Philippine Muslim Today

CONTROVERSIAL DRUG PROBLEM

Homobono A. Adaza | A8

The Government’s Seemingly Reckless Decision: The Case Against the Sinovac Vaccine (2)

More risks in conduct of 2022 BARMM parliament polls

Ali G. Macabalang | A8

The Stuggle for Royal Identity in Sulu

Julmunir I. Jannaral | A7

Yusuf Ashraf Tugung | A7

Muslim today PHILIPPINE

Save the Earth

The Muslim National Digital Newspaper | Bearer of Glad Tidings.

Vol. I, No. 40 | March19-25, 2021 (Shaban 6-12, 1442) | 16 Pages | Online Issue

In search of justice: 53 years of the Jabidah Massacre By the BANGSAMORO INFORMATION OFFICE

(Full Story on Page A6)

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Thousands beseech PRRD’s ‘urgent’ push for BARMM poll-postponing bills

By ALI G. MACABALANG

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ifty-three (53) years ago, the tragic incident that lit the spark of the decades-long Moro rebellion in Mindanao took place.

Five decades later, the Jabidah Massacre continues to linger in the memories of Moro revolutionaries and its leaders.

Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Chairman Muslimin G. Sema and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Peace Implementing Panel Chair Mohagher M. Iqbal shared their stories on how the 1960’s Moro insurgency became an eye-opener and its relevance up to the present.

According to them, the story of Jibin Arula, who was the lone survivor from the Corregidor carnage happened on March 18, 1968, triggered the creation of former Cotabato Governor Datu Udtog Matalam’s group—the Muslim Independence Movement (MIM)— which was a result of the ardent feeling and unity of Moro intellectuals.

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IDAPAWAN CITY — Hundreds of thousands from Muslim, Christian and Indigenous People’s (IP) communities took to the streets on Monday another peace caravan to beseech an “urgent” Presidential push for the passage of bills extending the term of Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), the interim ruling body of the new parliament-style autonomy in Mindanao.

Chief Minister Murad Ebrahim and Basilan Gov. Jim Salliman. (File)

Full Story on Page A3

Adiong vows to prevent transfer of Marawi waste dump site COTABATO CITY — Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal “Bombit” Alonto-Adiong Jr. has vowed to prevent the transfer of a proposed P300-million Marawi sanitary landfill project to a lakeshore village, citing a recent finding by an inspection team pointing to the same site as a source of fresh drinking water to three adjoining barangays.

Full Story on Page A2

A4 MINDANAO

A9 NATION

A14 TOURISM

Maranao-Yakan tribe feud in Manila resolved

Iqbal clarifies Maguindanao PH makes significant gains in journos safety guv’s stance on BTA – UNESCO term debate

The Chinese Entrepreneurs of Bongao (Part VI)

The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) and the Office of House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Mujiv Hataman that sponsored the recent peace dialogue to help resolve a brewing conflict among Mindanao natives here in this Islamic Center in Metro Manila, ended up in finding the elusive peace that maintained a strong bond of unity among the Muslim residents.

Maguindanao Governor Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu has not spoken about moving against or for the snowballing campaign for a postponement in the 2022 election of regional parliament members to extend the three-year term of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), according to Mohagher Iqbal.

The early Chinese settlers in Bongao carried with them the traditional character of their home’s (China) patriarchs and the ancient tradition of hard work, patience, honesty and the most well known practice - the strategy of seeking low profit margin but aim for high sales volume.

The Philippines has made significant progress in protecting journalists according to the 2020 Director-General Report on the Safety of Journalists and the Danger of Impunity released by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

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The Community

Adiong vows to prevent transfer of Marawi waste dump site

Vol. I, No. 40 | March19-25, 2021 (Shaban 6-12, 1442)

Pangarungan named ‘amirul hajj’ for 3rd time; 7k+ prospect Filipino pilgrims registered

By Ali G. Macabalang

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OTABATO CITY — Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal “Bombit” Alonto-Adiong Jr. has vowed to prevent the transfer of a proposed P300-million Marawi sanitary landfill project to a lakeshore village, citing a recent finding by an inspection team pointing to the same site as a source of fresh drinking water to three adjoining barangays.

“I sent last Monday a team to inspect the proposed new site. And the team led by my provincial environment officer and accompanied by (PIO) Jennie (Alonto -Tamano) found that the site abounds with springs serving as major fresh drinking water not only among the people of Barangay Sugod Proper but also for two adjoining villages,” Gov. Adiong told the Philippine Muslim Today (PMT) news in the vernacular over the phone on Wednesday.

In a video clip produced by residents, who staged a similar site inspection with the company of the city vice mayor and representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the two adjoining villages sourcing out drinking water from the Sugod Proper springs as Barangays Pugaan and Patani.

In two earlier interviews with the PMT, Gov. Adiong appeared assertive just for a conduct of decisive meeting among protesting residents, the city government, the DENR and its Environment Management Bureau (EMB), the provincial government and the Bangsamoro autonomous government’s Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy (MENRE) to decide once and for all the controversial project transfer.

The governor was earlier suspicious of gray areas in the arrangement between the city government and the EMB-DENR in transferring the project site from distant Barangay Malimono to Sugod Proper, on questions of jurisdiction over ecology of Lake Lanao and its tributary rivers and springs between the DENR and the MENRE. The supervision over Lake Lanao and

@PMT PHOTO: NCMF Secretary Pangarungan with President Duterte.

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Above are online-generated photos of Gov. Bombit Adiong and residents’ ocular inspection on a site at a lakeshore village to which a proposed P300-million Marawi waste disposal management facility has been earmarked for transfer. surrounding watersheds has been devolved by the national government from the DENR to the MENRE. Under R.A. 11054 (Bangsamoro region’s charter), Lake Lanao, in its facet as source of hydroelectricity, will have to be “comanaged” by the national government and the autonomous entity.

Gov. Adiong said some leaders of protesting Sugod proper residents met him early this month, and complained of alleged lack of popular consultation in the passage last January 8 by the city legislature (Sangguniang Panglungsod) a resolution authorizing the transfer of the project site to Sugod Proper.

Official data showed the SP resolution was received on January 14 by the EMB-DENR Region 10 office in Cagayan de Oro City, and was approved on January 19 by DENR Undersecretary Jim Sampulna, a point person of his agency to the Task Force Bangong Marawi (TFBM) projects involving environmental concerns.

Gov. Adiong said he or his office has no prior knowledge about the proposed transfer until the controversy became an issue that went viral in the social media sometime in the first week of last month.

The governor hinted that he was not only concerned about environmental issues and jurisdictional questions

over the site transfer, but also personally because Barangay Sugod Proper is a native home place of his late father, Lanao del Sur former Governor and Congressman Mamintal Adiong Sr. During the lifetime of the deceased former governor, he had initiated a plan to establish a village-level water district system in Barangay Sugod Proper, residents recalled.

The debate between dissenters and supporters of the project site transfer in the social media has drawn attention from outspoken former Lanao del Sur Congressman Benasing Macarambon Jr., who urged Gov. Adiong to impose his jurisdiction over the issue, saying that Marawi is a “component city” of the province.

“This (project controversy) is one issue you and the provincial board can put your weight on. This proposal will affect the lake and the inhabitants around the lake. This should STOP at its inception,” Macarambon urged Gov. Adiong.

Project Background The same debate also compelled a member of the Tanggote family, owner of the 31.7-hectare land in Malimono that the DENR bought at P60million as initial area for the 5-hectare requirement for the proposed sanitary landfill project, to bat in for clarification

of the issue.

Aisah TanggotoMangoda, a member of the lot-owner family and holding a special power of attorney, recalled in two phone interviews with the PMT, that her clan was sought in early 2019 by then DENRRegion 10 Executive Director Sabdullah “Boy” Abubakar to help his agency scout for a P50-hectare “clean titled” land in Barangay Malimono as site for the proposed P300-million sanitary landfill project.

Mangoda said Director Abubakar told her family that the DENR was willing to buy the land at P500 per square meter.

She said her family prepared the documentations of the land holdings that initially reached 31.7 hectares with the technical description map duly approved by MENRE Minister Abdulraof Macacua, who ostensibly made the approval on the premise that the Bangsamoro government has already acquired jurisdiction over Marawi City and Lanao Sur. Because Director Abubakar had retired for mandatory age requirement, the negotiations for purchase of the 31.7-hectare land were pursued by succeeding Executive Director Arleigh Adorable, through her EMB-10 OICDirector Reynaldo Digamo, Mangoda said.

Mangoda claimed ADIONG| A11

OTABATO CITY — National Commission on Muslim Filipino (NCMF) Secretary Saidamen P. Pangarungan will lead anew this year the Philippine pilgrimage to the Holy Lands of Saudi Arabia after President Duterte named him amirul hajj for the third time.

NCMF spokesman Jun Alonto-Datu Ramos said the Presidential designation of Sec. Pangarungan was dated March 10, which significantly fell on the eve of the global reckoning of “Lailatul Isra wal Mi’raj” [the night journey of Prophet Mohammad (s.a.w.)] – one of three most important events in Islam.

So far, Sec. Pangarungan has set a record being the only Filipino official appointed by Malacañang as amirul hajj for three consecutive years, according to Datu Ramos.

In the advent of the NCMF and its two preceding agencies – the Office on Muslim Affairs (OMA) and the Philippine Pilgrimage Authority, Malacañang had designated different Muslim personalities including political leaders as amirul hajj only once or twice at maximum, Datu Ramos said.

R.A. 9997, which was enacted on July 27, 2009 to create the commission in replacement of the OMA, prescribes for the automatic role of the NCMF Secretary or at least one of its commissioners as amirul hajj every year. But because of leadership issues in the NCMF, Malacanang had named officials from the outside as amirul hajj, it was learned.

Before the full abolition of the OMA in 2009, then Lanao del Sur Congressman Pangalian Balindong, an author of the House bill for the NCMF creation, was designated amirul hajj for that year, data obtained from Datu Ramos showed.

During the NCMF formal advent, the Palace designated amirul hajj the following: Commissioners Hamid Barra (2010) and Moner Bajunaid (2011); Secretaries Mehol Sadain (2012, and 2013) and Yasmin Lao (2014 and 2015); and two outsiders – TESDA Director General Guiling Mamondiong (2016), and MILF Chief Peace Panelist Gadzhali Jaafar (2017 and 2018), according the same data.

Incumbent NCMF Secretary Pangarungan broke the two-year designation record when the President designated him amirul hajj in 2019, 2020, and this year.

An amirul hajj from every foreign nation is accorded the privilege of meeting the top Saudi officials led by the sitting King during grand receptions every annual major pilgrimage.

The major pilgrimage (hajj) is obliged for all physically and financially capable Muslims to perform once in a lifetime during the month of Dhul Hijjah in lunar calendar as one of the five pillars of Islam. The minor or optional pilgrimage (umrah) can be performed in the Holy shrines of Madina and Makkah anytime of the year.

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The Community

MAFAR, TFBM to build P10-M solar power irrigation system for farmers in LDS COTABATO CITY — Farmers in Butig, Lanao del Sur are expected to benefit from the P10-Million Solar Power Irrigation System (SPIS) — a partnership project of Bangsamoro Government’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) and Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM).

Subsidized under Bangon Marawi Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Reconciliation Project Fund of 2020, the SPIS will increase rice production at 40 hectares of rainfed rice areas in the villages of Cabasaran, Dulangan, and Sundig in Butig.

MAFAR Minister Dr. Mohammad S. Yacob led the project’s groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, March 12, together with Deputy Minister Ammal Solaiman, Deputy Chief Minister Aleem Ali Solaiman, TFBM Representative Johary Lumna, Provincial Director lawyer Khalid Ansano, and Engr. Abdulhaq Gayak.

Yacob said part of the mandate exercised by MAFAR is to bring the government closer to the Bangsamoro community.

“This government wants to deliver services and protect farmers and fisherfolks in the Bangsamoro region. With this project, farmers will be more inspired, and idler lands will be utilized,” Yacob said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister Solaiman stressed that the irrigation system is the most important farming technique needed in the community of Butig.

