Philippine Muslim Today

Philippine Muslim Today, the country’s first Muslim digital newspaper, is committed to a steady, highly developed, and diverse Southern Philippines.

P9-M damaged in Davao City fire

DAVAO CITY – The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) on Sunday, Feb. 26, said the Saturday fire that razed a residential area here destroyed an estimated P9 million worth of property.

Davao City Fire Districtspokesperson

Senior Fire Officer 4 Ramil Gillado told reporters at least 1,200 houses were destroyed by the fire that broke out at 1:05 pm in Purok 8-A,Barangay 21-C. Gillado said they were still investigating its cause.

“We are assessing the reports that there were children who were burning some wires in the area to get the bronze in it and will eventually sell them. We are still verifying and conducting an investigation,” State-run Philippine News Agency quoted him as saying.

No casualties were recorded.

The city government has already set up donation drop-off points for those who wish to send help and assistance to the affectedfamilies.

More Moro clan feuds resolved

COTABATO CITY More clans in feud were settled as the Bangsamoro Government’s Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS) spearheaded the mediation between two (2) clans in Maguindanao del Norte last week.

On Feb. 8 and 9, two (2) rido cases from Barira and Buldon were settled in partnership with local government units, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders at Barangay Aratuc in Buldon of said province.

MILG Maguindanao primes up for SGLG 2023

During the ceremony, both parties signed an amicable agreement to resolve the conflict between families and put an end to it.

Buldon Mayor Abolais Manalao said, “ang peace and order ang isa sa mga prayoridad sa ating Munisipyo upang magkaroon nang mapayapang kinabukasan ang ating komuni-

"Sa pamamagagitan ng

Editorial A4

Ironing the MILF kinks

The collective effort by four provincial governors Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) appealing to skip the 2003 village polls on account of the mounting violence committed against highranking officials reflects a lot about the undercurrents affecting the peace and order in the region.

rido settlement, nababawasan ang takot at galit ng bawat isa at lalong napapaigting ang pagkakaisa at pagsasama ng ating mga pamilya at kamag-anak hindi lamang sa ating munisipyo kundi sa ibang lugar din,” Manalao said.

Meanwhile, on Feb. 12, two (2) families from Matanog Municipality were also reconciled amicably.

Both families took an oath by holding the Qur'an

to show their sincere commitment not only to the presence of human beings but for the sake of Almighty Allah. Both families promised not to engage in conflict again

The rido settlement is one of the major programs of MPOS towards ensuring a safe, secure, and peaceful Bangsamoro. (With reports from MPOS)

MajidNur/BIO

Feature A8 BARMM A3

New Sultan of Masiu

The Maguindanao Provincial Field Office of the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government, under the direction of Provincial Director Engr Amina T Dalandag, held a coordination meeting with partner agencies in for the upcoming 2023 SGLG Assessment.

MASYAHYA

Datu Monadato Mangadang will be enthroned as Sultan of Masiu, on Saturday, March 11, 2023.

Rogie Mark B. Aboc, an 18year-old Grade 11 TVLHome Economics student from Brokenshire College, helped to extinguish a raging fire that happened in a coastal area in Barangay 21-C Quezon Boulevard, Davao City, around 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 25.

(Photo Courtesy of The Lamp - The Student Publication of Brokenshire College in Davao City)

MILG Maguindanao primes up for SGLG 2023

Why does BARMM need its own electoral code?

BY ABDULLAH MATUCAN | Bangsamoro Information office

COTABATO CITY Among the tasks entrusted to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), the interim government in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) until a regular government is elected in 2025, is the enactment of the Bangsamoro Electoral Code (BEC). But the question that lingers among many Filipinos, not just BARMM residents, is why the region needs its own electoral code.

February 27, 2023, at Pagana Kutawato Native Restaurant in Cotabato City, the Maguindanao Provincial Field Office of the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government, under the direction of Provincial Director Engr Amina T Dalandag, held a coordination meeting with partner agencies in anticipation of the upcoming 2023 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) Assessment.

The conference was attended by representatives from IPHO, PPDO, and PDRRMO in addition to MSSDMaguindanao.

A progressive evaluation system, the Seal of Good Local Government (SGLG) honors local government units for their outstanding work in a number of different categories. The SGLG has long been a leading force in advancing accountability and transparency in local governance.

The partner agencies were briefed about the 2023 SGLG Assessment Process and Criteria, the 2022 SGLG outcomes, and the current level of SGLG compliance among Maguindanao's LGUs.

Also, partner agencies shared their perspectives, issues, and challenges they ran into during earlier SGLG assessments and validations.

The exercise strengthened the existing government agencies' close alliance and increased collaboration and synergy in front of the SGLG Assessment in 2023.

(ReportsfromMILG-BARMM)

BARMM gives financial aid to families of OBWs who died overseas

COTABATO CITY: Upon learning of the demise of the two (2) Overseas Bangsamoro Workers (OBW) who died in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Bangsamoro Government thru its Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLE), provided financial aid to the bereaved families and discussed other assistance they may receive.

Under the program of Assistance for Repatriated Abused Overseas Bangsamoro Workers, the families of Maricel Colado and Juvilyn Masandil received P10,000.00 cash from MOLE as immediate relief on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023, in this city.

Meanwhile, Director General-Designate Datu Surab Abutazil, Jr. led the home visitation to hand over the financial support and offer condolences to the bereaved families.

Accordingly, the two OBWs were both residents of this city.

Maricel Colado, who worked as a domestic worker in Al Bahah, KSA, died on Dec. 11, 2022 at Al Bahah Hospital. She died due to an enlargement of the heart, according to her recruitment agency.

