odds on BARMM national highways bared, explained

By ALI G. MACABALANG

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OTABATO CITY – Odds in lack of funds for maintenance or improvement on national highways in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)

have resurfaced in social and mainstream media, with town and regional officials renewing calls for higher authorities for prompt remedies.

MP Zia Alonto-Adiong in his message before the nominal voting on his Bill No. 95, otherwise known as “The Oxygen Buffer Stock” Act of 2021 on Aug. 24. (Supplied photo)

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OTABATO CITY – The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament has authorized the allocation of P50-million for the purchase of sufficient supply of oxygen tanks in support of the state campaign to mitigate the effects of Coronavirus pandemic and its variants in the autonomous region.

This was announced by Member of Parliament (MP) Deputy Speaker Zia-ur Rahman AlontoAdiong, who authored principally BTA Bill No. 95, otherwise known as “The Oxygen Buffer Stock” Act of 2021.

The Bangsamoro governance had reportedly purchased oxygen-filled tanks, which regional authorities claimed to have contributed to the total mitigation efforts against the spread of pandemic viruses in the area of autonomy.

The Bangsamoro’s Health Minister Dr. Bashary Latiph recently announced that the autonomous region has so far posted the “lowest” number of COVID-19 across the country.

But at the voting over the passage of BTA Bill No. 95, Adiong said the regional authorities could not be complacent about the situation, saying that proactive measures are far better than reactive efforts.

He cited reports about the rampaging effects of the “third wave” of infection that have already claimed many lives in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, notably neighboring areas of Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, and even Davao region.

“Given our geographical proximity to these regions, it is not anymore a question of ‘if’ but rather ‘when’ will our region be faced with similar challenges brought by this dreaded virus,” Adiong told his colleagues.

The P50-million allocation for additional oxygen tanks will be derived from standing general appropriations for the regional health emergency, and that such stuffs should be made available promptly to patients who could no longer be accommodated in designated isolation sections of hospitals across the autonomous region.

“We cannot rely solely on ‘lockdowns’ alone. We need to be forward looking as well, and be aggressive enough in battling the effects of this virus by utilizing our ready resources in order to keep our constituents safe and protected. We need this bill to pass,” Adiong said as he cast his vote before the majority followed suit during the nominal voting.

Adiong, who is deputy speaker from Lanao del Sur, acknowledged support of MPs Ubaida Pacasem and Nabil Tan, both lawyers, and colleague Engr. Baintan Ampatuan in improving his bill during the period of amendment.

“I thank our Speaker, MP Atty. Pangalian Balindong and all of my colleagues in this parliament for their support in the passage of this bill,” he added.

ALI G. MACABALANG

DISREGARDED? Unmaintained highway sections in the Bangsamoro provinces of Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao provinces, respectively. (PMT photo)

The Philippine Muslim Today (PMT) news for the nth time took video footage on tall grasses along national roads straddling seven of 39 towns in Lanao del Sur, notably between Calanugas and Taraka municipalities on August 10 while covering a field sortie of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) in the latter town. A photo culled from the footage was posted on Facebook and drew words of surprises.

The PMT took photos on Aug. 25 of a holes-studded section of the four-lane highway along barangay Macaguiling of Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao after Municipal Mayor Shameem Mastura and BARMM Parliament Member Ali B. Sangki lamented about the sad state of the road.

During the later years of the now abolished Autonomous Re-

gion in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), highway maintenance in Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao and the corridor of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi (BASULTA) was being taken care of by the regional offices of the Department of Public Works and Highways in Regions 10, 12 and 9, respectively.

The BARMM governance has created its Ministry of Public Works (MPH), leaving to the national government through the DPWH the duty to build national highways or maintain and improve existing national streets in the region. MPW would only be taking care of provincial roads and vertical infrastructure projects, according to Minister Ed Guerra.

BARMM officials said the current lull on maintenance and improvement of national roads in the autonomous region is one of several issues that have

yet to be resolved by the Inter-Government Relations Body (IGRB).

The IGRB is cochaired by Finance Secretary Sonny Dominguez for the national government and Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal for the BARMM governance It was learned that the DPWH has recommended the establishment of a project management office (PMO) in BARMM as its direct conduit for the building of new national roads or maintenance and improvement highways in the area of autonomy.

But the specific location(s) of PMO(s) will have to be decided through an institutional mechanism, which the IGRB has yet to set up, sources said.

In the recent separate posts, Mayor Mastura and MP Sangki said they had made representations to higher officials to cause prompt maintenance or im-

provement of existing highways before traffic accidents would happen. But the latter hinted at the DPWH office in Region 12 to have the responsibility for highways in Maguindanao as previously done in past years.

But DPWH-12 Regional Director Basir Ibrahim said his office has been long relieved of function over and resources for maintenance of national highways in Maguindanao.

“I welcome anybody to check on our records…In case, one can find even a single cent of maintenance fund for Maguindanao in our records, I will immediately resign,” Director Ibrahim told the PMT by phone.

As a fellow Bangsamoro, he said, he would also want the national government through the central DPWH office to address the problem of highway maintenance in Maguindanao and elsewhere in BARMM. AGM

Creation of 2 hospitals, upgrading of 2 others in BARMM… from page A1 Of the four measures, two aimed to construct new public hospitals, while the two others sought to increase medical bed capacity in existing medical facilities.

Parliament Bill Nos. 96 and 98 seek to establish 50bed capacity general hospitals in Masiu, Lanao del Sur (LDS), and in Pikit, North Cotabato.

Parliament Bills Nos. 75 and 99 propose the upgrading of the Dr. Serapio B. Montaner Al-haj Memorial Hospital in LDS from from Level I to Level II, with 100 beds, and the conversion of Tamparan District Hospital to Lanao del Sur Provincial Hospital, with a bed capacity of 150.

Dipatuan said the capacities of the two existing facilities have reached their occupancy limit, serving around 200,000 individuals across 17 municipalities and coastal areas in Lanao del Sur. Aside from charging free for treatment confinement, hospitals were also providing free home medications to

patients, he said.

“It is therefore important that these hospitals be upgraded so that they can cater to their clients better. It is a policy of these hospitals that all patients are enjoying no balance fee,” Dipatuan told the 80-seat parliament.

He said the passage of the bills will ensure expanded access and delivery of health services to Bangsamoro people, particularly the indigents and marginalized sectors in the region.

On August 25, the Parliament also approved the bill seeking to procure an additional P50-million worth of additional oxygen tanks. (Read separate story) Parliament members Paisalin “Popy” Tago and Zia-ur Rahman Alonto-Adiong, both of Lanao del Sur, have assured to rally Dipatuan’s bills. Adiong is the main sponsor of the just-passed bill on additional oxygen supplies.

(AGM)

Across BARMM

Vol. II, No. 11 | Aug 27— Sept 2, 2021 (Muharram 18-24, 1443)

‘Extension or Extinction, we keep serving,’ says Sinarimbo

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Undue Marawi rehab rating is ‘disadvantageous’ – MP Adiong

By PMT NEWS DESK

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OTABATO CITY –Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao interim spokesman Naguib Sinarimbo has asserted the need for continuity in the delivery of services and focal interventions for the welfare of their “Whether there is extension or extinction, we will keep on exerting utmost effort to fulfill our mandates for the welfare of Bangsamoro people,” Sinarimbo, concurrent BARMM’s Local Government minister, pointed out during the launch on Saturday, Aug. 21 of the weekly “Tapatan” Forum of the Bangsamoro Press Corps (BPC).

The term “extinction” was Sinarimbo’s satirical description of possible erosion in public enthusiasm for an extended lifespan of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), the BARMM’s interim ruling body, amid debates over the call for Congress to postpone the 2022 parliament polls and extend its transition period for three more years.

Also on Saturday, BARMM Senior Minister Abdulraof Macacua confirmed Senators’ plan to resume deliberation on Monday, Aug. 23 Senate Bill 2214 authored by Sen. Francis Tolentino to defer the parliament election and extend the BTA lifespan to 2025.

But in a post written in Maguindanaon dialect, Macacua urged stakeholders to refrain from speculating about alleged change of hearts among local political quarters in regards to the extension call. He said supporters should instead strengthen their prayers for a positive outcome of the Congressional deliberation.

