Philippine Muslim Today by Philippine Muslim Today

Benj Bangahan | A6

Homobono A. Adaza | A5

Protect your brother Muslims.

On the ignited Sabah Claim; WPF 1 million Free COVID -19 Vaccines from China’s SINOVAC

Arabic-speaking national are added value assets

Belching sometimes maybe worrisome

Lame Duck President and House Leadership

Abdul Hannan M. Tago | A6

Julmunir I. Jannaral | A5

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Vol. I, No. 19 | October 23 23--29, 2020 (Rabi’ul Awwal 6 6--12, 1442) | 12 Pages

No real Marawi liberation to speak of: MRCW Inside Stories

By MASIDING NOOR YAHYA

Suspect in Kidapawan radioman killing joins NPA in North Cotabato — Page A7

(Full Story on Page A2)

6 years ago today: The death of Serena Shim, journalist

Bangsamoro information bureau warns of fake FB pages — Page A2

PhilHealth says it has money to pay PRC

M TF Bangon Marawi vows to expedite permanent houses for Marawi IDPs — Page A3

ANILA: The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) on Thursday said it will wait for the Department of Justice (DOJ) for proper legal guidance on how to proceed with its payment to the Philippine Red Cross (PRC). In a statement, PhilHealth reiterated that it has funds to pay its obligations to the PRC. (Full Story on Page A8)

News

No real Marawi liberation to speak of: MRCW By MASIDING NOOR YAHYA

ARAWI CITY: On October 17, the government commemorated the third anniversary of what it said “Liberation of Marawi.” Ironically, many do not understand or are confused on what has been liberated of. These many, perhaps, do not believe there is no one, not even the Mauti and allied terror groups, who laid siege on the Islamic city of Marawi on May 23, 2017 which took a five-month war between them and government forces before the government said the city was liberated.

The war devastated the city, displaced tens of thousands of residents and killed about a thousand or more. After three years, evacuees are still suffering in shelters and government projects many of whom have hopelessly died — desperate if they could return to their homes and personal properties. A group of Marawi residents who belong to the Marawi Reconstruction Conflict Watch (MRCW), an autonomous monitoring group, has said it well. In a statement on Saturday, October 17, 2020, MRCW said it has been three years since the government declared Marawi liberated, but there is no real liberation to speak of. “Most of us have not been allowed to return to our homes and rebuild our lives. There has been no compensation for the damages to our personal properties. Thousands of us remain in shelters and housing projects in dire conditions, with sanitation and the supply of basic utilities wanting,” said the MRCW. MRCW was formed three years ago to help ensure that the reconstruction and redevelopment of Marawi is inclusive, context-responsive, and sustainable. Its aim is not to condemn nor denounce, but to genuinely help out and lobby the government to address salient issues that fuel anger, frustration, and potentially, violence. “Even if some have benefited from what has been achieved so far, the majority of our people haven’t. The sad fact remains that progress is slow, funds are lacking, and implementation could be improved. We are fractured, and restoring relationships is difficult when we cannot even meet our basic needs adequately,” said the group. “This continues to fuel despair and frustration that threaten the fragile peace in our communities. Tensions rise over land and property rights as reconstruction activities start. These

may worsen existing identity-related conflict and may trigger violent flashpoints and a stringing of conflict – a situation ripe for the resurgence of violent extremism, the thing that the government declared we have been liberated from,” MRCW warns. On the eve of the third anniversary of the so-called liberation of Marawi, the House of Representatives approved on third and final reading the proposed ₱4.056-trillion national budget for 2021 (House Bill No. 7727 or the 2021 General Appropriations Bill) as the government urged for the “rebound, reset and recovery” from the adverse impact of COVID-19. “But what about the displaced families and entire communities in Marawi who continue to live in shelters, shouldering the heavy burden and constant risk of virus infection and the stigma of being Muslims, of being displaced, and worse, of being associated with terrorists?” asked the group. Recent data from the Provincial Interagency Task Force showed that the province of Lanao del Sur has logged a total of 697 confirmed COVID-19 cases as of September 30 of which 354 (50%) are from Marawi. Moreover, 111 (72%) of the 153 active cases are from the city. “The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic adds another layer to our hardship and suffering and reinforces existing vulnerabilities, threats, and risks.” “As of August 2020, the government has only released ₱22.2 billion for the rehabilitation of Marawi. This is barely half of the total funding requirement of the project which stands at ₱60.5 billion. The dismal amount on top of issues on disbursement and absorptive capacity in the past paint a bleak picture for us all. With only 16 months left

Vol. I, No. 19 | October 23-29, 2020 (Rabi’ul Awwal 6-12, 1442)

Bangsamoro information bureau warns of fake FB pages By Muslimedia.PH COTABATO CITY: The Bureau of Public Information of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BPIBARMM) warned of Facebook pages fraudulently presented as official pages of the Bangsamoro autonomous government. In a disclaimer statement on Monday, BPI-BARMM said it would like to remind the public that there are three official Facebook pages being administered and managed by BPI-BARMM. These are the following: 1. Bangsamoro Government (https:// www.facebook.com/thebangsamorogovt/) 2. Radyo Bangsamoro (https://www.facebook.com/ radyobangsamoro/) 3. Bangsamoro Inter Agency Task Force on Covid19 (https://www.facebook.com/BangsamoroIATF/) The public is advised to follow the aforementioned pages on Facebook for official information and announcements. “While we welcome the online support of groups and individuals, we will not tolerate those that share fake or malicious contents, especially when they try to masquerade themselves as the Bangsamoro Government,” said the bureau of public information. “We therefore are likewise asking for the public’s cooperation in reporting such pages,” it added. It said< “This disclaimer is without prejudice to the Facebook pages created by the individual ministries and offices.” (BPI-BARMM)

until the 2021 year-end deadline of completing reconstruction projects, can the Duterte administration still deliver its promise that Marawi will rise as a prosperous and peace-

ful city again?” MRCW said. Indeed, three years have passed and it has become clearer that the Marawi people have not been liberated. (Muslimedia.PH)

News First batch of MOTC employees take oath of office before Minister Hermoso By MARK NAVALES Correspondent

OTABATO CITY: The first batch of employees occupying key positions in the Ministry of Transportation and Communications in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOTC-BARMM) have officially taken their oath of office before MOTC Minister Dickson Hermoso and assisted by Deputy Minister Abunawas Maslamama here in this city recently.

OATH-TAKING: Some 15 permanent employees of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) take their oath of office before Minister Dickson Hermoso at the MOTC-BARMM. (Photo by MARK NAVALES) Lawyer Roslainie Macao-Maniri, chief of MOTC-BARMM Legal Affairs Division expressed her gladness that all the 15 key positions in the ministry were filled upon with qualified public servants. Maniri said these public servants are expected to carry on their sworn duties and responsibilities with exemplary performance under the stewardship of Minister Hermoso. Out of the 15 employees who took their oath of office, 11 of them are having permanent status with their employment, while the rest of the 4 employees are on a co-terminus status. Atty. Maniri also emphasized they expect more additional employees to be posted in permanent positions. They are individuals who are well qualified with qualifications standard (QS) after having passed the rigid selection process set by the Selection Board of the MOTC-BARMM, according to the Chief of the Legal Affairs of this ministry. As this developed, Minister Hermoso reminded all the newly -sworned employees that they have to think of themselves and their mandates as public servants out to serve the government and most of all the people as well. In like manner, Deputy Minister Maslamama stressed that the success of everyone in the MOTC-BARMM is their steadfast in doing their assigned jobs. Assistant Executive Secretary Abdullah Cusain who graced the oath-taking ceremony also congratulated the new MOTC employees and welcomed them for their willingness to serve as Public Servants for the Bangsamoro People in the Region. In a related development, the employees of MOTC-BARMM got overjoyed to witness the blessing of the newly acquired and brand new official vehicles that they may use for their official trips in the performance of their official functions. The employees serving as Public Servants are also thankful that they have already means of mobility to transport them from their office to their place of Assignment and vice versa. Atty. Maniri clarified that the two official vehicles of MOTCBARMM are among the priority equipment under the administration of Minister Hermoso that were acquired through the funds of more than P3 million were taken from the first tranch of the block grant earmarked for the BARMM. She added the procurement of the said vehicles undergone legal processes in accordance the Procurement Law. Minister Hermoso thanked the Office of the President through Secretary Wendel E. Avisado of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and most of all Chief Minister Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim through the Ministry of Finance, and Budget and Management.

