Philippine Muslim Today by Philippine Muslim Today

Our Opening Statement:

YEARNING FOR A HALAL WAY OF LIFE

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Why Philippine Muslim Today? Bearer of Glad Tidings Vol. I, No. 01 | June 19-24, 2020 (Shawwal 27-Dhuʻl-Qiʻdah 4, 1441) | 16 Pages | Metro Manila

O Prophet! Truly We have sent you as a Witness, a Bearer of Glad Tidings, and Warner, And as the one who invites to God by His leave, and as a lamp spreading Page A4 light.” (Ahzab, 33:45- 46).

Returnees to Bangsamoro region surge Covid By MASIDING NOOR YAHYA Acting Editor-In-Chief

SPECIAL REPORT

B’moro Parliament member Alih aids Tawi Tawi Covid-19 victims By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL, Acting Managing Editor

ONGAO, Tawi-Tawi: Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Member of the Parliament (MP) Eddie Alih held a successful relief operation in this province recently, as part of his commitment to serve the constituents in the midst of the Covid-19 global pandemic. ALIH | B4

Bangsamoro region interim chief minister Al Haj Murad Ebrahim. (Bangsamoro.gov.ph)

ANILA: Coronavirus cases are rising in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) because of people coming back from abroad, other parts of Philippines, the region's leader said on Thursday. SOCIAL WELFARE: Dr. Mary Joyce Z. Guinto-Sali, chancellor of the Mindanao State University–Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography (MSU-TCTO) speaks before the frontliners and some stranded students of the university about the rice donation of the Bangsamoro government through the former Chancellor of MSU-TCTO and now Member of Parliament Eddie M. Alih. (Photo courtesy of the Office of MP Eddie M. Alih)

Probers in radioman killing bare serious threats By JULIET SOLIS

MALACANANG PALACE, Manila: The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) has expressed alarm over reports that investigators tasked to resolve the recent killing of Dumaguete City-based radio anchor Cornelio “Rex” Pepino are being subjected to serious threats and intimidation by some unscrupulous individuals in Negros Oriental. According to PTFoMS Executive Director, Undersecretary Joel Sy Egco, his office has been receiving regular updates from both the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) regarding the ongoing investigation, including reports of obstruction by some local officials and the recent harassment on agents of the bureau. PROBERS | B4

“The reason behind the sudden increase in [COVID -19] cases is the return of overseas workers, students, and other people from Metro Manila,” Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, the region’s

interim chief minister, told reporters. Ebrahim said the national government has asked people from other parts of the country living in Manila to return to their hometowns.

72 confirmed positive cases The Bangsamoro InterAgency Task Force (BIATF) has recorded a total of 72 confirmed Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases. RETURNEES | A8

Speaker Balindong donates 50,000 surgical masks to PNP frontliners By GILMHAR LAO COTABATO CITY: Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament Speaker Atty. Ali Pangalian M. Balindong donated on Monday, June 15 a handsome 50,000 surgical masks to the frontliners of Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office. In a simple turnover ceremony held at Camp Bagong Amai Pakpak in Marawi City, Provincial Director PCol. Madzgani M. Mukaram warmly received the surgical masks from Ministry of AgriculBALINDONG | A8 BARMM Speaker Pangalian Balindong. (Supplied)

News

Vol. I, No. 01 | June 19-24, 2020 (Shawwal 27-Dhuʻl-Qiʻdah 4, 1441)

PRRD confident Duque can defend Covid-19 cases now 28.4K, recoveries at 7.3K himself in Ombudsman probe M ANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte is confident that Health Secretary Francisco Duque III can defend himself in the impending Ombudsman investigation on alleged irregularities in the Department of Health’s (DOH) response to coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), Malacañang said Thursday. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Duque continues to have Duterte’s full trust and confidence. “Kampante naman po ang Presidente na masasagot po ni Sec. Duque lahat po iyang mga alegasyon sa Ombudsman (the President is confident that Sec. Duque will be able to answer to the allegations before the Ombudsman),” he said in a virtual presser. Roque also assured that despite the remarks made by former special adviser to the National Task Force (NTF) against Covid-19 Dr. Anthony “Tony” Leachon against Duque, the latter will still be entitled to presumption of innocence. Leachon earlier criticized the DOH’s delayed reporting of Covid-19 data, urging the agency to release real-time, granular data on infections to allow officials to quickly respond to possible infections Asked if Duterte would ask Duque to resign, Roque said Duque will remain in his post until proven guilty.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III. (File) “Malinaw po ang polisiya ng Presidente ‘no. Habang hindi po pina-fire, may kumpiyansa po ang ating Presidente (The policy of the President is clear. Until one is fired, he still has his trust). As far as the President is concerned, he remains. He remains because he has faith and confidence still with Secretary Duque,” he said. On Wednesday, Roque said the Palace respects the decision of the Ombudsman to investigate Duque and other officials and employees of the Department of Health (DOH) over alleged irregularities in the agency’s response to Covid19. Roque said the Palace will not interfere with the Ombudsman’s duty since it is an independent constitutional body and will “let the process run its course.” He also urged Duque and the entire DOH bureaucracy to cooperate with the investigation and respect the orders of the Ombudsman. Ombudsman Samuel Martires ordered an

MANILA: The number of patients who have recovered from the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) has risen by 288, the Department of Health (DOH) reported on Friday. In its daily Covid-19 bulletin, the department also reported 661 new cases, bringing the total to 28,459. The figure includes 460 fresh cases or patients who were found positive with Covid-19 and received their test results within the past three days. Of these fresh cases, 277 were in the National Capital

Region (NCR), 21 in Central Visayas, and 162 in other areas. Meanwhile, 201 late cases were reported – 40 from NCR, 103 in Central Visayas, and 58 in other areas. Of the total number of cases, a little more than a quarter have recovered from the disease or a total of 7,378 recoveries. Meanwhile, 14 new deaths were reported, bringing the country’s Covid-19 deaths to 1,130 or a little less than 4 percent of the total number of cases. PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

investigation team to probe the purchase of 100,000 test kits by the DOH. The team will also investigate the delayed procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) sets and other medical gears as well as lapses and irregularities that led to the death of healthcare workers, the rising number of deaths, and infected healthcare workers. The probe will also include the supposed inaction in the release and processing of benefits and financial assistance for medical front-liners who fell severely ill or died, and the confusing and delayed reporting of Covid-19 cases. The team was instructed to file necessary criminal and/or administrative cases against any official or employee who refuses to cooperate with the ongoing probe. (PNA)

Message Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh!

َّ ِ ‫َحم َُة‬ ْ ‫م َور‬ ْ ‫عل َ ْي ُك‬ َ ‫السال َ ُم‬ ‫هللا َوبَرَكَاتُ ُه‬

wish to convey my warm congratulations to all those who took the commendable step in bringing together some of the finest Filipino-Muslim journalists and news editors from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the Philippines at large in advancing this noble initiative. The timing could not be more impeccable given the circumstances of the times and the need to provide a broader reach for our Muslim brothers and sisters who truly wish to have their voices heard in the continuing national dialectics, on the one hand, and to be able to express further their desire as productive contributors in nation-building on the other hand. The "Philippine Muslim Today" as a pioneering media-outfit that serves the aforementioned is a welcome democratizing agent and serves as one of the surest ways to reach these goals. Global trends have clearly shown that news-media, as an institution in its own right, is an indispensable partner for societal progress and the "fourth pillar" in our democratic system of checks and balances. Reportage today that address the most pressing issues for Filipino Muslims, truthfully and objectively, such as public concerns on social welfare, equal opportunities, and even "racial or ethnic justice" need to be brought to the fore of national consciousness in order to elicit effective public engagement and help the leaders and decision-makers weigh in more judiciously and responsibly as they dispense their roles. I am confident that "Philippine Muslim Today" is up to the task of professional journalism and more, and that it can meet head on with these challenges with

utmost competence. Best wishes!!! During the 2019 IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) World Congress. Datu Yusoph Boyog Mama was the Philippines' Head/ First Delegate and Vote to the 2019 IAAF world congress held in Doha, Qatar.