“Tumelen tanu mangantap sa aden mga tao/politicians a bagitong sa di ma-extend ka apia ngin pan na yabon talotop na enday kanu Allah SWT na ento bon ba i manggula.

Kan dua endo kanggalbek i nasisita kena kapangantap,” said

constituents, especially the poor and underprivileged sectors, regardless of any result from the Congressional deliberation on the call for extension in the ARMM’s transitional period.

BARMM Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo.

Macacuas, who is a concurrent BTA senior member.

At the “Tapatan” forum, the Bangsamoro Press Corps asked Minister Sinarimbo for an update about Senate Majority Leader Migz Zubiri’s earlier request for BARMM officials to sit down with Senator Ping Lacson and brief him on basic issues necessitating a deferment in the 2022 parliament election and extension in the BTA operational period before the Upper Chamber resume deliberation of Tolentino’s bill.

During plenary session on Aug. 4, Sen. Zubiri asked the Senate to invite Commission on Elections Chair Sheriff Abas or his commissioners to appear in the Senate on Aug. 23 and shed light on poll deferment required in extending the BTA lifespan.

The Comelec, meanwhile, has adopted an en banc resolution setting the poll body’s preparation for the 2022 polls to include the BARMM parliament election, though citing the absence of a regional electoral code.

Sen. Tolentino was poised to continue presenting his bill for second plenary reading on Aug. 23, with Lacson listed as last to face him in the interpellation stage. He had noted

that by Aug. 23, the Comelec would have just 39 days to prepare for the October 1-8 filing of candidacies in the 2022 elections.

Race against time Minister Sinarimbo admitted that Congress was racing against time.

Extension proponents believed the trend would have been different had President Duterte certified the bill urgent as besought in a series of multi-sector petitions.

The Senate remained at the second plenary hearing of the bill, in which a House technical working group harmonized five enabling bills into one substitute bill for final deliberation at jointcommittee hearing, according to Sinarimbo.

But pending uncertainties in the outcome of the 18th Congress deliberations on the issue, Sinarimbo said the BARMM governance would remain relentless in carrying out lifeenhancing projects and services alongside the adoption of all necessary measures in building a parliament-style autonomous bureaucracy.

He cited the continuing launch of unprecedented socio-economic and infrastructure projects in BARMM component areas, namely Maguindanao, Lanao del sur, Basilan, Sulu

and Tawi-Tawi provinces, the cities of Maraw, Lamitan and Cotabato and the 63-village special geographical area (SGA) in North Cotabato.

Among the latest of BARMM government’s intervening measures were the dispersal of ambulance units, fire trucks and desalination machines across the region, notably in the three island provinces, Sinarimbo said.

Massive construction of school buildings, barangay and municipal hall edifices, road concreting, and delivery of both relief and health services have also been in full-swing, he said.

Capacitating former combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and surrendering members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters is likewise pushing through, he said.

“Whether there is extension or extinction (in the calls for longer BTA lifespan), the BARMM governance will continue to carry out its mandates,” Sinarimbo told the BPC “Tapatan” forum.

Under the MILFgovernment peace accords and R.A. 11054 (Bangsamoro Organic Law), the BARMM governance is mandated to pursue two main thrusts: The Normalization Track for the decommissioning of 40,000 MILF members and their firearms to transform them into peaceful and productive life; and the Political Track meant to fully establish an autonomous entity and bring about stable peace and equitable growth in the Bangsamoro region.

(PMT)

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OTABATO CITY – Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament Member Zia-ur Rahman AlontoAdiong has warned about undue rating on snail-paced reconstruction efforts in war-torn Marawi City, saying it will be affront or “disadvantageous” to the public especially the thousands of displaced city residents.

Adiong, himself a displaced Marawi resident, aired the caution at the maiden episode of the weekly “Tapatan” Forum of the Bangsamoro Press Corps (BPS) on Saturday, Aug. 21.

The BPC, formed last April 17 among over 120 journalists covering events in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), asked Adiong about his view on claims by the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) that infra rehabilitation in the city was 70 to 75 percent finished, and the full completion is expect by end of this year.

TFBM Chairman and Human Settlement and Urban Development Secretary Eduardo del Rosario announced after a visit last July 23 that “ongoing horizontal and vertical projects in the Marawi rehabilitation” (reached) about 70 to 75% complete.”

Sec. Del Rosario told lawmakers in 2020 that the state had already released about P22 billion for the rebuilding of the city, which was left in ruins after a five -month clash between government troops and Daeshinspired local extremists that began on May 23, 2017.

Many concerned sectors including fiscal analysts have taken turns in social media channels in questioning the actual rate of rehabilitation efforts, especially if compared to Del Rosario’s announced P22-billion fund releases.

Adiong would neither confirm nor refute the TFBM claim, but he hinted at the need for precise rating of rehab efforts to avoid aggravating false hopes among Marawi’s internally displaced persons (IDPs.) He once served as provincial government spokesman at the height of the Marawi siege.

However, as far as the context of the total package of rehab efforts for Marawi and recovery of its displaced residents, he said the accomplishment rating was farfetched.

Adiong said authorities including the TFBM should be prudent in giving assessment ratings on the rehabilitation efforts because this would be “disadvantageous” to the people of Marawi.

He said inaccurate appraisal might lead the next administration to stop providing funds for the total rehabilitation and recovery package for Marawi and its IDPs. In his last and final state-of-the-nation address (SONA) last July 26, President Duterte asked the TFBM to hasten the construction efforts in Marawi so the IDPs can return home and rebuild their lives.

Sec. Del Rosario had repeatedly set timelines for the return of IDPs but failed in his promises, prompting outspoken leaders of evacuees to call him a “habitual liar.”

In a webinar this month last Aug. 20, National Housing Authority Undersecretary Zyril Carlos echoed the TFBM rating of accomplishment and the release of over P20 billion rehab funds.

But Lanao del Norte Rep. Khalid Dimaporo refuted Carlos’ report, saying the TFMB has allegedly breached cultural sensitivity among the Maranarao community.

Like other TFBM officials, Carlos also could not categorically answer the Philippine Muslim Today news’ question on who is responsible for the tracing of some 40,000 Marawi IDPs scattered across the country.

While he argued their own data showed only about 19,000 IDPs still staying outside Marawi, Carlos would cite any particular agency that will track down the IDPs and bring them home after the completion of rehab infra projects.

Malacañang and TFMB officials have asserted that Marawi and its displaced people would be able to rise to better heights before the end of President Duterte’s office term on June 30 next year.

The President in his last SONA had asked Congress to act on his administration’s five or six legislative agenda, which did not include the long-pending Marawi Compensation Bill meant to indemnify private properties ruined by bombs in the 2017 siege.

PMT NEWS DESK

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Opinion

Vol. II, No. 11 | Aug 27— Sept 2, 2021 (Muharram 18-24, 1443)

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

Young Bangsamoro. (File)

AMANODING D. ESMAIL Chairman, Special Committee on Administration & Finance

PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY

BTA extension: Use It Wisely

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

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Front page of PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY previous issue.

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he buzz surrounding the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) extension has been everywhere in the region, with mixed reactions coming from several quarters of the Bangsamoro society. The differing views expressed somehow indicate that the issue is still contentious and debatable. However, a revisitation of some aspects may help put things into a little perspective.

It has been three years or so since the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) had been implemented and it must be admitted that it was indeed undergoing a great deal of pressure from the national government and the people who overwhelmingly voted for it, to perform as expected. It is true that the BTA did not have much on its plate to begin with, but then, three years on, this card can no longer be put to play. There have been inevitable shortcomings. Three years is already a long time for the people to wait for tangible, sustainable results that would have uplifted the entire region from decades, and let it be said, even a century of poverty, misery, and strife.

But then, it would be too premature as well to declare that the BARMM would be taking the road to failure like its predecessor, the ARMM. The extension proposed could very well be used to make up for lost time and lost ground. However, the extension, if misused, could very well be construed by skeptics and an increasing number of disgruntled Bangsamoros to mean that it too, would be doomed.

