Philippine Muslim Today

2022 NLE

OPINION

OPINION

Duterte not keen to endorse pres’l candidate

BENEFICIAL DU’A DURING RAMADAN KAREEM

2 Maranao Muslim appointees to hurdle CA nod

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Vol. II, No. 42 | April 1-7, 2022 (Shaban 29-Ramadan 5, 1443)

2022 ELECTIONS

PFP backs Isko; Adiong refutes claim on Leni-Sara option in Lanao Sur

COUPLE GOVERNORS: Online-generated image of couple Governors Teng Mangudadatu of Sultan Kudarat and Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu of Maguindanao in a recent event. (AGM)

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OTABATO CITY – The Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) has thrown its support to the presidential bid of Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, saying his platform of government “is most aligned with and attuned to the needs of the Filipino people especially those (in) marginalized” sector.

(Full story on Page A6)

Forfeiture of Mangudadatu’s Sultan Kudarat governorship sought

By ALI G. MACABALANG

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OTABATO CITY – At least two concerned residents and registered voters in Sultan Kudarat province have petitioned for the forfeiture of the position title of their elected governor due to his transfer of residence and voter’s registration in Maguindanao, a separate province where he al-

UBJP launches political rally in Cotabato City, laments antiBARMM stance The United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) launches its political rally in Cotabato City even as it laments the city administration’s alleged continuing dissent against the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

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legedly engages in enormous government cum political activities.

Mastura M. Usman and Nhoraidha P. Ebus, residents and registered voters of President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat, through legal counsels, have lodged “Quo Warranto and/or Petition to declare Suharto ‘Teng’ Mangudadatu to have forfeited his position title as governor” after transferring his residence and voter registration in Datu Abdul-

A3 BANGSAMORO REGION

lah Sangki town in Maguindanao in September last year.

Their 28-page petition was filed last March 24 before the Commission on Election (Comelec), which the petitioners and their lawyers said has the “exclusive original jurisdiction over all contests relating, returns and qualifications of elective (provincial, city and other local) officials.”

A7 NATIONAL

FORFEITURE | A2

A8 FOREIGN NEWS

BARMM delivers relief aids to fire-affected Cotabato City residents

NCR, 48 other areas remain under Alert Level 1 until April 15

US believes Putin misled by key advisors on Ukraine war

Amid the city leadership’s continuing dissent against services and assistance coming from the Bangsamoro autonomous governance, MILG tapped workers of the Red Cross and the Commission on Audit to deliver relief goods for fire-affected village residents here.

Metro Manila and 48 other areas will remain under the most lenient Alert Level 1 until April 15, after the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATFEID) agreed to retain the Alert Level 1 classification in Metro Manila

The US said on Wednesday, Mar. 30, 2022, it believes Russian President Vladimir Putin is being misinformed by his senior advisors about how his war against Ukraine is faring and the state of the Russian economy.

For latest update, visit: www.philmuslim.today. Write to: chiefeditor@philmuslim.today

A2 FORFEITURE | from Page A1

Forfeiture of Mangudadatu’s Sultan Kudarat...

T

he petitioners are represented by lawyers Israelito Torreon, Yasser Lumbos and Rex Dumlao Batay-an from three renowned local law offices in Mindanao, as shown in a copy of the petition sent to some media entities including the Philippine Muslim Today newspaper.

Majority resident voters had elected Mangudadatu interchangeably as Congressman or governor for more or less two decades in Sultan Kudarat province. His latest gubernatorial election was on May 13, 2019.

In their accompanying affidavits, petitioning electors Usman and Ebus contended that in all elections of respondent Mangudadatu, the eligibility and main qualification were his being a resident and registered voter in Sultan Kudarat.

The respondent “lost” the eligibility and qualification as elected Sultan Kudarat official after he transferred residence and voter’s registry in 2021 from Barangay Kalawag II, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat to Barangay Talisawa, Datu Abdullah Sangki in Maguindanao province, the petition citing pertinent laws and jurisprudence said.

The petitioners appended in their petition photo copies of Comelec certifications dated in August and September 2021 confirming the transfer of residence and voter’s registration of respondent Mangudadatu.

The documentary appendices also included photos reportedly taken in January, February and March this year, showing the respondent and his wife, reelectionseeking Maguindanao Gov. Mariam SangkiMangudadatu leading official activities in various towns under the latter’s jurisdiction.

The petitioners stressed that after his Comelecsanctioned residential transfer, the respondent has been represented in official activities and social functions by his son, Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu, the incumbent elected mayor of Datu Abdullah Sangki, Maguindanao now running for governor in Sultan Kudarat.

They expressed confusion over what they claimed as usurping representations by both the son and the father, saying both elected officials should have officially resigned their elective posts first.

It may be recalled that last January, the Comelec 1st Division led by now retired Commissioner Rowena Guanzon cancelled the gubernatorial bid of the mayor due to lack of legal residency and other basic requirements. But the decision, prompted by a petition of former beauty queen-turned-gubernatorial candidate in Sultan Kudarat Sharifa Akeel, has been appealed for review before the Comelec en banc, the mayor said via social media.

Interviewed over the phone last Saturday night, Akeel’s husband, Maguindanao Rep. Esmael “Toto” Manguidadatu hinted his support in both petitions against Gov. Mangudadatu and nephew Datu Ali Pax, his estranged cousin and nephew, respectively, because such legal questions ought to be resolved by higher authorities to straighten public administrations in Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao provinces.

“We want to see the rule of law being upheld in both provinces, and help prove that Bangsamoro people are as good as other exemplary Filipinos in maintaining local governance,” Rep. Mangudadatu told the Philippine Muslim Today news in the vernacular.

The representations of the father and son under legal question were involving disbursements of public funds, and accountability should be ascertained, the lawmaker said.

In their 28-page petition, voters Usman and Ebus seek clarification by the Comelec on the legal personality of Sultan Kudarat Gov. Mangudadatu, with prayer for a removal of his official post as governor after his transfer of residence and voter’s registration in Maguindanao. (AGM)

Front Headlines

Vol. II, No. 42 | April 1-7, 2022 (Shaban 29-Ramadan 5, 1443)

2022 ELECTIONS:

UBJP launches political rally in Cotabato City, laments anti-BARMM stance

By ALI G. MACABALANG

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OTABATO CITY – The United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) has launched its political rally here, lamenting the city administration’s alleged continuing dissent against The UBJP, a regional political party of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) including some BARMM key officials, staged its grand proclamation rally at Barangay Kalanganan II here on March 25 to court votes for its full slate led by mayoral candidate Mohammad-Ali “Butch” Matabalao, a veteran city councilor and a part-time journalist.

It pits Matabalao against reelection-seeking City Mayor Cynthia Guiani -Sayadi on a one-on-one mayoral tilt, with full weight to end what it lamented as “harang” scheme against delivery of BARMM government projects and services in 37 barangays (villages) here, and gain clout over the city being the “crown jewel” of Moro revolutionary struggle for selfdetermination.

BARMM Chief Minister Ahod “Hadji Murad” Ebrahim, UBJP president and MILF chairman, physically led the rally to dramatize the regional party’s serious efforts against continued resistance of the city against the entry of services, regular projects and emergency assistance from the autonomous governance.