“We can assist with farm inputs and other agriculture interventions like [provision of] machinery, but upon consultation, what they need the most is a water irrigation system,” Solaiman said.

“There are many land areas here that will reach 40 hectares that are just waiting to be utilized, because they can no longer tilt due to the absence of irrigation.

If acted upon, it would be a great help for our countrymen in Lanao del Sur,” he added.

The Greenergy Corporation will maneuver the construction of the SPIS. It targets to complete the project within 120 days.

JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

BIFF’s IED maker surrenders to the military in North Cotabato CAMP NAVARRO, Calarian, Zamboanga City An bomb expert in improvised explosive device (IED) maker of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF)-Karialan Faction withdrew support to the group and surrendered to the military on Saturday, the WestMimCom Commander said.

The BIFF who surrendered is identified as Tong Ayob Dubpalig, a.k.a. Tong/Ruben, 57 years old, and a resident of Sitio Dryer, Barangay Nabalawag, Midsayap, North Cotabato, He submitted himself and handed over one Cal. 50 Barrett and one IED to Brig. Gen. Roberto Capulong, the commander of the 602nd Infantry Brigade and Lt. Col. Edgardo Vilchez, Jr., the commanding Officer of the 34th Infantry Battalion at the 34IB headquarters in Barangay Salunayan, Midsayap, Cotabato, said Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

Lt. Col. Vilchez, Jr. said the surrendered personality is currently undergoing custodial debriefing while his turned-over firearm and explosive are kept at the 34IB headquarters for documentation.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Capulong revealed that Dubpalig was involved in a series of bombing incidents in Maguindanao and North Cotabato.

The said IED maker is also a former follower of the late Mando Mamalumpong, former Division commander/Spokesperson of BIFF-Karialan Faction who was neutralized by the government forces in Midsayap, North Cotabato in 2019.

Maj. Gen Juvymax Uy, the commander of Joint Task Force Central commended the troops of the 34IB and the 602Bde for facilitating the surrender of Dubpalig.

“This will surely weaken the group’s capability to conduct traitorous acts of terrorism, which is their current strategy to counter the intensified operations of our troops,” said Maj. Gen. Uy. For his part, Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. said, “This is a good development in our campaign against terrorism in central Mindanao. With the support of the partners and stakeholders, we hope that more terrorists will decide to join us in the path towards peace and development here in Mindanao”.

From January 1 to March 9, 2021, a total of 60 BIFF militants laid down their arms and returned to the folds of the law.

“This manifests the eagerness of the former terrorists to embrace peace and negate the false ideology of the group. With this, we continuously urge the remaining militants to follow in the footsteps of their former comrades. Now is the best time for them to come out and start over,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. further said.

JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

Vol. I, No. 40 | March19-25, 2021 (Shaban 6-12, 1442)

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Thousands beseech PRRD’s ‘urgent’ push for BARMM poll-postponing bills

By Ali G. Macabalang

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IDAPAWAN CITY — Hundreds of thou-

sands from Muslim, Christian and Indigenous People’s (IP) communities took to the streets on Monday another peace caravan to beseech an

“urgent” Presidential push for the passage of bills extending the term of Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), the interim ruling body of the new parliament-style autonomy in Mindanao.

Photos taken by Philippine Muslim Todday (PMT) on the various events marking Monday’s caravan of hundreds of thousands of people calling for President Duterte to certify as “urgent” one of six bills postponing the 2022 BARMM parliament members election and extend the transitional lifespan of the interim legislature to 2025.)

At least 15,000 fourwheel vehicles and motorbikes carrying multitude of appellants cruised the highway adjoining the adjoining provinces of Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat and North Cotabato and the cities of Cotabato and Tacurong to sound off one voice for President Duterte to certify as “urgent” one or more of six Congressional bills postponing the 2022 regional parliament election to 2025, according police and Army security contingents.

The caravan goers clustered themselves into groups and spent stopovers at the Provincial Capitol complex of Sultan Kudarat in Isulan town and at the seat of the North Cotabato provincial government in Kidapawan City where elected officials joined them in delivering ardent pleas for a Presidential intervention amid the slimming number of less than 15 session days left in the two chambers of Congress before their adjournment sine die on June 4.

Maguindanao Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu, author of one of four enabling bills in the House, led his supporters from adjoin-

ing Buluan, Datu Paglas, Pandag, Mangudadatu and Paglat towns, lined up along roadsides, and served every passing caravan vehicles with “light foods” and ”cold water,” according to a social media post shared by Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) The mass actions jived with Monday’s anniversary recollection by other Bangsamoro people of the so-called 1968 “Jabiddah massacre” of dozens of young Moro purportedly recruited and trained by the military under the Marcos government to invade Malaysia. One of the recruits, Jibin Arula, survived the mass execution by swimming from Corregidor Island to the coast of Cavite, and exposed the incident that sparked a new Moro rebellion in Mindanao.

Young political leaders and academic leaders led by Professor Nur Misuari and the late Abulkhayr Alonto organized the Moro National Liberation Front (MLNF). The MNLF later splintered into three

factions, one of which is the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Both MNLF and MILF had forged peace accords of the government, and the latter’s deal now serves as the basis for the passage of the current charter of the BARMM governance.

At Monday’s mass actions, Rep. Mangudadatu renewed his appeal to fellow lawmakers and Malacañang to “value the prevailing peace” brought about initially by the creation of the BARMM after the loss of over 120,000 in several years of MNLF and MILF rebellion.

At Barangay Amas here, the seat of the North Cotabato provincial government, Gov. Nancy Catamco joined over a dozen of Caravan goers’ speakers in beseeching President Duterte’s intervention, conveying optimism though that “with our continuous prayers,” a law postponing the 2022 election for regional parliament members and extending the BARMM’s interim ruling body lifespan will be passed in due time.

Catamco said she has sensed the “sincerity” of the current leaders in the bringing to greater heights the condition of Bangsamo-

ro region, citing the recent launch of P1.8billion worth of road concreting projects and construction of three barangays halls wothj P3.6-million each for the 63 North Cotabato villages that opted for inclusion in BARMM in the Feb. 6, 2019 plebiscite.

Similar caravan with the same purpose was staged along the highways of the two Lanao provinces and the cities of Marawi and Iligan on March 13. The Lanao caravan goers heralded the mustering of over a million signatures via an online campaign for a Presidential certification of an enabling bill for extended BTA transition lifespan.

Various reasons have been cited as factors in the call for longer BTA operation, one of which is the Coronavirus pandemic that stunted legislation of regional codes for full BARMM bureaucracy and forced the national government to use big resources in fighting the viral disease. It was believed that funds for the decommissioning of the MILF’s 40,000 combatants to transform them to peaceful and productive live formed part of the spent resources.

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Across Mindanao

Navy responds to an emergency call from an Indon cargo ship with a dying captain

Vol. I, No. 40 | March19-25, 2021 (Shaban 6-12, 1442)

Iqbal clarifies Maguindanao guv’s stance on BTA term debate

By Ali G. Macabalang

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OTABATO CITY — Maguindanao Governor Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu has not spoken about moving against or for the snowballing campaign for a postponement in

TAWI-TAWI HIGH SEAS DISTRESS CALL: Philippine Navy Sailors from the 3rd Boat Attack Division and members of the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi Forward Medical Team boarded the distressed Bulk Carrier M/V Ivestos along the high seas of Sibutu, Tawi-Tawi. (Contributed Photo)

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amp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City — The Littoral Monitoring Station (LMS) of the Philippine Navy in Bongao, TawiTawi acted on an emergency distress call last Saturday from a cargo ship coming from Indonesia whose captain on board was dying.

“Based on the report, while Bulk Carrier M/ V Ivestos was traversing the southern portion of Sibutu, Tawi-Tawi and heading towards Masinloc, Zambales, a crew forwarded a distress call to LMS Bongao seeking emergency assistance for the boat captain who lost consciousness around 10:30 in the morning on Saturday,” said Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“The 3rd Boat Attack Division together with the personnel from the Joint Task Force TawiTawi Forward Medical Team immediately proceeded to the area to check on the status of the patient but unfortunately he did not anymore respond to the medical aid applied to him and was declared dead by the medical team,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. added.

The deceased was identified as Boat Captain Baltazar C. Cruz, 62 years old, and a Filipino citizen.

“The cause of death is yet to be determined. In adherence to the medical protocol, the cadaver underwent quarantine at BatuBatu Dispensary in Tawi-Tawi while waiting for further disposition from their company,” said Brig. Gen. Rojas, commander of the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi.

Bulk Carrier M/V Ivestos originated from the port of Loboc, Indonesia with 23 Crew members composed of 21 Filipinos and two Greek Nationals.

“We commiserate with the family of Boat Captain Cruz who succumbed to death while navigating his vessel at sea,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Vinluan commended the Navy troops for the quick response to the distress call. JIJ JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

For Reliable Info, Read Philippine Muslim Today

“In fairness to Governor Mariam, she did not talk about favoring the conduct of election (as set by law) in 2022.

It was her husband who talked,” Iqbal, a BTA parliament member, told the Philippine Muslim Today news on Sunday.

Iqbal, who is also education minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, said Gov. Mariam was met in Maguindanao, Davao City and Manila by BARMM top officials led by interim Chief Minister Ahod “Hadji Murad” Ebrahim, and kept “silent” about the brewing issue over the BTA term extension.

At the meeting in Manila called on March 9 by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana for top regional executives led

by Ebrahim, the governors and lawmakers in BARMM, it was Governors Sakur Tan of Sulu and Suharto Mangudadatu of Sultan Kudarat who spoke against BTA term extension and for the conduct of the 2022 election on schedule, Iqbal recalled.

Iqbal said he was present in the March 9 meeting and observed Gov. Mariam keeping “silent” while her husband was talking in support of Gov. Tan’s renewed opposition to the BTA term extension.

Due to the lady governor’s silence and the belief that a couple stands for common decision, the “husband’s opinion is deemed as that of his wife, too,” Iqbal explained, pointing out that the husband’s turf – Sultan Kudarat – is “not part of the autonomous region.”

Minister Iqbal’s view came as a clarification also for an earlier revelation by Maguindanao

the 2022 election of regional parliament members to extend the three-year term of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), according to Mohagher Iqbal.

Minister Mohagher Iqbal 2nd District Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu and Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal “Bombit” AlontoAdiong Jr., who attend-

Executive legal review Iqbal corroborated the revelation of Rep. Mangudadatu and Gov. Adiong that the argu-

couple Sultan Kudarat Gov. Suharto “Teng” Mangudadatu and Maguindanao Gov. Mariam SangkiMangudadatu.

ed the Manila meeting, that Gov. Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu rallied Gov. Tan’s consistent objection to BTA term extension.

Rep. Mangudadatu and Gov. Adiong, both interviewed by the Philippine Muslim Today news over the phone, aired surprise about the lady governor’s option. They cited the fact that the provincial board of Maguindanao was reported to be the first ever sangguniang panlalawigan in BARMM to have passed a resolution supporting the extension drive.

ment by Gov. Tan about the need for a referendum in case of a new law amending R.A. 11054 would be passed by Congress.

Rep. Mangudadatu, an author of one of four poll-postponing bills in the lower legislature, said Sec. Lorenzana would elevate Tan’s arguments to a “review” by legal luminaries of the Justice Department and the Palace, and that the same audience would be called soon for another meeting by the defense secretary to announce the review result.

Legal luminaries,

reacting to an initial Facebook report about Gov. Tan’s contention, said there is no need for a plebiscite for a law that may be passed by Congress to amend R.A. 11054 to postpone the 3033 polls and extend the BTA term of operation, BTA Parliament follow-up legal position In another phone interview by the Philippines Muslim Today news on Sunday, Parliament Member-lawyer Jose Lorena said the BTA legislature would come up with a follow-up legal view contrary to Gov. Tan’s assertion.

“We will draft and submit a legal position to Congress,” Lorena said, citing an amendment clause in R.A. 10054, the 2018 law that established the BARMM government with the BTA as interim ruling body until 2022.