Bangsamoro announces new immunization program The Bangsamoro Muslim autonomous region in the southern Philippines has announced to begin fresh immunization program against measles, rubella and polio. Addressing a news conference in Cotabato streamed live on the social media on Wednesday, officials of the Health Ministry said that immunization campaign will start from Monday. BANGSAMORO | A10

Vol. I, No. 19 | October 23-29, 2020 (Rabi’ul Awwal 6-12, 1442)

TF Bangon Marawi vows to expedite permanent houses for Marawi IDPs By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL Managing Editor

ARAWI CITY: Task Force Bangon Marawi chairperson and Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Eduardo del Rosario, committed to fast track the availability of buildable lots for additional permanent houses for the city’s displaced families. In a statement sent to the Philippine Muslim Today, said this will be done through UN- Habitat’s Rebuilding Marawi through Community-Driven Shelter and Livelihood Project. City Mayor Majul U. Gandamra announced and further affirmed this development at a meeting with representatives of 30 Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs) composed of more than 1,000 displaced families from the Most Affected Area (MAA) of Marawi City in Barangay Kilala on October 17, as Marawi City commemorates the 3rd anniversary since the siege ended. Representatives of the National Housing Authority (NHA), Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC), and other project partners joined Secretary del Rosario and Mayor Gandamra for key activities held at Brgy. Kilala construction site. These include inspection of on-going construction of houses and the endorsement of 35 houses by UN-Habitat to NHA for formal inspection, a necessary step before the turn-over of houses to qualified displaced families under the Rebuilding Marawi Project. During the meeting, the 30 HOAs, organized under UN-Habitat’s Rebuilding Marawi Project, presented to Secretary del Rosario updates on the on-going shelter construction amid mobility restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The session acknowledged the positive developments as well as key challenges the housing project faced. Among the key challenges is the provision of buildable lots where houses can be constructed. Under the Rebuilding Marawi Project, construction of permanent shelter is led by UN-Habitat on land that will be provided by the Philippine Government through the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC). Due to the challenges in land procurement, other government partners pitched in to share in the government’s commitment to provide land for the project: the National Housing Authority (NHA), the City Government of Marawi, and the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur. More than 1,000 shelter units are targeted to be constructed for qualified displaced families. Currently, a total of 243 shelter units are being constructed in three sites: in SHFC Phase I Site in Barangay Dulay West, 88 shelter units; in NHA Barangay Kilala Site, 105 shelter units; and NHA Barangay Gadongan Site, 50 shelter units. According to Mayor Gandamra, the fast tracking of the availability of buildable will immediately start this month of October 2020 since the challenges previously faced on land procurement, particularly on multiple claimants of procured land and dissent from local leaders, had already been resolved. SHFC Vice President Engr. Felman Gilbang, affirmed the following actions as part of the government’s commitment: commencement of riprapping of the creek in SHFC Phase

A shelter for Marawi IDPs provided by the government. (File) I in Brgy. Dulay West Site; continued site development in SHFC Phase II in Brgy. Dulay Proper where 40 buildable lots will be available by the end of October 2020, and another 80 buildable lots will be available by November 2020. Gilbang assured the HOAs that SHFC Phase III in Brgy. Patani will also be simultaneously developed with the on-going site development in the above-mentioned properties. Datu Bla Macabando, President of Barakallah HOA, said, “Marami sa mga members ng mga HOAs naming ay nangungupahan at yung iba ay nakatira sa mga kamaganak nila kaya importante talaga na maipatayo ang mga bahay namin. Matagal na kaming naghihintay. Kailangan talaga namin ng lupa na pagpapatayuan ng mga bahay namin. Sabihin nyo lang sa amin, sa partnership ito, kung ano ang pwede naming maitulong sa inyo, sabihin ninyo lang sa amin para tulongtulong tayo para mapabilis ang pagpapatayo ng mga bahay namin.” (“Majority of our HOAs members are renting the places where they live, or they live with their relatives. It is highly important for our houses to be built. We need land where they can be built. We have been waiting for a long time for our houses to be built. Just let us know, in this partnership, how our HOAs can be of help to you, just let us know so we can help and together we can build the houses fast. “) Given the challenging post-siege and Covid-19 context of Marawi City, UN-Habitat continues to exert efforts to address the need of the IDPS for permanent shelter. According to Warren C. Ubongen, UNHabitat Project Manager, “The HOAs under the Rebuilding Marawi Project had shown patience amidst all these challenges and they have been actively working with UN-Habitat to find solutions on how we can overcome the TFBM | A10

EDITORIAL

Vol. I, No. 19 | October 23-29, 2020 (Rabi’ul Awwal 6-12, 1442)

DATU YUSOPH B. MAMA Chairman, Board of Trustees AMANODING D. ESMAIL President MASIDING NOOR YAHYA Executive Vice President & CEO JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL Vice President for Internal Affairs ALI G. MACABALANG Vice President for External Affairs ROCAYA SUMNDAD OTICAL Treasurer MACOD D. RASCAL Secretary CASAN C. CANA Auditor

PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY MASIDING NOOR YAHYA Editor-In-Chief and Publisher JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL Managing Editor ALI G. MACABALANG News Editor PHIL MUSLIM Layout Artist FATIMA ORTIL-JANNARAL Advertising Sales Director for NCR COLUMNISTS | WRITERS: ATTY. HOMOBONO A. ADAZA DR. BENJ BANGAHAN ATTY. JUAN PONCE ENRILE DR. JOHNNY R. LEE ATTY. NASSER A. MAROHOMSALIC DR. FILEMON G. ROMERO ATTY. MEHOL K. SADAIN DR. ABDUL HANNAN M. TAGO DISCLAIMER: Opinion of the writer expressed herein is not necessarily the opinion of Philippine Muslim Today. TEMPORARY BUSINESS OFFICE: Purok 4, Lower Kaplag, C3 Road Ubaldo Laya, Iligan City, Philippines Phone: 09152184388 | +63 2283454 Email: muslimtoday2020@gmail.com Https://philmuslim.today NCR SATELLITE OFFICE: 9052 Viscarra Compound, Molino 3, Bacoor City 4102 Cavite Province PHONE: +639778430218 | +639353138549 Email: munir1845media@gmail.com

Front page of PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY previous issue.

Esteemed congratulations to all on the occasion of Maulidin Nabi

ssalaamu ‘aleikom wa rahmatullaahi wa barakatuh.

The men and women behind Philippine Muslim Today wish to express our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the Muslim Ummah on the occasion of Maulid AnNabi, birthday of Prophet Muhammad (saw) in the Hijri month of Rabi’ul Awwal. Many new religious scholars in our lands called Maulid AnNabi ‘Shirk al Akbar,’ meaning the greatest idolatry or polytheism, allegedly because it is an imitation of Christmas, a product of Christmas or an offspring of Christmas. These new scholars consider Christmas as greatest idolatry and since, according to them, Maulid AnNabe is imitated from Christmas, it follows that Maulidin Nabi is also a greatest idolatry. We do not refute these allegations. Expressing our congratulations does not mean we follow the concept of Christmas. Ours is simply a clear manifestation of our highest respect on our Prophet Muhammad (saw) who was born as a Mercy Upon all creations. And as such, Muslims have to extend salawat unto him and his progeny. Thus we say, “Allaahumma sallee ‘alaa Muhammad wa ‘ala ‘aale Muhammad.” To honor his birthday is a best reminder to our Ummah of his works in establishing Islam so that they will keep Islam in their heart and live by it. To us, this is not a ‘Shirk Al Akbar.’ Commemorating Maulod is one thing good for a Muslim to do.