“We need united efforts to ensure that the fruits of our struggle will benefit our constituents in this city. The only way to achieve the drive is for our candidates to muster victory votes to be able to solve the problem,” Ebrahim told rally participants and voters in Filipino.

Ebrahim’s physical presence broke his policy of attending and addressing mass gatherings via virtual protocols in the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, rally organizers said, referring to the UBJP’s ardent stride for BARMM government’s unhampered operations in this city.

“Harang” system BARMM spokesman and Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo, concurrent UBJP dep-

the creation and operations of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to the detriment of ordinary city residents.

An online photo showing Bangsamoro chief minister Ahod “AlHaj Murad Ebrahim addressing the UBJP grand proclamation rally at Barangay Kalanganan II in Cotabato City on March 25 (AGM) uty director general, spoke first at the rally, exposing the so-called “harang” system by city hall officials in blocking the entry of emergency relief services and implementation of regular projects from the regional government for this city.

Some elected barangay officials had earlier admitted being advised the city hall to refuse any form of assistance and services from the BARMM government, citing Mayor Guiani-Sayadi’s pending petition in the Supreme Court against the including of this city in the regional autonomous territory via the 2019 plebiscite.

Mayor Guiani-Sayadi once announced in an online message that she would never recognize the authority of the BARMM government over this city pending resolution of her petition, which partly protested coercion allegedly imposed on city registered voters in the conduct of the plebiscite. But neutral quarters believed the plebiscite was conducted honestly and freely.

Hide and seek Amid the leadership’s resenting policy, BARMM social welfare and health officials had disclosed difficulty in providing efficient relief and medical interventions for barangays here in the current COVID19 pandemic due to the problem.

“Our teams usually serve Cotabato City villages in a hurry for fear of being caught by resenting city hall officials and followers. We are anxious about our physical security,” Dr. Ameril Usman, BARMM Health Ministry

director general, once said in Filipino in a virtual press conference.

BARMM Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal, concurrent UBJP vice president and MILF vice chairman, also attended the rally and reportedly disclosed similar difficulty besetting his ministry’s implementation of projects such us building of classrooms resulting from the city hall’s nonrecognition of the regional government.

National government officials including Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año visited here last year and formally turned over to the BARMM bureaucracy his department’s supervision authority over this city.

But city hall officials have remained resentful, regional officials said.

‘Fight’ back through ballots At March 25 rally, BARMM Senior Minister Abdulraof Macacua, concurrent UBJP director general, announced their party’s option to face squarely the city hall’s dissent against regional autonomy, revealing that even himself was once barred by police contingents from entering this city, which hosts the regional government compound.

The incident, he said, almost escalated to a more tense proportion when Army soldiers came and offered to usher him inside.

“Pero, dahil sa ayaw na natin ng away, nagpasaya na lang ako ng huwag na tumuloy,” said Macacua, who

is known for battle exploits being the chief-ofstaff of the MILF’s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) under the pseudo name of “Sammy Gambar.”

With the launch of the grand rally, Macacua said the UBJP will put up its might to “fight” back at the city hall dissent through the ballot come May 9, 2022 local elections.

“This time, let us fight.

We fight together,” Macacua urged rally participants in the vernacular, prodding the public on the cost of life, blood and sweat spent in the Moro revolutionary cause for self-determination.

Combined forces BARMM Labor Minister Muslimin Sema, a former Cotabato City mayor and incumbent chairman of a major faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and his wife, former Rep. Sandra Sema – representing Maguindanao first district and this city, joined the rally to show the “solid might” of the UBJP in the campaign to gain official clout for the autonomous government over this city.

The lady former threeterm congresswoman has been fielded by the UBJP for vice governor in Maguindanao, with incumbent 2nd District Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu as gubernatorial candidate against the camp of incumbent governor Mariam SangkiMangudadatu.

Gov. SangkiMangudadatu alongside her husband, incumbent Sultan Kudarat Gov. Suharto “Teng” Mangudadatu has joined forces with Mayor Guiani-Sayadi in facing the UBJP-led BARMM administration.

Rep. Mangudadatu also attended the rally alongside Maguindanao 1st District Rep. Ronnie Sinsuat, who also seeks reelection under the UBJP party.

The Philippine Muslim Today news tried but failed to get reaction from city hall officials, even as residents said the city mayor was expected to go live again online to sound off counter remarks. (AGM)

BARMM News

Vol. II, No. 42 | April 1-7, 2022 (Shaban 29-Ramadan 5, 1443)

Tapping Red Cross and COA

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BARMM to create Islamic Finance System to advance region's socio-economic dev't

BARMM delivers relief aids to fire C -affected Cotabato City residents

By Ali G. Macabalang

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OTABATO CITY – Amid the city leadership’s continuing dissent against services and assistance coming from the Bangsamoro autonomous governance, the Ministry of the Interior and Local “Sa pangunguna ng Philippine Red Cross (PRC)-Cotabato City/ Maguindanao Chapter, kasama ang representatives ng COA-BARMM, naiabot ang tulong ng Bangsamoro Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (READi)…sa mga residenteng nasunugan noong Lunes, March 28 sa Poblacion 4 ng Cotabato City,” READi worker Jennifer Tan Sia said.

The PRC and COAassisted relief goods dispersal was successfully conducted on Wednesday morning, March 30, with the READi workers providing all 35 fireaffected residents at Barangay Poblacion 4 with packages containing10 kilos of rice, canned sardines, coffee sachets and jerrycan alongside sleeping mats, Sia said. elief workers conveyed to the MILG, which administers the READi unit, the pleas of the fire victims for further help in their desire to rebuild their houses gutted down by the March 28 fire.

MILG Minister Naguib Sinarimbo reportedly expressed instant approval of the pleas, saying though that the mode of helping the residents rebuild their houses has to be planned well due to the policy of the city hall against any of its 37 constituent-barangays receiving services or assistance from the Bangsamoro government.

The city hall’s resenting stance has reportedly begun after City Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi had lodged a petition in the Supreme Court questioning events involved in the conduct of the plebiscite in 2019 that ratified

Government (MILG) has tapped workers of the Red Cross and the Commission on Audit (COA) to deliver relief goods for fire-affected village residents here.

the Charter of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and included this city in the new region’s territory.

In 2020, Interior and Local Government Sec. Eduardo Año officially turned over to the MILGBARMM his supervision authority over the city government and other LGUs that joined the new autonomy. But city officials have not given the turnover rite any credence, invoking reportedly the pendency of the mayor’s petition before the High Tribunal.

Last March 25, BARMM top officials con-

stituting the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) held a proclamation rally at Barangay Kalanganan here, and took turns in deploring the city leadership’s opposition stance, which they called “harang system.”

BARMM Senior Minister Abdulraof Macacua alongside Ministers Sinarimbo and Mohagher Iqbal (of education) said the regional government has since 2020 allocated P570-million annual fund for regular services and projects for this city at an average of P10-million per barangay.

