Philippine Muslim Today

Privatization of Agus-Pulangi Hydroelectric Complexes: A Sinister plan

VACCINES AND LEADERSHIP, SINOVAC AND TRANSPARENCY

Julmunir I. Jannaral | A7

Ali G. Macabalang | A8

Homobono A. Adaza | A8

A culture of nepotism and repaying favor stir instability

HOW DO VACCINES WORK?

Abdul Hannan M. Tago | A10

Muslim today PHILIPPINE

Save the Earth

The Muslim National Digital Newspaper | Bearer of Glad Tidings.

Vol. I, No. 35 | February 12-18, 2021 (Jumad ‘ul Akhir 30 — Rajab 6, 1442) | 2 Sections | 12 Pages

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BARMM urged to oppose privatization of Agus-Pulangi Hydroelectric complexes UP Islamic Studies to feature Prof.

Sadain in a Webinar on February 14

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL Bureau Chief, NCR News Bureau

(Full Story on Page A2)

A2 BANGSAMORO

By ALI G. MACABALANG

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OTABATO CITY: Organized power consumers have urged the Bangsamoro autonomous officialdom and other government authorities in Mindanao to oppose a planned privatization of the Agus-Pulangi Hydropower Complexes (APHC) in what was described as another attempt by business oligarchs for control of the industry in the guise of public welfare betterment.

The Lanao Power Consumers Federation (LAPOCOF), which has initiated the dissenting campaign, was hoping that the leadership of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) led by Chairman Manny Piñol, and local government

Full Story on Back Page

A3 MINDANAO

A5 PHILIPPINES

B1 TOURISM

Chief Minister Ebrahim speaks with CSOs for inclusive moral governance

SPDA strengthens role for Mindanao economic development

Sobejana’s rise to AFP top post draws plaudits

The Chinese Entrepreneurs: A Huge Factor in the Economic Development of Tawi-Tawi

Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod “Al-Haj Murad” Ebrahim personally spoke with various stakeholders from sectors across the Bangsamoro region through the first edition of „Mushawarah: A Dialogue Towards an Inclusive Moral Governance‟ on Friday.

CONDUCIVE TO CORRUPTION. Above photo is culled from a video footage by MinDA Chairman Manny Piñol showing long queues of big cargo trucks parked on both sides of the road leading to the ports of Sorsogon-Samar along the Maharlika highway.

Various sectors have expressed bright prospects for more cohesive campaign against terrorism, organized crimes and for better military backing in civil governance, with the designation of Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana as new AFP chief-of-staff.

From a sleepy town to a bustling business center in the Province of Tawi-Tawi, Bongao is a microcosm of „business district‟ that is widely happening in rich regions of the country like Metro Manila, Cebu City, Davao City and down south in Zamboanga City.

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The Bangsamoro

Vol. I, No. 35 | February 12-18, 2021 (Jumad ‘ul Akhir 30 — Rajab 6, 1442)

Chief Minister Ebrahim speaks with CSOs for inclusive moral governance

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

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OTABATO CITY: Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod “Al-Haj Murad” Ebrahim personally spoke with various stakeholders from sectors across the Bangsamoro region through the first edition of „Mushawarah: A Dialogue Towards an Inclusive Moral Governance‟ on Friday.

The Bangsamoro Government recognizes the vitality of heeding the voices and interests of the people, through the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), in the pursuit of long-lasting peace and sustainable development in the conflictridden Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. (File) (BARMM).

The BARMM‟s Mushawarah was uniquely conceptualized, wherein the Chief Chief Minister Ebrahim listens to the concerns of a CSO representative Minister himself will be They travelled from of the communities. ing project and conregulary talking with “Included in the struction of water the people from the the provinces of Magugrassroots level, in indanao, Lanao del 2021 Proposed Budget supply from the Lake order to keep the Sur, Sulu island, 63 is the procurement of Lanao.

Meanwhile, the Bangsamoro Govern- barangays in North Co- Portable Disalination Machine for these mutabato, and other areas possible creation of ment‟s firm grip of the situation on the outside the territorial nicipalities, they can municipalities in the jurisdiction of the convert seawater into 63 towns of North Coground. potable drinking water tabato awaits when Mushawarah is an Bangsamoro region.

Among the pressing and clean water used the Philippine StatisArabic term that translates to „consultation‟. issues and concerns for their daily con- tics Authority (PSA) Ebrahim finally releases the It‟s a practice originat- addressed during the sumption,” 2020 Census of Popuing from the early days consultation were mat- said.

In Lanao del Sur, lation and Housing. of Islam which aims to ters involving the instiarrive in a consensus tutional services on one of the many issues Ebrahim told this is on matters of spiritual education, health and brought up by the sec- ideal since the towns and societal im- nutrition, social protec- tors is the IDPs‟ per- are currently adminisportance. This custom tion on vulnerable sec- spective on the reha- tered only through the of belea- Development Coordiserved as the inspira- tors, the peace process bilitation tion in the conduct of and its political rela- guered Marawi. While nating Office. and socio- others demand the reIn the Province of Friday‟s inclusive dia- tion, economic programs, constructions of infra- Maguindanao, logue. structures, some dis- Ebrahim told the On its first leg, among others. communities groups that BARMM The key priority placed Bangsamoro Government along with the 26 concerns consolidated just really wanted to inked Memoranda of Understanding with CSOs convened at in the discourse were return back home.

“We have talked to five (5) town mayors Shariff Kabunsuan also provided by correCultural Complex, sponding mechanisms the President to in- and will construct exBangsamoro Govern- needed for its institu- clude BARMM as part ecutive halls, public ment Center in the city tionalization and full of the Task Force Ban- markets, and legislagon Marawi. But since tive buildings to ento discuss key societal implementation.

Chief Minister the plan was already hance the delivery of challenges that need to be prioritized by the Ebrahim answered the laid out, all we can governance.

Further, Ebrahim interim government main concerns of each commit is to allocate amid a transition peri- sector and ensured programs and projects conveyed that the them the Government without complicating Ministry of Indigenous od.

Affairs The CSOs were of the Day‟s commit- the mandate assigned Peoples‟ to them,” he said. ment in addressing the (MIPA) is working comprised of 44 indiEbrahim also closely with different viduals and represent- issues.

In the provincial is- shared that the Bang- indigenous cultural ed several sectors samoro Government communities in craftsuch as women, land of Sulu, it was Php500- ing the Indigenous youth, religious/faith- raised that at least sev- allocated based leaders, Inter- en (7) municipalities Million budget intend- Peoples Code that nally Displaced Per- are experiencing insuf- ed for the rehabilitation would address issues sons, Non-Moro indig- ficient supply of drink- program of Marawi and on ancestral domains enous Peoples, and ing water that drasti- recently added Php575 and territorial discally affected the lives -Million fund for hous- putes. JIJ Christian settlers.

UP Islamic Studies to feature Prof. Sadain in a Webinar on February 14

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL Bureau Chief, NCR News Bureau

CITY: The University of the PhilQ UEZON ippines Institute of Islamic Studies (UPIIS) in Diliman, Quezon City will feature again Atty. Mehol K. Sadain, a Senior Professorial Lecturer of the UP-IIS in a Live Webinar on Sunday, at 4:00 p.m. on February 14, 2021.

The UP-IIS Live Webinar which is a Part 2, is dealing with the topic ―Everyone‘s Reading with Him 2021‖ is a Zoom Teleconference conducted again in partnership with the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) and other concerned agencies featuring Atty.

Sadain.

The Zoom details of the said Webinar are as follows: Link: https://up-edu.zoom.us/ j/82490396505 Meeting ID: 824 Passcode: 64079692

9039

6505

Atty. Sadain is a Regular Columnist of the Philippine Muslim Today whose column the ―IJTIHAD‖ is published by its Digital Online every Friday.

Dr. Macrina Morados, Dean of UP-IIS is inviting everyone who wants to watch this rare lecture to just follow the Zoom details of the Webinar by using the above Meeting ID and the corresponding Passcode.

