Philippine Muslim Today

Vol. II, No. 17 | October 8-14, 2021 (Rabiul Awwal 1-7, 1443)

Empowering the Muslims

By Judge Bing Mimbisa - Page A4

12 Pages | P20

Philippines’ First Muslim Digital Newspaper

On the creation of Philippine Consulate in Sabah Claim

Presidential Clashes in 2022

By Homobono A. Adaza - Page A5

By Julmunir I. Jannaral - Page A5

Inside

2022 Elections Incumbent Maguindanao Governor Bai Mariam SangkiMangudadatu (left) and Maguindanao 2nd District Rep. Esmael Mangudadatu (right) separately speak to reporters after filing their certificates of candidacy on Thursday (Oct. 7) at the Commission on Elections-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao office in Cotabato City. Both are eyeing the gubernatorial post of the province in connection with the 2022 national and local polls. (PNA Photos)

> A2: Hataman seeks reelection for Basilan congressional district. > A6: Education, indigenous ministries to provide IP free skills training. > A7: SPDA chief inducts former Davao village chair to SPDA Board. > A8: Marine troops sent-off for re-training.

Mangudadatu VS Mangudadatu in Maguindanao Province (FULL STORY ON PAGE A2)

Relatives of 3000 Filipinos detained in Sabah appeal to Sec Locsin for help SPECIAL REPORT by JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

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ANILA- The relatives of detained Filipinos in Sabah Immigration Holding Center are appealing to Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to help in the repatriation of some 3,000 Filipino detainees who are jam packed in crowded immigration center who are sick and hungry as well.

Warda Majun Straub, younger sister of one of the detainees has made a strong appeal to Foreign Affairs Secretary Locsin, Jr. to act fast and direct Ambassador Charles C. Jose

Christians for Peace Movement sets up BARMM Settlers, Communities office GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The key stakeholders of the settler communities, mostly coming from the Christians for Peace Movement composed of the Institutional Churches in the Bangsamoro, gathered for a direction setting and strategic planning for the newly constituted Office for the Settler Communities (OSC-BARMM) in the Bangsamoro on October 4-6, 2021 at Greenleaf Hotel, General Santos City, Philippines.

(Full Story on Page A9)

of the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur to fast track the travel documents of the detainees who had served jail sentence.

Straub cited the case of his older brother who is a civil engineer by profession who is still languishing in Sandakan Immigration Holding Center waiting to be deported to the Philippines. He is identified as Engr. Hadji Badar Aguell Majun who hails from Jolo, Sulu.

(Full Story on Page A3)

NCMF receives ICRC donations of PPE COMMONWEALTH AVENUE, Quezon City; National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Commissioner Yusoph J. Mando received various health commodities donated by the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC), in answer to his previous request from the said agency at his Office at the NCMF Central Office here in this city.

(Full Story on Page A7)

Retired Member of the Bench writes a Weekly Column for PMT Full Story on A8

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2022 Elections

Vol. II, No. 17 | October 8-14, 2021 (Rabiul Awwal 1-7, 1443)

Mangudadatu VS Mangudadatu in Maguindanao Province

2022 Elections Round Up

BY EDWIN FERNANDEZ

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OTABATO CITY – Two political clan members of the Mangudadatus will be battling it out in the Maguindanao gubernatorial race.

On Thursday morning, Governor Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu, who is seeking her sec-

ond term as provincial executive, has filed her certificate of candidacy (COC) before Provincial Election Supervisor Udtog Tago at his office inside the Bangsamoro government center here.

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Incumbent Maguindanao Governor Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu (left) and Maguindanao 2nd District Rep. Esmael Mangudadatu (right) separately speak to reporters after filing their certificates of candidacy on Thursday (Oct. 7) at the Commission on Elections-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao office in Cotabato City. Both are eyeing the gubernatorial post of the province in connection with the 2022 national and local polls. (PNA Photos)) The governor was accompanied by her husband, Sultan Kudarat Gov. Suharto “Teng” Mangudadatu, and several supporters.

Speaking to reporters, the governor, who is running under the Nacionalista Party, said her advocacy will continue, “especially on the aspect of peace and development.”

Bai Ainee LimbonaSinsuat, wife of incumbent Maguindanao Vice

-Gov. Lester Sinsuat, is the governor’s running mate.

Bangsamoro Member of Parliament Sittie Shahara "Bai Dimple" Mastura also filed her COC for Maguindanao’s first congressional district that includes this city.

A few hours after the governor's filing, Maguindanao 2nd District Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu led his team in filing their

COCs before the Commission on Elections office here.

Mangudadatu’s group is backed and endorsed by the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP).

“It would be the people who will decide during the upcoming polls on who is the better person to serve them in the next three years,” Rep. Mangudadatu said.

Rep. Mangudadatu and Sultan Kudarat Gov.

OSE FOR 2022 VICTORY: Sulu Provincial Board Member Nurshida Loong-Karanain shows her Certificate of Candidacy (COC) that she is going to file as a re-electionist in the 1st District of Sulu on Thursday, October 7, 2021. She is allied with Sulu Gov. Abdusakur M. Tan standing beside her. She is also running under the banner of SOLID TAN. Nurshida who is popularly known as Indah is the eldest daughter of 1st District Sulu Congressman Tupay T. Loong and Hadja Sitti Rashidam Hassan-Loong. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

Suharto Mangudadatu are first-degree cousins.

Other UBJP candidates in Maguindanao are former Rep. Bai Sandra Sema, who is vying for the province’s vice gubernatorial post; Maguindanao 1st District Rep. Datu Roonie Sinsuat, who is running for reelection; and former Rep. Zajid G. Mangudadatu, who is eyeing the province’s second congressional seat. (PNA)

Hataman seeks reelection for Basilan congressional district

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AMBOANGA CITY – House Deputy Speaker Mujiv Hataman filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) Friday seeking reelection in the lone district of Basilan with the promise to continue his development programs in the province.

Accompanied by his wife, Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, and children, Amin and Umara, Hataman filed his COC around 8 a.m. at the provincial election office in Isabela City, the provincial capital.

“We have already implemented programs for the development of Basilan and benefit of the Basileños. We wish, with the trust of the people, to continue these programs,” Hataman said in a statement.

The solon filed his COC under the banner of the local Basilan Unity Party (BUP).

As the incumbent congressman of Basilan, Hataman authored several local measures that aim to uplift the standards of living of the Basileños.

He stewarded the conversion of the Basilan State College into a full-fledged Basilan State University through Republic Act 11554, as education

Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman. (PNA Photo) is one of his priorities.

“Basilan now has its very own university, which will offer more courses, take in more students and elevate the academic performance of not only those in the province but also those from nearby island communities,” he said.

He also advocated for the establishment of a Basilan Science High School, a Technical EducaHATAMAN | A7

INDEPENDENT VICE MAYORALTY CANDIDATE: Marivel Ortil Razon an incumbent Kagawad of Cabacongan Barangay was able to beat the deadline of the last day of filing of Certificate of Candidacy (COC) at the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). She is running in the meantime as Independent Candidate for Vice Mayor in Caramoan Municipality, Bicol Region. She is allied with Labor Party of the Philippines (LPP).

However, her CONA (Certificate of Nominations and Acceptance) that should be sent all the way from Makati City failed to arrive in the Bicol Region. Marivel is the incumbent OIC-Regional Director of the World Philosophical Forum (WPF) of the Philippines. She is the youngest Sister of Bureau Chief Fatima Ortil-Jannaral of the NCR Plus News Bureau. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

2022 Elections

Another Mindanaoan files his COC for the Senate in 2022

Vol. II, No. 17 | October 8-14, 2021 (Rabiul Awwal 1-7, 1443)

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Special Report

Relatives of 3000 Filipinos detained in Sabah appeal to Sec Locsin for help

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

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ANILA- The relatives of detained Filipinos in Sabah Immigration Holding Center are appealing to Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to help

S

HARIFF IBRAHIM ALBANI has filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) on Thursday, October 07.

He is a businessman, philanthropist, and humanitarian.

Albani, filed his candidacy for a Senatorial bid under the Workers’ and Peasants’ Party or also known as the Labor Party Philippines (LPP) which is the 5th biggest political party in the Philippines.

Represented herein by lawyer . Jose Malvar Villegas, Jr. Chairman/President and lawyer Ariel Joseph B. Arias, Secretary-General.

It will be the third time for the 49-year-old to make a bid since 2010.