Meanwhile, Juvilyn Masandil, also a domestic worker in Riyadh, KSA and who had lost contact with her family for more than 3 years, was slain by her employer.

Following the demise of the two, Overseas Worker Welfare Bureau Director Annuarudin Tayuan assured the protection and promotion of OBWs’ rights and welfare.

Tayuan further disclosed that the Ministry will continue to coordinate with the family of the deceased OBWs for other possible benefits they may receive.

“Inaayos na rin ang iba pang benepisyo na maaring matanggap ng kanilang naiwang pamilya,” he said. (With reports from MOLE-ICD) JohairaSahidala/BIO

The answer is straight and simple and can be found in Section 4, Article IV of Republic Act No. 11054 or the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) which clearly mentioned that “The Bangsamoro Government shall adopt an electoral system which shall be consistent with national election laws, allow democratic participation, encourage the formation of genuinely principle political parties, and ensure accountability”.

Why an electoral system specifically designed for Bangsamoro is needed?

Well, the Bangsamoro people have a long narrative of struggles. Even up to this time that they have already established an autonomous government, they are still baffled by challenges in pursuit of their right to selfdetermination a right prominently embodied in Article I of the Charter of the United Nations (UN).

In UN’s declaration on decolonization states, it explicitly says “All peoples have the right to selfdetermination; by virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social, and cultural development”. This right, along with their other constitutional rights, clearly outlined the legitimate cause of the Bangsamoro constituents to determine what’s best for themselves.

In pursuit of this legitimate cause and desire to govern themselves, the Bangsamoro people, represented by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), sat in a peace negotiation table with the Government of the Philippines (GPH) which led to the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement for the Bangsamoro (CAB) in 2014.

One of CAB’s Principle of Implementation, it has recognized the Bangsamoro people’s legitimate right to self-determination. It explicitly outlined the “establishment of a new Bangsamoro political entity that will protect individual and collective rights, and be truly democratic, representative of the diversity of the populace, and accountable to the communities therein”. Later in 2019, the BOL was signed into law and established the

BARMM.

The enacted law defined that the BARMM shall have a democratic political system that allows its people to freely participate in the political processes within its territorial jurisdiction. It further stated that the form of government shall be parliamentary.

(Section 3, Article IV of BOL)

Because of these provisions vis-a-vis the recognition of the Bangsamoro peoples right to selfdetermination, the BTA is tasked to enact essential laws consistent within the framework of existing laws which allow and advances the economic, social, and cultural development of the Bangsamoro constituents.

As a law-making body of the regional government, the enactment of several priority codes mentioned in the BOL is enshrined in the BTA parliament. One of these measures is the electoral code that would define the structural, functional, and procedural principles on matters pertaining to elections in the region, primarily in the parliament. This law, along with other vital legislations, shall be enacted within the transition period.

BTA Floor Leader Atty.

Sha Elijah Dumama-Alba, who is also the chair of the Committee in Rules, shared during the committee deliberations of the proposed bill on February 6 that it is vital for the regional government to enact the law.

“It is very important to have a code that would embody the structural, functional, and procedural principles of having elections in the BARMM, particularly on parliamentary elections,” Dumama-Alba said.

The BEC, with corresponding Bill Number 29, as of this writing is currently under committee deliberation after a series of public consultations in Manila and the core territories of the region. Though it has generated contention among election watchdog and other stakeholders on some of its provisions, BEC itself in general gained support from the public.

Accordingly, the proposed measure, like any other legislations in the country, polarizes the public, particularly on its adherence to the 1987 Philippine Constitution. In a public consultation held in Maguindanao del Sur last month, BTA Deputy Speaker Atty.

Yasser Sema stressed that such scenario in legislation is not unusual.

“Napakaganda po ng ating 1987 Constitution. Naiintindihan po natin iyong concern sa mga constitutional concerns sa ating electoral code, at tayo po sa BTA ay sinisugurado natin na nababalanse natin ito,” Sema said.

Another lawyer and BTA deputy speaker, Lanang Ali Jr. holds almost the same view as his colleague. During one of the exclusive interviews regarding the BEC, he shared that the ultimate goal is to pass legislation that would embody the principles of moral governance. “Isa lang naman ang ating objective dito, makapasa tayo ng maganda [batas] at magkaroon tayo ng malinis na election dito sa BARMM,” he said.

Clearly, the answer to why BARMM needs an electoral code is more legal than political. BTA is mandated under the law to enact an electoral code. The BEC is crucial because there’s no existing law providing for the manner of electing the members of the Bangsamoro Parliament in region.

PUBLIC CONSULTATION. Public consultation on the proposed Bangsamoro Electoral Code was held in Lanao del Sur on January 31, 2023. (File photo by Marhom Ibrahim)

Basilan’s capital Isabela City now ISO-Certified

By PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY DESK

ISABELA CITY Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman led city officials, department heads, division chiefs, and employees in receiving the certificate of registration, February 27, from Veritas Assurance certifying that the

management system of LGU-Isabela City "has been assessed and registered by Veritas System Quality Certificates as conforming to the requirements of ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System."

Marawi mayor pushes for civil registration

MARAWI CITY As the 33rd Civil Registration Month is about to culminate, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of the Islamic City of Marawi headed by its City Mayor Sultan Majul U. Gandamra is continuously encouraging and educating the city constituents for civil registration and its importance to the lives of many.

The culmination is expected to be marked with a Barangay Civil Registration System Orientation to be participated by the barangay chairmen and their secretaries in the Islamic city.

In an official post on Social Media, the LGU said, “When one is registered, he is counted to have an identity, access to education, health care, social services and the right to vote. LGU Marawi continuously gives services on civil registration.”