Should the extension gain ground in the national legislative chambers, the BTA should seriously take note of its blunders and make amends, for example, by relieving those in its halls of power who have not performed well and replacing them with those who have better qualifications, and better yet, by those who have better and proven moral and ethical foundations that will strengthen, not weaken, the BARMM's mandate to bring Islamic governance to the region. The BARMM owes its existence to the people who believed in it and voted for it, and it should do its utmost to use the extension to prove that the Bangsamoro people made the right decision three years ago. (PMT)

Editorial

IGRB ought to remedy ills in BARMM governance WITH the impending end of anxietyfilled longing for extended Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) lifespan by act of the 18th Congress, stakeholders’ focal attention will shift with more persuasion to the Inter-Governmental Relations Body (IGRB).

The harmonized bill for five related bills seeking to reset the 2022 Bangsamoro Parliament polls and extend the BTA operational period to 2025 was passed by the joint committee of the House of Representatives and submitted to the plenary for second reading deliberation on Thursday, Aug. 26, the office of Maguindanao 2nd District Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu jubilantly announced on the same day.

The good news followed an equally positive report that the Senate a day earlier (Wednesday, Aug. 25) approved on second reading its counterpart measure, docketed as Bill No. 2214 and authored by Senator Francis Tolentino.

The favorable trend indicated so far the probability for both chambers of Congress to pass their respective bills for harmonization and approval in a bicameral conference

before the Oct. 1-8, 2021 filing of candidacies for the May 9, 2022 synchronized elections.

It also signaled the BTA parliament and the interim Bangsamoro autonomous cabinet to have ample and focal time to perPunchline suade more vigorously the IGRB into deliberating and carry out solutions to governmental ills, which prompted the past administrations to berate previous autonomous entities as ALI G. MACABALANG “failed experiment” or “failed autonomy.”

The IGRB is co-chaired by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III for the national government, and by Moro Islamic Liberation Front vice Chair and regional Education Minister Mohager Iqbal for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

MACABALANG | A11

Opinion

Vol. II, No. 11 | Aug 27— Sept 2, 2021 (Muharram 18-24, 1443)

A5

On Taliban’s cruelty and inhumane rule

Being Mortal or Immortal (2)

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ering there is no jungle in the wide plain of Afghanistan.

A fraternity brother in the Alpha Sigma Phi1845 who shared to Batanes To Tawi-Tawi the controversial video of actual execution of Afghans by fellow Afghans with the exception of the latter who are Talibans swore that he himself as a member of the revolutionary movement said that if it is a movie not a real life drama the MTRCB (Movie, Television, Radio Classification Board) would have classified it as SPG (Strong Parental Guidance). An SPG is a television rating implemented by the MTRCB, a media organization that classifies TV shows and movies in the Philippines.

This member of the revolutionary movement or mujahideen is Commander Tony Mardizzah, a member of the Top 90, the famous 1st batch of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) the same batch where MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari belonged, BARMM Chief Minister Ahod “Al Hajj Murad” Ebrahim and Senior Minister Abdulraof Macacua also members of the same batch before the latter two bolted out of the MNLF and joined another group the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chaired by Salamat Hashim.

Commander Tony

Good day Sir. I am Ms. Jela Marie Travieza and I would like to ask for financial assistance from the readers of your Online Newspaper, Philippine Muslim Today in behalf of my seriously ill father, JESUS TRAVIEZA.

he fall of Afghanistan to the claws of Taliban jihadists has sent shiver to the spine of their fellow Afghan whom they are now putting into summary execution of former Afghan armies or including those civilians who worked for the American soldiers in Kabul, Afghanistan.

I have viewed a video clip of a group of Afghan soldiers arrested by the Taliban Mujahideen and were summarily executed. They are made to line up and let them sit down. There was a Taliban executioner standing at the back of every Afghan soldier due for execution. Then the Taliban executioners were even reading passage of the Holy Qur’an and even shouted Allahu Akbar as they shot the victim with a single bullet at the back of the head.

When all the executed Afghan soldiers were already dead and lying down lifeless they shot them again using automatic assault rifle to make sure that everyone is dead. But even though they don’t have to shoot the victims with a multiple bullets by just the single bullet pumped to the back of the head of every Afghan soldier for sure no one could survive the fatal shot.

Upon seeing this video, I came to realize how cruel and inhumane these Taliban who were applying the law of the desert consid-

He was diagnosed to have a Brain Tumor. As far as his medical condition as of now, he underwent biopsy last April at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City.

SPDA holds EXECOM meeting in Davao City

The doctor who examined him also found out that he is afflicted with Cancer of the lungs. But he failed to undergo the much needed Chemotherapy since it entails big amount of financial expenses.

bdulghani “Gerry” Salapuddin, SPDA administrator and chief executive officer (CEO) said the ExeCom was held in order to thresh out urgent matters and issues involving the corporate planning, operations, finance, and administration of the Authority.

Having been able to reach a quorum, the meeting was conducted as planned attended by Cris B. Dagala, Operations Department Manager; Merlinda G. Abante, Finance & Administration Department Manager; Virginia L. Uy, Corporate Affairs Department Manager; Thelma Silfide C. Alicaway, Corporate Board Secretary; Albir A. Biruar, Budget & Treasury Division Chief; Marlon S. Saloma, Business Development Division Chief; and Engr. Modiff DT Gampong, Corporate Planning & MIS Chief.

Meanwhile, other significant SPDA officials who attended the said meeting were Celestino B. Siglos, Executive Assistant III; Rey Benedict Aquiatan, Accountant II; Mus-

Poetry and immortality: By way of remembering these three friends and other friends who have gone into the inevitable journey to the Great Beyond who, to paraphrase a poet – is a place where nobody returns. Please welcome – Faces and Immortality: FACES Faces are gone Receding into darkness Place nobody wants to go But the journey is inevitable What tragedy What abomination Life is defined in years Not centuries Why Years are too short To achieve the impossible For lasting monuments Take time to create To lodge in hearts and minds Was it not Nero who said Dead without my permission Yes, friends depart Without leave or permission

Without farewell Or a gentle touch In moments least expected Death is an insoluble problem Unless scientists discover With God’s permission The secret of eternal youth Like Methuselah or Dracula But early morning sunrise Is enough As it lingers in mind and heart Forever and ever IMMORTALITY It is too early Flirting with immortality That kind of feeling When one is young and driven But age has nothing to do With the passing of the years It has something to do With aging Of mind and heart The magic of youth Is what you think and feel Since mind and heart is mortal You have to record

Diliman Way

HOMOBONO A. ADAZA Feeling and thinking In books and paintings In songs and music Generations come and go Yet young and old Read your books Recite your poems View your paintings Sing your songs Whistle and play your tunes Defying time and circumstance Immortality is a yearning A dream, magic Nostalgic song A haunting poem More than concrete statues Books, poems and paintings Songs and, music Story of your life Are immortal (HAA)

PMT-19 HELP DESK With Dr. JIJ & Associates E-mail: julmunir1845@gmail.com Mobile Number: +639778430218 Dear PMT-19 Help Desk,

I have seek financial assistance from DSWD but our request was turned down because of our status that we are not residing in a squatter’s area.

The total target amount of hospital expenses is expected to be in the amount of P2.5 millions. We have a total amount of seed money of 934K donated by friends, relatives and the collateral use as well. However, the said amount is still not sufficient for the hospital expenses of my father.

Any amount of help is highly appreciated just to prolong the life expectancy of my father who is seriously ill at this time. Any good samaritan out there may deposit any amount to my Banco de Oro (BDO) bank account below.

BDO 008800046733 Jela Marie Travieza Thank you so much Sir. Sincerely, MS. JELA MARIE TRAVIEZA +639087746492

Batanes to Tawi-Tawi

JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL Mardizzah also described how cruel and inhumane are the Talibans as members of the revolutionary group.

While this column was being written, the Taliban has issued death sentence for a brother of Afghan translator who helped US troops, accusing him of helping the US and providing security to his brother, who served as an interpreter to American troops.

Finally, twelve US service members were killed and 15 were injured in an attack at Kabul's airport, Gen. Kenneth "Frank" McKenzie, head of the US Central Command, announced Thursday. More than 60 people are dead and at least 140 wounded, an official with Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Health said.

The blasts come as the US and other countries race to evacuate people ahead of President Joe Biden's Aug. 31 withdrawal deadline.