Lorena, Rep. Mangudadatu and Iqbal had taken turns in explaining that R.A. 6734 governing the creation of the now defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) had been amended several times but the amending laws did not undergo any referendum.

There are eight legislations passed concerning the autonomy in Muslim Mindanao, Rep. Mangudadatu pointed out to mean that Congress and Malacañang had resorted to such legislative adjustments in pursuit of preserving peace as prescribed by the state’s peace processes with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

AGM

News

Vol. I, No. 40 | March19-25, 2021 (Shaban 6-12, 1442)

Maranao-Yakan tribe feud in Manila resolved NCMF sponsored peace dialogue resolves what could be bloody conflict after the killing of Yakan tribal leader inside the Manila Islamic Center allegedly by Maranao assailant

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MOTC-BARMM taps 50 donated desktops for digital ops

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

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SLAMIC CENTER, Quiapo, Manila — The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) and the Office of House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Mujiv Hataman that sponsored the recent peace dialogue to help NCMF Commissioner Yusoph J. Mando, one of those who brokered the peace dialogue told the Philippine Muslim Today that before the peace talk could have started, most of the residents became frightened and restless due to the unfortunate shooting incident that led to the killing of a Yakan tribal leader, who is a native of Basilan and was shot to death inside his rented room inside the Islamic Center at Brgy 648, Manila.

Commissioner Mando said the restlessness which resulted to forced evacuation and displacement of residents to include some transients living in the area ensued after the killing of Basilan tribal leader identified as Adzmar “Jhong Leonard” Hamsan reportedly by a still unknown Maranao assailant, who still remained at large.

The long hours of peace dialogue that at first became tense, when Muslim leaders of both Yakan and Maranao tribes were given ample time to ventilate their gripes and concerns against each other.

It can be emphasized that the peace dialogue was jointly facilitated by the Office of House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Mujiv Hataman and the NCMF represented by Commissioner Mando and Director Cosanie Mortaba Derogongan of the NCMF’s Bureau of Peace and Conflict Resolution (BPCR), NCMFNCR. It was also attended

by Anak Mindanao Party -List, Philippine National Police Manila Police Department (PNP MPD) Station 14 right inside the Social Hall of Islamic Center Madrasa in Barangay 647, Manila.

Both tribes represented by its tribal leaders and other concerned agencies such as the NCMF have condemned and agreed to look for

resolve a brewing conflict among Mindanao natives here in this Islamic Center in Metro Manila, ended up in finding the elusive peace that maintained a strong bond of unity among the Muslim residents.

Photo shows donor-officials ceremonially handing over to MoTC Minister Dickson Hermoso one of 50 desktops (Photo supplied)

the solution rather than add to the problem caused by the unfortunate incident.

However, they agreed to amicably settle the disputes over the issue. A heartwarming speech and scene of forgiveness was given by the mother of the slain victim.

Asserting his mandate to protect and assist Muslim communities to exercise their rights, Commissioner Mando said he only needs to validate and confirm from the Yakan Community what is in their hearts and minds regarding the incident.

Observers have said that Commissioner Mando as a peacemaker has the moral ascendancy to let the concerned tribes smoke the so-called

“peace pipe” considering that he belongs to the Yakan tribe and is happily married to one of the respected families from among the Maranao tribes of Lanao del Sur. Having been part of his advocacy of peaceful co-existence and in pushing for the preservation of the Muslim culture and asserting efforts towards safeguarding the peaceloving community of Yakans against other tribes, Mando said he will do his best of what he can to be the steward of their tribe.

He added that what he had been doing is such a big challenge and an ultimate sacrifice. “I am doing this for the sake of my people and the Muslim community I call my own,”

he said.

The leaders of the two tribes said they have set aside their differences to save Muslim community from the seemingly unending unrest, which makes their community more vulnerable to outside threats.

Both agreed that they have a duty to protect their community, acknowledging that as the resentment deepens between them, more division will be created.

“I decided to humbly appeal for the sake of peace. At the end of the day we are still family living in the same community. And I am doing this for my community. I felt happy and relieved after this activity,” said Director Cosanie M. Derogongan.

MARANAO | A10

PEACEMAKER: NCMF Commissioner Yusoph J. Mando (back to the camera) is the “Man of the Hour” for bringing the elusive peace to the warring tribes of Yakan and Maranao inside the Islamic Center along Carlos Palanca in Manila after the killing of a Yakan tribal leader. With the restoration of peace, harmony and unity are now expected by all the Muslim tribes residing in the area. (Contributed Photo)

COTABATO CITY — The Ministry of Transportation and Communication (MoTC) of the Bangsamoro government will digitalize the management of revenue generations of its attached agencies, tapping initially 50 units donated by civic groups this month.

“One of our focal thrusts this year is operational digitalization, a method (regarded as) effective tool in handling the administrative and organization operations of our ministry,” MoTC Minister Dickson P. Hermoso told the Philippine Muslim Today news in an interview by phone Wednesday, March 17.

Hermoso, a retired military colonel and former assistant secretary in the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP), said he will harness the 50 desktops donated to his ministry for initial digitalization thrust.

The desktops were handed over to MoTC in symbolic rite here on March 9 between Hermoso and Dr. Lucio Ceniza, head of the Brown Font PR Agency and past (2016-17) national president of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, shortly after the donor paid courtesy call to BARMM Chief Minister Ahod “Hadji Murad” Ebrahim.

Hermoso said he earmarked the proportional distribution of the desktop computers to the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), Civil Aviation Authority for Bangsamoro (CAAB), and Regional Port Management Authority (RPMA), among others.

He said all such recipient agencies are revenue generating under the supervision of the MoTC, and their “collection recording ought to be digitalized to optimize efficiency and minimize or eradicate any tendency of pilferage.”

Such agencies have been devolved in principle to BARMM through the MoTC, but DOTC Secretary Arthur Tugade has yet to sign the agreement on formal devolution with the regional leadership on March 27.

“The ceremonial signing will form part of highlights for the commemoration on March 27, the date when Malacañang and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) signed the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) in 2014,” Hermosa enthused.

The CAB is one of two GPH-MILF major peace deals that served as basis for Congress to legislate R.A. 11054 or Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), which established the BARMM in replacement of the 29-year old Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

In an earlier interview, Minister Hermoso laughed off insinuations by some quarters that his being Christian member of the BARMM cabinet was affront to patronizing professionals among the Bangsamoro.

“On the contrary, my appointment by Chief Minister Ebrahim has in fact given more meaning to the MILF leadership that its interim rule in the autonomous region would characterize inclusive governance,” he said. “(My appointment is) holds true to the essence of the Bangsamoro inclusivity — that it is a convergence of Muslim, Christian, and IP (indigenous peoples) communities,” said Hermoso, a Cotabato City-born professional.

ALI G. MACABALANG

A6

Editorial

Vol. I, No. 40 | March19-25, 2021 (Shaban 6-12, 1442)

Philippine Muslim Today Inc.

Ijtihad

DATU YUSOPH B. MAMA Chairman, Board of Directors MASIDING NOOR YAHYA President/CEO

MEHOL K. SADAIN

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

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.

RADICALISM

T

oday, I had time to discuss with some ulama the reasons a Muslim is radicalized and start advocating extreme ideological preferences that they anchor on the Qur'ān, or their interpretation of verses in the Qur'ān. One such verse that is interpreted by extremist to justify their killing ways is verse 191 of Surah Al-Baqarah, which goes this way, in English translation: "And slay them wherever ye catch them, and turn them out from where they have Turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter; but fight them not at the Sacred Mosque, unless they (first) fight you there; but if they fight you, slay them. Such is the reward of those who suppress faith."

The exhortation "slay them wherever ye catch them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out" is mistakenly taken as an order to kill all whom they think are their enemies, as well as drive these perceived enemies away from their habitations, regardless of who they are and their positions in life. Even a Muslim who does not follow their extreme beliefs is considered an enemy who deserves to be killed.

This indiscriminate resort to violence conveniently forgets that there are verses before and after the exhortation "to slay" people who are considered enemies. The preceding verse 190 sets a condition to the fighting, in this wise: "Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loveth not transgressors."

Clearly, there are rules or limits to be observed in the fighting, and one of those which the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) prescribed, is not to fight or kill non-combatants. This is completely different from the extremists' interpretation of killing everyone whom they perceive as not sharing their beliefs.

In fact, even the enemy is to be accorded respect and amity once they cease fighting.

Hence, verse 192 coming after verse 191, continues: "But if they cease, Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful."

The verse implies that if Allah can be forgiving and merciful, so must ordinary men be equally forgiving and merciful.

This mercy is the reason cessation of hostilities is emphasized in the next verse 193, which punctuates the series of revelations with the conditional order: "And fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah; but if they cease, let there be no hostility except to those who practise oppression."

Verse 191 therefore, is not to be taken alone. It must be interpreted in consonance with other related verses, specifically 190, 192 and 193. When you take them all together, the order to kill is only against those who fight the Muslims and only to prevent tumult and oppression from overwhelming the Muslims. When the enemies stop fighting, so must the Muslims. Interpreted this way, verse 191 becomes an order for Muslims to fight for his faith in Allah and for the ends of justice and eventual peace. It is not a verse to justify killing. Rather, it is a verse to regulate the conduct of war.

Recent legal and ethical developments in the conduct of war has given this a name: International Humanitarian Law. The Muslims have long practiced this in their protocols of war, but they simply call it Allah's commands. MKS

In search of justice: 53 years of the Jabidah Massacre… from page A1 “When we heard that Jibin Arula was brought to Governor Montanio of Cavite, pumunta kami nina Prof. Nur Misuari, Abul Khayr Alonto, and Utto Salahudin para malaman ang totoong nangyari […] when the problem was divulged, we demanded justice; we petitioned to Malacañang, Congress to demand an investigation,” Sema recounted.

According to Sema, when they felt that the Marcos administration seemed to cover up the incident, they automatically conducted rallies in front of Malacañang palace.

“Nagkaroon kami ng vigil for ten days at ten nights, calling Marcos to address an investigation, but there was no effort to do that. Spontaneous demonstrations happened in Zamboanga, Sulu, Marawi, and other Muslim communities as part of the effort to seek justice,“ he added.

Later, several Moro separatist movements were founded, including Cong. Rashid Lucman’s Bangsamoro Liberation Organization (BMLO), and eventually, Misuari’s MNLF. Jabidah kept on happening The Jabidah massacre may have occurred in a specific time, but far from the consciousness of the many, Jabidah has been happening long time ago. Moros’ resistance against foreign subjugation has been there since the Spanish rule up to the time of American rule.

Iqbal often asked during their negotiation times with the government, “bakit tayo nagiging problema? Samantala ay atin ang Mindanao; dito nagpakamatay ang mga ninuno natin at nilabanan ang lahat ng pumunta dito [mga Kastila, American, Hapon at pati British], nilabanan natin silang lahat. Bakit tayo nagiging problema?”

Some of the significant historical injustices were the Bud Dajo massacre, Manili massacre, Ilaga terror, and so on. In the later years, the Moro struggle continued not just in the battlefield, but also on the peace negotiating table.

Iqbal said, “for years iyon ang pinag-usapan kung papaano ma-resolve ang problema ng Moro”, mentioning the several significant events prior to the establishment of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) such as the Comprehensive Agreement for Bangsamoro (CAB), Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), and the Normalization process.

SEARCH | A13

Opinion

BY YUSUF ASHRAF “JOEY”PAMARAN TUGUNG

I

n contrast to the Sinovac vaccine, Pfizer BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson and Johnson had an average of 45,000 participants in all of its clinical trials. These three major pharmaceutical companies are transparent in their data and anyone can even Google search it. Moreover, their phase 3 clinical trials had global participants (Germany, Turkey, South Africa, Latin America, Brazil and Argentina) with trial populations that were racially and ethnicallydiverse and covering different age groups (from 16 years old to 85 yrs. old). And based on the data, which were peer reviewed by independent advisory bodies of the FDA, all their vaccines were consistently safe and effective with efficacy

rates ranging from 72% to 95%. Efficacy that prevents moderate to serious illness, hospitalization and deaths. On the other hand, Sinovac had four wildly confusing, inconsistent and overlapping efficacy rates in its global clinical trials in Indonesia, Turkey and Brazil.