He vowed to pursue his advocacies such as the Restoration of Sabah claim towards Federalism, Immediate implementation/Full recognition of Indigenous Peoples Rights Act 1997 (Republic Act No. 8371 of 1997) which is an Act to recognize, protect and promote the rights of Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples, Creating a National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, establishing implementing mechanisms, appropriating funds therefor, and for other purposes.

Likewise he would like to focus on Poverty Eradication Program - Focusing on education, health and the implementation of Cooperatives’.

Unity and Peace will introduce an institutionalized inter-faith and inter- cultural reconciliation movement among Muslim, Christian, and Indigenous people.

JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

Warda Majun Straub, younger sister of one of the detainees has made a strong appeal to Foreign Affairs Secretary Locsin, Jr. to act fast and direct Ambassador Charles C. Jose of the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur to fast track the travel documents of the detainees who had served jail sentence.

Straub cited the case of his older brother who is a civil engineer by profession who is still languishing in Sandakan Immigration Holding Center waiting to be deported to the Philippines. He is identified as Engr. Hadji Badar Aguell Majun who hails from Jolo, Sulu.

Fortunately, the Philippine Muslim Today was able to interview by phone Engr.

Majun who was communicating with this writer secretly after 3 of his cellphone units were confiscated by the guards on duty since cellphone units are strictly prohibited. At the start of the interview, he immediately made an appeal for help not only for himself but for the rest of 3,000 Filipino detainees still suffering at the Sandakan Immigration Holding Center in Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia.

Engr. Majun described to PMT-19 the unbearable situation at the immigration holding center. He described it is a kind of hell on earth the situation inside the holding center. He said he is so thin now and malnourished since at one time he and his wife from Jolo were not able to eat solid foods for 3 days. He said the Malaysian government in Sabah does not look after the welfare of the detainees who are mostly Filipinos.

Engr. Hadji Badar Aguell Majun, presently detained at Sandakan Immigration and Deportation Holding Center.

He said with the thousands of detainees there are only three comfort rooms and no water supply also. He said as a Muslim he always failed to perform the 5 times obligatory prayers since there is no water he can use to take a bath as well as the mandatory ablution where Muslims are obliged to wash their hands, feet and face before starting the prayers.

Philippine Embassy in Malaysia has issued a formal statement regarding its long-running issuance of travel documents to Filipinos, which is the reason why detainees in detention centers in the state of Sabah have been staying longer, according to the SMNI News Malaysia.

SMNI refers to the Sonshine Media Network International. SMNI is the broadcasting arm of a Philippine television evangelist, Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy. It was licensed in late 2003 by the Philippine government to operate 37 analog free-to-air television channels in key cities across the country.

The delay of the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur to provide the much needed travel documents to the detainees prompted some netizens to de-

in the repatriation of some 3,000 Filipino detainees who are jam packed in crowded immigration center who are sick and hungry as well.

mand from the Philippine government to establish a Consulate in Sabah. However these people do not know the real situation why the Philippine government could not put up a Consulate in Sabah due to the Sabah Claim by the Philippine government is not yet dropped. It can be recalled that the State of Sabah is owned proprietarily including the sovereignty by the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo (Sabah). However, it was unilaterally annexed to Malaysia in 1963 when the Federation of Malaysia was established.

It can be recalled on 16 September 1963, The Federation of Malaysia was formed following the merger of the Federation of Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak and North Borneo (Sabah).

Be that as it may, the inhumane congestion of Sandakan Immigration Holding Center, an NGO (Nongovernmental Organization) known as the Malaysian International Humanitarian Organization (HMO) criticized by the holding center and including the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur for the over delayed of giving travel documents to the Filipino detainees in Sandakan.

The MHO claimed that the Philippine Embassy doesn’t give much attention to the Filipino detainees in Sandakan. But sources from the Philippine Embassy said they are now coordinating with the MHO regarding this issue.

The Philippine Embassy also belied the allegations of MHO that they are not giving much attention to the Filipino detainees. In

fact they said they are now processing all the applications of the detainees from Sandakan received by the Embassy for the issuance of their travel documents.

The Philippine Embassy added they are following the right procedure if only to follow the COVID-19 health and safety protocols in the transfer of the detainees from the immigration detention centers in Sabah to Zamboanga City.

They added the Philippine Embassy is also coordinating with Philippine government agencies regarding this issue in order to ensure the safety and orderly regarding the deportations of the detainees back to the Philippines.

However, according to the MHO they can understand that the COVID-19 pandemic is one reason that made the deportation of Filipino detainees from Sabah to the Philippines incurred so much delay.

However the MHO added if the inhumane situation of the Filipino detainees inside the Sandakan Immigration Holding Center are taken into consideration, the Philippine Embassy should have thought of other alternative means in order to lessen the number of Filipinos under detention.

The MHO who are taking cognizance of the plights of the detainees said the Philippine Embassy should not rely on the present situation especially there are so many Filipinos suffering from hunger and many have become sick already.

This was confirmed

by Engr. Majun to this writer when he described the hardships SPECIAL REPORT | A6

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Opinion

Vol. II, No. 17 | October 8-14, 2021 (Rabiul Awwal 1-7, 1443)

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

The Outside View

DATU YUSOPH B. MAMA Chairman, Board of Directors

JUDGE BING MIMBISA (RET)

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 Region JAHARA A. SOLAIMAN Contributing Editor BUREAUX FATIMA ORTIL-JANNARAL Bureau Chief for NCR-Plus JOHNNY R. LEE Bureau Chief for Western Mindanao Region & BaSulTa ROCAYA SUMNDAD OTICAL Bureau Chief for Northern Mindanao & CARAGA Regions PANAMBULAN MIMBISA Bureau Chief for Central Mindanao Region JOHNNY R. LEE Bureau Chief for Western Mindanao Region & BaSulTa MARIA FHEBIE ORTIL Head of Accounts Executives for NCR Plus 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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ow, it can be told, as President Rodrigo Roa Duterte prepares to drop the curtains for the impending end of his illustrious term as the country’s 16th President, that he has given the Muslims their fair share of governance more than any of the previous Presidents that we have had.

While the expectations were indeed high, as he enters office in 2016 that the Muslims, whom the president holds in deep affection, given his Muslim heritage, will be considered for one or two government positions as it had been of sort in all past administrations, he surprised them with a plethora of appointments in the highest echelon of the bureaucracy. This action of the President has so endeared to the Muslim-Filipino that if there is one legacy that he should be remembered for by everyone of us, it will not be on the beautiful and world class roads, bridges and airports that he has constructed under his Build, Build flagship development program or on his unrelenting fight against illegal drugs and corruption in government but, it is his regard and acknowledgement of the skills, competence and brilliance of the Filipino Muslims and in their capability to contribute to national development.

It matters not whether these appointments were issued on account of friendship or in payment of a political debt or gratitude, what is clear is that these appointments were all anchored on the basis of the required qualifications for the positions they were appointed to. And these, they have demonstrated with flying colors when tested under difficult and trying times. And records have shown that all of those appointees have shown impeccable sincerity and dedication to their sworn duty to Public Service.

Of course, these appointments bespeak of the secured and healthy atmosphere and peaceful co-existence amongst the people of this country, however, diverse their culture maybe and whatever their religious differences are. There were neither a ripple or whimper of objection or opposition raised from any quarter or sector of our society.

This writer is paying his tribute to the president and all his predecessors for having the audacity and conviction to stand up solid and strong in sustaining the higher principles and ideals of national unity and the brotherhood of Filipinos, no matter how difficult the task maybe. It could be too early to make a conclusion or render judgement that what he stood for are true and indeed to the best interest of the country and the people. Only time can tell. Nonetheless, this writer is doing this while the President is still in office so that he can feel and savor the accolade of a grateful people rather than wait for his stepping down when it matters less or none at all.

Coming to these appointees, let me begin the count with Atty. Guiling A. Mamondiong, a man who rose to prominence by himself starting off as a provincial board member in the province of Lanao del Sur to undersecretary of Transportation and communication under the Arroyo-Macapagal government, He was first appointed by the president as Director General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority or TESDA. He then resigned this position to run, but unfortunately, lost for the position of Governor of Lanao Del Sur, However, after completing the one-year ban, for government officials, who sought

Empowering the Muslims under the Duterte Government

elective positions, he was installed as Administrator of the Local Utility and Waterworks Authority or LUWA. There are talks that this could just be a smokescreen for another appointment anytime soon.

