PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY

HAPPY NEW YEAR WELCOME 2022

Founded 2020

Vol. II, No. 29 | Dec. 31, 2021—Jan. 6, 2022 (Jumadil Awwal 26-Jumadil Akhir 3, 1443)

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By ALI G. MACABALANG

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BARMM in Focus

IDAPAWAN CITY – Stolen motorcycles from here and North Cotabato as well as nearby areas could be among the 440 units recovered by a joint police-military team from a warehouse after a firefight that left five people dead and five others wounded on Wednesday, December 29.

Gov. Bag-ao: BARMM lights up Yuletide season in typhoon-hit Dinagat Islands

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he Bangsamoro autonomous government has helped lighten up the Yuletide season rendered gloomy by Typhoon Odette (Rai) among people in CARAGA region, especially in the severely affected Dinagat Island province, according to host Governor Arlene J. Bag-ao.

“Hindi ko alam kung paano magpasalamat sa pamunuoan ng BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) government, lalonglalo na kay Chief Minister Ahod Balawag -Ebrahim,” Gov. Bag-ao said in a video recorded message posted by the Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (READi) on Dec. 26.

In a report posted on Dec. 24, the United Nations’ Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the storm has severely affected communities of 16 million people in Visayas and Mindanao, notably in Region VIII and CARAGA Region where 2.4 million residents were classified in dire “need of assistance.”

Odette made its first landfall on Dec. 16, bringing heavy rains, violent winds, floods and storm surges to islands in the two regions. Overnight, it rendered homeless thousands of families, endangering some of the impressive social and economic gains made since recovering from the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic in the past two years, Gustavo Gonzales, OCHA team head for the Philippines, said in the report.

BAG-AO | A2

FIVE SLAIN | A2

Marines Establish Sovereignty Marker in Tawi-Tawi’s Panguan Island

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

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ITANGKAI, Tawi-Tawi: The Philippine Marine troops of Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi 2nd Marine Brigade, led by their commander, Brig.

Gen. Romeo Racadio visited Panguan Island, Barangay Datu Putih, Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi a day before Christmas to establish a sovereignty marker in the

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area.

Major Andrew Linao, spokesman of Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) said the success of the mission is attributed to the strengthened collaboration between the armed forces and the local government of Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi.

MARINES | A3

A6 NATIONAL NEWS

BARMM’s healthy economy indispensable The report of the Philippine Statistics Office (PSA) for 2019 is encouraging, while the 17 regions of the country posted decline in their economies, BARMM posted the smallest decline of -1.9 percent and garnered P2.8 B worth of investments, according to the 2021 reports of the region’s Board of Investment.

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4.3M more Pinoys poorer due to pandemic The ongoing pandemic has manifested its polarizing effects on Filipinos’ socioeconomic standing, as it pushed more than 4 million individuals deeper into poverty, while lifting some 800,000 out of economic hardships.

DFA welcomes creation of OFW department MANILA – The creation of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is a welcome development that reflects the country's commitment to establishing a globallyrecognized migration management system, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Thursday.

In a virtual presser, DFA Undersecretary Sarah Lou Arriola said the measure creating the agency was the first law in the world to incorporate the recommendation in the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration (GCM).

"Tayo ang kaunaunahang bansa sa buong mundo (We're the first country in the world to enact this). We are a trailblazer and it's the first law in the world that has the GCM in its policy.

DFA | A8

Islam and Pre-Islamic politics Could Prophet Mohammad (saw) guide his people to righteousness if he accepted the Quraishi offer of powers, riches and women provided he would abandon his mission of changing their system from what we called 'jahiliya' to Islamic?

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5 slain, 440 motorbikes seized in NorCot… from Page A1 Meanwhile, some residents of the village raided by the joint police-Army team have called for in-depth probes on the law enforcement operation due to alleged encroachment of their neighboring residences that allegedly led to loss of valuable belongings such as cash, jewelries and laptops, according to the BNB News Online & Public Affairs group.

Ostensibly seeking for the recovery of their lost properties, the concerned residents particularly addressed their call to the Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission, the National Bureau of Investigation, the Commission on Human Rights in Region 12, and the Bangsamoro Transition Authority.

The composite team, purportedly verifying reports about carjacked vehicles being kept at Barangay Gukotan, Pikit, North Cotabato, staged a predawn raid and was fired upon by armed men purportedly protecting the target site, police Brig. Gen. Alexander Tagum, new head of the Region 12 Police Office, reported in a statement.

“As the team arrived in the village, unidentified gunmen opened fire, using high-powered firearms,” said Gen. Tagum, who is known for his fierce strides against lawless elements.

The raiding team, with the assistance of some concerned residents, named the fatalities as Badrudin Masulot Dalid, Arbaya Dalid Panizares (female), Asraf Dalid Masulot, Bunta Kabantu, and a still unidentified male who all died at the battle scene.

Earlier raw reports posted in social media channels said the raiding team lost one junior police official at the firefight that lasted for hours.

Five people were also wounded in the gun-battle, including three cops, Lt. Col. Maria Joyce Birrey, spokesperson of the Region 12 Police Office 12, confirmed in a report. The injured police officers were rushed to hospital in the town proper of Pikit, it was learned.

After the firefight, the joint police-Army team found at the targert warehouse some 440 assorted motorbikes, two M60 machineguns, anti-tank rocket B-40 launchers, an M14 rifle, an M203 rifle fitted with a grenade launcher, three M16 rifles, a vintage .30 caliber Carbine rifle, two .38 caliber revolvers, and bombmaking components.

A policeman named Muhidin Dalaganon Mantok, one of the gunmen, voluntarily surrendered to authorities, said a published report.

The target compound of the warehouse, which also contains a tennis court and a basketball court, was owned by a legitimate pawn shop businessperson, according to a Philippine News Agency news article citing an informant.

The motorbikes, including guns, were pawned at the shop, the unnamed informant said, explaining why there were many motorcycles and vehicles in the area.

But Lt. Col. Birrey said an investigation was still going on the report if it was a warehouse for pawned vehicles.

“The presence of high-powered firearms made the area a suspected lair of a lawless group,” the PNP report quoted Birrey as saying.

All firearms seized during the raid were unlicensed. Barangay Gukotan is about 20 kilometers south of the town site proper of Pikit, it was learned.

