Philippine Muslim Today

MILG denies presumptive mayor’s request for recognition — page A3 * * P20.00 * *

Bearer of Glad Tidings | Philippine First Muslim Digital Newspaper

‘Paeng’ leaves 42 dead, 6 bridges damaged in Maguindanao

Sayings of Prophet Mohammad (saw): On Hospitality He who believeth in one God, and a future life, let him honor his guest.

By ALI G. MACABALANG

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OTABATO CITY – Landslides and flash floods spawned by typhoon “Paeng” have already left 42 persons dead, six bridges damaged and 142,163 households affected or displaced in Maguindanao, a component of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) divided recently into two provinces, official reports said.

The BARMM’s Rapid Emergency Action on Dis-

Vol. III, No. 20 Oct. 31-Nov. 6, 2022 (Rabiul Akhir 6-12, 1444)

Whoever believeth in God and the Hereafter must respect his guest; and whoever believeth in God and the Hereafter must not incommode his neighbors, and a Mumin must speak only good words, otherwise remain silent.

aster Incidence (READi), a key unit of the Regional Disaster Risk and Re-

duction Management operations, said “Paeng” affected 16 towns in Magu-

indanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte, but the havocs were se-

vere in adjoining municipalities of Datu Blah Sin-

It is not right for a guest to stay so long as to incommode his host.

- Page A2

BARMM under state of calamity CM EBRAHIM CALLS FOR UNITY AMIDST TS PAENG DEVASTATION

By AISAH ABAS

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OTABATO CITY — A day after the onslaught of Tropical Storm Paeng, Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim declared a state of calamity in the Bangsamoro region on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022.

The torrential rain caused

massive flooding and landslides in some parts of the region— particularly in Cotabato City, Maguindanao del Norte, and Maguindanao del Sur—which displaced thousands of families and caused widespread damage to properties, infrastructure, power and telecommuni-

cations services, and casualties.

The situation prompted the Bangsamoro Government to respond quickly by conducting rescue and retrieval operations as well as humanitarian assistance to the flood victims.

"Pinaghandaan ng

Bangsamoro Government ang Bagyong Paeng bago pa man ito tumama sa ating rehiyon; Ganyunpaman, ang walang tigil na pagbuhos ng ulan ang nagdulot ng pag-apaw ng mga ilog at dagat na siya namang nagdulot ng landslide at pagbaha," Ebrahim said.

Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim (BIO photo.

The Bangsamoro Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center (BDRRMOC) raised the alert level from Code Blue to Code Red yesterday at 10:00 AM and activated the Emergency Operation Centers in the region.

- Page A2

MNLF Members of the Parliament extend assistance to flood victims COTABATO CITY – Members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) collectively provided humanitarian assistance worth more than one million pesos in cash and in kind to victims of typhoon “Paeng” that brought with it strong winds

A2 Marawi Post Siege

and heavy rains which caused deadly floods in parts of the Bangsamoro areas and Zamboanga City since Friday dawn.

Media reports said flash floods and landslides set off by torrential rains left at least 47 people dead, including in

A4 BARMM ON ‘TS PAENG’

hard-hit southern provinces of the BARMM, where as many as 60 villagers were feared missing and buried in a deluge of rainwater, mud, rocks, and trees.

In a statement, the seven MNLF members of the Parliament nominated

by MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari to the BTA said the tragedy prompted them to come together and pooled resources from their respective offices to help the victims.

The seven MNLF members of Parliament are:

- Page A2

A6 FOREIGN

Construction of provincial hospital in Lanao Sur underway

MPW mobilizes equipment for road clearing; repairs damaged infras

Saudi Arabia celebrates Halloween; netizens have mixed reactions

Works are underway for the construction of a provincial hospital in Lanao del Sur worth 700 million pesos to provide focal medical attention to the local constituents, according to proponent officials.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has named two new associate justices of the Court of Appeals (CA) and another at the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) on Oct. 11 but made public on Wednesday night.

Halloween has once again ignited controversy over what is halal or haram, to join the West in celebrating non-Islamic events.

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Bangsamoro Region

Vol. III, No. 20 | Oct. 31-Nov. 6, 2022 (Rabiul Akhir 6-12, 1444)

BARMM | from page A1

BARMM under state of calamity

PHOTOS: Attached are online-generated photos showing some recovered fatalities, destroyed bridges, shuttling of trapped residents, and inundated areas in the two Maguindanao provinces.

‘PAENG’ | from page A1

‘Paeng’ leaves 42 dead, 6 bridges damaged in Maguindanao suat (DBS), Datu Odin Sinsuat (DOS), and North Upi of the latter province where all the fatalities have been accounted so far.

Local media reported on Friday that the death toll had reached 67. But the READi and the allied Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) on Saturday confirmed only 42 deaths – 27 in DOS, 10 in DBS, and five in North Upi. Lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, BARMM spokesman serving also as the Interior and Local Government minister and head of the READi operations, said the death toll could increase as their rescue and relief campaign continued for dozens of residents reportedly buried alive by landslides on the hillside of Mt. Minandar at Barangay Kusiong in DOS. Thirty one (31) residents injured in flash floods and landslides have been recovered so far and brought to hospitals, it was learned.

Sinarimbo said BARMM Chief Minister Ahod “Hadji Murad” Ebrahim, after holding an emergency meeting, ordered the Ministry of Public Works to clear streets of mud boulders for relief goods-giving agencies to operate smoothly and rescue transports to shuttle casualties.

The Bangsamoro Information Office, the BARMM’s media agency, said incident command posts (ICPs) were being installed in severely-affected villages of DOS, DBS, and North Upi to harmonize and hasten rescuers’ works.

Sinarimbo earlier underscored the need for choppers for use in rescue and relief operations in areas rendered hard to access by land transport due to destroyed bridges.

In this city, typhoon “Paeng” also spawned floods in nine low-lying villages – barangays Tamontaka 4, Tamontaka 5, Rosary Heights 2, Rosary Heights 9, Rosary Heights 6, Rosary Heights 7, Poblacion 8, Poblacion 9 and Rosary Heights 3.

At least six bridges were damaged, three of which completely derailed in the onslaught of the typhoon.

Among the totally damaged bridges were the Tapian Bridge that linked DBS and DOS, and the Nituan Bridge in Parang town, Maguindanao del Norte which used to connect the province to Lanao del Sur and Marawi City.

A bridge in Datu Hofer town, Maguindanao del Sur was also rendered impassable.