The dissenting stance of the city hall has prompted the accumulation of the annual allocation to as much as P1.6billion for the years 2020, 20211 and 2022, Macacua said as he lamented the deprivation of city resident’s share from the fruits of regional autonomy resulting from city officials’ disobedience.

BARMM | A6

BARMM’s 2 cities, 16 towns listed as election hotspots COTABATO CITY – Police authorities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have listed 16 towns and two cities as election “hotspots” in the region.

In a report Thursday, Brig. Gen. Arthur Cabalona, BARMM police regional director, said the 18 areas are categorized under “red code” or “areas of immediate concern” in connection with the May 9 national and local elections.

Cabalona said 102 communities across BARMM have been initially identified by the police as “areas of concern” or “yellow code” in the upcoming polls.

Yellow code refers to areas that have a history

of election-related incidents in the last elections, possible employment of partisan armed groups, and the occurrence of politically-motivated election-related instances.

Cabalona said Basilan province has four “red code” areas– Al Barka, Sumisip, Ungkaya Pukan and Lamitan City while Lanao del Sur has Malabang, Butig, Tubaran and Marawi City.

In a report to Alerto Bangsamoro radio program over Church-run DXMS radio station here, PRO-BARMM said Maguindanao has 10 “red code areas”-- towns of Rajah Buayan, Sultan sa Barongis, Datu Hofer, Datu Piang, Datu Salibo, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Unsay, Mamasapano,

Shariff Aguak, and Shariff Saydona Mustapha.

Sulu and Tawi-Tawi have no “red code” areas, but there are communities listed as possible areas of concern.

Provincial candidates for governor, vice governor, and House of Representatives are running unopposed in the two areas.

Earlier, some 200 BARMM police officers

were sent to the Commission on Elections “Board of Election Inspectors” training to serve as poll officials in the event teachers refused to serve due to security, relationship with some candidates, and other valid reasons.

Cabalona reiterated his directive to all members of the BARMM police to remain apolitical and help ensure peaceful and orderly 2022 polls. (PNA)

OTABATO CITY – The Technical Working Group for Islamic Finance (TWG-IF) of the Bangsamoro Government spearheaded a 4-day workshop for the establishment of Islamic Finance System (IFS) in the region.

The workshop aimed to work out the conceptual foundations and strategies for the establishment of a credible, viable, and sustainable IFS. Held in Davao City from March 27-30, the activity was attended by several representatives from BARMM ministries, local government units, and private sector.

Created by the Office of the Chief Minister (OCM) and supported by the Ministry of Finance, and Budget and Management (MFBM), TWG-IF serves as the main instrumentality of the regional government for the comprehensive promotion and development of Islamic Finance and Halal economic ecosystems as component drivers of socio-economic development in the region.

Highlighted in the activity were six (6) conceptual frameworks which included Situational Analysis, Defining Goals or Long-term Outcome, Identifying Preconditions or Outcomes, Identifying Interventions per Outcome, Articulating Assumptions, and Establishing Timeline & Plan Resources.

“Our mutual passion and energy for the establishment of Islamic Financial System in the Bangsamoro region will certainly allow us to achieve our objectives and will eventually lead us to see the fruit of our initiative, which will help us grow economically and to become a more productive community,” said Agriculture Minister Dr. Mohammad Yacob, who acts as chairman of the TWG-IF. MFBM Minister Atty. Ubaidah Pacasem is the vice -chair of the TWG-IF, while the members include BARMM Assistant Cabinet Secretary Atty. Anna Tarhata Basman, Regional Treasurer Ustadz Said Salendab of the MFBM-Bangsamoro Treasury Office, Director Marian Daud of the OCM – Finance, Budget and Management Office (FMS), Minister Dr. Hamid Aminoddin Barra of the Ministry of Human Settlements and Development (MHSD), Executive Director Mufti Abu Huraira Udasan of the Bangsamoro Darul Ifta (BDI), Chairman Atty. Ishak Mastura of the Regional Bangsamoro Board of Investments (BBOI), Director-General Rosslaini Alonto-Sinarimbo of the Ministry of Trade, Investments and Toursim (MTIT), Director-General Ustatdz Esmail Ebrahim of the MHSD, and Director-General Mohajirin Ali of the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA).

Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim commended the TWG-IF leadership for their utmost efforts in facilitating the future establishment of IFS in the region and for the untiring collaborative efforts of the different participants in the workshop.

"Through your efforts, the roadmap for Islamic Finance in the BARMM is taking shape and your active and generous contributions during the workshop take us closer to our goal of setting up a viable, sustainable and future ready Islamic Finance System for the BARMM," Ebrahim said.

"It is an essential component driver for the development of broader Halal ecosystem with emphasis on ethical and justice based transactions goes into the heart and soul of the very social change we have fought for and are continuing to fight for today in the Bangsamoro," he added.

The Chief Minister further added that the realization of IFS “is part and parcel of our struggle to chart a better future for our people especially the poor and those needing the most help.”

Kasan M. Usop, Jr./BIO

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Opinion

Vol. II, No. 42 | April 1-7, 2022 (Shaban 29-Ramadan 5, 1443) )

2 Maranao Muslim appointees to hurdle CA nod

My Legal Point

by Atty. Bayan G. Balt

R

ecently, two Muslim leaders were appointed by President Duterte to high position in the government, they are Lawyer Saidamen B. Pangarungan, appointed Chairman of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and Abdullah D. Mama-o, appointed cabinet secretary of the newly created Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). Pangarungan has a seven (7) year term or will serve till 2029. Under his watch are 2 presidential elections, 3 local elections and 3 Barangay elections or a total of 8 elections during his term. The Commission on Elections or COMELEC is the most powerful constitutional commission created in the 1997 Constitution whose Chairman can be removed only by impeachment, (Article XI, Section 2 of the Constitution). On the other hand, Lawyer Abdullah D. Mama-o was the first official appointed cabinet secretary in the newly created Department of Migrant Workers, whose charter is Rep. Act No. 11641 was signed on December 30, 2021 by President Duterte. It will serve as the executive department of the Philippine government responsible for the protection of the rights and promote the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) and their families. While the latter position is coterminus with the appointing authority, Secretary Mama-o will likely serve under the pleasure of the next elected president.

Previously, this column reported the educational, experience and or achievements of Saidamen B. Pangarungan, after his appointment as Elections Chief. Apart from an elected Assemblyman of the former ARMM Regional Legislative Assembly (1979) and elected provincial Governor of Lanao del Sur (1987), he also served as Undersecretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) during the Cory Aquino administration, his last stint in office before his appointment as Elections Chief was Secretary of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) from 2018 to March 2022.

Atty. Pangarungan as NCMF Chief.

As NCMF Chief, Pangarungan institutes reform in one of the most controversial and alleged corrupt agency of the government. Among others, (1). He reduced the Haj rate by at least 15-20% affordable by ordinary pilgrims, (2). He built five (5) Muslim’s cemeteries in metro manila and in other non-Muslim’s areas, (3). During pandemic, he mobilized his office to raise funds and distributed “Ayuda” to 200,000 Muslims families nationwide, (4). He activated his Legal assistance division of his office and rendered free legal services for thousands of Muslims detainees nationwide, especially detainees who has been languishing in jail due lack of lawyers to represent them in court, (5).