The second appointee is Lawyer Abdullah D. Mama-o as Presidential Adviser for Overseas Filipino Workers with the rank of Cabinet Secretary under the Office of the President.

He was a member of the Regional Legislative Assembly of the defunct Autonomous Government of Region XII and was having a lucrative law practice in the United States when he was invited by the President to join the government. This was followed by the appointment of the late former Ambassador Abulkhayr Alonto as Chairman of the Mindanao Development Authority. Ambassador Alonto was the Vice Chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front, former Vice Mayor of Marawi City and Speaker of the Regional Legislative Assembly of Region XII. His wife Bae Norhata Macatbar Alonto is now Commissioner of the Philippine Social Security System. The President later appointed former Lanao del Sur governor and lawyer Saidamen B. Pangarungan as Chairman, with the rank of Cabinet Secretary of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, Of course, the Chairman is assisted by several commissioners who all hold the equivalent rank of undersecretary, and these commissioners are, Dalisay H. Macodawan, Ismael V. Mastura, Samad Pangandaman, Samen M. Allong, Yusoph J. Mando, Datu Ras S. Lidasan, Jr. and Abubakar M. Mangelen.

The President has likewise made two first time appointees, one in the Court of Appeals with the appointment of Honorable Anisah A. Umpa as the first ever lady Muslim to be appointed Justice of that Court and the appointment of Honorable Sheriff M. Abas, as the first Muslim Chairman, which may never be replicated in the future, of the powerful Commission on Elections. In addition to this rooster of appointments are two heads of diplomatic missions as ambassador extra-ordinary and plenipotentiary, namely ambassadors Adnan V. Alonto to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Noroodin Pendosena Lomondot to the State of Kuwait. For the record, the President has also appointed four undersecretaries, one in the Department of Trade and Industry, Usec. Abdulgani Macatoman, one in the Department of Public Works Highways Emil K. Sadain and two in the Department of Agrarian Reform, Atty. Carim Panumpang and Madame Raibani Delangalen. Mention should also be made of Ms. Amerah F. Pangandaman, Assistant Governor in the Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas who is concurrently Assistant Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management and Benasing Macarambon, Jr. Board member and Director of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

Even as his appointment was a matter of course, I am including in this long list the Honorable Al Hajj Murad Ebrahim as Chief Minister of the Bangsa Moro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao just for the record and information. Finally, and after more than three (3) decades, the President has appointed only the second Muslim to sit in the highest Court of the land, the Supreme Court of the Philippines, the Honorable Japar B. Dimaampao. Justice Dimaampao was Senior State Prosecutor in the Department of Justice, then Presiding Judge of the Regional Trial Court and of late, Justice of the Court of Appeals where he served for more than a decade and ultimately MIMBISA | A5

Opinion PRESIDENTIAL CLASHES IN 2022 – Part 9 “Not gold but only men can make A people great and strong; Men who for truth and honor's sake Stand fast and suffer long.

Diliman Way

Brave men who work while others sleep, Who dare while others fly...

They build a nation's pillars deep And lift them to the sky” - - From A Nation’s Strength by Ralph Waldo Emersom

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hese stanzas from Ralph Waldo Emerson I’ve memorized since I was a freshman at Catarman High School at Catarman, Camiguin, Misamis Oriental. It’s worth remembering all the time as the message in these stanzas goes into the core of how a person should serve his country - as private citizen or public official. And I thought it a fitting introduction to a possible presidential candidate in the 2022 elections – who for the moment I will call the X-Factor.

X-Factor: This is an unknown element in the game. It is undefined. It is mysterious. It brings a lot of surprises. It reveals itself as the developing events unfold. At the end of the game – it may turn out to be the winner. That is the XFactor as I know it.

Since we are talking of the 2022 presidential elections – the X-Factor is a man. He is in his early forties. He was born in a province in Luzon with deep connections in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. He informed me that his father has big dreams for him - openly telling him that one day he will be the leader of our country. That is quite a dream – a big one. But there is nothing wrong with being a dreamer. Not so long ago, I read this line from a book whose title I no longer remember – “Without dreamers men will still be living in caves.” And it is dreamers who build strong communities, nations that last till the end of time and a world where leaders and citizens believe that we are all parts of mankind.

And this is the man who wishes to throw his hat into the presidential derby in 2022.

Questions: What is in him that differentiates him from the rest of the possible contenders?

As a trial lawyer with experience for decades, these are my observations of him – he has character and integrity; he has undying love of God, country and people; he has adopted a vision of our country with a blue print that goes with it; he has an apparatus of the best and the brightest to achieve the vision and realize the goals defined by the vision and specified in the blue print; he has the ability and humility to listen to ideas and advice and makes a decision after study and analysis; and he is beholden to no one except God, country and our people.

This is a world of a difference from the rest of the pack.

Vision: What is his vision of the country?

This is a basic question that should be asked of anyone who wants to be President.. His vision is – a welfare state as distinguished from a capitalist or free enterprise system; a parliamentary and federal system; total revision of the Constitution; overhaul and restructuring of the judicial system; re-inventing the banking system; unlimited punishment for those involved in graft and corruption.

There is more to be revealed should he finally launch his bid for the presidency with specifics on how to realize his vision and blue print.

Mathematics of

HOMOBONO A. ADAZA victory: In traditional context, this is the equation for victory in Philippine elections – guns, goons, gold and government. These are the Four Gs of Philippine elections. With mechanized voting – Smartmatic is an additional element in the equation. And government has the upper hand in elections as it has guns, goons, gold, government and voting machines. Unless you have counter measures against these elements – it’s like moving in the dark with no help from either a pen light or a cell phone. It’s like a journey to disaster.

From these facts, an elemental question arises – Does the X-Factor have counter-measures against the 4 Gs and Smartmatic? The resounding answer is – Yes, yes, yes! Why this immediate reply and assurance? As I have said over and over again. – the impossible is only in the mind. With this idea, it is best to remember these lines from William Ernest Henley’s, Invictus, as the determining element in the interesting jigsaw puzzle: “Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds, and shall find me, unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll.

I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.”

(HAA)

READ PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY Https://philmuslim.today/

Vol. II, No. 17 | October 8-14, 2021 (Rabiul Awwal 1-7, 1443)

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On the creation of Philippine Consulate in Sabah Claim, PH Embassy in KL is useless

E

very time Filipinos met legal problems in Sabah there is always clamor to put up a Consulate in that Sultanate of Sulu’s occupied territory that was unilaterally annexed on the 16 September 1963, when the Federation of Malaysia was formed following the merger of the Federation of Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak and North Borneo (Sabah).

However that clamor to establish a Philippine Consulate runs counter to the standing Sabah Claim by the Sultanate of Sulu with the able assistance from the Philippine government.

In short there is no way for us to establish a Consulate either in Sandakan or Kota Kinabalu that are both in Sabah.

So there is an existing problem. The Philippine Embassy is located in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur.

Kuala Lumpur, officially the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, or commonly known as KL, is the national capital of Malaysia as well as its largest city. It is among the fastest growing metropolitan regions in South-East Asia, in both population and economic development.

Geographically, KL is very far to Sabah.

Hence, the 3,000 plus Filipino detainees now languishing in an unbearable living condition in Sandakan Immigration and Deportation Holding Center are left

with no choice but have to wait for “thy Kingdom come,” so to speak.

According to my informant, a Tausug from Jolo and an Engineer by profession who is among the detainees together with his wife, and he is identified by the name of Engr.

Hadji Badar Aguell Majun.

He volunteered to talk to me by mobile phone and spilled the beans about the unbearable situation in the holding center, as well as the poor diplomatic service of the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur under the leadership of Charles C. Jose, who is supposed to be the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Manila to Kuala Lumpur.

Engr. Marjun said the 3,000 plus detainees are jam packed like sardines. There is poor ventilation and no more social distancing. “I pray to the Almighty Allah that I will not be afflicted with the dreaded disease of COVID19 while the entire world is under pandemic,” Majun said. He said there are many detainees who have succumbed already to their illnesses and as the lyric of the song goes, “they just lie there,and they die there.”

To top it all the water supply at the holding center is very poor.

Due to the scarcity of water he said there is a poor hygiene among them where they cannot regularly take a

MIMBISA | from Page A4

Empowering the Muslims... to the Supreme Court. This is a gem of an appointment that the Muslim-Filipinos will treasure to the recesses of antiquity.