The BARMM government, through the Ministry of Social Services and Development backed by workers from READi and the Office of the Chief Minister’s “Tabang” special unit, has dispersed teams to distribute relief foods and goods in the typhoon-affected areas.

Local government units in the affected towns also purchased relief supplies for their respective constituents, it was learned.

According to a READi tabulation, 150 villages in the two Maguindanao provinces and one in Balabagan, Lanao del Sur have reported displacement involving 142,163 households or 577,496 individuals.

ALI G. MACABALANG

"Pinapahalagahan ng Bangsamoro Governent ang buhay ng bawat mamamayan nito kaya't patuloy po ang ating panawagan sa mga komunidad na malapit sa mga ilog at dagat na lumikas nang mas maaga sa tulong ng ating mga rescuers patungo sa mga evacuation centers," he stressed.

The Bangsamoro Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (READi) and the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) are currently responding to the floodaffected residents.

MSSD has provided hot meals to 1,350 individuals and 228 families in Maguindanao Provinces, and 350 individuals in Cotabato City.

MSSD fieldworkers continue to conduct monitoring, assessment, and coordination with Local Government Units (LGUs) for continuous relief opera-

tions in the affected areas.

Meanwhile, Ebrahim urges the Bangsamoro constituents to be vigilant and reminded them to be steadfast in this trying time. He calls for unity in the face of the disaster

amidst the ongoing devastation of TS Paeng.

"Sa aking mga kababayan, ang Bagyong Paeng ay isang malaking pagsubok na ating malalagpasan kung tayo ay magkakaisa [...] hinihingi

namin ang inyong kooperasyon at sabay-sabay tayong manalangin ng agarang paghupa ng kalamidad na ito," the Chief Minister said.

(Aisah Abas/BIO)

BARMM | from page A1

MNLF Members of the Parliament...

MNLF Vice-Chairman and Parliament Deputy Speaker Abdulkarim Tan Misuari MP Hamid Malik MP Atty. Randolf Parcasio

Abdulkarim Tan Misuari are guided by the teaching of the Holy Prophet Mohammad (saw) that states, “Whoever alleviates the hardships of someone in distress, Allah will alleviate

ers went with all the victims and their families and he would like to say, ‘thank you to his colleagues in the MNLF and in the BTA for selflessly involving themselves in relief ef-

strength; in times of disasters, everyone, especially public servants, can come shoulder-to-shoulder and help ease the discomfort, the agony, and the heavy hearts of the people. “Acts

MP Tarhata Maglangit MP Nurredha Misuari MP Abdulaziz Amenodin MP Denmartin Kahalan They said the MNLFBTA senior officials headed by MNLF ViceChairman and Parliament Deputy Speaker Ustadz

his hardship in the worldly life and the Hereafter (Sahih Muslim).”

They said the Bangsamoro are witnessing a catastrophe and how it impacts the most vulnerable members of the society.

Deputy Speaker Misuari said his thoughts and pray-

forts.’

“The MNLF and the BTA stand with the Bangsamoro people especially during this time of need,” added Misuari.

This act of public service on the part of the MNLF-BTA members highlighted that in unity there is

such as this must be multiplied so that the people may feel the semblance of good governance and service for the sake of Hulah, Bangsa and Agama,” Deputy Speaker Misuari stressed. (With story from the Office of MP Abdulaziz Amenoden)

Construction of provincial hospital in Lanao Sur underway COTABATO CITY – Works are underway for the construction of a provincial hospital in Lanao del Sur worth 700 million pesos to provide focal medical attention to the local constituents, according to proponent officials.

In a recent interview over the governmentowned DXSO radio state in Marawi City, Vice Governor Mohammad Khalid “Mujam” Adiong said the provincial government gave impetus to building a 100-bed capacity hospital as an alternative to Amai

Pakpak Regional Medical Center (APRMC) now catering to patients from nearby provinces and regions.

The Marawi City-based APRMC used to be a provincial hospital but it was converted to a regional medical facility through Congressional legislation sponsored by the late former Gov. Mamintal “Mike” Adiong Jr. during his nineyear stint in the House of Representatives. The vice governor is the grandson of the author.

The elevation of the

then Amai Pakpak provincial hospital to a regional facility was well-intended for its upgrading with modern equipment. But due to its patronage by patients from other areas that peaked in the advent of COVID-19 pandemic, Maranao patients’ access to ideal medical services had decreased, Vice Gov. Adiong hinted.

The construction of the P700-million new provincial hospital was launched on February 24 this year in Marantao, Lanao del Sur, a town adjacent to Marawi

City. It has been awarded after bidding to a construction firm from an outside city that specializes in steelrequiring structures, the vice governor said.

In his radio interview, the young Adiong admitted having reprimanded the contractor over a perceived delay in works, adding though that the construction firm promised to expedite the works for completion within 2022 or early next year.

He called for his constituents’ understanding and cooperation, saying the new facility will certainly boost medical and Health services for the people of Lanao del Sur. ALI G. MACABALANG

Bangsamoro Region

Vol. III, No. 20 | Oct. 31-Nov. 6, 2022 (Rabiul Akhir 6-12, 1444)

14 new partner hospitals to join BARMM's AMBaG program before year ends

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OTABATO CITY— Fourteen (14) new hospitals are expected to join the roster of medical institutions under Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim's Ayudang Medikal Mula sa Bangsamoro Government (AMBaG) before the year ends.

Accordingly, these additional 14 medical institutions will supplement the 28 current partner hospitals of the program strategically found in and out of the Bangsamoro region.

Six (6) of these are located in Sulu, three (3) are from Tawi-Tawi, two (2) are from Lanao del Sur, one (1) is from Maguindanao, and another one (1) is from the Province of Palawan.

BY ABDULLAH MATUCAN

In an exclusive interview with AMBaG's Program Manager Cabinet Secretary Moh'd Asnain Pendatun last month, he mentioned that the Government of the Day eyed adding more hospitals to ensure that Bangsamoro communities could access the program.

"We're still adding hospitals that are very strategic na labas na sa BARMM territory and currently ang very soon na

madadagdag sa roster of hospitals natin ay sa Palawan," he said.

From December 2019 to September 2022, the program has already served 38, 237 patients. Of this figure, the majority (18, 281) are women followed by children (11,026), and men (9,020) patients.

It is also interesting to note that 73.69% (28,245) patients had walked out of the hospital with zero balance after availing of AM-

BaG and other medical benefits.