He crackdown syndicate responsible for selling visas to foreigners (Indonesian or Malaysians) to the prejudice of Filipino Muslims pilgrims. Due to much needed reform introduced by Pangarungan, (6).

The NCMF was issued “ISO” certification last year together with the office of the Vice President (OVP) for its compliance with the requirements set by the International Standard Organization (ISO).

Atty. Mama-o as Presidential Adviser on OFW and Muslim Concerns.

Lawyer Abdullah D. Mama-o likewise is a Lawyer by profession, a schoolmate of Pres. Duterte. After the elections in 2016, Pres. Duterte appointed Lawyer Mama-o as Presidential Assistant on OFW and Muslims Concern. Lawyer Mama-o was tasked to flew to Kuwait to meet with Kuwaiti Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Al-Jarallah. The two officials discussed the labor row between the Philippines and Kuwait. In February 2017, Mama-o was order to visit Saudi Arabia for a series of bilateral talks on boosting economic ties. He returned back to Kuwait after the Kuwaiti government expelled Philippine Ambassador Renato Villa over the alleged illegal rescues of OFWs there. All his foreign missions were reportedly successful.

“His experience and qualifications in labor and diplomatic negotiations, among others, as the Presidential Adviser on OFW concerns will be invaluable to his new position and to our migrant workers”, says Malacañang.

Verily, both Saidamen B. Pangarungan and Abdullah D. Mama-o are qualified to their respective jobs. It is expected that the powerful Commission on Appointment (CA) will give nod to their appointment.

Ameen.

——————— For comment at: bayanbalt@yahoo.com Atty. Bayan G. Balt is the former Chapter President of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP Marawi City and Lanao del Sur, 20132015) Chairman of the Ranao Federal State Movement (RFSM) and President of the Alliance of Regional Coalitions Against People’s Poverty (ARCAPP).

EDITORIAL

Greetings on the Holy Month

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ssalaamo ‘aleikom wrwb. In behalf of the administration, management and staff of the Philippine Muslim Today Inc. and its online and printed copy publications — Philippine Muslim Today newsweekly, The Ranao Star, and Ranao Star Digi TV — we express our warm congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of the Holy Month of Ramadan this year, to the Muslim Ummah as they face crucial and trying times brought by the pandemic and all other trials.

Special mention goes to our friends who have been with us all these years as we struggle for a place under the sun in the media world.

As an independent media of marginalized practitioners with less resources and technology, we have been through many downs but alhamdulillah there are still those who believe in our cause and in one way or another patronize us.

Thank you all and our prayers for good health and success of all your endeavors in life especially in this Holy Month of Ramadan where sincere prayers are accepted by our Creator God.

About PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY INC. Philippine Muslim Today Inc. (PMTI) is a multimedia organization with its publications issued and read not only in most social media online platforms but also in printed hard-copies.

As weekly printed newspapers regularly published in the two Lanao provinces and the Cities of Iligan and Marawi circulated in selected cities in the country including the national capital region, Philippine Muslim Today newsweekly and its sister publication, The Ranao Star, are eligible to publish legal notices, court orders, extra-judicial settlements, provincial, city and municipal ordinances and other similar publications in the localities.

PMTI is the only media outfit with regular printed copy issues in Iligan and Marawi and the two Lanao provinces with an offset printing press of its own. It active in almost all social media platforms online. It is located at Consunji St., Poblacion, Iligan City. It can be reached at (063) 3025565 or 09152184388. Than you.

PMT

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Philippine Muslim Today newspaper is published weekly by Philippine Muslim Today Inc., a nonprofit, non-political Muslim organization aimed to promote universal unity, peace and understanding among diverse peoples.

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MASIDING NOOR YAHYA Publisher and Executive Editor

News/Opinion

Vol. II, No. 42 | April 1-7, 2022 (Shaban 29-Ramadan 5, 1443)

UBJP launches political rally in Cotabato City, laments anti-BARMM stance

By Ali G. Macabalang

C

OTABATO CITY – The United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) has launched its political rally here, lamenting the city administration’s alleged continuing dissent against the creation and The UBJP, a regional political party of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) including some BARMM key officials, staged its grand proclamation rally at Barangay Kalanganan II here on March 25 to court votes for its full slate led by mayoral candidate Mohammad-Ali “Butch” Matabalao, a veteran city councilor and a part-time journalist.

It pits Matabalao against reelectionseeking City Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi on a one-on-one mayoral tilt, with full weight to end what it lamented as “harang” scheme against delivery of BARMM government projects and services in 37 barangays (villages) here, and gain clout over the city being the “crown jewel” of Moro revolutionary struggle for self-determination.

BARMM Chief Minister Ahod “Hadji Murad” Ebrahim, UBJP president and MILF chairman, physically led the rally to dramatize the regional party’s serious efforts against continued resistance of the city against the entry of services, regular projects and emergency assistance from the autonomous governance.

“We need united efforts to ensure that the fruits of our struggle will benefit our constituents in this city. The only way to achieve the drive is for our candidates to muster victory votes to be able to solve the problem,” Ebrahim told rally participants and voters in Filipino.

Ebrahim’s physical presence broke his policy of attending and addressing mass gatherings via virtual protocols in the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, rally organizers said, referring to the UBJP’s ardent stride for BARMM government’s unhampered operations in this city.

“Harang” system BARMM spokesman and Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo, concurrent UBJP

operations of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to the detriment of ordinary city residents.

An online photo showing Bangsamoro chief minister Ahod “AlHaj Murad Ebrahim addressing the UBJP grand proclamation rally at Barangay Kalanganan II in Cotabato City on March 25

deputy director general, spoke first at the rally, exposing the so-called “harang” system by city hall officials in blocking the entry of emergency relief services and implementation of regular projects from the regional government for this city.

Some elected barangay officials had earlier admitted being advised the city hall to refuse any form of assistance and services from the BARMM government, citing Mayor GuianiSayadi’s pending petition in the Supreme Court against the including of this city in the regional autonomous territory via the 2019 plebiscite.

Mayor Guiani-Sayadi once announced in an online message that she would never recognize the authority of the BARMM government over this city pending resolution of her petition, which partly protested coercion allegedly imposed on city registered voters in the conduct of the plebiscite. But neutral quarters believed the plebiscite was conducted honestly and freely.

Hide and seek Amid the leadership’s resenting policy, BARMM social welfare and health officials had disclosed difficulty in providing efficient relief and medical interventions for barangays here in the current COVID-19 pandemic due to the problem.

“Our teams usually serve Cotabato City villages in a hurry for fear of being caught by resenting city hall officials and followers. We are anxious about our physical

security,” Dr. Ameril Usman, BARMM Health Ministry director general, once said in Filipino in a virtual press conference.

BARMM Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal, concurrent UBJP vice president and MILF vice chairman, also attended the rally and reportedly disclosed similar difficulty besetting his ministry’s implementation of projects such us building of classrooms resulting from the city hall’s nonrecognition of the regional government.