For your Comments/ Suggestions please send an email to: julmunir1845@gmail. com

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Abdulghani Salapuddin tapha B. Maruhon, IT Officer II; and Norminda Maruhon, Supply Officer II. PMT NEWS DESK

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News

LPP wants Pacquiao as ‘Standard Bearer’ They say he is still at high gear for Pacquiao to run for President

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

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AKATI CITY: The Labor Party of the Philippines (LPP) also known as Workers and Peasants Party (WPP) in a press statement sent to the Philippine Muslim Today said the LPP and the whole country is still proud of Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao despite he was defeated by Cuban boxer Yordines Ugas for the World Boxing Association (WBA) title on Sunday in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Vol. II, No. 11 | Aug 27— Sept 2, 2021 (Muharram 18-24, 1443)

BARMM hails Congress’ push for BTA extension bills

By ALI G. MACABALANG

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OTABATO CITY – The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao officialdom has hailed the Senate and House of Representatives’ leaderships and key members

for pushing the passage of bills postponing the 2022 regional elections and extending the transitional BARMM lifespan to 2025.

Pacquiao failed to reclaim the WBA title after he was defeated by Ugas in a unanimous decision.

Prof. Oscar Morado, LPP senior vice president for operations and at the same time the party spokesman said on Pacquiao’s defeat: “the country is proud of you. Your loss is a pause for the future. The Party is fully at high gear to quarterback your run for the Presidency.”

Morado described “Pacquiao as having a leadership clothe with decency, transcendence, and full disclosure. Your bear the pivotal light beam in this journey. The Workers and Peasants Party (WPP), at its nexus is the repository of the laboring class. Without an iota of doubt, you are the quintessential bearer of the Labor Party.”

According to the LPP spokesman, the party wants Senator Pacquiao to lead them in the 2022 Presidential Election.

Morado said the country now is in a state of stupor or in a state of extreme apathy. He also said “to say that we are a total mess, is an understatement. We need genuine change in leadership.

Likewise Shariff H. Ibrahim, a member of the LPP National Executive Council being the Vice President for Visayas said it is a Labor government that will define the aspirations for peace, unity, trust, transparency in governance, progress, and competitiveness.

Ibrahim said the LPP, formerly known as Lapiang Manggagawa and later as the Workers and Peasants Party, was founded and headed by lawyer Jose Malvar Villegas Jr. Meanwhile, in his Facebook page, Ugas thanked Pacquiao for giving him the opportunity to share the ring with him and described Pacquiao as still one of the best fighters ever.

Ugas also considered his fight with Pacquiao as amazing fight whom he considered the latter as one of the best fighters ever. “Go home and recover Champ. Thank you for being an inspiration and a legend. You have my respect,” Ugas said.

JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

Representatives Jouliet Marie de Leon-Ferrer, Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu and Ansaruddin “Hooky” Alonto-Adiong.

The regional governance through BARMM spokesman Naguib Sinarimbo aired gratitude particularly to the chairs and members of the House joint committees for voting “overwhelmingly” Thursday, Aug. 26 on second reading to approve the committee report harmonizing bills related to extending the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) operations.

Sinarimbo specifically referred joint committees’ chairpersons Juliet Marie De Leon-Ferrer of Negros Occidental, Ansaruddin “Hooky” Alonto -Adiong of Lanao del Sur, and Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu of Maguindanao, who were able to persuade and muster 40 affirmative votes and three dissenting votes in the second joint committee reading’s nominal voting.

“We thank all members of Congress who voted yes and in particular, Chairs Toto Mangudadatu, Cong Hooky Adiong, Cong Balindong, Cong Roonie Sinsuat, and all those who supported us

in this long and arduous struggle to get the message across that the best interest of the Bangsamoro and the country lies in creating a stable and peaceful Bangsamoro thru the extension of the period of transition,” Sinarimbo said in a post.

Sinarimbo, concurrent regional Local Government minister, added: “The leadership of the UBJP (United Bangsamoro Justice Party) extends its profoundest gratitude to all of you!”

“Rest assured that gratitude is an attitude in this principled party,” said Minister Sinarimbo, who has been advocating for reforms in regional electoral exercises from personality and money-based polling to election by party principles.

Hours before Sinarimbo’s post, legislative staff Beverly Ballitoc of Rep. Mangudadatu relayed the good news to the Philippine Muslim Today news, saying “this is breaking news” worth heralding promptly.

Ballitoc shared a

photo showing her boss gesturing jubilantly in the House joint committees’ virtual hearing.

BARMM officials and supporters of extended BTA lifespan were a day earlier also buoyed by news on the Senate’s plenary approval on second reading of its counterpart Bill 2214 authored by Sen. Francis Tolentino.

Both news reports on actions of the House joint committee and the Senate plenary have ostensibly heightened the prospects for the two chambers to pass their respective bills and eventually hold bicameral conference to harmonize the same for enactment before the scheduled October 1-8 filing of candidacies for the 2022 synchronized polls.

The enactment of an enabling law of the bills will effectively exclude the BARMM’s electorate from electing the first regular members of the 80-seat regional parliament being played now by the BTA. The BTA, com-

posed of members and officers appointed by President Duterte for a term ending on June 30, 2022, is the interim governing body of the autonomous region.

The Mindanao People’s Caucus, a civil society group, after conducting a review of regional government activities in November last year, had recommended a longer period in the BTA operations.

It cited the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors that would impede strides for the BTA to fulfill its mandates under R.A. 11054 or the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

Among others, the BTA is mandated to fully implement two major thrusts – the normalization track to decommission the 40,000 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants and their firearms and transform them into peaceful and productive civilians; and political track to building a strong autonomous government structure in BARMM. (AGM)

YOUR ONE-STOP USED RTWs SHOP ADDRESS: Consunji Street (front of Emcor), Poblacion, Iligan City 9200 PH. Tel: 63 3025565

News

Vol. II, No. 11 | Aug 27— Sept 2, 2021 (Muharram 18-24, 1443)

Sulu officials laud receipt of BARMM-supplied fire truck

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WestMinCom Commander pays farewell visit to military unit in Tawi-Tawi

By ALI G. MACABALANG

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OTABATO CITY – Sulu officials have lauded their receipt of a modern fire truck from the Bangsamoro autonomous governance Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan was enthusiastic at the turnover of the MILG-supplied firefighting unit on August 20, even as he tested the unit’s waterdispensing capability after spending a moment inside the airconditioned section of the equipment, according to provincial information officer Sonny Abing.

Gov. Tan subsequently turned over the unit to Jolo Mayor Kerkhan Tan, to whose turf the MILG through the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in the Bangsamoro region consigned the fire truck.

Both the governor and the mayor expressed gratitude to Regional Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim and MILG Minister Naguib Sinarimbo, said Abing, who posted online some photos in the ceremonial receipt of the unit.

The Jolo’s share was one of five brand new fire trucks pur-

through the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG).

FAREWELL TO THE TROOPS: Outgoing Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., talked for the last time to the Philippine Marines troopers at the 2nd Marine Headquarters in SangaSanga, Tawi-Tawi. The WestMimCom bades them goodbye during his farewell message a week prior to his retirement from military service. (Contributed Photo)

B Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan trying out the fire extinguishing function of the modern fire truck delivered for Jolo town after spending a moment inside the air-conditioned section of the unit last Aug. 20. (Supplied photos) chased by the MILG this year alongside five police patrol vehicles, and four ambulance units for distribution across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), it was learned.

A few days earlier, Basilan Gov. Jim Hataman-Salliman acknowledged receipt of a similar fire truck for his province, the BARMM’s Bangsamoro Information Office said.

Last April 15, Chief Minister Ebrahim and Sinarimbo individually inspected the five (5) police cars, five

(5) fire trucks, and four (4) ambulance units parked in front of the BARMM open ground here a few days after delivery from Metro Manila suppliers.

Minister Sinarimbo turned over the fire trucks and the patrol cars to the BARMM’s BFP and regional police officials, respectively, last May 10 for subsequent dispersal to field units in the region.

Two of the ambulance units were retained in BARMM’s Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (READi), a quick rescue and relief re-

sponding unit of the MILG, while the two others were reportedly consigned to TawiTawi.

The BARMM governance purchased the assorted units out of the 2020 contingency fund of the Office of the Chief Minister, it was learned.

In an earlier report, Minister Sinarimbo said his ministry would also propose a budget for 2022 to buy similar units for other areas in BARMM to amplify the capability of local government units in addressing emergencies.