From The Mailbox

If the pandemic persists, impact could result in an additional 1,500 mothers and 29,000 children dead in a year — report.

Infants die at a rate ten times higher than most Pinoys up to age 55 — report The current epidemic has placed a heavy burden on the health sector and government at all levels in responding to a disease (COVID-19) that today makes it the fourth-most common cause of illnesses (after respiratory ailments and hypertension), a mere seven months after it appeared. The mortality rate due to the virus seems low at over 6,000, but it is most likely 10 times that, since deaths are usually reported late and underreported—if not validated by a positive PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) test. All of the above are directly caused by the current contagion, but there is also an indirect cost to consider, as the medical journal Lancet predicted in June this year that in the Philippines the impact on maternal death and child death under 5 years of age could result in an additional 1,500 mothers and 29,000 children dead in a year if the pandemic persists. Clearly, the death of Baby River Nasino this October 9 was indirectly caused by the pandemic. And she did not deserve to be a victim of the way we respond to COVID-19.

As a statistic, Baby River now joins more than 4,000 infants who die every year in Manila (according to the Department of Health’s Field Health Service Information System of 2018) and 21,019 nationwide. In this country, infants die at a rate ten times higher than most Filipinos up to the age of 55. That is the reason globally, a country’s infant mortality rate is considered a mirror of a country’s health system, and the manner it treats its most vulnerable citizens. Our legal system has treated Baby River and momReina Mae Nasino in a conduct that flies against the prolonged and exemplary actions that this country has taken to protect mothers and babies like the two. Health laws and guidelines in this country consider the mother-infant dyad worthy of protection, not to keep them apart so exclusive breastfeeding up to six months can be guaranteed. The court separated Mother Reina from Baby River at six weeks, and kept them apart when Baby River fell ill of illnesses common to infants who are not breastfed. THE MAILBOX| A10

Opinion Diliman Way With

Vol. I, No. 19 | October 23-29, 2020 (Rabi’ul Awwal 6-12, 1442)

Lame Duck President and House Leadership

HOMOBONO A. ADAZA “A great leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus.” – Martin Luther King, Jr. “What is right is not always popular and what is popular is not always right.” – Albert Einstein.

he current problem confronting the House of Representatives has nothing to do with the interests of the Filipino people. It has nothing to do with honor. For the parties – President Duterte, Speaker Cayetano, Congressman Velasco and the rest of the membership of the House of Representatives – it has something to do with money, power and influence. What is a lame duck President? He is the top official not available for re-election who is at the tail-end of his term. Either of these two things are likely to happen to him – he loses so much of his power and influence over public and private sectors of society or retains or expands such power and influence. What about President Rodrigo R. Duterte, to which category does he belong? The first test in defining him

is the leadership of the House of Representatives. Initially, he appears to have lost grip of the situation. He wobbled. But as the struggle appeared unmanageable, he effectively recovered lost ground by putting his foot down. House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano had to capitulate, afraid of completely losing the perquisites of power and his grip over Taguig City. So to retain his power and influence over his fiefdom that is Taguig City, he had to apologize to President Duterte for his refusal to give way to Congressman Lord Alan Velasco. In a sense, the solution had a biblical favor. Peter had to obey the Lord. Winners: Who won? President Rodrigo Duterte proved he still wields the same power and influence as he did in the first days of his presidency. That is a lot to say of his

Batanes to Tawi-Tawi WITH JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL Ignited Sabah Claim The Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo claim over Sabah that has been shelved for quite sometime seems to be ignited again after the Twit of Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. in his Twitter Post saying that Sabah is not in Malaysia but in the Philippines. The remarks of Secretary Locsin drew sharp reaction from Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Hishammuddin Hussein who immediately summoned Philippine Ambassador to Kuala Lumpur to shed light on the Foreign Affairs Secretary Locsin remarks. Be that as it may, I understand based on a “tit for tat” or “tooth for a tooth” policy, Secretary Locsin likewise summoned the Malaysian ambassador to Manila to the

Department of Foreign Affairs. (DFA) Home Office on Roxas Boulevard. The LocsinHishammuddin Word War has taken a toll on the latter after his action has seemingly resulted in the ignition of Sabah Claim by the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo which has the sovereignty and proprietary rights. Of course the Philippine government will be behind it. Amid the revival of Sabah Claim, former Malaysian Deputy Defence Minister Liew Chin Tong has called for the immediate resignation of Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Hishammuddin Hussein. The call for the resignation of Hishammuddin was even more aggravated by the approval by the United Nations (UN) for the Philippines to put Sabah on the Philippines

leadership, in effect confirming what False Asia has revealed that the President has 91% trust and approval rating among our people. Of course, nobody who is sane believes that report – not even President Duterte The survey report of False Asia is an insult to science and the Filipino intelligence. Who are the other winners? The Duterte leaders, followers, fanatics, oligarchs and opportunists who are having the time of their lives feasting and fattening themselves on the gravy of the land are the other winners. And in so winning, they keep trumpeting their usual theme song of how great is their leader! Losers: Those who failed to seize the day and the moment are the losers. First, there is Former Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano. He gave the impression in his media declarations that he is made of sterner stuff. He looked like a molave but he turned out to be a bamboo – bending with the wind. Second, the House of Representatives – behaving like a House of traditional politicians not having a mind

of its own. It confirmed the public perception that the overwhelming majority of its members, to borrow the poetic line of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, are “the dumb driven cattle” of President Duterte. And third, the opposition which failed to seize the opportunity for a bold move. Questions: Where is the place of former Speaker Cayetano in the current political equation? Nobody knows except President Duterte.. As Rudyard Kipling would have it, Cayetano risked his “winnings in one turn of pitch and toss”. And he lost in almost total disgrace. Does he have any role in the 2022 elections? It does not seem promising either. He badly miscalculated President Duterte and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, the President’s powerful; daughter. He also underestimated now Speaker Lord Alan Velasco. Cayetano’s mistake was overconfidence. Obviously, he either has not read Sun Tzu’s Art of War or he failed to remember the number one rule of warfare in that book which is – Know yourself,

know your enemy. A hundred battles, a hundred victories. Failing to read the book or to remember the number one rule of warfare in that book, Cayetano did not only lose the battle, he also lost the war. Cayetano lost the opportunity for outstanding leadership. If he planned well, he would not have lost his job. He would have towered over and above all current politicians, including President Duterte. Why? He would have proved he has got what it takes to be a leader. He could have ably demonstrated his adherence to the doctrine of separation of powers that – the House of Representatives, as part of Congress, is independent and co-equal with the executive and judicial departments of government. Cayetano would have appeared a giant for the restoration of constitutionalism in the country. As Speaker, he could have outmatched President Duterte considering that Duterte is a lame duck President. He could have become a rallying point for the opposition in the country. Definitely, if he held his ground, he could have loomed large as a presidential candidate in 2022. ADAZA | A10

