Philippine Muslim Today

Vol. II, No. 16 | October 1-7, 2021 (Safar 24-30, 1443)

Presidential Clashes in 2022

By Homobono A. Adaza - Page A5

12 Pages | P20

Philippines’ First Muslim Digital Newspaper

Violations in the Journalists’ Code of Ethics in the Philippines

What Dilawan means..

By Moy Alonto Lucman - Page A5

By Julmunir I. Jannaral - Page A5

2022 Elections

Inside

PRRD calls for peaceful polls as UBJP, clans ‘alliance’ field candidates in Maguindanao

> A6: New WestMinCom Chief emboldens JTFZ to follow the 5Ps, ensure peaceful elections in 2022. > A7: OPAPP expects Senate concurrence of amnesty measures for ex-rebels. > A8: American-Muslim Entrepreneur Eesha Sheikh makes it to Forbes next 1000 list 2021. > A10: Blast hits NGCP tower in Lanao Sur, injures 9 people.

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OTABATO CITY – President Rodrigo Duterte has called for peaceful and free elections in the country, mentioning particularly the provinces of Sultan Kudarat and Manguindanao and this city, even as he warned to use the military to help secure fair political exercises.

The President made the call cum warning when he opened the new provincial hospital in Sultan Kudarat on Friday, 24, a day before incumbent Gov. Suharto “Teng” Mangudadatu joined his wife-Governor Mariam Sangki in naming candidates in Maguindanao under the “Family Alliance” forged by the couple with ruling clans in the province.

PRRD | A2

Maguindanao, SK gubernatorial races appear ‘couple vs. couple’

By ALI G. MACABALANG

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OTABATO CITY – As political climates for next year’s local and national polls continued to heat up, imprimaturs for the gubernatorial races in Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat loom to be a couple vs. couple between estranged cousins Maguindanao 2nd Dist.

Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu and Sultan Kudarat Governor Suharto “Teng” Mangudadatu.

COUPLE VS. COUPLE: Above are file photos of couples Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu and wife Sharifa Akeel, and Sultan Kudarat Gov. Suharto “Teng” Mangudadatu and wife-Maguindanao Gov. Mariam Sangki.

Bangsamoro CM Ebrahim graces 48th Kamahardikaan’ or founding anniversary of Tawi-Tawi BONGAO, Tawi-Tawi — Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister Ahod “Al Hajj Murad “ Ebrahim arrived here last Monday, Sept. 27, to grace the culmination program of the 48th Kamahardikaan celebration or the founding anniversary of the province of Tawi-Tawi.

Together with Ebrahim were Public Works Minister Eduard Guerra, Agriculture Minister Mohammad Yacob, and Transportation and Communications Minister Dickson Hermoso.

(Full Story on Page A3)

(Full Story on Page A2)

House, Senate OK bill extending voter registration for 1 month

MANILA – The House of Representatives and the Senate on Monday night unanimously approved a measure seeking to extend the voter registration deadline for the May 2022 national

and local elections for another 30 days.

With 193 affirmative votes, the chamber approved House Bill 10261, which proposes to fix the last day of registration of voters for the 2022 polls.

Currently, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) set the deadline on September 30.

HOUSE | A6

MP Adiong seeks review of MSU security setup as another shooting incident hits campus MP ADIONG | A3

A2 PRRD calls for peaceful polls as UBJP… from Page A1 The governor-husband’s focus in Maguindanao surfaced as he announced plan to transfer residence to the province and seek appointment in the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) purportedly to help shape the governance of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

BARMM covers Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi provinces and the cities of Marawi, Lamitan and Cotabato as well as 63 villages in five North Cotabato towns that opted for autonomy via the 2019 plebiscite. The BTA, an interim governing body of BARMM governance dominated by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s (MILF’s) United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP).

On Sunday or a day after the bets-drafting by the “Family Alliance,” the UBJP led by MILF Chair and BARMM Chief Minister Ahod “Hadji Murad” Ebrahim swore in and announced their provincial slate led by Maguindanao 2nd District Esmael “Toto” Mangudadato to slug it out with the sitting lady governor in the 2022 polls.

Apparently responding to the Presidential plea, key UBJP and BARMM officials assured to adhere to honest, orderly, peaceful and equitable (HOPE) elections, refuting critics’ insinuation that the regional party would use MILF forces to resort to violence.

“UBJP and its ruling officials in BARMM advocate ‘moral governance” and other Islamic tenets in public service against violence or repressive methods of selecting leaders. We honor the covenant and by Allah (s.w.t.), we shall live by it,” a key party official, who asked for anonymity for lack of authority to speak for UBJP, said.

Peace poll or military intervention Though acknowledging that Muslims “have already gone to the flowering of civilization,” President Duterte said he will not hesitate to use the military to quell violent actions to preserve the sanctity of ballots.

“Either we have an election that is free or I will use the military to ensure free and orderly election is free. The military is the guardian of our country and I could call them anytime to see to it that people are protected and elections are freely and orderly exercised,” he pointed out.

The President said he would call “all of you (political leaders and candidates in Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, and in Cotabato City) in my office.”

“Wala tayong common ground (to discuss but for free polls), all leaders, political leaders and those participating in the elections, I plead for peace. Gusto ko sana Makita ang Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat and every province, Cotabato City, na walang gulo,” he said.

He added: “I am hesitant to say that in the forthcoming elections I am still the President, just like in the last elections (in 2019). During my term, there will be peaceful elections. So ‘di pwede yang terrorism and Cotabato has come to the age of development.”

Wrong briefing Three UBJP officials interviewed by the Philippine Muslim Today news over the phone welcomed the Presidential plea and warning, saying the remarks if abided by in the 2022 elections could make a “lot of difference for good.”

But one of them lamented that the President could have listened to “wrong briefing” by political quarters that tried but failed “desperately to prevent the processes leading to the just-approved Congressional bill postponing the 2022 polls for (regional parliament members) and extending the BTA term to 2025.”

Tough Maguindanao polls A day after of the Presidential visit, Sultan Kudarat Gov. Mangudadatu and wifeMaguindanao Gov. Mariam Sangki convened

Across BARMM

Vol. II, No. 16 | October 1-7, 2021 (Safar 24-30, 1443)

Maguindanao, SK gubernatorial races appear ‘couple vs. couple’

By ALI G. MACABALANG

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OTABATO CITY – As political climates for next year’s local and national polls continued to heat up, imprimaturs for the gubernatorial races in Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat

The lawmaker announced this week the gubernatorial bid of his wife, beauty queen Sharifa Akeel to possibly face the incumbent SK governor. He was earlier named standard bearer for governor by the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) in Maguindanao where sitting Gov. Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu, wife of the SK chieftain, bids for reelection.

The 24-year old Sharifa, the crowned Miss Asia Pacific International in 2018 who formally married the lawmaker in a grand rite here on Aug. 25 this year, grew up in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat and is registered voter in the province, official narratives said as supporters welcomed her political venture.

Rep. Mangudadatu on Tuesday told reporters his wife joined politics and will run for governor in SK to inspire youth’s active role in community leadership and development.

Supporters said Sharifa’s chance could be slim against Governor Teng, but added her bid will proportionately answer the way the SK leader fielded his wife, then Datu Abdullah Sangki Mayor Mariam, in the 2019 gubernatorial race in Maguindanao.

Mariam defeated former mayors’ league president Freddie Mangudadatu, the law-

maker’s brother, with the Sinsuat and Mastura political clans breaking a 2018 covenant and shifting to the lady politician’s camp.

Trade of revelations and barbs Couple Governors Teng and Mariam promptly reacted to Sharifa’s bid, saying she was free to seek any elective slot. The husband still has two remaining gubernatorial terms, but announced his plan to shift residence to Maguindanao and seek appointment in the interim Bangsamoro parliament.

Gov. Mariam berated Sharifa’s bid, saying Rep. Toto was “exploiting” his wife for “personal” gains. She also deplored the UBJP, an official political party of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Bangsamoro governance, for creating disunity among families in Maguindanao and SK. Instead of addressing threats by the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and illegal drugs issues, the UBJP meddled in local politics using state resources, Mariam told a meeting in the vernacular.

Sources from the UBJP refuted the allegations, saying the couple was the one allegedly reneging on covenants for unity and trust in the 2019 elections and in the Congression-

partners in the “Family Alliance” to announce the latter’s bid for reelection in tandem with Ainee LimbonaSinsuat, wife of incumbent three-term Vice Governor Lester Sinsuat who will run for mayor.

On the other hand, UBJP and BARMM chieftain Ebrahim swore in Rep. Mangudadatu and former three-term Rep. Bai Sandra Sema as candidates for governor and vice governor, respectively.

He also endorsed the reelection bid of Maguindanao 1st District Rep. Ronnie Sinsuat, who would be pitted against “Family Alliance’s” BTA Member of Parliament Sittie Shahara Dimple Ibrahim-Mastura.

