Philippine Muslim Today by Philippine Muslim Today

In our Islamic world, politicians are not saviors

Masiding Noor Yahya | A2

Should President Duterte be impeached and convicted for Constitutional violations? (1)

Homobono A. Adaza | A3

My iPhone 10 bades farewell for being disabled, goodbye too free PMT reading

Media role in narrowing gap between ideals and realities

Julmunir I. Jannaral | A3

Ali G. Macabalang | A4

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Vol. I, No. 42 | April 2 — 8, 2021 (Shaban 20 — 26, 1442) | 16 Pages | Online Issue

Ijtihad MEHOL K. SADAIN

A BREAK OF SUNLIGHT AND GREEN

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Maguindanao clashes a preview of more violence – Alert Philippines

llow me to pay homage to nature, and the springtime of 2021, in the midst of another enhanced community quarantine for the NCR Bubble (a recent terminology together with the now famous alphabet soups EQC, MECQ, GCQ, MGCQ, RTPCR, and the recently added MRNA, BNTX, PFE, B.1.1.7, B.1.351 and B.1.427; and the rest that will come next.) It seems that we are now adopting faster to the names of the mutated virus, than to the means to eradicate it. (Full Story on Page A2)

A5 THE COMMUNITY

TERROR BOMB. One of the seven improvised explosive devices assembled by BIFF terrorists found by government troopers during a clearing operation in Ampatuan, Maguindanao on Friday (March 26, 2021). In the same town, four BIFF extremists were killed, bringing to 20 the total number of terrorist fatalities since clashes between government forces and the BIFF erupted in Maguindanao on March 18, 2021. (Photo courtesy of 6ID) Full Story on Page A9

A6 MINDANAO

A8 NATION

A9 TOURISM

Marawi mayor tests positive for Coronavirus

European Union lauds MinDA dev programs

Cotabato City to impose stricter measures for inbound air passengers

Chinese Entrepreneurs of Bongao Join Politics

COTABATO CITY — Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra has revealed being tested positive for Covid-19, even as he urged people he had mingled with to undergo checkups and possibly quarantine.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The European Union Delegation to the Philippines has lauded and pledged support for the Mindanao Development Authority’s programs on Productivity, Poverty, Peace and Economic Recovery describing the interventions as “strategic and focused.”

COTABATO CITY — Local authorities here will impose soon stricter measures for airline passengers entering the city through the Cotabato Airport also known as Awang Airport after the surge of COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila and the National Capital Region (NCR).

Being at the forefront of trade and commerce in the town of Bongao and as Filipino Chinese entrepreneurs became more financially prosperous, their clout extended beyond not merely on the business-side of the fast growing community but also to participate in the affairs and activities of the local natives.

Opinion

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A BREAK OF SUNLIGHT AND GREEN

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MEHOL K. SADAIN

In our Islamic world, politicians are not saviors

Opinion of the writer expressed herein is not necessarily the opinion of Philippine Muslim Today nor of its management.

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Ijtihad

MECQ, GCQ, MGCQ, RT-PCR, and the recently added MRNA, BNTX, PFE, B.1.1.7, B.1.351 and B.1.427; and the rest that will come next.) It seems that we are now adopting faster to the names of the mutated virus, than to the means to eradicate it. But names have a purpose. In the Qur’an, Allah demonstrated the difference between Adam and the Angels by teaching Adam “the Names of all things” (Al-Asmaaa’a kullaha) and asking the Angels, if they know these “Names”; whereby the Angels replied they did not know, and Allah told Adam to tell the Angels these Names. After Adam told the Angels the “Names”, Allah told the Angels, “Did I not tell you that I know the secrets of Heaven and Earth, and I know what ye reveal and what ye conceal?” [Surah Al-Baqarah, Verses 31-33] “Names” here are equated with Divine Knowledge, without which man cannot find his way back to the garden of Eden or Jannah, from where Adam and Eve were banished. So, in this country, we name our seasons, the dry and wet seasons. There is no spring that comes after the cold December and January months. The sprouts and leaves, and their green hues stay even in the cold season of December into the early months of the following year. In this country, spring comes early with the cold, then lingers into the summer, with nature in perpetual rejoicing. Even in these times of the pandemic. In fact, more so during the pandemic, when nature gets a much-needed rest from the exploitation of man, and regains its freshness and the promise of a renewed creation by the Creator Himself. Allah says in the Noble Qur-an: “See they not how Allah originates creation (Allahu l-Khalqa), and then renews it (Yu’iiduh)? That is easy for Allah. Say, ‘Travel through the earth and see how Allah did originate creation. So will Allah produce another later creation, for Allah has power over all things.’” [29:19-20] SADAIN | A15