A major challenge, therefore, for China’s vaccine industry is to overcome concerns about product safety and credibility of its effectivity. More research is needed to ensure that benefits in taking the Sinovac outweigh any adverse effects. Opaque in its clinical trial data, it is not surprising why Sinovac has faced criticism from majority of the 192 countries and regions.

For these reasons, Chinese vaccine makers must embrace transparen-

Batanes to Tawi-Tawi

D

uring the Presidential Campaign in 2016, the then Presidential Candidate Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte was harping on the “Historical Injustice” for the Moros.

In particular one instant of Historical Injustice for the Moros is the Bud Daho Massacre in 1906 where thousands of Tausugs composed of men, women, and young children were killed mercilessly by the American soldiers.

Thus this resulted on the Infamous Bud Daho Massacre where American soldiers massacred even the helpless women and children that they butchered like wild animals.

After the massacre the Americans merely left Bud Daho as if nothing happened. I just came to know from the Tarsila or narratives of older relatives in Panabuan, Indanan that our great great grandfather was among those who fought the Americans even though they were not fully armed but were using only the native weapons like kalis (kris), barong, budjak (spear), and utak (sharpened bolo).

Our great great grandfa-

ther is known as Datu Sahid, the cousin of Datu Amirul who was eventually crowned as Sultan Jamalul Kiram II. According to narratives, Datu Sahid being the cousin is also the most trusted lieutenant of Sultan Jamalul Kiram II. On the other hand, the Americans were armed to the teeth.

Hence, the First Battle of Bud Daho, also known as the Moro Crater Massacre, was according to the version of the American soldiers was merely a counter insurgencyaction fought by the United States Army against Moros in March 1906, during the Moro Rebellion in the southwestern Philippines.

Whether the occupants of Bud Daho were hostile to U.S. forces is disputed, as inhabitants of Jolo Island had previously used the crater as a place of refuge during Spanish assaults.

However, even Major Hugh Scott, the District Governor of Sulu Province, where the incident occurred, recounted that those who fled to the crater "declared they had

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A7

The Government’s Seemingly Reckless Decision: The Case Against the Sinovac Vaccine (2) cy and publish their data, warts and all. Global surveys, including in our country, are showing low public confidence in the Sinovac vaccine. In short, one could say that our country bungled its first vaccine rollout.

With that being said, and lest we will end up with rising numbers of anti-vaxxers, vaccine refuseniks, and vaccine hesitants in our country, the Duterte administration should avoid cutting corners when purchasing vaccines, and also, when accepting vaccinedonations. Expedi ency borne out of desperation is not a substitute for our people’s health and safety. We do know that all countries are vaccine hungry; nonetheless, there are times beggars can also be choosers. Desperate the Filipino people are in getting inoculated, however, they are not that dumb to have the jabs in their arms without first

checking as to the safety and efficacy of the vaccine.

With the emerging UK and South African COVID variantsinvading our shores, there is more reason that we have to be extremely cautious when receiving (by way of donation), purchasing and choosing the type of vaccines.

And it all boils down to the pharmaceutical company’s transparency of its clinical trials and the opportunity for the Food Drug and Administration of the Philippines to thoroughly review th e scientific data before an Emergency Use Authorization will be approved.

Finally, enough of the fool’s argument that our country does not have the money to purchase the vaccines. Actually, we are a country pretending to be poor when we are essentially rich! The billions of pesos of government funds that have been the

subject of endemic fraud, waste and abuse (aka corruption) by our publicly elected officials, civil servants, police and the military, are clear manifestations that i ndeed we have tons of money. The PDAF (pejoratively called “pork barrel”) of each of the membersin the House and the Senate, which amounts to billions of pesos;the military’s intelligence funds; the discretionary funds of the President; and the IRA of the local governments (which has served as the pork of the local officials), among others, if realigned, through budget reconciliation, is more than enough to purchase the 161 million doses of vaccines it is targeting to purchase in its goal to achieve “herd immunity” by inoculating 70 milli on of its 108 million people, or two-thirds of the population.

YAPT

The Stuggle for Royal Identity in Sulu no intention of fighting, - ran up there only in fright, had some crops planted and desired to cultivate them.”

Panabuan Royalty At this juncture, I would like to inform the descendants of Tuboh Panabuan that this is just a preliminary presentation of Tarsila or narratives. Hence, the descendants are encouraged to present your accurate Tarsila or narratives to the Committee on Genealogy Chaired by Ahiyal Ameer Sappayani and Co-Chaired

by Nelson Tapsirul so that we can come out with more or less accurate narratives.

Since the war in Bud Daho was sensed by Datu Sahid as inevitable and in order to save the lives of his offsprings he tried to secure the safety of his children and brought his 2 boys, Putoh 13, and Hambuyong 12, and a girl named Hammasiya 10, to the care of his sister Addawiya who is married to a Panglima in Panabuan with the advice not to reveal their being children of a Datu as a precaution to the said rumors being spread in the province especially the impending war that may erupt

in Bud Daho.

Upon his return to Pigih Daho where he is a resident, the confrontation began with the Tausug forces occupying the top of the mountain on a crater left by volcanic eruption (1640) and American forces on all planks at the mountain side.

Going back to the 3 children, they've never seen their father Datu Sahid and their mother as well as other close relatives in Bud Daho because they were all massacred by the American colonial forces. And till now, few know their royal identity, according to Hadji Ahiyal Ameer Sappayani, who has kept the genealogy or Tarsila leading to the descendants of Datu Sahid.

Hence, since the real, legitimate and true identity of the three offsprings of Datu Sahid was kept confidential, now it can be told who are their present generations in Panabuan, Indanan as based on narratives or Tarsila.

This is now a matter of “Struggle for Royal Identity” and could be classified as a historical injustice if we will not bare out the real history.

It is not because the pre-

sent generations just wanted to affix the royalty into their names, but all they want is the truth and nothing but the truth.

First, we will bare who are the present generations that belonged to the offsprings of Datu Putoh.

With all modesty, we can name some of the present generations. They are the families of Maharajah Jannaral Nassaie, and Akmad Lakibul, and several other descendants like Julmunir I. Jannaral with his sons Nagreeb-Khan A. Jannaral and Nizzar Khan A. Jannaral.

Then another brother is Abdulhan Nassaie Jannaral and his son Ahmad Jhann Shaeid Jannaral.

Julmunir is also related as a second degree cousin to Embrayda Tapsirul, who is the wife of Nelson Tapsirul.

Then Akmad Lakibul is the first cousin of Maharajah Jannaral. The sons of Akmad are Ahmar, Al Hussien, and Darimar Green Lakibul.

Second, from the present generations that belonged to the Datu Hambuyong clan, we have Sappayani and whose son is Hadji Ahiyal Ameer Sappayani.

JANNARAL | A13

A8

Opinion

Diliman Way

CONTROVERSIAL DRUG PROBLEM

“Despite the deaths of thousands of Filipinos and the embarrassment of the country before the world community, the government’s war on drugs has been an utter failure.

“Let us not pretend anymore, the drug war really failed because the drugs are still there. If it succeeded, then there should be a significant dent on the drug syndicates.”

- Senator Panfilo Lacson

I

t does not take extraordinary intelligence to say what Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson has said about the drug war of President Rodrigo “Digong” Duterte. It does not take courage either to say that the drug war has failed. Many intelligent, objective and nonpartisan individuals have said it more than three years ago.

As a matter of fact, Digong’s drug war failed six months after he assumed office. Why? Six months was the timeline he gave when he could finish the drug war. He did not finish it in his designated timeline – so he failed. Worse, after the lapse of his

timeline, he admitted the problem will not be solved even until the end of his term. So in law, he made an admission against interest – he failed in his drug war. Ping is correct – the drug war has utterly failed. The head of government is Digong, therefore, Digong is a failure in so far as the drug war is concerned.

All Ping did is to ping he didn’t even have to pong.

Game of pretenders: This comment of Senator Ping on the drug war is, to say the least, surprising. In the past four years, he has been seen as an ally of President Digong. With this recent outburst, he

is not an ally after all. If he is not, he has just been pretending. If he sings or hums a tune, he must be singing or humming Nat “King” Cole’s Pretend – pretending these past four years to be happy when he is blue.

Senator Ping has charged the government of President Digong that it is pretending to have succeeded in the drug war when it has not. While it is a direct stab at the government, it is an indirect stab at President Digong. And the stab is fatal on the drug war.

Senator Ping is right because – it takes one to know one. A pretender knows another

Punchline

A

s of 6:20a.m.

Thursday, at least 1,008,056 signatures have been mustered in the nationwide online signature drive aimed at persuading President Duterte into certifying one of six bills in Congress (two in the Senate and four in the House) as urgent. All such bills have common purpose – postponing the 2022 election for the 80 regular members of the new autonomous region and extending the lifespan of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) to 2025.

The incumbent members of BTA, an interim ruling body of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), are all appointees of the President for a threeyear term ending upon

the election and qualification in 2022 of their successors. Their interim Chief Minister is Ahod “Hadji Murad” Ebrahim, chair of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) that forged with the government two major peace deals - the Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro (FAB) in 2013 and the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB) in 2014.

Both FAB and CAB are parts of the basis of Congress to enact in July 2018 Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) or R.A. 11054, which was ratified in January 2019.

The edict’s ratification paved the way for the creation of the BARMM and the abolition of the 29-year old Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Vol. I, No. 40 | March19-25, 2021 (Shaban 6-12, 1442)

pretender, so they say.

On President Digong’s part, since he said the Christian God is stupid, he must be telling himself, Pastor Quiboloy, selfacclaimed appointed son of God – Help me with my friends, I can take care of my enemies. But President Digong has only thus far took care of more than twenty-thousand supposed drug addicts, most of them young, poor and destitute, and a political pygmy like Senator Leila but he could not take care of other political pygmies like former Senator Trillanes and Senators Gordon, Hontiveros, Lacson and Pangilinan.

President Digong, who is, on his own, a credible singer must be singing the Platters’ Great Pretender.

Why: What is the possible reason of Senator Ping’s criticism? Is he playing a positioning game? Is he consider-

ing running for President or Vice-President in 2022? Does he think President Digong is beginning to lose credibility and support among our people? Has Senator Ping become familiar with the deluge of negativity against President Digong – even calling him the worst of names in social media? Is this the parting of the ways?

Is he trying to prove to everyone he can do better than President Digong? Is he telling our people he is the best among the presidential contenders in 2022?

So many questions!

So many possible answers! So many imponderables! One thing is certain Senator Ping is in the game in 2022. As they say in chess, he has made his opening gambit.

Winnable: Can the drug war be won in the remaining months of President Digong’s

term? Most will say – it is impossible! I say – it is not only possible, it is highly probable! Why? It is simple - because in the words of Napoleon, “The word impossible appears only in the dictionary of fools.” In my words – the impossible is only in the mind.

So what is the formula? President Digong should appoint a Secretary of Justice who knows the law and who has an unfailing formula to solve the problem. What are the powers of this particular appointee? He should have all powers of the President on evolving and implementing the solution on the drug problem without any intervention from the President or from anyone in a six months timeline. The solution is in the hands of President Digong. But will he do it? I doubt whether he will..

ADAZA | A13

More risks in conduct of 2022 BARMM parliament polls

The BOL mandates two main thrusts normalization track and political track. The first track calls for decommissioning of the MILF’s 40,000 combatants and their firearms, and the provision of P1-million socio-economic aid package for each decommissioned member in a grand design to transform the combatants into peaceful and productive civilian life. The second track calls for enactment of codes meant to build a robust autonomous parliament government.