DATU YUSOPH BOYOG MAMA Masirikampo sa Marawi or "Traditional Royal Ruler of Marawi" Past President, National Council of Career Executive Service Organizations (NCCESO); Former Philippine Commercial Attaché and Economic Adviser to the IAEA-United Nations)

News

Vol. I, No. 01 | June 19-24, 2020 (Shawwal 27-Dhuʻl-Qiʻdah 4, 1441)

283 elected local execs probed over SAP mess MANILA: Almost 300 elected local officials are now under probe for alleged anomalies in the distribution of the first tranche of the social amelioration program (SAP), the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said on Friday. Brig. Gen. Rhoderick Armamento, CIDG Deputy Director for Administration, said as of Thursday, a total of 283 elected officials, ranging from the mayor down to Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairman, while 445 other individuals including barangay secretaries, treasurers, purok leaders, liaison officers are under investigation. Among those being investigated is a municipal mayor in Eastern Visayas who allegedly did not transmit cash aid worth over PHP300,000 to a barangay captain, who is the complainant. "Ongoing pa ang investigation. Nagkoconduct pa kami ng kaukulang ebidensya, of course, 'yung mga witnesses na pwede nating magamit against sa reklamo laban sa kanya [The investigation is ongoing and we are gathering pieces of evidence and witnesses that we could use against him]," Armamento told reporters in a phone interview. Meanwhile, the CIDG has so far filed 157

cases before the various city and municipal prosecutors against government officials. Armamento said cases filed are in violation of the Republic Act (RA) 3019 of the AntiGraft and Corrupt Practices Act, RA 6713 Code of Conduct and Ethical, and the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, among others. Cases of robbery extortions and grave threats have been filed against some of the officials, he added. Based on the investigation, Region 12 (Soccsksargen) has the most cases of SAP anomalies, followed by Central Visayas. However, at least 37 government officials were cleared of the allegations against them, the CIDG said. PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

Commercial flights to selected cities, provinces resumed PASAY CITY: The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has announced the resumption of commercial flights to the different cities and provinces with corresponding clearances from the local government units (LGUs) as of 18 June 2020. As of 18 June, there are 26 airports in the country whose Local Government Units (LGUs) have allowed the commercial operations of flights. These airports are: Romblon Airport, Naga Airport, Manila International Airport, Clark International Airport, Cauayan Airport, Palanan Airport, Laguindingan Airport, Dipolog Airport, Pagadian Airport, Jolo Airport, Borongan Airport, Antique Airport, Masbate Airport, Mactan -Cebu International Airport, Cotabato Airport, Zamboanga Airport, Davao International Airport, General Santos Airport, Puerto Princesa International Airport, Tacloban Air-

port, Legazpi Airport, Ormoc airport, Catbalogan Airport, San Jose Airport, Catarman Airport, and Ozamis Airport. Meanwhile, the following six airports are set to start accepting commercial flights on later dates: Basco Airport (July 1), Virac Airport (July 1), Surigao Airport (August 2020), Siargao Airport (September 1), San Vicente Airport 9July 1), and Busuanga Airport (July 1.) Some airports, while allowing commercial flights, are subject to different documentary and passenger LGU restrictions. For particular, passengers may contact the nearest office of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines to confirm which airports where operations are allowed and those that will open at later date; and those that are not allowed. Metro Manila News Bureau Philippine Muslim Today

Republic of the Philippines BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO

BANGSAMORO TRANSITION AUTHORITY BARMM Compound, Cotabato City

Message ssalamu Alaykum Warahmatullahi Ta’Allah Wabarakatuhu. I would like to extend my sincere Congratulations to the Philippine Muslim Today on the digital copy of its maiden issue today, June 19, 2020. As the first-ever Muslim national newspaper to be published in the country in this digital age, this is indeed a great milestone not only to the Bangsamoro homeland but also to the rest of the Filipino Muslims worldwide. Since it is being manned by numerous competent veteran Muslim journalists and independent thinkers bound by common aspirations to establish a strong media outfit of Muslims in the Philippines, I strongly believe that it will create more impact to the various endeavors of the infant Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim. Thank you for this effort and we hope for more partnerships in the future. Wassalam!

ATTY. PANGALIAN M. BALINDONG Speaker of Parliament

Opinion

Vol. I, No. 01 | June 19-24, 2020 (Shawwal 27-Dhuʻl-Qiʻdah 4, 1441)

Ijtihad MEHOL K. SADAIN

Our Opening Statement: Yearning for a Halal Way of Life

uslims yearn for a society they call Islamic. Nowadays, however, there is constant, continuing debate among the faithful exactly how Islamic the term “Islamic” is, and how to put such into practice. But all Muslims agree that “Islamic” means a “Halal Way of Life.” So to lessen the decibels of discourse, let us start with our unanimous aspiration for a halal way of life. When we talk of our way of life, the concept and practice of halal expand beyond food products, although food is the most conspicuous manifestation of “halal” in a society. A society that is halal concerns itself with all activities of a Muslim, from eating his meals to wearing his clothes to taking his medicines; from rearing his family to enjoying his recreation; from choosing where to dine, or where to order his food; to selecting what shows to watch; from touring to travelling to other places; from saving his money, to investing and borrowing funds, and many others. In short, the halal way of life covers the entire gamut of a Muslim’s life. It is expansive, as it is also simple. Halal is the mark of the Muslim society or a Muslim in society. It assists him in enjoining and living out what is right, and forbidding and avoiding what is wrong, all in accordance with the commands of Allah in the Noble Qur’an and the example of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in his Sunnah. And the social modicum of all these is the value of moderation, with the Muslim community as the Ummatan Wasatan, or the Community of the Middle Means. Government has tasked itself with the accreditation of Halal Certifiers; but the halal certification system is private in nature. Accreditation of halal certifiers, therefore, is a function emanating from the State’s regulatory power over matters that have public consequences; while halal product certification partakes of a religious concern that the Philippine Constitution prohibits government from being financially involved. This less-thanideal situation is the current system of relationship between government and the private sector on the Halal industry in the Philippines, and to a wider extent, in the Philippine Muslim’s quest for a halal way of life. How ideal this system is, and how successful it can be in advancing the goals of the halal industry in the Philippines will be the subject of future columns. For the time being, we posit that our halal industry and program should strike a healthy balance between the requirements of religion and the demands of commercialism; between the Muslims’ ardent desire to live a halal way of life, and derive profit from competitive halal exports in the international market. What then are the areas that we should work on? Subject to elaboration in the next columns, these are the: Establishment of Halal support systems like slaughterhouses, laboratories and learning centers on halal, and procedures like halal audit and monitoring; IJTIHAD | B4

From the Publisher

Why Philippine Muslim Today?