On the ignited Sabah Claim; WPF 1 million Free COVID-19 Vaccines from China’s SINOVAC Passport Map. Liew accused the Malaysian Foreign Minister of trying to downplay the seriousness of the Sabah Issue by not appearing in Dewan Negara to answer questions regarding the matter. Liew said Hishammuddin was trying to “act tough” by claiming Sabah Chief Minister Shafie Apdal’s request that Malaysia open discussion with Philippines over the matter was a sign of Shafie’s acknowledgment that the claims over sovereignty of Sabah had legitimacy. Liew also said Hishammuddin is unscrupulous in making false claims and should just resign from his position for electioneering Foreign Policy matters. The former Deputy Defence Minister also emphasized, “we need mature politicians who do not lie and double speak. And Malaysia can

do without a Foreign Minister who uses Foreign Affairs, which should be a bipartisan affair as much as possible, for instant electoral gain. Such an act by Hishammuddin is highly irresponsible.” WPF 1 million Free COVID-19 Vaccines from China’s Sinovac The World Philosophical Forum (WPF) which is an international Non Government Organization whose Philippine Branch headed by Shariff Ibrahim Albani had claimed they are now making a negotiation with the Sinovac of China for the supply of 1 million SINOVAC Vaccines to the Filipino People Free of Charge. If the donation will be materialized many of the Filipino People will benefit since in the fight against the COVID19 Pandemic. Atty. Harry Roque, Presidential Spokesman had al-

ready announced that even the vaccines to be supplied by the government will not be given Free. Only the poorest of the Poor can avail the Free Vaccines. However, as Shariff Ibrahim said the SINOVAC Vaccines they are going to import from China are FREE of charge. Considering that he comes from the Mindanao being a Tausug from Sulu, I would suggest that he should allocate some of these SINOVAC Vaccines to the People in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Note: As we are beating the Editorial Deadline, we might as well discuss these Free SINOVAC Vaccines in the next Issue extensively. For Suggestion/ Comments: Please Email to: munir1845media@gmail.c om

Opinion

A6 My two-cents

WITH BENJ S. BANGAHAN, M.D., FPCP, FPCCP

ndeed, belching is normal, but can be burdensome and unpleasant on occasion, and in fact may even indicate as a sign of something to be worried about. When one complains of belching frequently, one is burping or having eructation so often to the extent that this normal physiologic response becomes irritating, and may even become a good reason for one to think that somehow he may have to pay his doctor friend a visit one time. Yet, actually, belching is nothing but the voluntary or involuntary physiologic passage of gas through the mouth from way down the stomach, via the gul-

let or esophagus. This is most frequently observed after meals, which is associated with the relaxation of the outlet or sphincter of the esophagus as a consequence of the distention of the stomach brought about by the presence of the food. Under normal circumstances, some patients complain only of the passage of gas without other accompanying symptoms, but there are others who relate some accompanying chest or abdominal discomfort, and even having noticed to have been farting excessive amount of flatus or gas. Nonetheless, such belching is still considered as normal human reflex and does not need to be suspected as a sign of development of dysfunc-

BY Abdul Hannan Magarang Tago

op Muslims leaders have expressed strong warded and outrage reactions against ABS-CBN news item on possible involvement of Islamic schools "Madrasah" in terror activities quoting the new designated Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief, Gen. Gilbert Gapay. Some other group asked the official to retrieve or issue public apology, which is difficult option for a top official in the country's defense department. Last Tuesday, Gen. Gapay was quoted saying that AFP is looking into the possible involvement of some Madrasah, or Islamic schools in the country in the radicalization and al-

leged recruitment or suicide bombers. He said during a virtual briefing, his group is monitoring Madares and other schools in Sulu in the pretext of suspicion of radicalization activities and recruitment. In my Radio program this week, I suggested that we analyze the incident from various angles including the media that broke such appealing news item especially when we talk about ABS-CBN current status that needs provocative story for some propaganda gain. It was indeed heavyweight media gain for its survival while blame goes to the President Rodrigo R. Duterte appointee official. The great miscalcula-

Vol. I, No. 19 | October 23-29, 2020 (Rabi’ul Awwal 6-12, 1442)

Belching sometimes maybe worrisome tion. Everyone ingests air about 2-5 mL of air each time he swallows, so belching is a normal physiologic response needed to eliminate the unneeded amount of air accumulated. There are, however, some factors that are known to enhance excess in the amount of air intake, therefore resulting in abdominal distention due to the development of flatulence or gas in the stomach and the intestines, and may be accompanied with abdominal pain. The factors are more often blamed on patients’ habits or lifestyle. Air swallowing usually increases more in patients who have the habit of eating rapidly, who are fond of chewing gum, who frequently ingest carbonated drinks, and who are smok-

ers. And still, there are patients who have psychological problems, with some even hospitalized for a long period, who have the habit of forceful air swallowing, called aerophagia medically. Aerophagia is part of the clinical manifestations of their psychological condition, and patients who have this usually suffer the symptom of excessive belching chronically. The problems described are easily managed by simply basically addressing the personal habits and the psychological manifestations. Unfortunately, there are occasions when belching can be an actual sign of some organic diseases. For example, if a disease process like stomach ulcer or a cancerous process

partially obstructs the outlet of the stomach, the swallowed air is prevented from passing downward into the intestinal portions, resulting in the accumulation of the air within the stomach area; belching develops and vomiting and abdominal pain may accompany it. Then, it has been observed that for no clear reason, belching may be an accompanying symptom of stones within the gallbladder. And, when belching is accompanied with foul smell, especially one that approximates the smell of fecal materials, it is time to suspect the presence of complicated cancerous process within the stomach or the nearby large intestine. The possibility of such clinical diagnoses of course necessitates an immediate help of a good doctor. Māassalām

Arabic-speaking national are added value assets tion from the part of Gen. Gabay was the fact that the president victory in the 2016 election was because of his vocal calls for the correction of the "historical injustices" committed against Filipino Muslims or Bangsamoro and he did it by providing political solutions to the century conflict. The administration policy towards Muslim communities was very clear. The official, while trying to show his strong grief apparently did not seek any advice from his fellow predecessors or at least asked his Muslim top aides in uniform for the same. Most of the reactions were very strong and convincing in all aspects indicating that such accusation against islamic institu-

tions will only devide the nation further. The country has to move on and compete its neighbouring Asian countries for development and wellbeing of its people regardless of their faith affiliation. On the part of labor and foreign relations, we must learn from other countries how did they benefited from their Arabic-speaking national. China, Japan and Russia for instance send Arabists diplomat to the oil-rich countries in the Middle East including head of the mission and ambassadors. They were very effective

diplomats in gaining mutual and beneficial cooperation and various interests. In Thailand they employ their national with Arabic background in hospitality to serve tourists from the Arab world. We need to be open minded in empowering and make use of our graduates from these schools for the benefit of our trade and economic growth by utilising them to deal with Arab investors. That's could make Philippines a diversified and friendly destination for both business, tourism and medical treatment. (AHMT)

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News 549 Engineer Battalion builds mosque in Sultan Kudarat Province

Vol. I, No. 19 | October 23-29, 2020 (Rabi’ul Awwal 6-12, 1442)

Suspect in Kidapawan radioman killing joins NPA in North Cotabato By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL Managing Editor

U-MOSQUE: The Unifier Mosque or Masjid AL-SABIREEN is a project initiated by Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commanding general of the Philippine Army. It was constructed by 549 Engineer Battalion under Lt. Col. Lorvina Lamug, Battalion Commander of 549 EB in Barangay Kalandagan, Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat Province. (Contributed Photo)

ACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat: The 549 Engineer Battalion facilitated the completion of the construction of a masjid or mosque inside the 601st Infantry Brigade headquarters in Barangay Kalandagan in this city. The “Unifier” Mosque or “U-Mosque” is a project initiated by Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, the Commanding General of the Philippine Army (PA) in partnership with the Southwestern Liguasan Marsh Alliance of Municipalities (SLAM) which includes Datu Paglas, Sultan Sa Barongis, General Salipada K Pendatun, Paglat, and Pagalungan. Lt. Col. Lorvina Lamug, the newly-installed Battalion Commander of the 549th Engineer “Kapayapaan” Battalion (549EB) said, “This project was conceptualized to build a place of worship for our Muslim brothers and sisters in the 601st Infantry Brigade (601IBDE), 6ID, PA.” On August 21, 2020, a meeting was held at the 601IBDE headquarters presided by the unit commander Brig. Gen. Roy Galido and attended by 54th Engineer Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Anthony Cacayuran and the local chief executives. The attendees pledged to support for the completion of the U-Mosque. On the same day, Lt. Col. Lamug, the newly-installed Battalion Commander was tasked by Brig. Gen Cacayuran to expedite the Construction of the U-Mosque in 28 days. The 549EB is mandated to perform vertical and horizontal construction projects for the Philippine Army and in support of the socio-economic program of the government. After a systematic engineering construction work, the UMosque was completed on October 6, 2020. The inauguration of the Mosque was attended by Governor Suharto “Teng” Mangudadatu of Sultan Kudarat, and Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu of Maguindanao held on October 9, 2020. JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