(AGM)

News

Vol. II, No. 29 | Dec. 31, 2021—Jan. 6, 2022 (Jumadil Awwal 26-Jumadil Akhir

Parliament members push for recognition of Moro toppers in nat’l licensure exams

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

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OTABATO CITY — Some members of the Bangsamoro Parliament have filed recently a bill seeking to grant recognition and incentives to Bangsamoro topnotchers in board, bar, and other national licensure examinations.

“The granting of recognition and incentives to Individuals and other BARMM residents who place first to tenth in any national licensure examination in the academic and educational fields, including professional licensure examinations given by the Professional Regulatory Commission, and the Philippine Bar Examination exclusively administered by the Supreme Court of the Philippines, will be eligible for incentives under Parliament Bill 163, or the Bangsamoro Excellence and Incentives Act of 2021.

It can be recalled that Rajiv Noor Dalagan, a graduate of the Ateneo De Davao University, got

a 93.25 rating in the exams topped in this month’s civil engineers’ licensure exams.

Dalagan belongs to Moro clan in Tawi-Tawi, a component province of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

“It feels good to see a young man from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao hurdle the latest civil engineers’ licensure exams in brilliant colors,” BARMM Local Government Minister and spokesman Naguib Sinarimbo said.

Dalagan ranked first from among 2,374 examinees who passed the

the Bangsamoro people and other inhabitants in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is one way of inspiring individuals to strive for greater heights of excellence,” Member of Parliament (MP) Amilbahar Mawallil, the main author of the bill, said.

board exams.

There were 6,474 takers, but only 2,374 hurdled the series of tests to become licensed civil engineers.

MP Mawallil reiterated that top-performing Bangsamoro bring pride, honor, and serve as role models for the youth.

“However, the government understands the difficulties endured and the

efforts exerted by every board or bar candidate,” he said, noting that the accomplishment of the candidates in reaching the top of the rankings is a remarkable feat deserving of emulation and public acknowledgement.

Mawallil also emphasized that enacting the proposed measure to recognize topnotchers and reward them with benefits, privileges, and a respectable amount as a cash incentive is “proper and reasonable.”

Other authors of the bill are lawyers Laisa Alamia, Suharto Ambolodto, and Engr. Baintan Ampatuan.

(JIJ)

BAG-AO | from page A1

BARMM lights up Yuletide season in typhoon-hit Dinagat Islands

BARMM convoy trucks for Dinagat Island to aid Odette victims there. (Supplied photo) Gonzales, who opened a field office here for BARMM areas this year, said the OCHA launched an aid campaign for at least 530,000 people in the worst affected areas in CARAGA and Region VIII. In four to six weeks from the launch, its Humanitarian Needs and Priorities plan will be revised to reflect the needs arising from additional assessments, he added.

For Governor Bag-ao, the arrival in her province on Dec. 24 of 16 big trucks filled with varied relief packages came as a great reprieve for her severely affected people in this Yuletide season.

“Kayo ang nag bigay ng ligaya sa aming mga puso…lalo na ngayong pasko,” Gov. Bag-ao said in between tears in her video recorded by the READI team for the BARMM relief mission to Dinagat Island province.

The lady governor added: “Ngayon lang kami nakakita ng ganito kalalaki na trucks na puno-puno ng mga biyaya para sa amin.”

She expressed gratitude to the administration of BARMM Chief Minister Ebrahim, in general, and the Ministries of the Interior and Local Government (MILG), Social Services and Development (MSSD), and Health (MOH), in particular.

Gov. Bag-ao received on Dec. 24 the P13-milion worth of goods brought in by the BARMM convoy of 16 trucks led by the READi team. MILG Minister Naguib

Sinarimbo and MSSD Minister Raissa Jajurie sent off the convoy in a symbolic ceremony at the BARMM government compound here on December 22.

She said the BARMM relief mission posted “one of the biggest relief deliveries” to her province so far, touting also the “very good quality” of rice, canned foods and other goods brought in by the convergent team.

The BARMM relief mission delivered 125,000 kilos of rice, 1,600 jerrycans, and 3,200 boxes of water purification tablets from the MSSD and the Project Tulong Alay sa Bangsamorong Nangangailangan (TABANG) of the Office of the Chief Minister (OCM), and 3,000 hygiene kits from the MOH, an official report said.

For its part, the READi team, operating as an emergency action unit of the MILG, brought for Dinagat Island people 2,000 food packs, which contained 10 kilos of rice, 10 canned goods, and 10 sachets of 3-in-1 coffee each, said the report from the Bangsamoro Information Office.

Meanwhile, the BARMM government partnered with the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) to provide a separate relief team to Negros Island in Region VIII, tapping soldiers and military facilities to deliver assistance in two waves, it was learned.

Since Dec. 21, the office of Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, 6ID commanding general, has been accepting donations from the BARMM officialdom and other local government units (LGUs) in its areas of coverage to serve typhoon Odette-hit areas in Negros islands, a report from the 6ID Public Affairs Office said.

So far, the report said, soldiers and military trucks from different units of the 6ID had made two deliveries to Negros, dispersing 3,439 food packs, 125 jerrycans, hygiene and family kits, potable water in bottles, and basic equipment.

“Our soldiers (partnering with civilian quarters) manifested humanitarian initiatives to show that Filipinos are united especially in times of disasters, breaking cultural barriers,” the 6ID PAO report said.

“Let us all continuously work hand in hand for the safety and welfare of our compatriots,” Gen. Uy said in the report. (AGM)

News

Vol. II, No. 29 | Dec. 31, 2021—Jan. 6, 2022 (Jumadil Awwal 26-Jumadil Akhir 3, 1443

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Lanao Norte town continues to progress amidst the crisis

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Marines Establish Sovereignty Marker in Tawi-Tawi’s Panguan Island… from page A1 Linao explained clearly that Panguan Island is one of the “last southwestern island frontiers of the Philippines.”

He said it was formerly used by kidnappers, smugglers, and other lawless groups to exploit the vulnerable and marginal Sama-Badjao tribe on the island until it was secured in 2017.

Now, the island is the home of an eighty-household community of Sama-Badjaos whose children are educated by the civilians and military personnel of the marine detachment stationed thereat.