In response to the ongoing pandemic, the program has also helped 1,266 covid-related cases.

As they strategized the implementation, Pendatun disclosed that the Program's marching order to desk officers is to ensure that patients will be discharged from the hospital as soon as they availed of the AMBaG's benefits.

"Ayaw natin na maging dahilan pa iyong AMBaG na ma-delay yung paglabas ng pasyente," he said.

As of September 2022, the program has already disbursed P266,933,183.

(Bangsamoro Information Office)

BARMM, JICA up to sustained link, cooperation

T

HE Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Ministry of Finance, and Budget and Management (MFBM) have reaffirmed mutual commitment to a continuing cooperation and partnerships in “advancing sound financial and budget management” in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

This developed as BARMM Finance, Budget and Management Minister Ubaida Pacasem honored with homily the outgoing JICA representative to BARMM, Yo Ebisawa

Sang. The BARMM finance minister said he was honoured to welcomed Ide Soichiro Sang, as the successor Ebisawa Sang during ceremonies on Thursday Oct. 20 in Cotabato City, Pacasem, a lawyerpublic accountant, said he has been grateful for the invaluable support of JICA since the ratification of the Republic Act No. 11054, the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

"To Mr. Yo Ebisawa, thank you for your efforts, especially in strengthening Public Financial Management (PFM) in BARMM,"

Pacasem said.

"We see all of these as a gesture of goodwill that has proven helpful as we continue to work in achieving a transparent, inclusive, and responsible government anchored on the principles of Moral Governance,” the Minister added.

“To your successor Mr. Ide Soichiro, we welcome you to the Bangsamoro Government as we embark on another milestone in advancing financial and budget management in Bangsamoro, the MFBM is committed (and honoured) to be working with you," he

said.

For many years, the Japanese Government, through JICA, has consistently supported the Mindanao peace process—first when it was between the Philippine Government (GPH) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and thence throughout the period of the peace process between the GPH and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)—in a bid to achieve lasting peace and development in the Bangsamoro region. With reports from Nash B. Maulana

MILG denies presumptive mayor’s request for recognition

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OTABATO CITY – The Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) of the Bangsamoro region has denied the request for a certificate of recognition (COR) of a candidate declared by a regional trial court this month as winner in mayoralty election in Pandag, Maguindanao.

Issuing a COR to Mohajeran “Odjie” Balayman will be “premature” without the final resolution of an election protest pending before authorities including the court and the Commission on Elections (Comelec), according to the gist of a letter issued Friday, Oct. 21 by MILG Minister Naguib Sinarimbo.

Sinarimbo’s letter was sent to MILG Provincial Director for Maguindanao Amina Dalandag, to whom Balayman had purportedly addressed earlier the request for COR. Balayman reportedly

Khadafeh “Toy” Mangudadatu, left, and Mohajeran “Odjie” Balayman. (Supplied photos) obtained a decision issued on Oct. 14 by Judge Annabelle Piang of the Regional Trial Court- Branch 15 here that declared him the winner in the May 9, 2022 mayoral election against Khadafeh “Toy” Mangudadatu. He took his oath of office before Gov. Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu last Oct. 18.

Judge Piang reportedly found out after a recount of votes cast in 23 precincts that Balayman got 2,740 votes against Mangudadatu 2,070. Balayman has a pending election protest before Judge Piang’s sala,

seeking the exclusion of results from Pandag town’s other voting precincts. Candidate Mangudadatu was proclaimed winner on May 10 after obtaining an overall canvassed votes of 4,307.

In effect, the reply of Minister Sinarimbo, a lawyer, upholds the status quo. This means Mayor Mangudadatu is still the elected mayor as the earlier proclaimed winner by the Comelec.

In the exercise of its delegated function from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the MILG “shall refrain from issuing the COR

requested by Mohajeran K. Balayman (because) granting the same would be premature at this point in time,” Sinarimbo said in his three-page letter.

Sinarimbo was referring to the non-resolution with finality yet of the issue between Balayan and Mangudadatu before the court and the Comelec.

The RTC-Branch 15 decision reportedly gave respondent Mangudadatu a five-day period to file a relief. On Oct. 19, the Comelec 1st Division issued a writ of injunction order for a status quo in the reign of Mangudadatu as mayor. The Comelec body enjoined the court to desist and cease from enforcing its decision favoring Balayman.

Sinarimbo noted that even before the complete lapse of the five-day grace period for Mayor Mangudadatu to respond to the court decision, Balayman already took his oath of office before Gov. Sangki-Mangudadatu.

ALI G. MACABALANG

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The Region’s News Bits Basic human rights manual launched To strengthen the advocacy on Basic Human Rights across the region, the Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission (BHRC), in partnership with the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) Inc., launched on Monday, Oct. 24, the handbook and training manual for basic human rights.

The Handbook on Basic Human Rights for Community Human Rights Advocacies and Training Manual on Basic Human Rights in the Bangsamoro aimed to provide practical guidelines and technical information on human rights education to Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).

BDA will soon reproduce 100 copies of the book which will be distributed to the CSOs and other partners in the region to advocate fundamental human rights.

The implementation of the said project is under the Justice and Society—Enhancing CSOs Capacities for Inclusive Development Intervention in BARMM of Support to Bangsamoro Transition (SUBATRA) funded by the European Union (EU).

With story from Myrna Tepadan/BIO

4Ps beneficiaries receive ‘Pugay Tagumpay’ capital grants A total of 167 graduates of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) from municipalities of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Sultan Mastura, Parang, and Upi in Maguindanao del Norte received their capital grants worth Php15,000.00 each on Oct.24.

The graduates, who benefitted from the said program, were recognized in a ceremony dubbed Pugay Tagumpay.

The cash aid was under the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP). SLP is one of the nationally funded social protection programs implemented by the MSSD in the Bangsamoro region. It seeks to improve the socioeconomic well-being of vulnerable and marginalized communities.

4Ps is a human development measure of the Philippine government, which provides conditional cash grants to the poorest of the poor to improve the health, nutrition, and education of children aged 0-18. With story from Myrna Tepadan/BIO

BARMM revives indigenous sports on IP Day tilt Bangsamoro Sports Commission (BSC) is reviving the indigenous games of the Bangsamoro thru organizing a 3-day competition held on Oct. 19-21, in front of the Office of the Chief Minister (OCM) building, Bangsamoro Government Center in this city.

