Philippine Muslim Today

President Donald Trump and Madness (2)

Homobono A. Adaza | A8

Protect your brother Muslims.

Teachers optimistic for Bangsamoro Education Code passage

Julmunir I. Jannaral | A7

UNDP Philippines reaches out to top religious leaders

Robust governance

Abdul Hannan M. Tago | A6

Ali G. Macababalng | A8

Muslim today

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Vol. I, No. 22 | Nov. 13-19, 2020 (Rabi’ul Awwal 27 — Rabi ‘ul Akhir 4, 1442) | 2 Sections | 12 Pages

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BARMM to build P25M town hall each in 5 towns

By ALI G. MACABALANG

IJTIHAD

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With

MEHOL K. SADAIN

Lessons from Calamities

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hese past two weeks, it is not uncommon to see faces of desperation on live TV. They come in different ages, status, shapes and impressions: pained, scared, angry, hopeful or just plain tired. And who would not? Coming from five successive typhoons, two of which were particularly devastating (Rolly on November 1 and Ulysses on November 11, both of which flooded and swept away trees, hills and structures in the Bicol and Quezon areas, before raging across Central Luzon, and in the case of Ulysses, rampaging in Metro Manila) the victims could not believe that a catastrophe can visit them twice in a matter of ten days. It just seemed like a wrathful God was not satisfied with the destruction He inflicted, and had to inflict another the soonest possible time. Or it also seemed there was no God to stop all these devastations.

The faithful (of any religion) cling to a Merciful Deity, and you can see the combined resignation and hopefulness in their eyes as they talk to members of media, grateful that in spite the loss, at least everyone is alive, or pleading for anticipated donations and giveaways.

eaders of Southeast Asian countries have congratulated US President-elect Joe Biden on his winning the race for the White House.

In their messages, the leaders expressed hope for stronger bilateral relations and stability in the region.

(Full Story on Page A7)

(Full Story on Page B1)

BARMM’s Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo gestures in underscoring the essence of constructing P25-million worth of municipal hall for each of five constituent-towns existing without decent towns halls, in an interview on Nov. 10 by the Philippine Muslim Today. (Photo

by Nur Ali A. Macabalang)

Southeast Asian leaders greet Biden victory

OTABATO CITY: In pursuit of its drive to make difference in governance for the Bangsamoro autonomous region, the regional Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG) will build soon five modern municipal halls, worth P5 P5--million each, in five constituent constituent-towns long existing without decent official town halls.

Full Story on Page A2

'Richest countries already bought 80% of Pfizer vaccine'

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ore than 80 percent of the US drugmaker Pfizer’s coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccine has already been sold to the richest governments across the world, according to an analysis by a UK-based campaign group.

The Global Justice Now analysis shows that more than 1 billion doses have been bought by rich governments, which represent only 14 percent of the global population.

(Full Story on Page B1)

Across Mindanao

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Inside Bangsamoro Region

BARMM turns over 2 of 10 ventilators CRMC, CotSan

By NUR-ALI A. MACABALANG

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OTABATO CITY: Buoyed by higher authorities’ standing citation for its utmost response to COVID-19 pandemic threats, the Bangsamoro autonomous government via its Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (READI) turned over on Thursday two ventilators and other anti-pandemic gadgets to recipient medical facilities.

Vol. I, No. 22 | Nov. 13-19, 2020 (Rabi’ul Awwal 27 — Rabi ‘ul Akhir 4, 1442)

BARMM to build P25M town hall each in 5 towns

By ALI G. MACABALANG

C

OTABATO CITY: In pursuit of its drive to make difference in governance for the Bangsamoro autonomous region, the regional Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG) will build soon five modern municipal halls, worth P5-

million each, in five constituent-towns long existing without decent official town halls.

Photos show Minister Naguib Sinarimbo in his turnover of two ventilators Thursday (above), and of the interview of the Philippine Muslim Today with READI media liaison officer Myrna Jo Jenry at the foreground of the 10 ventilators piled at the READI center’s stockroom on Tuesday night. (Photo by Nur-Ali A. Macabalang) BARMM’s Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo gestures in underscoring the essence of constructing P25-million worth of municipal hall for each of five constituent-towns existing without decent towns halls, in an interview on Nov. 10 by the Philippine Muslim Today. (Photo by Nur Ali A. Macabalang)

Regional spokesman and Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo, who heads the READI program, presided over the turnover ceremony to officials of the recipient entities – the Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao-based Cotabato Sanitarium (CotSAn) and the Cotabato Regional Medical Center (CRMC) based here.

Each of Dr. Ibrahim Pangato of CotSan and Dr. Helen Yambao of CRMC received one unit of mechanical ventilator, air purifier, sets of PPEs, vitamins and hygiene kits, according to READI media liaison officer Myrna Joe Henry.

The two ventilators were among ten (10) complete sets of such equipment purchased by the regional government in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP. In his ceremonial message, Minister Sinarimbo acknowledged the UNDP for its support in the regional governance at its stage of infancy in years to come, even as he deemed their acquisition of ventilators as vital in the stride to contain the spread of COVID-19 virus in Bangsamoro communities.

“We hope the equipment will serve the people who need it the most. We also hope that beyond partnership, we will help one another in identifying our weak points and vulnerabilities with regards to our fight against COVID-19 so we can come up with better solutions and integrate them in the programs of the Ministry,” Sinarimbo pointed out.

The eight other sets of ventilators will be donated in next ceremonies to Datu Blah Sinsuat town in Maguindanao, the IPHO of Lanao del Sur, Montañer Hospital in Lanao Sur, The Amai-Pakpak Medical Center in Marawi, health office of Basilan, the Sulu hospital, the IPHO of Tawi-Tawi, and Datu Halon Hospital.

VENTILATORS | B3

In an exclusive interview with the Philippine Muslim Today last Tuesday, MILG Minister Naguib Sinarimbo said the project fund for the five town halls has already been allocated by the Office of Chief Minister Ahod “Hadji Murad” Ebrahim.

Sinarimbo hinted the Chief Minister promptly allocated the corresponding fund out of the regional block grant after learning about the absence of decent municipal halls in five constituent towns – Lumbac-a-Unayan, Dumalondong and Butig in Lanao del Sur; Pandag in Maguindanao, and another not immediately named during the interview.

Butig used to have a simple town hall but the structure was destroyed in an attack by extremist elements of the then dreaded Maute Group years ago.

Pandag maintains just a makeshift town hall since its creation in 2006, while the elected in Dumalondong and Lumbac-aunayan have no tangible offices, it was learned.

Sinarimbo said the MILG has started designing uniform details for the building of the five town halls, and that the construction works would be launched within this year.

Upon appointment in the MILG in 2018, Minister Sinarimbo has initiated efforts to strengthen local government units’ operation in the region, starting with the recruitment through stringent screening processes and trainings prospect local government operations officers (LGOOs).

The Laguna-based National Local Government Academy alongside regional directors of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) from various regions trained and mentored over 400 LGOO young aspirants, only 109 of whom reportedly passed the screening processes.