Philippine centenarians beat the odds in virus battle MANILA: Health workers have said the recent recoveries of two 106-year-old coronavirus patients in the Philippines is proof that the disease can be beaten, but warned the public to remain cautious. The first centenarian is a man from Cagayan De Oro City in northern Mindanao, who recovered on Sunday after a month-long treatment at an administration-run facility for virus patients. The second survivor was discharged on Tuesday after 11 days at a hospital in Baguio City. “Our patient is living proof that coronavirus can be beaten,” Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) infectious disease specialist Dr. Thea Pamela Cajulao said during a ceremony. Dr. Ricardo B. Runez Jr., BGHMC chief, added that the 106-year-old’s return to health was a “testament to our adaptation to the pandemic and striving towards resilience in everyday life.” He added: “A tribute is given to our doctors and nurses, and the rest of the health care team for their dedication to work as translated to the challenges that were battled and surpassed.” When the patient’s daughter arrived at the hospital, she said: “God made you as an instrument. I hope that my father would be an inspiration for all coronavirus patients.” The hospital did not release the name of the man. PHILIPPINE | Page A10

IDAPAWAN CITY: Undersecretary Joel Sy Egco, Executive Director of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) said that prime suspect Dante Encarnacion Tabusares a.k.a. Bong Encarnacion has cowered behind behind the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) Terrorist group by joining its ranks in Arakan, North Cotabato. Usec Egco said this is in a desperate attempt to evade justice for the killing of Brigada News FM – Kidapawan station manager Eduardo Sanchez Dizon, He said this was verified in an official report submitted to the PTFoMS by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) through Captain Jonathan V. Zata, Chief of the Public Affairs Office. Acting on the Palace Task Force’s directive to know the whereabouts of the fugitive, the AFP reported that Tabusares has been broadcasting communist propaganda in his previous program over a local FM station. “I commend the AFP for its continuing support to the Task Force’s initiatives in protecting the life, liberty and security of all our media workers in the country.” said PTFoMS CoChair and Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar. For his part, PTFoMS Exec. Dir. USec. Egco said, “Our suspicion has been confirmed. We received reports earlier this year that Encarnacion had joined the NPA as quickly as the warrant of arrest against him came out.” “The NPA today is nothing more than a coddler of criminals and fugitives from justice. Is this the kind of justice they are espousing? They are just a bunch of ruthless murderers. Tabusares may hide behind this communist terrorist group but we will make sure that he will not be able to evade the long arm of the law forever,” the Palace official stressed. It can be recalled that Judge Henelinda Molina-Diaz of Kidapawan Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 61 has ordered the arrest of Tabusares under Criminal Case no. 5281-2019 for the killing of Dizon, along with Junell Andagkit Poten and Sotelo

HOLDING NPA FLAG: Fugitive Dante Encarnacion Tabusares a.k.a. Bong Encarnacion joins the ranks of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) Terrorist group in Arakan, North Cotabato in order to evade arrest for the murder of radioman.(Contributed Photo) Jacolbe, Jr. Dizon, a former town councilor of Makilala, North Cotabato, was a blocktime host of the local Brigada News when murdered last July 10, 2019. He was driving his car on his way home to Makilala at past 10 p.m., when motorcycle “riding-in-tandem” gunmen opened fire on him and killed him on the spot. Tabusares allegedly masterminded the ambush of Dizon, who was critical of the KAPA Community Ministry International in his commentaries. Tabusares was the local coordinator of KAPA at the time.

It was the PTFoMS that led the relatives of Dizon to file criminal cases against Tabusares, Poten and Jacolbe. Tabusares, the blocktimer endorser of KAPA and coordinator for its money market operations in Kidapawan City, threatened to have Dizon killed on his radio show weeks before the incident. The PTFoMS is on top of the situation and will be relentless in bringing justice for Dizon and all other media workers who are victims of violence as a testament to the government’s commitment to protect press freedom. (JIJ)

Another Fugitive Arrested At Brgy. Maligue, Isabela City, Basilan ISABELA CITY, Basilan: Police personnel of Isabela City Police Station and 4th Special Forces Battalion of Philippine Army conducted hot pursuit operation at Brgy. Maligue, Isabela City, Basilan at about 4:00 PM of October 20, 2020. Police Lieutenant Colonel Homer T. Dumalag, Isabela City Police Chief said the operation resulted to the arrest of Herni Anjalil Asao, with Criminal Case

Nos. 7146, 7147, 7148 for violation of RA 9516 and RA 10591, fugitive, Basilan Provincial Jail, Geras Village, Brgy. Sumagdang, Isabela City, Basilan Province. Arrested fugitive was brought to Isabela CPS for proper disposition and later will be transfer to Basilan Provincial Jail, Basilan. (PCpt. Edwin A. Duco, Chief Public Information Officer)

News

Vol. I, No. 19 | October 23-29, 2020 (Rabi’ul Awwal 6-12, 1442)

Psychologist links Covid 'fake news' to anxiety, depression

AGAYAN DE ORO CITY – People exposed to "fake news" online during the Covid-19 pandemic are found to have experienced anxiety and depression, a result of a phenomenon called "information traps”, a researcher based in Iligan City said Thursday.

A survey on mental health by a group of researchers earlier this year led by Dr. Imelu Mordeno, professor of Mindanao State UniversityIligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), found that people exposed to fake information are likely to be psychologically-distressed once caught in a loophole in truth-finding called "information traps." "Information traps” is an individual's activity in seeking details to have a sense of meaning in the messy experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic, said Mordeno, who is also a clinical psychologist. Based on the study's preliminary findings, Mordeno said she and her team discovered that around 25 to 34 percent of the 7,000 respondents are suffering from depression, and around 25 to 31 percent are suffering from generalized anxiety. Around 40 to 60 percent of the respondents were also found to be psychologically distressed, meaning one out of two individuals are prone to common mental health disor-

ders such as depression, anxiety, and trauma because of pandemic-related situations, Mordeno said. "Most of the time, information--especially those that are not credible, such fake news--will trigger anxiety and will enhance psychological distress. Once distressed, they will look for other information, and it will become cyclical to a point where mental health disorder will become more severe," said Mordeno. To improve one's mental health during the pandemic in which movement and physical interactions are limited, Mordeno advised the public to "maintain communication, even virtually to a certain group that you are comfortable with." "This includes your family and your friends for social support and information validity while encountering a lot of stress relating to the pandemic," she added. Mordeno warned that poor sleep quality is a gateway to all other mental health disor-

ders, and that individuals must "go back to the basic things" such as eating healthy food regularly, sleeping well, and engaging in a conversation Psychosocial Intervention Meanwhile, Iligan City's emergency operations center (EOC) has opened its "Kumusta Ka" hotline where callers can talk about their struggles to mental health experts, as part of the local government's Covid-19 pandemic's psychosocial support service. Ed Krishna Alivio, Iligan's health education public officer, said callers who need counseling will be referred to the MSU-IIT psychological response team "for a deeper and more focused conversation." The hotline only received five phone calls since the start of its operation earlier this month, she said, adding that most of the issues shared by callers pertain to lack of sleep, irritability, and relationship problems. (PNA)