I would, however, venture to say and that if there is anyone of our past Presidents who have shown close to, if not equal or similar regard to the MuslimFilipinos, it should be Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo with the appointments of two senior members of the cabinet namely,

Secretary Simeon A. Datumanong in the Department of Public Works Highways and later as Secretary of Justice and Secretary Nasser C. Pangandaman in the Department of Agrarian Reform.

She had also appointed one undersecretary in the Department of Justice, former Congressman Macabangkit Lanto. Of course, most of us know that President Arroyo spent part of her childhood in Iligan City where the family of her

Batanes to Tawi-Tawi

JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL bath anymore.

The worst part of it Engr. Majun said due to the less supply of water sometimes he failed to perform the obligatory Five Times a day prayers since it would be improper to perform Salat or prayer when your body is very dirty.

Be that as It may, Engr. Majun lambasted Ambassador Jose as the Philippine ambassador to Kuala Lumpur.

He said Foreign Affairs Secretary Locsin should recall Jose to the home office since he is not worthy as ambassador to represent the Filipino people in the foreign land.

He said his passport and that of his wife are now with the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur. But these are not yet turned over to them. He said now he is just stranded at the Sandakan Immigration & Deportations Holding Center he could have bought already his plane ticket and fly back to Manila.

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

mother are partly rooted.

If the President has other surprise to give the Filipino-Muslims, we can never tell and, therefore, it will not be amiss to expect that something may still be in the going, even in the short period of time left for this administration.

To all the readers of this newspaper, assalamu alaikum and by the grace of God Almighty, I will see you again.

Did I miss anyone?

Please write the Philippine Muslim Today.

(PMT)

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News

Vol. II, No. 17 | October 8-14, 2021 (Rabiul Awwal 1-7, 1443)

Education, indigenous ministries to provide IP free skills training

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

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OTABATO CITY — The Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education – Technical Education Skills Development (MBHTETESD) and the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs (MIPA) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to provide free skills training for indigenous peoples in the Bangsamoro region.

MIPA will identify and screen 160 qualified applicants for the scholarship program.

Trainings that will be offered to them include Agriculture Crops Production (ACP), Organic Agriculture Production (OAP), Shielded Metal Arc Welding, Plants Crops Leading to ACP, Procedure Organic Concoctions and Extracts Leading to OAP, and Procedure Organic Fertilizer leading to OAP. MBHTE-TESD will also provide the scholars with transportation allowances. Upon passing the competency assessment, the scholars will be granted a National Certificate II. “Yung paglagda ng MOA ay isang kasunduan na magkaroon ng joint effort sa pagimplementa ng programs under TESD, lalong-lalo na para sa mga IP youth na magkaroon ng proyekto at matulungan sila na makapag-aral,” (The signing of MOA is one agreement to have a joint effort in the implementation of the programs under TESD especially for the IP youth to have a project and help them to acquire skills training), said Minister Ulama.

Director Mangelen, on the other hand, said “Itong MOA o kahit wala pa ito ay naumpisahan na ang aming partnership sa MIPA, at simula last year ay

MBHTE-TESD Maguindanao Provincial Director Salehk Mangelen and MIPA Minister Melanio Ulama signed the memorandum of agreement on Monday, Oct. 4, during the opening ceremony of the IP Month celebration in the region.

MOA FOR IP: A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) is being signed by Maguindanao Provincial Director Salekh Mangelen of MBHTE Tesda and Minister Melanio Ulama of Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs that will provide free skills training to the IP youth in the Bangsamoro region. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO marami na tayong nabigyan ng skills training sa mga kapatid nating IPs both in North Upi and South Upi, kasama na doon yung mga affected ng kaguluhan sa Barangay Itaw.” (This MOA or even this was not yet signed yet we have started our partnership with MIPA, and starting last year we have provided so many skills training to our brothers in both North Upi and South Upi that included those who were affected by the armed conflict in Barangay Itaw.)

2021 IP month celebration IP Mandatory Representatives and Tribal Leaders from Cotabato City, Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Tawi-Tawi, and from BARMM’s 63 barangays in North Co-

tabato were present during Monday’s opening ceremony.

This year’s IP month celebration in the region carries the theme: “Kulturang Katutubo Kilalanin, Pahalagahan, Pagyamanin, at Ipagmalaki sa Bangsamoro.”

In his message, BARMM Chief Minister Ahod “Al Hajj Murad”Ebrahim said, “Napagtanto natin noong panahon ng usaping pangkapayapaan na bigyan ng lugar o espasyo sa Pamahalaang Bangsamoro ang iba pang tribong kinukunsidera bilang Non-Moro Indigenous People – at dito nabuo ang probisyon sa pagkakabuo ng MIPA.” (We have proven during the peace talks that the Bangsamoro

government should allocate a space or place to the tribes considered Non-Moro Indigenous People that led to the provision towards the creation of MIPA.) “Ngayong buwan, ating ipagmalaki ang ating mga katutubong pinagmulan,” he added.

(This month we can be proud of our indigenous peoples where we started our origin.)

Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 1906 signed in 2009, October of every year is “declared in the context of Philippines Indigenous Peoples’ Rights as the month of people’s participation in the celebration and preservation of Indigenous Cultural Communities as part of the Life of the Nation.”

(JIJ)

Maguindanao vice mayoral bet dies before she could file COC COTABATO CITY – A vice mayoral aspirant in Maguindanao on her way Thursday to the Commission on Elections office (Comelec) in Datu Piang town has collapsed and eventually died before reaching a hospital.

Mayor Victor Samama said last-termer Sangguniang Bayan member Bai Diana Mantawil Mokalid was on her way to the mayor’s house for an assembly before going to the Comelec office to file their certificates of candidacy when she died around 11 a.m.

A video posted by a relative showed the 67-year-old Mokalid was walking with other candidates heading to the mayor’s residence when she fell and collapsed.

Her supporters were chanting “Tita, Tita” as she

and other candidates paraded around town leading to Samama’s home before the incident.

Mokalid, more known in Datu Piang as “Tita ng Bayan,” was to run for vice mayor with Samama as her running mate.

“Relatives and supporters rushed her to nearby Midsayap hospital but expired along the way,” Samama said.

Emma Tahir Alim, one of her supporters, theorized exhaustion could have triggered her to collapse. Her official cause of death has yet to be announced to the media.

Edwin Fernandez/PNA

BARMM joins observance of National Statistics Month

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OTABATO CITY – The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) ministries and offices are enjoined to join the countrywide celebration of the National Statistics Month (NSM) and promote proper management of statistics as vital component of efficacious planning and implementation of development initiatives.

BARMM interim Chief Minister Ahod “Hadji Murad” Ebrahim issued Memo Circular No. 46 on Oct. 1 asking ministries, agencies and offices to prominently display tarpaulins in their respective premises containing a uniform message set by the national government for the month-long observance on October 1-31.

“This year marks the 32nd celebration of the NSM with the theme (of) NSM@32: Revving up for Economic and Social Recovery through Evidence-based Policies,” said the memo circular signed for the ICM by Senior Minister Abdulraof Macacua.

A purported lack of appreciation of statistical data by past local governments was once mentioned by high authorities as one of reasons behind ineffective planning of socio-economic and political growth in Bangsamoro communities.

“In the advent of the BARMM governance, we ought to end such a vacuum. We cannot make the difference with lack of accurate data for our planning and implementation of all sorts of development initiatives,” a staffer quoted Macacua as saying while signing the memo.

The ICM office coupled the memo as a template for the tarpaulins required of BARMM ministries, agencies and offices to “hang” prominently in their respective premises, according to a press statement from the autonomous government’s regional Philippine Statistical Authority (PSA) office.

The memo circular said the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority in collaboration with the PSA regional office would stage a virtual opening ceremony of the month-long observance on Oct. 4.

By ALI G. MACABALANG

SPECIAL REPORT | from Page A3

Relatives of 3000 inside the Sandakan Immigration Holding Center.

He said they are made to lie down on the cemented floor with no bed at all.

The MHO also emphasized, “We are talking more of humanity if the compliance required more than 2 months or more than one year, maybe they need to find a way to find another solution, another way is to reduce the number of men or detainees. We cannot rely on the current compliance because we must, and we need to understand the people inside the deportation center.

They are suffering, they really need to accept they’ve been infected by the disease, the problem is food, the problem is health care so by answering this, is compliance for us not sufficient enough?”