In line with the Indigenous Peoples' (IP) Month celebration, the traditional sports competition focused on two games, namely the Sipa sa Manggis and Sipa sa Lama.

The term Sipa literally means "to kick"; Manggis means "sweet victory"; while Lama means "playground".

Sipa sa Manggis is one of the traditional sports of the Bangsamoro that symbolizes fame, power, honor, and pride.

This game is played by kicking a small ratan-made ball upward to hit the hanging Manggis case that is about 10 meters in height. Each case box contains a monetary reward.

On the other hand, Sipa sa Lama is played by gathering players in a circle formation. Each player takes turns hitting the ball to keep it on air as long as possible until a player fails to kick the ball.

Through the IP month celebration, BSC encouraged the use of indigenous sports as a tool for community peacebuilding and youth development, and use athletics to foster a culture of mutual respect, understanding, and peaceful coexistence across culturally varied populations in the Bangsamoro region.

BSC Chairperson Nu-man Caludtiag said that the sports event was designed to promote and preserve the traditional or cultural sports of the Bangsamoro people that were inherited long time ago. With story from Kasan Usop, Jr./BIO

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BARMM amidst Paeng

Vol. III, No. 20 | Oct. 31-Nov. 6, 2022 (Rabiul Akhir 6-12, 1444)

MPW mobilizes equipment for road MTIT reiterates price freeze in BARMM; warns violators clearing; repairs damaged infras

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OTABATO CITY— Bangsamoro Government’s Ministry of Public Works (MPW) has mobilized its heavy equipment and personnel to clear the roads affected by massive floodings and landslides after Tropical Storm Paeng hit the region.

Several roads and bridges in some parts of the Bangsamoro region suffered closure due to soil erosion and flash floods.

According to Public Works Minister Eduard Guerra, their team has been clearing the debris that blocked some parts of road networks, and declogging drainages immediately after the rain and flood subsided to ensure that roads are accessible and that fast delivery of relief goods will not be hampered.

The Ministry is also starting to repair destructed infrastructures such as road networks and bridge approaches.

“Doon sa mga nasirang infra—iyong mga local roads and bridges— ginagawaan na ng paraan ng MPW kung paano marepair sa lalong madaling panahon kahit temporary repair lang muna, at least, tuluy-tuloy pa rin ang access ng ating mga kababayan sa basic services at economic activities. We

By AISAH ABAS

have mobilized our engineers and equipment already,” Guerra said.

In a situational report released by the Department of Public Works and Highways - Bureau of Maintenance (DPWHBOM) as of Oct. 30, 2022 (6:00 AM), the following roads and bridges in the region rendered impassable: 1. Davao-Cotabato Road, K1710+760, Buluan Bridge I, Barangay Manuangan, Pigcawayan, Cotabato due to flooding; 2. . Maguindanao 1st DEO CotabatoLanao Road, K1878 + 359, Nituan Bridge, Parang, Maguindanao del Norte due to collapsed bridge approach;

3. Ledepan Bridge, Highway Tamontaka - Jct Tapian Wharf Road, Brgy.

Badak, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte due to collapsed bridge; 4. Tamontaka - Jct Tapian Wharf Road, K1857+000, Brgy.

Badak, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte due to soil erosion; 5. Simuay LandasanParang Road, Tapayan Bridge, K1869 + 224, Sultan Mastura, Maguindanao del Norte due to destructed bridge approach; and 6. Maguindanao 2nd DEO Marbel-Allah Valley-Cotabato Road, K1796 + 125, Kabulnan Bridge, Brgy.

Labu-Labu,

Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Norte due to scoured bridge.

Meanwhile, the Oring Bridge located at Brgy. Ampuan in Buldon, Maguindanao del Norte is now passable but only to light vehicles.

“Tungkol sa National roads and bridges na sira, we have properly coordinated with the rightful authority/agency, which is the DPWHMaguindanao PMO and the DPWHRPMO. At our end, we had our engineers have a looksee of the situation as the Bangsamoro constituents are directly affected,” the Minister said.

The Ministry has also deployed a multi-purpose amphibious dredger (MPAD) to clear the accumulating water hyacinths along Rio Grande de Mindanao in Cotabato City.

They have also conducted humanitarian interventions such as the transportation of evacuees to safer places.

“In times of calamities like this, MPW is doing its best to help alleviate the situation. We utilize our people and our equipment para matulungan ang mga nangangailangan nating constituents,” Guerra said.

(Bangsamoro Information Office)

Paeng leaves 4 missing; displaces 3K families in Zambo City ZAMBOANGA CITY – Floods spawned by Tropical Storm Paeng left four persons missing and displaced more or less 3,000 families in this southern port city on Friday.

The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) under the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) recorded a total of 42 barangays affected by flash floods with three barangays still on evacuation alert on Saturday as Paeng progressed into a severe tropical storm.

“The EOC is still verifying reports about a fatality in one barangay,” said Dr. Elmeir Jade Aploniario, CDRRMO chief, in a statement.

Apolinario said two of the reported missing individuals are from Barangay Tumaga, one from Cabatangan, and one in Putik.

Apolinario said the number of displaced families is expected to increase due to ongoing assessment in the affected barangays.

Destruction on infrastructure projects, landslides, and felled trees were reported in other villages.

The City Engineer's Office is monitoring damage to infrastructure while the City Agriculturist Office is collating reports of destruction in agricultural farms and products.

The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC), in a meeting Friday night, approved a resolution recommending the declaration of a state of calamity given the destruction caused by Paeng here.

The CDRRMC resolution was forwarded to the City Council for approval.

The declaration of a state of calamity will allow the city government and the barangays to allocate funds to address the needs of the displaced fami-

FLASH FLOODS. Rescuers evacuate an elderly woman to a safe place Friday (Oct. 28, 2022) as flash floods spawned by Paeng swamped 42 barangays and left four persons missing, and displaced more or less 3,000 families. The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said Saturday (Oct. 29) that the number of displaced families is expected to increase as assessment is ongoing in the affected villages. (Photo courtesy of City Hall PIO) lies.

Meanwhile, the Zamboanga City Water District said in its advisory as of 1 p.m. Saturday that the water level at the diversion dam is critically above normal measuring 74.78 meters. The normal level is 74.20 meters.

The ZCWD said that low pressure to no water is expected in all areas as there is low water production in its treatment plant due to turbidity.

The ZCWD said that turbidity is measured at 109 Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU), which is way above the normal of five NTU. “Treatment will take longer. Backwashing of filters will be more frequent. During backwashing, low water production,” the ZCWD said.