By next year, the MILG

will field its highly trained LGOOs to all LGUs in the Bangsamoro autonomous region to put into practice the ideals of efficacious governance they learned from the processes, it was learned.

However, Minister Sinarimbo said the efficiency he expected of the LGOOs would never happen if LGUs in BARMM lack the basic structures, such as municipal halls.

“Towns without municipal halls will never pass our standard…That’s why we embark on building modern halls for them,” Sinaruimbo told the Philippine Muslim Today.

Public administration analysts from local academic institutions lauded the MILG’s concept of subsidizing construction of municipal halls, saying it will “flesh out the dream of the BARMM leadership for moral governance.”

(AGM)

Read The Ranao Star ranaostar.net

Across Mindanao

Vol. I, No. 22 | Nov. 13-19, 2020 (Rabi’ul Awwal 27 — Rabi ‘ul Akhir 4, 1442)

2,000 MILF ex-fighters serve BARMM’s Greening program

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Inside Bangsamoro Region

BARMM launches growth plan, anti-measles-rubella drive

By ALI G. MACABALANG

By ALI G. MACABALANG

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OTABATO CITY: Some 2,000 ex-combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are gainfully working as field workers of the Bangsamoro autonomous government’s “:Greening” Program, a regional counterpart to national reforestation campaign.

FIRST BARMM DEVELOPMENT PLAN. BARMM Executive Secretary Abdulraof Macacua and Regional Chief Planner Mohajirin Ali jointly unveil the region’s three-year growth plan in symbolic rites on Nov. 4. (Photo supplied)

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Bangsamoro Executive Secretary and Environment Minister Abdulraof Macacua, sitting beside MILG Minister Naguib Sinarimbo, gestures in disclosing governmental activities under his watch, including the hiring of ex-combatants of the MILF in regional “greening” program, at an exclusive interview by Philippine Muslim Today News Editor Ali Macabalang and Editor-In-Chief Ding Yahya on Nov. 10. ( Photo by Nur-Ali Macabalang) At least 600 of the employed former MILF warriors serve as “Palaw Rangers,” a regional rag for Forest Rangers, in the regional greening program, according to Bangsamoro government Executive Secretary Abdulraof macacua, who is concurrent Minister of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy (MENRE).

Macacua, erstwhile known as Chief of Staff Sammy AlMansoor in the MILF’s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), was interviewed alongside Local Government Naguib Sinarimbo by the Philippine Muslim Today Tuesday (Nov. 10) evening at his office here.

The MILF combatantsturned regular forest rangers have been fielded in provinces of the Bangsamoro region with remaining forest covers, starting initially with forests in Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur, it was learned.

Under the “Greening” program, hundreds other MILF ex-combatants have been hired as treed seedling producers in designated nurseries, Macacua said.

The MENRE also hired hundreds of other former MILF fighters to plant every matured seedlings produced by their comrades in the erstwhile revolutionary front, he said.

From forest guarding to seedling production and planting stages of the program, the MENRE has so far

employed 2,000 MILF former combatants, he added.

Government statistics showed the MILF having some 12,000 combatants and field cadres.

A large segment of the MILF combat forces has already been decommissioned in batches under the normalization annex of the two major peace deals forged by the national government with the revolutionary front.

Hundreds already decommissioned MILF members had been processed for enlistment in proposed 200 Joint Peace and Security Teams (JPSTs), which also incorporated representatives from the police and military ranks.

The Turkey-led Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB) and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) jointly facilitated the process-

es in batches in Maguindanao areas.

OPAPP and IDP officials had inaugurated earlier at Camp Abubakar, the MILF’s former headquarters, an edifice for one of six JPST barracks earmarked across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and immediate environs.

Earlier, MILF leaders had sounded off concern over the need to provide gainful works after decommissioning, saying majority of the ex-combatrants could not be accommodated in white collar jobs in the regional bureaucracy for sheer lack of civil service qualifications.

The employment of the exfighter in the JPST program and regional “Greening” venture has eased such challenge, Macacua once said.

(AGM)

Israeli settlers’ visit to UAE condemned An aide to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has condemned a visit by an Israeli settlers’ delegation to the United Arab Emirates as part of the normalization deal between Tel Aviv and Abu Dhabi.

Nabil Shaath said it was painful to witness Arab cooperation with one of the worst manifestations of aggression against the Palestinian people.

This after the Israeli delegation met with Emirati business people to discuss commercial opportunities there.

The UAE and Bahrain signed US brokered deals aimed at normalizing ties with the Israeli regime in mid-September.

The moves have drawn widespread condemnations from the Muslim World as well as Palestinians. The Palestinians call the agreements a betrayal of their cause and a stab in their back.

(PressTV)

OTABATO CITY: The Bangsamoro autonomous governance has launched its own 1st development plan for 2020-2022 and a region-wide campaign against measles-rubella in separate ceremonies lately.

Regional Executive Secretary Abdulraof Macacua and Bangsamoro Chief Planner Engr. Mohajirin Ali jointly unveiled a symbolic copy of the three-year growth plan at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex here on Nov. 4.

On Nov. 3, health workers of the autonomous government and counterparts from Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) launched the campaign to prevent outbreak of measles and rubella in Lanao del Sur. The region’s four other provinces of Maguindanao, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi started the measles-rubella drives with supplemental immunization activities on Oct. 26.

OIC Health Minister Ameril Usman said the campaign launch in Lanao del Sur, including Marawi City, was done eight days later “due to the rising number of Corona Virus 2019 (Covid-19) cases in the province,” the regional Bureau of Public Information said.

A total of 115,632 infants and children age 9 to 59 months old in the province will be vaccinated alongside 27,660 in Marawi City, the BPI said.

Meanwhile, the just-launched three-year growth plan focuses on the 12-point priority agenda of the interim BARMM governance aimed at harmonizing current development plans in the autonomous region.

The regional plan was crafted after a series of “extensive planning workshops with the BARMM’s ministries, offices, and agencies, and consultations with civil society organizations and various stakeholders of the region,” the BPI said.

Chief Planner Ali said the plan aims to “uplift the lives of the Bangsamoro and establishment of the foundations of self-governance through moral governance.”

The plan was adopted by the Bangsamoro Economic and Development Council (BEDC) on June 5, 2020 and was later approved by the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament on July 3, 2020, it was learned.

“Today marks another milestone as we launch the 1st BDP 2020-2022 which aims to accelerate the economic growth in BARMM region in line with the National Development plan,” said Chief Minister Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim.

“This Bangsamoro Development Plan is crafted to ensure our efforts for the next year 2021 will contribute to the achievement of the better future for the next generation of our people,” he said.

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr., who earlier commended the BARMM government for adopting lately its most-awaited Administrative Code, was represented in the Nov. 4 ceremony by Assistant Secretary Wilben Mayor.