(AGM)

MENRE ties up with MSU Tawi-Tawi in mangrove tree planting

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ONGAO, Tawi-Tawi: The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy (MENRE) office here in this province has provided technical assistance to Mindanao State University Tawi-Tawi thru a mangrove tree planting program, held at Kubang Mandulan, Bongao, in this province Kubang Mandulan Mangrove Ecosystem was the site of the tree planting activity identified by MENRE Tawi-Tawi for the yearly MSU tree planting program participated by its graduating students as requirement for graduation.

Some 1,000 healthy mangrove trees were planted by MSU students in partnership with MENRE Tawi-Tawi in the identified area of MENRE TawiTawi’s Mangrove Rehabilitation and Development Project.

Provincial Environment, Natural Resources and Energy (PENRE) Officer Jonel Mohammad Monel said that mangrove forests play an important role for maintaining the coastal ecosystem and provide a variety of environmental support Monel further said that mangroves also act as ‘bio-shield’, safeguarding the people living near the coasts of Tawi-Tawi.

Meanwhile, acting on the instruction of the PENRE officer, CENRE Officers Saido Espiliro and Abdulmukim Maruji reechoed the same to the participants and personally gave technical assistance using their expertise to the tree planters Kubang Mandulan Mangrove Ecosystem is one of the target sites of the Bangsamoro Government and MENRE’s Integrated Bangsamoro Greening

Participants of the mangrove tree planting listened attentively as MENRE Tawi-Tawi CENRE Officer Saido Espiliro gave technical instruction on how to plant young mangrove trees at the target site in Kubang Mandulan Mangrove Ecosystem in TawiTawi province. (Contributed Photo)

Program (IBGP) implementation in the province.

The IBGP aims to grow 171.2 million trees covering about 159,000 hectares in BARMM forestlands, and has already begun its course in the provinces of Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur since 2020, which is now being implemented in the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.

Last August 14, MENRE Tawi-Tawi distributed 450 mahogany seedlings to Hji Kong Kirong of Sallangan and local farmers in Pasiagan Daleya, in this province.

This is in addition to the 195 mahogany seedlings that were initially distributed to the same recipient.

JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

ONGAO, Tawi-Tawi — A week prior to his retirement Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., commander of Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) paid a farewell visit to the troops of the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi and 2nd Marine Brigade here in this province.

On his arrival. Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. was welcomed with Foyer Honors rendered by the marine troops led by JTF Tawi-Tawi Commander Col. Romeo Racadio at Toong Hall, 2nd Marine Brigade Headquarters, Sanga-Sanga, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi on Wednesday morning of August 18.

LAST CONFERENCE: Some good things never last and has to end at the right time. Here in his last conference with the people of Tawi-Tawi, WestMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. seated at right in front, he thanked the people of the province as represented by the municipal mayors. At the same time Tawi-Tawi Gov. Ysmael “Mang” Sali also thanked the outgoing general for ensuring the safety and security of the people. (Contributed Photo) During his talk to the troops, Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. commended the soldiers for their numerous accomplishments notable of which is the killing of most wanted Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) commander named Apo Mike and the recovery of several loose firearms.

“Let us sustain the momentum, remain steadfast in accomplishing our mission, and continue to establish a good relationship with our partners, stakeholders, and the communities so as to win their popular support to all our endeavors, for it is better to win peace without a single bloodshed,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. In his visit to Tawi-Tawi, Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. also paid an exit call to Gov. Yshmael “Mang” Sali at the Provincial Capitol of Tawi-Tawi.

The outgoing WestMinCom commander also expressed his gratitude to Gov. Sali for his unwavering support to the command’s thrust.

Likewise, Governor Sali thanked Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. for all the assistance extended by the command to the province of Tawi-Tawi particularly in ensuring the safety and security of the people.

Also present during the short meeting were the local chief executives of all the municipalities of Tawi-Tawi. They also expressed their appreciation to the WestMinCom Commander.

JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

A8 Officials settle 2 rido cases in Maguindanao, Lanao Sur

News

Vol. II, No. 11 | Aug 27— Sept 2, 2021 (Muharram 18-24, 1443)

BARMM education ministry launches construction of CSU dormitory

By PMT News Desk

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OTABATO CITY – The Bangsamoro autonomous governance through its Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) has begun constructing a three-story

dormitory building worth P39-million for transient students of the Cotabato State University (CSU).

Bangsamoro Social Services and Development Minister Raissa Jajurie. (Online-culled photo)

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OTABATO CITY — Collective local pacification efforts have continued to gain momentum in the Bangsamoro region, with officials in Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur succeeding lately in settling two rido cases or clannish feuds.

With reported blessing from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) officialdom, cooler heads effectively reconciled the erstwhile rival camps of Pagalungan, Maguindanao Mayor Salik Mamasabulod and Member of Parliament (MP) Hadji Akmad Jack Abas on Saturday, August 14.

The kanduli (thanksgiving) ceremony was held at the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s (MILF’s) Camp Rajiamuda in Pikit, North Cotabato, according to DXMY-RMN radio reporter Rahib Bansao.

Bansao posted a photo showing MP Abas and Mayor Mamasabulod seated together and cordially trading whispers to the elation of hundreds of people witnessing the event.

The groups of Mayor Mamasabulod and MP Abas, himself a field leader of the MILF in Pikit, had reportedly been at odds for years over intense differences believed to have political undertones.

Followers from both camps had traded bullets and rounds of rocket-propelled grenades, leaving some casualties early this year.

The settlement ceremony had the blessing of the MILF-led BARMM administration, Bansao said, citing the presence in the event of Ustadz Lucman Sultan as representative of the MILF Central Committee.

Pagalungan and Pikit are hometowns to the late Governor Datu Udtog Matalam of then Empire Cotabato province, and of the late Senate ProTempore Salipada K. Pendatun and the deceased MILF founding Chairman Salamat Hashim, it was learned.

In Lanao del Sur, local officials led by Picong town Mayor Alinader “Saudagar” Balindong settled a long-standing rido between his constituents families of Yasser Pagayawan of Barangay Maganding and ni Benjamin Imam Montañer of Baranay Micolabo on Tuesday, August 17.

Mayor Balindong administered the forging of covenant over the Holy Qur’an on the leaders of the two clans in a solemn ceremony at a covered court in nearby Malabang town.

The origin of the just-settled feud was not known, but sources reaching the Philippine Muslim Today news traced it for conflict over geopolitical differences.

The BARMM governance is pursuing pacification and conciliatory campaigns of Lanao del Sur Gov. Bombit Alonto-Adiong, who has already amicably settled over 180 family feuds in nine years and of then Maguindanao Governor, now Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu, who had reconciled some 100 clannish conflicts in about eight years.

Earlier police and military reports said rido cases are among factors affecting peace and order situation in BARMM. PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY

Attached are supplied photos showing the perspective of the CSU dormitory building and the groundbreaking rites led by BARMM Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal on Aug. 20.)

MBHTE Minister Mohagher Iqbal led the groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, Aug. 20, saying the 132-bed capacity building is funded under the contingent fund of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) governance for 2020.

Commission on Higher Education Chairman Prospero de Vera inaugurated last July 22 the CSU transformation from Cotabato City State Polytechnic College

(CCSPC) mandated under R.A. 10585 authored by then Maguindanao First District Rep. Sandra Sema.

The edict was enacted in 2012 but the CHED approved the CSU transformation only this year after the CCSPC had passed the national standards, according to Sema, who graced the July 22 ceremony alongside Minister Iqbal.

In a statement Friday, Iqbal said the construction of the CSU

dormitory pursues his ministry’s commitment to yield the best and safe learning for the students and effectively utilizing public funds.

“Shortly after the establishment of the MBHTE, we decided to improve and strengthen the Bangsamoro educational system so it can secure our children’s future,” he said.

Iqbal said the MVHTE is committed to shaping “balanced, quality, and inclusive education” and “introduce in-

novative solutions to long-standing problems and explore viable approaches to elevate the Bangsamoro educational system while appreciating our rich history, culture and traditions.”

The CSU dormitory, with a contract amount of P39.1-million awarded to the MMG Construction firm, will include two (2) dining halls and two (2) study rooms/conference halls alongside 132 bed spaces, it was learned.