“As an exercise of sovereignty, the marker demonstrates the belongingness of the maritime feature and its inhabitants to one country. The local government needs to place one, because, Panguan or locally called “Panggungan” (resting safe area), is too remote from the provincial seat of government in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi but in close proximity to another foreign place,” Brig. Gen. Racadio said.

It can be recalled that the sovereignty marker was also installed in Bakkungan (Great) Island, municipality of Turtle Islands in October 2021.

In the coming months, the provincial and municipal local government units in the province of Tawi-Tawi will continue to support and partner with the military to place more of these markers in other islands located in the margin areas of the province in order to set the expectation that residents of these places are entitled to the same rights and protection as mandated by the Constitution, according to the 2nd Marine Brigade commander.

“With our strengthened collaboration with our partners and stakeholders, we continue to gain significant breakthroughs in our campaigns to ensure the safety and security of the people and the state,” Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., commander of Western Mindanao Command said.

(JIJ)

ANTAR, Lanao del Norte - Provincial Governor Imelda 'Angging' Quibranza Dimaporo recently attended the Ribbon cutting and Turnover ceremony of four significant undertakings in the Municipality of Pantar on December 23, 2021. Mayor Jabar Tago of Pantar, warmly welcomes Governor Dimaporo along with Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members, Board Member Marivic Ramos, Board Member Achmad Taha, Board Member Reinario Bihag and the two SP Members aspirants, Hon. Sidick Dibaratun and Hon. Grecille Matalines.

The activity marks the start of the (1) construction of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Building of Pantar and the (2) construction of a Multi-purpose Hall in Barangay Punod. The projects also include the (3)expansion of Level II Portable Water System in Barangay Pantao Ranao and Lumba Punod as well as the (4) rehabilitation/ improvement of Box Culvert in Barangay Cabasaran.

In his message, Mayor Tago extends his heartfelt appreciation to the Provincial Government and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for the constant support given to him with his pursuit in changing Pantar while sustaining its peace and order.

Meanwhile, Pantar new administrator Dr. Binaneng Omacaan, highlights the history of Pantar and the vital role of the late Governor & Congressman Mohammad Ali Dimaporo in attaining peace and said, "He has always been specific in paying attention to the total populace of this municipality, and we thank you Governor Dimaporo and Congressman Abdullah for continuing it."

The projects are the joint effort of the Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte, the Local Government Unit of Pantar, and especially the DILG led by Provincial Director Bruce Colao. The projects are under the Assistance of Municipalities (AM) Program of the DILG, which seeks to assist all municipalities in delivering essential services.

"This project is from the national government, which is also significant to us because you identified and sought for these plans. I have personally seen the development of Pantar, and we hope you can sustain its order for with peace there is development", PD Colao stated.

Governor Dimaporo also expressed her felicitations to the Local Government of Pantar, spearheaded by Mayor Tago with its evident growth and development.

"These projects are proof of the dedication of all employees and the unity of everyone. Hoping that this project will soon be realized so that people here in Pantar can already use it", Governor Dimaporo said.

Aside from the employees of LGU Pantar, present also in the event were all the Sangguniang Bayan Members and Barangay Capatains of Pantar. Col Rey Alemania, the Brigade Commander of 2nd Mechanized Battalion, and Lt Col Marlon Famoso, Battalion Commander of the 4th Mechanized Infantry Batallion, were also present to give peace and development updates.

"Peace, development, and good governance must come along the way, and this remarkable event is one of its significant results. We hope that we can uphold this order for the next year, especially in the coming election. An honest election is in your hands, but we in the security sector will only help you ensure a safe one", Col Alemania said. PIO-LDN

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opinion

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hilippine Muslim Today newspaper is issued weekly by Philippine Muslim Today Inc., a non-government corporation operating under the laws of the Philippines, and edited by renowned veteran Muslim journalists in the country.

Vol. II, No. 29 | Dec. 31, 2021—Jan. 6, 2022 (Jumadil Awwal 26-Jumadil Akhir 3, 1443

Editorial

EDITORIAL MASIDING NOOR YAHYA Editor-In-Chief /Publisher JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL Managing Editor ALI G. MACABALANG News Editor

JAHARA A. SOLAIMAN Contributing Editor 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 SALIC G. MACABALANG Bureau Representative for Bangsamoro Region MARIA FHEBIE ORTIL Head of Accounts Executives for NCR Plus SITTI ROHANISA NOOR YAHYA Comptroller

Happy Holidays!

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n behalf of the men and women behind Philippine Muslim Today Inc. (PMTI) and its publications, please accept our warmest congratulations and Best Wishes on the occasion of the Holidays as the year 2021 is about to end and 2022 is to come.

May the Pandemic disappear immediately from the world in the new year. May we all have a Happy New Year, healthy, prosperous and blessed all year round and beyond.

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Front page of PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY previous issue.

MY LEGAL POINT Atty. Bayan G. Balt

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he report of the Philippine Statistics Office (PSA) for 2019 is encouraging, while the 17 regions of the country posted decline in their economies, BARMM posted the smallest decline of -1.9 percent and garnered P2.8 B worth of investments, according to the 2021 reports of the region’s Board of Investment.

BARMM ravaged by war for decades needs revenues and investment to propel its economy and reduce poverty. There are many factors that contribute to economic growth, such as consumer and business investment or infrastructures spendings which designed to create jobs and increase productivity. While there is no single factor that consistently spurs the perfect or ideal amount of growth needed for an economy, however a country who have experienced economic growth are run by expert economic managers, that can pinpoint the right economic policies and direction to attend growth. Economic managers refer to head of agencies and or ministries such as the trade, agriculture, finance, investment or labor and tourism that chart policies of their offices critical to economic growth and the reduction of poverty.

Some countries send their officials to JFK School of Government (Harvard) or Wharton and or Princeton university in the United States of America to learn world’s economy. Corollary BARMM has no graduates or expertise from these prestigious university. However, for BARMM a small region to grow, should appoint some Ministers with a better grasp of the region GRDP’s (Gross Region Domestic Prod-

uct), Consumer Price Index, (BOT) Balance of Trade, inflation, unemployment and other economic indicators.