LGU-Taraka marks National Dental Health Month

Veritas Assurance Audit

Team Leader Brenda Magpantay described the occasion as the beginning of a partnership for expanding the culture of quality in institutions of public service. Mayor TurabinHataman in her keynote urged city hall employees to sustain the merits identified by this recognition in upholding excellence in

public service as a platform from which the ideal of a happy and dignified life for all Isabeleños shall emanate. The local chief executive also remarked that the Certification is the realization of the quality policy of the local government unit.

Deputy Minority Leader and Basilan Lone District Representative Mujiv Hataman was in attendance to

show his support for the first ISO-certification of any LGU in Basilan Province. Also present were Councilors Yusop Abubakar, Jeromy Casas, Bimbo Epping, Tammy Ismael, and Karel Annjaiza Sakkalahul. Meanwhile, Councilor Alan Ritchie Luis Biel represented Vice Mayor Jhul Kifli Salliman for the closing remarks which highlighted

the Sangguniang Panlungsod's role as a ready partner for such endeavor.

To date, Isabela City becomes the first and only ISO-certified LGU in the entire Zamboanga Peninsula.

(Words by SJ Asakil, M. Guerrero/Photos by M. Santos, CIO)

NEW MASTER PLUMBER LAUDED

The Municipal Government of BuadiposoBuntong, headed by Mayor Noron "Hayanisah" Guinar Dadayan, would like to Congratulate MPDC Engr. Safrullah Mangontra for passing The Master Plumber Licensure Examination on February 19-20,2023, in Cagayan de Oro City. In a joint statement, Mayor Noron, her bet-

ter half, former Mayor Jamal T. Dadayan, Vice Mayor Norhosnyah M. Landua, members of the Sangguniang Bayan, together with all LGU employees said they are incredibly proud of the new Master Plumber Engineer and extended their warmest congratulations.

ROCAYA S.O. YAHYA

TARAKA, Lanao del Sur

The Local Government Unit of Taraka headed by Mayor Atty. Amenodin U. Sumagayan in cooperation with the Taraka-Rural Health Unit chief Dr. Boalawan Delawi and the Dental Team of the Integrated Provincial Health Office-Lanao del Sur headed by Dr. Artawan Indar conducted the celebration of the National Dental Health Month 2023 with the theme “Ibigin ang bibig!” last February 15 in Taraka, Lanao del Sur.

Included in the celebration are the provision of the following dental services for free:

1. Oral Examination 6-9 yrs. old

2. Health Education

3. Oral Prophylaxis 6-9 yrs. old

4. Moral Sealant (Restoration) 6-9 yrs. old

5. Toothbrushing Drill

6. Topical Fluoridation (Sodium Fluoride Varnish Application for 12-23 months old/m2-5 yrs. Old)

7. Tooth Extraction all ages.

LGU-Taraka continues to provide services, particularly health services, to uplift the lives of all its constituents.

ROCAYASUMNDADOTICAL-YAHYA

ROCAYASUMNDADOTICAL-YAHYA

Sen. Padilla’s charade

SEN. Robinhood Padilla’s ‘unusual’ demand to ban the move ‘Plane’ from being shown in Philippine cinemas on account of the negative portrayal of Jolo in the film is more of a charade than anything else. For an actor who has been proudly portraying criminals and other evil men in many of his movies, the request was anomalous for this only escalated interest in the flick, which in turn translates into more income for the movie makers.

While the intent of banning a movie may be good, Padilla has failed to appreciate what is meant by artistic license. There is no question he loves the Muslim people of which his faith is affiliated, but he has miserably overlooked that the enterprise that has been his bread and butter is clothed by freedoms safeguarded under the 1987 Constitution.

Highlighting further his ignorance, the lawmaker said he would only recommend the movie he wants banned if certain “changes are made and they are found to be satisfactory.” In order not to further dignify his shortsightedness, he proudly said the film’s local distribution had voluntarily withdrawn the movie from Philippine showing.

Sen Padilla thought all the while he could piggyback on some idiotic caravan and be declared a hero. He even wants the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) to become a monster by proposing to imbue it with the power to control, censor and classify

Ironing the MILF kinks

Even the respected director Brillante Mendoza was direct in shooting down Padilla’s idiocy, saying: “Artists and industry people who became lawmakers should do something to protect the very industry that helped put them in that position, not use that power to control it.”

Perhaps even more telling and blunt is the statement made by the Directors Guild of the Philippines, Inc. (DGPI), which lectured the neophyte senator that “Agency and free choice must remain with the public, rather than imposed by politicians.” What a shame!

The DGPI added: “If the state can tolerate free expression of trolls, fake news and historical revisionism without worrying about their effect on the country’s prestige, then the state can do the same for a work that members of the foreign press have already regarded as mindless B-movie entertainment rather than a reliable commentary on our country’s affairs.

“We support allowing the film to screen, informing the public of any problematic claims it makes, inviting open debate, or simply ignoring the film altogether. But we stand against censorship or banning the exhibition of this film from screening.”

Moreover, the grandstanding senator has yet to act in a film that proclaims the wonders of Jolo, an enchanting territory that is immensely stunning given its pristine beaches, beautiful sunsets, turquoise waters, and wonderful biodiversity. Instead, he has popularized and glorified the lives of criminals in his films. In context, Sen. Padilla has no objections to making public enemies the theme of films especially if the assured talent fee makes for a fat pocketbook.

For sure, if the movie was offered to Sen. Padilla and the talent fee was in dollars, theres no arguing he would have accepted it hands down. And, he also has to withdraw in good fate his movies that glorify hooligans, thugs, and fugitives of the law.