The interim BARMM bureaucracy was formally installed by President Duterte on March 29, 2019 but it initially began operating with heads of infant ministries (backed by workforces inherited momentarily from

defunct ARMM) in July of same year.

Henceforth, BARMM ministries spent time transitioning from phasing out ARMM positions to creating new administrative structures and recruiting new personnel in processes still continuing to date.

As the BARMM governance started receiving initial tranches of block grant and regular national subsidies, the social movements-restraining Coronavirus pandemic struck all corners of the world.

The national government was forced to divert resources, including likely funds intended for aids for the decommissioning of MILF forces, to address spread of the viral pandemic.

BARMM normal functions have also slowed down, just as other state entities experienced.

Last November,

independent nongovernment entities assisting the Mindanao peace process have discovered the lack of ample time for the BTA to deliver its mandates, and recommended a three-year extension in its term. BARMM big wigs agreed with the suggestion and launched campaign for the purpose.

The campaign redounded to the filing of six enabling bills in Congress.

The bills have just started undergoing committee hearings.

Stakeholders are apprehensive that tie is too tight for the legislature pass an enabling law because it has, as of press time, 20 or less session days left before it goes on June 4 adjournment sine die.

Top BARMM officials led by ICM Ebrahim, lawmakers and governors from the autonomous region

were convened in Manila last Tuesday by the Palace represented

by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. The governors of Sulu and Maguindanao asserted for the conduct of the 2022 polls as scheduled, while other meeting attendees batted on the contrary, Maguindanao Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu, author of a bill postponing the polls, said.

Sec. Lorenzana, according to Mangudadatu, listened to the conflicting views and took note of them for “review” by the legal luminaries of of the Justice Department and the Palace.

He reportedly announced the conduct next week of a similar round of meeting to convey the “review” result.

Meantime, Rep. Mangudadatu and BTA MACABALANG | A12

News 53rd commemoration of Jabidah Massacre held in Corregidor Island

Vol. I, No. 40 | March19-25, 2021 (Shaban 6-12, 1442)

PH makes significant gains in journos safety – UNESCO

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

By Julmunir I. Jannaral

M

ALACANANG PALACE, Manila —The Philippines has made significant progress in protecting journalists according to the 2020 Director-General Report on the Safety of

BANGSAMORO DAY: In celebration of the Founding Anniversary of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) on March 18, 2021 that led also to the annual celebration of the Bangsamoro Day every 18th of March, posted here is the picture down the Memory Lane. Julmunir I. Jannaral (JIJ), managing editor of Philippine Muslim Today (at extreme left) was part of the MNLF Delegation that attended the OIC (formerly Organization of Islamic Conference and now Organization of Islamic Cooperation) while marching to the Plenary Hall of Sheraton Doha Hotel in Qatar to attend as MNLF Observer Status to the OIC Summit. Of cource at Center is Chairman Nur Misuari, the MNLF Founding Chairman and at extreme right is Ibrahim S. Omar, the chairman of the MNLF Committee on Information. Following behind is Datu Yahodza “Qudz” Simpal, a close-aide of Chairman Misuari and a Senior Leader of MNLF in Maguindanao. (Contributed Photo)

CAVITE CITY: The Bangsamoro Government’s Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS) spearheaded the 53rd commemoration of the Jabidah Massacre through a ceremony held in Corregidor Island, Cavite City on Thursday, March 18.

MPOS gathered around 150 delegates from the sectors of indigenous people, religious, security, women, youth, and government agencies to witness the event in an effort to remember and retell what really happened to the Jabidah and explain why it is an important chapter in the Bangsamoro history.

For MPOS Minister Hussein P. Muñoz, the story of Jabidah is “too priceless to be missed.” It is a shared Bangsamoro experience, he said.

“The Bangsamoro story towards selfdetermination is retold every time this tragic loss is remembered, being one of the factors that triggered the Moro Rebellion that eventually led to the formation of the Mindanao Independence Movement (MIM), the Bangsamoro Liberation Organization (BMLO), the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and lastly, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF),” Muñoz said.

He stressed that other several massacres also claimed the lives of many Bangsamoro people.

“It fueled the anger of many to rise against the government. We can forgive for reconciliation but we will never forget the enduring agony it caused the Bangsamoro, and we will also remember the lessons of Jabidah Massacre,” he said.

With the establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, Muñoz said that the Jabidah Massacre must be properly placed in the past – that is through “the pages of our history books that must be taught to our students.”

Youth representative Fairodz Manigil felt privileged to have been part of the activity.

“Sana ang mga leaders na nagsimula nitong JABIDAH| A12

A9

In a press statement sent to the NCR News Bureau of the Philippine Muslim Today, the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) welcomed the report as concrete proof of President Rodrigo Duterte’s commitment to safeguard press freedom in the country.

“This is a validation of the relentless efforts of the government through the task force in protecting the life, liberty, and security of media workers in the country amid the pandemic. While there is more work that needs to be done, rest assured that the Duterte administration will always uphold press freedom,” PTFoMS Co-Chair, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar said.

PTFoMS Executive Director Undersecretary Joel Sy Egco, said that “Despite the rhetoric of some groups with questionable motives, UNESCO’s report shows that the government has made tremendous strides in the fight against perpetrators of media violence.”

According to UNESCO, “significant progress was made” by the country in the case of the 2009 Manguindanao Massacre, pointing out that on 19 December 2019 a Philippine court convicted 43 individuals, including the masterminds behind the attack.

The UNESCO report also highlighted that the Philippines were among a few countries that have set up or strengthened monitoring mechanisms to track attacks against journalists which have contributed to better reporting on the safety of journalists.

The report also emphasized that the Philippines has put up measures in place to prevent crimes against journalists and media workers and established specific bodies dedicated to ensuring the prosecution of crimes against journalists.

The Philippines is believed to be the first country in the world to establish a government body devoted exclusively to media security. On October 11, 2016, President Duterte created PTFoMS by virtue of Administrative Order No. 1 to establish an inter-agency task force with the goal of providing a safe environment for media workers.

UNESCO also made special mention that the Philippines launched in 2018 a “Handbook on

Journalists and the Danger of Impunity released by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

PTFoMS Executive Director Undersecretary Joel Sy Egco Personal Security Measures for Media Practitioners” that provides good practices for journalists on how to protect themselves and their family against violence, threats and intimidation.

PTFoMS publishes the guide which are given free of charge to media workers. An updated edition was released in 2020.

While the report acknowledged there were some “worrying trends”, in 2018-2019, UNESCO recorded a total of 156 killings of journalists worldwide, a 14% drop from the previous two-year period. UNESCO said that 2019 in particular shows the lowest annual death toll in 10 years.

Regarding media safety, Egco announced that the task force will be launching a Webinar Series starting March 24 entitled “PTFoMS MOVING 4WARD: Safeguarding Press Freedom During The Pandemic And Elections”.

This webinar will focus on Safety Protocols while covering the news during the Covid19 Pandemic and the upcoming 2022 Elections with experts and veteran journalists as resource speakers.

Egco said that much has been accomplished by the present administration through PTFoMS in improving the country’s human rights situation, particularly in protecting the freedoms of expression, opinion and of the press.

Egco pointed out that in 2018,

the country was finally removed as one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists by the Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

In 2020, the nation was declared as the “biggest mover” by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) in its annual Global Impunity Index (GII) released last year.

The Philippines is also not included in CPJ’s list of “World’s Worst Places to Be a Journalist” or “10 Most Censored Countries.”

“With the unwavering commitment of this government in bringing to justice perpetrators of threats and violence against media workers through a dedicated agency such as the PTFoMS, we can now proudly proclaim to the world that the so-called culture of impunity has finally ended,” Egco added.

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News

Vol. I, No. 40 | March19-25, 2021 (Shaban 6-12, 1442)

Movie filming of 2015 ‘Mamasapano clash’ underway

By Ali G. Macabalang

C

OTABATO CITY — The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Mindanao Cluster 3 recently launched the Technology for Economic Development (Tech4ED) Center at the Ministry of Labor and Employment’s (MOLE) office inside the Bangsamoro Government Center in this city.

C

OTABATO CITY – The infamous 2015 “Mamasapano clash,” which left 67 people including 44 police commandos and five innocent civilians, is reportedly being recollected in cinematic mode for subsequent release to the public via movie films that may put an end to unresolved blame game among stakeholders.

The Philippine Muslim Today (PMT) news learned about the endeavour through a sketchy report on the visit in this city on March 7 by movie actor-turned-politician and former Laguna Governor Emilio Ramon Ejercito III for a courtesy call to the interim leadership of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Ejercito, more known in his action movies as George Estregan Jr., came with fellow members of the Fraternal Order of Eagles (FOE) constituting partly the Brown Font PR Agency, which donated 50 desktop computers to the Ministry of Transportation and Communication (MoTC). The donoragency was led by past FOE past national president Dr. Lucio Ceniza, it was learned.

The PMT reached by phone to MoTC Minister Dickson Hermoso, also an FOE member, on Wednesday, March 17, but the brief interview touched about the donation of desktops he intended to harness in digitalizing the operations of his ministry and its attached revenue-generating agencies.

A brief statement from the MoTC was posted recently in selected Facebook pages coupled with photos showing the donor-personalities, actorpolitician Ejercito in poses with Minister Hermoso.

The statement said Hermoso had instructed “MoTC “Deputy Minister Abunawas ′′Von Alhaq ′′ Maslamama (to) serve as guide of Ejercito…(in) his desire to go to…Mamasapano for his intention to make a movie” about the bloody clash at Tukanalipao of such town on Jan. 25, 2015.

The fierce gunfight stemmed from the bungled operation, dubbed “Oplan Exodus,” by elements of the Special Action Force (SAF) to serve arrest warrants on Indonesian bomb-maker Zulkifli “Marwan” Bin Hir and his local partner Bassit Usman. Marwan reportedly carried $10-million reward from the U.S. government for his arrest or death.

The SAF operatives and swooped on Barangay Tukanalipao in Mamasapano before dawn and reportedly shot dead Marwan while sleeping inside a makeshift hut. Usman had fled before the arrival of the state operatives.

A platoon of SAF troopers, allegedly guided by two unnamed locals promised with a share from the bounty, cut off a finger from Marwan as proof of his death. But on their way out, alerted residentmembers of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) engaged the withdrawing troops and killed most of the bridge-crossing commandos.

Other SAF elements, purportedly positioned as blocking forces, reinforced and slugged it out with the BIFF rebels in fiercer exchanges of fire powers that drew the attention of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants living nearby to join the battle in what authorities tagged later as “pintakasi.”

Including Marwan, the bungled operation left 67 other people killed – 44 SAF members, 18 from the BIFF and MILF ranks, and five civilians. The bodies of three of the civilians were reportedly recovered inside a makeshift mosque.

Tech4Ed Center to help job seekers and vocational learners in BARMM

MoTC Minister Dickson P. Hermoso, right, in a pose with movie actor-turned politician and former Laguna Governor Emilio Ramon Ejercito III, more known as George Estregan Jr. New reports, notably magnified by national media entities, focused on the killing of the commandos and coined the reportage as “SAF 44 Massacre” in what eventually escalated into a public outrage and forced the Senate to stage an inquiry separate from probe initiated by the Board of Inquiry (BOI) by the Philippine National Police.

Protracted public outrage prompted Congress to archive the draft bills for the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) that was supposed to seal the peace negotiations between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Aquino administration, which inked with the MILF the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) in 2013 and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) in 2014.

There were insinuations that then President Aquino was to be blamed for the conduct of the “Oplan Exodus” at a time Congress was on the verge of passing the BOL. In the campaign for the 2016 Presidential race, then Presidential candidate Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte went to the Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, promised to pursue peace talks with the MILF and make the accruing autonomous governance as “template” to federalized regional setups.

Duterte, when elected President, delivered his promise with Congress enacting R.A. 11054 (Bangsamoro Organic Law) in July 2018 and eventually created what is now known as BARMM governance with expanded territory.

PNP’s BOI official finding on the “Mamasapano clash” The upcoming movie filming of the “Mamasapano clash,” which was played up to make the MILF appear like a party to blame in the killing of SAF 44 troopers, is expected to portray an independent perspective on the incident.