The BARMM’s economy is in a gestation period but with potentials and rich in natural and or marine resources and existing tourist areas waiting for development, when properly tap, the region can economically prosper. To mention a few is the Sibutu waterways and beautiful beaches in the province of Tawi-Tawi, the Oil deposits of the Sulu Sea archipelago, the Moro Gulf fishing grounds, the Liquefied natural gas (LNG) proven reserved in the Liguashan march in Maguindanao and the Lake’s potentials of Lanao and 7 others lakes and waterfalls in the province of Lanao del Sur. This is without prejudice to the existing confirmed natural resources such as gold, coal, copper, cobalt, manganese silver which need the passage of a Local Mining Act by the region’s parliament.

The implementing plan of action to exploit these resources need a law to be sponsor in the parliament by heads of the various economic ministries in order to put them in action. The success and failure of the propose law depends on the expertise and knowhow of the economic managers of the concern ministry. Unfortunately, and as of this writing, no law has been passed to utilize the above resources and or promote investment in the region.

Some countries measured their economic growth not by their GDP which is the total monetary or market value of all the finished goods BALT | A10

Opinion

Vol. II, No. 29 | Dec. 31, 2021—Jan. 6, 2022 (Jumadil Awwal 26-Jumadil Akhir 3, 1443)

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PRESIDENTIAL DRUG GAME “One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.” – Plato “The fault dear Brutus is not in our stars but in ourselves that we are underlings.” – Cassius to Brutus in Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare

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olitical carnival is finally in town, Political fever is rising to suicidal heights. The candidates are participants in the never ending circus in this country – and so are the people. Nobody is thinking except a few who might just make a difference. I hope and pray.

Marcos bubble: Every intelligent person in this country is surprised at the popularity of BB Marcos in the polls. But knowing the surveys, I am not all surprised. BB M must have a good propaganda machine, both in mainstream and social media This BB M propaganda is challenged by the populist movement of VP Leni Robredo.

There are motorcades everywhere – here and abroad. This is a clash between an immovable object and an irresistible force – if the elections will be clean and honest. But it will not be clean and honest. Both BB M and VP Leni, in the end, will struggle for nothing. Why? Bong Go: Senator Bong Go (although had officially withdrawn from the Presidential race) may be lagging in the polls but is far ahead in these factors – PR D, COMELEC, Smartmatic, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Dennis Uy’s F2 Logistics and the whole machinery of government. Against all these, no group of Marcos Loyalists or VP Leni’s populist armada can be a match. It would be a mismatch unless the two have covert components which are beyond the reach of PR D’s intelligence task force. If not, BB M and VP Leni will be on the way to oblivion on the fastest space vehicle.

But PR D has been repeatedly saying the May 2022 elections will be clean and honest. Common kids, grow up. Do you believe PR D, perceived to be a 10 11 politico, will deliver on his commitment? If you do, it’s about time you consult a psychiatrist.

Cocaine puzzle: The number one subject of conversation these days is the puzzle introduced

by PR D – cocaine using presidential candidate, one of the leaders in the survey, son of a late powerful and popular father,

spoiled child and weak leader. BB Marcos did not feel alluded to but was fast to undergo a laboratory test for cocaine and bingo – the test proved negative. His propaganda machine claims the negative test result puts the issue to rest – not really and not that fast. There are questions needing answers before the issue can be buried for good.

Who did the cocaine test for BB M? Is it a reputable laboratory? If not a laboratory, is it a doctor or a chemist? Is he/she reliable and credible? To erase any doubts about the reliability and credibility of the test results, BB M must do to things – reveal the identity of the laboratory or chemist or doctor who did the testing and undergo another test with a reliable and credible government laboratory witnessed by mainstream media in full view of national and international television networks. Failing to do these, the negative test result is not worth the paper on which it is written. The BB M is test result is written on water.

It is useless and nothing but waste paper.

On the other hand, PR Duterte should reveal the identity of the cocaine user. Why? The man is running for President of the country. People have the right to know his identity so that they can make the correct choice in the May 2022 election. Moreover, under Section 5, Article IV of the Constitution which embodies his oath of office as President, PR D is sworn to fulfill his duties as President – preserve and defend the Constitution, execute the laws and do justice to every man. If he has evidence, why did he not order the arrest and prosecution of this suspect? Using cocaine is illegal under our laws and bail is not allowed – why the failure of PR D to do his mandated duty?

More questions for PR D: I still remember PR D threatening drug lords he will kill them because they are destroying his country.

I do not know of any suspected or confirmed drug lord PR D or his boys killed on his orders. Suspected drugs lords like his compadre Peter Lim, his once upon a time adviser Michael Young, his Con-

gressman son being charged as being a part of the international drug Tri-

Diliman Way

HOMOBONO A. ADAZA ad, the five generals in his well publicized drug book – why has not PR D done anything to them? These are his companions Is PR D confirming the saying – Tell me who are your companions and I’ll tell you who you are? Since they are PR D’s companions, will anyone please tell him who he is?

No wonder the drug lords have gone scot-free and thousands of poor young drug users are dead. Are the users destroying the country?

They only destroy their lives if they do not go through rehabilitation. PR D’s claim they cannot be rehabilitated is as false as his claims to accomplishments. But what about the drug lords – importers, manufacturers, distributors, facilitators and protectors?

They are almost beyond rehabilitation because they are there for the money. By way of comparison, water continues flowing as long as you don’t close the faucet.

Since the drug faucet is not closed, illegal drugs continue flowing throughout the country courtesy of PR D’s government.

Pacquiao confession: Presidential candidate Manny Pacquiao admitted that when he was a kid – he did shabu and marijuana. He regrets it and he has gone over it.

Good for Manny! But why has he not denounced PR D’s government extrajudicial killings. Once upon a time not so long ago, he was one of the lap dogs of PR D singing praises to his idol and master. But when PR D castigated him, he reacted but his reaction was tepid, if not anemic. And now he claims to be with the Opposition. Common, Manny, grow up kid.

Show your powerful

knockout punch and kayo PR D. But is the power still there or did it disappear with Paris Hilton?

Lacson and Sotto: They claimed they underwent drug testing at PDEA and the tests came out negative. But that is not enough as both have extra baggage on illegal drugs. I still remember Rosebud charged Senator Lacson with involvement on an illegal drug incident. On Senate President Sotto, there was a mainstream media report that he had an involvement on an illegal drug activity long time ago.