he birth of ‘Philippine Muslim Today’ does not come overnight. It is rather a product of analytical minds by veteran Muslim journalists who, for decades, have been in the profession working for national mainstream outfits. Alhamdulillah, Muslim independent thinkers have supported the endeavor. Many of them have responded encouragingly to sit in the interim Board of Editors to start the initial operations. While many Muslim journalists are no doubt prolific, Manila based press and media platforms mostly non-Muslim’s do not accord the Muslim Filipino community with fair, if not equal accommodation in their mainstream pages and spots. The old time satire that ‘Only a Masiding Noor Yahya dead Moro is a good Moro’ still persists and promotes circumstances that would continue to divide our people. Are we not all Filipinos with equal rights and privileges as citizens of this country? Sometimes, we cannot help but almost prone to believe that ‘It takes a Moro to understand a Moro,’ or rather a Muslim to understand a Muslim. Hence, ‘Philippine Muslim Today’ is founded to establish a national strong media entity encompassing the traditional print (hard copy) as well as the digital and online media platforms wherein independent veteran Muslim journalists and independent Muslim professionals and thinkers are united to have a fair share in the national media mainstream for the welfare of the Muslim populace in particular and the Filipino citizenry in general. ‘Philippine Muslim Today’ will be the first Muslim national newspaper to be published in the country in this digital age with hard copies to be circulated nationwide, in shaa Allah. It is aimed to have fair share in the mainstream media and serve as a vehicle for unity, understanding, peace and progress, This may sound easier said than done but there is no harm in trying. With consistent hard work and constantly imploring Divine Providence, there is nothing difficult that our Creator cannot ease and no noble undertaking unrealized. INTERIM BOARD OF EDITORS The members of the Board of Editors do not need further introduction. Suffice it to say they are renowned and recognized leaders in their respective fields -- diplomats, legal luminaries, physicians, historians, religious doyens, academicians, journalists. We almost have it all. Even though they are competent, they are ad interim in nature to function until such time that regular editors and work staff are officially designated by the incoming Board of Directors, the policy-making body of the organization, who, together with other officers of PM Today, shall be officially organized and elected by the entire membership at the right time soon. It is therefore fervently hoped that those who have signified intention to join the PM Today as seen in our group and chat pages shall be responsible enough to actively participate in its affairs by becoming truly involved in this endeavor.

INTERIM BOARD OF EDITORS:

TEMPORARY BUSINESS OFFICES: Lot1, Blk1, Vizcarra Compound, Molino 3, Bacoor City 4102 Cavite Province Phone: 09152184388| 09778430218 Email: muslimtoday2020@gmail.com Http://www.philmuslimtoday.wordpress.com

Dean Masiding Noor Yahya Interim Chairman/Publisher Ambassador Macabangkit Lanto Commissioner Nasser Marohomsalic Julmunir I. Jannaral, J.D. Benj Bangahan, M.D. Abdul Hannan Tago, PhD. Javier Ismael Ali G. Macabalang Nash B. Maulana Allan Afdal Nawal Samson Gogo

PUBLISHER | A5

INTERIM EDITORIAL STAFF MASIDING NOOR YAHYA Acting Publisher and Editor-In-Chief JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL Acting Managing Editor & Metro Manila Bureau Chief ROCAYA SUMNDAD OTICAL Acting Lanao Region Bureau Chief MARK EDRIEL “TWISTER” ORTIL Cartoonist

FATIMA ORTIL-JANNARAL Acting Advertising Sales Director SAID AHMAD BASHIR Religious Affairs Adviser DR. FILEMON G. ROMERO In Charge of Environment and Conservation DR. JOHNNY R. LEE In Charge of Tourism & Photography

Opinion

Vol. I, No. 01 | June 19-24, 2020 (Shawwal 27-Dhuʻl-Qiʻdah 4, 1441)

Batanes to Tawi-Tawi

The Fourth Estate in the Philippines: An analysis The Fourth Estate The Philippines is committed to the true aspirations of its people, to progress and it’s propensity for the local press to be considered as one of the “freest press in the world.” Prof. Jaime B. Ramirez, a former mass communication faculty member of the University of the Philippines once said that the Philippine press has endured because there are no forces that would curb its freedom in writing News Stories, Editorials, and Columns by the Filipino journalists. Over the years, the press has perpetuated a tradition of service, sacrifice that has made it one of the strongest pillars of our national life. The development of the

Philippine “Fourth Estate” in its news, editorials, cartoons and features provides an interesting footnote to our historical revolution and of the post-liberation period. The Filipino journalists today are trying their best to reestablish their historical links with the Propaganda Movement, with the Diariong Tagalog and the La Solidaridad of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, Marcelo H. del Pilar and Graciano Lopez Jaena. Formidable Task of a Journalist The formidable task of a journalist is to serve the growing clients with integrity and fairness. The journalist should maintain his highest integrity and always subscribe to the Code of Ethics of Journalists

My twocents Rx BENJ S. BANGAHAN, M.D., FPCP, FPCCP

irst off, perhaps more than any other issue, what merits immediate icebreaking praises and heartfelt congratulations here is the group’s resolved conviction to make these gathered senses of wit , propriety, necessity, and most especially, the sense of being forthright, see print in a national circulation despite some road bumps that can translate into a stymieing factor. So, may Allah AWJ shower us with some of His wisdom, more than enough to defy what may be posturing to block us ahead; there is no way to reach the end if our senses are not so firm as the ground that strengthens them. It is time that we all felt

good about this, and may we be able to make a difference. Settling on the mundane reality now, and training the focus on an immediate ambiance engendered by a disease that has silently stalked the country, and practically the whole world, we have to talk a bit about the nastiness of the etiologic viral organism, the Covid 19, whose silence and ability to infect has resulted in a hard-tocount number of morbidity and a confusing number of sufferers confined to wards and ICUs, but nonetheless now pegged at hundreds of thousands, and will perhaps run to millions, God forbids.

and not to plagiarize the published news reports or perform the copy and paste at the computer by passing it on as his own intellectual property. The journalist like anybody else is a man with a vision and foresight who creates the worthiness of a fighting newspaper and in upholding the finest traditions of the Philippine press. Today the trust of our press is developmentoriented reporting and information dissemination. The development Media would now have to be harnessed in molding national unity, ideals and goals for the Filipino people. The Press Freedom Press freedom is the cardinal right in a truly demo-

JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL cratic society. The members of the progressive Fourth Estate are committed to the people’s aspirations and desires for unhampered freedom and national liberation. The pens in the hands of the press people should be a mighty weapon against the excesses of Journalism- both internal and external. Hence, there is a saying and I quote, “The pen is mightier than the sword.” Unquote, such mission must be within the context of Journalism’s rules of decency, fairness, accuracy, and objectivity. May I quote also one au-

thor who said, “there can be no such thing as a press freedom and no such thing as the integrity of the news if the men and women who write the news live in fear of the Security of their jobs.” The enemies of Press Freedom are always on the lookout for slightest opening, a temporary weakness to silence those who dare speak the truth. Hence, Security for our Media Workers is a 24/7 concern of the men and women behind the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) based in Malacanang Palace, Manila. JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

Covid 19 and its havoc Ironically, the obscurity of Covid 19 has spawned a deafening noise around the globe, brought about by the fact that no-one really knows, as yet, how to punctuate its ferocity, which can mean that human life may be put in limbo. But, I suppose the most sensible thing to do is rely on the more technically adept among the trained individuals, the medical experts in the science of medicine. In spite of some occasional disagreements among the body of researchers, all of them as medical doctors have the sworn duty always to give the benefit of the doubt to the suffering victims, and somehow are able to drain down some advice, easily recognized to give benefit to the common citizens. Precisely the reason why we are told to follow the basic moves that can minimize the pandemic spread of

From the Publisher… from page 4 Muslim thinkers, businessmen, government executives and all Muslims whether from within or without the country and who are concerned for the general welfare of the Muslim populace are invited to join in the bandwagon and support this noble, religious cause. We believe we cannot do this alone. We need you. We beg for your support. As the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (saw), was quoted as saying, “The pen of a scholar is mightier than the sword of a martyr,” we believe our struggle for establishing this media outfit is a peaceful Jihad, among the best ways, if not the best, of ‘Jihad’ in the Islamic viewpoint. The members of the Board of Editors do not need further introduction. Suf-

the virus, requiring us to stay clean by washing at least our hands at the right moment, to wear face mask, and to observe physical distancing even with the members of our family. These precautions are expected to disrupt traditional Muslim practices that we value dearly important, like the jama’a prayers inside the mosques and/or being required to observe a meter gap between the devotees, which run counter with the spirit of brotherhood among the believers. Such important Muslim values being suddenly disallowed have made some Muslim brothers and sisters inimically utter words which other people would misperceive as unpleasant. It is in this regard that we in the Muslim society in general must learn how to adapt ourselves to the advices of the technically trained when the problem in-

volves diseases and health, for these areas are the core of their professional studies. The virus Covid 19, like any viruses, is a created organism, and there is no denying that there is only one Creator. Therefore, not following medical advices, convinced that God would not let His Ummah down, brings about a situation that does not fit, for it forwards a suggestion that there are other creators aside from Him, a belief that is a taboo. My suggestion is that under the circumstances, let us first heed the pronouncements coming from the technically mandated men of medical science, for such adherence has not been perceived, according to the ulama, as a sign that we have been moved away from the God we have loved so dearly. Massalāma.