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Vol. I, No. 42 | April 2 — 8, 2021 (Shaban 20 — 26, 1442)

“We live like in the dark ages of the old. But as we’re the ones in our age, it’s most painful to us, and present-day politicians couldn’t save us.“

My Little Viewpoint MASIDING NOOR YAHYA

n our own world that we call Islamic, or Muslim’s, or living according to its cultural or religious values, allegorically or synthetically or otherwise, politicians are still politicians. They are not saviours. Therefore, let us not blame them. If you like, kick their ass, or, at least, not to allow them buy our souls and make our future unworthy of living. And if you still allow them, stop murmuring or moaning of what pains it brings to you. For we understand that the political system we are in isn’t the way we’d like it to be. It isn’t Islamic and we’re Muslims or supposed to be Muslims with our own Shari’ah as taught us by the Qur’an and the Hadiths. If I may, I should say we are living in a dark age like the old ones. But as we are the ones in this age, it is most painful to us. While we still enjoy the convenience of science and technology, and the so-called good world, material world, they feed us, we still feel living like slaves without freedom. Hope, however, is inborn to every Dark Age as students of history will tell us. God so loves the world, as a saying goes, that He sends His appointed saviours and messiahs to save the world. I agree that God will not change our condition as a people unless we do change it by ourselves. How can we change without God’s help? We need His Guidance, do it, and be close to Him to heed our plea. This is where the ulama’s role is most needed: How as shepherds they can explain and convince their herds or flocks to believe and follow. The Ulama can guide us the way to salvation for they are supposed to be the enlightened on the Guidance of Allah. They are supposed to know how to teach us guidance on what to do in order to escape from this miserable life we are in. But our problem now is our Ulama are not united, they are even bickering with each other. Worst, there are many who pretend to be among the learned calling themselves Ulama also. And worst, politicians in this era couldn’t be relied upon to help as our saviors. And at these trying times, what we can do best is to strengthen our religious beliefs in thought, in word and in deed. Then solemnly pray and beseech God to give us leaders from among us to guide us out of this misery into freedom with dignified life. MNY

Opinion

Diliman Way

made of the same rotten old stuff. They have never learned. They have not improved. They are still mired in the three desires – for wealth, power and sex. A few seeks ago, the House of Representatives passed a measure declaring those who are suspected of violating the illegal drugs law should be presumed guilty of the crime allegedly being committed. Anyone who is familiar with the Constitution should know that the legislation is unconstitutional. Legislators are supposed to know that. Obviously, they don’t. Under section 14, paragraph 2 of Article III of the Constitution on the Bill of Rights, it so provided that – “In all criminal prosecutions,

the accused shall be presumed innocent until the contrary is proved…” It takes someone so stupid or insane not to understand this provision. The legislation is obviously unconstitutional as it directly contradicts the said constitutional provision and it deprives the suspect of the constitutional presumption of innocence.. Similarly, this legislation also violates the due process and equal protection clause of the Constitution as provided in section 1, Article III of the Bill of Rights. Motive: What is the possible or imaginable motive in the passage of this legislation? It will provide safety for the drug enforcers, PDEA and PNP, in the contin-