Ebrahim also swore in Board Members Datu Bimbo Sinsuat and Datu Jam Sinsuat and endorsed their reelection.

(SK) loom to be a couple vs. couple between estranged cousins Congressman Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu and Governor Suharto “Teng” Mangudadatu.

al deliberation of a bill extending the interim Bangsamoro governance operational period from 2022 to 2025.

In a separate video recorded interview, Rep. Mangudadatu belied Gov. Mariam’s accusations of alleged exploitation and bias against women leadership, saying he has never in life belittled women rights to leadership. He hinted at the prospective candidacy of Sharifa as a show of high regard in women’s capabilities.

The lawmaker, a former three-term Maguindanao governor, said it was the couple that has been allegedly employing arbitrary practices of planting evidence in filing cases against his brothers and members of his extended family.

The UBJP leadership, which reportedly held a meeting here with Rep. Mangudadatu on Thursday, echoed its earlier policy-statement that their participation in the 2022 elections was meant to ensure that elected local officials will be closely cooperating with the Bangsamoro regional governance and to return favor to political leaders who had shown genuine support to Congressional processes concerning the new autonomy.

The UBJP fielded Rep. Mangudadatu and former three-term Bai Sandra Sema as its

official candidates for governor and vice governor in Maguindanao.

The male solon was the principal sponsor of the bill that postpones the 2022 poll for parliament members and extends the Bangsamoro Transition Authority’s (BTA’s) lifespan to 2025, while Sema was main of R.A. 11054 that created the new autonomous region.

It also endorsed the reelection bid of Maguindanao 1st District Rep. Ronnie Sinsuat for his active support in the BTA extension call, and those of incumbent Board Members Bimbo Sinsuat and Jam Sinsuat.

The couple governors’ “family alliance” with the Masutra and other Sinsuat politicians fielded Mariam for reelection in tandem with Ainee LimbonaSinsuat, wife of incumbent three-term Vice Governor Lester Sinsuat who will run for mayor in Datu Odin Sinsuat town against a relative from the UBJP. It drafted BTA Member of Parliament Sittie Shahara Dimple Ibrahim-Mastura for the 1st District Congressional slot against reelectionseeking Rep. Sinsuat, and Datu Paglas town vice Mayor Mohammad “Tong” Paglas for the 2nd district post. Paglas has no rival yet from the UBJP. (AGM)

Parliament Minister Khadaffy and former Buluan Mayor Ibrahim, both younger siblings of Rep. Mangudadatu were also present during the endorsement ceremony here on Sunday.

The “Family Alliance” fielded incumbent Datu Paglas vice Mayor Mohammad “Tong” Paglas, a UBJP field official, as candidate for Maguindanao’s 2nd Congressional district. The UBJP did not name its bet for the slot yet.

Neutral quarters said the Maguindanao elections next year will be an “acid test” for the mettle of the UBJP, which has 170,000 regular members based mostly in Maguindanao, the central base of the MILF. ALI G. MACABALANG

Across BARMM

Vol. II, No. 16 | October 1-7, 2021 (Safar 24-30, 1443)

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Bangsamoro CM Ebrahim graces 48th ‘Kamahardikaan’ or founding anniversary of Tawi-Tawi

MP Adiong seeks review of MSU security setup as another shooting incident hits campus

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

By ALI G. MACABALANG

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ONGAO, Tawi-Tawi — Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister Ahod “Al Hajj Murad “ Ebrahim arrived here last Monday, Sept. 27, to grace the culmination program of the 48th Kamahardikaan celebration or the founding The program was held at the Mindanao State University gymnasium in Bongao Municipality.

“Tawi-Tawi is very dear to us. We are very thankful to (its people) and its leaders kasi itong pagkaroon natin ng Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), unang-una sumuporta na probinsiya para ma ratify ang Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) ay itong Tawi-Tawi,” Ebrahim said. (the founding of BARMM, Tawi-Tawi was the first province to declare support for the ratification of Bangsamoro Organic Law.) “Itong huli nating struggle sa extension ng Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), unang-unang nagpalabas ng resolution ang Tawi-Tawi para sa extension ng BTA. I would like to ensure to everyone na hindi natin pababayaan itong Tawi-Tawi habang nandito tayo sa gobyerno,” Ebrahim stressed. (Our recent struggle on the extension of Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), Tawi-Tawi was the first province to issue a resolution, We will not abandon the welfare of Tawi-Tawi while we are running

anniversary of the province of Tawi-Tawi.

Together with Ebrahim were Public Works Minister Eduard Guerra, Agriculture Minister Mohammad Yacob, and Transportation and Communications Minister Dickson Hermoso.

WELCOME ARCH: A welcome arch is being constructed in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi where everyone is welcome in Sama dialect “Palanjal Kam” (You are Welcome) as Tawi-Tawi celebrated its 48th founding anniversary on September 27. (Contributed Photo) this government.)

The BARMM executives also witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Tawi-Tawi Bangsamoro Integrated Fish Port and Facilities (TBIFPF) project in Pababag Island.

Said groundbreaking is one of the highlights of this year’s Kamahardikaan celebration.

TBIFPF is a P600million BARMM-funded megaproject initiated by Tawi-Tawi Governor Yshmael “Mang” Sali.

Minister Yacob said the construction of the fishing port with complete facilities will surely boost the fisheries industry of the province. He committed to continuously support

the programs of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) aimed at helping the farmers and fisherfolks in the province.

Meanwhile, Minister Hermoso of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) mentioned that there are seven sectors under transportation, which include Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and Land Transportation Office (LTO) that regulate franchises, registration and licensing.

“Mag i-issue tayo ng mga ito dahil may kakayahan naman ang MOTC,” Hermoso said.

He also committed to

improve internet connectivity in the region especially in the Basilan, Sulu, and TawiTawi areas to boost communication services.

Public Works Minister Guerra, on the other hand, also committed Php150-million fund to each of the municipalities of the province for local government units’ infrastructure developments.

Meanwhile, in his gratitude message, Governor Sali expressed his gratefulness to the regional officials for gracing the culmination program of the 7day celebration of the 48th Kamahardikaan Tawi-Tawi, which kicked -off on Sept. 21 and ended on Sept. 27. (JIJ)

Indigent Bangsamoro outside BARMM receive rice assistance

By Jidday B. Lucman | MSSD BARMM LAMBAYONG, SULTAN KUDARAT – As the BARMM Government continues to extend its various services to Bangsamoros living outside its core territories to make sure that they are not left behind, the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) distributed 1,889 sacks of rice to indigent families in Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, and Davao Occidental on Sept. 10 – 16, 2021.

Each recipient received 25 kilos of rice. Most of them were fisherfolks, farmers, elderly as well as ustadz and ustdadja (Muslim religious teachers).

Six hundred indigent beneficiaries received rice assistance in the province of Davao Occidental wherein 300 in Brgy. Patuco, Sarangani Island and 300 in the barangays of Camalian and Sugal, Jose Abad Santos.

Another 300 sacks of rice were given to indigent

senior citizens in Brgy. Pangyan, Glan, Sarangani Province.

There were also 989 MNLF combatants and disadvantaged senior citizens in Sultan Kudarat Province who received rice assistance in which 300 were in Brgy. Nakan, Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat, 389 were in Brgy. Columbio, Sultan Kudarat, and 300 were in New Cebu, Lambayong.

This extension of social intervention from MSSD is pursuant to Article VI, Section 12 of the R.A. 110541 or the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) which stipulates the “Assistance to Other Bangsamoro Communities”.

This particular provision mandates the Bangsamoro government to ensure the protection of rights, provide assistance, and undertake programs for the economic, social, and cultural development of the Bangsamoro people residing in communities outside the BARMM. (PR)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur – The fatal shooting at the main campus here of the Mindanao State University (MSU-Marawi) that killed two young Maranao students received strong condemnations from the university administration and other sectors.

In a statement, MSU President Habib W. Macaayong said, “This abominable act of violence is an assault on the Ideals that we as a civilized, God-fearing and peace-loving Muslim community live by.”

COTABATO CITY – Interim Bangsamoro Parliament member Zia Alonto-Adiong has batted for a review of internal security measures at the Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City as he lamented another shooting incident in the campus premises that left one person killed and three others wounded on Tuesday, Sept. 27.

“Last (Tuesday) night, another shooting incident occurred within the premises of the Mindanao State University and reports indicate that innocent bystanders were included as casualties. We still haven’t moved on from the previous killings, yet here we are again with another crime scene,” Adiong said in his Facebook post on Wednesday.

Adiong hinted at campus stakeholders’ worries about the “spate” of unsolved killings in the 60-year old campus, one of which happened on Sept. 21, also a Tuesday, when two students named as Omar Zinal and Hamzah Rauf died on the spot when shot at point blank in their heads at a dim section of the MSU commercial center by still unidentified motorcycle-riding gunman.