Teofilo Garcia, Jr./PNA

COTABATO CITY—The Ministry of Trade, Investments and Tourism (MTIT) on Sunday reminded the traders and business establishments to comply with the law mandating a price freeze for basic necessities and medical supplies in BARMM affected by Tropical Storm Paeng.

This is under Proclamation No. 4 s. of 2022 issued on Oct. 29

by Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, declaring the Bangsamoro region under a state of calamity due to the devastation and damages of TS Paeng.

"We appeal to the business sector to adhere to the price freeze of basic commodities and help us in ensuring that supplies of food in the market is enough," Minister Abuamri Taddik said.

Under the Republic Act No. 7581 or Price Act, a price freeze shall be imposed on basic necessities in areas under a state of calamity for sixty (60) days.

He has also warned the business establishments that will violate price freeze.

“Establishments that violate the law [price freeze] could face an administrative case. There is a penalty of fine and imprisonment for those who go against the law,” Taddik said.

Violators could face a prison term of one to 10 years or fines ranging from Php5,000.00 to Php1-million or both.

MTIT also urged its provincial directors to coordinate with Local Government Units (LGUs) and Local Price Coordinating Councils (LPCCs) and submit weekly monitoring reports to the regional office.

Among the basic necessity products to be monitored by the MTIT are canned fish, locally manufactured instant noodles, bottled water, bread, processed milk, coffee, candles, laundry soap, detergent, and salt.

"Your support and assistance in these emergencies are much needed by the people, especially those in the communities in the Bangsamoro region hit by Tropical Storm Paeng," Taddik added.

The price freeze shall automatically be lifted on Dec. 26, unless sooner lifted by the Chief Minister.

JOHAIRA SAHIDALA/BIO)

Bangsamoro Gov’t to further advance workers’ rights in BARMM COTABATO CITY—Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLE) vowed to further protect the rights and welfare of the workers in the Bangsamoro region during the first leg of the region-wide Labor Consultative Summit held on Oct. 19, held in this city.

The event convened the different Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), employers, and other Bangsamoro labor groups from this city.

“It is our very objective that we have to protect the interest of the labor, both public and private sectors as well as the different entrepreneurs and employers,” Labor Minister Datu Muslimin Sema.

“I believe that this consultative assembly will bolster the cooperation between and among the employers, the workers, and the government in shaping labor, social and economic policies and programs of the government,” Sema said.

The Minister believed that activity will help improve their effectiveness in promoting business continuity, workers’ health and safety, and preserving jobs across the region.

He also recognized the efforts of employers who have worked to strengthen and advance the rights of the workers by showing compassion and promoting safe and enhanced work conditions.

“The workers and employers are setting together at the same table which proves and shows how our labor relations efforts make the employers and workers closer to each other not only here in Cotabato City but in the entire Bangsamoro region,” Sema said.

Moreover, the Bangsamoro Productivity Olympics was held on the same day to recognize the best-designed and successfully implemented programs of MSMEs in the region.

The Rap & Tell General Merchandise from Parang, Maguindanao, and Hanna’s Empanada from Bongao, Tawi-Tawi were named Productivity Champions during the summit which received plaques of recognition and cash prize worth Php50,000.00 each.

Other entries also received plaques of recognition and cash prizes after undergoing deliberations from the selection committee: 1st runner-up, Louella Seph General Merchandise (Parang, Maguindanao) – Php30,000.00 2nd runner-up, Wrap Sarap (Bongao, Tawi-Tawi) – Php20,000.00 3rd runner-up, Nangaan Farmers Peace and Development Association (Nangaan, Kabacan) – Php15,000.00 3rd runner-up, Ali Cellphone & Accessories (Jolo, Sulu) – Php15,000.00 Awardee, Mandarin Tea Garden (Cotabato City) – Php10,000.00 Awardee, Hukad Golden Courie (Cotabato City) – Php10,000.00 Awardee, Gluta Lounge (Cotabato City) – Php10,000.00 Awardee, Matling Cooperative (Malabang, LDS) – Php10,000.00 3 Ace General Merchandise (Bongao, Tawi-Tawi) – Php10,000.00 Simply Joy Fashion Boutique (Jolo, Sulu) – Php10,000.00 National Wages and Productivity Commission Director Jerome Yanson emphasized the importance of productivity, saying that “the rich culture, the good people, and the vast and rich natural resources of the BARMM have an impact on productivity and economic recovery.”

“Regardless of your religion, political affiliations, your belief, or your color, there is only one thing about productivity—more equitable and sharing of gains lead to a productive workforce,” Yanson said. (Johaira Sahidala/BIO)

National

Milestones under normalization track, ‘fruits of labor’ of GPH and MILF — OPAPRU DAVAO CITY (25 October 2022) — The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) emphasized that the shared responsibility of the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front has been the key in ensuring the successful implementation of the normalization track under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

In a panel session with journalists and storytellers on Tuesday, OPAPRU Executive Director Atty.

Wilben M. Mayor said the interventions being carried out through the Normalization Program, especially those under its socioeconomic component, is the result of the strong collaboration between the government and the MILF. Boost in BARMM’s economic activities “Because the peace and order situation is improving in BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao), economic activities have already increased. Ito ‘yung mga magagandang nakikita natin because of the fruits of our labor, both from the national government and the MILF,” Mayor said.

He noted that the Bangsamoro people’s quality of life continues to improve, as evidenced by the region's poverty incidence declining by a significant double-digit rate -- from 52.6% in 2018 to 29.8% in 2021, based on data from the Philippine Statistics Authority.

“Because of the improved peace in the BARMM, maraming economic activities at prospects. No less than Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said that there is a bright future in Mindanao,” Mayor said.

He also cited the increased complementation between the GPH and the MILF’s various peace mechanisms, which have resulted in more effective program implementation on the ground.

“These mechanisms are composed of national government representatives, as well as the [those coming from the] MILF. Any decision that will be brought up by these mechanisms is a collective decision,” Mayor said.

“Palaging dini-discuss kung anong kailangan ng community o combatants,” he added, explaining that there should always be an agreement between the government and the MILF before these programs are implemented.

Decommissioning Another testament of the strong partnership between the GPH and the MILF is the ongoing implementation of the decommissioning process of MILF combatants, which is among the key provisions of the Annex on Normalization of the CAB. As of October 24, a total of 23,985 MILF members have already been decommissioned. This translates to nearly Php 2.4 billion in transitional cash assistance provided to them.