Be that as it may, we have also to credit the so-called ‘Bad Boy’ of Philippine movies, an ex-convict, for his guts to take side on an issue that personally makes little sense given that it deals on an illusory plot. Someone should tell the senator the difference between fact and fiction.

As to his proposal to abolish the party-list system, he deserves our applause.

PHILIPPINE

The collective effort by four provincial governors Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) appealing to skip the 2003 village polls on account of the mounting violence committed against high-ranking officials reflects a lot about the undercurrents affecting the peace and order in the region.

The appeal, as it suggests, bears on the failure of the government to speed up the execution of the mechanisms forged by the government with the Moros that are contained in the 2014 peace deal. In contrast to the fanfare that attended the signing of the deal, the atmosphere of stability in the BARMM following a series of ambushes in recent weeks is on the precipice.

The governors, in their joint letter, apprised the President that a few months into the first decade of the peace accord, the deactivation of MILF camps and the decommissioning of weapons have been on turtle’s pace. The delay has created discontent and it slowly stirring a hornet’s nest that, if the kinks are not irone out, will provoke a new round of discontent in the region.

The signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro and the establishment of the BARMM have always been viewed as positive steps in finally toning down the signs of discontent slowly dividing the State and the Moro fighters.

The reluctance of the implementers to put on track the nitty-gritty of the deal does not bode well for a smooth reconciliation. For the Moros who have embraced optimism that the accord will directly benefit them, there is a perceptible doubt the promises sealed in the deal will ever see the light of day. In the absence of

Philippine Muslim Today, the country s first Muslim digital newspaper, is committed to a steady, highly developed, and diverse Southern Philippines

urgency, the BARMM timetable is in jeopardy.

Issuing soothing statements, promises of speedy decommissioning, and assurances of better life for the people of the BARMM are not sufficient lip services given that these pledges do not address the basic clamor of the Muslim grassroots for opportunities, especially jobs and livelihood that will inspire them to work for a more progressive BARMM landscape.

The governors are right in arguing that pushing the 2023 elections is not even close to resolving the issue of discontent but throws under the bus the urgency to first stabilize the region before the exercise of suffrage can be peacefully executed.

Parallel to the discontent, the Ata of Zambales is similarly griping for failing to be given their due in the development of Subic, which is their ancestral domain. This is the same sentiment that seems to vibrate in t the MILF circle, which is that of being relegated.

An even more compelling aspect of nailing down normalcy in the region is for the leaders of BARMM to embrace fiscal reforms that bring into mainstream budgeting the true employ (as opposed to 15-30 scheme) of MILF and MNLF members as part of the larger bureaucratic agenda of developing the BARMM into an attractive investment turf that can offer skilled manpower.

The kinks, more than anything else, must be addressed permanently and hastily. Even the governors, using the controls in their power, should exert effort in finally definitive peace to the region, which is an important facet in luring investors and businesses to the BARMM. Failure to take the matter of peace seriously can be to the detriment of all.

CREDITS

Please email communication to: muslimtoday2020@gmail.com

INSIDE LOGO: The stylized Philippine flag on the left of the masthead is a creation of April Perez of jsonn.deviantart.com, while on the right is the official logo of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) where this paper is principally circulated. Plans are afoot, though, to distribute the Philippine Muslim Today throughout Mindanao and outside.

Antonio V. Figueroa

House OKs reso calling for con-con on second reading

By Filane Mikee Cervantes and Zaldy De Layola PhilippineNewsAgency

MANILA – The proposal calling for a constitutional convention (con-con) to amend the 1987 Constitution inched closer to final approval after the House of Representatives passed the resolution on second read-

ing Tuesday.

During the plenary session, the chamber approved the Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 6 through voice voting.

Gatchalian, Baste Duterte distribute aid to Davao fire victims

DAVAO CITY – Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian and Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao Secretary Leo Tereso Magno visited Monday victims of a recent huge fire in three villages here and distributed relief assistance.

In a short message, Gatchalian said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. instructed him to personally visit the fire victims in the affected villages and coordinate with the local chief executives on how the national government could assist them

“

We will coordinate with the city government to help you start over again. We will make sure that whatever your city government needs, DSWD will always be there as your partner,” he said.

A big fire earlier hit Barangays 21-C, 22-C and 23-C over the weekend affected more than 900 families, based on the initial assessment by the city social welfare office.

Gatchalian also led the turnover of food and hygiene kits to the fire victims along with Mayor Sebastian Duterte.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)Davao, at least 1,200 houses were destroyed by the Feb. 25 fire.

Several hours after the fire was controlled, the Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte provided heavy snacks and dinner for the fire victims.

The lawmaker’s staff also distributed emergency food packs on Sunday and promised to provide hot meals to the fire victims for five days.

"The boulevard area is my second home. I am saddened for what happened and those who were affected by the fire incident," said Philippine drag queen contestant Lady Morgana Perez on her Facebook page.

Meanwhile, Junie Alivio, a college student, wrote on Facebook about how the conflagration that took his family's belongings.

Under the resolution, the Senate and the House of Representatives, with a vote of two-thirds of all its members, shall vote separately to call a constitutional convention for the purpose of proposing economic amendments to, or revision, of the 1987 Constitution.

The resolution also stipulates that the election and appointment of delegates shall be held on Oct. 30, 2023, simultaneous with the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections.

The con-con will be composed of appointed and elected delegates from all legislative districts of the country.

Cagayan de Oro City Representative Rufus Rodriguez said the con-con mode would be the "most

transparent, exhaustive, democratic and least divisive means of implementing constitutional reforms."

He said the Constitution needs to be reviewed, claiming it is the third most restrictive in the world and the most restrictive in Southeast Asia.

Citing a graph from the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development in 2020, Rodriguez noted that the Philippines is the most restrictive in terms of foreign equity capital which is enshrined in the Constitution.