Hence, “We need to find a solution because the Covid-19 is not a 1 to 2 months case, it is already for long for 2 years, so if the issue is the port or the ferry issue between Sandakan to Zamboanga probably the Embassy need to find a logistic consultant, provide an alternative way maybe they must create another room plan. For example, using a flight from Kota Kinabalu sends them to Manila a bit. Of course, there are some people who can afford to use a flight so we cannot rely on one way only, which is from Sandakan to Zamboanga. Find alternative ways probably by using a an airplane flight.”

JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

News

Vol. II, No. 17 | October 8-14, 2021 (Rabiul Awwal 1-7, 1443)

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NCMF receives ICRC donations of PPE

SPDA chief inducts former Davao village chair to SPDA Board

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

C DUTERTE FIST OF PEACE: SPDA Admin & CEO Gerry Salapuddin and new SPDA Director Ramon Mallen Bargamento II display President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s brand of “Fist of Peace.” CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

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AVAO CITY — A new member of the Board of Directors of Southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA) was inducted into office

by Administrator and Chief Executive Officer Abdulghani “Gerry” Ajul Salapuddin in a simple ceremony held here recently.

Dr. Celestino B. Siglos, SPDA spokesman, identified the new member of the SPDA Board of Directors as former Davao City’s Barangay Mintal Chairman Ramon Mallen Bargamento II, who is now a DUMPER Party-list coordinator.

Siglos added that the induction of Director Bargamento II by the SPDA Administrator and CEO was witnessed by high officials of the Authority.

Salapuddin is a columnist of Philippine Muslim Today with his weekly column “Southern Frontier.”

Among SPDA high officials who witnessed the induction of Bargamento II included SPDA’s Executive Committee (ExeCom) Deputy Administrator Munap H. Pacio; Operations Department Manager Cris B. Dagala; Finance & Administration Department Manager Merlinda G. Abante; Corporate Affairs Department Manager Virginia L. Uy; Corporate Board Secretary Thelma Silfide C. Alicaway; Administrative Division V Officer Monaliza S. Ampuan; and MIS Chief Engr. Modiff DT. Gampong. JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

HATAMAN | from Page A2

Hataman seeks reelection tion and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Isabela City, a Basilan Sports Academy, and an institute for the conservation of the Sulu and Mindanao traditional arts.

“Although we have already started the implementation of development projects, the fight is not yet over. These include the fight against poverty, terrorism, and discrimination,” he said.

“We also face the problem about coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) that continues to affect our lives. There are economic and tourism programs that are not yet fully implemented and many more that we need to address that will uplift the status of our beloved Basilan,” he added.

Other aspirants Meanwhile, two other aspirants for representatives in the lone district of Basilan have also filed their COCs. They are lawyer Yasmeen Junaid, the municipal administrator of Tabuan-Lasa, and Ustadz Abdulhan Jaujon, a former employee of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Junaid filed her COC under the banner of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) while Jaujon as Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL) candidate.

Basilan Governor Hadjiman Hataman-Salliman filed his COC for reelection under the banner of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban).

Two other gubernatorial aspirants have filed their COCs -- former 2nd District Provincial Board Member Alfiya Akbar of the UBJP and retired policeman Ismael Garingan of the KBL. Except for Salliman, the other two gubernatorial aspirants have no candidate for vice-governor.

Incumbent Vice Gov. Yusop Alano is Salliman’s running mate. (PNA)

OMMONWEALTH AVENUE, Quezon City; National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Commissioner Yusoph J. Mando received various health commodities donated by

the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC), in answer to his previous request from the said agency at his Office at the NCMF Central Office here in this city.

ICRC Forensic Specialist Dr. Andres Rodriguez-Zorro and Mr Aminul Islam, adviser for Humanitarian Affairs turned over personal protective equipment (PPE) consisting of gowns/coverall (200 pcs), KN95 masks (200 pcs), face shields (200 pcs), goggles (100 pcs), gloves (1000 pairs) and surgical masks (200 pcs).

The health commodities donated by ICRC Philippines are part of the humanitarian aid donation for COVID-19 response. These will be turned over to the Muslim Communities which manage and give services to Muslim cemetery and organizations that are dealing with Muslim cadaver.

“The recent decline in cases in Metro Manila does not mean the pandemic is over, and now is not the time to relax. We must continue to build on this success in Metro Manila and support the control in newly emerging hotspots in other regions of the Philippines as we continue to save lives and ensure a gradual opening of the economy," said Dr Rodriguez-Zorro.

"As we support the COVID-19 response of the Philippines, we need to ensure we detect cases early, quarantine close contacts and continue to expand healthcare pathways.

ICRC stands in solidarity with the Philippine

can beat this pandemic and we will recover as one,” said Commissioner Mando.

He also reminded everyone to strictly observe the minimum health standards.

“Mahalagang maintindihan natin na ang laban na ito ay nangangailangan ng pagkakaisa. Bawat isa sa atin ay malaki ang papel na ginagampanan lalong-lalo na ang ating mga kababayan. Wala pong silbe ang mga health commodities na ito kung hindi kayo mag-iingat at susunod sa ating minimum health standards,” Commissioner Mando emphasized.

The donated PPE will be turned over to

ICRC PHILIPPINES’ PPE DONATIONS: Commissioner Yusoph J. Mando of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) at the center receives the PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) as a donation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) of the Philippines in support of the humanitarian aid for the COVID-19 response of the Philippines. At left is ICRC Forensic Specialist Dr. Andres Rodriguez-Zorro and at extreme right is Mr. Aminul Islam, adviser for Humanitarian Affairs. (Contributed Photo) government's response to COVID-19 to protect the Filipino people,” added Mr. Islam.

In behalf of NCMF, headed by Sec. Saidamen Pangarungan, Commissioner Mando expressed his thanks to ICRC’s continued support to the country’s COVID-19 National Action Plans and in safeguarding the dignity of Dead in Islam.

“The way to defeat any pandemic is to collectively work and fight against it. With the ICRC, Yes for Peace Bayanihan ng Bayan and other partner organizations, both from the public and private sector, fighting this battle alongside us, we are confident that we

the Muslim Communities which manage and give services to Muslim cemetery and organizations dealing with Muslim cadaver such as: 1.

One Ummah One Unity (RESPONDE) 2.

Montalban Islamic Cemetery 3.

Taguig Islamic Cemetery 4.

Manila Muslim Cemetery 5. Norzagaray Islamic Cemetery Present during the simple turn-over ceremony were: Shoji Serenas; Bill Huessein Mando; Ustadz Fahad Sultan Abdullah; Harun Mando; Watha Omar; and Ibrahim Yusoph. (JIJ)

Sultan Kudarat farmers’ cooperatives receive delivery trucks from DAR ISULAN, Sultan Kudarat–The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) recently turned over two units of delivery trucks to two (2) agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs) here to address the farmers’ need for cheaper transportation of their produce.

DAR Regional Director Marion Y. Abella said the trucks were provided under the Linking Smallholder Farmers to Markets with Microfinance (LinkSFarMM) of the DAR. “These hauling trucks will serve as an added service of ARBOs to its members and non-member farmers.

The earnings from the low-rate rental of the trucks will be used as a business asset of the organization and for the maintenance of the trucks,” Abella added.

The delivery trucks were turned over to the Keytodac Coffee Growers Association, Inc. (KCGAI) of Lebak and the Sitio Lam-alis Peace and Development

Workers Association (SLPDVWA) of Columbio.

“This ensures that the recipient cooperative can easily transport their fresh produce to the market without delay, thereby getting the best price and higher profit. It will be a big help to our farmers especially during this troubled time of the pandemic,” said DARSultan Kudarat Provincial Agrarian Reform Provincial Officer Mary Jane Aguilar.

Chief Agrarian Reform Program Officer Ludenia Juanday, congratulated the beneficiaries and challenged them to improve their agri-business to usher in more opportunities for their organization.

During the turnover ceremony, Eric Bajada, KCGAI President from Lebak, and Didith Mangcal, SLPDVWA President from Columbio gladly accepted the delivery trucks and thanked the DAR for the opportunity given to their organization. (PR)

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News

Vol. II, No. 17 | October 8-14, 2021 (Rabiul Awwal 1-7, 1443)

Marine troops sent-off for re-training MAKE THEM CREAM OF THE CROP AMONG THE BRANCHES OF AFP

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By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

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AMP NAVARRO, Calarian, Zamboanga City — A simple send-off ceremony was rendered to the troops of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-6 in Zamboanga City on Sunday.