Meanwhile, for the public to get refreshed about the incident, the Philippines Muslim Today news is publishing the official report of the PNP’s Board of Inquiry published online in March 2015, as follows: Conclusions of the BOI report: 1. The President gave the go-signal and allowed the execution of Oplan Exodus after the concept of operations (CONOPS) was presented to him by Director of Special Action Force (SAF) Police Director Getulio Napeñas.

2. The President allowed the participation of the suspended Chief Philippine National Police (CPNP) Police Director General Alan Purisima in the planning and execution of the Oplan Exodus despite the suspension order of the Ombudsman.

3. The President exercised his prerogative to deal directly with Napeñas instead of Officer-inMOVIE | A11

Director Alimbsar Asum of the DICT and Bangsamoro Labor Minister Romeo Sema jointly installed Tech4ED Center in the MOLE office aims to help job seekers and vocational learners in the BARMM through free internet access.

A DICT project, Tech4ED Centers are delivery channels for relevant ICT-enabled services and content for socio-economic development of unserved and underserved communities in the country.

“Makakabenefit dito yung ating constituents particularly yung mga overseas workers na nangangailangan ng trabaho na ngayon ay nahihrapan pumunta sa abroad because of this pandemic. Through this connection, this technology, pwede silang pumunta dito at maghanap ng trabaho,” Minister Sema said. (Our constituents particularly the Overseas Filipino Workers who are in need of job will benefit from this Tech4ED Center. They have hard time in going back abroad due to this pandemic. They may come to MOLE-BARMM and look for their job, Labor Minister Sema said.)

Sema also said that out-of-school youths can also use the center for job seeking.

Meanwhile, according to Director Asum, different services can be also availed in the center such as Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) modular courses which guarantee a national certificate.

“May mga kurso tayo dyan na TESDA courses, ang kagandahan nito ay di mo na kailangan pumasok sa school. Nag-aaral ka dito at your own pace,” Asum said. (There are courses here at TESDA, and the advantage of this there is no need for you to go back to school. You can study here at your own pace,” Asum said.)

Tech4ED centers are also set to be established in the BARMM provinces upon availability of connection and resources.

JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

TECH4ED LAUNCHING: Minister of Labor and Employment Romeo Sema (left) and Director Alimbzar Asum (right) of the Department of Information and Communications (DICT) of Mindanao Cluster 3 led the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the launching a Technology for Economic Development (TECH4ED) Center at the MOLE’s office inside the Bangsamoro Center in Cotabato City. (Contributed Photo)

News

Vol. I, No. 40 | March19-25, 2021 (Shaban 6-12, 1442)

A11

Another BARMM town erecting modern municipal hall

By Ali G. Macabalang

C

OTABATO CITY — The municipality of Talayan in Maguindanao is currently erecting its modern two-floor municipal hall building, courtesy of being latest recipient of enabling funds from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) government so far, officials said Monday.

BARMM Chief Minister Ahod “Hadji Murad” Ebrahim alongside Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo, Mayor Hadji Ali Midtimbang of Talayan, and other local leaders conducted the groundbreaking rite on March 7.

“The event fell on a Sunday, which meant that the Chief Minister and his cabinet know no weekends lull in optimizing resources and time for the autonomous region to come at par with progressive communities in the country,” Minister Sinarimbo enthused in a chat with the Philippine Muslim Today news lately.

In his ceremonial speech, CM Ebrahim said his administration is staunchly promoting stronger cooperation between the regional government and its constituent local government units as a bold step to realize swift progress among the Bangsamoro communities, according to the BARMM’s information office.

“We have already pipelined all projects of various (BARMM) offices (for constituent com-

MUNICIPAL HALL GROUNDBREAKING. BARMM Chief Minister Ahod “Hadji Murad” Ebrahim, Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo, Mayor Hadji Ali Midtimbang of Talayan, Maguindanao and other locals making du’a (Islamic prayer) before a groundbreaking rites for construction of modern town hall in the host town on March 7.

munities) to make difference in the advent of new autonomy,” Ebrahim was quoted as saying in the vernacular amid resounding applause.

He added: “We need to carry out fully all our programmed projects and other mandates in law. That is why we seek an extension of the (Bangsamoro Transition Authority or BTA) period.”

The lifespan of the BTA, the interim ruling body of BARMM, term winds up in 2022, something regional and national authorities as insufficient for the autonomous governance to build stable foundations for peace and progress in the Bangsamoro territory.

Sinarimbo said the proposed Talayan town hall is allocated P25.7-million for speedy com-

pletion “in thrust for stronger partnership” between constituent-local government units (LGUs) and the regional bureaucracy.

He said his ministry prioritized constructing modern municipal halls to provide the LGUs with permanent and decent “symbol of accessible institutional centers where people can access government services.”

BARMM comprises the cities of Marawi, Lamitan, and Cotabato; the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, and Basilan; and 63 villages in six towns of North Cotabato province. It has 118 towns and 2,590 villages.

In past interviews with the Philippine Muslim Today news, Sinarimbo said his agency has earmarked P25-million for construction of modern town halls and P3.6-million for barangay halls. But for towns and barangays with existing municipal and village halls, the LGUs may program such funds for construction of health centers and even firefighting stations, he said.

In the 2nd anniversary celebration last Jan. 18-21 of the ratification of R.A. 11054 that createdBARMM, Minister Sinarimbo handed over the initial parts of P25-million each to five towns for the launch of construction of similar two-storey municipal hall buildings in Butig, Poonabayabao, Lumbac-a-Unayan and Sultan Dumalundong in Lanao del Sur, and Pandag in Maguindanao.

AGM

MOVIE | from Page A10

Movie filming of 2015 ‘Mamasapano clash’ underway Charge of the PNP (OIC-PNP) Police Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina. While the President has the prerogative to deal directly with any of his subordinates, the act of dealing with Napeñas instead of OIC-PNP Espina bypassed the established PNP Chain of Command. Under the Manual for PNP Fundamental Doctrine, the Chain of Command runs upward and downward. Such Manual requires the commander to discharge his responsibilities through a Chain of Command.

4. The suspended CPNP Purisima violated the preventive suspension order issued by the Ombudsman when he participated in the planning and execution of Oplan Exodus. He also violated the Special Order No. 9851 dated December 16, 2014 issued by OIC-PNP Espina, directing him and other suspended PNP officers to “cease and desist from performing the duties and functions of their respective offices during the pendency of the case until its termination.”

5. In the same meet-

ing where the President instructed Napeñas and suspended CPNP Purisima to coordinate with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), PDG Purisima thereafter said to Napeñas: “Ako na ang bahala kay Catapang.” The PNP Ethical Doctrine Manual cites, “Word of Honor – PNP members’ word is their bond. They stand by and commit to it.” The statement of Purisima may be construed as an assurance of providing the coordination instructed by the President.

6. Suspended CPNP Purisima provided inaccurate information to the President about the actual situation on the ground when he sent text messages to the President stating that SAF Commandos were pulling out, and that they were supported by mechanized and artillery support.

7.

Despite his knowledge of the suspension order issued by the Ombudsman, Napeñas followed the instructions of suspended CPNP Purisima not to inform OIC-PNP and the Secretary of the Interior and Local Govern-

ment (SILG) Mar Roxas about Oplan Exodus.

This violated the PNP Chain of Command.

8. Napeñas failed to effectively supervise, control and direct personnel, which resulted in heavy casualties of the SAF Commandos.

Under the Manual on Fundamental Doctrines, Command Responsibility means that a commander is responsible for effectively supervising, controlling, and directing his personnel.

Under the same doctrine, a commander is responsible for what his unit does or fails to do.

9. Napeñas followed his Time-on-Target (TOT) coordination concept despite the directive of the President to coordinate with the AFP prior to the operation.

10. The TOT coordination concept adopted by the SAF does not conform with the established and acceptable operational concepts and protocols of the PNP. 11. The protocols of the established peace process mechanisms, through the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities

(CCCH) and Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG), were not observed during the planning and execution of Oplan Exodus.

12. The mission planning of Oplan Exodus was defective due to: (1) poor analysis of the area of operation; (2) unrealistic assumptions; (3) poor intelligence estimate; (4) absence of abort criteria; (5) lack of flexibility in its CONOPS; (6) inappropriate application of TOT; and (7) absence of prior coordination with the AFP and AHJAG. 13. The following factors affected the execution of CONOPS: (1) mismanaged movement plan from staging area to Vehicle-Drop-Off Point (VDOP); (2) failure to occupy the designated way points; (3) ineffective communication system among the operating troops; (4) unfamiliarity with the terrain in the area of operation; (5) nonadherence to operational/tactical Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); (6) lack of situational awareness among commanders; and (6) breakdown in

the command and control.

14. Artillery support from 6th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army (6ID-PA) was not delivered when needed most because Major General Edmundo Pangilinan, Division Commander of 6ID, considered the on-going peace process and protocols in the use of artillery.

15. The lack of situational awareness, limited cover and concealment, ineffective communication, and sustained enemy fire prevented the 1st Special Action Battalion (1SAB) and 4SAB containment forces from reinforcing the beleaguered 55th Special Action Company (SAC) troops.

16.

CCCH and AHJAG undertook all efforts to reinstate the ceasefire.

“Pintakasi” and the loose command and control of the MILF leaders over their field forces contributed to the difficulty in reinstating the ceasefire.

17. Some of the radios of the SAF Commandos were unreliable because these were not designed for militarytype tactical operations.

The batteries had poor

power-retention capability due to wear-and-tear.

Furthermore, SAF radios were not compatible with AFP radios for interoperability.

18. There was a breakdown of command and control at all levels due to ineffective and unreliable communication among and between the operating units.

19. There are indications that 55th SAC was not able to secure its perimeter, conduct reconnaissance, occupy vantage positions and establish observation posts.

20. Several rounds of ammunition of M203 grenade launchers were defective.

21.

The United States involvement was limited to intelligence sharing and medical evacuation. Only SAF Commandos were involved in the actual combat operation of Oplan Exodus.

22. Autopsy reports indicate that four (4) SAF Commandos were shot at close-range while they were still alive. Records also indicate the possibility that some SAF Commandos were stripped-off their protective vests prior to being shot at closerange. (AGM)

News & Tourism

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Vol. I, No. 40 | March19-25, 2021 (Shaban 6-12, 1442)

MARANAO | from Page A5

Maranao-Yakan tribe feud in Manila resolved He said he was appointed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte as the Director of Bureau of Peace and Conflict Resolution and now he is indeed assuming his role as a peacekeeper.

As this developed, Commissioner Mando also lauded the sincere efforts of President Duterte to improve the

welfare of Muslim Filipinos as he thanked the President for the appointment of Director Derogongan as the head of the Bureau of Peace and Conflict Resolution under the NCMF. On the other hand, the barangay officials of Brgy 648 Palanca, Manila and the PNP Station 14 chief signified their

support to the said peace dialogue, which is poised to keep the legacy in upholding peaceful co-existence inside the Islamic Center Compound while advocating for peace and progress for the community.

Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Asec Pendatun Disimban, who also exerted

efforts for a fair and peaceful talk among members of both tribes in the area, vowed that he will support whatever decision the community will come up to.

“Our role in the national government is to support and to ensure the Muslim community’s welfare. This resolution is only the first step in

our mission to address other important issues within the community.

We are the Muslim partners for development,” Disimban said.

Since the start of his term, Secretary Saidamen Pangarungan being at the helm of NCMF, dialogues have been part of the Commission ’s strategy for peaceful resolution of

conflicts.

Commissioner Mando also told the NCR News Bureau of Philippine Muslim Today that he will continue to adopt this strategy as an important tool to improve relationships, understanding and trust among institutions, offices and people, thus, ensuring sustainable development for the community. JIJ

JABIDAH | from Page A9

53rd commemoration of Jabidah Massacre held in Corregidor Island (aktibidad) ay wag magsawa at patuloy na magbigay ng ganitong pagkakataon sa mga kabataan, upang lakas loob naming maibahagi sa susunod na henerasyon ang pinagdaanan

ng aming mga kapwa Moro sa Jabidah,” she said.