This financial assistance is on top of the other socioeconomic projects worth nearly Php 750 million, which these former combatants stand to receive from the government such as social protection, capacity development, livelihood and employment assistance, and smallscale infrastructure programs.

A total of Php 3.1 billion -- funds which have pooled from the national government and various international donor agencies -- have been earmarked for the implementation of socioeconomic programs for the decommissioned combatants, their families and communities.

Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr., stressed that the implementation of the socioeconomic development aspect of the normalization track is crucial to the Bangsamoro peace process, as they are meant to uplift the lives of the former combatants and their families.

“We are optimistic that the funding requirements for the socioeconomic programs will be met in the succeeding years, as member-agencies of the Inter-Cabinet Cluster Mechanism on Normalization’s (ICCMN) socioeconomic sub-cluster are gearing up towards the inclusion of normalization in its regular programs,” Galvez said.

“The work for the normalization track, as well as the political track, is a shared commitment and effort. I urge our MILF counterparts to continue working with us to fast track the implementation of our programs so that we can successfully transform the lives of our MILF brothers and sisters and bring sustainable peace and development to their communities,” he added. (PR)

Vol. III, No. 20 | Oct. 31-Nov. 6, 2022 (Rabiul Akhir 6-12, 1444)

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PBBM unconvinced middleman in Lapid slay died of natural causes

By AZER PARROCHA

M

ANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos is not convinced that inmate Cristito Villamor Palaña,

Marcos made this remark following results of the autopsy conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) which showed that “there were no apparent signs of external physical injury.”

“The toxicology report came back and mukha talagang walang ano – walang lason o walang gamot na ibinigay doon sa namatay (The toxicology report came back and it looks like there was no poison or drugs given to the deceased),” Marcos told reporters in a chance interview on Wednesday.

“I am still not satisfied that it was natural causes.

So sabi ko, tingnan niyo nang mabuti (So I said, look at it closely) because there are ways to kill a person that do not show up in the medico legal. So tuloytuloy pa ang imbestigasyon (So, the investigation continues),” he added.

Meanwhile, Marcos assured that he has been talking to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla and Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos sev-

the alleged middleman in the slaying of broadcaster Percival "Percy Lapid" Mabasa, died of natural causes.

PNA file photo of President Marcos Jr. eral times daily to get updates on the Lapid killing Asked if he would issue any directive to the police, Marcos expressed confidence in the country’s police force.

“The police know what to do. I’ll just get in the way. Alam ko… Imbestigahan ninyo nang mabuti.

Alamin natin nang mabuti kung sinong behind this (I know you’ll investigate this thoroughly. Let’s really find out who’s behind this),” he said.

“But more importantly, is to really trace saan nanggaling ito (where this started)? Who gave the order? Sino ‘yung nag-

bigay doon sa preso na orderin ang shooter na gawin ito at bakit (Who told the shooter to do this and why)? That is what we are working on now,” he added.

According to an initial report from the NBI, Palaña died inside the prison hospital on Oct. 18, allegedly of natural causes, on the same day selfconfessed gunman Joel Escorial was presented to the media and pointed to him as one of the middlemen in the killing of Mabasa.

The autopsy findings showed that Palaña’s heart “showed a hemor-

rhagic area over the left ventricle.”

Lapid was gunned down at the gate of a subdivision on Aria Street, Barangay Talon Dos, in Las Piñas City on Oct. 3.

Malacañang earlier assured that the Marcos administration is committed to protecting the independence, rights, and security of all journalists and media workers in the country.

During the President’s Night organized by the Manila Overseas Press Club at the Sofitel Plaza last Oct. 5, Marcos himself vowed to support and protect media rights under his administration as well as listen to all their concerns.

“Under my lead, we will support and protect the rights of the media as they efficiently perform their duty. Whatever difficulties we may encounter from this point on, the government will always be ready to lend an ear and to listen to your concerns and to answer all that you may want to know,” he said in his speech.

(PNA)

House may adjust 2023 budget for rehab of Paeng-hit areas MANILA – House Speaker Martin Romualdez called for a comprehensive assessment of the damage and destruction caused by Tropical Storm Paeng in several parts of the country.

There is also a possibility of making adjustments in the proposed PHP5.268trillion national budget for next year to fund the needs of affected areas, Romualdez said in a statement on Sunday.

“Asahan po ninyo na gagawin namin ang lahat para makabangon muli ang ang mga kababayan natin mula sa panibagong hamong ito na hinaharap

natin ngayon (You can be assured that we will do everything to help affected Filipinos recover from this disaster),” Romualdez said.

He expressed support for the recommendation by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Saturday for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to declare a national state of calamity to better address the effects of the latest storm.

He said reports reaching his office showed that “almost all regions in the country were affected by the onslaught of Paeng,

which destroyed bridges, roads and key infrastructure, and wrought havoc to life and property.”

“I have requested my fellow members of the House of Representatives to help the executive departments and agencies assess the damage caused by Paeng and assist in relief operations in their respective districts,” Romualdez added.

He asked the Appropriations Committee, led by chair and Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, to compile the damage assessment from House members and executive offices “so that they may aid us in reviewing

possible adjustments in budget allocation for repair and rehabilitation of affected areas under the proposed 2023 General Appropriations Act.” The House has passed the proposed budget for next year while the Senate is set to tackle it shortly when Congress resumes on November 7.

House members are focused on “relief operations to alleviate the suffering of our fellowmen and to deliver aid as soon as possible to those in need” and have launched a relief drive.

Zaldy De Layola/PNA

Manila City evacuates close to 60 families from Baseco MANILA – The Manila City government on Saturday evacuated at least 58 families from Baseco, Manila due to Severe Tropical Storm Paeng.

Of the number, 88 are adults and 90 are minors. It also included four senior citizens and two pregnant women. They are temporarily taking refuge at the Baseco evacuation center and being assisted by the Manila Department of Social Welfare.

Early Saturday morning, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna suspended classes at all levels, in public and private schools, including face-to-face and online classes due to Severe Tropical Storm Paeng.

The LGU also ordered all public cemeteries in the city closed due to the weather disturbance.

Ferdinand Patinio/PNA

Baseco compound (PNA file photo)

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World News

Russia ends massive call-up for military operation in Ukraine Russia says it has finished calling up as many as 300,000 reservists for its ongoing military operation in neighboring Ukraine.