Police investigators probed on two possible angles – one was family “feud” involving relatives of one of the fatalities, and another attributed to the victims’ being gays that allegedly caught the ire of an extremist ideological group, said an earlier report attributed to outgoing Marawi City police chief Lt. Col. Nelson Madiwo.

Lanao del Sur Gov. Bombit Alonto-Adiong and City Mayor Majul Gandamra had reportedly condemned the killing of the two students, and called for thorough investigation to identify and prosecute any suspects who remained at large.

Unlike in the earlier incident, the latest shooting enabled security authorities to promptly arrest two suspects named as Sohaily Arindig Ampuan and Raffy Madale, the MSU Department of Security Services (DSS) said in a report.

The report said two armed suspects allegedly approached one Samanoding Macadaag in a restaurant at Barangay Salam (Lomidong) and fired several shots that instantly killed him and wounded three others. Two of the wounded were identified as Salic Macatanto Alawi Sarip and Mohammad Salic Ampuan Hadji Salic Jr. and the third was a child still unnamed, it added.

MP Adiong strongly condemned “the recent spate of violence inside the university,” urging the authorities to review or “re-evaluate the security measures of the campus.”

“We must take a collective stand and end this culture of violence that pervades our society,” said Adiong, grandson of the MSU founder – late former Senator Domocao Alonto Sr. “On many occasions, I have asserted that MSU is a zone of peace where our youth can pursue their dreams of a brighter future. It is a beacon of hope and learning, a place where one can seek enlightenment and cultivate the values of peaceful co-existence and harmony,” he stressed.

He said committing “violence inside the university is a blatant disregard for its ideals (and) is a violation of the sanctity of the University and an upfront to the peace-loving community of Lanao del MP ADIONG | A11

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Opinion Philippine Muslim Today Inc. Co. Reg. No. 2021030008913-02

Editorial Martial Law: Has the Bangsamoro Forgotten?

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 D. ESMAIL Chairman, Special Committee on Administration & Finance

PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY 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 JAHARA A. SOLAIMAN Contributing Editor 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

Vol. II, No. 16 | October 1-7, 2021 (Safar 24-30, 1443)

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eptember 21st has become very contentious among Filipinos, young and old, at present. While it is true that information regarding the dictatorship that had been toppled down in 1986 has become more accessible, thanks to the Internet and other revelations that have come to light, the historical revisionism that has accompanied it has been appalling, even dismaying.

It is shocking that considering that the Bangsamoro people were among those who had suffered the most through the many atrocities committed by the regime, a growing number, particularly the youth, have been extolling the “virtues” of that particular person of history, even going to the extent of invalidating the unfortunate experiences of Bangsamoro who were the harmed, even the lost.

One does not have to look very far into the annals of this country’s history to realize that the Bangsamoro, like the rest of the country, fared no better during Martial Law. Those who were privileged enough to have allied themselves with the powers-that-were during that time, of course, had benefitted from the connection, and thus, spared the injustices that their less fortunate Bangsamoro brothers and sisters were subjected to.

The Malisbong, Palimbang Massacre, where Moro men and women, even children were either injured, killed or violated, and even the Jabidah Massacre should be proof enough that the leadership of the time was no saving grace as what many have been led to believe.

Bangsamoros should pay more attention to their past, and ignoring the fact that Martial Law caused the suffering and deaths of so many Bangsamoro is indeed a great disservice to their own tribe, and even to their faith. It would even be tantamount to rejecting their flesh and blood, as some of the victims may have been or are their own kin. The ones who had a great part in the atrocities inflicted upon the victims are not heroes. (PMT)

MARIA FHEBIE ORTIL Head of Accounts Executives for NCR Plus DISCLAIMER:

Punchline

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.

ALI G. MACABALANG

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n our politically polarized world, Dilawan is a maligned word at least to those swayed by the cyber robotic keyboarders spewing untruths as a smokescreen to a political resurrection or perpetuation of a despotic leadership.

There seems to be unabated if not growing cases of political practices turning affront to Islamic tenets in component areas of the defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao now replaced by the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Politics-related deaths, vote-buying and other forms of intimidations were happening before the advent of ARMM and BARMM, the intensity of such shenanigans heightened during and after the Cory Aquino regime-crafted autonomy.

In the advent of the 29-year old ARMM, vote-buying in Lanao del Sur once peaked to as high as P10,000 to P15,000 per voter in Maguing town when newbie “Marimar” joined the municipal mayoral race. Politicians in adjacent Lumba-Bayabao followed suit on a lesser amount averaging from P5,000 to P10,000 per voting family.

Thus, vote-buying politicians would ignore complaints about the absence of socio -economic and infra growth in Maguing and Lumba-Bayabao when elected to office.

One elected mayor was once quoted as telling complaining constituents: “You already received your dividends of what you expected from me.”

In the regional level at a time the automated vote counting machines were introduced, many voters in Lanao del Sur have complained about receiving ballots already embedded with the name of a regional candidate. This happened, of course, with an expected hefty monetary change of hands with concerned authorities.

Faith and Politics There was also once a case of candidatebuying in a Lanao Sur town. The incumbent mayor, on account of gratitude to elder leaders and a cash gift in millions of pesos, gave way to a negotiators’ candidate.

In Marawi City, similar negotiations have reportedly been happening in anticipation of the 2022 elections.

In Maguindanao, the same scheme had taken course on a bigger scale because it involved clans in the 2019 polls. The family of then Governor Esmael Mangudadatu forged solemnly (reportedly over the Qur’an) a covenant with two political clans in 2918 for the three agreeing families to put up a common gubernatorial candidate.

In the subsequent campaign period for the 2019 gubernatorial election, the two clans were seen rallying another bet for governor who eventually defeated Mangudadatu’s younger brother Freddie, then president of provincial league of mayors. Hefty cash gifts were involved in the “change of hearts” by the two clans, the Mangudadatu family lamented.

Esmael Mangudadatu, who was elected 2nd District Congressman in 2019 after completing three gubernatorial terms, and 1st District Rep. Ronnie Sinsuat authored bills seeking to divide their province into two: Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte. The bills were enacted last May, with the two authors thinking a plebiscite would be held before the 2022 polls.

The two lawmakers’ expectation did not happen as the Comelec set the referendum to a date “four months after” the 2022. There were rumors that hefty cash was involved in the stunted process.

Meanwhile, Reps. Mangudadatu and Sinsuat pushed hard for the passage of the bill, now enrolled for signature by the President, to postpone the Bangsamoro Transition AuthoriMACABALANG | A11

Opinion

Vol. II, No. 16 | October 1-7, 2021 (Safar 24-30, 1443)

Violations in the Journalists’ Code of Ethics in the Philippines

PRESIDENTIAL CLASHES IN 2022 – Part 8 (Continued from last issue) Signs: Publicly, Senator Bong Go categorically states he has no ambition to become President. If true, at least, the man is honest in this regard to admit that he has no acceptable qualifications to be President. But being one of the factuta of President Duterte – Can he refuse Duterte? I doubt that. If it is not a usual Duterte drama leading to a different twist – it will be a Go-Duterte tandem in May of 2022. That will be a catastrophe for the country because the current Duterte administration is already a calamity – thousands of extra-judicial killings; rampant graft and corruption, according to President Duterte himself; pampering and tolerating the military, police and his friends among public officials to commit all possible crimes; admitting to inability to solve national problems; throwing away Philippine territory and economic zones into the hands of Communist China and President Xi Jin Ping; wanton constitutional and human rights violations; and shaming the Filipino people in the eyes of the world.

Senator Go’s role: If Senator Go really does not want to be Presi-

dent, he has a role to play –he should tell President Duterte to forget running for VicePresident as that would be disastrous for Duterte and the country.

President Duterte had several confused and confusing reasons to run for Vice-President.

First, he said he wants to have immunity from criminal prosecution, thus he is running for Vice-President. But that is a wrong reason. As Vice-President, he is not immune from suit. Second, he will insure the continuity of his program of government. If as President he could not implement them successfully – more so as Vice-President.

Third, he wants to be VicePresident because he will audit all government officers and employees as well as the Commission on Audit (COA).

But that is not the job of a Vice-President. That is the constitutional duty of the COA – not that of the Vice-President. If he does that, he can be criminally charged with usurpation of public duties under the Revised Penal Code and for violating sections 3(3e) of RA 3019 – and section 4 of RA 6713.

From these facts, it is quite clear President Duterte wants to be

Diliman Way

HOMOBONO A. ADAZA President again. It is about time Senator Go tells President Duterte to respect his view not to run for President – not to treat him like a slave but as a human being, a senator of the realm and a billionaire, as President Duterte proclaims him to be, and for Duterte not to run for VicePresident.

Senator Go is still young and a billionaire.