On the other hand, indigenous group representative Archie Buaya said, “ang istorya ng Jabidah ay bahagi ng

pagkukwento sa amin na isa lamang sa mga nagbigay at nag-udyok kung bakit kailangang magtayo ng isang organisasyon sa pamamagitan ng paglaban sa mapang-aliping

lipunan.”

In a statement, Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim said it is the Bangsamoro Government’s responsibility to make sure that there will no

longer be another Jabidah.

“I hope that we no longer need another similar incident to bind us together as one Bangsamoro because with what we have now

– the best way to come together is by helping one another in building a bureaucracy that pays homage to our martyrs,” Ebrahim said.

JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

of over 1,000 “ghost” barangays in the two Lanao provinces.

Since six or seven years ago, the NCMF has been registering an average of 7,000 Filipino pilgrims per hajj, though the Saudi government – purportedly in sympathy with the Philippines as a Catholic nation with minority Muslims – is allowing a maximum of 15,000 pilgrims’ quota.

The quota, however, was allegedly exploited

by past OMA and NCMF officials to allow the entry of transient pilgrims from Malaysia and Indonesia, both Muslim nations that have been meeting their respective quotas yearly. This illegal scheme, allegedly reeking with bribes from transient pilgrims, was stopped

by Sec. Pangarungan in 2018, Philippine Muslim Today news sources said.

ALI G. MACABALANG

The use of even a single cent from the regular funds is a form of corruption. Pilfering 1 centavo is no different from stealing a billion pesos in the context of morality and legality.

What happens now to the touted "moral governance?"

In a nutshell, the moral and legal option for state authorities is to grant the extension call.

In my case as journalist, whether

there is going to be BARMM election or otherwise, life is the same. Poll activities, in fact, are called in ordinary media people's circle as "harvest time" since candidates will be greasing their campaign with propagandas tapping journalists.

BTA TERM | from Page A2

Pangarungan named ‘amirul hajj’ for 3rd time…

President Duterte appointed Pangarungan, a lawyer and former governor of Lanao del Sur, as NCMF secretary for a two-year term on July 9, 2018 purportedly to “fix” perennial hitches in the handling of Filipino pilgrimages and in the administrative operations of the agency.

From 2018 to 2019, Sec. Pangarungan had discovered cases of manipulated high plane

fares and accommodations in ordinary hotels of Filipino pilgrims, forcing him to institute drastic steps leading to the substantial decrease in fares and improvement in billeting systems with four to five-star hotels, according to earlier reports from Datu Ramos.

During the same period, Datu Ramos said, Pangarungan had terminated the services of some regional direc-

tors for alleged office malfeasances and over a dozen of key personnel continuously receiving salaries despite their official appointments rejected by the Civil Service Commission.

The President reappointed Pangarungan last year upon the expiration of his two-year term, even as Congress tasked the NCMF to include in its major functions a campaign against the spread of

violent ideology espoused by extremist militants in Moro communities.

Sources said Palace officials have been impressed of Pangarungan’s track record in initiating the concreting of the highway linking Marawi and Cotabato cities during the gubernatorial reign in Lanao del Sur, and of his feat as former Local Government assistant secretary in the abolition

MACABALANG | from Page A8

More risks in conduct of 2022 BARMM parliament polls Parliament Memberlawyer Jose Lorenzana have been asserting that the conduct of the 2022 polls, if not postponed, would bring about and complex situation.

They said the BTA has yet to enact an electoral code defining mechanics of party accreditation and legislative district zoning – something

different from the national or Commission on Election standards.

Mangudatatu said if Congress will not grant an extension, it must legislative a special law defining the conduct of the election particularly for the parliamentary setup in BARMM. Where will the parliament candidates file certificates of candidacy? Under what

party are they going to seek electoral mandate?

These were questions MP Lorenzana and Rep. Mangudadatu asked.

But, in an unlikely failure in the call for extension, the MILF nominee-candidates will be forced run under the official party - United Bangsamoro Justice Party to slug it out with candidates from other quarters, most likely

fielded by incumbent governors, congressmen and mayors in BARMM. The question is: Are we certain that the regular funds and block grant for BARMM’s vital projects will be spared from being used to ensure the victory of the MILF nominees including Ebrahim, who has to retain his reign as CM?

(Reactions/ comments and suggestions to this column should be addressed to: alimac.bulletin@gmail.c om.

THOUSANDS | from Page A3

Thousands beseech PRRD’s ‘urgent’ push for BARMM poll-postponing bills On the eve of Monday’s caravan, Basilan Gov. Jim HatamanSalliman and his mayors’ league met BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim to reiter-

ate their full support for the term extension campaign.

Six bill calling for postponement of the 2022 regional election and extending the BTA

operational term to 2025 are pending in Congress – two in the Senate authored by Senators Dick Gordon and Koko Pimentel, and four in the House introduced by

Rep. Mangudadatu, House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, Majority Floor Leader Martin Romualdez and Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab.

Rep. Mangudadatu

earlier said he was confident about the desire of many lawmakers to pass the bills, but Duterte’s “urgent” certification will hasten the process, amid the fact

that Congress now has only a dozen of session days left before their adjournment sine die on June 4.

(AGM)

READING MEAKETH A MAN. READ THE PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY. YOUR SOURCE OF RELIABLE INFORMATION.

News

Vol. I, No. 40 | March19-25, 2021 (Shaban 6-12, 1442)

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JANNARAL | from Page A7

The Stuggle for Royal Identity in Sulu...

The daughters of Ahiyal Ameer’s sister are Patricia Rej Sampang and Wisa Sappayani Sampang.

Third, and the next clan is the clan of Dayang-Dayang Hammasiya. Noteworthy among the descendants are Jillahani, Hadji Tapsirul.

Then followed by sons Colonel Julmin Tapsirul and Engr.

Nelson Tapsirul.

Likewise, other present generations belonging to this clan, notably is the former Con-

gresswoman of the 2nd Congressional District of Sulu, Rep. Lady Ann Sahidulla and etc.

The son of Lady Ann is Hadji Whajid Sahidulla, the incumbent mayor of the Municipality of Banguingui (Tongkil) in Sulu.

Other prominent descendants or Tuboh Panabuan have settled in other places in Sulu.

This is in the case of Mayor Hadji Hadar M. Hajiri of Lugus Municipality and his son Vice Mayor Almedzar A. Haji-

ri.

Then there are also other Tuboh Panabuan or descendants who finally settled in other provinces who have been using the surname of Sali and Tadus that settled in Bongao, TawiTawi.

According to a genealogy, there were two Sisters who were brought to Tawi-Tawi against their will. Palma (Leng) Sali Abdulmonap a much younger descendant revealed that these two Sisters adopt-

ed the bird’s names as Niyuli and Bukay.

Niyuli got married to a local boy named Tadus. Another descendant is surnamed Sali.

Hence, one of them is Hadji Abdulmajid Sali who is the father of Dr. Ishmael Sali; and the uncle of Leng Sali Abdulmonap.

All the people mentioned herein are all the descendants of those who perished in Bud Daho and all of them descended from Datu Sahid said to be a Cousin and top lieutenant of Sultan Jamalul

Kiram II. Considering that Datu Sahid is a noble man, can all his descendants acquire a nobility by being a Datu or Dayang-Dayang?

Or do they still have to wage a “Struggle for Royal Identity?”

Since the Bud Daho Massacre occured in 1906 nothing has been heard since then from the American government. Now since Joe Biden is now sitting in the White House can the descendants of the Bud Daho Massacre receive the amelioration

or if not even just to say sorry by the US Government to those who were mercilessly massacred in the so called Battle of the Moro Crater.

If USA will remain deaf and mute to the descendants of the massacre, then this is another Case of Historical Injustice.

For your Comments/Suggestions please send an email to munir1845media@ gmail.com, managingeditor@philmusl im.today

could not do the job.

When she accepted the offer, President Digong had to withdraw the offer of full powers without intervention because he was afraid VP Leni will succeed on the job.

President Digong was afraid with VP Leni then, he is morbidly afraid now of a Secretary of Justice who could solve the drug problem in six months from the date of assumption of office.

Learning: In the light of all these, one cannot help being reminded by the statement of Henry Kissinger, President Nixon’s Secretary of State and one of the best who occupied that office in modern times, in the

judgment of many – “Anyone who becomes President but does not know how to be President on the first day of office will never learn till the end of his term.”

Many of my friends insist that the living example of the Kissinger statement is President Digong.

I am not ready to concede that yet. Why? I am a Mindanaoan and a Catholic. President Digong was mayor of a city in Mindanao, Davao, for about twenty years while I was Provincial Governor of Misamis Oriental, a province in Northern Mindanao, and a Member of Parliament, elected as one of the leaders of the political Opposition during the Marcos martial law.

While I criticize him

when he is wrong, I praise him when he is right – all because we are both from Mindanao.

As Catholic, I believe in miracles – and a miracle comes in its own season as immortalized

by Ecclesiastes that for everything there is a season. Who knows?

Even though President Digong said my God is stupid but it cannot be denied that like me, he too is God’s creation and my God is caring and forgiving.

Even in this late hour of his term, President Digong may finally learn how to be President and not stay as mayor forever. And in so learning, he can finish the drug problem to the delight and appreciation of our people. What a legacy that would be! HAA

ADAZA| from Page A8

CONTROVERSIAL DRUG PROBLEM Why? President Digong is afraid. He is afraid that someone will be able to do it and he will be proved incompetent for the past four years. Imagine if someone could do it. The people would think that the man should be the leader of the country.

That would mean the bloated ego of President Digong will be blown into a thousand fragments. That would be a calamity for him – bringing his self-respect to planet Pluto and his followers to planet Saturn.

Saving the day: President Digong could still save his sagging popularity by appointing the man subject to these conditions – that if he

could not do the job in six months time from the day of assumption of office, he should commit hara-kiri in public witnessed by all existing televisions beaming the scene throughout the world or if he could do it, he shall immediately resign as Secretary of Justice and promise in public, under oath and also witnessed by all television stations - that he will not run for President in 2022 .

Will President Digong appoint a new Secretary of Justice tasked to eliminate the drug problem in six months under the conditions set forth in the preceding paragraph? I

have my serious doubts.

Why? The last time he made the juicy offer to Vice-President Leni Robredo dangling full presidential powers without interference, everyone thought President Digong was serious. He was not as he walked backed on his promise when VP Leni accepted the job of becoming the Drug Czar with the dangled offer of full presidential powers without presidential intervention in the exercise of her duties.

President Digong had to reneged on his promise because the offer was made thinking VP Leni would not accept the offer as she

ADIONG| from Page A2

Adiong vows to prevent transfer of Marawi waste dump site that Digamo bargained for the decrease of the P500 per square meter price ceiling by the DENR, and that her the extra 1.7-hectare of the 30-hectare be given to his team as “gift.”

“Because our family was desirous for the success of the project to generate employment among fellow residents in MBarangay Malimono, we settled for the bargains, and constitut-

ed a deed of conditional sale (in August 2019),” Mangoda said in mixed Pilipino and Maranao dialect.

A copy of the conditional deed of sale, Mangoda shared with the PMT, stated the 25 per cent or P15-million of the agreed P60million “will be paid by the buyer (DENR) to the seller (Tanggote family) upon the execution of this agreement.”

“The remaining 75% or P45-million will be paid by the buyer upon release of issuance of notice of cash allotment for the purpose of payment of the obligation of the buyer under this deed of conditional sale,” the document added.

Tanggote said the full payment of the P60million was made by the DENR in February 2020 under an absolute deed

of sale.

In July 2020, OICDirector Digamo issued a public notice inviting prospect land owners to sell to the EMB-DENR a 20-hectare land “for the expansion of the future expansion of Category 4, Sanitary Landfill for Marawi City,” another document given to the PMT by Manogda showed.