(PMT)

Cotabato-BASULTA direct flight, shipping route sought COTABATO CITY – The Bangsamoro autonomous government is working out the establishment of direct flights and shipping routes between Maguindanao and the island component provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi to hasten the processes of delivering regional supplies and services to the archipelagic communities.

This was announced by regional spokesman and Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo at the launch on Aug. 21 of the weekly “Tapatan” forum of the Bangsamoro Press Corps.

The 31-month old Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is composed of mainland Lanao del Sur (including Marawi City) and Maguindanao, and the island provinces of Basian (including Lamitan City), Sulu and Tawi -Tawi (known more as BASULTA), Cotabato City and 63-village special geographical are in North Cotabato.

Odds in lack of direct flights and shipping routes have surged in the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic since workers from BARMM ministries and line agencies could not deliver services and assistance to the island provinces promptly, according to Sinarimbo.

Bigger BARMM teams bound to the island provinces have to take the Cotabato-Manila, ManilaZambo, and Zambo-Sulu routes and vice versa to be able to execute tasks, Sinarimbo said, noting large expenditures, irking stopovers and protracted travels involved.

Last March 29, Ministers Sinarimbo (local government), Eduard Guerra (public works), Raissa Jajurie (social welfare) and Ameril Usman (health) were able to undertake convergent inauguration and launch of infra projects in just a day in Sulu with the use of a private plane of Governor Sakur Tan that fetched them here in the morning and flew them back in the afternoon it was learned.

In 2020 and early this year, regional deliveries of

pandemic-mitigating health supplies or equipment and relief goods were directly sent to the island provinces via Zambo City through a Philippine Air Force C-130 plane. A similar plane was used by a large delegation from the BARMM’s Ministry of the Interior and Local Government led by Sinarimbo to kick off construction of three town halls in Tawi-Tawi and hold a management committee meeting there last June.

Due ostensibly to the tragic crash of a PAF C-130 plane in Sulu that left 53 people killed, the possibility of BARMM’s use of a similar aircraft became remote. This is a sad factor that makes the opening of direct commercial flights and shipping routes to BASULTA corridor more imperative At the “Tapatan” Forum, Sinarimbo said BARMM officials and concerned authorities have already initiated talks for the opening of the required direct flights and shipping routes.

Aeronautical and shipping maps refer to the Awang airport and the Polloc international seaport as Cotabato facilities. But the airport and wharf are actually situated in Datu Odin Sinsuat and Parang towns in Maguindanao, respectively.

Sinarimbo said the shipment of desalination machines for Sulu and Tawi-Tawi last July 30 via the Polloc Port entailed a lot of difficulty – an experience affront to emergency movement.

Multi-pronged advantage Minister Sinarimbo said the direct transport links, once established, can bring about multi-faceted advantages: Faster cargo and human movements; BASULTA peoples’ higher sense of belongingness in BARMM; and lesser incurrence of public funds in travels, among many others.

He said BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim also wants the conduct of BASULTA-related gatherings such as cabinet conferences in Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi to effect the circulation of money within the area of autonomy.

Sinarimbo was optimistic that positive results would come out of the bilateral talks on the proposed opening of direct Cotabato-BASULTA transport links.

ALI G. MACABALANG

Tourism

Vol. II, No. 11 | Aug 27— Sept 2, 2021 (Muharram 18-24, 1443)

Why the Bangsamoro region is a Philippine tourism pride

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Education: The Key to Socio-Economic Transformation of the Badjaos

By ROCAYA SUMNDAD OTICAL

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he Bangsamoro region ought to be a prime tourist destination in the Philippines. Its lush forests, clean beaches, waterfalls and waters teeming with colorful marine life boost the region as a tourism pride of the country.

With the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), which was the product of peace negotiations between the Moro armed groups and the government, the Department of Tourism (DOT) believes Mindanao would become a major tourism area, attracting more local and foreign visitors who will stay longer.

The Bangsamoro homeland is not only culturally rich. It has vast array of natural landscapes and seascapes with different types of environs one would not wish to miss.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism )MTIT) is losing no time to promote the region as a prime tourist destination.

To showcase the pristine gems and tourist spots of the Bangsamoro homeland through the “art of photography,” MTIT kicked

However, decades-long political strife and terrorist activity and clashes between the military and insurgent groups had made governments issued warnings against all travel to this region.

By JOHNNY R. LEE, Ph.D.

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here are numerous plans, programs, recommendations, and solutions to uplift the sad plight of the Badjaos and their communities in the southern part of this country. Both local government entities and academic institutions have had several social programs to address the woes of the Badjaos but this writer has yet to see if any of these programs that were undertaken have made a lasting impact on their well-being.

Badjaos participating in Tawi-Tawi agal festival.

off on Aug. 10, its region-wide photo contest dubbed “Bangsamoro: Revealing its Hidden Treasure”.

The photo competition, which is spearheaded by the Ministry’s Bureau of Tourism, will run from Aug. 10 until around 5PM on Sept. 20, 2021, and it is open for all interest-

ed participants across the Bangsamoro region.

The priority areas of the theme of the photo contest are as follows: community-based economic sites and activities, social enterprise, gastronomies, ecotourism and adventure tourism, sun, beach, diving and marine sports tourism, cultural,

JRL)

religious, historical parks and landmarks, meeting, incentive, conference, and events.

BARMM Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim hopes that the rest of the country [and the world] would get to see the region’s rich tourism, trade, and industry assets.

“It’s also prim and proper that this initiative comes from us, the locals, of this beautiful region as well. Because at the end of the day, there can be no better ambassadors of this region than those who live in it as well,” Ebrahim said.

It is time to visit this beautiful region of people in diverse ethnicity and cultures.

The Badjao, like many of the Philippines’ indigenous peoples, are a neglected tribe. They live in extreme poverty and beyond the reach of state’s assistance due to their nomadic existence. If settled in a semi-permanent community, still they remained as last priority in terms of government services rendered to the ‘needy’.

A kumpit (wooden boat) prototype of Badjao.

To this writer, there are some missing links and essential priorities that should be done rather than the current programs rendered unto them which are more of a ‘palliatives than a cure’. The usual ‘seasonal doling-out of relief goods and foodstuffs’ make them only ‘dependent’ and thus promote indolence and lack of self-esteem in their ability to harness their true potential as people in the community.

CebuPac to charge fees for extra carry-on bag MANILA – The Cebu Pacific Airlines (CEB) recently announced it will charge fees for extra carry-on baggage beginning September 1.

Michelle Lim of CEB Corporate Communications told reporters, "The fee is part of the strict implementation (of the airline's policy). It is really to streamline operations and make customer experience more seamless."

The carrier has been "strictly" implementing a "one hand-carry baggage" since 2018.

Extra carry-on baggage will be charged P1000 per person for domestic flights. The hand-carry bag must also not exceed 7 kilograms.

Lim said that CEB currently operates to/ from eight international destinations. However, charging fees for the

extra carry-on baggage on international flights will follow "in the coming months".

For short-haul flights, P1500 will be charged, while PHP3000 fee will be charged on passengers of long-haul flights.

In an advisory posted on its Facebook page, CEB said equipment for medical needs and for infants are exempted from the fee.

Also exempted are

purchases at the airport, provided that passengers could show the official receipt.

CEB reminds passengers to be mindful and pack their bags properly to avoid additional fees.

This is being done to make sure CEB avoids any unnecessary flight delays as much as possible, the carrier said.

ROCAYA SUMNDAD OTICAL

A Badjao woman matweaver.

Many agree, including this writer, that the Badjaos are not inferior people. Like most of us, they also possessed skills, knowledge and creativity. Their skills as fishers of various species of aquatic resources, in navigation and boat building are exceptional. Some Badjaos have ‘broken the glass ceiling’ in the field of education when a number of their tribe successfully graduated on top of their class in collegiate institutions like MSU TawiTawi College of Technology and Oceanography in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.

There ought to be a prudent review and clear-cut assessment and program on how to integrate the Badjaos into the Philippine educational system. (This topic of education will be elaborated in the next issue.)

JRL)

A10

News ETC

CRISPY CHICKEN WONTONS

A mosque was broken into and vandalized in Scarborough, Toronto

BANGSAMORO HALAL DISH

By PMT Foreign Desk

With Maria Fhebie Ortil

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A

ssalamu Alaykum! Well, with this Volume 2, Number 11 of the Philippine Muslim Today, I would like to feature another Halal food, which is the Crispy Chicken Wontons.