fice it to say they are renowned and recognized leaders in their respective fields -- diplomats, legal luminaries, physicins, historians, religious doyens, academicians, journalists. We almost have it all. MASIDING NOOR YAHYA | Acting Publisher and Acting Editor-In-Chief. (The author is an independent thinker and veteran journalist. He served as first protem secretary general of the ‘World Federation of Muslim Journalists’ in Kuala Lumpur. He was conferred with a title of ‘Dean of Mranaw Journalists’ by the Sultan of Lanao, Atty. Firdausi I. Y. Abbas, PhD. He founded in 2003 the independent ‘Ranao Star Philippines,’ the longest running local newspaper published from ranao region, and serves as its editor-in-chief to date. He is Correspondent of The Manila Times, said to be Philippines’ oldest English daily.)

News

Vol. I, No. 01 | June 19-24, 2020 (Shawwal 27-Dhuʻl-Qiʻdah 4, 1441)

BARMM to use multi-platforms for learning continuity plan COTABATO CITY: The Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MBHTE-BARMM) will be using multi-platform communication system in implementing its Learning Continuity Plan (LCP) in order to ensure that “no Bangsamoro child will be left behind” in transitioning to the ‘new normal’ amid Covid-19, a statement said. Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal launched on Monday, June 15, the ministry’s Balik Eskwela Program and LCP for school year 2020 -2021. “All of us must personify resourcefulness, tenacity, accountability, and determination to ensure that this crisis and the shift to the new normal will not hamper our young people’s learning and overall

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL Managing Editor development,” Iqbal said. “Until the situation improves, home-based or distance learning shall be the preferred modality,” Iqbal said, adding that “face-toface learning in school and other training centers may be employed if and when the local situation and public health measures allow.” The said LCP has four annexes that each corresponds to specific guidelines for Basic Education, Madaris Education and Islamic Studies, Technical Education and Skills Development, and Higher Education such as personnel development and work arrangements for educators and MBHTE employees, alternative learning systems and training delivery modalities per sector, among

others. The LCP was drafted by a Technical Working Group (TWG) created by Iqbal. The TWG conducted series of meetings and consultations with education officials, and partners. Iqbal said he approved the LCP on May 29, 2020. Multi-Platform Communication System With support from the Australian Government – Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Iqbal said his ministry will be utilizing several platforms for the LCP to be properly implemented. This is to “ensure two-way communications and engagement with division, districts, and communities is possible.” “We need a robust and functional comprehensive communication system to support the LCP and provide BARMM| B4

Military foil bomb plot in Basilan through community support CAMP NAVARRO, Calarian, Zamboanga City: Military troops were able to foil the bomb plot of the local terrorist group in Basilan because of the utmost support of the community, according to a military spokesman. Major Arvin Encinas, spokesman of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) told Philippine Muslim Today that based on a reliable information, the troops of the Joint Task Force Basilan conducted law enforcement operation which resulted in the recovery of bomb components in Barangay Bohe Pahu, Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan on Friday morning at 11:30 a.m., June 19. Encinas said the military troops were able to seize three 60mm mortar UXOs with wires, one improvised blasting cap, and one Baofeng commercial radio converted into remote control

switch. "We are extending our appreciation to the people of Basilan. Truly, the participation of the populace is very vital in our efforts against the local terrorist group and other lawless elements," said Brig. Gen. Fernando Reyeg, JTF Basilan Commander. The recovered items were then turned over to the 39th Explosive Ordnance Division Team for proper disposition. "While our troops continuously operate to disrupt enemy's ploys, we urge everyone to be more vigilant," said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, WestMinCom Commander. "Let us continue to help one another to prevent the terrorists from sowing terror in the communities," Lt. Gen. Sobejana added. As of this writing, a thorough investigation is being conducted by security forces. JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL Managing Editor

Republic of the Philippines BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO

Ministry of Basic Higher and Technical Education BARMM Compound, Cotabato City

Message salaamu Alaikum warakmatulahi taala wa barakatuh! On behalf of the Ministry of Basic Higher and Technical Education, I want to greet the editorial team, reporters and contribu tors of the Philippine Muslim Today for the launch of their publication. Despite the Covid-19 virus, it is admirable to see journalists and media practitioners remain active to bring us factual information as well as compelling stories from the communities.

As I mentioned in my presentation during the Education Continuity Plan SY 2020-2021 launch on June 15, I said that the MBHTE understands the relevance of the timely dissemination of information on Education as well as acquiring critical feedback from our constituents. A nation with access to information can better its situation by converting data into knowledge, participating in the democratic processes, and encouraging transparency of policymaking and governance. During these trying times, Bangsamoro people are now relying on the traditional and new media for the necessary information on the pandemic as well as the corresponding response and guidelines of the BARMM Regional Government. We hope that Philippine Muslim Today would be one of our partners and help the public distinguish between information and disinformation. For the MBHTE, we hope that you will become our partners in proper communication engagement with the people in the Bangsamoro, wherein we will share important updates on the Ministry's programs, projects, and activities. We also hope you will help us highlight milestones in the BARMM to inspire the Bangsamoro people. Similarly, we will welcome news or articles from the Philippine Muslim Today that we can use as reference in our decision-making process. Again, congratulations to the Philippine Muslim Today for the initiation of your publication. May you productively engage wit h the Education Ministry as we work to ensure that "no child will be left behind." Sukran and Wasalam!

MINISTER MOHAGHER IQBAL Ministry of Basic Higher and Technical Education

News

Vol. I, No. 01 | June 19-24, 2020 (Shawwal 27-Dhuʻl-Qiʻdah 4, 1441)

139 ROF, LSI arrive by sweeper flight HEADING TO SEVERAL BARMM DESTINATIONS, OTHER PROVINCES By MARK NAVALES

ROF and LSI ON THE ROAD: The returning overseas Filipinos (ROF) and local stranded individuals start to board the Husky buses and vans that would take them to different BARMM provinces and to Zamboanga Peninsula. (Photo by Mark Navales) DATU ODIN SINSUAT, Maguindanao: Some 139 returning overseas Filipino (ROF) and local stranded individual (LSI) arrived recently at the Awang Airport here in this town. The ROF and LSI were transported from Manila onboard Air Asia Air Bus 300 sweeper flight with the assistance of the Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG) and the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) in the

Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, the MILG minister headed the operations with Minister Dickson Hermoso of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) who

provided the land transportation of buses and vans to ferry the ROF and LSI to their home destinations. Sinarimbo said upon the instructions of BARMM Chief Minister Ahod "Al Hajj Murad" Ebrahim the Air Asia Airbus 300 was chartered as a sweeper flight. The expenses were subsidized by the Inter Agency Task Force of BARMM on COVID-19 (IATF-BARMM). It can be noted therebwere 87 ROF and the rest were LSI mostly among BARMM residents who got stranded in Manila following the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) aimed to contain the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Minister Hermoso was assisted by the MOTC Deputy Minister Abunawas Maslamama who was also in-charge of transportation. Maslamama acted as the transportation head of the IATF-BARMM throughout the operation where both ROF and LSI have safely returned to their home provinces.