He has still a lot to learn to be President. If he submits to the dictation of President Duterte to run for President with Rodrigo Dutere as his Vice-President – that might just be the tipping point to precipitate a major political upheaval which will blow them into kingdom come with the PDP-LABAN and the Digong fanatics along with it. If Senator Bong Go can prevent that catastrophe – maybe the next administration and the Filipino people will be kind to him.

(HAA)

What Dilawan means..

In our politically polarized world, Dilawan is a maligned word at least to those swayed by the cyber robotic keyboarders spewing untruths as a smokescreen to a political resurrection or perpetuation of a despotic leadership.

Yellow ribbon became the symbol of a distraught motherland whose welcoming arm for an adored homecoming son was shattered by a bullet.

The homecoming son was Sen. Ninoy Aquino returning from political exile in USA to lead the push for the Marcos ouster but was gunned down at the tarmac of the Manila International Airport.

The year was 1983, the year of living dangerously under dictator Marcos.

What does this mean to the Bangsamoro?

Ninoy’s widow, Cory Aquino, became the President when the Marcoses took flight amidst the nation’s indignation.

In her presidency, Cory worked on the creation of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. ARMM was the realization of the Muslim aspiration for self-rule.

After several presidents, PNoy then enhanced this self rule by forging another peace accord with the MILF through the signing of CAB (Comprehensive Agreement of Bangsamoro) which became the basis for the creation of BARMM. Yellow politics, on the autonomy context, is the concession of freedom, development, and peace to the Bangsamoro.

The ascendance of the Aquino to two presi-

Hammerhead

MOY OY A ALONTO LONTO L LUCMAN UCMAN M dential tenures, first by Cory, second by PNoy, came along with them autonomy for Muslim Mindanao – ARMM and then BARMM. Both are the best defining moments of the vindication of the injustices committed against the Bangsamoro as well as the realization of our aspirations.

This is what yellow truly means to the Bangsamoro.

Beware of the pitfalls of untruths!

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I

n the previous issue of Batanes To TawiTawi (Vol. 2, No.14), we discussed about the “ Code of Professional and Ethical Conduct of the Philippine Press Institute.”

In this issue, we are to discuss the VIOLATIONS IN THE JOURNALISTS’ CODE OF ETHICS IN THE PHILIPPINES. As this developed, may I quote Franklin D. Roosevelt who once said, “Great power involves great responsibility.”

Imagine if you know a man of prowess, who can influence a colossal number of people. By that power, he can instill to everyone any ideas, thoughts, or images that could create a good impact on a certain person or thing.

However, with that power as well, he could also destroy. That man of prowess, maybe now, he’s holding a pen and sheet of paper.

Maybe now, he’s holding a camera flicking photos in an event.

That man who has great power, is actually a journalist.

Journalism, as a field, encompasses the power to inform and educate the masses concerning the current events happening in our society. However, journalism is also a discipline of verification, which means it also entails responsibilities in verifying and factchecking the information that will be publicized.

That being said, this field requires absolute or “almost perfection” efforts on its operation, from the gathering of information, verifying of the gathered information, writing the news itself, editing of the news, and until it reached the operation of publication of the news.

Furthermore, as a journalist, there are certain guidelines established which set the standards of writing and reporting factually and accurately. Like here in the Philippines, there are ethical guidelines established called, Journalists’ Code of

Ethics, approved by the Philippines Press Institute, the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines, and the National Press Club.

This code also assigns publishers/owners and editors the primary role in upholding professional and ethical standards.

In the Philippines, there is a myriad of professional journalists.

However, due to various circumstances, there are journalists who violate the code of ethics.

These violations in accordance with the Journalists’ Code of Ethics are considered as forms of misconduct, such as the following three cases (reference: online site of Center for Media and Responsibility).

First, the article published by TJ Burgonio, from the Philippine Daily Inquirer, last April 20, 2013. PDI published on its front page and online edition a fake cover of Time Magazine with the late President Benigno Aquino III. The Inquirer caption said: “President Aquino on TIME Magazine cover: I’m just the face of the whole country.” However, this article caught the attention of the eagle-eyed netizens.

Netizens pointed out that no recent Time issue has Mr. Aquino on the cover and that the cover was a spoof on Mr. Aquino on the Facebook page of a group critical of his administration, Showbiz Government.

Although the Inquirer did not mention where it picked up the photo, the Showbiz Government posted on its timeline a copy of the Inquirer’s front page saying: “Thank you very much Philippine Daily Inquirer (Official) for publishing our MEMEs (on) your FRONT PAGE.” If we will analyze this case, what PDI did was unethical and indeed a violation of Article 1 of the Filipino Journalists’ Code of Ethics. It was clear that the information gathered in the article was

Batanes to Tawi-Tawi

JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL not scrupulously verified and fact-checked.

Given the fact that the ‘possible’ source where the information was gathered came from a Facebook page of a group critical of Aquino’s administration, it must be really suspicious in the first place.

The journalist who gathered the information must somehow get the information from a credible source.

It could be from the statement from Time magazine itself if they chose Aquino as the cover of their magazine since for sure it will be much emphasized to the media.

As a journalist, Burgonio must be really careful in verifying information. The other staff of PDI must somehow fact-check every information contained in their articles to prevent the dissemination of misleading news.

Second, the article published by Alfred Yuson, from the Philippine Star, last April 18, 2011. Yuson’s published article on Rogue Magazine regarding the Philippine Basketball Association and its former commissioner Rudy Salud contained paragraphs lifted word for word from Rey Joble’s report on the same topic for GMA News Online. It was found out by blogger Jaemark Tordecilla, in his sports blog “Fire Quinito”. Yuson wrote Tordecilla an e-mail to explain why he committed the mistake.

According to Yuson, he was “pressed” to make the deadline and since he had rewritten Joble’s draft, he was “at least part-author of it.” He has since apologized.

If we will scrutinize this case, it was really JANNARAL | A11

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House, Senate OK bill extending… from Page A1 Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, the author of the bill, said the period for registration must be extended to avoid “massive voter disenfranchisement” given the “extraordinary circumstances’ brought about by the coronavirus disease (Covid19) pandemic.

“We hope the Comelec will use the one-month extension to ramp up voter registration and ensure that more people can vote next year because we cannot afford to disenfranchise voters,” Velasco said.

He said the extension would also give “leeway” to Filipinos whose registration was delayed because of prevailing circumstances.

“The public health crisis has been prolonged and many prospective voters have been forced to delay their registration this year and in 2020,” he said. “At a time of uncertainty, each and every office of the government is tasked to be flexible and alert.”

He said the poll body should not allow the democratic process of election to be stalled by the Covid-19 pandemic, which has the potential to cause massive disenfranchisement.

“The right to vote in an election is one essential part of the democratic process, and Comelec is duty-bound to make sure that all eligible voters are able to register and exercise their right to suffrage,” he said.

The Senate also unanimously approved Senate Bill 2408, an Act Extending the Registration of Voters for the 2022 National and Local Elections.

All the senators agreed that the Comelec needed to be compelled to move the deadline despite its continued rejection of the proposal.

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, the main sponsor of the bill, said the Senate will adopt the House of Representatives’ version of the bill.

Zubiri reiterated the urgency of passing a legislation that would mandate the Comelec to move the deadline of the registrations to allow more voters to participate in next year’s elections.

“Hopefully the President will sign this request,” Zubiri said.

In the bill’s explanatory note, the senators stressed that almost six months of the registration period was lost when the pandemic began and the country was under stringent lockdown. More days were lost too when areas were reverted to enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) or modified ECQ. The senators, citing the Comelec report, said that as of June 2021, there are around 60 million registered voters for the 2022 elections. This is short of the 73.3 million projected voting population reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in February 2021.

The senators said “the Filipino people have been clamoring for the extension of the deadline of voter registration” as a result of a series of cancellations of voter registration.

“Given the extraordinary circumstances of the pandemic, it is necessary to extend the voter registration, in order to give unregistered Filipinos of voting age ample time to register, and eventuality exercise their constitutional right to vote,” they said.

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said less than 200,000 new voter registrants are expected to be listed if the voter registration is extended.

“Right now, our expectation is we are probably going to get less than 200,000 more who have not registered yet,” Jimenez said.

He said they have exceeded by 1 million their target new registrants of 4 million for the whole registration period.

“We exceeded our expectation of 4 million. We are now actually at 5 million,” he added.

News

Vol. II, No. 16 | October 1-7, 2021 (Safar 24-30, 1443)

New WestMinCom Chief emboldens JTFZ to follow the 5Ps, ensure peaceful elections in 2022

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

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AMP NAVARRO, Calarian, Zamboanga City — The newly-installed commander of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) has boasted the morale of the officers and men of the Joint Task Force (JTF)

Zamboanga by encouraging them to maintain the same zeal and always follow the 5Ps (Plan, Prepare, Perform, Play, and Pray). He also enjoins them to maintain peaceful elections in 2022.