PhilHealth says it has money to pay PRC “(PhilHealth) is requesting all those who have been affected by this issue for more patience and understanding as PhilHealth moves forward with this partnership with the proper legal support, all in aid of ensuring that members’ funds are properly handled and disbursed,” it added. The corporation has PHP930 million overdue balance to the PRC. Meanwhile, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the Department of Health acknowledges the PRC’s contribution to the government’s efforts on Covid-19 testing. “We cannot deny the fact that the Philippine Red Cross has a big contribution to our daily outputs or the outputs of our laboratories,” she said in a mix of Filipino and English during a virtual media forum. Vergeire confirmed that the government’s

Covid-19 testing initiatives were also affected when the PRC stopped its operations. She added that the DOH already requested the Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital, the Jose B. Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital, the Las Pinas General Hospital and Satellite Trauma Center, the Lung Center of the Philippines, the Ospital ng Imus, the Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory, and the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine and San Lazaro Hospital to process the specimens previously assigned to the PRC. "There were private laboratories, which already expressed their interest, that they will help to alleviate the bottlenecks caused by the stoppage of the operation of the Philippine Red Cross," Vergeire said in a mix of Filipino and English. (PNA)

TAUSOG PASTIL "The Best of Home-Cooked Halal Tausug-Filipino Dishes" With MARIA FHEBIE ORTIL

t is now the 19th Digital Edition of our weekly Digital Edition of Philippine Muslim Today having an inclusive week of October 23-29, 2020 and still with The Best of HomeCooked Halal Tausug-Filipino Dishes.": PASTIL. Pastil is not actually a dish but for the Tausug of Sulu it is just a mere food eaten during snack time or merienda. As what Tausug Chef Abdulaziz H. Hamsain and author of the Coffee Table and Handy Cookbook titled The Best of HomeCooked Halal Tausug-Filipino Dishes” in one preparation of Pastil it can serve from 1 to 3 guests during snack time. However for the people of Maguindanao and Cotabato, when you mean Pastil this is not the one being prepared in Sulu particularly in Jolo. For the Maguindanao Pastil although this is synonymous with the Pastil of Sulu, the former Pastil is cooked in a different manner. In short the Tausug Pastil merely looks like an “Empanada,” and being stuffed with bean sprout inside. Once it is cooked it is best eaten with a well prepared sauce made of vinegar with hot chili. When a Tausug for instance orders a Pastil in a restaurant in Maguindanao or Cotabato City restaurant he will be served with another kind of Pastil. Thus to the people of Central Mindanao, Pastil to them is made of cooked Rice with a grated Chicken meat stuffed inside. Hence, when one is in a hurry their Pastil is a Food to Go. In the next topic of my Column Best Home-Cooked Halal Filipino Dishes for other Muslim tribal group, we may as well discuss this Central Mindanao Pastil in detail. However, for this 19th Digital Edition of PMT we will discuss briefly and concisely COOKED TAUSUG PASTIL: A the preparation of the Pastil cooked Tausug Pastil which is actually just like an Empanada of Sulu. Enumerated here under that is being served in many of the fast Food Restaurants in Metare the easy to produce inro Manila. (Photo by Abdulaziz H. gredients and the simple to Hamsain) follow procedure. Ingredients: For the wrap -½ kilo flour -1 cup room temperature water -2 tbsp oil For the bean sprout mixture -2 cloves garlic minced -1 small onion minced -1 tsp salt -1 pinch of black pepper -½ kilo of bean sprout For the sauce -3 cups of water -½ cup of vinegar -sugar (depending on taste) -1 chicken cubes (halal) -salt (depending on taste) -5 pcs. red hot chili -½ tsp black pepper Procedure: 1. Mix the flour, water and a little bit of oil till the dough mixture is reached. 2. Flatten the dough then form a small circle for the wrapper. 3. Saute the garlic, onion, salt, and black pepper then add the bean sprout. 4. Allow the bean sprout to cook for 10-15 minutes. 5. Put the circled shaped dough on hand then add a spoon full of the bean sprout then form the Pastil 1 (refer to the video on youtube). 6. For the sauce, boil 3 cups of water then add all the remaining ingredients, mix well then strain. *Best served in the afternoon (for any time of the day) as a merienda for snacks. MARIA FHEBIE ORTIL

News

Vol. I, No. 19 | October 23-29, 2020 (Rabi’ul Awwal 6-12, 1442)

6 years ago today: The death of Serena Shim, journalist

Rohingya crisis among worst modern tragedies: Turkish diplomat

By PressTV

By ANADOLU AGENCY

ix years after her suspicious death, Press TV reporter Serena Shim is remembered as one of the first journalists to have exposed the involvement of the US-led Western countries and their regional allies in igniting the foreign-sponsored terrorism in Syria, a daring act of investigative journalism for which she paid with her life. The investigative reporter died in October 2014 while covering the ongoing siege by the Daesh Takfiri group of the Syrian-Kurdish border city of Kobani for Iran’s Press TV. She was the lone fatality following a suspicious car crash in Turkey’s Sanliurfa province. She was reporting firsthand on the presence of Daesh and other al Qaedaaffiliated militant groups operating freely along the TurkeySyria border. She revealed the weapons transfers and the trucks being driven into Syria by the terrorists themselves. Shim had gathered evidence of militant training camps operating near the Turkey-Syria border. She was, in her own words, one of the first, if not the first, on the ground to report on “Takfiri militants going in through the Turkish border”. These include not only Daesh but also terrorists from the so-called Free Syrian Army. As Shim’s sister Fatmeh Shim stated in 2015, “She caught them bringing highranked Daesh members into Syria from Turkey into camps, which are supposed to be Syrian refugee camps.” Shim said trucks belonging to some international aid agencies were being used to funnel terrorists’ arms into Syria, and stated this in her last interview, just one day before being killed. On October 19, 2014, Shim, along with her camerawoman, was returning to their hotel after preparing a report near Kobani south of the Turkish border, where a heated battle was taking place between Daesh and the city’s defendants. Early reports claimed that Shim died at the scene while later accounts suggested that she passed away due to heart failure after being transferred to hospital nearly 30 minutes later. Shim’s camerawoman, who had been transported to a different hospital, survived the incident. Turkish authorities blamed Shim’s camerawom-

NKARA – The Rohingya crisis is among the gravest tragedies in modern times, a senior Turkish diplomat said Tuesday. an, who had been driving the vehicle, for the crash. No further inquiry was reported to have been carried out by Ankara. Many doubts, however, linger regarding the official testimony provided by the Turkish officials. Today’s Zaman reported that prosecutors were seeking six years in prison for the operator of the concrete mixer instead, accusing the driver of causing “death through negligence.” The trial, allegedly set for March 2015, never occurred. Six years following her unfortunate death, no further information has been released regarding the fatal accident. Observers have pointed out that “car accidents” have been a “commonplace method” used by the Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MIT) to get rid of people it doesn’t like. Although all signs point to foul play, until now the US government has neither conducted nor demanded an inquiry into the events of the alleged car accident which Turkish officials say was the cause of Shim’s death. Two weeks after the incident, the US State Department issued a brief statement regarding Shim, who was an American citizen of Lebanese origin, saying that it “does not conduct investigations into deaths overseas.” The journalist’s tragic death came only two days after Shim had spoken out live on Press TV about being targeted by the MIT, who had accused her of being a “spy” while the journalist covered the latest developments in Turkey and Syria.