“Our hats off to the BARMM Government, to the Bangsamoro Parliament, to the BEDC, and the BPDA for the hard work, dedication and determination you have shown as you fulfil your crucial mandate,” Galvez’s message said.

BARMM | B3

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The Nation

NCMF inspects Muslim public cemeteries in Davao region

By Ali G. Macabalang

Vol. I, No. 22 | Nov. 13-19, 2020 (Rabi’ul Awwal 27 — Rabi ‘ul Akhir 4, 1442)

Cargo plane fleet operator assists MinDA in special trips

By ALI G. MACABALANG

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AVAO CITY: The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) is elated over the benefits it derives from a standing assistance offered by the management of a fleet of cargo planes for the airlift of the agency’s foods and goods aimed as relief of natural calamity-stricken areas or as showcase in the trailblazing “MinDA Tienda” project.

An NCMF team conducting ocular inspection of a Muslim cemetery in the Davao region lately. (NCMF Photo) The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) has conducted inspection on Islamic public cemeteries in the Davao region, in conjunction with the staging of its latest leg of relief food distribution to COVI-19 affected clientele in the region.

NCMF-Davao Regional Director Sherrila Porza represented Secretary Saidamen Pangarungan in the conduct of the two field activities on Nov. 10, according to agency spokeksperson Jun Alonto-Datu Ramos.

The team delivered 150 sacks containing five kilos of rice, and packs of Pinakbest seeds each donated to the NCMF by the Department of Agriculture-Region 11, Datu Ramos said.

These goods, endorsed to local Muslim leader Benhur Tahil in Biyao Cogon, Digos City, were earmarked for 150 Muslim family beneficiaries in the area, while the seeds were to be planted beside their mosque for communal use, he added.

Datu Ramos said the NCMF regional team conducted ocular visit to two public Muslim cemeteries in Padada and Malalag, Davao del Sur. The Padada Muslim Cemetery contains graveyards of 6 deceased Muslim residents, while the Malalag cemetery has seven existing graveyards, he said.

The visiting team was accompanied by community Muslim leader Datu Wilfredo Jeopli at the Malalag visit.

The team found the two cemeteries very accessible but lacking barriers to ward off stray animals and some littering resident, Datu Ramos said, citing feedbacks from community leaders Jeopli and Sarif.

It was composed by Cultural Affairs Division Chief Samaon Buat, NCMF Digos City Sub-Office staff Jalina Dejos, Muslim Settlement staff Sittie A'shia Said, Cultural Affairs staff Jahanor Amintao, Administrative staff Ahmad Mapandi and Peace Building and Conflict Resolution staff Bainal Gangis.

Datu Ramos said Secretary Pangarungan will look into the physical improvements of the cemeteries.

Pangarungan’s stint in the NCMF has intensified campaign for the opening of Muslim cemeteries in different urban areas in the country.

The latest of NCMF’s feat in the campaign came with the launching of P24-million Muslim cemetery and gathering hall in San Andres District of Manila by Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Damagoso and Pangarungan two months ago.

Pangarungan’s administration also gave rise to efforts in the formation of Muslim coordinating councils in various cities and provinces to promote smooth rapport between migrant Muslims and host local officials. (AGM)

EXCHANGING TOKENS. MinDA chair Manny Piñol and PSI CEO Amirh Moghaddasi exchanging tokens after forging tie-up for special and emergency ventures. (Photo supplied) The PSI Cargo Plane management has partnered with the MinDA in the airlift of foods and goods via a project called “Mindanao Food Skyway.”

The project, the latest of innovative strides conceived

by MinDA Chairman and Secretary Manny Piñol, was set for formal launch on Nov. 12.

But the onslaught of typhoon Rolly that severely affected Luzon communities prompted the MinDA and the PSI management to move ahead for humanitarianism.

“The Mindanao Food Skyway is supposed to be launched on Nov. 12 with an inaugural shipment of fish and marine products from Tawitawi to La Union for the Baguio City (leg of) MinDA Tienda,” Sec. Piñol said in a post on Nov. 1.

With the rescheduled launch for typhoon victims, Sec. Piñol called on “Mindanao’s agriculture sector to prepare and anticipate food needs in areas devastated by Super Typhoon Rolly.”

He said made the call with a belief that the three cargo planes offered by the PSI management could be used to carry donated foods and goods from Mindanao-based sectors for the typhoonaffected in Luzon.

“Anticipating a crisis on food and other supplies in disaster-hit areas, I called PSI Air Cargo CEO Amirh

Moghaddasi to prepare for an early activation of the Mindanao Food Skyway. I asked him to prepare PSI Air’s three cargo planes – 2 Boeing 737 and one Boeing 727 – for the food airlifting if necessary,” Piñol said.

Moghadassi, a Muslim, offered two Boeing 737 and one Boeing 727 planes on standby for possible airlift operations.

In his Facebook post, Piñol urged leaders of provinces affected by the typhoon could coordinate with the Mindanao Development Authority if they need food supplies.

“They could directly contact me, Undersecretary Janet Lopoz or Asst. Secretaries Romeo Montenegro and Cherry Santos Akbar,” he said.

The city government of Manila hosted the Oct. 23-25 episode of the MinDA TienDA, whichshowcased various raw and processed products

from Mindanao, including the Bangsamoro autonomous region.

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Damagoso was all praises for having tied up with the MinDA in his successful hosting of the three-day showcase, describing the occasion as the opening days of Manila markets for all products from the “Land of Promise” region.

At the height of the “MinDA Tienda sa Maynila,” which the PSI management also assisted, Sec. Piñol said, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong (a retired police general) came and asked for another episode in his city.

The MinDA staged its maiden episode of the special products showcase in Baguio City last August where hundreds or thousands of residents and visitors feasted on fruits and marine products sold on the event. (AGM)

Crew of a PSI cargo plane and Sec. Piñol in a pose at the Davao airport tarmac. (Photo supplied)

The Nation

Vol. I, No. 22 | Nov. 13-19, 2020 (Rabi’ul Awwal 27 — Rabi ‘ul Akhir 4, 1442)

PRRD conducts aerial inspection of ‘Ulysses’-hit areas

Malacañang condemns killing of Pangasinan broadcaster, vows swift justice

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

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ANILA – Despite his hectic schedule due to the ongoing virtual plenary session of the 37th Asean Summit, President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday conducted an aerial inspection of the areas hit by Typhoon Ulysses.

AERIAL INSPECTION. Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go poses for a selfie with President Rodrigo Duterte inside a helicopter during an aerial inspection of areas struck by Typhoon Ulysses on Thursday (Nov. 12, 2020). Duterte inspected the damage in Marikina City and Rizal province. (Photo courtesy of Senator Bong Go) Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go shared with the media footage and photos of him and Duterte as they inspected the flooded areas of Marikina City and Montalban and Rodriguez in Rizal at about 3 p.m.

Go told the media that Duterte has directed the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard to mobilize all their assets to rescue residents trapped by massive flooding.

“Inatasan rin ng Pangulo ang lahat ng ahensya ng gobyerno na tugunan ang lahat ng pangangailangan ng mga kababayan natin.