Major Andrew Linao, WestMinCom public information officer, told the Philippine Muslim Today on Thursday that Maj. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., the newly-installed WestMinCom commander visited the troops of JTF Zamboanga at Camp General Arturo Enrile, Malagutay, this city on Tuesday morning, September 28.

He took the opportunity to engage the troops and further boost their morale.

Maj. Gen. Rosario, Jr. was accorded with military honors rendered by the officers and enlisted personnel of JTF Zamboanga with Col. Randolph Rojas, the task force commander who then presented a unit briefing.

During his talk to the troops, Maj. Gen. Rosario, Jr. lauded the troops for their signifi-

and Pray).

He further urged the troops to ensure that in the forthcoming 2022 elections to maintain a peaceful and orderly election and safeguard the city during the election period. “We need to consider and secure the upcoming election

MILITARY HONORS: Maj. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., the newly-installed WestMinCom commander (left) visited the troops of JTF Zamboanga at Camp General Arturo Enrile, Malagutay, Zamboanga City on Tuesday morning, September 28. He is being welcomed by Col. Randolph Rojas, the task force commander (right) who then presented a unit briefing to the WestMinCom commander. (Contributed Photo) cant accomplishments particularly in thwarting the smuggling activities and sustaining peace and order in the city. As earlier stated he also encouraged them to maintain the same zeal and always follow the 5Ps (Plan, Prepare, Perform, Play,

beginning with the filing of candidacy next month,” Maj. Gen. Rosario, Jr. stated.

In his visit to the troops of JTF Zamboanga, Maj. Gen. Rosario, Jr. was accompanied by the command staff of the WestMinCom. (JIJ)

House adopts reso on automatic passing mark for K-12 students MANILA – The House of Representatives on Thursday night adopted a resolution urging the Department of Education (DepEd) to exercise scholastic leniency to students of the K to 12 basic education program for School Year (SY) 2020-2021 by giving them an automatic passing mark.

The chamber adopted House Resolution 2267, which aims to protect the students' health and well-being in light of the abrupt changes in education

services delivery that had to be undertaken during the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid19) pandemic.

The resolution said the serious threat posed by the pandemic, the troubling consequences of the quarantine measures, and other series of calamities during SY 20202021 have resulted in "challenges that have affected or compromised" the health and well-being of both teachers and students.

It also noted that

The Comelec en banc is set to meet next week to discuss calls for an extension of the voter registration.

The Comelec’s seven-man management committee (ManCom) is expected to come up with a decision on September 29, a day before the September 30 deadline of the nationwide voter registration.

“The ManCom is done. We had the management committee meeting earlier today where the chairman

online classes have presented teachers and students with new sources of stress due to the lack of proper devices, unstable Internet connection, and other technical glitches.

Aside from these, the resolution said the "physically challenging" blended learning mode being implemented by the DepEd requires teachers to distribute printed learning modules among students and collect them on the last school day of the week.

"The current school setup has served to exacerbate the stress caused by the massive destruction that resulted from these natural calamities and has heightened fears and anxieties among students and their families," it said.

It said the scholastic leniency should be accorded to all students currently enrolled in the K to 12 program to "ease the burdens of students and protect their mental health and well-being". (PNA)

and the commissioners consulted with different regional directors and officials of Comelec,” Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said in a virtual briefing on Monday.

“We are preparing the recommendation now and it will be submitted to the banc on Wednesday.

So the en banc will deliberate on the recommendation and we will see what happens on Wednesday,” he added. (with reports from Ferdinand Patinio/PNA)

News

Vol. II, No. 16 | October 1-7, 2021 (Safar 24-30, 1443)

OPAPP expects Senate concurrence Of amnesty measures for ex-rebels

Some 500 flood-affected families in Malabang receive relief support

By Jidday Lucman | MSSD BARMM

BY ALI G. MACABALANG

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OTABATO CITY – The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) is expecting a Senate swift concurrence of Presidential Proclamations Nos. 1090 to 1093 granting amnesty to former rebels.

In a statement on Sept. 28, the OPAPP said Senator Panfilo Lacson, chair of the Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification and Reconciliation, threw his full support behind Presidential Proclamations Nos. 1090 to 1093 granting amnesty to former rebels.

“There is no problem with the passing of this resolution as far as the Senate is concerned.

We will fast track the approval of this concurrent resolution in plenary,” the statement quoted Lacson as saying in a recent hearing.

“In fact, after this hearing, I will submit a report in plenary para ma-discuss and eventually ma-approve even before we go on break,” the senator added.

The OPAPP said the committee hearing was sought by Lacson to deliberate on House Resolutions Nos. 12 to 15 that concur with Proclamations Nos. 1090 to 1093 issued by President Rodrigo Duterte, which grants amnesty to members of rebel groups who have committed crimes in furtherance of their political beliefs.

The House of Representatives has earlier concurred the Proclamations via Res. No. 12 granting amnesty to Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members; Res. No. 13 providing the same amnesty to Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members; Res. No. 14 pardoning members of the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade; and Res. No. 15 pardoning former the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG)

groups.

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. told the hearing that “the spirit of the amnesty is to provide some compassion to former rebels” and is an integral component of the Comprehensive Peace Process under Executive Order No. 3, series of 2001, the OPAPP statement said.

According to Galvez, amnesty is part of the Fourth Path to Peace on “programs for reconciliation, reintegration into mainstream society and rehabilitation,” which aims to address the legal status and security of former rebels.

“The amnesty proclamations by the President are products of peace agreements and of programs of the government to reintegrate former rebels into mainstream society,” he explained.

“The grant of amnesty to these former rebels and combatants will provide them not just a new start in life, but ultimately secure their place in society,” Galvez said in urging the Senate to concur with House Concurrent moves.

Article VII, Section 19 of the 1987 Constitution provides that the President of the Philippines, “has the power to grant amnesty with the concurrence of a majority of all the members of the Congress.”

Galvez recalled that he himself received the national government’s amnesty program for former rebel soldiers that were involved in mutiny in 1989.

“Had it not been for the national government’s amnesty program, my career as a military officer would have ended in 1989.

The amnesty granted to me by former President Fidel Ramos gave me a new lease on life,” he said.

Galvez pointed out that there is nothing wrong with negotiating with members of rebel or terrorist groups “who

have openly expressed their desire to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law.”

“These rebels must be given the chance to turn a new leaf and return to mainstream society as peaceful and productive individuals.

We have seen what happens when these former combatants turn away from armed violence and embrace the path of peace. We are opening our doors for them to start a meaningful transformation,” he said.

Amnesty: Under the Comprehensive Peace Process OPAPP Assistant Secretary Wilben Mayor presented at the hearing an overview of the peace agreements signed between the Government of the Philippines and non-state armed groups, the amnesty program, the legal basis for the granting of amnesty, and the Amnesty Commission.

Mayor defined amnesty as “that which overlooks and obliterates the offense with which a person is charged such that the person released by Amnesty stands before the law precisely as though he had committed no offense.”

He said that there are about 12,700 prospective applicants for amnesty covering the period 2022 to 2024, adding the figure is expected to increase once the ongoing survey and validations being conducted by the implementing panels are completed.

On Feb. 5, 2021, the President issued Executive Order No. 125 which created the National Amnesty Commission (NAC) to receive and process applications for amnesty, and determine whether the applicants are entitled to amnesty based on Proclamation Nos. 1090 to 1093.

Defense Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu expressed gratitude to the Senate Committee on National De-

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fense and Security, Peace, Unification and Reconciliation for supporting President Duterte’s amnesty proclamations.

“I express our sincerest thanks to the committee on behalf of Sec. Lorenzana for supporting this proclamation of the President so that we can give second chances to former members of the [rebel groups]. “With your support of the Amnesty Proclamation of the President, we can give them a second chance in life,” Mapagu said.

Proscription against terror groups Meanwhile, Lacson raised the issue of whether a group that has been proscribed as a terrorist organization will still be eligible for amnesty under the said Presidential proclamations.

The senator cited the case of Communist Party of the Philippines -New People’s ArmyNational Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) that has a pending proscription case filed by the national government with the Regional Trial Court of Manila.

Citing a Department of Justice senior state counsel opinion, Lacson said that “those who are proscribed for crimes under RA 11479 (Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020) may no longer be eligible for the grant of amnesty.”

Galvez responded to Lacson, saying that “there are chances that the terrorists can be amnestied for the purpose of harmonizing the peace and reconciliation policy of the government.”

This is the reason, he said, why they are proposing that the NAC chairman has to be a Supreme Court justice “so that he has the certain background on how we can have a liberal interpretation of the law wherein we can really give the spirit of reconciliation and unity with the formal rebels.”