"Although the restrictions on foreign ownership are designed to prioritize Filipino citizens, it is noted, however, that the country sorely lacks the requisite capital to boost our economy and develop

our natural resources. It is high time to liberalize such restrictions in order to encourage the free flow of capital in the country and pave the way to global competitiveness," Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez said the whole exercise surrounding con-con may cost at least PHP10 billion but the amount is a small price to pay” to open up the economy to more foreign direct investments (FDIs).

Senior Minority Leader and Northern Samar 1st District Rep. Paul Ruiz Daza voted against concon, saying constitutional assembly (con-ass) is more “practical, expedient and transparent.”

Daza said con-con is a “free for all” which opens up the possibility of a com-

plete Constitutional overhaul.

He said con-ass has minimal or no cost” to the government, adding that the PHP10 billion to PHP15 billion that would be spent for con-con would be better spent for scholarships and medical assistance.

“It would go a long way to help the average Filipino,” he added.

Daza also said con-ass will foster less controversy.

The process of choosing the representative delegates to this con-con may become another opportunity for divisiveness,” he said. “While I appreciate the good intentions, a potentially divisive and costly exercise at this point may do more harm than good.”

(PNA)

Comelec sets COC filing for 2023 BSKE in July

MANILA – Filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) for the Oct. 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) will begin July 3.

In Resolution No. 10899, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) set the filing period from July 3 to 7.

Campaign activities are prohibited from July 8 to Oct. 18 while the campaign period will be on Oct. 19 to 28.

It will be illegal to remove or deface lawful propaganda materials; use or post illegal campaign materials; use armored land, water or air crafts; deploy police officers as bodyguards; release public funds; and construct village-funded roads and bridges during the campaign period.

During the election period from July 3 to Nov. 14, it is

forbidden to bear or carry firearms; use security personnel; buy and sell votes; transfer civil service employees; and suspend local elective offi-

On the eve of election day, campaigning shall be banned as well as selling, buying, serving, and taking intoxicat-

Voting will start 7 a.m. and end 3 p.m. The counting and canvassing of votes as well as the proclamation of winning candidates shall take place immedi-

Candidates have until Nov. 29 to file their Statements of Contributions and Expenditures. (PNA)

“I wasn't able to secure our stuff, especially identification cards, books, and everything that is needed in school, as my priority during the incident is my siblings," he said.

Alivio is asking for anyone's generosity that could help him, his siblings, and fellow students affected by the fire incident, especially since their examination period is fast approaching. ChePalicte/PNA

NTC to look into 'syndicate' behind telco modus in Mindanao

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The National Telecommunications Commission in Northern Mindanao (NTC-10) said Monday it will conduct an investigation on the involvement of individuals or groups claiming to represent telecommunication companies (telcos) in order to infiltrate private premises.

NTC-10 Director Teodoro Buenavista Jr. said these individuals may be linked to a wider network or syndicate operating not only in the region but throughout Mindanao.

"We have a relative who experienced this lately; some individuals claiming to be from a telco but when verified, they were not associated from any firm," he said in an interview here.

Buenavista noted that telecommunications giant PLDT-Smart warned the public recently about the modus operandi.

In a statement, the telco raised concerns about rising incidents of unauthorized modem collection in General Santos City, Cotabato, and Zamboanga areas.

Cathy Yang, First Vice President and Group Head of Corporate Communications at PLDT and Smart, said customers should only transact with authorized PLDT personnel, especially inside their premises, and always check for proper identification in case of doubt.

“PLDT personnel will never collect modems from customers without replacing them first. Our campaign is part of PLDT Group’s strengthening of its asset protection efforts as part of a broader program to elevate the quality of customer experience," she said.

In a similar incident, city resident Karen Laisa shared that some individuals claiming to represent another telco were asking her parents for a copy of the land title and map of their residence for a supposed installation of a satellite tower.

"The process was easy because they said it was in a rush due to a target deadline," she said.

She also said her parents were told to pay PHP7,500 as a "notarial fee" after a contract signing.

Upon verification with NTC-10, the telco in question denied such operations existed and that no such project is taking place as of the moment. NefLuczon/PNA

Thousands rally for peace in Italy

Africa’s most populous country goes to the polls

Outgoing Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari leaves office in May

By PMT Desk

igeria has urged international watchdogs not to interfere in its electoral process as Africa’s most populous nation headed to the polls on Saturday to elect a successor to President Muhammadu Buhari, in a contest dominated by concerns about inflation and a rise in shortages of cash and fuel.

claimed, among other things, that authorities in Rome have breached national law by sending weapons to Ukraine.

The rally in Genoa drew nearly 4,000 participants from across the country as well as from Switzerland and France, local media reported.

Organized by the Collective Autonomous Port Workers (CALP) group with the support of the Italian communist party, the protest took place under the slogan “Lowerweapons, raise wages.”

CALP’s Riccardo Rudino was cited in the media as saying that the “conflict in Ukraine did not begin last year” but rather “in 2014, with the massacre of the Russian-speaking population in Donbass.

The demonstrators filed through the port of Genoa, demanding an end to the use of the facility for arms shipments destined for Ukraine.

CALP spokesperson Jose Nivoi accused the Italian government of violating law 185 of 1990, which “imposed a ban on the import, export and transit of weapons from Italy to states at war.”

The group’s representatives also described how they had been networking with like-minded “associations and activists in various European cities.”

The procession went off without serious incidents, marred only by a few acts of vandalism at the hands of anarchists, who smeared and damaged several vehicles and broke windows in a bank.