Likewise, any further query one may just visit the Website: www.harmony.org.ph JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

Across BARMM Asia Foundation studies ways of settling rido in BARMM; clan war takes 1 more life in Lanao Sur

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OTABATO CITY: The Asia Foundation (TAF) has sponsored a research on rido incidence in the Bangsamoro region, even as a relative of the incumbent mayor in Malabang, Lanao del Sur was slain Wednesday in an ambush believed to be a clannish warrelated case.

A contracted team has just finalized agreement on Wednesday for the start of its research in Lanao del Sur when field reports broke about the killing on the spot of Rauf “Indawi” Malawani, said to be an uncle of Malabang Mayor Mohammad yahya “Tomas” Macapodi, by armed men that waylaid him about 4p.m. that day.

Mayor Macapodi was quoted as appealing to relatives and political supporters to observe sobriety and let authorities to identify the perpetrators (aboard three SUV cars), arrest and prosecute them.

The mayor‟s plea came as some relatives believed that Malawani was “neutralized” from replicating in the 2022 elections the way he helped mapped out systematic platforms leading to Macapodi‟s first mayoral victory in 2019 .

Malabang, a progressive town in the coastal district of Lanao del Sur, had once grabbed media attention when the political rival clans of Montañer and Balindong figured in bloody vendetta that stemmed from intense mayoral race in the past, and left at least five prominent members of both clans.

The Montañer-Balindong clannish was settled in 2015 by police, military and civilian authorities led by Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal “Bombit” Alonto-Adiong Jr., who reportedly chipped out hefty sum of cash as “blood money” to cap off his years of mediatory negotiations.

The Balindong clan has been ruling Malabang town since the Marcos regime until political neophyte Macapodi defeated his rivals – Rusty Balindong and Arrie Balindong.

The TAF-contracted research team has scheduled an episode in Malabang in its planned visits to other Lanao del Sur towns known with rido cases to unearth causes of the armed disputes, and gather data on methods applied in the settlement of those patched-up rivalries.

TAF has also contracted other research teams for communities in Maguindanao, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, also component provinces of the Bangsamoro government.

Rahib Nando, TAF capacity development specialist for the autonomous region, said the results of the research will be analyzed and compiled alongside recommended approaches for amicably settling of rido incidents in the region.

Military and police authorities, in several past reports, classified rido cases as one of major factors affecting peace and security situations and, thus, stunting development strides in the Bangsamoro region. They have pointed initially to political rivalry, property dispute, and ―violation‖ of tribal pride (maratabat), among others.

Nando said the compiled findings and suggested solutions by the research teams will serve as part of references by one or more members of the Bangasamoro parliament to sponsor a bill stipulating approaches on settling existing rido cases in the region, and preventing minor incidents from escalating to armed feuds.

ALI G. MACABALANG

Vol. I, No. 35 | February 12-18, 2021 (Jumad ‘ul Akhir 30 — Rajab 6, 1442)

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SPDA strengthens role for Mindanao economic development

By Julmunir I. Jannaral

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AVAO CITY: The Southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA) has intensified its role in the Mindanao economic development as it joins SPDA Administrator Abdulghani “Gerry” A. Salapuddin, has participated in the Mindanao Speak Up Leaders‟ Meeting through a Zoom Teleconferencing on February 10 with cabinet officials, legislators and representatives from the private sectors. It was led by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).

Incidentally, as Administrator and CEO of SPDA, Salapuddin is one of the Directors of the Board of MinDA. MinDA and SPDA relationship Like NEDA, MinDA is an economic and development planning body for Mindanao, tasked to consolidate the development agenda from the different regions. All the Chairmen of the 6 regions of Mindanao sit in the MinDA Board of Directors.

On the other hand, SPDA is a corporate agency under the Office of the President of the Philippines, with social responsibility that also covers all of Mindanao. It is primarily tasked of implementing the government socioeconomic enterprises and business ventures.

As part of its social responsibility, SPDA is mandated to help in the implementation of socioeconomic programs for the Moro Mujahideen, mainly, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

One of its flagship projects for the Moro mujahideen is the proposed implementation of a holistic

forces with such other government agencies as the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).

SPDA Administrator Abdulghani “Gerry” A. Salapuddin. (File) socio-economic approach called the PEACE Villages. The term PEACE literally means the absence of war or trouble. But it is also the acronym of People Economic Advancement and Community Empowerment or PEACE for short.

SPDA is seeking to collaborate with both OPAPP and the BARMM to implement this noble project for the Moro Freedom Fighters.

Foreign investors After trying so hard to invite willing investors to locate in the 26,000 hectare agricultural land of SPDA in the Municipities of Wao and Amai Manabilang, Lanao del Sur, finally, two foreign multinational companies are locating and investing in the area.

In Wao Municipality, the American company Asia Pacific Precision Agriculture Group or ASPAC AG had signed a MOU with SPDA to initially start developing at least 2,500 hectares of SPDA agricultural land.

ASPAC AG will cultivate Corn to be supplied to Lam San

Company in Sultan Kudarat municipality in Maguindanao and for use as corn sileage to be supplied to an Arab company for use as Halal feeds to their animals.

While KENNEMER FOODS International, a Dutch multinational company will start developing and farming in 1,500 hectares of SPDA agricultural land in Amai Manabilang Municipality for the cultivation of Cacao and Coffee, which it supplies to Mars Food International, manufacturer of M & M Chocolate and Starbucks respectively.

Both foreign companies had already signed an MOU with SPDA last year. Both foreign multinational companies will be utilizing precision and state of the art agriculture technology to have more yields. They will also adopt a contract growing scheme with the farmers in both municipalities in order to widen the economic benefits to the people in the communities.

The 26,000 hectare property of SPDA had been approved and

declared as the Mindanao Special Economic Zone Area (MINSEZA) by MinDa in one of its meeting during the time of the late Sec. Abul Khayr Alonto.

SPDA intends to comply with the requirements in order that Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) can recommend to President Rodrigo Duterte to be declared as a special economic zone.

Mindanao Speak Up Leaders‟ Forum Meanwhile, the proposal to hold the Mindanao Leaders‟ Forum was actually suggested by Philippine Export Processing Zone Chairperson Charito Plaza and SPDA administrator Salapuddin to MinDA chair Manny Pinol.

As President Duterte is on his last years in Office, MinDA had decided to seek a review of what so far had been accomplished for Mindanao. Likewise, the meeting also intended to identify what are the promises not yet delivered by the Duterte administration.

JIJ

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Across Mindanao

Vol. I, No. 35 | February 12-18, 2021 (Jumad ‘ul Akhir 30 — Rajab 6, 1442)

Tugade ends hitch on Matnog-Allen ferry services – MinDA

Mass felling of trees in Buluan, Maguindanao sparks debate Part 1

By ALI G. MACABALANG

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AVAO CITY: “The long lines (queues) of trucks waiting for ferry boats to cross the San Bernardino Strait from Luzon to Visayas and Mindanao and back are now

gone,” the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) proudly announced Saturday, crediting the instant action of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).

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DOTC Secretary Arthur Tugade and MinDA Chair Manny Piñol MinDA Chair Manny Piñol heralded the ―good news‖ in his Facebook page, through which he disclosed Wednesday a graftprone ―bottleneck‖ posed by an inadequate

Tugade to address the ―bottleneck‖ with urgency, describing the situation as conducive to ―corruption‖ like bribegiving among operators of several trucks lined up on both sides of the

el delays, he said, hinting that adverse consequences such as bribegiving would add up to the products‘ cost and be passed on to consumers. ―Three days after I

He said his informants disclosed that the ―ongoing rate‖ of ferry service fee ranged from P5,000 to P8,000 per truck.

He thanked Secretary Tugade ―for acting

Long queues of trucks on both sides of the access road of the Matnog, Sorsogon-Allen, Samar Strait of the Manila-Mindanao Maharlika Highway. (AGM) number of ferry boats plying the Matnog, Sorsogon-Allen, Samar strait.

The Philippine Muslim Today online news carried a story derived from written and video feedback which Sec. Piñol made about the problem he witnessed while passing through the route Tuesday from Manila towards here.

In his feedback, Piñol called on his ―friend‖ DOTC Secretary Arthur

road waiting for ―a day or two‖ to pass through. ―On Tuesday, while on my way back to Mindanao from a series of engagements in Metro Manila, I captured on video long lines of trucks waiting to be loaded by the few ferry boats sailing the route,‖ he said.

Many of the trucks carried live chicken and other livestock alongside perishable products that would likely get spoiled in long trav-

called on Secretary Art Tugade… truckers have reported today that additional vessels have been deployed. I received information that more vessels are now plying the route and travel is faster,‖ he said Saturday. ―Trucker friends told me that this had been going on for months and that some unscrupulous port officials in cahoots with fixers were making a lot of money,‖ Piñol added.

on the problem immediately.‖ The MinDA chairman‘s two posts, especially the last one, drew plaudits from various sectors that went viral in social media networks including Facebook.

Some reactors have cited Sec. Pinol‘s policy of regular field trips ―unearthing realities‖ in the countryside as well as his ―continuing reportage of empirical findings.‖ .

AGM

For Quality Journalism, Read Philippine Muslim Today

OTABATO CITY: At least 300 trees along the highway of Buluan, Maguindanao have so far been cut down in a drive the provincial government described as a national government-mandated measure to ease traffic and ensure safety in all streets across the country.

But the local government of Buluan, particularly Mayor Baby Dats Mangudadatu complained that prior to the felling of trees in his turf starting last Feb. 5, his office was ―not coordinated properly.‖ In a video clip made on the issue, Mayor Mangudadatu also questioned the propriety of workers and equipment from the Public Works and Highways district office in Sultan Kudarat province doing the tree-cutting drive that ceased so far last Feb. 7. ―Had you informed us properly and convincingly, we could have done it (tree-cutting) ourselves and save your energy and resources,‖ he said in Pilipino for the provincial government.

The mayor was suggesting that proper shaving of risk-posing tree branches should have been done, instead of felling the whole trees, which he said involved ―sentimental values‖ for the people and leaders of Buluan.

Those felled 300 trees, all mahogany with five Gmelina species, were planted in 2001 by elected town officials along with residents and even school children, the mayor said..

In a Facebook post on Feb. 5, Board Member Jazzer ―King‖ Mangudadatu lamented the drive as ―massacre‖ of trees that his parents, now Rep. Esmael ―Toto‖ Mangudadatu and late Ginalyn, planted painstakingly when his father was Buluan mayor.

The board member coupled his post with photos, one showing the provincial capitol building highway view cleared of trees, and another depicting the felled trees lying more than seven feet away from the gutter of the road.

Board Member Mangudadatu also made a video clip, through which he solicited clarifications from higher authorities such as the Interior and Local Government and the Environment and Natural Resources, both agencies devolved to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

He sent an e-copy of a January 20 letter of BARMM Environment Minister Abdulraof Macacua replying to a January 12 communication purportedly asking for ―permit to cut trees (PCT) along the highway fronting the provincial capitol of Maguindanao I which there allegedly there were times that the riding public/motorists had experienced an accident caused by falling branches (resulting to) injuries as well as damage (on car involved.‖ Macacua‘s letter approved the request, citing ―public safety,‖ but prescribed conditions for the provincial government to turn over the felled trees to his ministry for use by ―schools in Buluan,‖ to ―plant trees in areas to be identified the PLGU,‖ and submit to his ministry a report on the number of trees actually felled, recipient schools, volume of trees planted and their locations.

(To be continued)

Across the Nation

Vol. I, No. 35 | February 12-18, 2021 (Jumad ‘ul Akhir 30 — Rajab 6, 1442)

Sobejana’s rise to AFP top post draws plaudits

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Filipino minors pregnancy rises up, POPCOM calls for prevention

By ALI G. MACABALANG

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arious sectors across Mindanao have expressed bright prospects for more cohesive campaign against terrorism, organized crimes and for better military backing in Ostensibly elated over Sobejana‘s rise to the AFP top post were key officials in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) where he has spent most of his decisive moments and services as soldier.

Muslim lawmakers and executives also hailed Sobejana‘s appointment as a ―strategic‖ part of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte‘s commitment to bring the Bangsamoro region to greater heights. ―I salute our President for choosing Gen. Sobejana as the new CSAFP. In his more than three decades of active service, he has, in many occasions and to the point of openly risking his life and limbs, upheld the AFP motto of ‗Protecting the People, Securing the State,‘‖ Maguindanao 2nd District Rep. Esmael ―Toto‘ Mangudadatu said.

Mangudadatu attended the President‘s formal installation of the new AFP chief in Camp Aguinaldo on Feb. 4, during which the lawmaker and Sobejana took time to have selfie photos.

Sobejana, the first Medal of Valor awardee named as AFP chief, saluted outgoing predecessor, Gen. Gilbert Gapay, and President Duterte on the turnover rites, using as usual his left hand because his other hand has been practically disabled from movement after his almost fatal combat experience in Basilan in 1995.

He received the highest military award for leading a ranger unit in a deadly clash against more than 150 members of the Abu Sayyaf group.

Some 30 bandits and seven soldiers were killed in the five-hour firefight that also left him and eight subordinates were wounded. His right forearm was so severely hurt that he can only salute with his left hand.

Rep. Mangudadatu described Sobejana as ―a man a man who motivates dedication, commitment and excellence in service among his colleagues and subordinates, while inspiring trust and confidence among various stakeholders in areas (of assignment).‖ ―Gen. Sobejana has distinguished himself (in) the finest traditions of Filipino soldiery and leadership as contribution to our country‘s continuing quest for sustainable development and stable peace and order,‖ the lawmaker said, recalling the multi-awarded officer‘s services to Bangsamoro areas like Maguindanao.

Mangudadatu was Maguindanao governor when Sobejana headed the 601st Infantry Brigade, the 6th Infantry Division and the Western Mindanao Command. ―Noon ako ang gobernador, ikaw ang isa sa lagi naming natatawagan

civil governance, with the designation of Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana as new chief-of staff Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

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Photos are culled from online posts, one *above+ showing Gen. Cirilito Sobejana saluting Pres. Rodrigo Duterte with his left hand, and another *below+ depicting Maguindanao Rep. Esmael Mangudadatu with the new AFP chief having a selfie on the formal latter’s installation to office on Feb. 4. (AGM)

bilang katuwang namin sa Maguindanao Task Force on Reconciliation and Unification (MTFRU) at Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) sa napakalaking hamon ng pagsasaayos ng kapayapaan at katiwasayan sa aming lalawigan.

Wala kang pinipiling oras o sitwasyon upang tumugon sa aming kahilingan,‖ Mangudadatu said in a tribute statement to Sobejana.

Sobejana has barely six months to serve as AFP chief since he will turn 56, the military mandatory retirement age on July 31 this year.

Mindanao leaders were hoping for possible extension in Sobejana‘s service for him to fully carry out cohesive civil-military strides in conflict-affected communities of the region.

When Malacañang announced on Feb. 2 the appointment of Sobejana, Bangsamoro government officials promptly sounded off words of welcome and support.

Chief Minister Ahod ―Hadji Murad‖ Ebrahim and Executive Secretary Abdulraof ―Sammy Gambar‖ Macacua alongside other key Bangsamoro officials travelled to Manila on Feb. 3 to ensure attendance in the AFP leadership turnover rite as requested by Sobejana. ―Gen. Sobejana needs no re-

minder about our peace and security concerns.

He has vast knowledge about it, its nature and consequences,‖ Ebrahim was quoted as saying.

Ebrahim‘s office has cited Sobejana‘s support even attracting big investors in the new autonomous region, citing his facilitation of processes in the opening of a British company in pouring in a $3.2billion natural oil and gas refinery in Sulu in 2019.

Regional Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo lauded Sobejana in rallying the Bangsamoro government‘s delivery of relief goods and services to Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi as well as in the transport of residents in the island provinces stranded in the advent of quarantine protocols against Coronavirus pandemic. AGM

For Quality Journalism, Read Philippine Muslim Today

ANILA: The latest civil-registry statistics for 2019 from the Philippine Statistics Authority revealed that births among girls ages 15 years old and below have gone up by 7%, compared to 2018.

This is the ninth year since 2011 that this figure has continued to rise, the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) warned.

The government agency noted that this increasing trend of younger girls giving birth has been observed in the last 11 years, as one out of every 10 pregnancies in the country has consistently been among teenagers during the same period.

In 2019, 2,411 girls considered as very young adolescents aged 10 to 14 gave birth, or almost seven every day. This was a three-fold increase from 2000, when only 755 from the said age group gave birth.

Overall, the number of Filipino minors who gave birth in 2019 increased to 62,510, which was slightly higher than the 62,341 minors in 2018.

One in three births among minors occurred in the three contiguous regions of CALABARZON (8,008), National Capital Region (7,546) and Central Luzon (7,523). Outside Luzon, the highest number of minors who gave birth were in Cebu/ Central Visayas (4,541), Northern Mindanao (4,747), as well as the regions of Davao (4,551) and Cotabato (3,394).

According to Undersecretary of Population and Development Juan Antonio Perez III, MD, MPH, national government agencies working on poverty reduction under the leadership of Social Welfare Secretary Rolando D. Bautista have already prioritized teenage pregnancy reduction as an important landmark in the roadmap to reduce poverty.

He relayed that Congress has asked POPCOM to work with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, so that adolescent mothers who are minors as well as their children can be provided social protection, similar to the ones offered to older persons and victims of disasters. POPCOM and DSWD, together with other agencies, are looking forward to roll out this social protection program this year.

As a leading-edge effort to address this phenomenon, POPCOM‘s executive director said that a number of local government units (LGUs) have already enlisted their participation to The Challenge Initiative—a tripartite partnership launched in November 2020 among POPCOM, the Zuellig Foundation and the Melinda and Bill Gates Institute—which will strategically tackle teenage pregnancy in many levels of communities all over the country. TCI will seek to address the root causes of the crisis besetting adolescents nationwide, while significantly bringing down numbers within five years. ―As a national and social emergency, the spread of teenage pregnancy across the archipelago still persists at an alarming rate,‖ stated Perez. ―This requires more than a whole-ofgovernment approach. Thus, we are calling on the private sector, LGUs, development partners and relevant government agencies to collaborate closely with us in arresting this social menace grappling our youth.‖ PR

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Editorial

Vol. I, No. 35 | February 12-18, 2021 (Jumad ‘ul Akhir 30 — Rajab 6, 1442)

DATU YUSOPH B. MAMA Chairman, Board of Trustees DEAN MASIDING NOOR YAHYA 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 Bureau Chief for National Capital Region

Did Brunei really cede Sabah to the Sultan of Sulu centuries ago?

ALI G. MACABALANG News Editor Bureau Chief for Bangsamoro & Central Mindanao Regions ROCAYA SUMNDAD OTICAL Bureau Chief for Northern Mindanao Region JOHNNY R. LEE 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: ATTY. HOMOBONO A. ADAZA ATTY. BAYAN G. BALT BENJ BANGAHAN, M.D., FPCP, FPCCP ATTY. JUAN PONCE ENRILE JOHNNY R. LEE, Ph.D ATTY. NASSER A. MAROHOMSALIC FILEMON G. ROMERO, Ph.D 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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he presidential commission created by President Duterte to study how the Philippines will adopt a federal system of government suggests to include Sabah as among the proposed Philippine federal states obviously aimed to strengthen the country‘s claim over Sabah, or to assert its sovereignty.

The Jabidah Massacre is a very significant occurrence in the light of the Sabah issue. As generally believed, the young Muslim military officers who were killed in Corregidor were undergoing military training and tactics under the so-called ―Operation Merdeka,‖ but for uncertain reasons, the trainees were all killed by the military except one Bidin Arula who escaped and survived the carnage to tell his tale. ―Operation Merdeka‖ was supposedly aimed to infiltrate and liberate Sabah.

One of the thirteen states of Federal Malaysia, Sabah is claimed by the Philippines as part of its territory arguing that that North Borneo area is owned by the Sultanate of Sulu, now a province of the Philippines. The Sulu sultanate asserted that Sabah was ceded to it by the Sultan of Brunei, its original owner, for helping quell a rebellion centuries ago.

Did Brunei really cede Sabah to the Sultan of Sulu?

An official document of Brunei that was made public years ago can help shed some light to the question of cessation and ownership of Sabah.

In its article published March 7, 2013, the Brunei Times (now defunct) said: ―The 1968 Programme for the Coronation of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Muizzaddin Waddaulah as the 29th Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, had two interesting documents inserted inside. The documents were reproduction of two treaties taken from microfilm kept at the Public Record Office in London.‖ The article said: ―The first treaty was signed by Brunei‘s 24th Sultan, Sultan Abdul Momin, appointing Baron de Overbeck as the Maharaja Sabah, Rajah Gaya and Sandakan signed on 29th December 1877. ―The second treaty was signed by Sultan Jamalalulazam of Sulu appointing Baron de Overbeck as Dato Bendahara and Raja Sandakan on 22nd January 1878, about three weeks after the first treaty was signed. That begs the question: Who was responsible for Sabah or North Borneo as it was known then towards the end of the 19th century? That probably has a bearing on the event now unfolding in Lahad Datu in Sabah, where a group of armed men supposedly from the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo is claiming that they are the rightful owners of Sabah. ―Many of the early modern accounts of written history in Brunei noted that Sulu was given possession of Sabah or parts of Sabah for help rendered to Sultan Muhydin, the 14th Sultan of Brunei who fought a civil war against the 13th Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Abdul Mubin. ―Sultan Abdul Mubin usurped the throne after killing Sultan Muhammad Ali when the latter tried to stop Sultan Abdul Mubin from taking his revenge for the death of his son killed by the son of Sultan Muhammad Ali. Sultan Abdul Mubin appointed Sultan Muhydin as Bendahara but eventually Sultan Muhydin tricked Sultan Abdul Mubin into leaving Brunei for Pulau Cermin and appointed himself as the new Sultan of Brunei. The two Sultans fought against each other and Sultan Muhyidin finally triumphed, said to be due to the assistance provided by the Sulu Sultanate. ―Sir Hugh Low, writing in the Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (JSBRAS) published on 5 June 1880 entitled ‗Selesilah (Book of Descent) of the Rajas of Bruni‘, wrote that ―by the assistance of a force from the Sultan of Soolok, the forts on the island (Pulau Cermin) were captured‖. ―Earlier Sir Hugh Low described the negotiation between Sulu and Brunei: ―the Bataraa of Soolok went up to Bruni and met the Sultan Muaddin and having feasted and drank, the Sultan asked the Batara for his assistance to destroy the enemies at the island, promising that if the island should be conquered, the land from the North as far as westward as Kimani should belong to Soolook‖. ―HR Hughes-Hallett writing in the Journal of the Malayan Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society published in August 1940 entitled A Sketch of the History of Brunei wrote: ―by the beginning of the 18th century, the kingdom (Brunei) had been territorially diminished by the cession to the Sultan of Sulu in the north‖. ―CA Majul in his book Muslims in the Philippines (1973) referred to a letter from Sultan Jamalul Azam of Sulu to the Governor General of Spain on 17 September 1879 that the coast area from Kimanis to Balikpapan was to pay tribute to the Sultan which he said proved that the Brunei territory facing Suluk was ceded to Suluk.

EDITORIAL | A10

Opinion

Ijtihad MEHOL K. SADAIN

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ducation is a cherished legacy for its enlightening and empowering role in charactermolding and nationbuilding. As such, the Constitution mandates the State to “protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all”. [Art. XIV, Sec. 1, 1987 Constitution] In addition, the Constitution guarantees the ―enjoyment‖ of ―academic freedom‖ by ―all institutions of higher learning‖. [Art. XIV, Sec. 5(a)] The Constitution does not discriminate as to ownership (public or private) or ranking in academic accomplishments. Neither does

the Constitution require an agreement between the State and institutions of higher learning for the State to recognize and protect the exercise of academic freedom by these institutions.

An agreement is in fact, a surplusage, and its existence works more as a protective privilege rather than a requisite right. Hence, when universities like UP and PUP have this kind of agreement, the issue is not about protection because it is already ordained by the Constitution, and enforceable by the courts. Rather, it is about State restraint on campus activities and personalities, and its corresponding regulation. If this were a contractual relationship, the obligor or grantor of benefit is the State,

Vol. I, No. 35 | February 12-18, 2021 (Jumad ‘ul Akhir 30 — Rajab 6, 1442)

PROTECTING HIGHER LEARNING

(Part III of our discourse on Academic Freedom) while the obligee or recipient of benefit, is the university.

A contract, however, should be a ―give and take‖ relationship. In exchange for the recognition of a right and privilege by the grantor State, the State should also be able to expect a commensurate discharge of responsibility from the recipient university. It is a responsibility that should help rather than thwart the tasks of the State in serving and protecting the people (Art. II, Sec. 4, 1987 Constitution). This should be the proper framing of the agreement between UP and the Department of National Defense (DND) that the latter abrogated on the basis of a perception that the campus is being used as a recruitment ground by what the DND considers as enemies of the State, and the agreement is abetting the

Batanes to Tawi-Tawi

same.

If UP is to fairly object to the unilateral abrogation of the agreement by DND, then it should not also insist on a unilateral interpretation and disposition of the same, without acknowledging a symbiotic responsibility to the State. As the saying goes, it takes two to tango; and it is not only about the dancers, it is also about them dancing to the same tune.

If and when the two parties are able to sit down to resolve the conflict and mutually reinstate the agreement, they must do so on the common constitutional parameters of (1) ensuring quality education, (2) protecting individual rights and (3) promoting State and public interests. The right to quality education is based on positive norms and values that are natural rights by them-

atanes To Tawi-Tawi would like to discuss some useful INFO from the WHO (World Health Organization) that you and I can use in this time of Pandemic.

Hence, before I write this piece I was contemplating on what is the most important topic that I have to discuss and be a useful information to our readers rather writing topic irrelevant to the time.

Therefore, here I would like to share with all of you on what is topic that is relevant and attuned to the present situation, the Pandemic to time.

And so without much adou here, and, do you wantto know how vaccines actually work? And so here is the full story: This article is part one in a

series of explainers on vaccine development and distribution. This article focuses on how vaccines work to protect our bodies from diseasecarrying germs.

Part two focused on the ingredients in a vaccine and the three clinical trial phases.

Part three outlines the next part of the vaccine journey: the steps from completing the clinical trial phases through to distribution.

Germs are all around us, both in our environment and in our bodies. When a person is susceptible and they encounter a harmful organism, it can lead to disease and death.

The body has many ways of defending itself against pathogens (diseasecausing organisms). Skin, mucus, and cilia (microscopic

selves, while the protection of individual rights is an enshrined prerogative of man in a civilized society, and the promotion of State and public interests is the pursuit of the common good aided by the police power of the State.

All three can exist side by side, as rights and powers must always stand in complementary unity. A neglect of one by highlighting the other two will result in an aberration that can only frustrate the noble ideals of governance and statehood.

There are no unbridled rights or powers, for only God possesses these prerogatives.

This is the same God we implore in the constitutional preamble to build a just and humane society and establish a Government that shall embody our ideals and aspirations. MKS

HOW DO VACCINES WORK?

JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

B

A7

hairs that move debris away from the lungs) all work as physical barriers to prevent pathogens from entering the body in the first place.

When a pathogen does infect the body, our body‘s defences, called the immune system, are triggered and the pathogen is attacked and destroyed or overcome.

The body‘s natural response A pathogen is a bacterium, virus, parasite or fungus that can cause disease within the body. Each pathogen is made up of several subparts, usually unique to that specific pathogen and the disease it causes. The subpart of a pathogen that causes the formation of antibodies is called an antigen.

The antibodies produced in response to the pathogen‘s antigen are an important part

of the immune system. You can consider antibodies as the soldiers in your body‘s defense system. Each antibody, or soldier, in our system is trained to recognize one specific antigen. We have thousands of different antibodies in our bodies.

When the human body is exposed to an antigen for the first time, it takes time for the immune system to respond and produce antibodies specific to that antigen.

In the meantime, the person is susceptible to becoming ill.

Once the antigen-specific antibodies are produced, they work with the rest of the immune system to destroy the pathogen and stop the disease. Antibodies to one pathogen generally don‘t protect against another pathogen except when two patho-

gens are very similar to each other, like cousins. Once the body produces antibodies in its primary response to an antigen, it also creates antibody-producing memory cells, which remain alive even after the pathogen is defeated by the antibodies. If the body is exposed to the same pathogen more than once, the antibody response is much faster and more effective than the first time around because the memory cells are at the ready to pump out antibodies against that antigen.

This means that if the person is exposed to the dangerous pathogen in the future, their immune system will be able to respond immediately, protecting against disease.

For your Comments/ Suggestions please send your email to munir1845media@gmail.com

Philippine Muslim Today Now Open for Subscription

T

he E-newspaper copy (Issuu format ) of Philippine Muslim Today which was officially launched with its Maiden Issue (Vol. 1, No. 1) on 19 June 2020 can still be read Free until the end of February or March.

Once Subscription starts in March or April 2021, only subscribers can have the Access to open and read every page of this Digital Online News. We encourage our friends especially you as our avid readers to enjoy reading this First Muslim Digital Online Weekly Newspaper in the Philippines with so much comfort of our newsworthy News Stories for Free since June 2020 up to January this year.

However, due to some Administrative Costs that we need to settle like the Digital Apps, Wi-Fi, and other CONTINGENCIES, we are constrained to ask

for your Support by way of a minimal Subscription Fee in the amount of P50 only monthly.

At least the number of months required for Subscription is good for 6 months and that is P300 in all.

Hence, those who want to subscribe please send your SMS or Text Message to cellphone no. +63 915 218 4388 and your Payment of P300. You will be given OTP (One Time Password) which is non-Transferrable.

Please be reminded only those who have Subscribed and given their Exclusive OTP has the privilege to open the Philippine Muslim Today E-paper copy. Thank you.

JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL | Managing Editor

A8

Opinion

VACCINES AND LEADERSHIP, SINOVAC AND TRANSPARENCY

Diliman Way HOMOBONO A. ADAZA “Without global vaccination, we will not see the end of the corona virus.” – Doctor Anthony Fauci

D

r.

Anthony Fauci is the most heard authority on the corona virus. National leaders should listen to him to help control the Xi Jing Ping China corona virus for good. Our national leaders should demonstrate the kind of leadership necessary to convince our people they should submit to vaccination to successfully contain the corona virus in our country. What should they do?

President Duterte and his Cabinet, Speaker of the House of Representative and all its members, President of the Senate with all the senators, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court with all the justices, all medical personnel, all governors with all the members of the Board, all city mayors with all the members of the city council, all municipal mayors with all members of the municipal council, all barangay chairmen with all members of the barangay

councils, all member of IATF, Chief of Staff and all the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, PNP Chief and all policemen throughout the country.

Why should they be vaccinated first? They are the leaders who should show the people by example. Estimated thirty percent of the population is not willing to be vaccinated for several reasons - our disastrous Denvaxia experience, the flood of misinformation about the dangers of vaccination in social media and the uncertainty of the efficacy of the vaccines So there is need for accurate information and the best of way of convincing our people is to for our leaders to show that vaccination is safe and it is necessary to contain or get rid of the corona virus. What more do our people need if they see President Duterte and the rest of his gang openly and publicly vaccinated in full view of national

and local television networks?

SINOVAC and transparency: The government has decided to purchase Sinovac from China. Initially, as reported by media, it is only sixty-one (61%) percent effective. Reports from Brazil, however, is that Sinovac has only fifty-one (51%) percent efficacy.

Whatever it is, its efficacy is much lover than that of Pfizer, Moderna and Astrazeneca which have ninety-six (96%) percent efficacy. As it less effective than the others, why buy it?

There are only three possible reasons for buying it – it is given at a discount, the friendship of Duterte and Xi Jin Ping, and there are other considerations involved other than the money. Is any of this or all of these the reasons why Duterte and General Galvez not revealing the price of the purchase of the vaccines?

Concealment of a matter which the public

Punchline ALI G. MACABALANG

A

fter their success in pushing for the passage of Rice Tarrification Law (RTL) that makes life harder for farmers in the face of unregulated influx importation, oligarchs are now moving for the privatization of the AgusPulangi Hydropower Complexes (APHC).

Such sinister plan has not been publicized until David Tauli, a fellow alumnus of MSUMarawi main campus, sent me a portion of their resolution expressing strong opposition to the proposal. The proposal appears in pursuit of R.A. 9136, more

known as Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2001.

Tauli serves as vice president for Northern Mindanao of the Lanao Power Consumers Federation (LAPOCOF), the first concerned group to express objection to the proposal initiated last December by the Department of Energy (DoE) on instigation of the oligarchs-filled Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (PSALM).

He called on the Mindanao Development Authority, the Bangsamoro autonomous government, lo-

Vol. I, No. 35 | February 12-18, 2021 (Jumad ‘ul Akhir 30 — Rajab 6, 1442)

should know is bad policy. Why is the price of the vaccine a secret? Secrecy always leads to speculation and suspicion. When you do not like anyone to know about something, you conceal or hide it. When you commit a crime, you keep it a secret. When you have a clandestine love affair, you hide it. If, as President Ramon Magsaysay used to say, when doing something or announcing a state policy, can this purchase of the Sinovac be defended at Plaza Miranda?

It is bad enough that graft and corruption is rampant, according to President Duterte. It is worse if you are not transparent on matters which the public deserve to know. When will this administration ever learn? Almost every time the Duterte administration gives a solution, it creates a problem. That is the case here, especially because the money used in the purchase is the money of the people, not the money of Duterte or Galvez or

both.

Presidential security guards and Teresita Ang See: A few weeks ago, there was so much brouhaha about how the vaccines were acquired to inoculate the security guards of President Duterte.

Government sources gave contradictory reasons – smuggled and legally imported. It was on the verge of triggering a congressional investigation but it was dead on its tracks when Duterte publicly declared a warning to everyone not to mess with his security men.

In the Duterte administration, smuggled or not makes no difference – after all, the Duterte administration has fondness of violating our laws, even the Constitution, and getting away with it. So reminiscent of Machiavelli, the end justifies the means.

Clarifying with complete authority, FilChinoy civic leader Teresita Ang See said that the vaccines were not smuggled but were legally purchased. As a

matter of fact, said See, the very powerful FilChinoy community, more Chinoy than Fil, legally imported one hundred thousand (100,000) Sinovac vaccines for the purpose of inoculating its constituency. So there it is – right from the horse‘s mouth.

What to do: President Duterte, General Galvez and Secretary Duque should inform our people whether the inoculations of Sinovac vaccines were successful. Are they all in fine condition? Did anyone suffer any undesirable ill effects or unwanted results?

That is their duty under section 1, Article XI of the Constitution and their oath of office.

Are the results also secrets? If secrets, there are two quotations worth remembering – one from President Duterte and the other from Mahatma Gandhi. From Duterte – ―There is always time for reckoning.‖ And from Mahatma Gandhi – ―Bad means never make for good ends.‖ HAA

Privatization of Agus-Pulangi Hydroelectric Complexes: A Sinister plan

cal government units (LGUs) and other concerned groups in Mindanao to come up with similar resolutions that should be taken up directly with President Duterte to prevent a sinister consequence.

Presently, he said, the Pulangi Hydropower Plant in Bukid has the cheapest electric rate in the country, and putting it under oligarchs-driven private companies from government ownership and control will be adverse for consumers.

The LAPOCOF resolution cited the privatization of the Mt. Apo geothermal power plant

in 2015, in which the rates of the MAGPP were ―unilaterally increased by the PSALM from 2.85 pesos per kWh to 5.18 pesos per kWh.‖ (NOTE: The Electric Cooperative in North Cotabato is now charging some P10 per KWH.) The LAPOCOF call for public backing will be an acid test for the BARMM and MinDA leaderships, both entities that are in frontline of fighting for the general welfare of Mindanao people.

BARMM and MinDA leaderships as well as provincial and city government units and re-

gional development councils in Mindanao should unanimously oppose the plan before it will be agreed upon in black and white – something that will be more difficult to remedy.

Cohesion for COVID-19 preventive strides in BARMM BARMM Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal, in a webinar sponsored Wednesday by UNICEF, assured he will bring to the Bangsamoro leadership attention calls for cohesion in implementing measures to contain the spread of COVID19 pandemic in the

autonomous region.

At the webinar, Iqbal asserted his ministry‘s stride in doing the ―best‖ options to safeguard schools constituents – students, parents and teachers – from direct exposure to the global virus.

On that premise, the Philippine Muslim Today news informed Iqbal about an instance in Masiu, Lanao del Sur where hundreds of village people converged recently for oath-taking into the United Bangsamoro Justice Party and were seated closely with one another, with some not wearing face mass or face shields.

MACABALANG | A10

World News

Turkey-Pakistan joint military exercise begins KARACHI, Pakistan A three-week-long joint military exercise involving Turkish and Pakistani special forces began in northwestern Pakistan on Tuesday.

The opening ceremony of the exercise ATATURKXI 2021 was held at the Pakistani military's Special Service headquarters in Tarbela, located in Khyber Pakhtunkwa province that borders neighboring Afghanistan, said a statement from the Pakistan Army.

Turkish Special Forces and troops of Pakistani military's elite Special Services Group are participating in the exercise.

The exercise includes, counter-terrorism, close quarter battle, cordon and search, rappelling, fire and move techniques, helicopter rappelling, compound clearance, hostage and rescue and free fall operations.

"The joint military exercise will further strengthen the bond of two brotherly nations and will help in adapting the emerging trends in military modernization and cooperation," the statement said.

Ankara and Islamabad have increased defense and military cooperation in recent years.

In July 2018, Pakistan Navy signed a contract for the acquisition of four Turkish-built MILGEM corvettes with Turkish state-owned defense contractor ASFAT. According to the plan, two corvettes will be built in Turkey and the next two will be built in Pakistan which also involves technology transfer.

In October 2019, Turkey‘s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan along with then Pakistan Navy Chief Adm. Zafar Mahmood Abbasi had cut the first metal plate of the first MILGEM Ada class corvette during a ceremony in Istanbul.

Turkey is one of the 10 countries in the world which can build, design, and maintain warships using its national capabilities.

ANADOLU AGENCY

Egypt opens Gaza crossing in both directions It is unclear how many days crossing will remain open RAMALLAH, Palestine Egypt on Tuesday opened the Rafah border crossing with the Gaza Strip for the movement of travelers in both directions, according to the Hamas-run Interior Ministry.

A ministry statement said that "passenger buses began to leave the crossing, while returnees will arrive at noon‖.

It is unclear how many days the crossing will remain open.

Palestinian factions are currently holding dialogue in Cairo on preparations for elections.

Last week, Egypt opened the crossing for four days in both directions.

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic in March, Egypt and Hamas agreed to close the crossing. The terminal was sporadically opened for humanitarian causes.

ANADOLU AGENCY

Vol. I, No. 35 | February 12-18, 2021 (Jumad ‘ul Akhir 30 — Rajab 6, 1442)

A9

Make the internet safer for our children

A

s we mark February 9 as “Safer Internet Day,” here‟s one we found in the mailbox from one Chia Seok Cheng (Suzen) worth reading for parents and adults for their family welfare and security: Ranging from suicide videos to pornographic content, Tik Tok, Snapchat, Instagram, Youtube, Facebook & Co. are full of distressing content for children which can have serious consequences for their mental health. Most social media platform also have direct message or commenting features, so there‘s always the possibility that your child could be chatting with anyone, including strangers. While there are dangers, there are many ways to reduce the risks and safely use those apps. Check out some practical tips on how parents can protect their children shared by Acronis Cyber Protection experts (see attached). Also, sharing an e-book for children to learn internet security (created by the Acronis Cyber Foundation).

Change the account to private Although accounts are public by default, you can switch to a private account. Make sure that personal information is ‗hidden‘ from view and that the privacy settings are enabled in the accounts of your children, so that only friends can see their posts, photos, and details such as birthday or school.

Think before you post

Because of how ‗sharable‘ the internet is, ask your child to think before they post: ‗would I mind if this was screenshotted and spread?‘. Some children overshare information which may put them at risk. Remind children that once they have posted something online, the image/ message/video can be copied, shared and saved all over the internet without their permission – even if they delete the original image.

Explain Report and Block function When you block someone on Tik Tok, Instagram, Facebook and Co. they won‘t be able to view your posts or search for your account. You can also remove your followers (by blocking them) if you no longer want them to see your posts.

Like Facebook, there is a tendency on Instagram for hackers to create false accounts.

They use other peoples information to pretend to be someone they aren‘t. You can report someone who is impersonating you or someone you know on Instagram via Instagram‘s help center.

Review the settings Some social media networks, such as TikTok allow parents to disable some features like direct messaging,

filter out adult content or limit the screen time for their children´s devices.

Open ear for issues Important is to discuss it with children and make sure that they know that they can raise any concerns and

talk about anything that might happen on social networks with their parents, without fearing negative consequences. Cyberbullying can have severe consequences and needs to be addressed as early before it escalates.

PMT

Biden forms China task force to meet growing challenges WASHINGTON – US President Joe Biden announced Wednesday that the Department of Defense has established a China task force.

"We need to meet the growing challenges posed by China to keep peace and defend our interests in the Indo-Pacific and globally," Biden told reporters during his first visit as president to the Pentagon.

Biden said he was briefed "on a new DOD-wide China task force” and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin “is standing up to look at our strategy and operational concepts, technology and force posture and so much more."

The task force, composed of civilian and military experts across the department, will provide within the next few months "the recommendations to Austin on key priorities and decision points so that we can chart a strong path for-

ward on China-related matters," Biden said.

He said the initiative will require a whole government effort, bipartisan cooperation in Congress and strong alliances and partnerships.

"That's how we‟ll meet the China challenge and ensure the American people win the competition in the future," he added.

The task force will be a "sprint" effort focused on reviewing Pentagon policy on Beijing, according to a Defense Department fact sheet and will examine high-priority topics including strategy, intelligence and defense relations with China.

The move came as Biden labeled China as America‟s "most serious competitor.”

(Anadolu)

News

A10

A culture of nepotism and repaying favor stir instability

By ABDUL HANNAN MAGARANG TAGO

I

n my three years stay here in the Philippines following my resignation from the Saudi Arabia-based Arab News in 2016, I felt the sufferings of the hundred thousands of jobless citizens.

The problem here is not the lack of sufficient education, qualifications and competence.

I meet many of those young graduates‘ applicants possessing college diplomas, civil service eligibility and various certificates of training and yet they remained jobless.

Nepotism and repaying favor, among others, are the main reasons, in addition to political monopoly and influence.

Most of the government agencies are using digital or online platform in selecting workforce for the minimal

and lower positions but not the key positions.

Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has implemented the same modern technology for their staffing programs.

The process helped the so-called millennium and the digital minded generation not necessarily part of the struggle at the expenses of hundreds of veterans combatants including top commanders.

The general perception is negative in terms of employment and job creation. We are among worst in the world in empowering its own caliber and competent nationals because of the nepotism, fraternal ties and repaying favor.

In addition to the influence of politicians and party, vocational training are also under

Vol. I, No. 35 | February 12-18, 2021 (Jumad ‘ul Akhir 30 — Rajab 6, 1442)

politicians‘ control.

Most beneficiaries of various trainings are under recommendation of a certain congressman.

BARMM is implementing such modern technology as good beginning but the example should start from the top level among key officials and should be in inclusive manner that benefit all constituents under its areas of jurisdiction in power sharing.

This will boost the process toward moral and good governance while shifting to a productive Bangsamoro by creating job opportunities in all fields and sectors.

10 million Filipinos working abroad is an apparent testimony of the employment problem in our country.

The problem en-

courages the cycle of political activities, more grouping and activating organizations as obvious in these days as preparation for the upcoming elections.

I left the country in 1984 at the peak of greedy fight for power and positions that left behind the 3rd largest English speaking Philippines among Asian country at the expenses of development, progress and good governance. This administration has done a lot but the traces of the employment problem are still in place.

The phenomenon creates uncertainty and instability. In terms of political parties or even revolutionary followers they opt to shift to another group or entity or

create a new one where they feel good option that would bring them opportunities.

ARMM was there before the ratification of BOL or now BARMM. People would shift now to the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) for a merely job opportunities.

While BARMM or MILF is still in its second year of transition power, comrades feel they are left behind and will not be able to compete with the digital minded generation.

MNLF would be an option for many.

In the national level people or former officials in the unilateral form of government are now so busy and active in campaigning for the federalism or revolu-

For Reliable Info, Read Philippine Muslim Today

EDITORIAL | from Page A6

have denied that northern Borneo was given to Sulu, and only the weight of Sulu tradition supports the claim.

The weight of Brunei tradition challenges it‖. ―The Sulu claim is currently resting on that treaty which was mentioned at the beginning of this article signed by Sultan Jamalalulazam of Sulu appointing Baron de Overbeck as Dato Bendahara and Raja Sandakan on 22nd January 1878. But at the beginning of this article, there is, in fact, another treaty which was signed earlier by Sultan Abdul Momin appointing Baron de Overbeck as the Maharaja Sabah, Rajah Gaya and Sandakan signed on 29th December 1877. In 1877, the Brunei Sultanate then still believed and maintained that the territory was in fact still under the

control of the Brunei Sultanate. ―Another interesting document is the British North Borneo Treaties Protocol of 1885 signed in Madrid, which is also known as the Madrid Protocol of 1885, a copy of which can be found on Sabah State Attorney General‘s website. It was signed by the British, Germany and Spain who was the predecessor government of the Philippines. The two most important articles are Article I British and Germany recognizing the sovereignty of Spain over the Sulu Archipelago and Article III Spain relinquishing all claims to Borneo. ―This article serves only to point out that past events have repercussions on the present and more so if the past events were not clearly defined as in this particular case. – The Brunei Times (This article was found from the Laman KL-Today website. The original article is published by Brunei Times.)

gional constituents.

But the good citation was undermined by the contrary stance in Masiu.

It is weird to see BARMM agencies exerting efforts to prevent viral spread while some officials are tolerating field events violating basic pro-

tocols. The trend is like many dancing cha-cha, while others render tango steps – a trend tantamount to wasting substantial energy and resources.

(Comments and suggestions to this column should be addressed to: alimac.bulletin@gmail.com.)

Did Brunei really cede Sabah to the Sultan of Sulu centuries ago? ―Interestingly enough, Pehin Jamil Umar writing in his book, Tarsilah Brunei II: Period of Splendour and Fame (2007), countered all of the above. Pehin Jamil did not deny the fact that the Suluks were invited and promised the northern Brunei territory by Sultan Muhydin if they helped him win the civil war against Sultan Abdul Mubin. However, during the battle for Pulau Cermin, the Sulu forces who were supposed to attack the island from Pulau Keingaran and from the sea, did not do so. They were terrified by the resistance of Sultan Abdul Mubin‘s forces in Pulau Cermin. It was only after Sultan Muhydin had won the battle did the Sulu forces landed and took the opportunity to seize a number of

war booties. ―According to Pehin Jamil, Sultan Muhydin refused to cede the territories claimed

by Sulu. Pehin Jamil noted that the area was only ―claimed‖ and not ―ceded‖, as Sir Stamford Raffles, in his book ―History of Java‖ (1830), had noted ―on the north-east of Borneo proper (Brunei) lies a very considerable territory (Sabah), the sovereignty of which has long been claimed

by Sulu Government‖. ―Pehin Jamil further noted that according to the oral tradition, Sulu continued to press their claim. In 1775, one of their chiefs came to Brunei pretending to seek fresh water. What they really wanted was to seek an audience with the Sultan regarding Sabah. However, the Sul-

tionary government.

This not spares the religious groups who are also regrouping or strengthening their unity for some gains including power and positions.

It is imperative the State has to adopt the quality of employment or labor force among its nationals without any influence but competencies and qualifications.

They should create job opportunities and good governance.

We do believe in federalism as ideal and viable solutions. And a Senate bill to abolish the nepotism, favoritism and political influence in the job opportunities has to be passed and enacted into law. AHMT

tan ordered one of the chief wazirs to see them and he threatened that if they wanted to pursue their intention, he will kill them all. The Sulus immediately left. Despite that setback, the Sulus continue to maintain their claims. ―The argument that Brunei has not ceded Sabah to Sulu is supported by LR Wright in her book The Origins of British Borneo (1970).

She wrote: ―indeed, the legitimacy of the Sulu claim to the territory (North Borneo) is in considerable doubt partly because of the unreliability of tarsilas such as ‗Selesilah‘, which in many cases are nothing more than writtendown legends to enhance the status of the royal house which produced them. Succeeding Sultans of Brunei

MACABALANG | from Page A8

Privatization of Agus-Pulangi Hydroelectric...

Participants in the Masiu were all adults, who naturally have children schooling. If they got infected by the virus, their children at home would be next carriers.

The PMT conveyed information on the non-

observance of standard protocols evidenced by some photos to specific concerned authorities in BARMM purposely for them to come up with an advisory discouraging a repeat of the flimsy event.

But no advisory has been

issued up to press time.

Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr., chief implementer of national protocols on Coronavirus has recently acknowledged BARMM as one of regions in the country providing relief goods and services to re-

Tourism

Vol. I, No. 35 | February 12-18, 2021 (Jumad ‘ul Akhir 30 — Rajab 6, 1442)

The Chinese Entrepreneurs: A Huge Factor in the Economic Development of Bongao, Tawi-Tawi (Part 1)

B1

Pastil, a Maguindanao delicacy "Bangsamoro Halal Dish"

By JOHNNY R. LEE, Ph.D

WITH MARIA FHEBIE ORTIL

P

F

rom a sleepy town to a bustling business center in the Province of Tawi-Tawi, Bongao is a microcosm of „business district‟ that is widely happening in rich regions of the country like Metro Manila, Cebu City, Davao City and down south in Zamboanga City.

It cannot be denied that all the abovenamed regions became economically progressive because of the number of Chinese migrants or sons of migrants who started small but grew phenomenally to own global business empires. Classic examples are Henry Sy, Lucio Tan and John Gokongwei who are the so-called „taipans‟ of the Philippines.

Bongao, although just a dot compared to the big cities, somehow mirrors the phenomenal rise of an obscure community into a modern urbanized zone in the south – mainly because of the good number of Chinese migrants who have established themselves as the captains of all sorts of enterprise ranging from buy and sell to big-time supplier and buyer of commodities like marine products, construction materials and food items.

This writer still remembers, sometime in the 60‟s and 70‟s when only a single motor vehicle ( a dilapidated truck) ran

the less than a kilometer dirt road to the pier to pick up cargoes from the arriving small commercial boat and drop it over

to few stores along the narrow main thoroughfare. The road was so narrow that the truck can only drive straight ahead

and run in „reverse‟ all the way back.

(To be continued on the next issue)

astil is naturally a halal Maguindanaon food made of rice topped with grilled chicken or fish wrapped in banana leaves which costs P10 or P15.

Pastil is usually being sold in most of the restaurants in Maguindanao province and Cotabato City.

It is also being sold in some restaurants in Taguig and in Islamic Center in Quiapo, Manila.

On the other hand, the Pastil version of Maranao is known as Pater.

Pater is made of rice (usually yellow rice) topped with a tasty dish – could be beef, chicken or fish. These three flavors don‘t come together, they are served separately such as randang (beef or chicken randang), and fish with yellow coconut meat. It is then wrapped around using banana leaves to maintain its freshness and to avoid exposure to foreign elements.

A Maranao food is always spicy; without chili or other spices, for them, it tastes incomplete and it`s not appetizing. The best spicy add-ons on your viand are the ―palapa‖ – a mixture of onion, garlic, chili and other spices that makes the whole food taste even more mouth-watering.

The Ingredients: 1) Onion 2) Garlic 3) Black Pepper 4) Banana Leaves 5) Salt 6) Breast parts of the Chicken Procedures: 1) Cook the chicken in a pot with a boiling water.

Then remove from the boiling water.

2) Add Salt 3) Cook for 10 minutes.

Prepare the other Ingredients: 1)Crush the garlic and then chop it to small pieces.

2) Afterwards, chop the onion.

3) Then shred the chicken.

4) Later cook again the chicken in a pan and add cooking oil.

5) Then place the minced garlic into the pan by adding too the chopped onion.

6) Add the shredded chicken into the pan.

7) Pour the soy sauce into the pan with the shredded chicken.

8) Cover the pan at least 10 minutes in order to cook it properly.

9) Then add the ground black pepper.

10) Heat the banana leaves that is used to wrap the Pastil finished product.

11) Now it is ready to wrap the Pastil by placing 1 cup of rice.

12) Add the chicken Pastil on top of the rice using spoon to spread it evenly on top of the rice.

13) And then start the wrapping using the banana leaves.

14) This is all done and it is now ready to be served especially to your guests.

Maria Fhebie Ortil

News

B2

Vol. I, No. 35 | February 12-18, 2021 (Jumad ‘ul Akhir 30 — Rajab 6, 1442)

BARMM | From Page A1

BARMM urged to oppose privatization of Agus-Pulangi Hydroelectric complexes

By ALI G. MACABALANG

C

OTABATO CITY: Organized pow-

er consumers have urged the Bangsamoro autonomous officialdom and other government authorities in Mindanao to oppose a planned privatization of the Agus-Pulangi Hydropower Complexes (APHC) in what was described as another attempt by business oligarchs for control of the industry in the guise of public welfare betterment.

The Lanao Power Consumers Federation (LAPOCOF), which has initiated the dissenting campaign, was hoping that the leadership of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) led by Chairman Manny Piñol, and local government units in Mindanao will come up with position papers that should be taken up with President Duterte.

The LAPOCOF also urged individual consumers to form groups and rally the opposition against the privatization of APHC, an option left open under R.A. 9136, more known as Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2001.

David Tauli, LAPOCOF vice president for Northern Mindanao, said his group has initiated the campaign through a resolution appealing to the Department of Energy (DoE), Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (PSALM) Corp. and the National Power Corporation (NPC) to scrap the privatization plan for the welfare of consumers.

Tauli, a senior alumnus of the Marawi City main campus of the Mindanao State University (MSU), conveyed part of his group’s resolution to the Philippine Muslim Today (PMT) news that presented reasons for their resentment.

The LAPOCOF resolution quoted a provision in the EPIRA, which states that “the privatization of Agus and Pulangui complexes shall be left to the discretion of PSALM Corp. in consultation with Congress.”

It said the DoE issued a Department Order in December 2020 designating the members of the “National Government Technical Working Group on the Privatization of the Agus-Pulangi Hydropower Complex.”

It pointed out that “the generation of the Agus-Pulangi Hydropower Complex (APHC) is the lowest-cost power supply in Mindanao,” hinting that profit-oriented private companies would manipulate increases in the power rates.

The resolution cited the privatization of the Mt. Apo geothermal power plant in 2015, in which the rates of the MAGPP were “unilaterally increased by the PSALM from 2.85 pesos per kWh to 5.18 pesos per kWh.” The LAPOCOF asserted that the APHC should remain “owned and controlled by the government until it can be privatized without any increase in the price of generation and without changing existing contracts for pow-

er supply.”

Initially putting up supportive efforts to the LAPOCOF drive, resident-power consumers believed that the MinDA can lead other concerned LGUs and groups in presenting omnibus resentment to the planned APHC privatization move.

They said officials in BARMM, which covers Lake Lanao being the source of Agus hydroelectric plants, have moral and legal authorities to object to the “sinister” move.

“The proper time to sound off strong objections (to the privatization plan) is now.

Tomorrow may be too late,” an official from the MSU system said.

Other academicians and academic experts pointed out that “once the APHC became a private entity, the strength of efforts by the BARMM, MinDA and other concerned entities will be dismal and futile.”

Under its Charter (R.A. 11054), the BARMM government is entitled to a “comanagement” authority with the national government over the development and utilization of Lake Lanao in its aspect as a power generation source. AGM