Top 2 Drug Personality of Lanao del Sur Arrested MARAWI CITY: The number 2 top priority drug personality in Lanao del Sur has been arrested recently in one of the barangays of Bubong municipality in the province, police said. Col. Madzgani M. Mukaram, chief of Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office (LDSPPO), in a statement said Samsoding Ali Macasasa, second priority drug personality of the province was arrested on June 13, 2020 at Brgy. MatampayDimaro, Bubong, Lanao del Sur by virtue of the Search Warrant for Violation of Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Act issued by RTC 12 Branch 11 in Malabang. Mukaram said the operation was jointly conducted by LDSPPO, 1403rd RMFB, PNP SAF, 103rd Haribon Brigade and 8th Cavalry Company Armor Division, PA under his direct supervision. The operating troops have confiscated from the

suspect One M16 rifle with attached grenade launcher; Magazine loaded with live ammunitions; One piece rifle grenade; two pieces hand grenades; and one piece big Ziplock plastic bag containing white crystalline substance believed to be Shabu weighing more or less 35 grams with and estimated DDB market value of Php 238,000. The suspect was brought to LDSPPO for documentation along with the recovered pieces of evidence for ballistic and drug examination by the Provincial Crime Laboratory for filing of appropriate charges in court, while above mentioned Search Warrant was returned to its issuing court. “His arrest by the combined forces of PNP and AFP will send message about the renewed campaign of this office against high value target and in line with the focus directives of newly installed RD-PROBAR, PBGEN MANUEL M ABU,” said Mukaram. ROCAYA SUMNDAD OTICAL

Republic of the Philippines BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO

BANGSAMORO TRANSITION AUTHORITY BARMM Compound, Cotabato City

Message t is with high hopes that we celebrate the launching of the national media platform of The Philippine Muslim Today, the new face of Muslim journalism in the Philippines. It is the brainchild of respected media personalities from the Muslim community in the Philippines, with brother Dean Masiding Noor Yahya at its helm.

Its establishment as a strong media outfit of Muslims in the Philippines is indeed a welcome development in our lives as a minority. It is like finding a missing piece that completes the puzzle in our quest for the furtherance of our collective right to self-determination. This affords our people not only access to reliable news and information through the lens of Muslims in the Philippines, but is also a platform to articulate our views on the pressing issues affecting the Bangsamoro and the country at large. This is an important vehicle of expression for us as a people, especially as we tread into the future and transition towards a more meaningful self-rule for the Bangsamoro. No doubt, we are living in a particularly precarious time, If not for our faith that reassures, the various challenges that we face only seem too much to bear - a global pandemic with no silver lining in sight, a looming Anti-Terror Law that is criticized as a potential tool for human rights violations, and an evershrinking digital world infested with fake news and media harassment. However, with this new vanguard of truth in the rise, there is now a glimmer of hope in the horizon. We pray for the success of Philippine Muslim Today, and may it surpass its own expectations! Congratulations!

HON. EDDIE MAPAG ALIH Member of Parliament

News

Vol. I, No. 01 | June 19-24, 2020 (Shawwal 27-Dhuʻl-Qiʻdah 4, 1441)

Balindong | from A1

Returnees | from page A1

Returnees to Bangsamoro region... Balindong gives 50,000... BIATF spokesperson Mohd Asnin Pendatun said as of Thursday, June 18, of these 72 cases, 56 are considered active cases, while 12 have recovered and 4 died. Pendatun noted that the six latest positive cases recorded on Wednesday, June 17, and another one on June 18, were Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs) and Returning Overseas Filipino Workers (ROFs) who availed the Hatid Probinsya Program of the government. “These new cases are five LSIs in Lanao del Sur, five Returning OFWs in Maguindanao and just today, one LSI from Maguindanao was added to our list of confirmed cases,” Pendatun said during a press briefing here on Thursday. LGUs asked to be vigilant With the rapid increase of Covid-19 cases in the region, Health Minister Dr. Saffrullah Dipatuan reminds the Local Government Units (LGU) to be vigilant. While the BARMM supports the government’s Hatid Probinsya program,

Dipatuan noted that the increase of Covid-19 cases in the region is linked to the LSI and ROF, thus, proper coordination with the LGU is necessary. Dipatuan affirmed that there are also people who violate community quarantines and do not abide by the travel restrictions imposed by some LGUs. “We appeal to everyone, especially those who travel by land to pass through the protocol, you can’t just go back to your communities without coordination with the LGUs,” Dipatuan stressed. He said the LGU must be keen on any suspicious actions done by these people and immediately report them to the police stations. “We have to ask for the law enforcers’ assistance to protect our health workers, because we have reports of harassments towards our front liners,” Dipatuan explained. Patients treated in 5 main hospitals Ebrahim said five main hospitals are treating COVID19 patients and another one

ture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform - Lanao del Sur Provincial Director Pangalian "Alexie" Alonto Balindong, Jr., the son and official representative of Speaker Balindong. In an interview, Balindong, Jr. said the masks will be distributed to all PNP personnel in the entire province through the chief of police of police stations in various localities. “On behalf of the Honorable Speaker, let me take this privilege to extend our sincerest gratitude to the brave men and women of Lanao del Sur Provincial Police Office under the leadership of PCol. Madzgani Mukaram as you face the challenges posed by the Novel Coronavirus global pandemic. Along with the health care workers and other frontliners, we join hand in

hand in battling the spreading of the virus in this unprecedented crisis,” the Speaker’s message as read by Balindong Jr. A part of the message said, “Coming out on the roads for checkpoints and putting your lives on the line, with all the difficulties and challenges, are truly heroic. With this, we salute you and we are proud of your sacrifices.” In addition, Speaker Balindong emphasized his donation is just a simple present and is incomparable to the sacrifices of the policemen just to safeguard our populace. “Thank you to our police force who risk their lives to minimize the effects of this pandemic. Your courage, dedication and commitment

is under construction. A 100-bed facility was opened in the Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao area last month, built in just 40 days at a cost of P21 million.

The chief minister said the issue of food security in the autonomous region had been addressed “a little bit” for now. “We are running a

simply deserve our gratitude and admiration,” as stated in the message. Furthermore, Mukaram was indeed grateful for the assistance of the good Speaker. Mukaram said the province already posted around 33 Covid-19 positive cases so it is still “best to follow the guidelines implemented by the IATF”. “The number is expected to increase in the coming days as the Overseas Filipino Workers and Locally Stranded Individuals are expected to return to the province,” Mukaram said. Meanwhile, Balindong Jr. said that aside from the surgical mask, Speaker Balindong is also slated to provide hand sanitizers so that frontliners can use them while on duty at checkpoints. PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY

campaign to increase local agricultural production,” he said, adding that rice imports from Vietnam also improved the situation. PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY

Republic of the Philippines BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO

Ministry of Transportation and Communications BARMM Compound, Cotabato City

Message ssalamu Alaykum Warahmatullahi Ta’Allah Wabarakatuhu. Let me extend my sincere Congratulations to the Philippine Muslim Today in launching the digital copy of its maiden issue today, June 19, 2020. As the first-ever Muslim national newspaper to be published in the country in this digital age, it is timely in the midst of the global pandemic and other crucial challenges we are facing today. It can serve as a vehicle of transporting better information to our people and be updated on events affecting their lives. It can also serve as an effective medium of their voices, sentiments and grievances seldom carried by national mainstream media outlet. I pray God will always be with the men and women behind the Philippine Muslim Today in this noble project for common good and welfare.