A protest was also held on Saturday in Milan. Ruptly video news agency filmed several hundred people chanting slogans and waving flags, including those of Russia and the Donetsk People’s Republic.

The demonstrations in Italy coincided with one in the German capital, Berlin. There, tens of thousands of people heeded the call of prominent Left Party politician Sahra Wagenknecht and author Alice Schwarzer.

Named the ‘Uprising for Peace,’ the protest called for peace talks to end hostilities in Ukraine. The participants also urged the German government to stop shipping weapons to Kiev.

Addressing her supporters, Wagenknecht criticized Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government for allegedly trying to “ruin Russia,” and described Saturday’s protest as the start of a new peace movement in Germany. (RT)

Death toll from earthquakes in Türkiye rises to 43,556

WASHINGTON – The death toll from the powerful Feb. 6 earthquakes in southern Türkiye has risen to 43,556, Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said Wednesday.

Soylu made the remarks during a live broadcast with the TRT Haber TV channel in Hatay, one of the 11 provinces that were hit by the quakes.

"This is one of the biggest earthquakes in the world," he said.

The minister said it required a certain period of time to respond when faced with 26,000 collapsed homes during the first hours, and the earthquakes hit an area covering 110,000 square kilometers (42,471 square miles).

"This is the size of three Netherlands," he added.

The powerful tremors were centered in Kahramanmaras and shook 10 other provinces Hatay, Gaziantep, Adiyaman, Malatya, Adana, Diyarbakir, Kilis, Osmaniye, Sanliurfa and Elazig.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Türkiye will begin constructing more than 200,000 homes as early as March in areas devastated by the earthquakes and complete the process within one year. (Anadolu)

Obi, who has made significant inroads in galvanizing the youth vote, is considered a frontrunner, as are Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and Atiku Abubakar from the primary opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Results from the polls, which will also determine lawmakers, governor and state assembly representatives, are expected on Monday.

Voting closed at the country’s 176,606 polling stations at 14:30 local time on Saturday, with the election being conducted under the scrutiny of more than 140,000 observers accredited by Nigerias Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) – whose chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, said they must respect the country’s electoral process despite previous claims of election fraud.

“I wish to remind observers that there is a code of conduct for election ob-

servation,” Yakubu said in advance of the election.

“You are by definition, observers, do not interfere with the process or show partisanship. In addition, international observers must be guided by the fact that the election is conducted by and in the federal republic of Nigeria, whose sovereignty must be respected.”

Outgoing president Buhari echoed this request, saying that observers must stay within “the limits of your profession.”

Inflation has surged to

its highest point in almost two decades under Buhari’s rule, while a shortage of available cash remains a factor and has led to a currency crisis following a failed strategy designed to swap out old banknotes for new ones – which has led to violence at banks and at cash machines across the country.

The new president will also be tasked with tackling high poverty, energy shortages as well as the issue of rising Islamist insurgency in Nigerias northeast. Oil theft and increasing crime

statistics are also key concerns in the country, which is Africa’s biggest economy.

Ongoing fuel shortages, occurring in the top oil producer in Africa, have also led to worries that it may not be possible to deploy election monitors to key areas suspected of potential fraud.

More than 93 million people are registered to vote in Nigeria, around 75% of them aged between 18 and 49. In 2019, it was estimated that voter turnout was just 35%. (RT)

NATO vows to support Ukraine 'as long as necessary'

ISTANBUL – NATO on Friday reaffirmed its solidarity with Ukraine in the "heroic defense" of its nation as the alliance "solemnly" marks one year of Moscow’s "brutal" war on Kyiv.

"We pay tribute to the lives lost, and we deplore the tragic human suffering and destruction, including of Ukraines residential areas and civilian and energy infrastructure, caused by Russia’s illegal war," the alliance said in a statement.

Pledging to step up its “political and practical support” to Ukraine, it said that NATO's support will be maintained "as long as necessary to help Ukraine prevail" by coordinating closely with relevant stakeholders, including international organizations, in particular the EU, as well as like -minded countries.

"While we have called on Russia to engage constructively in credible negotiations with Ukraine, Russia has not shown any genuine openness to a just and lasting peace. We remain determined to maintain coordinated international pressure on Russia," it said, underscoring that Russia bears "full responsibility" for the war.

The alliance also condemned "all those, including Belarus, who are actively facilitating Russia’s war."

Stating that there can be “no impunity” for Russian “war crimes” and other atrocities, it said all those responsible must be held accountable.

"Russia must immediately stop this war and withdraw

all of its military forces from Ukraine," it urged.

“Russia’s war also threatens global security. Russia’s energy blackmail, its impact on global food supplies, its malign hybrid activities, its worldwide disinformation campaign, and its irresponsible nuclear rhetoric demonstrate clearly Russia’s disregard for international norms and the welfare of billions of people around the world,” the statement said.

"Russia’s efforts to break the resolve of the brave people of Ukraine are failing. One year on, Ukrainians are fighting valiantly for freedom and independence. We stand with them," it added.