Nakamonitor po siya sa lahat ng mga pangyayari (The President has also ordered government agencies to address the needs of our fellow Filipinos. He is monitoring the situation),” he said.

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A footage showed several houses still submerged in flood in Marikina City.

Before the aerial inspection, Duterte addressed the nation and assured that the government is on top of the situation He said the national government would provide relief, rescue, and assistance to families severely affected by “Ulysses”.

“From the beginning, various government agencies have already been mobilized to respond to the situation on the ground,” Duterte said, renewing his call on all local government units and concerned agencies “to ensure that the well-being and the safety of our people remain the top priority.”

He said nobody would be left behind as the government is ready to address the people’s needs.

Screengrab from footage shared by Senator Bong Go to the media

“As President, I guarantee you that your government will do its best to provide assistance in the form of shelters, relief goods, financial aid, and post-disaster counseling. Rest assured the government will not leave anybody behind.

We will get through this crisis, I assure you,” the President added.

On Thursday morning, Duterte delivered a message during the 37th Asean Summit plenary session but had to temporarily leave the video conference to monitor the typhoon situation and government response.

“We are now suffering in the midst of the storm of Typhoon Ulysses. There is a great damage and I may not be around to attend further in this regard for I have to go around and see what I can do for my people,” he said in his speech. (PNA)

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ALACANANG PALACE, Manila: Malacañang strongly condemned the killing of radio announcer Virgilio Sarmiento Maganes on Tuesday morning in Villasis, Pangasinan, assuring to hunt down and punish those responsible in what it described as act of cowardice.

In a statement, the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) said Maganes was shot several times at around 6:45 am while walking near his home in Licsab, Brgy. San Blas, Villasis, Pangasinan by two motorbike-riding gunmen, who remained unidentified.

Maganes, a veteran broadcaster of DWPR Radio Station Dagupan City, just turned 62 last November 7. He died on the spot where responding investigators recovered six (6) empty shells of caliber 45, the PTFoMS said.

“We are deeply saddened by the untimely death of Virgilio Maganes Virgilio Sarmiento Maganes. (PIA and extend our sincerest Photo Supplied) condolences to his family,” PTFoMS Executive Director Joel Sy Egco said.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary and PTFoMS Co-Chair Martin Andanar said the Duterte government “condemns any type of killing, especially those in the media.

Andanar said he tasked Director Egco to “swiftly act on this and personally handle this matter,” referring to Maganes’ slay.

He has also asked the Philippine National Police to go after the perpetrators and masterminds in the killing and bring them to justice.

The PTFoMS chief was informed of the incident just a few minutes after it happened, prompting him coordinate with PNP PRO1 Brig. Gen. Rodolfo S. Azurin, Jr. and local PNP officials.

Egco said they were looking at all angles to determine the motive for the killing.

“PTFoMS is on top of the situation and is closely coordinating with Maganes’ family, friends and local police officials to learn more details about the incident. In fact, I will oversee the investigation personally and conduct case conference before visiting the wake”, Egco added. Maganes was a personal friend of Egco.

“This cowardly killing in the midst of a pandemic is unforgivable. We will get to the bottom of this and will stop at nothing in identifying and hunting down the people behind this despicable crime. It will be just a matter of time before these murderers will be brought to justice,” Egco said.

Maganes had reportedly survived an earlier attempt on his life on November 8, 2016 by feigning death. Through the efforts of PTFoMS, a frustrated murder charge was filed in court against one of the suspects. The suit dismissed on the basis of an Affidavit of Desistance executed by Maganes, it was learned.

The PTFoMS is mandated to ensure the safety and security of media workers. It deems all forms of violence against media workers to be work-related until further investigation proves otherwise.

As always, the Task Force is monitoring the case and will issue updates on the latest developments.

Meanwhile, Ernie Sarmiento, former Chief Photographer of Philippine Daily Inquirer, said Maganes was his cousin from Pangasinan.

“They succeeded this time. First attempt was in 2016, same month. Now they made sure, pumping two more bullets in the head, 4 in the body,” Sarmiento said.

“My cousin Virgilio Sarmiento Maganes, a broadcast journalist in Pangasinan is a mandirigmang mamamahayag at aliping sagigilid,” Ernie Sarmiento in his Facebook post said.

“He will rest for now,” Sarmiento added. (JIJ)

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Opinion

Vol. I, No. 22 | Nov. 13-19, 2020 (Rabi’ul Awwal 27 — Rabi ‘ul Akhir 4, 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 Cum Bureau Chief for National Capital Region ALI G. MACABALANG News Editor Cum Bureau Chief for Bangsamoro & Central Mindanao Regions

PH Muslim Today: 22 weeks and fast growing

ROCAYA SUMNDAD OTICAL Bureau Chief for Northern Mindanao Region

By MASIDING NOOR YAHYA Founder

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 DATU AMINULLAH ALONTO LUCMAN 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 nor of its management.

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Front page of PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY previous issue.

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hilippine Muslim Today is running five months now.

Alhamdulillah, infant as it is and founded with no resources, the first Muslim digital media outfit surpasses all kinds of challenges along its way.

The present copy is its 22nd weekly issue. Like all its issues in the past, this one at hand is also made possible due to the dedication and hard-work of the editorial staff, writers, columnists and contributors of PMT who unselfishly contribute their talent, time and effort for the digital newspaper.

Special citations go to Atty. Mehol K. Sadain, Dr. Benj Bangahan, Dr. Johnny R. Lee, Dr. Abdul Hannan M. Tago, Atty. Nasser A. Marohomsalic, Dr. Filemon G. Romero, Atty. Homobono A. Adaza, Atty. Juan Ponce Enrile, Datu Aminullah A. Lucman and among others.

And, of course, special mention also goes to Datu Yusoph B. Mama and Amanoding D. Esmail, chairman and president respectively of "Muslimedia.PH", the mother organization of PMT. Mention also goes to Julmunir I. Jannaral, JD, vice president for internal affairs and managing editor; Ali G. Macabalang, vice president for external affairs and news editor; Bai Rocaya Sumndad Otical, treasurer; Counselor Macod D. Rascal, secretary; Prof. Datu Casan C. Cana, auditor.

Their support and guidance have greatly helped sustained our operation until these days and, possibly, with the help of the Most Merciful and Most Beneficent, we will smoothly tread through PMT’s path and attain its noble goals.

We have no words adequate enough to say, "Thank you." Likewise, our thanks go to the reading public for their patronage.

PMT is striving to have a place in the mainstream media to contribute achieve the maxim, "Unity in Diversity" that every Filipino hopes in his heart to illuminate in the whole of the nation for peace, development and prosperity.

PMT

UNDP Philippines reaches out to top religious leaders

By ABDUL HANNAN MAGARANG TAGO

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he United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Philippines conducted a series of high profile dialogue with various sectoral groups including Ulama and academicians.