Both of them should clear the air on these charges and suspicions.

Relevance: Illegal drug use is a major problem of the country coupled with graft and corruption. Were it not for corrupt officials in government, the problem of illegal drugs in the country would have been solved years ago. It cannot be solved because public officials from the highest to the lowest levels are involved in illegal drugs – from manufacture to distribution, from importation to protection, from police to PDEA, from Customs to Immigration, from local government to the highest levels of the Executive, from Congress to the judiciary.

No traditional politician can eradicate this problem in this country. Why? It is the surest way to quick money – from millions to billions, enough to fund several presidential, senatorial, congressional, gubernatorial, mayoral or barangay chairman campaigns. The temptation is just too great to resist for our politicians whose major drives are – wealth, power and influence and sex. There is no hope for the people from them.

The hope is system change. The only exponent for system change is the X-Factor. If he does not materialize and surface before the end of this year – the solution is not an election, it is something else. So I quote to you my favorite lines from a poem of Oscar de Zuñiga –“ “And I walk the streets rutted with mud holes Underneath a sky suffused with graying clouds And I feel I am coming to a house which only my heart knows.” (HAA)

IMMORTALITY

BY HOMOBONO A. ADAZA It is too early Flirting with immortality That kind of feeling When young and driven Age has nothing to do With the passing of years It is aging of mind and heart Magic of youth Is you think and feel Mind and heart are mortal You have to record Feeling and thinking In books and songs Generations come and go Yet young and old Read your books Recite your poems Sing your songs Whistle and play your tunes Defying time and circumstance Immortality is yearning Dream Magic Nostalgic song Haunting poem More than concrete statues Books, poems, songs, music Story of your life Are immortal -0-

*Also written after the death of Popsy Lim and also dedicated to my other friends who passed away “without my person” – Senators Eddie Ilardi, Ka Luis Taruc, Labor leader Joe Villegas, my Philippine Collegian columnist, Me-an Chanco, and others whose names escape me at the moment.

BARMM | from page A4

BARMM’s healthy economy is indispensable to survival and services produced within a country in a year, but instead by the number of jobs created. I agreed with some economists that only Investment whether local or foreign can create jobs. For BARMM to economically grow, it must invest in infrastructures to create jobs, it must likewise attract foreign investors by improving her investment climate with cheap labor and land costs, and or reliable and cheap electricity, it must review its tax incentives and holidays while its Investment Priority Plan (IPPP) must be attractive to prospective investors. There is also a need to craft policies to engages in aggressive Investment campaign locally and in the Arab and Muslim world. China captured foreign investments due to its cheap labor costs while Vietnam has cheap labor and land costs, likewise Indonesia and Malaysia have improved investment climate. Compare to these countries, BARMM can be economically develop thru the sincere efforts of its economic manager’s expertise and good governance. Despite fragile peace, poverty can be reduced tremendously, simply investors very purpose is profit.

For comments: Email me at bayanbalt@yahoo.com *Atty. Bayan G. Balt is a past Chapter President of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP-Marawi City and Lanao del Sur, 2013-2015), former Cabinet Secretary of DOLE-ARMM and Chairman of the Ranao Federal State Movement, (RFSM)

A6

Across PH

Vol. II, No. 29 | Dec. 31, 2021—Jan. 6, 2022 (Jumadil Awwal 26-Jumadil Akhir 3, 1443)

4.3M more Pinoys become poorer due to pandemic

A Feature Story

FATHER & DAUGHTER EXPECTED IN 2022 REUNION:

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

POVERTY IN PANDEMIC-PLAGUED AREAS RATES 5X UP WHILE REGIONS LEAST AFFECTED LIFT 800K FROM ECONOMIC WOES

By ROCAYA SUMNDAD OTICAL

T

TAUSUG PROFESSIONALS IN DIFFERENT BRANCHES OF MEDICAL FIELD: Prof. Raiza Abubakar, a Tausug Nurse by profession and President of the Philippine Nurses Association, Inc. of Region 9 (extreme left) with Dra. Neer-Hara Jannaral, a Dentist or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) in Zamboanga City (center) and at extreme right is Dra. Fauzia “Jing” Indanan, Doctor of Medicine (MD), a pediatrician who is also based in Zamboanga City. (Contributed Photo) FATHER & DAUGHTER EXPECTED IN 2022 REUNION: As Managing Editor of the Philippine Muslim Today, I was trying to finish my Batanes To Tawi-Tawi column when my high school batch mate Prof. Raiza Abubakar, a Nurse by profession (extreme left) of Class 1972 of the Notre Dame of Jolo High School sent me a message in a group chat with the above picture with a caption Guess who?

Since this is the first time Raiza sent this kind of message to me, I immediately replied, “Illang that friends used to call her, “Salaam Illang who are your beauty companions?” Then she replied in our Tausug dialect, “Salaam.. aluuu rayang D na kaw mkakila ???

Patunga marayaw …” (Salaam. My darling you could not recognize her. Look closely.”

She added,”Malingkat n dentista namuh yaun 20 tahun mo na Y kita.” (Our Dentist is beautiful and you have not seen her for the last 20 years.)

Immediately when Raiza told me about a Dentist that I have not seen her for the last 20 years, immediately I guessed it could be my eldest daughter Indah or she is now Dra. Neer-Hara A. Jannaral. Raiza confirmed it: “Na hisiyu pa.”(Who else?)

Then she narrated ”Ing iban ko yan, n anak mo hi dra Neer .. dentista namuh iban sin classmate mo ra isan dra Jing.” (My companions are your daughter, Dra Neer, our Dentist and our high classmate Dra Jing, or Dr. Fauzia Indanan).

Imagine I have not recognized my eldest daughter who was born in Manila to a Caesarean Section on September 3, 1980 or 41 years ago.

This coming January 10, 2022, would be my 67th birthday and this information that I got from Prof.

Raiza Abubakar about my eldest daughter Dra NeerHara Jannaral who is with her as their the Dentist is so far the best birthday gift to me.

Hence, with 4 decades that have lapsed here is “A Song for my Daughter” that I have never seen her for the last 20 years, I would like to dedicate the lyrics of this Song (right):

he ongoing pandemic has manifested its polarizing effects on Filipinos’ socioeconomic standing, as it pushed more than 4 million individuals deeper into poverty, while lifting some 800,000 out of economic hardships.