National government officials including Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año visited here last year and formally turned over to the BARMM bureaucracy his department’s supervision authority over this city.

But city hall officials have remained resentful, regional officials said.

‘Fight’ back through ballots At March 25 rally, BARMM Senior Minister Abdulraof Macacua, concurrent UBJP director general, announced their party’s option to face squarely the city hall’s dissent against regional autonomy, revealing that even himself was once barred by police contingents from entering this city, which hosts the regional government compound.

The incident, he said, almost escalated to a more tense proportion when Army soldiers came and offered to usher him inside.

“Pero, dahil sa ayaw na natin ng away, nagpasaya na lang ako ng huwag na tumu-

loy,” said Macacua, who is known for battle exploits being the chief-ofstaff of the MILF’s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) under the pseudo name of “Sammy Gambar.”

With the launch of the grand rally, Macacua said the UBJP will put up its might to “fight” back at the city hall dissent through the ballot come May 9, 2022 local elections.

“This time, let us fight.

We fight together,” Macacua urged rally participants in the vernacular, prodding the public on the cost of life, blood and sweat spent in the Moro revolutionary cause for self-determination.

Combined forces BARMM Labor Minister Muslimin Sema, a former Cotabato City mayor and incumbent chairman of a major faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and his wife, former Rep. Sandra Sema – representing Maguindanao first district and this city, joined the rally to show the “solid might” of the UBJP in the campaign to gain official clout for the autonomous government over this city.

The lady former threeterm congresswoman has been fielded by the UBJP for vice governor in Maguindanao, with incumbent 2nd District Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu as gubernatorial candidate against the camp of incumbent governor Mariam SangkiMangudadatu.

Gov. SangkiMangudadatu alongside her husband, incumbent Sultan Kudarat Gov. Suharto “Teng” Mangudadatu has joined forces with Mayor Guiani-Sayadi in facing the UBJP-led BARMM administration.

Rep. Mangudadatu also attended the rally alongside Maguindanao 1st District Rep. Ronnie Sinsuat, who also seeks reelection under the UBJP party.

The Philippine Muslim Today news tried but failed to get reaction from city hall officials, even as residents said the city mayor was expected to go live again online to sound off counter remarks. (AGM)

A5

MOU inked to advance cultural tourism in Lanao Sur CAPITOL HILL, Marawi City: The Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (BCPCH) and the Ministry of Trade, Investment, and Tourism (MTIT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Thursday, March 17 to advance cultural tourism in Lanao del Sur. The MOU signing, which took place at the Capitol Hill Conference Room in Marawi City, marked the commencement of the project entitled “Collection and Verification of Data on Cultural and Historical Assets as basis for the development of Cultural Tourism in Lanao del Sur.” “This project will not just open tourism opportunities in the province but also to further educate the youth generation on the cultural and historical assets of Lanao del Sur coming from the natives themselves,” said MTIT Provincial Director Mohammad Mamainte.

Mamainte perceived that one of the challenges of this generation is that the youth do not seem to have interest about history and the stories of their natives, only believing what they hear and see in social media.

“We have to correct and supplement the incomplete current data that we have since there are wrong and inadequate perceptions about our history and culture,” said Mamainte.

Agreeing to the importance of the project, BCPH Commissioner for Lanao del Sur Robert Alonto shared that “in this context, it behooves us then to preserve and promote our cultural heritage using all the communication, educational, and technological platforms available to us.”

He emphasized that this initiative will cultivate mass awareness of Moro nationhood that will further strengthen legitimate assertion of Bangsamoro identity.

“It should always be borne in mind that at this parliamentary stage of our struggle for the right to selfdetermination, assertion of Bangsamoro identity is at the heart of it. Importantly, note too, that our unique identity is shaped by our history, faith, and cultural

HERITAGE AND TOURISM MOU SIGNED. The Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (BCPCH) and the Ministry of Trade, Investment, and Tourism (MTIT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Thursday, March 17 in order to advance cultural tourism in Lanao del Sur. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO heritage all rolled into one,” Commissioner Alonto explained.

Based on the project rationale, this joint venture will utilize the crucial convergence between tourism and cultural heritage since it shall best optimize cultural tourism as an opportunity to provide immense direct and indirect benefits to the people within Lanao del Sur and shall also best characterize the richness of M’ranaw culture and ancestral domain within the context of their being one of the thirteen ethnolinguistic peoples of the Bangsamoro.

“Cultural tourism bolstered by history not only attracts outside tourists but also provides educational information to our people and visitors alike on the richness of our history, tradition, and cultural heritage,” Alonto said.

The project was formulated by the office of MTIT Director General Rosslaini Alonto-Sinarimbo, approved by Minister Abuamri Taddik for the implementation of the provincial units of the MTIT and the BCPCH in Lanao del Sur. JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

A6

News

Tawi-Tawi learners benefit from BARMM school feeding program

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL BONGAO, Tawi-Tawi: A total of 20,000 pupils from 78 schools, including a madrasah, from this province are set to benefit from the education ministry’s regional school-based feeding program (SBFP) to be implemented this year.

The Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) launched the program on Saturday, March 19, at the Provincial Housing Laboratory School (PHLS) here.

According to PHLS Principal Jeba Jalim, the program will provide each pupil with 18 kilos of iron fortified rice, a pack of anchovy, and a pack of mungo beans, to be released in three tranches beginning this March. “The second tranche will be in June and third tranche will be in May this year,” the principal said.

Asked on the benefits the SBFP would bring upon the pupils, Jalim said the program addresses the health condition of the wasted or malnourished pupils, adds their presence and attendance in classes, and contributes to their better performance in school.

“This observation is based from experience from the conducted SBFP program in 2016,” Jalim pointed out.

Meanwhile, Schools’Division Superintendent Dr. Fatima Abubakar was quoted as saying that “MBHTE Tawi-Tawi will support the full implementation of the SBF program.”

She also expressed her message of thanks to MBHTE Minister Mohagher Iqbal for the regional launching of the school-based feeding program which she believed as a contributing factor to the learning development of the pupils in the province.

(JIJ)

BARMM | from Page A3

BARMM delivers relief aids to fire -affected Cotabato City residents Sinarimbo cited the case of Barangay Chairman Nelson Morales, who once asked for BARMM relief assistance for constituents in the early advent of COVID-19 and imposition of city-wide lockdown.

“We provided truck loads of relief goods on Kapitan Morales request…but the problem is he was accosted by police elements and compelled him to return the goods to us purportedly on order of the lady Mayor,” Sinarimbo said in the vernacular.

Late last year, officials of the BARMM’s Ministry of Health confessed to reporters their difficulty in providing health and medical services in this city because they feared for their physical security from city hall officials and followers running after regional workers serving the city.

At the March 25 rally, BARMM Chief Minister Ahod “Hadji Murad'' Ebrahim underscored the need to end the flimsy city hall practice, asking city voters to vote for UBJP candidates for a better change.

Ebrahim serves as president UBJP, which has fielded as full city slate led mayoralty candidate Mohammad-Ali Butch Matabalao, a veteran city councilor and part-time journalist.