(AGM)

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ALABANG, LANAO DEL SUR — A total of 490 families residing in the flooded areas in Malabang, Lanao del Sur caused by the heavy rainfall for consecutive days as Typhoon Jolina struck the municipality have received welfare goods from the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) through its Lanao del Sur B Provincial Branch Office on September 20 – 21, 2021.

Each head of indigent households received 25 kilos of rice and grocery items which consist of 3 canned goods, 3 packs of noodles, 1 kilo of sugar, and 1 pack of coffee.

Among the recipients, 74 were from Brgy. Bago a Ingud, 126 were from Brgy. 11 were from Brgy. Manggahan, and 279 were from Brgy. Corahab.

According to Al-Khalil Mangondato, Municipal Social Welfare Officer of Malabang, there are six (6) barangays affected by the flood and the two (2) other barangays such as Brgy. Banday and Brgy. Chinatown will be provided the same assistance in the following days to come.

The local government unit, municipal disaster risk reduction management office, and barangay local government units also are working closely with MSSD as they provided logistical support and manpower during monitoring and distribution of goods.

In coordination with the MDRRMO, posting of flood safety measure in all the flood prone areas should be undertaken for public awareness and to reduce the possible adverse effects.

(PR)

A8 Saudi Arabia To Broadcast Masjid al-Haram Sermons In International Languages

Across the Globe

Vol. II, No. 16 | October 1-7, 2021 (Safar 24-30, 1443)

American-Muslim Entrepreneur Eesha Sheikh makes it to Forbes next 1000 list 2021

W

ASHINGTON – United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres raised the alarm on Tuesday as world leaders convened in New York for the 76th General Assembly, telling them to "wake up" in the face of cataclysmic challenges.

As reported by Saudi Gazette on Monday, the President of the Presidency of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques Sheikh Dr Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Sudais officially announced the launch of a 24-hour live radio broadcast of the lessons and sermons of the Grand Mosque via the Manarat Al-Haramain platform in many international languages.

According to Dr Al-Sudais, the launch of the direct broadcasts of lessons and sermons is one of the continuations of digital plans and programs that the presidency is actively working on to serve those who wish to benefit from the available services of the Two Holy Mosques.

He also said that currently, the presidency is trying through its various services to fulfil the wishes of the beneficiaries around the world.

Many Muslims worldwide welcome this excellent news, and many praise the presidency for making this decision.

At this moment, the presidency is intensively increasing digital transformation efforts in the Two Holy Mosques, intending to improve services for all visitors and worshipers.

The use of modern technology and artificial intelligence technology by the presidency in the service of the Two Holy Mosques is also part of their 2024 comprehensive development plan, which is also in line with the Kingdom’s Vision (2030).

The following steps that will be taken by Saudi Arabia’s authority to develop services for pilgrims and visitors in the Kingdom are still unknown.

However, it is predictable that the Kingdom will continue to present the latest technology and with qualified quality to support their visions.

We should support whatever it is as long as it is beneficial to the visitors and worshippers who come with hopes and good intentions.

May Allah overcome all obstacles and facilitate visitors and worshippers to perform their worship with ease and ease.

(PMT Foreign Desk with report from The Islamic Information)

Eesha Sheikh

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esha Sheikh, C.E.O of PlayPal, has made it to the famous Forbes Next 100 list.

The Pakistani-American based in Richardson, Colorado was featured in the Health and Science category for the self-health monitoring platform she developed, PlayPal. PlayPal is a digital web and secular platform that provides its users with advanced health profiles and preventive health analytics by tracking their physical and cognitive data through third-party integrations.

PlayPal is also a published medicinal chemist specializing in anti-cancer drug development.

Eesha Sheikh with her passion for promoting better health then officially launched PlayPal while pursuing her education at John Hopkins University back in 2014.

Eesha announced the good news through a post that she uploaded on her personal Instagram account. She wrote that she was excited to officially announce that she had been selected for the Forbes Next 1000 list.

She called it a “first-of-its-kind initiative” to celebrate the courageous and inspiring entrepreneur

who gave a new definition of what it means to run a business today.

In addition, Eesha also emphasized that she is very grateful and honoured to be able to represent Pakistani women on the global platform, and also dedicated her success to all Pakistani women.

She ended her post by encouraging women to persuade to continue fighting and conquering barriers.

She wrote, “let us conquer; let us rise, and let us break barriers. Let’s be limitless!”. Indeed her tenacity to fight in the technology sector – a maledominated field – deserves admiration. She said that it is more about barriers to entry than the ability to excel.

Based on the available information, the entrepreneur launched PlayPal to help their users to pursue their healthcare goals by ‘gamifying’ them using AI. According to Forbes, so far, the company has raised a huge amount of revenue totalling $2 million.

(PMT Foreign Desk with report from The Islamic Information)

WHO chief calls for delinking travel from trade restrictions GENEVA – The World Health Organization chief called Tuesday for “delinking travel from trade restrictions" during global public health emergencies, saying $2.4 billion vaccines are needed for those most at risk of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus was speaking at the opening of the Public Forum 2021 at the World Trade Organization titled “Trade Beyond Covid-19: Building Resilience.”

WTO head Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also addressed the event.

"Right now, $2.4 billion of Covid-19 vaccines are needed to vaccinate the world's most at-risk people, like health workers, the elderly, those with underlying conditions, and other vulnerable groups. The vaccines exist, but they're still not reaching the people who need them most,” Tedros said.

Delinking travel from trade restrictions The WHO chief said the World Health Assembly this year called for delinking travel from trade restrictions during public health emergencies of international concern, the WHO's most serious ranking of health risks.

The goal is to maximize the effectiveness of public health measures while minimizing their negative economic impacts.

"This includes facilitating the manufacture and movement of critical medical supplies," Tedros said.

"We need to support the capacities of all countries to roll out Covid-19 vaccines and … finally, WHO looks forward to continuing collaboration with the World

Trade Organization, and all member states, to lower the barriers to trade and travel during health emergencies."

WTO's Ngozi said: "The trading system can and must do more to reduce vaccine inequity and to help us tackle pressing challenges elsewhere, from our oceans to our climate."

She said it is thus essential to deliver results at the WTO in the weeks remaining before its 12th Ministerial Conference.

Ngozi praised Ramaphosa for actively pursuing investment in Africa while also strongly advocating for intellectual property waiver.

She said the pharmaceutical company PfizerBioNTech will invest in a South African company to produce 100 million Covid-19 vaccine doses each year.

"The WTO has a central role in addressing trade and intellectual property-related barriers to boost and diversify production of vaccines, diagnostics, as well as therapeutics," Ramaphosa said in his address.

"Passing a time-bound, targeted TRIPS (TradeRelated Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) waiver, as proposed by South Africa and India, and now supported by many countries around the world, is urgent if we are to save millions of lives,” he said.

Ramaphosa said such a move would be a proportionate response to the exceptional circumstances presented by the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Unequal access to vaccines presents a huge risk to sustain the global recovery," he added. (Anadolu) (PMT Foreign Desk with The Islamic Information)

Tourism | Culture

By JOHNNY R. LEE, Ph.D.

Sports for the Badjaos

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his writer, in his three previous articles, had stressed the need for the Badjaos or Sama Dilaut to be educated in order to improve their social and economic standings. As legitimate members of the Philippine society, they are entitled to all the rights and privileges as citizens of the republic. Also, he articulated the integration and participation of Badjaos as government civil servants and in military establishments like Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

Team Philippines (Underwater Hockey) in action during the 2020 ASEAN Games.

But there is a bigger room to accommodate the Badjaos if our government is serious enough in its effort to uplift the current miserable state of these indigenous peoples. One of the best and appropriate options is to lure them to sports and physical activity.

In one of this writer’s articles about the Badjaos, their exploits as potential athletes could be moulded into caliber or elite athletes in swimming and volleyball. In fact there were reactions and positive comments elicited from the readers about it.

Prominent sports personalities like former PSC Chairman Aparecio Mequi and other

sports buffs from local, regional and national sports association are in agreement that the Badjaos are almost a per-

fect material for recruitment into the elite circles of aqua-sports like swimming, beach vol-

Vol. II, No. 16 | October 1-7, 2021 (Safar 24-30, 1443)

leyballs, water polo, and the relatively newlyintroduced water sports called ‘underwater hockey’. The latter sports

event is patterned after the game called ‘field hockey’ which is popularly played in European

An underwater hockey Game: An event fits for the badjao athletic prowess.

countries, New Zealand, Australia & countries in South Africa. It’s not yet an Olympic game event but it has its own World Championships. It is already a medal sports event in the ASEAN Games and the Philippines has its own national team.

Underwater Hockey, as the name suggests, is played underwater or beneath a pool consisting of 10 players from each opposing team.

The objective of the game is to score a goal by flicking/moving (with a hockey stick) the ‘puck’ ( a 1.5 kg. spherical round plastic-coated object) to the opponent’s 3-meter goal tray.