According to recent Philippine Statistics Authority reports on official poverty statistics and causes of death, 4,300,000 Filipinos, or about 861,300 families, sank below the poverty threshold in regions which saw over 90% of COVID-19-related deaths as of September 2021.

On the other hand, five regions which were least affected by the contagion, or those with 8.1% of deaths in 2021, saw 809,500 Filipinos, or some 161,900 families, improve their living conditions, according to the same report.

Bulk of families elevated from poverty live in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), as provinces of Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao and Basilan raised 121,000 out of economic strain. However, poverty rose for 28,300 families in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

In Lanao del Sur, poverty reduction was at 57%: from 68% of families, to 11%, which vastly improved the quality of living for more than 500,000 Filipinos there from 2018 to 2021. The province transitioned from having the highest number of poor families three years ago, to the ninth with the least number.

“The rate of poverty reduction is nothing short of spectacular in Lanao del Sur, as this occurred during a combined national health and economic crisis,” Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) Executive Director Juan A. Perez III commented. “The fact that the province is in a region least affected by COVID-19 contributed greatly to the outcome.”

Undersecretary Perez also noted that the poverty threshold in BARMM increased by only P527.00 in the last three years starting in 2018, compared with the national average at P1,860.00. According to him, the figures indicate that “the said region’s economy was least affected by the economic downturn which occurred in COVID-19-affected regions, as it had the least improvement in the last three years.”

The POPCOM chief also noted that Sulu now holds the record for having the largest percentage of families at 71.9%, or 111,200, living below the poverty threshold. However, in terms of absolute numbers, the prov-

COVID-19 affects both the health and wealth of Filipinos.

POPCOM FILE PHOTO

ince of Cebu has the most number of poor families at 276,900; followed by Negros Occidental (166,000); Camarines Sur (152,300); Pangasinan (138,600); Bulacan (132,000); and Zamboanga del Norte (131,200).

Meanwhile, regional economies with the most number of pandemic-plagued areas also showed increases in their poverty threshold—well above their poverty levels in 2018—and exhibited the collateral effects of the pandemic. Those which reflected increases in poverty threshold above their 2018 poverty levels, as well as their COVID-19-related deaths from January to September 2021, are as follows: Central Luzon (+ P3,250; 9,001 deaths), Ilocos: (+ P2,633; 1,891 deaths), National Capital Region: (+ P2,523; 14,218 deaths), Central Visayas: (+ P2,450; 1,622 deaths), Cagayan Valley (+ P2,044; 1,824 deaths), CALABARZON: (+ P1,935; 10,386 deaths), and Bicol: (+ P1,898; 1,141 deaths).

“Families in Central Luzon were most affected by the increase in the poverty threshold, with an additional 190,900 or 46%, who became poorer in the last three years,” Usec. Perez added. “The increase of poverty was also felt in Central Visayas, as 173,500 families languished below the poverty threshold in three years.”

As he commended the local government units of BARMM and Lanao del Sur for liberating their families from the clutches of economic hardships, Perez believes that both regions may hold the key on how others can devise ways in dealing with the compounded economic and health crises through further studies.

“Prospects for the reduction of poverty in the next few years hinge on our actions in containing COVID-19 in the most affected regions,” he concluded. (With POPCOM Story)

DANCE WITH MY FATHER Song by Luther Vandross Back when I was a child Before life removed all the innocence My father would lift me high And dance with my mother and me and then Spin me around till I fell asleep Then up the stairs he would carry me And I knew for sure I was loved

He left a dollar under my sheet Never dreamed that he would be gone from me If I could steal one final glance, one final step One final dance with him I'd play a song that would never ever end 'Cause I'd love, love, love to dance with my father again

If I could get another chance Another walk, another dance with him I'd play a song that would never ever end How I'd love, love, love to dance with my father again, ooh

Sometimes I'd listen outside her door And I'd hear how my mother cried for him I pray for her even more than me I pray for her even more than me

When I and my mother would disagree To get my way I would run from her to him He'd make me laugh just to comfort me, yeah, yeah Then finally make me do just what my momma said Later that night when I was asleep

I know I'm praying for much too much But could you send back the only man she loved?

I know you don't do it usually But dear Lord she's dying to dance with my father again Every night I fall asleep and this is all I ever dream

Classified & Legal Notices

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LOCATED AT CONSUNJI ST., POBLACION, ILIGAN CITY (front of Emcor Motors).

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TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION Beginning at a point “1” of Plan F-123617-135-A, Marawi City, being N. 62-11 E, 244.88 m. from BLLM No. 2 Q-124, Dansalan Cadastre, thence N. 25-45 W., 276.19 m., to point 2; N. 49-45 E., 157.85 m., to point 3; S. 26-36 E., 302.90 m., to point 4; S. 59-35 W., 157.84 m., to point 1;

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KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: This EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT is executed by and between: ANGELITA R. PAJARES, of legal age, Filipino, married, resident of Cenuari Village, Tomas Cabili, Iligan City; EDGARDO V. RESTAURO, of legal age, Filipino, married, resident of Buru-un, Iligan City; and ISHMAEL V. RESTAURO, of legal age, Filipino. Married, resident of Buru-un, Iligan City.

WITNESSETH That, the herein parties are the sole and legitimate heirs of the late ADORACION Vargas RESTAURO, who died intestate on October 11, 2016, at Iligan City.

That, upon her demise, the decedent left the following real properties, to wit: PARCEL ONE “A parcel of land, Lot 2444-B of the subdivision plan, (LRC) Psd -86860, being a portion of Lot 2444, (GPA-V-55837),, Iigan Cadastre, LRC, Cad. Rec. No. N-__), situated in the Barrio of Buru-un, City of Iligan, Island of Mindanao. Bounded on the NE., points 3 to 4 by Lot 3691, Iligan Cad; on the SE., points 4 to 1 by National Road, 20.00 m. wide; on the SW., 1 to 2 by Lot 2444-A of the subd. Plan; and on the NW., points 2 to 3 by Lot 2443, Iligan Cad. Containing an area of 226 square meters, more or less. “Embraced by TCT NO. T-7333 (a.f.). ” PARCEL TWO “A parcel of land identified as Lot 3220-B-1, Psd-10-053553, containing an area of TWO HUNDRED (200) square meters, situated at Ditucalan, Iligan City. Bounded on the NE., by Lot 2320-B-2; on the SE., by Lot 2320-B-13; Barangay Road; on the SW., by Lot 2320-B-13; Barangay Road; on the NW., by Lot 2320-C. Embraced by TCT NO. T-65979 (a.f.).”