(AGM)

Vol. II, No. 42 | April 1-7, 2022 (Shaban 29-Ramadan 5, 1443)

Relatives battle in 2022 local polls C

OTABATO CITY – The “blood is thicker than water” adage does not hold ground all time in all ventures, especially in the divisive sphere of political exercises such as the upcoming 2022 local elections.

In Ilocos Sur, for example, former Governor and now Narvacan town Mayor Luis “Chavit” Singson is running for vice governor against his own son Ryan.

Ryan teams up with wife, Patch SevillanoSingson, who is gunning for governor against Chavit’s running-mate and brother, Jerry, the incumbent vice governor.

Ryan’s camp runs under a local political party called Bileg, while Chavit’s team is the National People’s Coalition’s ticket in Ilocos Sur. Chavit was quoted in media reports as asserting that a father’s discretion should “prevail over the son’s.”

All Singsons were reported as supporting the presidential bid of Bongbong Marcos, but the irony is Chavit – who acts as national adviser of the BBM campaign – does not want the former sena-

BY ALI G. MACABALANG

Mindanao (BARMM).

Rep. Toto is gunning

Online-generated framed image of relatives in Singson and Mangudadatu families who are slugging it out for local posts in Ilocos Sur, Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat provinces, respectively, in this year’s polls. tor to raise hands among the battling kin.

In Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat, the political battle is between and among Mangudadatus.

Maguindanao 2nd District Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu has fielded his wife, former beauty queen Sharifa Akeel as gubernatorial candidate in Sultan Kudarat under the Aksyon Demokratiko party of presidential aspirant Francisco “Isko Moreno” Moreno, incumbent mayor of Manila.

The incumbent Sultan Kudarat governor is Su-

harto “Teng” Mangudadatu, second cousin of the lawmaker. But Teng has fielded his son, Datu Pax Ali, current elected mayor of Datu Abdullah Sangki in Maguindanao to vie for Sultan Kudarat’s top elective post.

Gov. Teng has reportedly transferred residence and voter’s registration in Abdullah Sangki town to assist fully in the reelection bid of his wife, Maguindanao Gov. Mariam Sangki and participate with greater latitude in the politics of the infant Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim

for the Maguindanao gubernatorial post he had held for three terms from 2010 to 2019.

The lawmaker is the official standard bearer in Maguindanao of the BARMM officialdom’s United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), but his team and that of his wifecandidate Sharifa are rallying actively the candidacy of Isko Moreno.

The combined forces of couple governors Teng and Martiam, running under a local coalition called “family alliance,” are backing the candidacy of Bongbong Marcos. (AGM)

PFP backs Isko; Adiong refutes claim on Leni-Sara option in Lanao Sur COTABATO CITY – The Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) has thrown its support to the presidential bid of Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, saying his platform of government “is most aligned with and attuned to the needs of the Filipino people especially those (in) marginalized” sector.

PFP National president Abubakar M. Mangelen released to the media a photocopy of a resolution, which he said was adopted on March 30, 2022 by their party’s national executive committee deliberation.

Mangelen, an incumbent commissioner of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) and a retired police general, was among three parties that petitioned the Commission on Election (Comelec) to cancel the certificate of candidacy of presidential aspirant Bong

By ALI G. MACABALANG

Bombit Adiong Marcos or BBM. In his petition, which the Comelec eventually voted down, Mangelen claimed the PFP’s certificate of nomination for Marcos was executed without his knowledge.

The camp of Maguindanao 2nd District Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu, and gubernatorial candidate of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) and staunchly campaigning for Isko Moreno’s candidacy, has also heralded the PFP in various social media

channels.

Meanwhile, Lanao del Sur Mamintal “Bombit” Alonto-Adiong Jr. has refuted a publicized claim that 15 of 40 mayors in his province including Marawi City have endorsed a Leni Robredo-Sara Duterte tandem, a March 30 online report said.

Such a claim, the report said, stemmed from a purported statement earlier by Taraka town Vice Mayor and mayoral aspirant Aminodin Sumagayan that he and 14 colleagues were allowed by the provincial governor to choose their own national candidates.

The same online report cited a manifesto signed

by Gov. Adiong and presented in an interview, purportedly affirming that “all” incumbent mayors in 39 towns and that of Marawi City were united

under the Lakas-CMD Party that carries the Bongbong Marcos-Sara Duterte tandem.

Bombit, who is seeking re-election in the gubernatorial post he held for four interrupted terms, is the scion of Lanao del Sur’s Alonto and Adiong political clans, which underwent repression under the Marcos Martial Law regime. The two families regained political clout when the Cory Aquino administration deposed the Marcos reign.

Inside sources said Bombit’s mother, Soraya, who was elected governor in 2016 to 2019, is campaigning for Vice President Robredo.

Robredo is reportedly scheduled to spend a field sortie in BuadipusoBuntong town to be hosted by the former lady governor and other close relatives and allies.

(AGM)

News

Vol. II, No. 42 | April 1-7, 2022 (Shaban 29-Ramadan 5, 1443)

NCR, 48 other areas remain under Alert Level 1 until April 15

A7

Duterte not keen to endorse pres’l candidate

By RUTH ABBEY GITA-CARLOS

M

ANILA – Metro Manila and 48 other areas will remain under the most lenient Alert Level 1 until April 15, Malacañang announced on Thursday.

This, after the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) agreed to retain the Alert Level 1 classification in Metro Manila, acting presidential spokesperson and Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said in a press statement.

“The Inter-Agency Task Force on Thursday, March 31, 2022, approved the April 1 to 15, 2022 Alert Level Classification of provinces, highly urbanized cities (HUCs), and independent component cities (ICCs),” Andanar said.

The provinces of Albay, Rizal, Oriental Mindoro, Bukidnon, and Surigao del Sur, as well as the cities of Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Iligan, and Surigao, have been included on the list of areas that will be under Alert Level 1 from April 1 to 15.

Abra, Apayao, Kalinga, Baguio City, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Dagupan City, Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, City of Santiago, Quirino, Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Angeles City, Tarlac, Zambales, Olongapo City, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Lucena City, Marinduque, Romblon, Puerto Princesa City, Catanduanes, and Naga City will also remain under Alert Level 1 for the first half of April.

In the Visayas, Aklan, Guimaras, Capiz, Bacolod City, Iloilo City, Siquijor, Cebu City, Biliran, Ormoc City, and Tacloban City will also stay under Alert Level 1.

The implementation of Alert Level 1 will also continue in Zamboanga City, Camiguin, Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City, and Butuan City.