Major Andrew Linao, spokesman of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) on Wednesday said both the WestMinCom and the Naval Forces Western Mindanao facilitated the ceremony held onboard BRP Tarlac (LD601) anchored at the Ensign Majini Pier, Naval Station Romulo Espaldon, Bagong Calarian, this city.

According to WestMinCom Chief, Maj. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., the MBLT-6 troopers are scheduled for a retraining program at Marine Base Gregorio Lim in Ternate, Cavite, after their three years of deployment in the WestMinCom area of responsibility, specifically in Tawi-Tawi.

Maj. Gen. Rosario, Jr. said a re-training program is conducted to update/refresh and enhance the knowledge and skills of the troops after being deployed to operate in a specific area. Thus this could be the reason why the Philippine Marines are re-

SIGNING OF MANIFEST: Rear Admiral Toribio Adaci, Jr., commander of Naval Forces Western Mindanao signs a manifest of the list of Marine soldiers belonging to MBLT-6 on board BRP Tarlac who will be brought to Ternate, Cavite for retraining at Camp Gregorio Lim Marine Base. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO garded as the cream of the crop among soldiers in the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The WestMinCom awarded a Command Plaque and Military Merit Medal to the troops in recognition of their meritorious achievements and valuable service rendered that contributed to the accomplishment of the Command’s mission.

Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, the Deputy Commander for Operations of WestMinCom and Cdr. Edwin Ello, the Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff for Personnel, U1 represented the commander

during the said activity.

Maj. Gen. Rosario, Jr. extended his gratitude to the MBLT-6 troopers. “Maintain the same zeal in your next venture as you did in Tawi-Tawi.

Goodluck on your re-training activities and congratulations on a job well done,” the commander expressed.

It can be recalled that MBLT-6 had been instrumental in the numerous accomplishments of the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi particularly in the campaign against the proliferation of loose firearms and other illegal activities.

Their commendable accomplishments in-

clude the successful rescue of the four remaining kidnap victims and the neutralization of five Abu Sayyaf Group/kidnap-forransom group members including the notorious “Apo Mike”.

Rear Admiral Toribio Adaci, Jr., commander of Naval Forces Western Mindanao presided over the send-off ceremony. He handed a Plaque de Merito and conferred military awards to the officers and men of the said battalion.

The activity was conducted following strict protocols to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. (JIJ)

Firearms seized in Cotabato during Comelec firearms ban

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OTABATO CITY: One low-powered and four high-powered firearms were seized by army troops who were conducting security operations as part of the assistance given to the firearms gun ban as implemented by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in Pikit, Cotabato during the 5th day of the filing of certificate of candidacy (COC) on October 5.

Western Mindanao Command Chief, Maj. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr. on Thursday said combined elements of the 90th Infantry Battalion and 3rd Cavalry Company were provid-

ing area security assistance to the COMELEC Office at Pikit Municipal Hall when they noticed two firearms displayed in plain view at the back of a Toyota pick-up bearing plate number DAD 9596 that was approaching the location.

Said firearms were later covered partially with a blanket with the barrels still visible.

The troops immediately flagged down the said vehicle and seized the two visible firearms in violation of the COMELEC Gun Ban in connection with the filing of the Certificate of Candidacy from October 1 to 8, 2021. When they

inspected the car, three more firearms were recovered at the front passenger’s seat.

Seized were four M16 A1 rifles, 27 long magazines, one short magazine, 850 rounds of 5.56 ammunition, three bandoleers, and one cal. 45 pistol with six magazines and 45 rounds of ammunition.

Said firearms and ammunition were brought to 90IB ACP in Barangay Ladtingan, same municipality for documentation and safekeeping.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of Joint Task Force Central said the driver and

Retired Member of the Bench writes a Weekly Column for the PMT

owner of the Toyota pick-up was identified as Benjamin Mantol a.k.a. Datu Mama, the Punong Barangay of Talitay, Pikit, Cotabato.

He and his three companions were interrogated and were subsequently released by the Chief of Police of Pikit Municipal Police Station in coordination with the operating troops.

“We will continue to assist the police in enforcing security during the period of the national and local elections to ensure that no electionrelated crimes will be perpetrated,” said Maj. Gen. Rosario, Jr. (JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL)

he Management and Staff of the Philippine Muslim Today would like to announce that a legal luminary is now an additional fountain of words of wisdom and a judicial point of view after a retired Member of the Bench decided to join our set of dignified columnists who are among the cream of the crop.

Hence, at this juncture, may we introduce to you the great son of Masiu, Lanao del Sur. He is no other than the Honorable JUDGE PANAMBULAN “BING” MIMBISA, a Retired Executive Judge, Regional Trial Court, Branch 37, General Santos City.

Judge Bing Mimbisa will not only write a column for Philippine muslim Today. He will also serve as the Bureau Chief for Central Mindanao Region, or Region 12. has a wealth of experiences academically and with varied work experiences. He was a Full Scholar being a Consistent Honor Student. He studied at the Mindanao State University and later on took up his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) as a Dean‘s Lister at the University of Manila.

Former Executive Judge Panambulan “Bing” Mimbisa.

He was also known as the Most Exalted Betan being a member of the Beta Sigma Phi. He became also Editor-in-Chief of The Betan News aside from being the Best Debater.

In 1975 he took up his Bachelor of Laws from the University of Manila and later passed the Bar Examination administered by the Supreme Court of the Philippines in succeeding years.

He also took up the Career Foreign Service Development Program jointly administered by the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Tagaytay City.

He was also the Administrative Officer, Philippine Pilgrimage Authority; as well as Director, Plans and Policy Service of the Office on Muslim Affairs and Cultural Communities (OMACC).

Then he became Director, National Capital Region of the Office on Muslim Affairs (OMA). Prior to becoming Member of the Bench, Bing Mimbisa was a Board Member of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

Our new Columnist who will be writing a Weekly Column for the Philippine Muslim Today “THE OUTSIDE VIEW” is happily married to the former Ms. Evangeline Oquindo Mimbisa.

For comments and reactions, Judge Mimbisa can be reached at: jpmimbisa@yaho.com.ph JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

News

Vol. II, No. 17 | October 8-14, 2021 (Rabiul Awwal 1-7, 1443)

Christians for Peace Movement sets up BARMM Settlers, Communities office

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127 Ulama receive salary thru MOLE’s internship program

BY MARK NAVALES

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ENERAL SANTOS CITY — The key stakeholders of the settler communities, mostly coming from the Christians for Peace Movement composed of the Institutional Churches in the Bangsamoro, gathered for a direction

Edgardo B. Ramirez, the first ever appointed Office Executive Director by BARMM Chief Minister Ahod ‘Alhaj Murad’ B. Ebrahim, and lead convenor of the Christians for Movement, said, “The activity was very critical to jumpstart the Office operation as an attached agency to the Office of the Chief Minister.”

“The Office serves as the primary agency responsible in promoting the welfare and addressing the issues and concerns of Christian dominated settlers’ communities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region,” Ramirez added.

In his opening message, Chief Minister Alhaj Murad Ebrahim, expressed that the Office operationalization is another chapter of the BARMM. “Being a political infrastructure working for inclusive and moral governance, as chief Minister, my leadership consciously makes its effort to engage all peoples, ethnics and sectors in governance of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region”. Murad said.

His Eminence Orlando Cardinal Quevedo, OMI, DD, on his part, manifested his appreciation to the BARMM government leadership in constituting the Office through the appointment of Prof. Ramirez to head the Office. “l challenged the participants to look into reality on how can the Office facilitate a productive dynamic among the settler communities and the other peoples in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao”.

Quevedo said.

The three-day direction setting and planning is a foundational activity the OSC-BARMM and a concrete manifestation of the commitment for the collaboration and partnership among the

setting and strategic planning for the newly constituted Office for the Settler Communities (OSC-BARMM) in the Bangsamoro on October 4-6, 2021 at Greenleaf Hotel, General Santos City, Philippines.