"The task set by you of [mobilizing] 300,000 people has been completed. No further measures are planned," Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told President Vladimir Putin at a televised meeting in the Kremlin on Friday.

The defense chief said 82,000 had already been deployed and the rest were being trained.

Putin thanked reservists "for their dedication to duty, for their patriotism, for their firm determination to defend our country, to defend Russia, which means their home, their family, our citizens, our people."

This is Russia's first such mobilization since World War Two. Both Putin and Shoigu acknowledged "problems" in the early days of the call-up. Putin said mistakes had probably been inevitable as Russia had not carried out a mobilization for such a long time.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin (R) and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu

Shoigu, however, said initial issues in supplying newly-mobilized troops had since been resolved.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, meanwhile, alleged that he doubted that Moscow would not be in need of more reservists.

Russian forces "are so poorly prepared and equipped, so brutally used by their command, that it allows us to presume that very soon Russia may need a new wave of people to send to the war," he claimed in his nightly televised address.

Russia launched the "special military operation" in Ukraine in late February.

The Kremlin says it launched the operation in order to defend the pro-Russian population in the eastern Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk against persecution by Kiev.

Back in 2014, the two republics broke away from Ukraine, refusing to recognize a Westernbacked Ukrainian government there that had overthrown a democratically-elected Russia-friendly administration.

Source: PRESS TV

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Vol. III, No. 20 | Oct. 31-Nov. 6, 2022 (Rabiul Akhir 6-12, 1444)

Saudi Arabia celebrates Halloween NETIZENS HAVE MIXED REACTIONS

T

he Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) celebrated the festival of Halloween alongside activities of the Riyadh Season 2022 between Thursday to Saturday, October 27 to 29, foreign media reported.

India-based Siasat Daily said Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority had planned the first and largest public celebration of Halloween ever, as it opened the spooky weekend with people wearing terrifying costumes, walking down Riyadh Boulevard, two days before the Americans’ Halloween cel- HALLOWEEN: People dressed in costumes to celebrate Halloween during “Scary Weekend Event” at Boulevard, during Riyadh Season in Riyadh, October 28, 2022. Siasat Daily photo ebrations.

The head of the Gen- val of Halloween, with Alzowaid enjoys seeing the holiday. eral Authority for Entertain- pumpkins and lights joy captured in people’s In addition to the Halment, Advisor to the Saudi adorning malls and faces. He said everyone loween events you can Royal Court, Turki Al- homes. was buying makeup, cos- attend as a family this Sheikh, said through his The Islamic Infor- tumes, and props to com- year, there is a Halloween Facebook account that “the mation, a news portal all memorate the day. event at Riyadh Season’s atmosphere in the week- about Islam, reported an Halloween-themed cos- Winter Wonderland, includend is terrifying,” Siasat employee of a store in Ri- tumes and decorations are ing a haunted house, a Daily said. yadh as saying the holiday available in malls around scary maze, and games.

According to other me- brought happiness to his the kingdom, while baker- Trick-or-treating in Riyadh dia reports from the Middle colleagues and customers. ies and supermarkets high- can also be done at the East, Saudi Arabia fully According to the Na- light pumpkin season and Tuwaiq Palace. embraces the pagan festi- tional newspaper, Fahad offer items related to the PMT Desk

Death toll rises to 151 in South Korean stampede ISTANBUL – At least 151 people have been killed, including 19 foreigners, in a deadly stampede in South Korea, according to media reports on Sunday.

A total of 82 others, with 19 in serious condition, were also injured, said Yonhap News Agency, citing fire authorities.

The death toll is currently made up of 97 women and 54 men, according to Choi Seong-beom, chief of Seoul's Yongsan fire department.

The foreigners killed in the deadliest stampede in South Korea's history include nationals from Iran, Uzbekistan, China and Norway, he added.

South Korea’s President Yoon Suk-yeol declared a national mourning period following the deadly accident.

"It's truly horrific," said Yoon, adding that the "tragedy and disaster should never have happened."

Victims in their 20s accounted for the age group most affected by the accident, authorities said.

The Seoul metropolitan government said it received 355 missing reports related to the stampede.

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon cut short his trip to Europe to return home, the news agency noted, citing his office.

The stampede occurred near the Hamilton Hotel in Itaewon's entertainment zone Saturday night after a large number of people were believed to have entered a narrow alley.

Tens of thousands of people were visiting the area for Halloween parties.

It was the first Halloween event in Seoul in three years after South Korea lifted many coronavirus restrictions.

(Source: Anadolu)

China willing to work with US for global peace, stability: Xi ANKARA – Chinese President Xi Jinping said his country is willing to work with the US for bringing peace and stability to the world.

In a congratulatory message to the annual gala dinner of the National Committee on US-China Relations, Xi added China and the US should respect each other, coexist peacefully, achieve win-win cooperation, and find the right way for both countries to get along in the new era, which will not only benefit both countries, but also the world, state-run Global Times reported.

“The world today is not peaceful. As major powers, China and the US strengthening communication and cooperation will

help increase the stability and certainty of the world and help promote world peace and development,” the daily quoted Xi as saying.

This is his first statement regarding relations with the US after being elected for the third historic term as president this weekend.

Xi hoped that China’s National Committee on US -China Relations will continue to play its active role, helping the bilateral relations return to the track of healthy and stable development.

Tension between Beijing and Washington escalated following China launched unprecedented

military operations around Taiwan in August when US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi paid an unannounced trip to the selfruled island nation.

Beijing sees it as a violation of its sovereignty and held massive military activities, including firing missiles, some over the island nation, home to over 24 million people. Besides military operations, China also suspended high-level military dialogue with Pentagon and cooperation on climate change.

Taiwan has maintained its independence since 1949 while Beijing has pursued a policy of reunifying the island with the mainland, including by force if necessary.

Source: Anadolu

Business News & Classified Ads Watch out for PH core inflation, 2nd-round effects: IMF exec

By JOANN VILLANUEVA

RISKS TO INFLATION. Core inflation and second-round effects are factors that should be monitored closely vis-a-vis the Philippines' inflation rate, an executive of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Friday (Oct. 28, 2022).

However, domestic growth is seen to remain solid with a print of about 6.5 percent this year but is projected to slow down to 5 percent next year. (PNA file photo) MANILA – Core inflation and second-round effects are major economic factors to watch out for in the Philippines, an executive of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said.