The component cities and municipalities where Alert Level 1 will also be imposed from April 1 to 15 are as follows: • Ifugao: Lagawe, Lamut • Mountain Province: Besao, Bontoc, Sagada • Nueva Vizcaya: Bambang, Bayombong, Dupax Del Norte, Quezon, Solano, Villaverde • Quezon: City of Tayabas, Lucban, Mauban, Pagbilao, Plaridel, Polillo, Quezon, Sampaloc • Occidental Mindoro: Lubang • Palawan: Culion • Camarines Norte: Daet, San Vicente • Camarines Sur: Bombon, Cabusao, Camaligan, Iriga City, Presentacion (Parubcan), San Fernando • Sorsogon: Barcelona, Bulusan, Casiguran, City of Sorsogon, Gubat, Juban, Magallanes, Prieto Diaz • Antique: San Jose de Buenavista, Sebaste • Iloilo: Anilao, Balasan, Banate, Barotac Nuevo, Barotac Viejo, Bingawan, Concepcion, Dueñas, Guimbal, Janiuay, Lemery, Mina, Pototan, San Dioniso, Santa Bar-

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bara Negros Occidental: Enrique B. Magalona (Saravia), La Carlota City, Pulupandan, Sagay City, San Enrique Bohol: Batuan, Corella, Dimiao, Jagna, Lila, Loay, Loboc, Sikatuna, Tagbilaran City * Negros Oriental: Dumaguete City Eastern Samar: Arteche, Balangkayan, Can-Avid, City of Borongan, Jipapad, Maydolong, Salcedo, San Policarpo, Sulat, Taft Leyte: Albuera, City of Baybay, Dulag, Matag-ob, Palo, Tunga Northern Samar: Capul, Lapinig, Lavezares, San Antonio, San Jose, Victoria Samar: Western Samar, Marabut, Pagsanghan Southern Leyte: Anahawan, City of Maasin, Hinundayan, Libagon, Limasawa, Macrohon, Padre Burgos, Pintuyan Zamboanga Del Norte: Dapitan City, Dipolog City, Piñan (New Piñan), Polanco, Rizal Zamboanga Sibugay: Ipil (Capital), Tungawan Lanao del Norte: Bacolod Misamis Occidental: Clarin, Jimenez, Ozamiz City, Panaon Misamis Oriental: Alubijid, Binuangan, City of El Salvador, Initao, Laguindingan, Libertad, Lugait, Naawan, Sugbongcogon, Tagoloan Davao de Oro: Montevista Davao Oriental: Cateel, City of Mati Cotabato: North Cotabato, City of Kidapawan, President Roxas South Cotabato: Polomolok, Santo Niño Sultan Kudarat: City of Tacurong Agusan del Norte: Carmen, Jabonga, Magallanes, Nasipit Agusan del Sur: Bunawan, Loreto, Prosperidad Dinagat Islands: Loreto Surigao del Norte: Tagana-an

The rest of the provinces, HUCs,

ICCs, component cities, and municipalities will be under Alert Level 2, Andanar said.

“All other component cities and municipalities not mentioned shall be classified under Alert Level 2,” he said.

Under Alert Level 1, movement of persons, regardless of age and comorbidities, is allowed, but with restrictions on crowded and closed spaces and close contact (3Cs) settings.

Private establishments and government agencies are allowed to operate at full on-site capacity, subject to minimum public health standards.

The IATF-EID is still mandating the public to wear well-fitted face masks, except when eating and drinking; participating in team and individual sports in venues where ventilation standards can be maintained; and practicing outdoor sports or exercise activities where physical distance can still be observed.

People aged 18 and above must present proof of full vaccination before participating in mass gatherings or entry into indoor establishments like churches, restaurants, fitness studios and gyms, indoor cinemas, meetings and exhibition venues, wedding receptions, birthday parties, hotels and other accommodation establishments, and venues for election-related events.

Individuals who are at least 18 years old are also required to present proof of full vaccination before entry in confined spaces with poor ventilation; crowded places with no physical distancing; and close-contact settings with face-to-face interaction.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III earlier said many areas of the country will likely stay under Alert Level 1 until the end of President Rodrigo Duterte’s term in June 2022. (PNA)

MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said he is not bent on endorsing any presidential candidate for the May 9, 2022 elections.

During the joint meeting of the National Task Force (NTF) and Regional Task Force (RTF) to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) in Lapu-Lapu City, Duterte maintained that he remains “neutral” and has no plan to campaign for any presidential candidate.

“Let me reiterate, nandito man ang media (since the media is here), I am not supporting any presidential candidate. Neutral ako,” Duterte said.

Duterte issued the statement following his recent meeting with presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The meeting prompted Duterte’s ruling party, the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDPLaban), to endorse Marcos’ presidential bid.

Duterte was also scheduled to attend the PDPLaban’s campaign rally in Lapu-Lapu City after the event organized by the NTF and RTF ELCAC. He clarified that he would not make any announcement of his preferred successor at the PDPLaban’s campaign sortie.

“So, this is not a campaign because I am not campaigning for any particular candidate. So, stop with me kasi ano ito, hindi ito pulitika (because this is not about politics),” Duterte said.

The PDP-Laban, in a resolution adopted on March 21, formally endorsed the candidacy of Marcos, saying he is the "candidate whose vision of governance is most aligned with [the party’s] 11-point agenda.”

Duterte earlier said the country’s next leader should be “compassionate and decisive” and someone who is a “lawyer.”

Of the 10 presidential aspirants, only Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo and Dr. Jose Montemayor are lawyers.

Won’t follow poll body’s rules Meanwhile, Duterte slammed the Commission on Elections (Comelec) over its guidelines on election campaign activities.

Duterte did not mention the particular Comelec election rules that he is opposed to but made a firm stance that he would “not follow” the poll body.

“Kayong Comelec (To Comelec), do not… Huwag mong pakialaman itong trabaho ko (Do not interfere with my job),” he said. “Gawain lang ninyo ang trabaho ninyo. Gagawain ko ang trabaho namin (Just do your job and I will do mine). I do not cease to function effectively just because there is an election and there is a ban. Of course, that’s crazy. I will not follow you. Ako (Me), I do not believe in you.”

Duterte added that the Comelec could not stop Filipino voters, including those who are working in government, to exercise their “basic right of freedom of expression.”

“You know, whatever the Commission on Elections would really… Tayo abogado, marami dito abogado (we are lawyers, many of you are lawyers), you cannot prevent a Filipino the basic right of freedom of expression. Hindi mo talaga ma-ano iyan. Even yung magsabi na kami mga tagagobyerno (You cannot do that, even the government workers),” he said.

The Comelec has relaxed its guidelines on inperson campaigning, following the easing of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) protocols.