Containing an area of Forty Four Thousand Nine Hundred Fifty Seven (44,957) square meters.

All points are marked on the ground by old Cyl. Conc. Mons.

Bounded on the SW., along line 1-2 by Omar Macondara; on the NW., along line 2-3 by Guimbor Salonabao; on the NE., along line 3-4 by Banto Saripada; and on the SE., along line 4-1

by Langco Badio.

PARCEL THREE (undivided Share only)

WHEREAS, pursuant to Rule 74, Sec. 1 of the Revised Rules of Court of the Philippines, and being with full capacity to contract, we do hereby adjudicate unto ourselves the parcel of land described above, in EQUAL SHARES, IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we hereunto set our hand on this 26th day of December 2021 at Marawi City, Philippines.

LEGAL HEIRS OF H. ABDULGANI R. MACONDARA: (SGD) OMAR C. MACONDARA Heir

(SGD) AYOBKHAN G. MACONDARA

(SGD) ANISAH M. MANGONDATO Heir (SGD) HASSAN G. MACONDARA Heir

Heir

“ (Undivided portion of) LOT 2320-B-13, Psd-10-053553, containing an area of 2,429 square meters, situated at Ditucalan, Iligan City. Bounded on the NE., by Lot 2320-B-1, 2320-B-3; Lot 2320-B-4; & Lot 2320-B-5; on th SE., by Lot 2320-R; Lot 2320-B-12, Lot 2320-B-10; SW, by Lot 2320-B-9, Lot 2320-B-8.

Embraced by TCT NO. T-65991 (a.f.).”

That, no other property is involved in this Extrajudicial Settlement.

That, copy of this Extra Judicial Settlement will be published in __________, a newspaper of general circulation in the provinces of Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Norte, the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, and of the entire Northern Mindanao.

That, parties being all of legal age and with full legal capacity to contract, do hereby and by virtue of these presents, EXTRA JUDICIALLY settle the estate of the decedent and hereby adjudicate the abovedescribed parcels of land and its improvement thereon, unto themselves, in EQUAL SHARES. WHEREFORE, for and in consideration of the foregoing, parties have hereto extra judicially adjudicated the above realties hereinabove stipulated, pursuant to Section 1, Rule 74, subject to the provisions of Section 4, Rule 74, of the Rules of Court.

SIGNED IN THE PRESENCE OF: (SGD) YASRULAH D. SHEIK

DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE

(SGD) CAMILO P. RADIA

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Republic of the Philippines) City of Marawi ) S.S. BEFORE ME, on the date and place above written, personally appeared the following persons with competent evidence of their identity: Said persons are known to me to be the same person who executed the foregoing instrument, and he acknowledged under oath to me under the penalty of law that the whole content of this document is true and the same and that the same are his free and act and deed.

The foregoing instrument which relates to an Extrajudicial Settlement of Name

ABBON M. CADAYONAN

ID Document

ID No.

Issuing Authority

VOTER ID

3604009AG1 762AM62000 47

COMELEC

OMAR C. MACONDARA

POSTAL ID

L9621008963 0P

PHL POST

AYOBKHAN G. MACONDARA

TIN #

931-243-397

BIR

ANISAH M. MANGONDATO

VOTER ID

3616-0023BA0169AMM2 0000

COMELEC

9817-0201AB0384HGM1 0000-1

COMELEC

HASSAN G. MACONDARA

PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY For reliable news updates.

Re: Estate of Adoracion Vargas Restauro

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: This AGREEMENT made end and entered into this ____ day of December 2021 in Marawi City, by and between: ABBON M. CADAYONAN, of legal age, Filipino, widow, residing at Brgy.

Guimba, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur; OMAR C. MACONDARA, of legal age, Filipino, married, residing at Brgy.

Guimba, Marawi City, Lano del Sur; AYOBKHAN G. MACONDARA, of legal age, Filipino, married, residing at Brgy. Guimba, Marawi City, Lano del Sur; ANISAH M. MANGONDADATO, of legal age, Filipino, married, residing at Brgy. Guimba, Marawi City, Lano del Sur; HASSAN G. MACONDARA, of legal age, single, residing at Brgy. Guimba, Marawi City, Lano del Sur; WITNESSETH, that: WHEREAS, we are the sole heirs of the deceased H. ABDULGANI R. MACONDARA, married to the deceased H. FATIMA G. MACONDARA, who died on February 03, 2018 at Brgy. Tolali, Marawi City, a copy of his death certificate is hereto attached as Annex A; WHEREAS, H. ABDULGANI R. MACONDARA died intestate without will or testament and without any outstanding debts in favor of any person or entity; WHEREAS, H. ABDULGANI R. MACONDARA is the absolute and registered owner of a parcel of land located at Brgy. Guimba, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, covered by Katibayan ng Original na Titulo Blg. P-1129 of the Registry of Deeds of Marawi City and more particularly described as follows:

(SGD) ABBON M. CADAYONAN Heir

VOTER ID

A7

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH ABSOLUTE SALE

SERVICES

I do editing and layout of schools publication.

Call 09477201555

Vol. II, No. 29 | Dec. 31, 2021—Jan. 6, 2022 (Jumadil Awwal 26-Jumadil Akhir 3, 1443)

Estate with Absolute Sale consisting of 3 pages including the page on which this acknowledgement is written, has been signed on the left margin of each and every page by the parties and the witnesses.

WITNESS MY HAND AND SEAL, this 26th day of December 2021 at Marawi City, Philippines.

Doc. No. 30; Page No. 7; Book No. 1; Series of 2021.

PMT: Dec. 31, 2021—Jan. 6, 2022; Jan. 7-13, 2022; Jan. 14-20, 2022.