GIP SALARIES FOR ULAMA: Labor Minister Romeo Sema (4th from left) hands over the salary of an Ulama (Arabic teacher) under the Government Internship Program (GIP) BARMM Ministry of Labor and Employment. (Contributed Photo)

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Stakeholders of the settler communities, mostly coming from the Christians for Peace Movement composed of the Institutional Churches in the Bangsamoro, gathered for a direction setting and strategic planning for the newly constituted Office for the Settler Communities (OSC-BARMM) in the Bangsamoro while listening to BARMM Chief Minister Ahod ‘Alhaj Murad’ B. Ebrahim delivered his message of support on October 4-6, 2021 at Greenleaf Hotel, General Santos City. >Mark Navales

Edgardo B. Ramirez gestures while he was delivering his message to the stakeholders, he is the first ever appointed Office Executive Director by BARMM Chief Minister Ahod ‘Alhaj Murad’ B. Ebrahim, and lead convenor of the Christians for Movement. >Mark Navales OSC-BARMM, Church Institutions, Christian dominated local government units in the BARMM, International Organizations such as the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) as part of its Office’s organizational development and capacity building being a newly created Office.

The Office for Settler Communities is mandated to ensure that settlers enjoy the rights guaranteed to them by the Bangsamoro Organic Law, the Constitution, and all other laws as may be enacted by the

Bangsamoro Parliament.

The Office has the following powers and function based on the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 13, otherwise known as the Bangsamoro Administrative Code: Provide advice and assistance to the Chief Minister in the formulation, coordination, implementation, and monitoring of policies, plans, programs, and projects affecting settler communities; Coordinate with concerned ministries, agencies, and other offices, when necessary, in the performance of its func-

tion; Act as the primary agency for coordination with Settler Communities for the purpose of raising their concerns requiring assistance from the Bangsamoro Government, and as the primary agency for coordination with relevant ministries and agencies of the Bangsamoro; When necessary, provide additional support to ministries, agencies, and offices in implementing programs and projects assistance in relation to Settler Communities; and Perform other functions as may be provided by law or assigned by the Chief Minister.

MARK NAVALES

OTABATO CITY — The Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLE) the other day distributed the 3-month salaries of 127 members of Hay-atul Ulama who are beneficiaries of its Government Internship Program (GIP).

Each beneficiary received P14,850.00 pay for the months of July-September. They are from Cotabato City, Maguindanao, and Special Geographic Area (SGA) in North Cotabato.

Labor Minister Romeo Sema on Saturday said GIP is an intervention of the MOLE, through the Bureau of Employment Promotion and Welfare, designed to provide opportunities to fresh college graduates to work in government for three months.

Each monthly stipend from MOLE is worth Php4,950.00 or equivalent to 75% of the minimum wage, while the remaining 25% share shall come from the partner-employer.

Sema assured that the ministry will continue to implement its mandates, power, and authority in line with the R.A. 11054 or the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

“Pumasa na rin ako ng resolution at request sa Parliament na ang lahat ng ministries, offices, private institutions, private sectors, at local government units na bigyan ng pondo ang 25% na counterpart nila para sa sweldo ng mga GIPs,” (I already filed a resolution requestIng the Parliament to direct all ministries, offices, private institutions, private sectors, and local government units to allocate funds for their 25% counterparts for the salaries of the internship grantors), said Sema, who is also a member of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament.

In his message, BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim stressed that granting stipends to the Ulama “speaks volumes about the Government of the Day’s earnest desire to provide opportunities for our very own esteemed Islamic clerics and perhaps, provide our various ministries, agencies, and offices another perspective in governance – inspired by our shared faith and values.”

“We look forward on having more programs like this iteration of the GIP – dedicated for our Ulama and those who sacrificed for the Bangsamoro struggle,” Ebrahim said.

Mukrima Nawal, 34, Arabic teacher from Mahad Mamasabulod in Pagalungan, Maguindanao said she was grateful to the MOLE and the Bangsamoro Government for the assistance she received.

“Alhamdulillah sa tulong na ito, at sana ay mayroon pang mga susunod na distribusyon sa mga katulad naming mga ustadza at mga ulama dahil malaking oportunidad ito para sa amin,” Mukrima said.

A similar distribution will be also held for the beneficiaries in the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, and in Lanao del Sur. JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

A10 Rohingya Muslim Leader Mohib Ullah Shot Dead In Bangladesh Refugee Camp

Across the Globe

Vol. II, No. 17 | October 8-14, 2021 (Rabiul Awwal 1-7, 1443)

China removes Arabic ornaments in mosques to eliminate Islamic identity

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group of gunmen has ruthlessly shot dead a prominent leader of the Rohingya Muslim community inside a refugee camp located in southern Bangladesh.

The United Nations and local authorities have also confirmed the death of Mohib Ullah, who was shot dead in a refugee camp on Wednesday.

Since the exodus of more than 730,000 people following the military takeover of Myanmar in 2017, Mohib Ullah has become the leader of one of the world’s largest Rohingya Muslim groups. He has been invited to several high-profile meetings including those held at the White House and at UN headquarters as a representative of the Rohingya Muslims group that he led.

He has also spoken at the UN Human Rights Council and has been a strong advocate for the rights of the Rohingya Muslim minority who have faced decades of persecution. He has also led the Arakan Rohingya Society for Peace and Human Rights, which documenting and publicizes the atrocities experienced by the Rohingya people in Myanmar.

Deputy superintendent of police for the southeastern coastal city of Coxs Bazar in Bangladesh, Rafiqul Islam confirmed Mohib Ullah had been shot dead without giving details about the incident.

Mohib Ullah has been targeted by hardliners for his hard work fighting for the rights of Rohingya Muslims. He is reported to have regularly received death threats, although, he has emphasized that he is not afraid of death and is willing to give his life for his people.

The large Rohingya camps in Bangladesh often face violent crimes, including kidnapping, rape, and murder. Many innocent women and children in the camps ended up being caught in the crossfire of armed groups fighting for power.

The UN high commissioner said coordination was underway with local law enforcement authorities to continue to ensure security in the refugee camps in Bangladesh.

Dismay and grief over the death of Mohib Ullah also came from the Rohingya Muslim group that called his death a “big loss” for the community.

(PMT Foreign Desk with report from The Islamic Information)

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ining, the capital of the Qinghai province in northwest China, is usually very calm and even the daily interactions of the city’s residents, who come from various ethnic groups such as Han Chinese, Hui Muslims, Tibetans, Salar Turks, and others, always proceed without any significant conflict.

However, the controversial demolition of the Dongguan Mosque, one of China’s largest mosques, carried out by the city government forced the city to face a nationwide campaign to make Islam more Chinese or “sinicize” it. Or what they say “to guide Islam to be compatible with socialism” in the official language.

The removal of the Arabic-style domes and minarets from the front gate of the mosque sparked the anger of residents and even attracted the attention of some foreign diplomats. “This demolition also signals the extent of China’s efforts to ‘nationalize’ Islam,” said David R Stroup, Assistant Professor of Chinese Studies, University of Manchester.

Notifications about the renovation of the front gate of the Dongguan Mosque went viral on social media sites such as Sina Weibo and Zhihu on July 9. The forced renovation also targeted not only the Dongguan Mosque but several other mosques in

Xining.

The displeased reaction from the local Hui Muslim community, which makes up 16% of Xining’s population, was palpable. A woman was filmed protesting alone while crying in the street in front of the mosque. But the protest proved futile when a tweet compared the previous photo of the mosque in the guidebook with the current state of the denuded building without its dome and minarets.

The sinicization of the Dongguan Mosque has significantly increased the assimilation of the Muslim minority carried out by the state and imposed by the ruling Chinese Communist Party.

The ruling party’s internal speech even likened Islam to a ‘virus’. It is this mentality that drives the regime to limit Islamic architecture in public spaces overtly.

The Nanguan mosque in Yichuan also underwent a similarly forced renovation in 2020. Linxia Hui autonomous district in Gansu removed loudspeakers used to broadcast Azan (the call to prayer and) Arabic signs from the mosques in June 2018.

Three mosques in Yunnan were demolished after being declared as illegal unregistered buildings in the same year. (PMT Foreign Desk with report from The Islamic Information)

Tunisia appoints Najla Bouden Romdhane as the first prime minister in the Arab world

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wo months after sacking the previous prime minister, Tunisian President Kais Saied appointed Najla Bouden Romdhane as the first female prime minister in the country, as well as in the Arab world.

Saied, a secularist, assumed executive authority and suspended parliament after sacking the previous Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi, who was from the IslamiOriented An-Nadha party in July. He was also suspended most of the constitution in 2014 by announcing that he would rule by decree, prompting massive street protests over the weekend.

Saied in his speech said that he has decided to entrusted Romdhane to become the first female head of government in the history of their nation. Added saying that he would work with Romdhane with strength and determination to eradicate corruption and put an end to the chaos.