However, handshaking, as well as kissing and taking of selfies, are still prohibited during the campaign sorties. (PNA)

A8

Classified

Vol. II, No. 42 | April 1-7, 2022 (Shaban 29-Ramadan 5, 1443)

ADVERTISE YOUR PRODUCT FOR SALE/RENT FOR FREE You can advertise your product for sale or for rent such as house & lot, and real estate property, cars, anything in a certain space we provide here for free. Call us. — Editors WANTED

URGENT HIRING

NEED ONE (1) NEWSPAPER EDITOR. SEND RESUME ASAP TO: chiefeditor@philmuslim.today DEED OF EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF THE LATE CALVIN D. SEVESES, JR. KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: This DEED made and executed by and between the HEIRS OF THE LATE CALVIN C. SEVESES, JR. namely: CALVIN C. SEVESES, SR. VICTORI D. SEVESES, DEBORAH D. SEVESES and MICHELLE D. SEVESES-PEREZ, all of legal ages, Filipino Citizens, and all residents of Iligan City, hereinafter called heirs/ claimants, hereby freely spontaneously;

DECLARE AND MANIFEST; 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

That the above-named parties are the sole heirs/ beneficiaries being the legitimate parents and sisters of the deceased CALVIN D. SEVESES, JR. who died intestate on May 4, 2021 at Adventist Medical Center, Tibanga, Iligan City which was his last place at the time of his death, a copy of his Death Certificate hereto attached as “Annex A”; That to the best of our knowledge and information of the parties hereto, the said deceased left no will and debts at the time of his death; At the time of his death, he left as his estate the following described property: A USD Saving Deposit Account with Philippine National Bank Pala-o Branch, Iligan City with business address at Pala-o, Iligan City under Savings Account No. 411460033633 with the balance in the amount of Nine Thousand One Hundred Thirsty Six/.05 USD ($9, 136.05); That it is the best interest of the parties hereto will full civil capacity to contrast hereby this presents, agree to adjudicate, as they hereby agree to adjudicate among themselves the above-mentioned undivided share intestate; That pursuant to Rule 74 of the Rule of Court, we the abov mentioned parties adjudicate and settle unto themselves the above-described property in accordance with the respective shares without judicial proceedings as prescribed in the aforementioned Rule of the Court.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereunto affix our signature this ___th day of ___________ 2021 in Iligan City, Philippines.

(SGD) CALVIN C. SEVESES, SR. Father (SGD) DEBORAH D. SEVESES Sister

(SGD) VICTORIA D. SEVESES Mother (SGD) MICHELLE D. SEVESES-PEREZ Sister

Signed in the Presence of: ______________________________ ACKNOWLEDGEMENT REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) PROVINCE OF LANAO DEL NORTE CITY OF ILIGAN ) S.c.

X------------------------/

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: We, CLARA O. PALOMARES, JOAN TAMONDONG MAGLASANG AND JEE MAGLASANG CAMANERO, of legal ages, and residents of Liloan Cebu, Antipolo City and General Trias, Cavite, respectively, after being sworn to in law, depose and say that: 1.

2.

3.

4.

We are the heirs of the deceased LEONILO B. MAGLASANG; Leonilo B. Maglasang died intestate and without any known debt; Among the properties left by our deceased father, Leonilo B. Maglasang is a parcel of land described and covered by Transfer Certificate of Title no. 155-2013000089, of the Registry of Deedsof Iligan City; We are adjudicating unto ourselves the foregoing property being the Heirs of the late LEONILO B. MAGLASANG pursuant to rule 74 of the Revised Rules of Court;

This instrument is executed pursuant to Section 1, Rule 74 of the Revised Rules of Court.

Furthermore, for and in consideration of the sum of SIX HUNDRED THOUSAND (P600,000.00), PESOS, to me in hand paid

by PRINCE RAJIV M. SARANGANI, of legal age married to SITTIE SAFFURAH A. OMBAWA, and resident of Lumbayao, Wato, Balindong, Lanao Del Sur, sold, conveyed and transferred the abovedescribed parcel of land to said PRINCE RAJIV M. SARANGANI, his heirs, assigns and executors.

The said property is free from all liens and encumbrances.

In WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto set our hands this ____ day of March 15, 2022, at Iligan City, Philippines.

(SGD) JOAN T. MAGLASANG Heir-vendor

(SGD) CLARA O. PALOMARES Heir-vendor

(SGD) JEE MAGLASANG CAMANERO Heir-vendor

(SGD) JOAN T. MAGLASANG Attorney-in-Fact

(SGD) PRINCE RAJIV M. SARANGANI Vendee SIGNED IN THE PRESENCE OF: (SGD) SITTIE SAFFURAH A. OMBAW ______________________ Witness Witness ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Republic of the Philippines ) City of Iligan )S.S X-—---------------------------------/ Name

IDENTIFICATION __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________

all known to me to be the same persons who executed the foregoing instrument and they acknowledged to me that the same is their free act and deed.

WITNESS MY HAND AND SEAL. (SGD) JOANAH C. ALINOG-DISOCOR NOTARY PUBLIC FOR ILIGAN CITY AND LANAO DEL NORTE ROLL OF ATTORNEY NO. 55897 / MAY 2008 IBP OR NO. 136732/DECEMBER 23, 2020/PASIG CITY PTR NO. 9878799/JANUARY 4, 2021/ILIGAN CITY 3/F BUILDING. ROXAS AVE., MAHAYAHAY, ILIGAN CITY MOLE COMPLIANCE NO. VI – 0004377/APRIL 14, 2022 COMMISSION SERIAL NO. 20-270 COMMISSION ENDING ON DECEMBER 31, 2021

ID CTC NO.

Joan T. Maglasang Joe M. Camanero 1676848-2 Prince Rajiv M. Sarangani

FOR SALE

FOR RENT

OLD LANCER INTACT BUT CONDEMNED FOR SEVERAL YEARS IN FRONT OF MAHOGANY HILLS, C3 ROAD, ILIGAN CITY. AS IS WHERE IS. PRICE P20K .

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

CALL Tel.No. 0632290965.

SERVICES

WITNESSETH:

BEFORE ME, personally appeared with their.

Before me, Notary Public for the City of Iligan, Philippines on this ___th day of ________________ 2021 personally appeared: NAME CALVIN C. SEVESES, SR. VICTORIA D. SEVESES DEBORAH D. SEVESES MICHELLE D. SEVESES-PEREZ

EXTRA JUDICAL SETTLEMENT WITH SALE

TIN-387-344-495-000 UMID CRN-0111TIN-432-829-933-000

Known to me and to be persons me known executed the foregoing document and acknowledgement before me that the same is their free and voluntary act and deed.

I do editing and layout of schools publication.

Call 09477201555

WE ACCEPT RUSH PRINTING: “LAYOUT, EDITING AND PRINTING OF SCHOOL ORGANS, MAGAZINES AND TABLOID SIZE NEWSPAPERS.” CALL/TEXT: 063 3035565, 063 2290965, 09477201555 OR VISIT US AT OUR PRINTING PLANT: CONSUNJI STREET, POBLACION, ILIGAN CITY (In front of Emcor Motors) Tel. 063 3035565 | 09477201555 —————————————WE ALSO ACCEPT PUBLICATION OF THE FOLLOWING:

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This document consists of two (2) pages including this page.

WITNESS MY HAND AND SEAL, at the above place and date.

(SGD) ATTY.SAIDALI C. GANDAMRA NOTARY PUBLIC UNTIL 6/30/2022 (D.M. NO. 3795) COMMISION NO. 20-263 PTR NO. 0447552 1/3/22 IBP LIFETIME NO. 05046 ROLL NO. 39184 MCLE COMPL. NO. VU-0002881/4/14/2022

Doc. No. 426 Page No. 86 Book No. LVII Series of 2021.

Doc. No. 203; Page No. 41; Book No. II; Series of 2022.

PMT: Mar. 25-31 , 2022; Apr. 1-7, 2022; Apr.8-14, 2022.

PMT: Mar. 18-24, 2022; Mar. 25-31 , 2022; Apr. 1-7, 2022.

Ramadan Mubarak to one and all!