“I am a bit worried, because as you know and as the viewers know, Turkey has been labeled by Reporters Without Borders as the largest prison for journalists, so I am a bit frightened what they might use against me.” Shim explained that she had been targeted for her investigative reports regarding Ankara’s direct support for terrorist groups, such as Daesh in Syria, whose evidence had been largely concealed at the time. “We were some of the first people on the ground, if not the first people on the ground, to get that story of those Takfiri militants going in through the Turkish border — the Bab al-Hawa border — being sent in. I’ve got images of them in World Food Program trucks. It was very apparent that they were Takfiri militants by their beards and by the clothes that they wore. And they were going in there with NGO trucks,” she said. The 29-year-old reporter had been described by her colleagues as an aspiring journalist with much potential. The young journalist had spent years working in various dangerous conflict zones such as Iraq, Syria, Turkey and Ukraine. The Turkish government has been accused of supporting various terrorist groups seeking to topple Syrian President Bashar alAssad since the onset of the foreign-backed terrorism nine years ago. Over the past four years, the Turkish military has staged at least two unauthorized incursions into northern Syria to push back against Kurdish militants, whom Ankara says seek to overthrow

In a ministerial committee meeting on the persecuted Muslim group held by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Deputy Foreign Minister Yavuz Selim Kiran underlined that the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the matter had recorded incidents in Myanmar involving "genocidal intentions." Noting that Turkey has been maintaining efforts to keep up awareness of the issue in the international community, Kiran said via video link that Ankara would never abandon the Rohingya. He asserted that the group should be allowed to return to their homeland, adding that if this is not possible, they should at least be allowed to go somewhere they prefer. Stressing the importance of the OIC's role, he said the body should continue its international efforts to keep Myanmar under pressure for a peaceful solution to the problem. Kiran added that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had given special importance to the matter, calling on OIC members to stand for the search for justice and prove to the world that Rohingya Muslims are not alone. He also called on member states to increase their financial contributions for the case on the Rohingya genocide, which is currently being heard at the International Court of Justice (ICT) while maintaining relations with Myanmar to sustain relief efforts for the Muslim group. The Rohingya, described by the UN as the world's most persecuted people, have faced heightened fears of attack since dozens were killed in communal violence in 2012. According to Amnesty International, more than 750,000 Rohingya refugees, mostly women, and children fled Myanmar and crossed into Bangladesh after Myanmar forces launched a crackdown on the minority Muslim community in August 2017, pushing the number of persecuted people in Bangladesh above 1.2 million. (ANADOLU) the Turkish government. The aggression prompted the areas’ Kurdish population to ask the Syrian government for protection against the Turkish forces. Ankara, which backs Syria’s anti-government militants, currently has hundreds of Turkish troops in the northwest of the Arab country. In recent years, Western terrorists within the ranks of Daesh in Syria and Iraq have

been seeking their countries’ help to secure their return to their motherlands as the Takfiri group continues to suffer heavy losses in the two Arab countries. Some of the Daesh terrorists have contacted diplomatic missions in Turkey while others have secretly sought their governments’ help in leaving dwindling Daesh-held territory. (PressTV)

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News

Vol. I, No. 19 | October 23-29, 2020 (Rabi’ul Awwal 6-12, 1442)

THE MAILBOX | from Page A4

Infants die at a rate ten times higher than most Pinoys up to age 55 Have our judges forgotten the following laws and decisions by the Supreme Court aimed at supporting breastfeeding? EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 51: The National Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, Breastmilk Supplement and Other Related Products. The aim of the Code is to contribute to the provision of safe and adequate nutrition for infants by the protection and promotion of breastfeeding issued by former president Corazon C. Aquino in 1987 during the Revolutionary Period. REPUBLIC ACT (R.A.) 7600: The Rooming-In and Breast-feeding Act of 1992. The State adopts rooming-in as a national policy to encourage, protect and support the practice of breastfeeding. The Expanded Maternity Leave under R.A. NO. 11210 is an act increasing the maternity leave period to one hundred and five (105) days for female workers with pay, and an option to extend for an additional thirty (30) days without pay. This also grants extension of fifteen (15) days for solo mothers, and for other purposes. Pursuant to R.A. 10028: The Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009, August of every year is Breastfeeding Awareness Month. The signing of the Department of Health’sADMINISTRATIVE ORDER 2009 -0025 on December 1, 2009 institutionalizes policies and guidelines for government and private health facilities to adopt the essential newborn care protocol. R.A. 11148: “Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag–nanay” Act scales up the national and local health and nutrition programs through a strengthened integrat-

ed strategy for maternal, neonatal, child health and nutrition in the first 1,000 days of life, appropriating funds therefor and for other purposes. PHARMACEUTICAL AND HEALTH CARE ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES/HEALTH SECRETARY FRANCISCO T. DUQUE III, Supreme Court Decision. The Department of Health issued the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (RIRR) which was supposed to take effect on July 7, 2006. It is a petition for certiorari under Rule 65 of the Rules of Court, which sought to nullify the RIRR of the “Milk Code,” assailing that the RIRR was going beyond the provisions of the said code, thereby amending and expanding coverage of the said law. (The Philippines ratified the International Convention on the Rights of the Child. Article 24 of said instrument provides that state parties should take appropriate measures to diminish infant and child mortality, and ensure that all segments of society, especially parents and children, are informed of the advantages of breastfeeding.) These actions by the country have made us an exemplar in protecting and promoting breastfeeding worldwide. How can our judges fail our most vulnerable mothers and infants? National security cannot justify the legal system’s failure to protect Baby River. JUAN ANTONIO PEREZ III, MD, MPH Public Health Worker, Commission on Population and Development And Advocate for Breastfeeding

TFBM | from Page A3

TF Bangon Marawi vows to expedite permanent houses for Marawi IDPs various challenges. They have formed partnerships, such as with the 55th Engineering Brigade in site development and house construction; we have adopted the steel frame technology just to fast-track the shelter construction in the sites where there are buildable lots. We negotiated to bring in partners who can contribute to moving us towards our goal of providing more than 1,000 permanent shelters to the displaced families under the Rebuilding Marawi Project. We can only do so much. Unless there are actual buildable lots, we cannot build the houses. “We are under time constraints as we abide by the agreements with the donor, the Japanese Government and the People of Japan, who have granted a second extension of the project until March 2021”. While the shelter construction moves forward amid current challenges, the livelihood component of the Rebuilding Marawi Project continues to contribute

in restoring the economy of Marawi City with 33 cooperatives engaging in various enterprises and businesses — transport service, water refilling station, printing shop, groceries, and rice wholesale and retailing, among others. Access to capital for individual/group income-generating projects is also being provided through the Islamic Micro-Finance System. UN-Habitat had just recently completed its Covid-19 Emergency Response for the City of Marawi where it provided personnel protective equipment (PPEs), disinfectant supplies and handwashing facilities. A satellite market and mobile stores were deployed to remote communities to address food insecurity during strict community quarantine. Backyard gardening was promoted through vegetable farming and vegetable seeds distribution. It also provided computer equipment and server to support the strengthening of the Incident Command Center (ICC) operations of the city. (JIJ)

PHILIPPINE | from Page A7

Philippine centenarians beat the odds in virus battle The patient “now serves as the epitome of a coronavirus fighter in the Baguio and the Cordillera region,” the hospital said. “Despite all the difficulties during his admission, he was able to prove that age is just a number.” However, doctors warned that despite the recovery of the elderly man, who is part of the most vulnerable age group, Filipinos must still remain vigilant about health measures. “Remember that prevention is better than cure, but in instances that we

cannot prevent it, early detection, treatment and isolation can help decrease the risk of death,” Cajulao said. In Cagayan De Oro, city epidemiologist Dr. Teodulfo Joselito Retuya Jr. also called on the public to continue following health precautions.On Wednesday, the Department of Health reported 1,509 new virus cases in the Philippines, the lowest daily rise in more than six weeks. Total case numbers have now reached 362,243, with 6,747 coronavirus-related deaths. (ARAB NEWS)