That, for and in consideration of the sum of FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (P500, 000.00), Philippine currency, receipt of which is hereto acknowledged, the above-named parties and hereinafter referred to as the Heir-VENDORS, do hereby and by virtue of these presents, SELL, TRANSFER & CONVEY, PARCEL ONE above-described with whatever improvement thereon, unto and in favor of ALVIN N. RESTAURO, of legal age, Filipino, married to Rowena R. Restauro, resident of Balite Drive, Santiago, Iligan City, hereinafter referred to as the VENDEE, to his heirs and assigns, free from liens and encumbrances.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, parties have hereto affixed their signature on this 10 the day of JUNE 2021, in Iligan City.

Heir-Vendors: (SGD) ANGELITA R. PAJARES OSCA ID NO. 12318

(SGD) EDGARDO V. RESTAURO SSS ID NO. 08-052129-4

(SGD) ISHMAEL V. RESTAURO Passport No. P1462391A Vendee: (SGD) ALVIN N. RESTAURO NPDL NO. MO2-02-061639 Signed in the presence: (SGD) 1. Arnold D. Avanton

(SGD) 2. JB SADE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES CITY OF ILIGAN BEFORE ME on this 10 day of June 2021, in Iligan City, personally appeared the above-named parties, all known to me to be the same persons who executed the foregoing EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT with DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE, consisting of TWO (2) pages, including this page, and they acknowledged to me that it is their free act and deed.

WITNESS MY HAND AND SEAL. (SGD) ATTY. ROLANDO G. MARAPAO NOTARY PUBLIC PTR NO. 9867724 JAN. 4, 2021 IBP NO. 04916 ROLL NO. 37981 MCLE CERT NO. 0000805 DOC. No., 517 PAGE No., 105 BOOK No., XXXI SERIES OF 2021

OUR VOTE MATTERS THAI CHILI BEEF BURGER BANGSAMORO HALAL DISH With Maria Fhebie Ortil

C

ould Prophet Mohammad (saw) guide his people to righteousness if he accepted the Quraishi offer of powers, riches and women provided he would abandon his mission of changing their system from what we called 'jahiliya' to Islamic?

The answer is "no," otherwise, the God's Beloved and Mercy upon all mankind, would have accepted

Vol. II, No. 29 | Dec. 31, 2021—Jan. 6, 2022 (Jumadil Awwal 26-Jumadil Akhir 3, 1443)

ISLAM AND PRE-ISLAMIC POLITICS

By Ding Yahya the offer. He strongly refused them, emphasizing that even if they place the sun on his right hand and the moon on his left, he would not join them and uphold their system which he believed wrong.

Thus, the Prophet continued his campaign for the establishment of

the Islamic Order as he was commanded by God. He did not join them or stop his mission or even be complacent in his campaign.

Such was a sheer politics situation, more or less, similar to the present-day struggle for powers. There is, however, obvious dif-

DFA | from page A1

DFA welcomes creation of OFW department

O

nce again Assalamu Alaykum Wa Rahma Tullahi Wa Barakatuhu! Today it is December 31, 2021 the day where this year ends.

However, this Bangsamoro Halal Cuisine will never end. It will go along the way where Philippines Muslim Today goes.

We went on rest for awhile but it doesn’t mean that we are going to stop sharing with you some of the best of the Bangsamoro Halal Cuisines.

We have touched all kinds of dishes from fish, shrimps, chicken, and beef from every part of the Bangsamoro Region.

We have tackled also the Halal Cuisine of Malaysia like their famous Beef Rendang and several others.

Now we are in Thailand which is one of the other parts of ASEAN nations wherein they have also the Halal foods like this present food to be discussed that is the Thai Chili Burger.

Thai Chili Beef Burger – Thai Chili Beef Burger.

Try this type of burger although we frequent to savor Jollibee burger and McDonald as well as the Wendy’s and Burger King, and you might want to try it and make it every day!

Hence, listed below are the ingredients that can be easily found in groceries, as well as easy to follow instructions.

INGREDIENTS 1 pound (0.4 kg) ground beef 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste 1/2 cup bread crumbs 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro 1 egg, lightly beaten 1 tablespoon light soy sauce 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 baguette 2 cups shredded lettuce sweet chili sauce INSTRUCTIONS In a bowl, combine the ground beef with the red curry paste, bread crumbs, chopped cilantro, egg, light soy sauce and black pepper. Mix the ingredient together with your hand until sticky.

Divide into 8 portions and shape into mini burger patties.

Heat up the grill and cook this over high heat for 45 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.

Cut the baguette (lengthwise) into 4. Assemble each with 2 cooked mini burger patties, shredded lettuce and a little sweet chili sauce. Serve warm.

(MFO)

So ito talaga 'yong (this is how) we really walk our talk," she said.

Arriola said the DFA's Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers' Affairs (OUMWA), together with other government offices catering to the needs of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), would be subsumed under the new agency.

She added that there would be a one-year transition period to avoid any disruption in services.

"We at the DFA are going to fully cooperate with the transition period

of one year to be able to make sure that the OUMWA's transfer is flawless.

So that's the reason why we are also here because we are talking about the transition so that we hit the ground running and that there will be no disruption of service in the process of transition," she said.

Arriola, currently in Bahrain, led a mission in the Middle East where she met with her counterparts and other foreign officials.

During these meetings, she said Qatar,

Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia also welcomed the creation of the DMW. "(Nabanggit) natin sa tatlong bansang ito na magkakaroon na tayo ng DMW (We mentioned to these three countries that we will be having the DMW), which was very much welcomed naman by these three countries," she said.

Arriola said Qatar and Saudi Arabia expressed willingness to sign a memorandum of understanding on fighting trafficking in person together with the Philippines.

ference: In the Prophet's time, there were no Ulama who joined the Jahiliya politics the way local Ulama participate in an unslamic political system nowadays.

The above observation is a voice not from a perfect observer for I am not.

Rather it is from a truthseeking soul struggling in the middle of an ocean of confusing waves of noises. And, I stand to be corrected.

#islamandpreislamicpolitics In addition, the three Middle Eastern states are also keen to partner with the country in showcasing how collaboration between a model country of origin and a model country of destination works.

"Malaking bagay 'yan kasi ito 'yong main destination countries ng karamihan sa ating OFWs and this strengthens our partnership with them (This is a big deal because these are among the main destination countries of our OFWs and this strengthens our partnership with them)," she said.

PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY