Philippine Muslim Today by Philippine Muslim Today

Of Pledges, Promises, Hopes and Dreams (1)

Homobono A. Adaza | A6

Protect your brother Muslims.

Alpha Sigma Phi serves the Zamboanga City Community

Julmunir I. Jannaral | A5

How PH missed near to US$500-M business opportunity from KSA

3 years is not enough Ali G. Macababalng | A6

Abdul Hannan M. Tago | A4

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Vol. I, No. 23 | Nov. 20-26, 2020 (Rabi ‘ul Akhir 5-11, 1442) | 2 Sections | 12 Pages

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BTA backs BARMM transition extension to fully flesh out peace deals By ALI G. MACABALANG

IJTIHAD

OTABATO CITY: The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) has formalized the subtle campaign for a three three--year extension in the tenure of its appointed members, with its passage on Nov. 17 of Resolution No. 332 for the purpose.

With

MEHOL K. SADAIN

WISDOM FROM THE QUR’AN

Lanao Sur-2 tackles nutrition of children MALABANG, Lanao del Sur: The schools division of Lanao del Sur 2 (LDS 2) of the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) tackled a three-day orientation on the implementing guidelines of SchoolBased Feeding Program (SBFP) on its milk component aimed to provide proper health and nutrition of its children and students. (Full Story on Page A7)

Bangsamoro Interim Chief Minister Ahod “Hadji Murad” Ebrahim

3 execs picked as outstanding gov’t workers in the Bangsamoro region

Full Story on Page A2

The Role of MSU Tawi-Tawi in Volleyball development

ARAWI CITY: Two municipal mayors and a vice mayor were chosen as outstanding government workers by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) in the Bangsamoro autonomous region for this year.

he fast-paced changes and development volleyball in the world especially in skills training and techniques has not escaped the keen eyes of people involved in moulding the current crops of outstanding ballers that are teeming and continuing to emerge from the different municipalities of Tawi-Tawi.

(Full Story on Page A3)

(Full Story on Page A8)

SULTANATE OF SULU: Titles and Styles By ABRAHAM I. DALAGAN | Member, Ruma Bichara Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo

(Full Story on Page A9)

The Bangsamoro

A2 Inside Bangsamoro Region

Lanao Sur-2 tackles nutrition of children, students

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.

Photo shows Lanao del Sur-2 schools division superintendent during the 3-day orientation on School-Based Feeding Program-Milk Component held at the division’s office in Malabang, Lanao del Sur. (Photo by RSO) MALABANG, Lanao del Sur:The schools division of Lanao del Sur 2 (LDS 2) of the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) tackled a three-day orientation on the implementing guidelines of School- Based Feeding Program (SBFP) on its milk component aimed to provide proper health and nutrition of its children and students. Dr. Rubina Mimbantas-Macabunar, LDS 2 schools division superintendent, said the activity held from November 1012, 2020 at the division‘s Rambayong Hall here, is in pursuance to the Department of Education (DepEd) Order No. 036 s. 2019 which mandates the Education‘s Bureau of Learning Support Services-School Health Division (BLSS-SHD) to lead the implementation of SBFP-Milk Component.

―It is aimed to contribute to the improvement of nutritional status, boost classroom attendance and school performance of target beneficiaries to more than 85 percent per annum,‖ Macabunar said. ―Ito yong ibinibigay ng gobyerno na feeding before pero ngayon naging milk component,‖ she added. Participants to the three-day orientation program are school heads of targeted school recipients and district nurses In addition to the said orientation, the HNS Team also reechoed on Infection prevention and control (IPC), wash in schools (Wins) and Mental Health/Psychological First Aid during COVID-19. ROCAYA SUMNDAD OTICAL

Vol. I, No. 23 | Nov. 20-26, 2020 (Rabi ‘ul Akhir 5-11, 1442)

BTA backs BARMM transition extension By ALI G. MACABALANG

OTABATO CITY: The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) has formalized the subtle campaign for a three-year extension in the tenure of its appointed members, with its passage on Nov. 17 of Resolution No. 332 for the purpose.

Bangsamoro Transition Authority Members of Parliament Jose Lorena and Paisalin Tago. (File) The resolution rallied officially an earlier public statement of Bangsamoro interim Chief Minister Ahod ―Hadji Murad‖ Ebrahim, which expressed the desire of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for postponement of election of regional officials in the 2022 polls in order for the transition body to fully flesh out the provisions of the MILF‘s peace accords with the government, according to BTA Parliament Member Jose Lorena, a lawyer and one of principal authors. ―I stand by our chief minister, when he declared that in the normalization, there (is) much to be (done),‖ Lorena said, referring to the podcast interview by journalist Christian Esguerra on Nov. 13 where ICM Ebrahim conveyed support to the recommendation of the Mindanao Peoples‘ Caucus (MPC) on extending the transition period for three years. Published reports said the MPC, a peace advocacy group, had conducted a rapid midterm review on the regional government‘s transition period through record reviews, key informant interviews, and focused group discussion with various stakeholders. In the podcast interview, ICM Ebrahim admitted ―challenges‖ for the new autonomous governance to fully flesh out the two major intents in the 2014 MILF‘s Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB) – the governance track and the normalization track. The normalization track stipulates building of a new regional bureaucracy that fits to the Bangsamoro sociopolitical landscape, while the

normalization track provides for full decommissioning and transition to amity and productive life among the MILF‘s 14,000 members. The interim government is still on the verge of enacting enabling codes for a robust Bangsamoro entity, while local and national authorities have just decommissioned about half of the MILF combatants, with the government starting to pay out the P1million economic package promised to each of the former guerillas, Ebrahim hinted. The economic package has not been paid out fully yet. So, the challenge is how we can persuade other MILF field combatants to follow suit in the normalization track, Ebrahim said in Pilipino. President Duterte inaugurated the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) bureaucracy on March 29, 2019, installing his appointed members of the 80-seat BTA. BARMM replaced the 29year Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) under R.A. 11054, also known as Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), enacted in July 2018 and ratified in the January and February 2019 plebiscites. The appointive BTA members will govern the interim BARMM governance until the election in 2022 of their regular replacement. The MPC‘s review, corroborated by the MILF and many BARMM stakeholders, has indicated a slim chance for the interim governance to fully flesh out the two-track CAB until 2022. Thus, it recommended a three-year extension of the transition peri-

od. The BTA parliament had just enacted the BARMM‘s Administrative and Education Code, and is still tackling the Civil Service Code, Local Government Code in processes largely stunted by the advent of the CoVID-19 global pandemic and the adversities of intermittent natural calamities among Moro people in and outside BARMM. ICM Ebhraim said their transitional administration has not delivered major successes, something that the electorate in BARMM would reckon if the 2022 election of regular officials would push through. The MILF has fully organized its political party called United Bangsamoro and Justice Party (UBJP) in its plan to field candidates in the 2022 elections and succeeding polls. In past peace negotiations, the MILF originally pushed for a six-year transition, which was halved following delays in the passage of a new law creating the BARMM. A botched 2015 antiterrorism operation that killed 44 police commandos in Mamasapano, Maguindanao stymied the implementation of the historic peace agreement with the MILF under then President Benigno Aquino III. The tragic incident drew public outrage, which prompted Congress to shelve the BOL draft. Congress, under President Rodrigo Duterte, passed the Bangsamoro Organic Law in 2018 with the new region set following a two-stage plebiscite the following year. But it provides for only 3-year transition. BTA | A10

The Bangsamoro

BARMM to supply electricity after 25 years of inception

Vol. I, No. 23 | Nov. 20-26, 2020 (Rabi ‘ul Akhir 5-11, 1442)

Inside Bangsamoro Region

Three execs picked as outstanding gov’t workers in the Bangsamoro region By Muslimedia.PH

By ALI G. MACABALANG

OTABATO CITY: After 25 years of existence, the Bangsamoro autonomous government will be taking over the management of hydro-electricity sources within its territorial jurisdiction to supply energy to the public and utilities in neighboring regions, according to lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo. The bright prospect hinges on a provision in R.A. 11054, also known as Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), which provides for the regional government to become energy distributor after 25 years of existence to be reckoned from the passage of the law in July 2018, Sinarimbo told the Philippine Muslim Today in a recent exclusive interview. Sinarimbo, spokesman and minister of local government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), narrated during the interview how he and negotiators from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) tangled with lawmakers in their desire for the regional government to wield authority over ―inland waters‖ within the area of autonomy. Lake Lanao, the country‘s second largest water body located in Marawi City and Lanao del Sur, is considered as an ―inland water‖ in the autonomous region, and has been serving as major source of hydro-electricity to Mindanao and parts of Visayas. Sinarimbo recalled that at least one senator, believed to be allied with officials of the power-distributing Aboitiz firm, strongly opposed the incorporation in the BOL of a provision that would automatically empower the BARMM entity to manage ―inland waters‖ upon its inception. Lobbies and bargaining discussions at the Senate level and bicameral conferences resulted to the incorporation of a BOL provision that authorizes the BARMM government to enjoy supervision and management of ―inland waters‖ like Lake Lanao only after 25 years upon the passage of the regional charter in 2018, Sinarimbo hinted. BARMM comprises the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, the cities of Cotabato, Lamitan and Marawi and 63 villages in North Cotabato. The region and its component areas rely primarily on electric supply generated by the National Power Corporation and distributed by companies like the Aboitiz group. Regional autonomy stakeholders had expressed dismay over the hesitance of the

BARMM spokesman and Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo. (File)

national authorities to grant the autonomous government an automatic authority over the management of Lake Lanao. They argued that Lake Lanao is not only a major source of hydro-electricity but is also directly associated with the socio-economic and cultural makeup of the autonomous regional populace, particularly the Meranao tribe. The term ―Meranao‖ is literally meant ―people around the lake.‖ Thus, their social identity is attached to state of the Lake. In an unlikely event that the lake dries up, the Meranos would become ―people

of the mountain.‖ Proponents for local management of Lake Lanao have also been asserting the religious importance of the lake in the Meranao tribe, the fresh water body being surrounded by several masjids (mosques) that depend on the lake‘s water. In the interview with the Philippine Muslim Today, Minister Sinarimbo pointed out that local revenues in BARMM will tremendously increase by several folds once the regional government start managing Lake Lanao and distributing electricity to power distributors. (AGM)

Peacebuilding efforts pushed in Maguindanao COTABATO CITY: Civil and military authorities in Maguindanao are jointly promoting peacebuilding efforts to address violent extremism while pushing for lasting peace and progress. The Joint Task Force Central (JTFC) and the provincial government of Maguindanao launched recently the “AGILAHAVEN” (Anak na may GInintuang LAyunin upang Hintuan Ang Violent Extremism Ngayon) in Maguindanao town of Buluan. The peace map was crafted to strengthen the program on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE). Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) and JTFC commander Major General Juvymax Uy said, “(The) 6ID has been working hand-in-hand with the local government units of Maguindanao and North Cotabato in implementing a mechanism that will provide a comprehensive, inclusive, enduring, and culture sensitive program to address violent extremism for lasting peace, security and development. Maj. Gen. Uy has assured stakeholders that government forces will continue to protect communities against violent extremism being propagated by the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and other lawless elements in Maguindanao. Maguindanao Governor Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu said that with the AGILA-HAVEN, violent extremism can be prevented and recruitment of terrorist-tagged groups in the province will be stopped. Meanwhile the program was highlighted by the distribution of livelihood assistance to former violent extremists (FVEs) and the provision of rescue or utility vehicle to school district supervisors and other departments of the provincial government unit of Maguindanao. Muslimedia.PH

ARAWI CITY: Two municipal mayors and a vice mayor were chosen as outstanding government workers by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) in the Bangsamoro autonomous region for this year. Dominador Gonzales, Jr., officer-in-charge of the CSCBangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) told the media on Wednesday that Mayor Nashiba Gandamra Sumagayan of Taraka in Lanao del Sur, Hanie Bud of Maluso in Basilan, and Vice Mayor Ali Lawi Sumandar of Piagapo also in Lanao del Sur have topped this year‘s regional search for outstanding government workers by the Commission. Gonzales said they were chosen as outstanding public servants based on their performance as municipal officials. Both Sumagayan and Bud were recipients of the CSC‘s Pag-asa Awards for their efficient management of their respective local government units. Taraka and Maluso have been consistent awardees of the prestigious Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) The grant of SGLG to deserving LGUs is a yearly nationwide activity of DILG, premised on ―best practices‖ of recipients, sound fiscal management and active peace and security initiatives. Sumandar is recipient of the CSC‘s Dangal ng Bayan award for 2020, according to Gonzales. Gonzales said a bloc of employees in the Mindanao State University in Marawi City — the Gandingan Group, which has been helping push MSU‘s operation as Mindanao‘s largest state-run academic institution forward — was also named Pag-asa awardee under the group category of the search. ―These awardees qualified for the awards based on criteria set by the Civil Service Commission,‖ Gonzales said. An employee of the Social Social Security System in Sulu, Sitti Alhada Abayan, was also chosen to receive the Dangal ng Bayan award. ―We in CSC-BARMM are thankful to all those who helped us facilitate the commission‘s search for outstanding government workers in the Bangsamoro region for this year,‖ Gonzales said. (With agencies)

Opinion

DATU YUSOPH B. MAMA Chairman, Board of Trustees

Vol. I, No. 23 | Nov. 20-26, 2020 (Rabi ‘ul Akhir 5-11, 1442)

How PH missed near to US$500-M business opportunity from KSA

AMANODING D. ESMAIL President

By ABDUL HANNAN MAGARANG TAGO

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 Acting Bureau Chief for National Capital Region ALI G. MACABALANG News Editor Acting Bureau Chief for Bangsamoro & Central Mindanao Regions ROCAYA SUMNDAD OTICAL Acting Bureau Chief for Northern Mindanao Region JOHNNY R. LEE Acting Bureau Chief for Western Mindanao Region PHIL MUSLIM Layout Artist FATIMA ORTIL-JANNARAL Advertising Sales Director for NCR NUR-ALI A. MACABALANG Correspondent COLUMNISTS | WRITERS:

early 500 Million US Dollars initial business investment alone from Saudi Arabia’s major companies were inked during the 2017 state visit of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to Saudi Arabia and some several millions from other Gulf countries. The Letters of Intent (LOI) deals were signed by Secretary Ramon “Mon” Lopez of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Director General Charito “Ching” Plaza of the Philippines Economic Zone Authority (PEZA). In my February 8, 2016 exclusive meeting with then Mayor Duterte at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Ortigas, Metro Manila, he asked me to convince Saudi investors to do business in the Philippines, specifically in Mindanao, promising them to ease everything for them. In return, I suggested that he should visit the oil-rich country once he wins the 2016 presidential election, which he indeed did in April 2017. Such confidence and trust by Saudi friends was a result of my 25 years continuous service to the country’s media, Saudi Research and Publishing Company (SRPC) as Arab News was its first publication. It is owned mainly by King Salman sons. While here in the Philippines for good, I was requested by Presidential Adviser on OFWs and Muslim Concerns, Secretary Abdullah “Dabs” Mama-o, to accompany him to KSA as advance party. I had to travel on my own expenses because I am not a government official. TAGO | A10

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

War-torn school edifice in Lanao Sur rebuilt By ROCAYA SUMNDAD OTICAL

DISCLAIMER: Opinion of the writer expressed herein is not necessarily the opinion of Philippine Muslim Today nor of its management. TEMPORARY BUSINESS OFFICE:

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Front page of PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY previous issue.

ARAWI CITY: Students painstakingly attending classes in bullet-riddled classrooms in war-torn Butig, Lanao del Sur have regained with more comfort a decent school building, courtesy of cohesion among locals, the Bangsamoro autonomous government and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). At least 250 pupils along with their teachers at the Ragayan Elementary School in Butig town are all praises for the completion last September of reconstruction works on their classrooms, which were destroyed in armed skirmishes between soldiers and extremist guerillas led then by then now slain brothers Omar and Abdullah Maute in 2016. The armed clashes drove thousands of residents to safer grounds in other municipalities. Some 390 families fled to Marawi City, but they were displaced again after a larger and prolonged battle between government forces and the Maute group backed by guerillas of the dreaded Abu Sayyaf group in 2017. Concerned quarters failed to promptly address adversities in the 2016 Butig conflict as public attention had shifted to the bloodier fight in Marawi City. The freshly reconstructed classrooms were among public buildings, residential houses and farms in the armed clash in Butig, particularly the vilages (barangays) of Ragayan and Poctan. Ragayan elementary school students and teachers recalled how they persevered in holdings clashes in bullet-riddled classrooms. ―Whenever our teacher wrote on the blackboard, raindrops would just erase her writings,‖ Grade 6 pupil Nor-Jannah Nabil said in the vernacular. ―It (sad situation) pained me because we get rained on while having classes,‖ she added. The ICRC, which has been extending humanitarian aids in the aftermaths of the battles in Butig and Marawi City, had the town people and the Ministry of Education of the Bangsamoro region to rebuild the ruined classrooms. The completion of reconstruction works came last September after protracted delays caused by the anti-COVID-19 measures that restrained social movements. At least 90 Butig town residents, under the ICRC‘s cash-for-work program, completed building the wooden temporary learning space in prelude to permanent building programmed by the BARMM‘s Ministry of Education. Due to restrictions for face-to-face learning, Ragayan schools pupils are holding virtual classes at home, using the standard modules. Because Butig has no internet link yet, the pupils use two-way radio units to interact with their teachers. Butig officials have expressed gratitude for the ICRC and BARMM government intervention, even as they anticipate a sooner construction of permanent buildings for the constituent students and teaching forces. (With Agencies)

Opinion

Ijtihad MEHOL K. SADAIN

hapter 17 (Al-Israa) of the Noble Qur‘an enumerates what it considers are revealed rules of wisdom. The first is Allah‘s decree that man should worship none but Him or the doctrine of Tauheed; immediately followed by the second command to be kind to parents, and to treat and address them honorably. [17:23] Viewed from the perspective of parents, the verse obviously ascribes importance to parents and parenting. Third, Allah orders Muslims to discharge the rights of their kindred, those in want, and the wayfarers [17:26]. These three groups enjoy the right to partake of the proceeds of zakah or the poor tax which is assessed on the yearly accumulated proper-

ties and money of a Muslim. Fourth, Allah tells Muslims not to be extravagant nor niggardly [17:29] in the handling of their properties and resources. Muslims are reminded that their possessions and wealth are mercies from Allah, hence, they should be used properly. Fifth, Allah forbids the tradition of the Jahiliyah Arabs of killing their children [17:31], especially the females, for either fear of want or for preference for male children because females then are deemed to be less useful. Actual cases of infanticide may no longer be common today, yet there are now a growing number of mothers who abort their babies or abandon them after they are delivered. Allah forbids this,

Batanes to Tawi-Tawi JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

he Batanes To Tawi -Tawi Column would like to congratulate the Alpha Sigma Phi-1845 fraternity for serving the community as a fraternal organization by helping the 54th Army Engineering Brigade and the GMA7 Kapuso Foundation put up a 2-classroom multipurpose building in Barangay Cabatangan, Zamboanga City. First and foremost I would like to congratulate Engr. Rudimar Daham, chairman of the Alpha Sigma Phi Zamboanga City Alumni Association for spearheading a joint venture bringing along with him his fraternity Brothers and sorority Sisters for such a noble undertaking by saying the ASP-1845 Advocacy ―Together We Can Make A Difference.‖ Along with the fraternity ASP slogan of Alpha that stands for Service, the fraternal organization is also advocating Service by saying, ―Serving Our Community.‖ Hadji Abdurahman Paradji Pattaalam of Parang, Sulu but one of ASP-1845 active

Vol. I, No. 23 | Nov. 20-26, 2020 (Rabi ‘ul Akhir 5-11, 1442)

WISDOM FROM THE QUR’AN and at the same time, assures these mothers that He will give sustenance to them and their babies. Sixth, Allah forbids adultery [17:32] which echoes the prohibition in the ten commandments given to Prophet Moses. The prohibition is anchored on the ill-effects of zina on individuals, families and society, aside from the possibility of a proliferation of disadvantaged illegitimate children who enjoy lesser rights than legitimate ones. Seventh, do not take life which Allah has made sacred [17:33]. Life may only be taken for just cause, which usually involves application of the laws. Under these laws, a murderer or killer may also be killed provided his guilt his proven under judicial proceedings. Eighth, if a Muslim is charged with administering

the property of an orphan, he should manage it honestly, and only to improve it [17:34], and not to take advantage of it. Once the orphan or the minor reaches the age of majority and can now manage his own property, the Muslim should immediately return the property and its administration to him. Ninth, Allah tells the Muslim businessman to give full measure [17:35] when he trades, or otherwise does business, and to use a balance that is straight. This command is not just about weighing; it is about doing business honestly and trustworthily. Tenth, Muslims are told not to pursue things over which they have no knowledge [17:36], referring not just to esoteric knowledge that is beyond their control, but also to mat-

ters that are none of their business. Eleventh, Allah commands Muslims not to walk insolently on the earth because man, in the words of Allah, ―cannot penetrate the earth, nor reach the mountains in height‖ [17:37]. In sum, after giving the Muslims the rules that will endow him wisdom, Allah stresses the need for man to remain humble. Commands such as the above-enumerated verses are common in the Noble Qur‘an and if we consider that the Qur‘an are the Words of God, then God Himself is talking to man through the Qur‘an. This accounts for the reverence and highest respect Muslims accord to the Qur‘an: ―This is the Book in which there is no doubt, a Guidance for the reverent.‖ [2:2] (MKS)

Alpha Sigma Phi serves the Zamboanga City Community Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Granting for the sake of argument that Gen. Gapay‘s perception has a semblance of truth, it is surprising to note that no less than the Philippine Army Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Cirilito E. Sobejana who personally graced the occasion by attending the ribbon cutting ceremony where among the VIP guests invited were Ms. Rikki Escudero-Katibog of the GMA Kapuso Foundation, Zamboanga City Mayor Isabelle Beng Climaco-

Salazar, and Mayor Carlan Climaco of Tungawan Municipality in Zamboanga Sibugay. Both Mayors Salazar and Climaco were represented by Ms. Shimlei ClimacoEvangelista in the inauguration of Madrasa. Lt. Gen. Sobejana was the Commanding General of the Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City and prior to assuming the Post as the 62nd Commanding General of the Philippine Army. Lt. Gen. Sobejana was also a well decorated military officer

and loyal Alumni Members said the 2-classroom multipurpose building has several functions. Hadji Abdurahman said the building is intended as a pre-school, Alternative Learning System or ALS, and most of all as Madrasa or learning center for Arabic reading and writing in Barangay Cabatangan. Speaking of Madrasa, this is contrary to the wrong perception of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Gilbert Italia Gapay that Madrasa can be a breeding ground of terrorists. The Statement of Gen. Gapay had drawn several condemnations from the Muslim leaders notably from Basilan Lone District Rep. Mujiv S. Hataman. Hataman is a Deputy Speaker for MindaALPHA SIGMA PHI-1845: Members of the Alpha Sigma Phi-1845 Alumni Associnao in the House of ation attend the inauguration of the Madrasa that was constructed by 54th Representatives and Engineering Brigade of the Philippine Army. This was a joint venture with the as everyone knows GMA7 Kapuso Foundation. Shown at extreme left is Hadji Abdurahman P. was the Regional Pattaalam, a member of the ASP-1845 Alumni Association, while 4th from left is Engr. Rudimar Daham, chairman of the Zamboanga Alpha Sigma Phi Alumni Governor of the de- Association. The rest are members of the same alumni association. funct Autonomous (Contributed Photo)

being the recipient of the Philippines‘ highest military award for courage, the Medal of Valor. Upon assuming as Army Commanding General, I congratulated him and he said, ―I have to accept this post as a big challenge.‖ Incidentally, we know each other personally when most often he invited me to many of the social gatherings at the Officers‘ Club House when he was the Commanding General of the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao. I was then the Vice President for Television of the Kampilan Defense Press Corps. However, not to be outdone or left behind was the presence of another VIP Guest Engr. Rudimar Daham and as mentioned earlier he is the Chairman of the Alpha Sigma Phi-1845 Zamboanga Alumni Association together with another fraternity Brother Hadji Abdurahman P. Pattaalam, and several other brothers and sisters who braved their way to Show their Sense of Camaraderie, Brotherhood, and Sisterhood even in time of Pandemic. JANNARAL | A10

Opinion

Diliman Way HOMOBONO A, ADAZA ―If you can dream – and not make dreams your master; If you can think – and not make thoughts your aim, If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster And treat those two impostors just the same:‖ - From IF by Rudyard Kipling ―Daghan nangaburos tungod sa mga saad.‖ (Many became pregnant because of promises.) - A saying from Catarman, Camiguin

pledge is supposed to be sacred, just like an oath. A promise is made to be fulfilled but most of the time broken, especially from traditional politicians and young men whose consuming desire is to bring as many unsuspecting young women to bed. Both characters are dishonorable but traditional politicians are addressed as honorable. A very perceptive writer calls them ―horinable‖ because of their urine like language and behavior. If I were to invent a word, they are

urinable. The lustful young man is adored despite despicable behavior in a society that calls itself macho. What a world! But that is the reality and realities could be so damning that one wonders if this is the kind of world we wish to live in. It is visibly human to hope that our world will change. Thus, we dream because as someone has said it before – ―without dreamers men and women will be living in caves.‖ And who wants to live in a cave except in a cave of your desire, if one must wax poetic. Earthly pledges: After four years and four months in office, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has not really significantly changed. He still bullies and curses but not as often as he used to. He still makes pledges and promises as if by making them he has already accomplished what is to be done. But knowing President Duterte these past four years through his words and actions, nothing surprises me anymore. The little bit of surprise for

Punchline ALI G. MACABALANG

he 80-member interim governing body called Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) of the fledgling Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) cannot by all means, without Divine intervention, fully flesh out the two-track intents of the 2014 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) final peace accord with the government. I am certain of this notion, especially so that the interim BARMM governance is expected to build stronger foundation for autonomy better than of its predecessor – the 29-year old Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Perceived malfeasances in the ARMM government ranging from alleged mishandling of public funds to sale of items positions in the education department and other

regional offices are just part of the MILF-led BARMM regime to think in building a better autonomous bureaucracy. Another major concern is how the government and the MILF can fully decommission and transform to civilian productive life the latter‘s 14-strong revolutionary forces. The BTA has just enacted the regional administrative code and education code, and is working under pressures amid adversities of their infancy, the COVID-19 pandemic challenges and illeffects of intermittent manmade and natural calamities in crafting other ordinances required for full-blown regional autonomous governance. The local governance code, the civil service code and other regional necessary laws are still under delibera-

Vol. I, No. 23 | Nov. 20-26, 2020 (Rabi ‘ul Akhir 5-11, 1442)

Of Pledges, Promises, Hopes and Dreams (First Part) me though is he finally appears chastened by the years, the admissions of the insurmountably of our national problems and the discipline which he is being subjected to, just like everyone else, by the corona virus which his friend, President Xi Jin Ping of China, has effectively let loose on our planet. Finally, President Duterte appears to have realized that he is not god but mortal just like everyone else. He is not that powerful as he is hamstrung by forces beyond his control. His power is defined by time limits, historical forces, the ravages of the years and his mortality. At this point in time, as I assume he is as human as I am, he must be seriously thinking of legacy – of how people and generations of Filipinos remember him. He wants to write a chapter in the history of this country and not just be a footnote. A chapter is a triumph for him and a footnote is an intolerable tragedy, at least for him and anybody who bears his name. Unsolicited advice: This is a habit I‘ve acquired since I was editor-in-chief of my high school paper, The Misorien

Torch, at the Misamis Oriental High School in Cagayan de Oro City. It was further strengthened when I was trice editor-in- chief of the Phippine Collegian at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City and further developed into a cutting edge when I wrote columns in national newspapers, not the least of which is the Manila Times. What have I to say on President Duterte‘s order to his Secretary of Justice other than what I have already written in my previous column? It is the following: First, He should appoint a Secretary of Justice, with balls in his brains and brains in his balls with these sterling qualifications- a complete configuration of what to do to succeed; committed to God, country and people; principled with integrity and character; and discipline, focused and result oriented. These are the qualities of the Justice Secretary to be successful in the drive against graft and corruption. Second, President Duterte should give him blanket authority on what to do without interference, unless he

obviously gets out of line. Third, The provisions of the Rules of Court on preliminary investigation; the time frames in the filing of cases with the Prosecutors Office, preliminary investigations, filing of cases in court and court decisions. There should be no court trials – everything will be a battle of documents and affidavits. Fourth, Filing, investigation, and prosecution of cases shall be exclusively centralized in the Department of Justice. All other agencies are only allowed to entertain complaints, investigation and prosecution of graft and corruption with written authorization of the Secretary of Justice. Fifth, No extension of time shall be allowed to file counter-affidavits, reply and rejoinder; file for information, submission of answer, replies, rejoinders and the rendering of decisions. Sixth, Regional Trial Courts shall have the same power and jurisdiction to try graft and corruption cases as the Sandiganbayan. ADAZA | A10

3 Years Is Not Enough tion. And without the passage and implementation of such laws, BARMM governance cannot be better than ARMM. The interim regional government is steered by MILF officials and supporters, who have admitted their need for more exposure to and trainings for career services. It took decades for Prophet Mohammad (s.a.w.), a Divine personality, to reform Arabia and the rest of the world from ignorance of faith and idolatries. The current officials of BARMM, therefore, cannot be expected to translate to realities the provisions of the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro. In fairness to the MILF, it had bargained for six-year transition for regional government in the original draft of bill for the creation of new autonomy. Unfortunately, the draft

Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) was shelved in Congress following a public outrage over the death of 44 terrorist-hunting police commandos in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25, 2015 under the watch of then President Noynoy Aquino.. The succeeding Duterte government revived deliberations on the law it named Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) and enacted it as R.A. 11054 on July 24, 2018. The law, however, shortened the transition period from desired sis years to just three that will last until 2022. I believe the MILF with its political party called United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) can squarely participate and field candidates in the 2022 elections, but winning seats in the regional parliament is another question. MILF Chairman and BARMM Interim Chief Minis-

ter Ahod ―Hadji Murad‖ Ebrahim has acknowledged the lack of their fledgling administration‘s ―major success‖ in the government track and normalization track of the 2014 accord. He said their reign in BARMM has not met the public expectation yet, a scenario he feared to cause dismal votes for UBJP candidates in 2022. And we must consider also the fact that unless reforms are put in place, electoral contests in Bangsamoro provinces would remained a money-influenced affair of traditional politicians. The call of some quarters now backed by the BTA for a three-year extension in the transition process of the BARMM governance is proper, moral and legal – in the name of better autonomous governance. (Comments on or suggestions to this column can be sent to alimac.bulletin@gmail.com)

Across Mindanao

CDO solon elected House Deputy Speaker

Vol. I, No. 23 | Nov. 20-26, 2020 (Rabi ‘ul Akhir 5-11, 1442)

NPA leader slain, war materiel seized in Zambo Norte clash By Nur-Ali A. Macabalang Correspondent

OTABATO CITY: Soldiers clashed with New People’s Army (NPA) guerillas in Tampilisan, Zamboanga del Norte on Nov. 13, resulting to the killing of a key rebel leader and recovery of some war materiel, according to the Western Mindanao Command (WMC) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

ILIGAN CITY: Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez has just been elected as Deputy Speaker for the 18th Congress of the House of Representatives. In a statement, Rep. Rodriquez said he is honoured to be elected as deputy speaker of the House even as he is humbled by the trust and privilege to serve as Deputy Speaker of the 18th Congress. ―Persistent hard work and heart in legislation and service to our constituents in Cagayan De Oro and the Philippines has gotten us here today,‖ he said. ―My heartfelt gratitude extends to all; including my colleagues in Congress, Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, my family, friends, and most of all, our Kagay-anon constituents. Rest assured, we continue in our commitment to help legislate in furtherance of the Constitutional principles of social justice and dignity for all Filipinos,‖ he said. Isip usa ka Kagay-anon, dakong garbo nga napili kita nga Deputy Speaker sa Kongreso. Magpadayon kita sa pagpaningkamot nga makatabang sa atong mga kaigsuonan sa dakbayan sa Cagayan De Oro. Daghang Salamat sa tiunay nga suporta mga igsoon, Rodriguez said. Muslimedia.PH

Lanao Sur 2 tackles nutrition of children, students

MALABANG, Lanao del Sur: The schools division of Lanao del Sur 2 (LDS 2) of the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) tackled a three-day orientation on the implementing guidelines of School- Based Feeding Program (SBFP) on its milk component aimed to provide proper health and nutrition of its children and students. Dr. Rubina Mimbantas-Macabunar, LDS 2 schools division superintendent, said the activity held from November 10 -12, 2020 at the division‘s Rambayong Hall here, is in pursuance to the Department of Education (DepEd) Order No. 036 s. 2019 which mandates the Education‘s Bureau of Learning Support Services-School Health Division (BLSS-SHD) to lead the implementation of SBFP-Milk Component. ―It is aimed to contribute to the improvement of nutritional status, boost classroom attendance and school performance of target beneficiaries to more than 85 percent per annum,‖ Macabunar said. ―Ito yong ibinibigay ng gobyerno na feeding before pero ngayon naging milk component,‖ she added. Participants to the three-day orientation program are school heads of targeted school recipients and district nurses In addition to the said orientation, the HNS Team also reechoed on Infection prevention and control (IPC), wash in schools (Wins) and Mental Health/Psychological First Aid during COVID-19. ROCAYA SUMNDAD OTICAL

Elements of the 44th Infantry Battalion were conducting combat operations when they encountered more or less 10 armed fighters of the Guerilla Front Flex A, Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC) of the NPA at Purok 2 of Barangay ZNAC in Tampilisan town, WMC Chief Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr. said. Ensuing firefight resulted to the killing of one Leonardo Nabong, alias Otik/Berto/ Bonie, the former secretary and the current 1st Deputy Secretary of the WMRPC, Vinluan said, citing a report from102nd Infantry Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas. Nabong was also an Executive Committee member

of the Komisyon Mindanao (KOMMID) and facing arrest warrants for multiple murders with quadruple frustrated murder and damage to government property, and rebellion issued by the Regional Trial Court 10th Judicial Region Branch 36 in Calamba, Misamis Occidental. Local authorities had raised a reward of PHP 6,150,000.00 for the arrest of Nabong dead or alive, according to Gen. Nicolas‘ report. While scouring the encounter site, troops recovered the remains of Nabong and war materiel including one M14 rifle, four M16A1 Elisco, one M203 Grenade Launcher, ten long and four short magazines for M16

rifle, six rounds live ammunition of 40mm, the general‘s report said. Earlier surrendered NPA guerillas had confirmed the identity of the slain NPA leader, the report said. The WMC said soldiers had since conducted pursuit and blockade operations against possible reprisal by comrades of the fatality, it was learned. ―We will continue to conduct focused military operations and maximize intelligence monitoring to (quell) the menaces in society to thrive in the communities in our area of operation,‖ said Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, JTF ZamPeLan Commander. (NAM)

BARMM youth body engages young ulama COTABATO CITY: The Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC) of the autonomous government has engaged young ulama (Islamic scholars) in a two-day conference here meant to enhance their participation in promoting peace and development. Young ulama from Maguindanao, North Cotabato, and this city attended the convergence at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex here on Nov. 12-13, BYC chairperson Marjanie Macasalong said in a statement coursed through the BARMM‘s Bureau of Public Information. The meeting tackled the BYC priority agenda for 2020 -2022 focused on peacebuilding and security, governance, and active citizenship, Macasalong said. Macasalong, who is a member of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament, said the participants were being tapped as active partners in the quest for moral governance of the Bangsamoro Government. ―Our main goal for this conference is to engage young Islamic scholars—not just in our work to equip and empower the youth, but in

our pursuit of the moral governance agenda,‖ Macasalong said. In a video message, BARMM Chief Minister Ahod ―Al Haj Murad‖ Ebrahim lauded the young scholars for becoming keen in rallying his administration‘s quest for sacrifices needed to achieve moral governance in the region. ―Kayo, bilang mga bagong Ma‘aalam sa ating relihiyon, ang isa mga sektor na inaasahan naming makakatulong sa pagkakabuklod buklod ng Bangsamoro ayon na rin sa katuruan ng Sunnah at ng Qur‘an,‖ Ebrahim told the meeting participants. Bangsamoro Mufti Abu Hurarira Udasan, who is also the executive director of the the Bangsamoro Regional Darul Ifta, said the youth as constituents of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) ―can contribute greatly to building the moral governance by embodying the teachings of Islam as Muslim scholars in their respective places.‖ Key participants included Sheikh Abdulhadie Gumander, Dr. Nadheer Ebil,

and Sheikh Badiuzzaman Saliao. BTA Parliament Majority Floor Leader Lanang Ali, Jr. and Minister Naguib Sinarimbo updated the participants on the efforts of the BARMM and BTA. Parliament members Abdulwahab Pak and Ibrahim Ali, and a representative of Ahmad Gayak delivered messages during the event. Bangsamoro Wali Khalipha Usman Nando called for unity amongst the scholars to enhance support to the BARMM governance. The BYC sponsored the confab in partnership with the Hay-Atol Ulama El Muslimina Bil-Filibbin, Inc. and Union of Muslim Youth Organizations (UMYO). Nasserudin Dunding, chair of BYC‘s programs and operations, said the first cluster of this series of conference was held in Marawi City for the Muslim scholars from Marawi City and Lanao del Sur on July 23. A similar conference for young Islamic scholars from Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi is slated in the first quarter of 2021. Nur-Ali A. Macabalang

Tourism

The Role of MSU Tawi-Tawi in Volleyball development By JOHNNY R. LEE, Ph.D

ONGAO, Tawi-Tawi:

The fast-paced changes and development of the

game of volleyball in the world especially in skills training and techniques has not escaped the keen eyes of people involved in moulding the current crops of outstanding ballers that are teeming and continuing to emerge from the different municipalities of the province.

The advent of internet connectivities, multimedia platforms like sports television shows, coupled with attendance in big league sports competition, seminarworkshops, sports clinics and the likes, has sharpened the skills of local coaches and trainers involved in developing the game of volleyball. In other words they managed to cope up and are updated in what is happening around the world about volleyball. One good example is the premiere collegiate institution, the Mindanao State University in Tawi-Tawi, which stood tall as the bastion of volleyball in the province. Their contribution in furtherance of the game‘s development cannot be exaggerated. Established in 1962, the college has been consistently developing and produces the best ballers in the region. Their sports program along volleyball has been patterned after the best collegiate and big universities in the country which is to offer scholarships, cash allowances and other incentives to players who can pass through their astringent selection process for one to become a member of their elite varsity team. As a ‗catchment‘ academic institution of their twelve or so community high schools scattered in the island municipalities, MSU Tawi-Tawi enjoys a wide selection of the best volleyball talents around the province. The success of MSU Tawi

Vol. I, No. 23 | Nov. 20-26, 2020 (Rabi ‘ul Akhir 5-11, 1442) )

Staycation hotels in NCR now at 13 By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

ANILA: The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Thursday announced that three additional hotels have been allowed to operate for staycation in the National Capital Region, which remains under general community quarantine (GCQ), raising the total to 13. The following hotels have so far secured Certificates of Authority to Operate as Staycation from the DOT: --Sheraton Manila Hotel --The Peninsula Manila --Aruga by Rockwell --Okada Manila --Grand Hyatt --Makati Shangri-La --Nobu Hotel --Shangri-La at the Fort --Solaire Resort --Edsa Shangri-La --Joy-Nostalg Hotel & Suites Manila --Hyatt Regency --Nuwa COD To date, there are 28 DOT star-rated hotels in Metro Manila -- 16 five-star and 12 four-star. Under current DOT guidelines, contactless and cashless transactions for taking bookings and payments are mandatory to promote minimal physical contact between staff and guests amid threats of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19). Authorized hotels are required to develop staycation packages that are appropriate for the present market demands and conditions. Staycation refers to leisure activities involving a minimum of an overnight stay in an accommodation establishment that is not used as a mandatory Covid-19 quarantine facility. (PNA)

Police urges public to follow traffic laws as road incidents rise in Iligan City

MSU Chancellor Mary Joyce Sali poses with the triumphant Team MSU as Champion in Masts Games held in Tandag City.

MSU Beach Volleyball player at Nestea National Beach Volleyball in Boracay Island.

-Tawi in developing the sports of volleyball is complemented by school‘s administration officials who are passionate in pushing the lot of their varsity to the highest level. It is remarkable to mention the person of Dr. Eldigario Gonzales who initiated the scholarship programs for MSU athletes. This was followed by Prof. Henry V. Kong, himself a great volleyball and basketball player, who strengthened the program. And

comes Dean Eddie Alih, now a BARMM member of the Parliament, followed by Attorney Lorenzo Reyes and the latest Dr. Maryjoyce Sali. All of them are heads of the college, in succession, that sustained the remarkable performances of volleyball within the BARMM region and at the national level. (To be continued in the next issue: The Vital Role of Coaches and Trainers in the Victorious MSU Tawi-Tawi Volleyball Team.)

ILIGAN CITY: With the rising cases of road incidents in the city, the Iligan City Police Office (ICPO) called for the cooperation of the public in following traffic laws. During the Episode 2 of Kapehan sa Iligan Chamber, PLtCol. George Ylanan, head of ICPO Traffic Enforcement Unit, bared that the percentage of traffic incidents in the city is more than ¾ of the crime rate volume. ―Daghan pang injuries og patay sa traffic incident kontra sa gidunggab o gipusil,‖ said Ylanan. [There are more injuries and death due to traffic incidents than being stabbed or shot.] From May to July 2020, ICPO reported 581 crime volume. Of this, 47 are index crime, 44 for non-index crime, 134 for special laws and 356 for traffic incidents. Meanwhile, from August to October 27, there are 566 crime volume recorded, 36 for index crime, 26 for nonindex crime, 123 for special laws and 381 for traffic incidents. Index crimes include crimes against persons and property such as murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, and carnapping/carjacking. On the other hand, nonindex crimes are violations of special laws such as illegal drugs and illegal gambling. With the increase of traffic incidents, Ylanan emphasized the need to implement strict traffic laws with the Land Transportation Office and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board. ―We need to mitigate, together with partners, para mapaubos nato ang road incidents. Tangtangon sa dalan ang walay lisensya ug ang walay rehistro,‖ Ylanan said. [We need to mitigate, together with partners, to reduce road incidents. We need to remove those who do not have the license and are not registered.] Kapehan sa Iligan Chamber is a monthly activity organized by Chamber of Commerce Foundation & Industry of Iligan Incorporated in partnership with Philippine Information Agency to discuss issues and concerns of the local business community in the city. (LELA/ PIA ICIC)

Cultural Heritage

Vol. I, No. 23 | Nov. 20-26, 2020 (Rabi ‘ul Akhir 5-11, 1442)

BUBUNGKUNG

SULTANATE OF SULU: Titles and Styles By ABRAHAM I. DALAGAN Member, Ruma Bichara Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo 1. ṢULṬAN (from the Turkic-Arabic ―Ṣulṭān‖) – King, emperor, the monarch; He is the spiritual leader, the ceremonial head of state and the governing sovereign ruler of the Realm; 2. AMPUN – One‘s formal address when in direct conversation to the Sultan; It means ―My Liege‖ or ―My Lord‖ [As the Sultan owes his or her allegiance/fealty]; 3. PADUKA – ―His Majesty‖ or ―His Royal Highness;‖ Also, a rank of administrative authority lower than that of a panglima or maharajah; 4. SRI (in local usage, ―Sari‖, as in ―MAHASARI‖ – ―The Sovereign Ruler‖) – A Majapahit title of respect for a highly distinguished person in authority; A later derivative is ―Saripada‖ in Maranao, ―Salipada‖ in Maguindanao, and ―Saipada‖ in Tausug (that is, ―Sri‖ or ―Sari‖ – which means, ―royal‖ and ―one who is highly respected‖ – combined with ―Pada,‖ – which means, ―authority‖ or ―rule‖); By the way, ―Datu Sri‖ or ―Datu Seri‖ in Malaysia means ―Grand Knight‖ or ―Knight Commander;‖ 5. MARḤŪM or al-Marḥūm (also localized in Marano dialect as ―Marohom‖) – An honorific style for the deceased Sultan; It denotes ―the Late,‖ which is part of the whole title of the deceased Sultan; 6. RAJAH MUDA (localized, ―Ladjamura‖) – Crown prince, first in line to succeed the Sultan; 7. MAHARAJAH ADINDA (localized, ―Ladjarinda‖) – Second heir apparent, second in line after the Rajah Muda; Usually, from another royal house; 8. RAJAH BAṢAR (localized, ―Ladjabassal‖) – Usually, the second or middle son of the Sultan; 9. RAJAH BUNGSU (localized, ―Ladjabungso‖) – The youngest son of the Sultan; 10. RAJAH (localized, ―Ladja‖) – Ruler or sovereign, esp., in pre-sultanate Sulu; The famous one in pre-Sultanate Sulu was the Rajah Sipad of Maimbung; 11. DATU‘ – Prince or lord; Chief; The plural is KARATU‘AN; 12. DATU BANDAHALA (from the Bruneian or Malay ―Datu Bendahara‖ or ―Rajah Bendahara‖) – the administering datu‘ or the most senior datus who among other things is primary responsible for the coronation or installation of the Sultan (as he is also of the same lineage with the Sultan); He fully knows the lineages (tarsilas) of all datus and the rules on the order (or taritib) of succession – thus, the legitimacy of the sultan to rule the realm also

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

lies in him (i.e., in his affirmation, approval and support); Usually appointed by a previous Sultan; In 14th century ‗Philippines,‘ the ruler of Panay, Datu Kalantiaw, was also called ―Rajah Bandahara Kalantiaw;‖ 13. DATU‘ RAJAH (localized, ―Ladjarato‖) – Chief datu‘ or great datu‘; 14. DATU‘ PANGIRAN (localized, ―Datu‘ Pangilan‖) – An honored and respected datu‘, a datu‘ of the Sultan‘s inner court, a full-blooded datu‘ (that is, from both father and mother); 15. RUMA BICHARA (or Ruma Bechara; also Ruma Bitsara) – Council of advisers or state ministers [of the Sultanate]; 16. WAZĪR – Prime minister, chief adviser to the Sultan; Presiding Officer or Speaker of the Ruma Bichara in session; Also, ―Puntukan Wazir‖ for Prime Minister, and ―Tuku Puntukan Wazir‖ for Deputy Prime Minister;‖ 17. MANTIRI – It means ―minister,‖ as in ―Mantiri Asip,‖ the chief minister of Rajah Baginda when he arrived in Sulu prior to the establishment of the Sultanate; 18. PANG‘HULU‘-PANG‘HALAPAN – the Sultan‘s Executive Minister; He could be a non-datu‘; 19. PANGIRAN ADIPATI AGUNG – Foreign minister; Sultan‘s ambassador; He is Member of the Ruma Bichara;

lhamdulillah, we have finally reached the 23rd Digital Online Edition of the Philippine Muslim Today with the inclusive week of November 20-26, 2020. Shukran we are still going strong as we share to you some of the Tausug delicacies in Sulu as contained in the The Best of Halal Home-Cooked Muslim Filipino Dishes to housewives to keep everyone get out of boredom while we wait for this long pandemic that is affecting everyone‘s life. At this time I am glad to present to you this delicacy known as ―Bubungkung‖ that tastes similar to another Tausug delicacy the ―Pasung,‖ that I am going to feature in my succeeding Column. The only difference of Bubungkung from a Pasung is the taste since although the main ingredient is flour but what differs ―Bubungkung‖ has mashed ripe green bananas. Hence, it is tastes more like ―banana cake.‖ Somehow, we are optimistic our dear readers will enjoy in their breakfast or snack time to savor this delicious bubungkung that is available in most Tausug Coffee shops. Thus, we are encouraging each and everyone those who wish to prepare bubungkung to just follow the selfexplanatory procedure and easy to source out ingredients. BUBUNGKUNG Serves 2-3 Ingredients: -5 Ripe green bananas -½ kilo flour -½ kilo sugar -Banana leaves -Toothpick/stick Procedure:  Mash the bananas in a large bowl.  Add the flour and sugar, then mix well.  Wrap the mixed ingredients into the banana leaves, seal the cover with a toothpick/stick as shown in image above.  Steam for 20-30 minutes. *Best served during merienda or snack time.. MARIA FHEBIE ORTIL

(TO BE CONTINUED)

EID MILAD: The Management and Staff of Philippine Muslim Today would like to greet Ms. Rahanie ―Umbee‖ Ho Lee on the occasion of her 21st Birthday. Happy Birthday. Umbee is the youngest daughter of Dr. Johnny R. Lee, the newlydesignated Bureau Chief of the Philippine Muslim Today News Bureau in Zamboanga City. (Contributed Photo)

Bubungkung, a Tausug delicacy that is usually served in most coffee shops in Jolo and Zamboanga City. (Photo by Abdulaziz H. Hamsain)

A10

Vol. I, No. 23 | Nov. 20-26, 2020 (Rabi ‘ul Akhir 5-11, 1442)

TAGO | from Page A4

How PH missed near to US$500-M business opportunity from KSA We were able to convince at least seven Saudi top businessmen and investors to sign such deals including Saudi tycoons, Sheikh Waleed AlTuwaijri, who pledged to invest more than USD130 million, and Sheikh Abdullah Bukshan in real estate, tourism and hospitalities. Our Saudi friends looked at the Philippines as next destination and strategic partner with its new pro-