MINISTER DICKSON P. HERMOSO Ministry of Transportation and Communications

Section 2 Vol. I, No. 01 | June 19-24, 2020 (Shawwal 27-Dhuʻl-Qiʻdah 4, 1441)

Peoples, Places and Events

AS PART OF THE CONSERVATION, PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED WILDLIFE SPECIES

62 Pawikan hatchlings released in Sarangani Bay By PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY

ARANGANI BAY: Some 62 Olive Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelysolivacea) hatchlings popularly known as “Pawikan” composed of newly hatched small turtles were released last Monday in Sarangani Bay. Charlie Tuling, chairperson of Barangay Pangyan in Glan, Sarangani on said the turtle eggs were laid last March 18 at Purok Bucana and were safeguarded by Hajerol Diabal, a local volunteer caretaker. Tuling alongside Diabal, barangay kagawads Peter Bagando and Marino Gonzales released the hatchlings Monday afternoon along the shoreline of Purok Dungon of the said barangay. Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer (CENRO) of Glan Abdul Cariga said that his office

together with the Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) of Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (SBPS) provided technical assistance to the local officials during the release. “Close coordination and cooperation with the local communities play a vital role in protecting and conserving our protected areas and wildlife species,” CENRO Cariga said. Meanwhile, SBPS Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) Joy Ologuin emphasized that the awareness of communities along the Sa-

rangani Bay on the importance of biodiversity has increased. Ologuin also appealed to the communities for a continued support to the government in protecting not only the Sarangani Bay, but the entire environment and natural resources especially during this long month celebration of the Ocean Month

2020. She said Olive Ridleys are the most abundant of all sea turtles in the world. They are usually found in warm and tropical waters, primarily in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Conservation status

MANILA: The country's tourism industry is bound to bounce back and once it does, the public is assured that the government will put safety before actual tourism resumption, a Department of Tourism (DOT) executive said Friday. "The very core of tourism has been affected by the pandemic. The best thing that the government can do is ensure that travel is safe to bring the consumer confidence in travel and business," DOT - National Capital Region Director Woodrow Maquiling said during a Tourismo TV webinar. Maquiling shared that a recovery plan has been laid out to help tourism firms stay afloat under what would be the new normal brought about by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) crisis. He said the accreditation of accommodation establishments, as well as restaurants, was ongoing.

A seven-foot iron cast Canon (Lantaka) displayed at the graveyard of Datu Jamasali bn Datu Attan at Laum Sikubong, Sapa-Sapa, Tawi Tawi. (Photo by Johnny R. Lee) "The TRRP (Tourism Response and Recovery Plan) planning process is really a mixture of all the different national tourism organizations at the grassroots level and the local government unit so that we are able to get what we really want to do and where we want to go after this pandemic," Maquiling said. Pre-pandemic, Philippine tourism was breaking records with 8.3 million tourist arrivals

in 2019 alone. In 2018, it generated more than 5.4 million jobs, contributing to 12.7 percent of the economy. As several areas in the country shift to modified general community quarantine, protocol-based leisure activities are expected to resume in the coming months. On June 11, the government approved the reopening of Boracay to Western Visayas tourists starting June 16. PHILIPPINE NEWS AEGENCY

Possession and deliberate killing of wildlife species like the Olive Ridleys are punishable by law under Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY

World looks to innovation for sustainable oceans

Safety, consumer confidence priority under new tourism normal A By JOYCE ANN L. ROCAMORA

states that these species are vulnerable to extinction.

Part 1

NKARA: On the occasion of World Oceans Day, the role of the oceans -- which provide the oxygen we breathe, food, as well as regulate the climate -- will be celebrated online Monday with the theme "Innovation for Sustainable Ocean". Covering approximately 70 percent of the Earth's surface and 90 percent of the biosphere, oceans are under the threat of climate change-related warming and acidification that directly affect human life as well as many ecosystem services. World Oceans Day is celebrated annually on June 8 to raise awareness over the importance of the world’s oceans and efforts to improve "the deep" since 1992, following the UN Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In 2008, the UN General Assembly decided that June 8 would be designated as “World Oceans Day” as of 2009. This year's theme is "Innovation for a Sustainable Ocean" which will be observed with day-long events produced in partnership with Oceanic Global featuring keynote speeches, panels and presentations online due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) outbreak. “Innovation -- relating to the introduction of new methods, ideas, or products -- is a dynamic term, and one that is fundamentally filled with hope," as the problems that oceans face keep growing, said the UN. According to the latest research published in the scientific journal Advances In Atmospheric Sciences, heat in the world’s oceans reached record levels in 2019 and the past five years were the top five hottest recorded in the ocean. One possible result of the finding would be warming ocean -driven melting ice that leads to rising sea levels which could affect 1 billion people by 2050, with iconic polar species facing the risk of extinction, experts warn. (Continued next issue)

Tourism

Sapa-Sapa the Land of Mystics & Legends By JOHNNY R. LEE, PhD.

APA-SAPA, Tawi-Tawi: The name Sapa-Sapa (literally translated as small river or creek) is ironic. Not a single ‘sapa’ or river/creek is found in any of its 23 barangays. It may have meant ‘sapa’ or swear (declare under oath) without stressing the last letter ‘h’ that usually comes after it - a common pronunciation of word that should be given a sound (e.g. mata vs. matah – the former means eye and the latter ‘not ripe or uncooked’ if pertaining to food). ‘Sapa’ or ‘to swear by a sacred religious book (the Qur'an) to prove a disputing party or person who’s on the side of truth, may be the closest implication. One prominent village named Latuan used to be a place frequented by people from the neighboring islands and as far as Sulu and Sabah, who may have made a vow (janjí) or swore in times of danger, sickness and any form of disaster, pay homage

The Manimpa cave lagoon found at the heart of Sapa-Sapa main island believed to be connected to the deep shoreline a kilometer line from the cave lagoon itself. (Johnny Lee) and respect to whomever they had sworn to to extricate them from their problems and complications they have been though. As a practice and tradition, they brought along with them whatever desirable foodstuffs or souvenirs they can afford to offer. The standard plain white cloth (kuku potê) is to be had to adorn the shrine/grave of persons believed who are revered and have led a sacred life. There is a bird sanctuary, a vegetated white sandybeach a few meters from the residential areas, which is also considered sacred by

virtue of unknown graves found there and believed to have ‘barakat’ or healing power. No wonder the white

Vol. I, No. 01 | June 19-24, 2020 (Shawwal 27-Dhuʻl-Qiʻdah 4, 1441)

egrets did not diminish in numbers or population because harming them (the white egrets) could cause unexplained illnesses and misfortune to the culprits. It used to be a quail (Tabon Bird or tambun to the natives tongue) sanctuary. But gradual social development like converting it to coconut plantation and slashing the bushes and brush where it nested drove away the magnificent big-egg laying birds. The name ‘Latuan’, according to reliable sources from the area, is a contraction of the term ‘Lahat Tuan’

translated as the abode of revered religious leaders or ‘imams’. Some famous olden times religious leaders from

this place were Imam Tuan Ligaddung, Imam Lipae, Imam Gayong and Tuan Mohammad Ali. These great religious leaders had in one way or the other developed their Islamic knowledge from Arabian missionary named Sayeed Abubakar, who then resides at Tubig-Indangan and believed to be the scion of Sheik Karimul Makhdum, the one responsible for erecting the first mosque in the Philippines in the Municipality of Simunul in 1380. Another prominent village is Barangay Sikubong also in Sapa-Sapa, which is the territory of the Jamasali Clan, who traced their lineage from the Royal Sultanate of Sulu & Tawi-Tawi. The family grave of the Jamasali’s in PamasanLaum Sicubung section is noticeable by the presence of a 7-foot century-old cannon or ‘lantakâ’ made of cast iron, believed to have been ‘grabbed’ from the Spanish army in a heat or fierce encounter during Spanish era. There are still several pretty sites that have to be uncovered in the Municipality of Sapa-Sapa. For instance the Manimpa mini-lake which Page B4

Spanish Fort in Bongao a major restoration project in Tawi-Tawi By FILEMON G. ROMERO, PhD.