The NATO invitees – Finland and Sweden – also associate themselves with the statement. (Anadolu)

People cast their votes at a polling station during the general election in Lagos, Nigeria on February 25, 2023 © Getty Images / Emmanuel Osodi/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Land Registration Commission

REGISTRY OF DEEDS FOR THE PROVINCE OF LANAO DEL NORTE

Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-5,920

IT IS HEREBY CERTIFIED that certain land situated in the Bo. of Bacolod, Mplty. Of Kolambugan, Province of Lanao del Norte (New Bacolod, Lanao del Norte), more particularly bounded and described as follows:

Lot 5, (LRC) Psd-220270

A parcel of land (Lot 5 of the subdivision plan, (LRC) Psd220270, being a portion of the land described on plan H103701, LRC Record No. H. Pat.), situated in the Barrio of Esperanza, Municipality of Bacolod, Province of Lanao del Norte, Island of Mindanao. Bounded on the NE., points 4 to 5 by property of Eusebeio Bernales; on the SE., points 5 to 1 by Lot 6 of the subdivision plan; on the SW., points 1 to 3 by property of Nemesio Gulang; and on the NW., points 3 to 4 by Lot 4 of the subdivision plan. Beginning at a point marked “1” on plan being. S. 57 deg. 26’W., 2860.12m. From BLBM 1, Bo. of Binuni, Mp. of Bacolod, thence N. 30 deg. 24’W., 17.15m. To point 2; thence N. 33 deg. 57’W., 37.85m. To point 3; thence N. 59 deg. 30’E., 167.45m. To point 4; thence S. 23 deg. 48’E., 62.31m. To point 5; thence S. 62 deg. 01’W., 158.09m. To the point of beginning; containing an area of NINE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED NINETY ONE (9,491) SQUARE METERS, more or less. All points referred to are indicated on the plan and are marked on the ground as follows: point 2 by Old B.L. and the rest by P.S. cyl. cenc. mons. 15 x 60 cm.; bearings true; date of the original survey, N.A. and that of the subdivision survey executed by Warlino M. Releva, Geodetic Engr. on April 17, 1975.

Is registered in accordance with the provisions of section 122 of the Land Registration Act in the name of* PAULO BURLAT, Filipino, of legal age, married to Fe Acapulco, and a resident of Bacolod, Lanao del Norte, Philippines,

Subject to the provisions of the said Land Registration Act and the Public Land Act, as well as to those of the Mining Laws, if the land is mineral, and subject, further, to such conditions contained in the original title as may be subsisting, and to

IT IS FURTHER CERTIFIED that said land was originally registered on the 6th day of June, in the year nineteen hundred and fifty-five in Registration Book No. IV, page 89, of the Office of the Register of Deeds of Lanao, as Original Certificate of Title No. P-1,393, pursuant to a Homestead patent granted by the President of the Philippines, on the 4th day of March, in the year nineteen hundred and fifty-five, under Act No. 141 (Commonwealth).

This certificate is a transfer from TRANSFER Certificate of Title No. T-1,107, which is cancelled by virtue hereof in so far as the above described land is concerned.

Entered at Iligan City, Philippines, on the 3rd day of June, in the year nineteen hundred and seventy-five, at 2:30 p.m.

SGN

MANUEL CH. ARGAYOSO Register of Deeds

Error in the publication of ads and legal notices should be reported to the Editors within three weeks after its publication

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE STATE OF SPOUSES BENEDICTO L. SARUCAM and AGUEDA CANOY -SARUCAM

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

This EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE is made, executed and entered into by and among the heirs of AGUEDA AND BENEDICTO L. SARUCAM. The heirs are namely:

FELIX C. SARUCAM (+), who died on March 4, 2022, represented by MITZ ANGELICA Y. SARUCAM, of legal age, Filipino, single and a resident of Linamon, Lanao del Norte, equipped with a special power of attorney, executed her siblings/her co-Heirs of Felix C. Sarucam, attached herein as an integral part of this Deed; MELITA SARUCAM-REPAYO, of legal age, Filipino, married and a resident of Linamon, Lanao del Norte;

WITNESSETH THAT:

1. They are the sole heirs of the late spouses BENEDICTO AND AGUEDA SARUCAM decedents of Linamon, Lanao del Norte;

2. Their father died on September 3, 1997 while their mother died on November 7, 1988;

3. The said decedents died without leaving any will, and their only surviving heirs are their aforementioned legitimate children;

4. The deceased left no debts;

5. During their lifetime, they acquired real property, described hereunder, to wit:

Original Certificate of Title: P-6000 Lot 348, a portion of lot 165, Pls-142, containing an area of TWENTY NINE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED SIXTY FOUR (29, 564) SQM more or less. Bounded on the E., along line 1-2, by lot 175,Pls 142; along line 2-3 by Lot 166, Pls 142; and along line 3-4 by Road. On the S., along line 4-5 by Road; on the W., along line 5-6 by Lot 294, HV_24926 a portion of Lot 165, Pls PLs-142; on the N., along line 6-1 by Lot 176, Pls 142, regis tered in the name of BENEDICTO SARUCAM, Filipino, of legal age and married to Agueda Canoy Sarucam and residing in Linamon, Lanao del Norte.

6. The aforementioned real property is the subject matter of this extrajudicial settlement;

7. 7. It is to the interest of the parties hereto to divide, partition and adjudicate among themselves the entire estate extra-judicially;

NOW THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the foregoing premises, and invoking the provisions of Rule 74, Sec 1 of the Rules of the Court, the parties-heirs hereto do hereby adjudicate unto themselves the above described properties, adjudicating as they hereby adjudicate, the same to and unto themselves as follows:

A. In Pro-INDIVISO EQUAL SHARES on Lot 348-A Psd-10-12028073, containing 9,564 SQM more or less;

B. Lot 348-B, Psd-10-12-028073, containing 10,000 SQM more or less, shall belong to MELITA SARUCAM REPAYO;

Bacolod, Lanao del Norte (Owner’s postal address)

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) CITY/MUNICIPALITY OF ______ )

AFFIDAVIT OF SELF-ADJUDICATION

I, Khalid M. Candang, of legal age, Filipino, with postal and residence address at Nangka, Baloi, Lanao del Norte, respectfully state that:

1. I am the only surviving legal heir of the late Casnangan M. Candang who died intestate on _____________ at Nangka, Baloi, Lanao Norte without leaving any indebtedness.