ADAZA | from Page A5

Philippine centenarians beat the odds in virus battle Any House Speaker nurses the ambition to be President of the Philippines and former Speaker Cayetano is no exception. But all that is lost now, reminiscent of the saying – For want of a shoe, a horse was lost. For want of a horse, a kingdom was lost. On Speaker Velasco: I don’t know him. I’ve never meet him The first and only time I saw and heard Speaker Velasco was in an ANC interview before he officially assumed the position of House Speaker. As a trial lawyer for decades, I have a good impression of the man. He looked young and tolerably good looking. He was reserved and quite humble in his behavior and his articulation that any member of the House of Representatives is qualified to be Speaker. I strongly disagree with him there as it takes a high

degree of intelligence and political savvy to be a good Speaker, especially considering the dismal qualifications of majority of the current House members. Speaker Velasco was quite honest to admit he is not only a devoted friend of President Duterte but also of his family. He vowed loyalty and obedience to the President. On that note, it is quite obvious the House under Speaker Velasco will toe the Duterte line. So it is all of the same, so they say. In this country, it seems, nothing exchanges except the seasons. Will he be a good Speaker, despite his sworn blind obedience to the President? That remains to be seen. It is best to give him the benefit of the doubt – less benefit but more doubt, especially considering President Duterte does not behave like a lame duck President. (HAA)

BANGSAMORO | from Page A3

Bangsamoro announces new immunization program The official said a nationwide “behavior change” campaign was also launched that centers on mandating masks, ensuring sanitation and physical distancing, and fighting fake news. About COVID-19 situation in the southern region of Philippines, the officials said there were a total of 1,477 cases, of whom 319 are active. The death toll from the virus stands at 56 Last week, the government has also launched a campaign against child marriage. Bainon Karon, the chairwoman of Bangsamoro Women Commission, told a

webinar that the activity “aims to advance the welfare of young girls in the region.” The statement said the campaign aims at strengthening adolescent girls’ participation in decision-making processes, especially in crafting government policies that address child marriage issues in the region. “We already filed the resolution of the Bangsamoro parliament entitled, ‘Resolution recognizing the International day of the Girl/Child and supporting the advancement of girls’ rights in Bangsamoro’,” said Karon, who is also a member of the local parliament. Riyaz ul Khaliq | Anadolu

News

Vol. I, No. 19 | October 23-29, 2020 (Rabi’ul Awwal 6-12, 1442)

Sports of Volleyball in Tawi-Tawi By JOHNNY R. LEE, Ph.D.

he undying appetite of Tawi-Tawi youngsters towards the game of volleyball cannot be overemphasized. Literally, youngsters from the time they learn how to walk are already exposed to this game. In several villages in the municipalies of the province, volleyball games has become a way of life second only to their practice of Islamic religion. The game of volleyball is both a sports and recreational. To the male youngsters the said game is a competitive sports among themselves or with teams outside of their villages. For the elderly men and women and the young girls it is a form of recreation. Betting is a norm among the male contenders by few hundred pesos and running to thousand of pesos when team from one municipality visits another neighboring island municipalities. The stiff coompetition with cash incentives at stake motivates the players to improve their skills and techniques. There are numerous factors, both physical and technical, that led to sustainable dominance of volleyball players from Tawi-Tawi that reign supreme in the entire

Mindanao regions since the advent of Mindanao athletic meets in the 80’s. The first among them is the physical assets of the local players that suited for

the sports like their ability to jump higher than normal and adaptaton to environmental stress caused by direct exposure to sunlight. Sometimes they play even in a knee-deep

water during high tide which developed their quick footwork when playing in an open court. (To be continued in the next issue).

City prevails over Peninsula in 'Battle of Zamboanga' MANILA: Zamboanga City got the better of Zamboanga Peninsula in their showdown in the first leg of the Chooksto-Go Pilipinas 3x3 President's Cup on Wednesday. Behind the hot hands of Troy Rike, Zamboanga City, the heavy favorite in the conference, turned back Zamboanga Peninsula, 21-14, in Pool A action at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba. Rike dropped three consecutive deuces in a span of two minutes to help Zamboanga City pull away from Zamboanga Peninsula. Rike delivered the match point for Zamboanga City at the 3:44 mark of the game. "We are holding ourselves to a high standard. We don't want to drop any games and we don't want to take the easy route," said Rike, who

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Enhanced monitoring needed to preserve Tubbataha Reef in Sulu Sea

ix years after her suspicious death, Press TV reporter Serena Shim is remembered as one of the first journalists to have exposed the involvement of the US-led Western countries and their regional allies in igniting the foreignsponsored terrorism in Syria, a daring act of investigative journalism for which she paid with her life. ANKARA tragedies in modern times, a senior Turkish diplomat said Tuesday. Enhanced monitoring needed to preserve Tubbataha Reef in Sulu Sea Enhanced monitoring of the globally renowned Tubbataha Reef in the Sulu Sea is required for its continued preservation, marine scientists from the De La Salle University (DLSU) said. The scientists warned that continued nutrient buildup can greatly reduce the coral cover and diversity of the reef in the coming years. The Tubbataha Reef is globally-renowned for its high coral diversity. Recently, however, its status as a global benchmark for reef conditions within a marine protected area is under threat by notable changes in its residing species. “These changes are small but significant and may presage a continuing decline in corals,” said Dr. Wilfredo Y. Licuanan, a biology professor at DLSU and the founding director of the Br. Alfred Shields FSC Ocean Research Center. According to him, hard coral cover in four study sites shrunk by 1.1 percent per year from 2012 to 2019, as algal cover expanded by 1.9 percent over the same period. Rocky spaces for coral growth are steadily being overrun by sponges and cyanobacteria or “blue green algae.” He added that shifting conditions are most consistently seen at the South Atoll, where lagoon waters drain through during low tide. The atoll, which is already prone to damage from drifting logs and metal buoys, is also exposed to rising ocean temperatures and acidity. Licuanan said that these low-key changes may indicate that the area is slowly becoming “eutrophic” in which buildup of nutrients from “guano” or seabird droppings would trigger the bloom of species that can seriously affect coral survival, growth, and reproduction. He explained that sponges and algae can outcompete coral larvae for space to settle and impair the photosynthesis of symbionts that supply oxygen to corals while the crown-ofthorns starfish aggressively feed on coral polyps. Despite this alarming development, Licuanan is confident that the Tubbataha Reef – with its large size, a considerable population of algae-grazing species, and a high level of larval connectivity – can manage to withstand such risks. Enhanced monitoring and management practices, he believes, would be the key to preserving it even amid the COVID-19 pandemic. “Fortunately, the Tubbataha Management Office was able to continue the monitoring, but they require the help of additional scientific expertise and instrumentation,” he said.

LTO extends the validity of licenses, vehicle registration

was part of the national team pool for the FIBA 3x3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Rike led Zamboanga City with seven points, while Joshua Munzon added six. Alvin Pasaol and Santi Santillan put up five and four markers, respectively, to cap Zamboanga City's scoring. Despite the loss, Zamboanga Peninsula is primed to clinch a quarterfinal seat after

edging Sarangani, 21-19, earlier in the day. In other results, Palayan City swept Pool C after beating Porac and Bicol with similar 21-15 scorelines; Butuan and Pasig clinched the quarterfinal spots for Pool B after each beat Pagadian and Nueva Ecija; and Bacolod trumped Roxas City to book playoff seats in Pool D. (Ivan Stewart Saldajeno/PNA)

QUEZON CITY, Oct. 22 (PIA)--- The Land Transportation Office (LTO) extended the validity of student permits (SL), driver’s licenses (DL), and conductor's licenses (CL) of Authorized Personnel Outside Residence (APORs), which expired during the restriction period until 31 December 2020. Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque, Jr. said in a virtual briefing today that LTO offices are now entertaining people ages 17 to 21 and 60 to 65 to transact with the agency after the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging and Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) widened the age bracket of persons allowed to go out of their residence. Roque added that LTO also emphasized that penalties shall not be collected for the renewal of DL and CL that expired during the restriction period. Meanwhile, registration for vehicles with plate numbers ending 6,7, and 8 is extended until October 31, 2020, while registration for plate numbers ending in 9 and 0 is extended until December 31, 2020. Roque reminded the public that validity extension only applies to licenses of the aforementioned restricted individuals. (MBP/PIA-IDPD)

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