Among other criteria in Digamo’s public no-

tice, the 20-hectare extension land “must be adjacent” to the 30hectare already bought in Baranay Malimono, the document showed.

Mangoda heeded again the EMB-DENR notice and offered to sell additional 20 hectares, though openly admitting in a signed document that part of the new offer are located in the adjacent Kapai town in Lanao del Sur.

She said the EMBDENR through Digamo rejected her family’s new offer. But she said her family was surprised to learn later that the city government and the EMB-DENR were already trying to close a purchase deal on a 20hectare land lakeshore Barangay Sugod Proper, which is two barangays away from Malimono.

AGM

of knowing the history.

“Mahalaga na gunitain natin ito (Jabidah Massacre); it is a wake-up call for us.

Importante na alam natin ang nakaraan, upang maintindihan natin ang kasalukuyan, sa ganitong paraan natin malalaman ang maaaring mangyayari sa

kinabukasan,” he said.

“We have to separate facts from fiction; we have to correct history—the history of the Moro people is longer than Philippine history,” he added.

BANGSAMORO INFORMATION OFFICE)

SEARCH | from Page A6

In search of justice: 53 years of the Jabidah Massacre Iqbal recalled his years of experience, fighting for the right to self-determination in the Moro land. He asserted, “we [must] continue to assert and to exercise our right to selfdetermination.”

Preserving the

struggle Today, Jabidah has become a symbol of injustice as well as a wake-up call for the Bangsamoro.

For Sema, to preserve the struggle, the Moro nation should always look back to the

past.

“We must not take off our eyes and our memory to the past and what is happening right now,” he stressed.

“We have to always assess what is still lacking, and we have to scientifically examine

what we have suffered; what we have missed; what is not there yet; and what is still needed,” Sema said.

Meanwhile, Iqbal, who is also the author of the book ‘Bangsamoro Under Endless Tyranny’, stressed the importance

Tourism

A14

The Chinese Entrepreneurs of Bongao (Part VI)

By JOHNNY R. LEE, Ph.D

Vol. I, No. 40 | March19-25, 2021 (Shaban 6-12, 1442)

HALAL DISHES OF CHINESE FRIED RICE

T

he early Chinese settlers in Bongao carried with them the traditional character of their home’s (China) patriarchs and the ancient tradition of hard work, patience, honesty and the most well known practice - the strategy of seeking low profit margin but aim for high sales volume.

What started as a small shop and ‘sarisari stores’, in the early 60’s has grown into a bigger business establishment today. Though it took them several decades to reach their current status as bigtime entrepreneurs, it is worth noting that real success to them could be attained in ‘long term’ and by what psychologists term as ‘delaying gratification’.

The former small shops have now turned into large specialized shopping centers and those who diversified their businesses into buying agricultural and marine products have increased the volumes of their shipments and local exports to Zamboanga City and even up to Cebu City.

The trading and merchandising atmosphere created by the Chinese migrants had immensely transformed the town of Bongao into a ‘melting pot’ in the south. Large cargo and passenger vessels were almost on a daily basis making Bongao as their port of call. These, coupled with some hardnosed Chinese merchants who built their own medium-sized wooden-hulled boats to ferry their own cargoes and carry merchandising goods upon their return trips - had created fast exchanges and turn-overs that spelled good profits.

The synergism created by the presence of Chinese in the locality has even brought wider benefits to a greater sector of the society in the province. The influx of people from nearby municipalities prompted several establishments to level-up in terms of services and offerings.

Government offices, both local and national, have increased in numbers. Schools, both public and private, up to collegiate and graduate studies were on

"Bangsamoro Halal Dish" WITH MARIA FHEBIE ORTIL

F

THE MIDWAY PLAZA: The first shopping mall in the province is owned and operated by 2nd generation Chinese migrants in Bongao.

Medium-sized wooden-hulled boats privately owned by Chinese merchants in Bongao.

The Southpole Trading: One of the earliest Chinese-owned establishment that started from small bake shop and ice seller is now a huge trading center in Bongao selling grocery items, pharmaceuticals, pawnshop and moneylender. hand. Hotels, inns and boarding houses have sprouted that caters to the increased number of visitors and students from other municipali-

ties and provinces as far as Sulu and Zamboanga Peninsula who opted to study at the Mindanao State University. The latter offers

scholarships with modest allowances and free lodging in their dormitories.

(To be continued on the next issue)

PROMOTE YOUR HOMELAND AS A TOURISM HUB

We encourage Muslim Filipino tourism-oriented writers to send articles on tourist destinations in the Bangsamoro Homeland for publication in the Philippine muslim Today.

Email to: managingeditor@philmuslim.today

or the 40th Issue of Philippine Muslim Today, I would like to introduce to my readers in this Culinary Column the modified and authentic Chinese Fried Rice, but just the same all the ingredients are Halal in nature.

What I am going to introduce is a modified but an authentic Chinese fried rice with Halal sausage, eggs and steamed rice. This restaurant style Chinese fried rice recipe is so easy to make and the best!

CHINESE FRIED RICE RECIPE Chinese fried rice is an iconic Chinese recipe that you can find in many Chinese restaurants all over the world.

Modified traditional Chinese fried rice recipe calls for Halal sausage, vegetables, eggs, overnight rice and soy sauce.

The ingredients are cooked over intense high heat in a Chinese wok, with the iconic aromas from the wok.

The end result a delicious and filling rice dish, which makes a wholesome meal for both lunch and dinner.

HOW TO MAKE CHINESE FRIED RICE? Real and authentic recipe calls for the following ingredients: *Garlic *Halal sausage *Eggs *Mixed vegetables *Steamed rice *Soy sauce *Ground white pepper First, make sure you cook your rice using an electronic rice cooker. Electronic rice cooker produces soft, fluffy and perfectly steamed rice. Chill the rice overnight in the fridge.

The next day, heat up a wok or skillet on high heat.

Add cooking oil and stir fry the garlic, followed by the Halal sausage.

Next, add the mixed vegetables and rice to the wok. Stir and toss all the ingredients around before adding the soy sauce and pepper.

Push the rice to one side of the wok, add some oil to cook the eggs. When the eggs are set, break them up, combine, and toss well with the rice.

COOK’S TIPS FOR THE BEST CHINESE FRIED RICE *DO NOT use fresh steamed rice because the rice will be too wet with too much moisture content. Keep the steamed rice in the fridge overnight. *Break up the rice so there are no lumps. You may use a spatula to break up the lumps while cooking or you can separate the rice before cooking. *Wok hei or breath of wok from intensely hot Chinese wok is the secret to the best result. If you don’t have a wok, you may use a skillet or pan on high heat. *For extra flavors or umami taste, use a combination of soy sauce and oyster sauce or soy sauce and fish sauce as seasonings.

WHAT KIND OF RICE DO CHINESE RESTAURANTS USE? For Chinese restaurant style result, use long grain rice for this recipe.

Short grain rice or Japanese rice is not ideal. I recommend Jasmine rice for fried rice.

CAN I USE FRESH STEAMED RICE? Allow the steamed rice to dry out before cooking.

You may leave the rice out on room temperature for an hour to dry out the moisture content.

Make sure you don’t add too much water while cooking the rice.

For the best result, chill the fresh steamed rice at the refrigerator.

Tourism

Vol. I, No. 40 | March19-25, 2021 (Shaban 6-12, 1442)

Health ministry starts Covid-19 vaccination in Basilan

By Julmunir I. Jannaral

L

AMITAN CITY, Basilan — The Ministry of Health in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOHBARMM) has started vaccination of its frontline

The declaration was made after an unverified information has circulated in BARMM that the Sinovac vaccine from China is containing pork ingredients that is Haram or forbidden in Islam religion.

To remove the elements of doubts among the vast majority of Muslims constituents of BARMM, the Bangsamoro Darul Ifta, being the Bangsamoro Government’s Islamic advisory body, released the religious guideline number 25 in early March about Covid-19 vaccine.

The guideline, signed by Bangsamoro Mufti Abuhuraira Udasan, reads “The Darul Ifta of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) sees that the vaccine for healing and

preventive measure, in general, is lawful (Halal) …”

Hence, with this guideline the frontline health care workers in the province of Basilan began to receive their first shot of vaccine against Covid-19 as the MOH-BARMM started the vaccination rollout on Monday here in this city.

MOH-BARMM Assistant Secretary Dr. Abdul Halik Kasim said the province received 638 doses of Sinovac vaccines and 910 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines for the start of the vaccination rollout.

Dr. Kasim added that all of 238 Basilan healthcare workers from Lamitan District Hospital (LDH), Dr. Jose Ma. Torres Memorial Hospital, Inc., and Sumisip

health workers in the Province of Basilan after the Islamic advisory body released the Religious Guideline No. 25 in early March declaring COVID-19 Vaccine ‘Halal.’

District Hospital were among the first recipients of first shots of vaccine.

Basilan Provincial Health Officer Harrybert Hadjala, LDH Chief of Hospital Dr. Jackie Lou Eisma-Castillo, and other workers were among those who received their first vaccination shot during Monday’s ceremonial vaccination.

After being inoculated with first jab of Sinovac vaccine, Dr. EismaCastillo said she felt no side effects of the antiCovid vaccine.

“There’s no pain, and wala rin akong pangingilo. Wala rin akong shortness of breath, or tumaas ang blood pressure, or nasusuka, or masakit ang tiyan,” Dr. Eisma-Castillo said.

She continually urged the public to get

inoculated once the vaccine will be made available to all.

“This vaccine will actually prevent the spread of infection, and this will actually protect ourselves, our family, our loved ones, and even our community,” Dr. Eisma-Castillo added.

A total of 245 healthcare workers from six isolation and quarantine facilities, and 1,297 healthcare workers from government-owned primary care-based facilities across the province are the next groups to receive the vaccine shots.

Vaccination in BARMM started in the first week of March for the provinces of Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur. A week after, vaccination also commenced in the island provinces of Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

The province of Basilan and Lamitan City recorded a total of 210 cases of Covid-19 infection with 200 recoveries, eight deaths, and two remaining active cases as of 6pm of March 15.

The Bangsamoro region totals 4,140 cases with more than 94 percent recovery rate. It also records 76 active cases, and 156 deaths.

JIJ

WestMinCom Chief graces groundbreaking of a Sulu town infra project CAMP NAVARRO, Calarian, Zamboanga City — Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) graced the groundbreaking ceremony of the Bucutua-Bullaan Bridge & Access Road in Sitio SubaSuba, Barangay Dungon, Banguingui Municipality in Sulu last Saturday morning.

The local government of Banguingui signed a partnership agreement with the Development Bank of the Philippines for the construction of the said bridge and access road.

In his message, Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. said, “As the

WestMinCom Commander I assure you that the armed forces through our 4th Marine Brigade will always be here to secure your community.”

“I am happy because the peace and order situation has improved a lot, notwithstanding the continuous development in this municipality and this can be attributed to the good governance of your local government officials.”

“I now enjoin the marine forces deployed here and our police counterparts to ensure the safety and security of the workers and the equipment during the construction of the bridge,” Lt. Gen. Vinlu-

an Jr. added.

Also present during the ceremony were WestMinCom Deputy Commander for Admin Brig.

Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, Banguingui Mayor Hadji Whajid Sahidulla, Vice Mayor Denrasher Abdilla, Municipal Administrator Abdulwahid Sahidulla, DBP Accounts Manage-

ment Analysts I Mark Javie Alejandro, and other military officers, local government officials, and DBP representatives.

Formerly known as Tongkil, the municipality was renamed Banguingui in honor of the dominant Banguingui tribe in the area.

JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

A15

BEAUTIFUL WHITE SAND BEACHES OF BANGUINGUI MUNICIPALITY Contributed by HJA. NURWIZA SAHIDULLA-TULAWIE The beautiful white sand beaches with its pristine beauty are comparable to the beaches in Boracay.

These are found in Banguingui Municipality, the former Tongkil that belonged to the Province of Sulu. It has a distance of 100 kilometers from Zamboanga City.