The forum “Faith-based Leaders Engagements for the Promotion of Peaceful Engagement and Resilience to Violence” was held at Seda Hotel, Cagayan De Oro City on Wednesday The Ulama and Muslim academicians were represented by the United Imams of the Philippines Incorporated (UIPI) and King Faisal Center for Islamic, Arabic and Asian Studies.

Thanks to the UIPI for inviting me to participate in such UNDP important event for the first time.

The event was part of the UNDP efforts to bring together government officials, religious personalities and academicians for a common goal that would bring peace, understanding and development to the communities.

Anti-terrorism Law and Covid-19 were among the subject matters being discussed during the forum.

Top officials from the Philippines National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines were also presents.

The great concerns of Imams being delivered by UIPI Grand Imam and President, Saad ibrahim Amate, included the group’s fear and worries that such law could target the peaceful sermons and activities of the Ulama.

TAGO | B3

Opinion

Ijtihad MEHOL K. SADAIN

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hese past two weeks, it is not uncommon to see faces of desperation on live TV. They come in different ages, status, shapes and impressions: pained, scared, angry, hopeful or just plain tired. And who would not?

Coming from five successive typhoons, two of which were particularly devastating (Rolly on November 1 and Ulysses on November 11, both of which flooded and swept away trees, hills and structures in the Bicol and Quezon areas, before raging across Central Luzon, and in the case of Ulysses, rampaging in Metro Manila) the victims could not believe that a catastrophe can visit them twice in a matter of ten days. It just seemed like a wrathful God was not satisfied with the destruction He inflicted, and had to inflict another the soonest possible time. Or it also seemed there was no God to stop all these devastations.

The faithful (of any religion) cling to a Merciful Deity, and you can see the combined resignation and hopefulness in their eyes as they talk to members of media, grateful that in spite the loss, at least everyone is alive, or pleading for anticipated donations and giveaways.

In Islam, wind and rain are treated as carrying both blessings and evil; and Muslims are taught to pray for their blessings and to be spared from their harm, in this wise: “O God, I ask You for its goodness, the good within it, and the good it was sent with; and I take refuge with You from its evil, the evil within it, and the evil it was sent with.” More importantly, the prayer is an admission that it is God who sends the wind and the rain. This frame of mind helps in accepting the consequences of these calamities.

The lessons that come to mind in the midst of these natural devastations are

Batanes to Tawi-Tawi JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

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he public teachers in the SulBaT provinces (Sulu, Basilan, TawiTawi) within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have expressed their optimism on the outcome of the Bangsamoro Education Code (BEC) filed before the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) parliament during a special session recently.

Education Minister and Member of Parliament Mohagher Iqbal have already filed the proposed Bangsamoro Education Code (BEC) in the BTA parliament.

Anent thereto, Imelda Mangkabong, a high school teacher of Talipao National High School in Talipao, Su-

lu said most of the public school teachers in this municipality are hoping that the Bangsamoro Education Code will be passed soon by the BTA. Mangkabong said she is optimistic the BEC will bring an effective and transparent educational system in the entire autonomous region.

Minister Iqbal noted that the document is more than just a product of the legislative process.

“Similar to how the Bangsamoro Organic Law meant to our aspiration for meaningful self-governance, the Education Code is the embodiment of our collective vision for an exclusive, relevant, ef-

Vol. I, No. 22 | Nov. 13-19, 2020 (Rabi’ul Awwal 27 — Rabi ‘ul Akhir 4, 1442)

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LESSONS FROM CALAMITIES ones of prevention and preparedness, and our concerned officials including members of mass media, never tire repeating these lessons like a mantra, whenever bad weather is predicted and expected. In short, these are lessons repeated time and time again, in a redundance of words that usually fall on deaf ears, as we once again relive the travails of past calamities.

One concrete example of this is the insistence of our people to continue living in risky areas, like riverbanks, seashores and mountain slopes, knowing well that when the wind and rain come, the rivers and creeks will overflow, the sea will spawn huge waves, and the mountainside will slide down in a deadly cascade of mud and trees.

You’d think people will finally be scared to live in these areas after a disaster destroys lives and property, but you will be astonished because they will be back in the devastated areas. Perhaps this is called

“romancing disaster” or “living dangerously” but it certainly does not have anything to do with the lessons of prevention and preparedness, nor of being resilient. It is simply stubbornness --- the kind that kills.

Islam discourages this, and values life and the preservation of community and property. But if disasters happen, the Noble Qur’an teaches the believers to react with acceptance so they can quickly rebuild what is left of their lives and resources.

In Surah 2, Verses 155 to 157, God says: “Be sure We shall test you of something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods, lives and the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere, who say, when afflicted with calamity, ‘To Allah we belong, and to Him is our return.’ They are those on whom descend Blessings from their Lord, and Mercy. They are the ones that receive guidance.”

Calamities, disasters and accidents are occurrences, unforeseen but happening nonetheless.

Hence, the verse says, “Be sure” and proceeds to tell us how to deal with these calamities: by patient perseverance, and an acknowledgment that all these, including ourselves, come from God and must eventually return to God. Those who are patient and acknowledge God in the midst of these tests of adversity are those who are eventually blessed and guided. That is the whole point of verses 155 to 157 in Surah Al-Baqarah of the Qur’an.

So next time we are in desperation, let our faces reflect the light of acceptance, patience and hopefulness. This is the lesson God teaches us in the midst of the calamities that befall us. It is not an easy way; but you can be sure it is a blessed way.

(MKS)

Public school teachers express optimism on the passage of the Bangsamoro Education Code fective, and transparent educational system in the region.”

According to him, the code highlights the education ministry's advocacy of "No Bangsamoro Child Shall Be Left Behind".

He also said BEC shall cover and govern all education systems, whether formal, non-formal and informal, public and private learning institutions, in all levels. Basic, higher and technical education shall be collectively referred to as the "Bangsamoro Education System".

During his sponsorship speech, Iqbal discussed the salient features of the BEC such as the code is rooted in Bangsamoro history and struggle, Islamic Higher Education is now a reality, Indigenous Peoples Educa-

tion is preserved, peace education is mainstreamed, financial support to public education institutions including public Madrasah, subsidy to private education institutions, and the right of sectarian schools to propagate their religious beliefs is not curtailed, among others.

Ending his speech, Iqbal also thanked his ministry's partners who helped in crafting the BEC including the Asia Foundation and Institute of Bangsamoro Studies, the Australian Government's Education Pathways to Peace Program, the Development Academy of the Philippines, and other independent consultants.

The BEC was already referred to the parliament's Committee on Education.

PostScript: By January 20, 2021, the defeated and advocate of Islamophobia outgoing US President Donald Trump will pack his bags and personal belongings and leave the White House. It was Good enough he was not able to carry out his threat to burn the Holy Qur’an.

Welcome US President Joe Biden as the 46th President of USA who is perceived to be pro-Muslim. In fact during his campaign, President Biden was reciting one of the verses of the Holy Qur’an.