Romdhane, who was a little-known professor of geophysics, has been asked to form a government and announce his cabinet as soon as possible.

It is known that the president has been facing domestic and international pressure to immediately announce a new government after sacking the previous prime minister.

“I honoured Tunisian women by appointing her as

prime minister”, says Saied in a video posted on the presidency’s Facebook page.

Romdhane is predicted to have less direct power than the previous prime minister, given that the government will be answerable to the president.

Tunisia has been experiencing political and economic crisis for some time now, which was then exacerbated by infighting between secularists and Islamists as well as the poor handling of the coronavirus pandemic which resulted in the deaths of thousands of people.

Born in 1958 in Kairouan, Romdhane recently worked as a professor at the National School of Engineers in Tunisia.

Romdhane, who also served as director-general at the Ministry of Higher Education, was also assigned to implemented World Bank projects in the education sector.

Romdhane, a political outsider, will be the 10th Prime Minister of the country since the 2011 uprising sparked by the death of a vegetable vendor Mohammed Bouazizi, which later leads to a wave of protests that overthrow longtime dictator Zine El Abedine Ben Ali. But miraculously, Tunisia managed to rise from the chaos and reform their government to a democratic system.

(PMT Foreign Desk with The Islamic Information)

Feature

By JOHNNY R. LEE, Ph.D.

T

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

PSC Chairman Aparecio Mequi and other sports buffs from local, regional and national sports association are in

ment into the elite circles of aqua-sports like swimming, beach volleyballs, water polo, and the relatively newly-introduced

agreement that the Badjaos are almost a perfect material for recruit-

water sports called ‘underwater hockey’.

The latter sports event is

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

BANGSAMORO HALAL DISH With Maria Fhebie Ortil

C

reamy Tuscan salmon with spinach and sundried tomatoes. This easy Tuscan butter salmon recipe is best with pasta, rice, or garlic bread. This salmon recipe is made with garlic, sun -dried tomatoes, spinach in a creamy sauce, flavored with lemon juice.

INGREDIENTS 1 lb. (450 g) salmon fillets, cut into 3 pieces Salt and black pepper 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, cut into pieces 1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste 3 dashes cayenne pepper 1 cup baby spinach 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or Italian basil INSTRUCTIONS 1.Pat dry the salmon with paper towels. Season with salt and black pepper. Heat up a skillet on high heat, melt the butter. Pan sear the salmon fillets, skin side down first.

2. Flip the salmon over and pan sear until they are brown on the surface (the inside might not be cooked at this point).

3. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.

4. Turn the heat to low on the skillet, add and sauté the garlic. Add the heavy whipping cream and sun-dried tomatoes. Turn the heat to the lowest to simmer.

5. Add the salmon back. Season the sauce with salt and cayenne pepper.

6. Add the spinach and lemon juice.

7. As soon as the spinach wilts and the salmon is cooked through on the inside, turn off the heat, garnish with chopped parsley (or Italian basil) and serve immediately.

MFO

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 extended 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.

(A repost) Creamy Tuscan Salmon

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

A11

Creamy Tuscan Salmon

Sports for the Badjaos (A repost)

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).

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

Vol. II, No. 17 | October 8-14, 2021 (Rabiul Awwal 1-7, 1443)

Vol. II, No. 17 | October 8-14, 2021 (Rabiul Awwal 1-7, 1443)

Classified

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

LEGAL NOTICES DEED OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT AND PARTITION OF ESTATE OF THE LATE SOUSES ALDEN RICARDO B. IMPERIAL & WENDYLIN M. IMPERIAL Know All Men By These Presents:

This instrument is made and entered among the children and/or of the exclusive compulsory heirs of the late spouses Alden Ricardo B. Imperial and Wendylin M. Imperial, namely: DAX DENDYL M. IMPERIAL, of legal age, Filipino, single and resident of Purok Narra (Teacher’s Village), Maranding, Lala, Lanao del Norte; SUSHMITA MAY M. IMPERIAL, of legal age, Filipino, single and resident of Purok Narra (Teacher’s Village), Maranding, Lala, Lanao del Norte; EMMAN ALDWEN M. IMPERIAL, of legal age, Filipino, single and a resident of Purok Narra (Teacher’s Village), Maranding, Lala, Lanao del Norte; WITNESSETH: WHEREAS, spouses Alden Ricardo B. Imperial and Wendylin M. Imperial were civilly married in April 1992 at Metro Manila; Norte;

WHEREAS, last March 14, 2000, Alden Ricardo B. Imperial died in Abaga, Lala, Lanao del

WHEREAS, last July 27, 2017, Wendylin M. Imperial died in Purok Narra, Maranding, Lala, Lanao del Norte; WHEREAS, both spouses died intestate - no last will and estatement. And upon their deaths they left conjugal estates comprising of one(1) parcel of real property located in the barangay of Maranding, Lala, Lanao del Norte, Mindanao, Philippines, more particularly described as follows, to wit: 1st Real Property - a house and lot specifically located at Purok Narra (Teacher’s Village), Brgy. Maranding, Lala, Lanao del Norte with a total lot area of FIVE HUNDRED NINETY FOUR (594) SQUARE METERS, more or less. This is titled lot (with TCT No.) and registered in the name of WENDYLIN M. IMPERIAL. Personal Properties: 1. A dollar account in BDO - Ozamiz City branch; 2. A savings account in RCBC - Maranding branch; 3. A current account in Landbank - Tubod branch; 4. A savings account in ONB - Maranding branch; WHEREAS, the above-named legitimate children are the exclusive and only compulsory heirs of the late spouses and they hereby agree to adjudicate and partition among themselves, as they have adjudicated to themselves the above-described one (1) parcel of land in accordance with Section 1, Rule 74 of the 1997 Revised Rules of Court of the Philippines.

WHEREAS, by virtue of the above agreement among the only and exclusive heirs, the exclusive heirs hereby AGREE, by and among themselves, that the Property Regime that will govern them from now on in CO-OWNERSHIP. Thus, all three (3) compulsory heirs will own all the above-mentioned properties in EQUAL SHARES being the legitimate children of their parents; WHEREAS, the parties hereby undertake to comply and register the above-described property in accordance and in consonance with Act No. 496 as well as of the Land Registration Act, Articles No. 1621 and 1623 of the Civil Code of the Philippines and Rule 74 of the 1997 Revised Rules of Court of the Philippines and to publish the same in a newspaper of general circulation in accordance with the Rules of Court.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto affix our signatures this SEP 27 2018 at Maranding, Lala, Lanao del Norte, Philippines.

(SGD) DAX DENDYL M. IMPERIAL Compulsory Heir T.I.N. 420-294-341-000 Issue Date: 03/27/2012 Issued by the BIR

(SGD) SUSHMITA MAY M. IMPERIAL Compulsory Heir Phil. Passport No. P2708847A Valid until 11 April 202 Issued by the DFA

(SGD) EMMAN ALDWEN M. IMPERIAL Compulsory Heir Passport No. P1918981A Valid until 13 Feb. 2022 Issued by the DFA Signed in the presence of the ff. Witnesses: ___________________ Witness Republic of the Philippines) Lanao del Norte ) Ss.

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WE ALSO ACCEPT TARPAUIN PRINTING PLASTIC LAMINATION PVC CARDS T-SHIRT PRINTING

___________________ Witness

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

BEFORE ME, A NOTARY PUBLIC, this SEP 27 2018 in Maranding, Lala, Lanao del Norte, personally appeared the compulsory heirs with their respective Community Tax Certificates and/or Government Issued IDs, known to me and to me to be the same persons who executed the foregoing instrument.

This document consist of TWO (2) PAGES including where this acknowledgement is written, and signed by the parties and their instrumental witnesses on each and every page thereof after the contents hereof been interpreted and translated into their own vernacular and signified that they understood the same and the same are their free and voluntary acts and deeds.

WITNESS MY HAND AND SEAL. (SGD) ATTY. PEPITO G. CADAVOS Notary Public UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2018 PTR No. 3223950 (Lala) * for 2018 IBP No. 025984 (Lanao del Norte) * for 2018 Roll No; 49346 ; TIN: 196-73: -754 MCLE COMPLIANCE NO. V-0023066

•

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

and

Doc. No. 368; Page No. 74; Book No. 05; Series of 2018.

PMT: Oct. 8, 2021; Oct. 15, 2021; Oct. 23, 2021.