In a hybrid briefing on Friday for the release of the lender’s Regional Economic Outlook (REO), Shanaka Peiris, Division Chief of Regional Studies of the IMF’s Asia and Pacific Department, noted that the rate of price increases remains higher than the government’s 2- percent to 4 percent target since breaching the target band some months ago.

Peiris said the elevated inflation rate is among the factors for the continued hikes in the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ key policy rates, which he said is projected to increase further in the coming months.

“I don’t think we could predict the exact timing and how things will come but the degree of persistence of, I think, core inflation is a key thing to watch,” he said in reply to questions from the Philippine New Agency (PNA).

Monthly inflation surpassed the government’s target band since April when it posted an annual rate of 4.9 percent from the previous month’s 4 percent.

It took a breather in August when it decelerated to 6.3 percent but posted a big jump to 6.9 percent the following month, the highest since October 2018.

Average inflation in the first nine months this year stood at 5.1 percent.

Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and oil items, slowed to 4.5 percent in September from 4.6 percent from the previous month, bringing the nine-month average to 3 percent.

Peiris said second-round effects are also something to watch out for, referring to the effects of the elevated inflation rate on wages and transport fares.

Philippine monetary authorities said secondround effects are among the things they are monitoring, given the petitions for an increase in minimum fare.

“In the region, second-round effects are actually quite common from high commodity prices or even high headline inflation,” Peiris said.

Meanwhile, he said they continue to see strong domestic demand for fuel output for this year, with expansion seen at 6.5 percent.

Growth, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), is seen to slow to 5 percent next year but recover and post a faster rate of 6 percent in 2024.

The REO Update said the projected slower output for next year is not unique to the Philippines but is also seen to affect Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam.

“This reflects weaker external demand, supply chain disruptions, a pivot to macro policy normalization to contain price pressures and manage risks, and tighter financial conditions,” the report said.

(PNA)

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Vol. III, No. 20 | Oct. 31-Nov. 6, 2022 (Rabiul Akhir 6-12, 1444)

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‘‘Paeng’ leaves 42 dead, 6 bridges damaged in Maguindanao.

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Divided in Peace, United in Calamity

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O

ur officials and leaders in the Bangsamoro region are not remiss of their mandates as public servants as Storm Paeng devastated parts of the region especially Maguindanao.

Our officials and leaders in the editorial Bangsamoro region are not remiss of their mandate as public servants as Storm Paeng devastated parts of the region especially Maguindanao.

We have never seen such a concerted effort by these leaders to provide relief assistance for the benefit of the Bangsamoro victims.

The MPs who hail from different sectors and tribal groups have been united to doing so much to help their people affected by the storm.

We commend the effort of CM Murad and his cabinet as well as the region's government workers on how they handled the situation.

Special mention goes to Minister Naguib Sina-

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FRONT PAGE OF LAST WEEK ISSUE

rimbo of the Bangsamoro ministry of interior and local government.

Sinarimbo stormed the weather leading his team to personally bring the necessary basic reliefs to the victims. Kudos Sir. Likewise to Senior Minister Abdulraof Macacua who did not waste time to reach those affected by the typhoon with his relief assistance.

In fact, all the ministries have done their part in taking care for the victims. The humanitarian acts may not be perfect but they did their best and we appreciate.

We also appreciate the effort of local government units in sending relief assistance to Maguindanao, the most affected by the tropical storm.

We appreciate the show of unity. There was no bragging, no aggrandizement, no conceitedness...

It was generally dedicated to public service.

Salute to the Bangsamoro!

Maybe the time has been reached

T

he most respected Muslim educated researcher, Dr. M. Saber wrote on the Maranao’s struggle for freedom and independence, as thus “Reputed as brave and skillful fighters, the past and recent Maranao ancestors were either defenders of a homeland attractive to external invaders, or invaders themselves. The Maranao were able to maintain their independent nation under the pangampong organization for over 250 years through stiff resistance (typified

by Sultan Kudarat) to Spanish military and spiritual campaigns.

Amai Pakpak continued the struggle between 1891 and 1895 against expeditions sent by Governors Weyler and Blanco. Left virtually unconquered, the Maranao had a more formidable opponent in the Americans. Under Pershing scores of kotas were attacked and captured, resulting in heavy casualties.

During the Japanese occupation, Major Datu Busran Kalaw led the united resistance movement. (MAMITUA SABER Philippine Sociological Review Vol. 27, No. 4, October 1979, Published By: Philippine Sociological Society) The name Maranao is synonymous to struggle for defending this country against foreign invaders with a heroic role in revolting against Spain, that started in Northern Mindanao in Iligan city in 1897, likewise the Maranaos fought the US 37th Cavalry forces in the Battle of Bayang locally known as the Padang Karbala, as an instance of Moro resistance against imperialism and colonization of the United States and as a proof of ethnic nationalism. In September 1942, the Maranaos engaged the Japanese forces in the Battle of Tamparan, and dealt the Japanese a stunning loss when, in a spontaneous attack, a collection of villagers armed primarily with blades nearly annihilated an entire company of Japanese infantry. The Battle of Tamparan was the gravest defeat inflicted on the Imperial Japanese Army by irregu-

lar forces in the Philippines and quite likely their greatest loss at the hands of civilians in the entire course of the Pacific War. (Thomas McKenna, The Moro Warrior) For 250 years, the great Maranao nation defended this country against foreign invasion which thus, deserves the recognition of the Manila’s set of powers. “If there is a group of people in the country that will be given special privilege, it is the Moro Muslims” says, the late Maranao lawyer Macapanton Y. Abbas, Jr., simply “the Moro Muslims plays a very important role in defending this country against foreign invasion”, Lawyer Abbas further says.

In return of its heroic role, the Maranao deserved a separate regional government or an Autonomy free from external control, within the context of the Philippines Constitution and the United Nations charter. Unfortunately, the Maranao which used to be an independent nation serves the national and BARMM regional government for being unrepresented or underrepresented, in sums, it become a vassal state of the BARMM regional government, whose role is to serve and pledge loyalty to others Moro tribe. The political situation shamefully downgrades the status of the great Maranao nation who used to be the Panoroganan but now a subject of another tribe.

Some Maranao pundits opined that the time has been reached for the Maranao to chart its own destiny, thru a separate regional autonomy to effectively regain her special place in Philippine society.

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My Legal Point

- Bayan G. Balt -

Atty. Bayan G. Balt is past chapter President of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP-Marawi City and Lanao del Sur, 2013-2015), and Chairman of the Ranao Federal State Movement, (RFSM).