Welcome Joe and VP Kamala Harris the Muslim World love you so much.

For your suggestions or comments, please send it to this email: munir1845media@gmail.com

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Opinion

Diliman Way HOMOBONO A, ADAZA

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wo hundred thousand of deaths and nine million infections are proof enough that Trump is wrong. Using the standards of the Judge in that case, who is the idiot and insane. Is it not DJT? Respect: Trump has no respect for women. He views them as objects of desire and lust. No less than twenty women have complained of being Trump’s victims of sexual harassment and manipulation.

He has also no respect for the electoral process. In the two debates with former VicePresident Joe Biden, he refused to answer the question whether he will leave office if Biden wins. He keeps insisting that the only way he could lose - if he will be cheated. He is the incumbent President. If there is any cheating that could be done, it could only be done by an incumbent President.

Mailing ballots is an institutional procedure in America.

As a matter of fact, Trump won in 2016 with mailed ballots counted. Now that Trump is losing in the polls by considerable margins, he is raising all kinds of absurd objections to institutions which have been established in America for ages. His boys in many places are harassing voters who are on the way to casting their votes if they are

suspected by the Republican gangs of being voters for Joe Biden and the Democrats.

Trump vowed that if he loses, he will take his case to the Supreme Court. To insure he would be favored by the Court, he had his nominee lawyer Amy Comey Barrett, confirmed by the Republican controlled Senate despite serious objections to her confirmation because it is obviously designed to tilt the balance in the Court in favor of the Republicans.

The rational thinkers are saying that it is morally and legally best to have her confirmation be submitted by whoever wins the 2020 presidential elections. But that has been set aside by a very partisan Republican Senate.

He has no respect for the democratic right to protest. He has expressed time and time again to have peaceful protesters be mistreated by the police, arrested, jailed and charged, including those who were peacefully protesting outside the White House while President Trump was having a photo opportunity with Trump holding a bible in his right hand.

Character: It is obvious President Trump has no character. It is very clear though, by his words and behavior, he is a character. He says, make America great again. He has diminished America by his

Punchline ALI G. MACABALANG

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eedbacks reaching this column as well as my own observation indicate that, inshaallah, the transitional governance of the Bangsamoro autonomous government will evolve to what its current leadership envisions as a responsive and moral avenue to serve its constituents.

In the campaign against corruption, the Murad Ebrahim administration has so far removed from key positions two key members or

allies of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) it found remiss in adhering to moral governance.

In the recent exclusive interview of BARMM Executive Secretary Abdulraof Macacua by the Philippine Muslim Today, he disclosed how it painstakingly took the Murad leadership in removing at least two MILF member-officials from office just to exemplify its commitment for moral governance.

For efficient administra-

Vol. I, No. 22 | Nov. 13-19, 2020 (Rabi’ul Awwal 27 — Rabi ‘ul Akhir 4, 1442)

President Donald Trump and Madness (last part) fascistic language and behavior. The true intent of Trump’s Make America Great Again is Make Trump Great Again.

That’s what he has been doing in four years of his presidency. He has expanded his assets but refuse to pay the correct taxes except a scandalous minuscule amount.

He has not been revealing his assets and liabilities for the past four years of his presidency. When asked about it, he says it’s in the hands of his lawyers. When pressed some more, he says he pays so little taxes as he is as smart as the others who pay insignificant taxes despite their billions.

He insults the American people by saying he will claim victory in the evening of the elections, though he denies it now, even if millions of votes remain to be counted. He keeps insisting that the only way he can lose - if he will be cheated. As he is losing to Vice-President Biden in all the polls, he is desperately trying to destroy the validity of the electoral process that elected him President in 2016.

In yesterday’s rally in Florida, prompted by his fanatics to fire Dr. Anthony Fauci, the most famous and respected immunologist in America, he complied by saying, “Don’t tell anybody about this but wait a few days after the election.”

What kind of a man is this, even he does not believe in what he says? He wants to please everybody just to be re

-elected.

Referendum: The 2020 presidential election in America is not only a referendum on Donald J. Trump but also on America. It is bad enough that Trump got elected President in 2016 which seriously diminished the American presidency as well as American democracy. It also diminished the respect of the more knowledgeable people around the world on the rationality and intelligence of Americans, more particularly the American voters and the American party system.

Why a racist, fascist, manipulator and harasser of women, narcissist who is devoid of civility, disrespectful of any person who does not agree with him and lies as brazenly as Adolf Hitler, could be elected President in a country like America defies every standard of rationality and credibility. It is a dilemma for Americans which cannot even be resolved by Bertrand Russell’s hierarchy of language.

To re-elect him is not only a disaster for America as a beacon of light of democracy in the world. It is a catastrophe which will hound this planet for years to come. It is a game changer in the world stage. It is a knock down punch against democracy in the world.

Similarly, Trump has not contained the corona virus despite his ridiculous claim

that America has turned the corner. Why? Like the virus, Trump is the virus who has infected the hearts and mind of his base. And it is really base!

Effects: Why are we interested in this 2020 presidential election in America when we are not Americans? We are interested for several reasons. First, we patterned our constitutional democracy to that of the American democratic constitutional system. A blow against American democracy is also a blow against us. It will weaken our faith in the democratic system. It will support and validate the call for a continuing fascist dictatorship in our country.

Second, we have alliances with America on many levels.

With Trump’s re-election, it will weaken such alliances.

And third, we will lose our countervailing force against Chinese incursions in our country which could result to our becoming a province of China.

It is bad enough that our country has been electing leaders who are more interested in fattening themselves, their families and their friends than enhancing the interests of our people.

Trump’s re-election will validate the perception of many that our present system is the natural course of things for us.

And that idea may take more time and effort to erase. (HAA)

Robust governance tive and organizational operations, the BARMM parliament has just passed the regional Administrative Code defining ideals in personnel management.

The parliament is deliberating the regional Civil Service Code, Local Governance Code, and other ordinances required for the BARMM government’s full operations.

In the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, the regional government has earned praises from the national inter-agency task force

for its prompt and sustained delivery of goods and aids not only to residents within BARMM but also to Bangsamoro people living outside.

BARMM Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo disclosed on Tuesday their plan to deliver relief goods to three barangays in Bicol affected by floods and COVID-19 measures, on request of retired Army Gen. Ariel Bernardo, an active partner of the defunct ARMM government in security and community services as well as election concerns.

Macacua, concurrent BARMM minister of environment and natural resources, prodded in our presence Minister Sinarimbo to facilitate the delivery of relief goods to two Moro puroks in Barangay Amas, Kidapawan City upon earlier request of this columnist.

Sinarimbo’s agency, particularly its Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (READI) program, had earlier dispatched relief goods to residents of Baranay Amas affected by the series of earthquakes last year. (AGM)

The World Today

Vol. I, No. 22 | Nov. 13-19, 2020 (Rabi’ul Awwal 27 — Rabi ‘ul Akhir 4, 1442)

Phil Muslims, acting section editor

Southeast Asian leaders greet Biden victory

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'Richest countries already bought 80% of Pfizer vaccine'

Leaders of Southeast Asian countries have congratulated US PresidentJ AKARTA: elect Joe Biden on his winning the race for the White House.