Muslims head of state. Beside that deal, Sheikh AlTuwaijri has disclosed to Sec. Mama-o that his company is willing to develop 5-m square meter land as new City where Saudi families can spend their holidays. He also raised three major projects of Saudi government including the pending Abdullah Interfaith and Civilization Dialogue headquarters in the Philippines, and his country‘s request to open a KSA Con-

sulate in Davao to better serve the Muslim community especially pilgrims. To better facilitate these historical rapports, Sheikh AlTuwaijri humbly requested the then president-elect to post an Arabic-speaking envoy as his alter ego to KSA with long connection with Saudis. The cordial three requests were conveyed to the President by his adviser Sec. Mama-o in his accomplished re-

port ahead of the state visit to the Middle East as KSA was his first destination. Before the end of 2017, I was called by DTI to follow up the inked LOIs through PEZA. And it was quite embarrassing to ask a nongovernmental individual to do a supposed job of a PH head of mission. Unfortunately, the said deals that would create thousand jobs opportunities were sacrificed by a mere political and vested interest orches-

trated by one with fraternal ties while he was at the helm of a strong cabinet post before he was fired. The will of the President was simply aborted at the expenses of such strategic and economic cooperation with heavy weight Arab gulf country. I believe that the sabotage move was tantamount to the systematic corruption that Senator Christopher ―Bong‖ Go is referring to among others. (AHMT)

for BARMM governance is not enough to make the difference over the past regional autonomous setup that reeked with suspicions of alleged misgivings and inadequacies. MILF Vice Chairman Mohagher Iqbal, concurrent BTA member and minister of education, has backed the resolution, asserting that the call for three more years transition period would not be ―selfserving‖ but ―is for our people.‖ Earlier, meanwhile, the elected mayors of 39 towns and once city in Lanao del Sur purportedly led by Gov.

Mamintal ―Bombit‖ Adiong Jr. convened last week and expressed object to the campaign, citing the need for the need for true electoral representation in the regional governance via the 2022 polls. On the other hand, the Federation of Bangsamoro Communities Outside the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region or BCOBAR has expressed full support to the extension call. Another youth group called ―1Bangsa‖ has sent to the Philippine Muslim Today a statement rallying the move for three more years of transition period for the interim BARMM governance. (AGM)

BTA | from Page A2

BTA backs BARMM transition extension Ebrahim said the new transition schedule might not be enough to complete systemic and structural changes in the region, including the crucial decommissioning of MILF combatants under the peace deal‘s normalization process. The MILF and local peace stakeholders have reportedly lobbied with congressmen, explaining why it supports the proposed extension contained in the midterm review of the MPC, he said. BTA Resolution No. 332 has formalized the campaign, even as it officially urged Congress to extend the ten-

ure of office of its appointed members. The resolution has cited some corroborating calls by the League of Municipalities of the Philippines‘ (LMP) chapter in Tawi-Tawi, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Tawi-Tawi, and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Maguindanao for BTA members to serve beyond 2022 in the interest of building a new meaningful autonomy. Parliament members Lorana, of Sulu, and Eddie Alih, of Tawi-Tawi, said that in the search for political solution to the Mindanao conflict, the three-year extension of the

BTA is necessary to accomplish its mandate as stipulated in the BOL and to complete the implementation of the normalization tract of the peace process. In an earlier interview with the Philippine Muslim Today news group, Parliament Member Paisalin Tago, also a lawyer from Lanao del Sur, disclosed inhibition from joining the authors of the extension-seeking resolution, saying he would not like to appear pushing for something ―self-serving.‖ But Tago agreed with MPC and other peace stakeholders that the current interim period

ADAZA | from Page A6

Of Pledges, Promises, Hopes and Dreams (last part) Seventh, Appeals of decisions shall be in ten days from receipt of the judgment which shall be a petition for review and the answer to be within ten days from receipt of the petition, all of which shall be done by personal service. Eighth, when the case is filed in court, a writ of preliminary attachment shall automatically be issued against all real properties and bank deposits of the accused. When the judgment is rendered and becomes final and executory, all properties subject to the preliminary attachment shall be escheated in

favor of the State. Ninth, the accused may plead guilty, after which ten percent of the attached properties and bank deposits shall be returned to the family of the accused while the ninety percent shall be escheated in favor of the State and his penalty shall be reduced to ten years in isolated islands or areas with no rights to visitation – to undergo reorientation and re-education and to grow vegetables and fruits for his maintenance and survival. Tenth, an additional penalty is that the convicted grafter cannot ever hold public office together with members of his

immediate family. Eleventh, no comprises shall be allowed except that which is mentioned in paragraph Nine. Twelfth, prosecutors and judges found to be suspected of graft and corruption shall be suspended immediately and asked to answer within ten days from receipt of the complaint or written charges and the Secretary of Justice shall decide the matter within ten days from receipt of the explanation. The penalty shall be dismissal from the service, confiscation of the real properties and bank deposits to the extent of the

graft and corruption committed, imprisonment for ten years in isolated islands or areas without any visitation. The decision of the Secretary of Justice is final and executory. Thirteenth, courts are not allowed to entertain any complaints against the Secretary of Justice and prosecutors as well as judges in relation to the conduct of the cases. However, a verified complaint against anyone of them can be filed with the Office of the President which shall render a decision within ten days from the receipt of the complaint. The decision of the

President shall be final and executory. Hard decisions: The preceding suggestions make for a successful approach to the problem of graft and corruption. But the decision to adopt these measures will not be easy on the part of the President and whoever will be chosen as Secretary of Justice. Graft and corruption is a tough nut to crack. The President needs draconian and out of the box solution to such a deeply rooted problem. You need a bludgeon and not a rapier. (TO BE CONTINUED)

JANNARAL | from Page A5

Alpha Sigma Phi serves the Zamboanga City Community In compliance with the Health Protocols of COVID19 IATF (Inter Agency Task Force), the Alphans or ASP1845 attended the Madrasa Inauguration with their Face Mask and Face Shields to ward Off the dreaded Coronavirus. It is heartwarming to note that while in the 70s and 80s fraternities are best known for physical initiation involv-

ing paddling, this time fraternity like Alpha Sigma Phi1845 is already known for its involvement in the Community activities. Thus the Alpha Sigms Phi -1845 Slogan is ―Serving Our Community.‖ Together We Can Make A Difference.‖ PostScript: The November 14, 2020 inauguration of the Madrasa in Barangay Cabatangan in

Zamboanga City also coincided with the 36th Death Anniversary of the Legendary Mayor Cesar Cortez Climaco. Those youngsters who have not reached the Golden Era of Mayor Climaco, he was known for his Display of Billboard of Violence, where one can see the Tally Board of Crimes that happened in the City of Flowers like Death by Murder or Homicide, Kid-

napped. Although Kidnapping seldom happened. The Tally Board of Crimes or Crime Index is one of protests of Mayor Climaco to the administration of the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos when all over the Philippines was still under the State of Martial Law. ************** Eid Milad to Rahanie one of the beautiful daughters of

my fraternity Brod John Lee in the Alpha Sigma Phi-1845 and concurrently the newly designated Bureau Chief of Zamboanga-based Philippine Muslim Today News Bureau. Happy Birthday from the Management and Staff of this Digital Online National Newspaper. For your Comments and Suggestions, please send it by Email to: munir1845media@gmail.com