The key challenge of the game is that the players do not use a breathing device as scuba but instead hold their breath while underwater. This writer believes that this game is made for the Badjaos! The ordinary male badjao spear fisherman has been shown in official documentation video as a person who could hold their breath underwater for an ex-

tended lapse of time.

‘With proper training and orientation on the rules of the game, the Badjaos could dominate this type of event or sports’, says a national expert on aquatic games.

(To be continued in the next issue with emphasis on: Harmonizing the Sports Program for the Badjaos linking Philippine sports bodies like Philippine Sports Commission, BARMM Sports Commission, The TawiTawi Provincial Sports Coordinating bodies and MSU Tawi-Tawi Sports Directorate as lead agency and sports provider.)

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Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup

BANGSAMORO HALAL DISH With Maria Fhebie Ortil

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he Bangsamoro Halal Cuisine has already gone several places in South East Asia exploring halal cuisine that can be introduced into the kitchen of Bangsamoro houses.

We are now in Volume 2, 16th issue of Philippine Muslim Today and I would like to introduce in this issue the Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup known as Pho Ga. Pho Ga (Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup) – is a delicious pho recipe made with chicken stock, chicken, rice noodles, and several herbs. Thus making the taste really not only unique and delicious but truly an Asian taste due to mixture of several sumptuous herbs like basil leaves, cinnamon, ginger, and cilantro leaves.

INGREDIENTS FOR THE BROTH: 2 yellow onions, cut in half 2 oz. (60 g) fresh ginger, crushed 3 sticks cinnamon 2 tablespoons coriander seeds 1 tablespoon peppercorns 10 star anise 1 tablespoon cardamom 2 2 lb. (1 kg) whole organic chickens 3 lb. (1.5 kg) organic chicken bones 2 carrots 1/2 bunch celery 2 daikon radishes 1/4 head green cabbage 6 qt. (6 L) filtered water 3 1/2 tablespoons fish sauce, best quality, lowsodium, for example: Red Boat Fish Sauce 1 oz. (28 g) rock sugar NOODLES: 1 lb. (450 g) fresh noodles 1 lb. (450 g) bean sprouts shredded cooked chicken breasts, from above 12 sprigs Thai basil 12 fresh cilantro leaves 3 Thai chilies, thinly sliced 1 red onion, sliced paper thin 1 cup (60 g) green onions, chopped 1 cup (32 g) chopped cilantro 1 cup (160 g) roasted shallots, can be bought in any Asian market Black pepper to taste 2 limes, cut into wedges Hot sauce Hoisin sauce INSTRUCTIONS ORTIL | A11

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News

Vol. II, No. 16 | October 1-7, 2021 (Safar 24-30, 1443)

Blast hits NGCP tower in Lanao Only LTO Central Office can revoke driver’s license Sur, injures 9 people I C

By ALI G. MACABALANG

OTABATO CITY – An explosion believed originating from a landmine erupted at one of the 138-KV transmission towers of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) in Buadiposo-Buntong town in Lanao del Sur on September 21, injuring nine people.

A report attributed to Brig. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo, head of the Marawi City-based 103rd Infantry Brigade, said the blast did not cause severe damage on the transmission tower, but injured seven soldiers and two linemen.

Two helicopters from the Philippine Air Force base in Cagayan de Oro City and another chopper from NGCP were deployed to extricate the wounded casualties, according to the report.

The NGCP in a statement said the explosion occurred about 7a.m. in a forested area in Buadiposo-Buntong town while their personnel and military escorts were conducting an inspection of the Agus 2 -Kibawe 138KV lines 1 and 2, which tripped last September 22 and 3, respectively.

Ostensibly seeking community cohesive

watch, the NGCP said “any incident meant to interrupt the delivery of power transmission services, only serve to increase the burden of the public, which must suffer through power interruptions when lines or towers are affected.”

Any attempt to disturb line clearing activities violates the provisions under R.A. 11361 or the Anti-Obstruction of Power Lines Act, and is punishable by up to 12 years imprisonment or fines up to P200,000, or both, NGCP warned.

Gen. Cuerpo said the NGCP linemen, escorted by a security detail of seven Army soldiers, walked for two days to the 138-KV transmission tower in the mountains in Buadiposo-Buntong town.

An initial report indicated that one of the soldiers stepped on a pressure-activated landmine planted on the base of the transmission tower, and further investigation was underway to ascertain who was responsible for the landmine, he said.

The military discounted the possibility of involvement in the blast by communist rebels or members of the Dawlah Islamiya terror group.

“Usually the bomb is

attached (by organized groups) to the tower and exploded to topple it down. This is different,” Gen. Cuerpo said in the report.

The NGCP said its transmission towers in secluded areas were usually subjects of numerous attacks in the past and those responsible were mostly disgruntled landowners.

It appealed to civilian authorities, local community leaders and the public “to help identify the perpetrators, and to negotiate with uncooperative landowners, to prevent longer power interruptions.”

It provided NGCP hotlines such 09178476427 or 09188476427 for public use in conveying information.

Meanwhile, Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal “Bombit” Adiong in a statement on Social media said he is deeply alarmed of the landmine explosion that has wounded nine soldiers and NGCP linemen.

He said he instructed the LGU of Buadiposo Buntong and appealed to the town residents to help in the investigation of this merciless incident.

(AGM)

BARMM Trade Ministry holds poultry industry investment forum, business matching in Sulu JOLO, Sulu — The Bangsamoro Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism (MTIT), in cooperation with the Philippine Halal Manok Corporation (PHMC), Landbank of the Philippines (LBP) and Amanah Islamic Bank (AIB), conducted in this province recently a poultry industry investment forum and business matching.

Lawyer Sukarno Abbas, MTIT deputy minister on Tuesday said the poultry industry forum was aimed at accelerating the growth of poultry industry in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The activity, attended by some 270 individuals who are mostly potential poultry investors, also sought to business match the industry play-

ers, connecting each other’s resources, services, expertise, and capital to realize an investment opportunity.

Abbas stated that due to the ongoing pandemic, BARMM has recorded the biggest annual decline of -50.6 percent in poultry products from 1,708 metric tons lightweights in the first quarter of 2020 to 844 metric tons lightweights in 2021’s first quarter.

“For this reason, we are conducting this activity to help revive this industry by providing investment information, capability, and opportunities to those who are willing to venture into the poultry business,” Abbas said.

Meanwhile, MTIT Minister Abuamri Taddik encouraged the

participants to invest and venture into the poultry business given that the province mainly rely chicken and egg production from Zamboanga City.

“Indeed we have so much opportunities and more untapped resources to be developed in Sulu Province.

What we need is to encourage our Bangsamoro businessmen to invest and invite foreign investors to forge joint ventures,” Minister Taddik said.

“I am asking you to continue the new phase of our struggle that is, liberating our people from the bondage of poverty by becoming more productive, innovative, creative and responsive to the needs of our Bangsamoro people,” he added. (JIJ)

n a span of a few days, many of us saw the viral street racing video of 2 motorists that took place in Zamboanga City which is now circulating on social media.

Street racing is a serious traffic violation.

The harm caused ranges from physical injuries to property damage.

With the risk of injuries and accidents so high in street racing, we condemn the act of it.

The 3 violators from “Tae Content”, including the videographer, were issued and served a Show Cause Order and appeared before LTO IX Regional Office and Zamboanga City Police Office yesterday, September 8, 2021. The hearing resolution resulted in CONFISCATION and SUSPENSION of their licenses for 90 days, in accordance with section 27 of Republic Act 4136, also known as the “Land Transportation and Traffic Code.”

While many may have expressed dismay over the decision of LTO IX to not revoke the driver's license of these individuals, we

would like to inform the public that the decision for revocation can only be made by the LTO Central Office. Rest assured, we will issue a recommendation to LTO Assistant Secretary Edgar C. Galvante to revoke their licenses.

We are reminding everyone that not all traffic offenses are as simple as a ticket.

Sometimes a traffic offense can turn into a permanent mark on your record.

Moreover, a driver’s

license is a mere privilege and not a right. As a privilege, it may be forfeited once it is abused. This move of LTO IX is grounded on Road Safety. We are trying to get the word out that we are proactively making the streets safer for our road users. Let this incident be an example to always be disciplined on the road. Together we can make a difference and curb issues affecting Road Safety.

(PR)

News

G

lobal crisis arises as COVID19 pandemic affected the lives of many people around the globe. The impact of spreading the virus and its consequences was felt differently depending on the status of an individual and as member of the society. People are adapting

Vol. II, No. 16 | October 1-7, 2021 (Safar 24-30, 1443)

Connect to communicate:

A WIFI Innovation Project

By Tito G. Manacap Ed.D

A11

work from home scenario, children are in online classes, online apps are indemand to cater the needs of the people, but others have no choice but to be exposed with the virus while keeping society functioning.

(RT)

MP ADIONG | from Page A3

MP Adiong seeks review of MSU security setup as another shooting...