2. The late Casnangan M. Candang left the following properties:

A. Deposit account/s with the LAND BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES under account number 1266318207;

B. (indicate other properties, if any):

Pursuant to Rule 74, Section 1 of the Rules of Court, I hereby adjudicate unto myself the above-described deposit account/s and properties without judicial proceedings as prescribed by the aforementioned Rules of Court.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto affixed my signature this Potri C. Namra at Siete Nobaisa C. Langi.

SGN Khalid M. Candang Affiant

Signed in the presence of:

SGN SGN

Potri C. Namra Siete Nobaisa C. Langi

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO before me this January 31, 2023 at _____________ affiant having exhibited to me his/her per-

WE ACCEPT ANY KIND OF PRINTING JOBS.

C. Lot 348-C, Psd-10-12-028073, containing 10,000 SQM more or less, shall belong to the Heirs of Felix C. Sarucam;

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have hereunto set their hands, this 5th day of July 2022, in Iligan City, Philippines.

MELITA SARUCAM-REPAYO HEIRS OF FELIX C. SARUCAM Heir Represented by:

MITZ ANGELIKA Y. SARUCAM Heir

Signed in the Presence of Witnesses:

LIBERTY ANGOT

NAME AND SIGNATURE

NAME AND SIGNATURE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Iligan City ) S.S.

BEFORE ME, a Notary Public for Iligan City and Lanao del Norte, personally appeared the parties to this instrument, presenting to me their respective evidence of identity:

MELITA SARUCAM-REPAYO ID No. ______________

MITZ ANGELIKA Y. SARUCAM ID No.______________

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

This instrument, consisting of two (2) pages, including the page on which this acknowledgement is written, refers to an Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate, and has been signed by the concerned parties and their witnesses, and sealed with notary seal.

WITNESS MY HAND AND SEAL, this 05 JUL 2022, in Iligan City, Philippines.

ATTY. NECITAS CADAVEZ VICENTE COMMISSION SERIAL NO. 21-284

NOTARY PUBLIC

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Philippine Muslim Today,

The First Muslim Digital Newspaper in the Philippines, is in need of:

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• With knowledge on InDesign or Photoshop

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• Iligan City-based.

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Apply in person at Philippine Muslim Today office located at: Consunji St., Poblacion, Iligan City (adjacent of Emcor Motors)

New Sultan of Masiu

Datu Monadato Mangadang will be enthroned as Sultan of Masiu, on Saturday, March 11, 2023.

Masiu is one of the Four Divisions of Lanao (Pat a Pungampong sa Ranaw).

The Sultanate of Masiu is one of the 15 Royal Houses of Lanao (Panoroganan sa Ranaw) on Saturday, March 11, 2023.

The New Sultan is the present Transportation District Officer (LTO).

Once designer, always artist

“Designer. Artist. What’s the difference?” asked my inquisitive ward upon seeing an embossed script on my business card. In our mundane life, we oftentimes talk about design and art when we deal with beautiful things around us, and without much consternation, use the word interchangeably to refer to the same thing. In the days of yore, a statesman used to be a builder, a planner, a craftsman, and a designer on one hand, and a poet, a composer, a sculptor, and a painter, on the other. Earlier, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Da Vinci designed monumental cathedrals and painted vintage ceiling frescoes and murals unsurpassed in grandeur ages hence. In a related context within centuries past, Julius Caesar, after his veni-vide-vici spell, designed aqueducts and amphitheaters before mastering the arts of government. Those were masters in their own right, with skills, talents and experiences tempered by practice.

In this day of specializations owing to the advent of formal education (certified attainment) and civil service eligibility (professionalisms), anyone who attempts to be a know-it-all, jack of all trades ends up as a master of none. The academe that made extinct the pedagogues of olden days has laid a systematic approach to the myriad networks of disciplines and has set up the dividing lines. New courses, professions or specialties pop up in almost every academic cycle.

At Fine Arts school, students are taught aesthetic

By Edres D. Tamano |VisualArtist/Architect

rules of design and composition before they are graduated with diplomas or degrees in arts, architecture, and designs. When they start exhibiting their arts in a group or one-man show, these students are then featured by tabloids as artists”, with all the inherent euphemisms. We see artists on an empirical note as Homo Sapiens who are emotional, rather passionate, who tends to be subjective in life, relishing the beauty of what they have created, and unmindful of how others interpret the message they impart. To each his own seems to be their unwritten rule in contravention with conventions. Their

works are attached to their signatures, even as they wear different –isms, i.e. Dali the Surrealist, Cezanne the Cubist, Manet the Impressionist, and Kandinsky the Expressionist.

Designers, the alter-ego of the artists, border on the practical side of sciences and the ephemeral esthetic nuances. They follow the rules, and often make their own stringent rules for others to follow. When they gain accolades, they are hailed as artists. Some, like Pierre Cardin, Giorgio Armani and Nina Ricci were proud designers, just like architects, landscape architects, environmentalists, and interior planners. Yet movie stars referred to themselves as artists. In the domain of Humanities, sculpture, painting, architecture, music, literature, and all other offspring of the Muses are regarded as belonging to the Fine Arts. No matter how much we set them apart in compartments, all belong to one box, one tenet. Art (ar or arte in Latin) is harmony and harmony begets beauty. In a Far Eastern lingo, ai means harmony and harmony is ar. Design is the form, the shape, the layout. Borrowing culinary terms, Design is the ingredients whereas art is the taste, smell or flavor. And vice versa. We can differentiate the two entities as long as we know how to assemble them as a whole.

(This article, edited by Nessreen Tamano, was published in May 16, 2010 in DESIGN: the Designers Network, Saudi’s first design magazine. –Ed)