Wontons are little morsels of ground meat wrapped in a wheat-based wrapper.

These chicken wontons are filled with ground chicken, shrimp, and then deep-fried to golden perfection. Every bite is bursting with flavors.

They can be eaten alone or with some dipping sauce.

INGREDIENTS: 1/2 lb. (0.2 kg) ground chicken 1/4 lb. (0.1 kg) shrimp, chopped into small pieces 1 stalk scallion, cut into rings 1/2 teaspoon corn starch 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 dash fish sauce (optional) 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil 3 dashes ground white pepper 12 pieces wonton wrappers water, for sealing oil, for deep frying DIPPING SAUCE: 3 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce 2 teaspoons lime juice 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro leaves 1 pinch white sesame seeds INSTRUCTIONS 1. In a bowl, mix the ground chicken, shrimp, scallion and cornstarch until well combined.

2. Add the salt, fish sauce, sesame oil and white pepper. Stir to mix well. Set aside.

3. Wrap the wontons with the wonton wrappers by placing a piece of the wonton wrapper on your palm.

4. Add 1/2 tablespoon of the filling in the middle of the wrapper.

5. Dip your index finger into some water and trace it on the outer edges of the wonton wrapper.

6. Fold and pinch the edges of the wonton wrapper up and seal the wonton tight so there is no opening at the top and the wonton is securely enclosed.

7. Heat up some cooking oil in a wok or frying pan and deep fry the wontons until golden brown.

8. Serve hot with sweet chili sauce or eat plain. (MFO)

Vol. II, No. 11 | Aug 27— Sept 2, 2021 (Muharram 18-24, 1443)

oronto Police launch an investigation over the vandalism and mosque breakins in Scarborough, Canada.

The vandalism at the Baitul Jannah Islamic Centre at Kingston Road and Brimley Road was first discovered when the worshipers arriving at the mosque for morning prayer at around 5:30 a.m. on Sunday.

The suspect(s) vandalized multiple prayer rooms, thrown few Quran copies to the floor, smashed two donation boxes, as well as ransacked the office.

The President of Baitul Jannah Islamic

Centre, Atiquar Rahman believes that the mosque was broken into at night through a window and doors that were found opened in the morning.

Rahman added that there is a possibility that it was pre-planned since several surveillance cameras were disconnected and the surveillance system’s digital video recorder was stolen.

According to the officials, the mosque has been targeted multiple times with similar acts of vandalism and theft since 2018.

Rahman says in one incident in the past, the doors were broken and

fourteen donations boxes containing thousands of dollars were stolen.

Mosque officials say the incidents made the Muslim community feeling helpless and frightened, even many of them are no longer willing to donate to the mosque. The community is calling for justice after repeated acts of vandalism.

Officials have submitted surveillance images from the previous incidents to the police and are still waiting for justice to be served.

Shahab Siddique, a member of the board of directors, called these repeated incidents as

shocking and devastating for the Muslim community.

Scarborough Southwest MPP Doly Begum, who also prayed at the mosque, asking the government to take more actions to address Islamophobia, and make sure the places of worship are safe for worshippers.

On Sunday afternoon, special constables with Toronto Police Department arrived at the mosque to investigate the incident. Until now, there is no information on potential suspects, and it is still not clear if it’s connected to similar acts of vandalism in the past. (With story from The Islamic Information)

MACABALANG | from Page A4

IGRB ought to remedy ills in BARMM governance The IGRB holds the key to deliberating and implementing steps needed in fleshing out the mandates of R.A. 11054, the BARMM Charter, and the state’s major peace deals with Moro revolutions fronts, notably the 2014 Bangsamoro Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) in 2014.

R.A 11054, also known as the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), and the CAB prescribes for two major thrusts called Normalization and Political or government Tracks.

The Normalization Track seeks to decommission the MILF’s 40,000 combatants and their guns, and transform them to productive and peaceful life, while the Political Track is envisaged at building a parliamentary governance enjoying broader autonomy desired under the CAB and BOL. In both tracks, as I look at it, the IGRB plays an imperative role, particularly in the full devolution of powers, resources and functions of national line agencies to the BARMM governance, such as but not limited to the following: Creation of a project management office (PMO), which will handle funds for maintenance and improvement of national highways in the area of autonomy; Full devolution of authority for the BARMM bureaucracy to register and award franchises to land transport vehicles, and implement or

regulate standard fare matrices in specific routes in the area of autonomy; Institutionalization of national subsidies to state-run universities and colleges in the autonomous region; Establishment of mechanisms for continuance of stunted infrastructure projects, such as irrigation systems being implemented by the National Irrigation Administration in the area of autonomy; Creation of mechanism for the mandated national-regional co-management over conservation and development of Lake Lanao for being a hydroelectricity source and associated with local socio-economics and cultures; Formation of guidelines for the CAB/BOL -prescribed entry of qualified MILF and Moro National Liberation Front members to the police and military services; Stipulation for institutionalized inclusion of BARMM in the national appropriations for the maintenance and/or improvement of nationallyrecognized airports and wharves; and Other mechanisms that will ensure fullblown regional autonomous authorities warranting the gorging on the prescribed exit-agreement between the MILG and national government.

(AGM)

Vol. II, No. 11 | Aug 27— Sept 2, 2021 (Muharram 18-24, 1443)

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ex-combatants turning DAR, DHSUD to construct houses BIFF rescuers, entrepreneurs for farmers of Lanao del Norte C O POL, Misamis Oriental (Aug. 26) --The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the local government units (LGUs) of Magsaysay and Kolambugan in Lanao del Norte to build houses for agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs).

“We believe that providing decent houses for farmers will boost their morale and will strengthen their emotional attachments to their farms,” said DAR Secretary Brother John Castriciones.

Brother John admitted that delivering housing units to farmers before the end of the Duterte administration is a very big challenge, but he ensured the department will expedite the program so that many will benefit from it.

He said the DAR is aiming to deliver affordable housing units to about 20 percent of the three million agrarian reform beneficiaries in the country before President Duterte’s term ends next year.

“This is a very worthy achievement. I pray that we would be able to sustain this because this would greatly help in uplifting the economic lives of our farmers,” Brother John said.

Brother John said the LGUs are responsible for securing property for the housing scheme.

Under the agreements, 200 houses will be constructed on the 3-hectare land owned by the municipality of Kolambugan; and 170 houses for the 2.5-hectare land of Magsaysay municipality.

The program, called Balai Farmers and Farmworkers’ Housing Program, will provide duplextype housing units with two bedrooms each, tiled

floors, granite kitchen countertops, covering 36 square meters.

According to DAR Project Engineer Roberto Gavina, the land and its development, as well as the provision of livelihood, will be free of charge.

Gavina said that the houses are “earth-friendly.”

He said that each unit will be provided with solar panels for electricity, an individual backyard garden, and rainwater catchment and filtration facilities.

“The rainwater catchment facilities are a technology that collects and stores rainwater for household use. They could use this to water their vegetable gardens and to wash dishes, clothes and for bathing too,” Gavina explained.

He said the housing program would also provide each housing community with bio-digesters for use in producing petroleum gas for cooking, food processing and marketing center and solarpowered water system with storage tanks for use in irrigation.

“Based on our studies these livelihood facilities can provide a monthly income of P5,000 to P8,000 per family,” Gavina said.

The housing unit, however, will be paid for by the farmer-beneficiaries through their cooperatives at P1,475 a month on average, payable in 30 years.

“The provision of housing is demand-driven and payment will be based on the farmers’ capacity to pay, where the maximum term of a housing loan will be at 30 years and amortization payment scheme will be based on the cropping and harvest schedule of farmers,” Gavina said.

JRL)

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AGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Dozens of former combatants of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) are gradually becoming social assets such as community emergency rescuers and economic entrepreneurs through civil-military cohesive efforts launched in the new autonomous region to win back constituents from lawlessness.

Over 300 BIFF armed members have rejoined the social mainstream since the creation in 2019 of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), 96 of them surrendering in batches this year alone, according to military accounts.

Five BIFF ex-combatants were reported as among 59 graduates of the Water Search and Rescue (WASAR) training held last July 27 to August 2 by the BARMM’s Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidents (READi) unit and the military’s 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division (6ID), officials told The Philippine Muslim Today (PMT) news.