In their messages, the leaders expressed hope for stronger bilateral relations and stability in the region.

L

US President-elect Joe Biden (Anadolu photo) Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Monday sent a letter of congratulations to Joe Biden and the Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.

“I wish to extend to you and Senator Kamala Harris my warm congratulations on your election victory and the trust that you have earned from American voters,” he wrote.

Emphasizing the longstanding ties of friendship between the two countries, dating back more than 200 years, Prayut recalled that Thailand was the first treaty partner of the US in Asia.

He said the country takes pride in a strategic partnership, which contributes to mutual benefit and the region’s peace, stability, and prosperity.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo said he looked forward to working with Biden in various fields.

“My warmest congratulations @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris on your historic election. The huge turnout reflects the hope placed on democracy,” said Widodo, while posting on Twitter on Sunday.

“Looking forward to working closely with you in strengthening Indonesia-US strategic partnership and pushing forward our cooperation on economy, democracy and multilateralism for the benefit of our two people and

beyond,” he added.

In a statement, Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin expressed his hope to strengthen the country's partnership with the US under Biden’s leadership.

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Democratic presidential nominee, former Vice President Joe Biden on his historic victory in the 2020 US presidential elections,” said Muhyiddin.

The premier said as a fast -growing developing country, Malaysia attaches great importance to its relations with the US, adding that USMalaysia Comprehensive Partnership continues to be an overarching framework for pro-active, multifaceted, and mutually beneficial collaboration between the two countries.

“I wish President-elect Joe Biden great success in his presidency, and look forward to meeting him personally when an opportunity arises," he added Leaders hope to enhance relations Singapore, as the largest US trading partner in Southeast Asia, hoped to enhance bilateral relations with Biden’s administration.

“Congratulations to President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris,” said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in a statement.

Lee said with his long

history and deep experience as a former US Vice President Biden is well-placed to lead his country through the challenges ahead.

“Singapore looks forward to working with you and your Administration to deepen the partnership between our two countries, enhance the US’ role in Asia-Pacific, and overcome COVID-19. You can count on Singapore to remain a friend and partner,” he added.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte also joined other leaders in congratulating Biden and Harris.

“On behalf of the Filipino nation, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte wishes to extend his warm congratulations to former Vice President Joseph Biden on his election as the new President of the United States of America,” said presidential spokesperson Harry Roque in a statement.

The statement noted that the Philippines and the US have long-standing bilateral relations and the Southeast Asian country is committed to further enhancing the relations with the states under Biden's administration.

“We look forward to working closely with the new administration of Presidentelect Biden anchored on mutual respect, mutual benefit, and shared commitment to democracy, freedom and the rule of law. Congratulations ASEAN | B3

ONDON: More than 80 percent of the US drugmaker Pfizer’s coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid19) vaccine has already been sold to the richest governments across the world, according to an analysis by a UK-based campaign group.

The Global Justice Now analysis shows that more than 1 billion doses have been bought by rich governments, which represent only 14 percent of the global population.

Big purchases include the European Union with 200 million doses and an option for a further 100 million, the United Kingdom with 40 million, and the United States with 100 million and an option to buy another 500 million, according to the group.

Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine candidate is more than 90 percent effective in preventing Covid-19, the company announced Monday, raising hopes in fighting the deadly strain.

The company said it would produce 1.3 billion doses of its vaccine, produced in partnership with the German company BioNTech, by the end of 2021.

RICHEST | B3

Kamala Harris: First US woman vice president-elect

US Vice President-elect Kamala Harris (Anadolu)

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NKARA – With Joe Biden the projected winner of the 2020 White House race, his running mate, Kamala Harris, is set to mark several firsts in Americas' political history despite being the first woman vice president-elect.

Harris, 56, also makes history as the first Black person and the first person of Asian descent who will serve as number two in the US. The child of Jamaican and Indian immigrants, she has been a taboo-breaker her entire career, starting from 2010 when she was elected the first Black and first woman to serve as the state of California's Attorney General.

After completing nearly two terms, she was sworn in as California senator -- the second Black woman and first South Asian-American senator in history. Harris is currently the only Black woman in the chamber.

She holds seats on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, the Select Committee on Intelligence, the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on the Budget.

HARRIS | B3

Lifestyle

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Vol. I, No. 22 | Nov. 13-19, 2020 (Rabi’ul Awwal 27 — Rabi ‘ul Akhir 4, 1442)

History of Volleyball in Tawi-Tawi

Palikambing "The Best of Home-Cooked Halal Tausug-Filipino Dishes"

By JOHNNY R. LEE, Ph.D

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ONGAO, Tawi-Tawi: The evolution, development and coping-up

with the modern games of volleyball in Tawi-Tawi are not without any external and internal factors that mould and shape their dominating presence in Mindanao region.

Looking back, the history of the game of volleyball in Tawi-Tawi is almost parallel with its introduction in 1910 to the Filipinos by an American named Elwood S. Brown, the then Physical Director of the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA)..

It became a popular game held in backyards and at beaches in the islands. At first, the Filipinos invented their own rules for the game.

US soldiers who were assigned to the different islands of the Philippine, including Tawi-Tawi, during the period also helped in the widespread introduction of volleyball to the Filipinos.

These American military servicemen encouraged the Filipinos to join them in playing during their time-off from military duties. Early in the history of the game of volleyball in the Philippines, the Filipinos used trees as makeshift net holders (the net was hung between the two chosen trees). This scenario (using makeshift courts) has become commonplace in almost all the island municipalities of the province.

Whilst youngsters from this province, both males and females, are endowed with ‘inborn talents, it is not enough to come to terms with the fast-changing styles and modernities in techniques and training that is happening in the big cities and the world volleyball for that matter. There’s got to be a radical change if only for these youngsters to be able to cope up with the onslaught of a very competitive and hard volleyball.

These ‘changes’ became the missing link or else Tawi-Tawi volleyball players remained stagnant and undeveloped.

We have lots of players beginning Circa 60’s who has been outstanding in big universities in Manila in the likes of the late Mandutong Jumianjang of UST, Abdulgafar Hamdan, Edwin Chio (UE), Abdulmunap Ibrahim(UE), the Lipae Brothers (Algarad and Nurgandi both from FEU), Jukran Hamdan (RTU) and the younger batch con-

With MARIA FHEBIE ORTIL

W

E have finally reached the 22nd Issue of the Philippine Muslim Today and as usual we continue to feature the The Best of Halal HomeCooked Muslim Filipino Dishes listed in the Coffee Table and handy cooked book written by Tausug Chef Abdulaziz H. Hamsain.

In this Issue, we will feature not anymore the main courses but some of the best Tausug snack foods or in Tagalog the “Kakanin.”

Hence, I would like to discuss to our readers the Tausug Palikambing which resembles the “Plir” as what Maguindanaoans call it.