ONGAO, TawiTawi: One of the last remaining historical edifices in the Bangsamoro Nation particularly in Tawi-Tawi which has stood for the longest time as a symbol that the Bangsamoro has never been subjugated by the Spaniards is now proposed for restoration. This proposal is consistent with the provision of the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines, which provides that “The State shall promote and popularize the nation’s historical and cultural heritage and resources. This also supports provision of RA11054 otherwise known as the Bangsamoro Organic Law on the Preservation of the Cultural Heritage of the Bangsamoro People which states

that the Bangsamoro Government shall preserve the history, culture, arts, traditions, and the rich cultural heritage of the Bangsamoro people and their Sultanates. Historical accounts show that it was only in 1882, the Spaniards made their first attempt to control the Tawi-Tawi island group “by establishing a garrison on the island but they withdrew from the islands at the close of the century as a result of the Philippine Revolution”. According to Vic Hurley (1938) “Swish of the Kris”, “these old Spanish stations were occupied with a force composed of one infantry company. The Spaniards had maintained two posts, one at Tataan and the other at Bongao”. Furthermore, he said “The

Spaniards were just confined to the walls of the fort”. These accounts prove that the Bangsamoro has never been subjugated by the Spaniards. Proof is that they only were able to set foot and establish a barracks (garrison) in the promontory near the Bongao Pier and were never able to govern. This is the cultural and historical significance of this

fort which serves as a pride of the Bangsamoro People. For the longest time, it has served as a symbol of the fight of the Bangsamoro for self-determination. In order for the Bangsamoro especially

the BANGSAMORO YOUTH to build in them the sense of pride of being BANGSAMORO, the local government of Bongao is proposing to the declare this area where the Spanish Fort stands as a Historical, Cultural and Tourism Site for the Municipality of Bongao, Tawi-Tawi and for the Province of Tawi-Tawi. Now, that fort has been burned down it is high time that restoration effort should be started on this site for it to be transformed into a Sama Museum of Culture and Arts. According to Dr. Filemon G. Romero, he is working with the Sangguniang Bayan of Bongao for the passage of a Resolution to this effect. At the provincial level, he is seeking the assistance of the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and the support of Provincial Governor Hadji Yshmael “Mang” Sali. At the national level and regional level, he is also seeking support from Congressman Rashidin H. Matba of the lone District of Tawi-

Tawi as well as the members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) BARMM Bureau of Cultural Heritage and BARMM Tourism. He is also coordinating with Ligaya Fernando Amilba ngsa, the Ramon Magsaysay Awardee for Dance; Nanette Matillac, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines; National Museum and the National Committee of Culture and Arts and other agencies.

Photos: Remnants of Spanish Fort in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi is a historical reminder that Spanish conquerors have set foot in this Southern frontier but they have never subjugated the Bangsamoro of Tawi-Tawi. (Photos by FILEMON G. ROMERO)

News

Vol. I, No. 01 | June 19-24, 2020 (Shawwal 27-Dhuʻl-Qiʻdah 4, 1441)

WestMinCom chief advises incoming PMA cadets to love service in the AFP By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL, Managing Editor CAMP NAVARRO, Calarian, Zamboanga City: The commander of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) who is himself an alumnus of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) recently advised the incoming PMA cadets to love their service once they have graduated from the premier military school and have joined the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, welcomed the men and women to the WestMinCom headquarters here in this camp composed of the incoming cadets of PMA Class 2024. In his advice, Lt. Gen. So-

bejana told the incoming PMA cadets who are scheduled to depart to Camp Fort del Pilar in Baguio City to love their military career with utmost dedication as they joined any of the branches of

Lt. Gen. Sobejana, a PMA graduate and a Medal of Valor Awardee and considered by the entire AFP as "the living hero" advised the 25 incoming cadets who will form the Class 2024 to love their service once they have joined the Armed Forces of the Philippines. (Photo Courtesy of WestMinCom Spokesman Maj. Arvin Encinas) the AFP like the Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force, and Philippine Navy.

"Loving your service is one of the best motivation," Lt. Gen. Sobejana stressed.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, The incoming PMA cadets composed of men and women from nearby provinces in Mindanao arrived at the WestMinCom for the conduct of mandatory 7-days quarantine in Zamboanga City. Major Arvin Encinas, spokesman of WestMinCom on Wednesday told Philippine Muslim Today that the command was tasked to ensure the successful implementation of the general guidelines on COVID-19 that are aligned with the Department of Health (DoH) protocol such as the conduct of Reverse TranscriptionPolymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) testing and mandatory quarantine prior to the travel of the incoming cadets to Baguio City. Encinas said all incoming

cadets of PMA Class 2024 were directed to report to the Unified Command headquarters nearest their respective residences since May 31 and will observe seven days quarantine which ended last June 7. The WestMinCom spokesman emphasized that only those who will be tested negative for the corona virus RT-PCR swabbing will be allowed to travel while those who will test positive will remain under quarantine and other related protocols. He said testing was facilitated by personnel of Camp Navarro General Hospital with the help of DoH Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit in Region IX (RESU IX). Encinas said there is a total of 25 incoming cadets, composed of 23 males and 2 females, who reported to the WestMinCom, and paid a courtesy call to Lt. Gen. Sobejana, and had their rapid tests in the morning of last June 1. During his talk to the aspiring military officers, Lt. Gen. Sobejana said, "I hope that by 2024 all of you who

are gathered here today will successfully graduate from the academy and form part of the AFP." "For you to survive, always believe you can and always maintain a positive mental attitude," Sobejana who is a Medal of Valor Awardee and considered by the entire AFP as "the living hero" added. "Loving your service is one of the best motivation. Love yourself being a cadet. The more you love it, the more you survive," Sobejana concluded. The Armed Forces of the Philippines suspended all classes and training activities last March 17, 2020 in compliance to the national government's effort to contain and prevent the spread of the corona virus disease. With the lifting of the enhanced community quarantine, the AFP resumed some ongoing and incoming programmed courses within the AFP while the conduct of training exercises both local and abroad are still suspended. PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY

Biz chamber thanks Davao city government

he president of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. expressed his gratitude to the city government of Davao for giving assistance to the farmers, local taxpayers and unemployed individuals. “We would like to thank the city government for the assistance to farmers, and thank it for the assistance to local taxpayers and the jobless individuals,” Davao City Chamber President John Carlo Tria said. In a statement, Tria also said that the reopening of dine-in food establishments will help regain the economy, sustain employment and drive economic activity. “We believe that as we make a gradual and safe return of our businesses and with the announcement of reopening of limited dine in service of restaurants and other establishments, the local economy will start slowly picking up and more jobs can be preserved," he said. "We wish to remind everyone to maintain healthy and safety protocols in the workplace to prevent infections," Tria explained. Meanwhile, Tria has once again highlighted the need to promote local products and services as a way to generate income in businesses. In his social media page, Davao City Chamber President John Carlo Tria ex-

plained why buying local matters: “The local product we buy or service we procure helps keep a farm producing, a factory running, a shop open, a kitchen cooking, and in turn, it helps a business survive a family fed, a child in school.” Meanwhile, he also said that buying local is a heroic choice anyone can make every day. Likewise, the Davao City Chamber has been meeting with different agencies to achieve its objective. “We are also coordinating investment promotion efforts with different government agencies and would like to thank the city government for the support it is extending to our local businesses,” Tria pointed out. (PR)

FRIENDSHIP CALL: Lawyer Ishak Mastura, chairman of the Regional Board of Investments in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (RBOI-BARMM) (at left) in Cotabato City shakes hands in this file photo with Julmunir I. Jannaral, managing editor at the same time member of the Board of Editors of the Philippine Muslim Today. (RBOI Photo)

Asma Allah Al-Husna: The best book companion of a Muslim Written in Maranao and in English, this short pamphlet called “Asma Allah Al-Husna go so Ped a Kipantagiyan (Lagido Manga Kibolong Iyan)” can serve as a good companion book of a Muslim for if properly recited and applied in life, it will be of great benefit to him or to her, In sha Allah. Always remember the powers and secrets in the Heavens and the Earth are all embodied in the Beautiful and Magnanimous Names of His Most Exalted Name. You may write to us for a copy or two. – Editor.