Sur.” Adiong’s post drew reaction from Reehana Macaayong, wife of MSU president Habib Macaayong, echoing the DSS report that the latest incident happened “outside the university premises jurisdiction.”

From Page 3

But residents of Barangay Salam (Lomidong) argued that their village is located “almost at the center” of the campus, saying the crime scene (restaurant) is a stone throw away from the MSU infirmary and two students’ dormitories.

Former Autonomous region Vice Governor

Haroun Al-Rashid Alonto-Lucman Jr., nephew of the late Senator Alonto, wrote earlier a column in the Philippine Muslim Today news, lamenting the proliferation of “squatting” settlers inside the MSU main campus.

regain the gubernatorial slot and Sinsuat for reelection. It drafted former three-term 1st District Rep. Bai Sandra Sema for vice gubernatorial post for her being the main author of R.A. 11054 or the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), which created BARMM. The UBJP pitted the three personalities against the candidates of the “Family Alliance” of sitting Gov. Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu and husbandSultan Kudarat Gov. Suharto “Teng” Mangudadatu, whom it deemed involved in discrete efforts against

the BTA extension.

Since early this month up to this writing, Rep. Mangudadatu said, his family has been receiving alleged intimations from the rival camp, which happened to be led by his cousin and cousin-in-law .

Gov. Mariam on Tuesday accused the UBJP of spending state funds to meddle in local politics. The regional party refuted the accusation, which it described as “expected” always from a dissenting party.

(AGM)

MACABALANG | from Page A4

Faith and Politics ty’s (BTA’s) lifespan to 2025 by postponing the 2022 election of regular parliament members. The BTA is the interim ruling body of BARMM. The United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and reigning BARMM top brasses has decided to pay gratitude to the two lawmakers and other supporters, and to reciprocate proportionately those who “discretely” tried but failed to block the BTA extension call.

It endorsed Reps. Mangudadato in his bid to

JANNARAL | from Page A5

Violations in the Journalists’ Code of Ethics in the Philippines considered as an act of plagiarism, a violation under Article 6 of the Filipino Journalists’ Code of Ethics. Even though he is the editor of Joble’s article, he still had no prerogative to plagiarize portions from Joble’s word for word.

Being an editor of an article isn’t an adequate reason to own one’s work. Thus, to rectify this case, Yuson should have indicated in the article published in Rogue magazine that there are portions gathered from Joble’s article or he should just have

assigned Joble as his co-writer in the article.

Lastly, the caption of the photograph on the cover page of the Philippine Daily Inquirer last May 9, 2012, whereas President Benigno S. Aquino III shaking hands with an unidentified Muslim woman in a burqa. Below the photograph, there was a caption, “SECURITY RISK? President Aquino greets a Muslim woman wrapped in a burka and niqab during the oathtaking of officers in charge of the ARMM Regional Legislative

Assembly held in Malacañang on Tuesday. The unidentified woman is reportedly a relative of one of the officers.”

If we will analyze this case, by indicating and emphasizing the phrase “SECURITY RISK?” it was clear that the caption of the photograph entails stereotyping of the Muslims. It is a violation under Article 7 of the Filipino Journalists’ Code of Ethics, whereas the way on how they construct their caption cast aspersions and even

ridiculed the occurrence of a Muslim woman.

Hence, the best way to rectify the case is to change the caption by putting an appropriate one, which couldn’t asperse any religion. It is an essential rule in journalism that journalists should not use language that perpetuates racial stereotypes or is offensive to certain races. They should have used the phrase “PALACE GUEST” that they used in their online site instead of “SECURITY RISK?” As the cliché says,

no one is perfect, everyone commits mistakes. But in the field of journalism, it seems like there is no room for mistakes. Once the news was already published and disseminated in various media platforms, most particularly in print media, it is arduous to rectify or revise information. We could say that in the online platform, it could be revised. However, there are numerous eagle-eyed netizens who can immediately spot news from time to time. So, if there are

mistakes, they couldn’t be unseen by a myriad of readers. Thus, criticisms will surely occur afterward.

Therefore, journalists should be really critical and vigilant in any factors that could be considered in writing news. In this field, professionalism is a big key to avoid any conflicts. Also, professionalism is the key to upgrading and enforcing ethical standards in the media.

Bring to a boil over high heat and then lower the heat to simmer.

9.Use a ladle to skim off any scum that rises to the top. Simmer for 45 minutes.

10.Remove the four chicken breasts and set aside. Continue simmering broth for one and a half hours.

11.Strain the broth

through a fine mesh sieve.

12.Add fish sauce and sugar, adjusting to suit your taste.

NOODLES: 1.Place fresh noodles in a colander or strainer and dip in boiling water for 30 seconds. Drain well.

2.Untangle noodles and divide into eight portions.

3.In each of eight bowls, place bean sprouts, noodles, chicken breast, basil, all of the cilantro, chilies, onions, green onions, shallots, and pepper.

4.Pour hot broth on top.

Add lime juice, hot sauce, and hoisin sauce to taste.

MFO

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

ORTIL | from Page A9

Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup BROTH: 1.Place the onions and ginger directly on a medium-hot grill.

2.Using tongs, rotate onion and ginger occasionally, cooking until slightly soft. Set aside.

3.Put cinnamon sticks, coriander seeds, peppercorns, star anise, and cardamom in a

dry skillet and toast for five minutes to release the oil.

4.To achieve a clear broth, put both chicken and bones in a 10 quart soup pot. Fill water to cover the chicken.

5.Bring to a boil over high heat; let it boil vigorously for 3 minutes to release the impurities.

6.Pour the chicken and water into a clean sink, and then rinse the chicken and bones with cold water to wash off all residue.

7.Clean out the same pot and return the chicken and bones into the pot with grilled onions, ginger, all toasted spices, and vegetables.

8.Pour in the water.

Vol. II, No. 16 | October 1-7, 2021 (Safar 24-30, 1443)

Classified

WE ACCEPT PUBLICATION OF THE FOLLOWING: Extra-Judicial Settlements, Court Orders, Legal Notices, Obituaries, and other announcements. Contact: 063 2290965 or 09152184388.

BARMM Nutrition Council organizes partner-journalists

BY NUR-ALI A. MACABALANG

C

OTABATO CITY – The Nutrition Council of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has organized local partnerjournalists into a group to help promote nutritional practices essential to shaping healthy constituents, especially children prospected to be the next generation of workforces in the region.

Dr. Kadil Sinolinding Jr., representing Council head and BARMM Senior Minister Andulraof Macacua, presided over the election of officers of the Regional Nutrition Quad Media at a virtual organizational meeting on Tuesday.

Ali G. Macabalang, news editor of Philippine Muslim Today news, was elected group president, with DXMY Station Manager Erwin Cabilbigan, external vice president; IFMCotabato’s Hannah Farinah Lidasan, internal vice president; online broadcaster NorAin Lambitan, secretary; EBC-Net 25’s Odessa Cruz, treasurer; SPIN Media Office’s Brayan Saguban, auditor; and MSU-TCTO Radyo Kasannagan’s Anabel Wellms, PIO. Prior to the election process, Dr. Sinolinding delivered a briefing message underscoring the importance of nutrition in any community, and providing national statistics indicative of

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ADDRESS: Consunji Street, Poblacion, Iligan City, PH 9200 | TEL: 63 302 5565

Screenshot of the virtual organization meeting of the BARMM Nutrition Council Quad Media. rates of malnutrition in the country’s regions, including BARMM. Sinolinding said advocacies of proper nutrition can radiate best among the masses and in villages only with the help of organized and oriented partner media practitioners.

In his acceptance remarks, Macabalang, incumbent president of the Bangsamoro Press Corps, recalled the strides of the Marcos

administration’s nutrition campaign rallied principally by state-run media entities mandated to do so, since several private media entities had been muzzled.

As the number of traditional and social media entities multiplied tremendously nowadays, media partners in nutrition ought to provide time and efforts on relevant activities with a sense of commitment. (NAM)

4,640 Cotabato City indigents receive sacks of rice COTABATO CITY — Four thousand six hundred and forty indigent residents of Cotabato City received 25 kilos of rice each from the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) as of Sept. 17, 2021.

In a statement, MSSD Information officer Jidday Pangadapun Buat Lucman told the Press with the distribution this month of the assistance in 7 barangays of the city, her ministry has already reached various individuals and families belonging to the most disadvantaged and vulnerable sectors whose meager incomes and sources of livelihoods were severely affected and exacerbated by the pandemic.

Among the recipients were indigent senior citizens, Persons With Disability (PWDs) returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), hafiz or students of Islamic institutions, and Indigenous People (IP).

After the turn-over of Cotabato City to the Bangsamoro Government late last year, MSSD and the rest of the BARMM offices have been reaching out to the residents of the city with their various programs and social service interventions. (PR)