So in most of the restaurants and Coffee shops in Jolo and Tausug snack houses in Zamboanga City, Palikambing is one of the mainstays being served to Cafe habitues.

Thus the Tausug Palikambing and Maguindanao Plir are just the same including the ingredients.

Listed below are the ingredients as well as the simple and self-explanatory procedure on how to cook the Palikambing.

Hence, the simple procedure that can be easily followed requires no further expertise in cooking.

Palikambing Serves 2-3 Ingredients: -3 Ripe green banana -½ kilo flour -1 cup sugar (white/brown) -Oil Procedure: 1. In a large bowl, mash the bananas.

2. Once the bananas are all mashed add the flour and sugar, then mix well.

3. Deep fry the Palikambing, flip both sides.

4. Remove Palikambing when golden brown color is reached. *Best served during merienda or snack time..

MARIA FHEBIE ORTIL

sists of Alnakran Abdilla (La Salle Dasmarinas), Madzlan Gampong and Fauzi Esmael both of 2019 Champion Team National University.

Whilst the above-named players are volleyball heroes adored by Tawi-Tawi youngsters their impact towards the advancement of volleyball did little to the develop-

ment of the game in the area.

This is because after their playing days were over, they either stayed in the city or are gainfully employed as public servants and private citizens.

(To be continued in the next issue: The Role of MSUTCTO in Volleyball Development in the Province.)

A Golden brown Palikambing, a Tausug snack popularly served in most Coffee Shops in Jolo, Sulu (Photo by Abdulaziz H. Hamsain)

Vol. I, No. 22 | Nov. 13-19, 2020 (Rabi’ul Awwal 27 — Rabi ‘ul Akhir 4, 1442)

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TAGO | from Page A6

UNDP Philippines reaches out to top religious leaders The law could be abused by politicians against opponents or those against incumbent LGU officials.

“In order to do a balance verification of information independent and reputable Ulama should be involved in the process, said the Imams group head.

The authorities should not limit its verifications and reach out to the ruling LGU

own Ulama only in order to get balanced and true information when it comes to investigate a case, he added.

The religious group also strongly suggested that a venue of relevant consultation conducted by PNP or AFP should be held in a neutral place to avoid possible influence of LGU that would negatively affect the outcomes of such findings.

The PNP chief in the Lanao Del Sur, Police Colonel Rex Derilo, the newly designated Provincial Director in LDS has echoed the same sentiments and insisted that check and balance should be applied before conducting or suspecting somebody.

He assured the participants that the Law should not be used or influenced by politicians once it is implemented,

he observed “We are also under the law and subject to any punishment as result of mishandling a case” he noted.

He said, we are asking your cooperation in serving and handling these issues fairly and smoothly by your ideas and suggestions, the official said.

Expressing our suggestions I proposed to the UNDP

officials that poverty should be addressed as root of the conflict of any country.

Providing of livelihood is the effective solution that would sustain peace and order.

I told the participants that Islam or teaching of Islam is part of the solution. We are products of Madrasah and never taught of any indiscipline manner. Life of a human being is paramount and should be treated with all respect and honor. (AHMT)

role of the US and its initiatives that help to maintain peace, security, stability, cooperation, and development

in the region, including the US support for ASEAN’s centrality in harmony with regional cooperation mechanisms and line with international law,” the ministry added.

Anadolu

ASEAN | from Page B1

Southeast Asian leaders greet Biden victory and we wish him all the best,” it added.

While the Vietnamese president has not yet re-

leased a statement regarding Biden’s win, the Foreign Ministry stated last week that the country believed that any US

President will support the bolstering of relations between the two countries.

“Vietnam welcomes the

RICHEST | from Page B1

'Richest countries already bought 80% of Pfizer vaccine' “Pfizer is likely to offer some doses to developing countries in the coming weeks through the global COVAX Facility, but these are likely to represent a small fraction of the vaccines produced,” the campaign group said.

The analysis also suggested that while promoting a fair

distribution of vaccines produced, big countries also undermine these schemes by their vast purchase of them.

“On the one hand, the British government is helping limit supply of these drugs by insisting on global patent rules that prevent countries producing their own generic vaccines,” said Nick Dearden,

director of Global Justice Now. On the other, Dearden said, it is buying up as much of that limited supply as it can, so no vaccines are left for developing countries.

“You couldn’t get a clearer example of how unequal the pharmaceutical system is – some make billions of

pounds, while many others die because they cannot afford treatments or there are no more left for them to buy.

It’s got to change,” he added.

Dearden also said “unless we break the stranglehold of these massive corporations over our medicines, the injustice will continue.”

“It is imperative that we

HARRIS | from Page B1

Kamala Harris: First US woman vice president-elect Growing up in Oakland, California gave Harris a "stroller-eye view" of the civil rights movement which led her to the law field. After

earning an undergraduate degree from Howard University and a law degree from the University of California, she began her career in the

Alameda County District Attorney's Office.

In 2003, Harris became the San Francisco District Attorney where she started a

program to reintegrate drug offenders by giving them a chance to earn a high school diploma and find employment. She held that post for

end the vaccine nationalism and that sufficient supply is made available to all, on a fair basis, as a matter of urgency.

That can be helped by supporting governments like South Africa and India who are trying to suspend intellectual property rules at the WTO (World Trade Organization) during this global emergency," he said. ANADOLU

two terms.

During the 2020 White House race, Biden defeated incumbent Republican President Donald Trump with 290 Electoral College votes, according to projections. Anadolu

BARMM | from Page A3

BARMM launches growth plan, anti-measles-rubella drive National Economic Development Plan (NEDA) Acting Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua, who was represented

by OIC Undersecretary Mercidita Sombilla, said that

NEDA is fully committed to support the implementations of all initiatives and strategies on the BDP, as well as the successful transition of the region for the development of

BARMM. BARMM Parliament members led by Speaker Pangalian Balindong Sr. alongside representatives from lineagencies and the Europe-

an Union (EU), Australian Embassy, International Organization for Migration (IOM), United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA), Japan International Cooperation

Agency (JICA), The Asia Foundation (TAF), Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (CHD) and United States AID (USAID) witnessed the Nov. 4 event.

(AGM

VENTILATORS | from Page A2

BARMM turns over 2 of 10 ventilators CRMC, CotSan Thursday’s ceremony here was witnessed by Dr. Amieril Usman, officer-in-charge of the

Health Ministry, and Mikkoh Ortuoste, the Project Officer of UNDP-Cotabato City office.

The Bangsamoro region’s convergent stride against COVI-19 pandemic has earlier

earned citation from Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the Presidential Peace Adviser and

chairperson of the National Inter-Agency Task Force on the management of antipandemic operations. (NAM)

JOB OPENING Philippine Muslim Today is need of writers, provincial reporters/correspondents who are at least college level, with good command in oral and written English and with self-confidence to communicate officials and other reliable sources of information.

Please send resume to: muslimtoday2020gmail.com