Tourism

Vol. I, No. 01 | June 19-24, 2020 (Shawwal 27-Dhuʻl-Qiʻdah 4, 1441)

Lanao del Sur’s Mt. Makaturing

beautiful tourist attraction with a breathtaking view is Mount Makaturing in Lanao del sur. Makaturing is a stratovolcano on Mindanao island in the Philippines. It is found in the province of Lanao del Sur in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Makaturing has an elevation of 1,940

metres and a base diameter of 29 km. It is part of a string of volcanoes called the Central Mindanao Arc. The Smithsonian Institution's Global Volcanology Program, citing the Catalog of Active Volcanoes of the World, suggests that some eruptions were actually those of neighboring Ragang volcano. Makaturing is one of the active volcanoes in the Philippines. All are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY

BARMM | from page A6

BARMM to use multi-platforms... us instructional delivery options to reach all learners in the Bangsamoro,” Iqbal said. MBHTE’s Multi-Platform Communication System has five components, namely: – mechanism for virtual meetings and remote work collaboration; – short messaging service (SMS) gateway service, or commonly known as “text blasts”; – revival of the MBHTE Radio Station, including possible relay transmission to the divisions as well as select partnerships with community

and private radio stations throughout the Bangsamoro; – use of two-way radio communication for transmitting information, guidance, and instructions to communities not covered by SMS and the Internet; and – mobilizing the MBHTE School Network and community-based volunteers to crucial areas in the Bangsamoro. MBHTE will also provide technical, administrative and financial support to schools, Madaris, division offices, district offices, TESD training centers, and provincial offic-

es, and higher education institutions in the Bangsamoro region so they can effectively implement the LCP. Meanwhile, Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod "Al Haj Murad" Ebrahim acknowledges the impact of Covid-19 in the education sector of the region. “Just like any other struggle, the Bangsamoro Government is not standing still as the event continues to unfold. We cannot wait out the storm so to speak as this will hamper the growth of our future generation in all aspects,” Ebrahim said. JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

Sapa-Sapa the Land of Mystics… from page B2 can be found at the center of Sikubong Island and was thought to be connected (underground) to deep seas beyond the island’s shorelines which is kilometers away. Native visitors attest that the water content is salty and schools of marine fish species can be found. Adventure Tourism can be had in some areas like the island of Mantabuan and Baldatal. The former is a wild boar (baboy ramo) ‘infested area’ and the colorful wild chicken called ‘Labuyo’ still roams the forested part. Natives, especially the farmers, considered the wild boars as ‘pest’ because they attack and destroy their farms. Ditto with the latter where wild boars encroach the residential area at night time and early

dawn causing damages to properties. They can only be ward off by shooting and killing them. But most often they just shoo it away because dead wild boars would leave carcasses abhorrent to the predominantly Muslim residents. Wild boar hunters especially from Christian areas would be happy to explore it. In fact, known politician and wildlife hunter Chavit Singson, at a couple of times, came down from Ilocos Sur just to hunt for the wild boar whose preserved head is used as wall decor and the meat as a rare delicacy. Not to be outdone is the iconic Panampangan Island Beach which mirrors the province’s immaculate image in terms of natural beauty with respect to its pristine waters and well-preserved coral reefs. This tiny yet imposing island-beach is under

Alih | from page A1

B’moro Parliament member Alih aids Tawi Tawi Covid-19 victims Alih, who was a former chancellor of the Mindanao State University – Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography (MSUTCTO) said they conducted the five-day relief operation at the MSU-TCTO Preparatory High School Compound in this municipality from May 610, participated by various sectors of the province. “We did this on purpose to extend aid to our needy constituents here,” Alih said. Alih said different sectors from the municipalities of Bongao, South Ubian, SapaSapa and Sibutu received sacks of rice distributed by

his office, as part of the rice allocation for the MPs from the Bangsamoro regional government. The former MSU-TCTO chancellor gave the breakdown of his rice assistance per sector: Bongao – MSUTCTO – 75 sacks, Couples for Christ – 50, MSU TCTO Coed Faculty – 22, Modern Passenger Terminal Building (MPTB) – 5, Bangsamoro Professionals Tawi-Tawi – 12, Bangsamoro Free Election Movement (BFEM)/ 1 TawiTawi – 15, MSU Office of the Registrar – 11, Palace Awwal Indigents – 13, and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)

Political Committee – 55; South Ubian – Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces – MILF 5th Brigade Command Inner Guard – 10, and MILF Political Committee – 102; SapaSapa – Bangsamoro Professionals Tawi-Tawi – 5; and Sibutu – MILF Political Committee – 25. Dr. Mary Joyce GuintoSali, incumbent chancellor of MSU-TCTO expressed her gratefulness to MP Alih and the BARMM government in general for this generous donation. “It really means a lot to all of us here most especially to our various frontliners and the stranded students here in the university. This is such a big help. Thank you so much,” Sali said. PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY

Probers | from A1

Probers in Radioman... “We were informed that NBI agents who are onto the case are being surveilled and are facing grave threats. We commend both the PNP and the NBI for their efforts in unmasking the perpetrators and mastermind in the brutal killing of Mr. Pepino. We are also in close contact with the victim’s family and colleagues in the media. We cannot be cowed by anyone or anything into abandoning this probe. As I have said before, we will follow where the evidence leads us,” the PTFoMS chief said. According to local media reports, three NBI agents experienced serious threats separately following the investigation of Pepino’s murder. NBI Special Investigator III (SI III) Nicanor Ernesto T. Tagle (Tagle) reported that on Monday, 01 June 2020, while he was jogging around in his neighborhood, unidentified persons on board a motorcycle (riding in tandem) followed him and pulled a gun on him. Tagle showed to media the video footage of the attempt on his life that was captured on CCTV. On the other hand, NBI Spokesperson SI III Maria Contessa DC. Lastimoso and team leader SI III Ido Salvador T. Trasmonte were both subjected to surveillance by unknown people who took photos of their houses and vehicles. “The NBI is making great strides in solving the case. Rex Cornelio was killed to silence him. The PTFoMS will not stop in finding out the truth and putting behind bars those responsible for this gruesome act,” said Egco. The Palace official added

that he will formally relay these pieces of information and updates to President Rodrigo Duterte, PTFoMS chair and Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra and Co-chair Sec. Martin M. Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office. The NBI is an agency under the Department of Justice. Egco likewise reiterated his warning to local officials not to obstruct the official inquiry into the murder of Pepino. “We have already alerted the DOJ and the PNP about this to ensure the safety of our NBI agents handling the case,” he stressed. Meanwhile, intelligence reports indicated that some former rebels and unscrupulous active and former uniformed personnel have connived to form an army of sorts for a powerful local politician, which is reminiscent of the period prior to the infamous Ampatuan Massacre in 2009. “We cannot afford a repeat of the Ampatuan massacre, the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines should look into such reports and nip it in the bud, so to speak,” stressed Egco. Pepino was a veteran commentator and known critic of local politicians. He hosted “Pokpokin mo Baby" that aired over DYMD Energy FM 93.7. He was killed executionstyle after being shot five times at a point-blank ranger right in front of his wife on 05 May 2020. The PTFoMS shall continue to monitor and inform the public on the developments of the investigation on the Pepino case. PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY

Ijtihad | from page A4

Yearning for a Halal Way of Life Formulation of operative laws or implementing rules on Islamic banking, Islamic insurance (Takaful) and Islamic finance in general; Coordination with concerned domestic institutions, like the Bangko Sentral for Islamic banking and the Insurance Commission for Islamic insurance, Congress for legislation, and the BARMM for regional

operation, among others; and linking with foreign halal and Islamic financial bodies for training and further learning; Establishment of a National Shari’ah Advisory Council that can give nationally-recognized fatawa on the halal industry and Islamic finance. [Next in IJTIHAD: The Halal Legal Framework: How Effective is it?]