The transformation of the five former violent extremists into emergency responders to both natural calamities as well as human-induced disasters, which usually involved BIFF guerillas, had drawn public praises.

More sectors expressed elation after learning that two of the WASAR training graduates from the BIFF were siblings named as Mama and Mohammad, both of early 20s, who have been united after a decade of separation wrought by the deaths of their parents and their recruitment into terror-bound rebellion.

The Mama-Mohammad reunion was featured in a documentary produced by Cotabato blogger Ferdinadh Cabrera for the BARMM’s Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG), which administers the READi operations.

A report published on Aug. 13 and attributed to Brig. Gen. Roy Gallido, Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade head, said that 26 former BIFF combatants underwent a threeday in Tacurong City to acquire skills on various entrepreneurial skills under the BARMM’s “Tulong ng Gobyerno sa Nangangailangan” to TUGON program.

The TUGON program was conceived by the Office of the BARMM Chief Minister to hasten the return to mainstream society of former BIFF members through livelihood, psycho-social, education and other humanitarian interventions, MILG Minister Naguib Sinarimbo said in Cabrera’s documentary video.

The surrender in batches of BIFF combatants stemmed either from the intensified military surgical operations or local civilian authorities’ persuasive campaigns in towns mostly bordering Maguindanao and North Cotabato provinces, it was learned.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the 6ID and Task Force Central head, has reportedly expressed optimism that more BIFF combatants would rejoin the social mainstream with corresponding life-enhancing assistance from the BARMM governance and other state instrumentalities.

The BIFF was founded by Ustadz Ameril Umbra Kato in 2010 after he and his 300 loyal followers bolted their mother unit, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), in 2008.

When Kato died of lingering illness on April 14, 2015, the BIFF had eventually splintered into three factions, one of which is reportedly adhering to the ISIS ideology.

According to MILF and BARMM leaderships, there have been backchannel talks with the two other BIFF factions for their return to the folds of law and give the new autonomous governance a chance to take its course.

PMT NEWS TEAM

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People & Events

Vol. II, No. 11 | Aug 27— Sept 2, 2021 (Muharram 18-24, 1443)

Rep. Mangudadatu formally weds beauty queen Akeel

BY ALI G. MACABALANG

C

OTABATO CITY – Maguindanao 2nd District Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatuand Miss Asia Pacific International 2018 Sharifa Akeel formally tied the knot at a grand ceremony here on Wednesday, Aug. 25, ending talks about an “affair” between them that had become a controversial fascination in social media and tabloid interest.

Ustadz (Islamic cleric) Ishak Katambak administered the pompous wedding rite, though explaining in his testimonial message that he had earlier sol-

WEDDING SOLEMNIZATION. Ustaz (Islamic cleric) Ishak Katambak making solemnization testimony at the foreground of Rep. Esmael Mangudadatu and Sharifa Akeel at their Walima ceremony in Cotabato City last Aug. 25, 2021. personalities and selected journalists, the duo took turns in narrating the antecedents of their unity.

Mangudadatu admitted having affection-

A file portrait of renowned fashion designer Jearson Demavivas with then Gov. Mangudadatu and Akeel in Maguindanao’s Inaul Festival in February 2019. emnized the duo’s unity as soon as they started showing “deep affection” years back.

News about the Walima ceremony for Manudadatu, 53, and Akeel, 24, surfaced as early as Aug. 21 in social media, where hundreds if not thousands of relatives, friends and supporters conveyed greetings as well as desire to attend the event.

But organizers, in a posted invitation program, said: “Though we love to have our friends and relatives on our Walima celebration, yet, for (coronavirus pandemic) safety protocol, we are allowed to limited guests only.”

Before some 400 audience including traditional and political

ate feelings for Akeel when he saw her in preteenage days in the company of elder relatives of humble situation in Lebak in adjacent Sultan Kudarat province.

He said the affection peaked when Akeel, reigning as 2018 Miss Asia Pacific, graced the beauty pageant tilt segment of the Inaul Festival in February 2019. The gala replaced the “Sagayan” Festival he organized as an annual fiesta for his province.

“I proposed marriage to her,” recalled Mangudadatu, who was at that moment some five months away from finishing his three straight terms as provincial governor.

For her part, Akeel disclosed having ad-

mired Mangudadatu amid positive media reportage on his gubernatorial reign for his exemplified care for the masses, especially the poor and underprivileged.

Akeel said she asked for time “to think about the proposal” as she was desirous to join the subsequent Miss Universe tilt.

But mutual admiration evolved into “deep affection” between the two, Ustadz Katambak said at Wednesday’s event.

Hours before the Walima ceremony, Katambak told the Philippine Muslim

or Governor Toto, and Akeel, a Qatari-Filipina (Maguindanaon) beauty, expressed their apology and sought public understanding over their past decision to keep their relationship private.

Datu Gordon, speaking for Akeel’s maternal relatives, said the duo’s relationship was understandable because such has been within the ambit of local culture and traditions under Islamic tenets.

The groom’s younger brother, incumbent Bangsamoro Parliament Member Khadafeh “Toy” Mangudada-

A file image on a YouTube video clip in 2020 of the author in August 2020.

Today news that Rep. Mangudadatu and Akeel asked him to solemnize their relationship sometime in 2019.

“This (Wednesday’s event) is just formality because I have solemnized their unheralded private wedding,” he said.

Apology cum call for understanding Mangudadatu, more known as Congressman

tu, cracked a joke with his remarks that his ceremonial testimony “would hopefully be his last” for his sibling’s love life.

Celebrities’ greetings Alongside thousands of well-wishers, fellow Filipino beauty queens greeted the new couple with wellwishes.

A national daily quoted former Mutya ng Pilipinas President Hemilyn EscuderoTamayo cum crowned Mrs. Tourism Universe as “wishing Toto and Sharifa happiness together.”

“Through the storms of life, may your love for one another be steadfast and strong.

May this union mark the first of the rest of your lives together, filled with love and true friendship. Congratulations on your marriage and best wishes always,” Tamayo added.

Jacqueline TanSainz, president of the Miss Asia Pacific International pageant, has also extended her congratulation to the couple, the daily broadsheet said Thursday.

Movie actress Ynez Veneracion also greeted the new couple with well-wishes.

“Happy ako for him.

Okey lang naman na kahit ilang beses siya magpakasal, basta huwag lang niya papabayaan ang mga anak niya. Sana manatili siyang responsableng ama sa mga anak niya,” Ynez, with whom Mangudadatu is blessed with a kid in past solemnized unity, said in news posted by the Philippine Entertainment Portal.

Brief controversy in media Toto’s relationship with Sharifa became controversial when licensed nurse Melene Maligaya, who had tied knot with the lawmaker, appeared on the TV5 talk show Wanted sa Radyo in August 2020 and assailed the beauty queen for having an affair with her husband.

Mylene’s appearance drew sympathy as usual from program host Raffy Tulfo, who said he would assist her to file a suit against the duo in court. The dialog has been posted on the host’s popular YouTube channel.

But the controversy fizzled out when knowledgeable profes-

sionals, including this writer took to the YouTube channel clarifications that Toto and Mylene had been married under the Shariah law, which allows qualified Muslims to marry more than one up to the maximum of four.

The clarification has also drawn thousands of views even as Mangudadatu told the Philippine Muslim Today news that he had divorced Mylene before getting involved with Sharifa.

“We’ve had a stormy marriage. That’s why I divorced her…in peace,” the lawmaker said Proactive decision Relatives and friends have lauded the new couple’s decision to renew their Islamic solemnization with prominence on Wednesday, saying the option was a “proactive” action to preempt possible political exploitation by rival camps.

They said Mangudadatu was inclined to vie for the gubernatorial slot again in the May 9, 2022 elections. He held the position from 2010 until he got elected Congressman in 2019.

Mangudadatu and his counterpart in the first district, Rep. Ronnie Sinsuat, authored harmonized bills that were led to the enactment of R.A. 11550, which splits their province into Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte.

The two lawmakers wanted for the conduct of a plebiscite for the ratification of the law before the filing of candidacies in Oct. 1-18 this year for the 2022 elections.

But the Commission on Elections promulgated recently an en banc resolution deferring the conduct of the plebiscite until four months after next year’s polls. (AGM)

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