Batanes to Tawi-Tawi

s the lyric of the song goes “some good things never last.” This is what happened to my cellular phone an iPhone 10, which is a state of the art that I bought from Globe Telecom more than 2 years ago. It was a good and user friendly working gadget that earned so much for my bread and butter while writing for the mainstream media. But this time it is now CWD or Cellphone With Disability after it stopped working but it says “iPhone is disabled, connect to iTunes.” Hence, just the other day my long time romance with my iPhone 10 has ended after it turned into “disabled status” already, or in other words no longer functional. The situation really made me worri-

some since I really have to start everything from the scratch using another electronic gadget that I am not accustomed with. Just imagine even using my not so vintage Lenovo laptop I could hardly make it functional since I was not using it for quite some time. Unlike my iPhone 10 even while I am lying on bed still my media works still continue without any hassle at all. But aside from my working procedure that has been badly disturbed and was put in disarray my friends and our supporters became unwittingly sacrifices though not deliberately done. In words they became “collateral damage” since I could no longer provide them a complimentary link that I have been providing them for almost a year already. That is

SHOULD PRESIDENT DUTERTE BE IMPEACHED AND CONVICTED FOR CONSTITUTIONAL VIOLATIONS? (1)

“The Constitution is a mere scrap of paper.” – President Elpidio Quirino, Liberal Party, 1949 “What are we in power for?” Senate President Jose Avelino, Liberal Party. 1949 istory has a way of repeating itself. The reason is simple – most people never learn. This has been rendered a truism by George Santayana, the Spanish philosopher, when he wrote – “Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” In the same vein, Winston Churchill, the great British statesman also said – Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. 1949: It is not so long ago. It is only seven decades away. The leaders of the Liberal Party were on top of the waves. It is a year worth remembering because leaders made statements which will haunt us for all time. Their statements show our leaders of today are still

Vol. I, No. 42 | April 2 — 8, 2021 (Shaban 20 — 26, 1442)

uing unconstitutional methods of killing illegal drug violators. It is obvious. It is an attempt to legalize criminality in the country for the drug enforces and their equally guilty masters. The government, according to various sources, has extrajudicially killed between twenty thousand (20,000) to thirty thousand (30,000) suspected illegal drug violators – most of them young and belonging to poor families. This legislation is obviously an effort to achieve the numbers that President Duterte promised to the Filipino people during the presidential campaign – to kill about a hundred thousand (100,000) Filipinos to clean the country of drugs. And this is the same man who said over and over that he does want Filipinos killed because he loves the people and the country. The killings happened in about four and

a half ((4 ½) years since Rodrigo Rodrigo Roa Duterte aka Digong, Rudy, Mayor and Tatay, became President of the country in 2016 – numbing figure considering that the Marcos regime of twenty (21) years killed only a little over three thousand (3,000) citizens, young and not so young. Many of them come from public and private schools, including some of the best schools in the country – University of the Philippines to Ateneo de Manila, Polytechnic University of the Philippines to Lyceum of the Philippines. In the Marcos years, those who got killed were not suspected drug users. This measure will likely be an opening gambit to also pass legislation to presume critics of government, activists and rebels guilty of all imaginable crimes. Record violations: The Duterte administration is notorious for wanton violation of the

Constitution. As head of State and government, Duterte should observe his oath of office in section 5, Article VII of the Constitution which states that as President of the Philippines, he “will faithfully and conscientiously fulfill my duties as President of the Philippines, preserve and defend its Constitution, execute its laws, do justice to every man and conserve myself to the service of the Nation. So help me God.” The acts of Duterte as President directly contradict this provision of the Constitution. Note the following acts of Duterte and his boys: Second, The giving away of our valuable resources in our economic zones and territory in the West Philippines Sea to communist China and paying obeisance to his foreign master, Xi Jin Ping. ADAZA | A15

My iPhone 10 bades farewell for being disabled, goodbye too free PMT reading

after hundreds of their names listed in my Facebook Messenger I could hardly memorize it when these were buried so to speak in my disabled iPhone 10. Thus rendering the Free Digital Link of Philippine Muslim Today next to impossible. At this juncture, I would like to inform our friends and supporters who supported us morally or otherwise from the maiden issue until now, “thank you very much and we are hoping for your continued support of 1 year free subscription.” Be that as it may, our Editor-in-Chief has already made an Announcement for Membership in the Philippine Muslim Today where aside from being a Member in Good Standing; a member can be an officer of the Digital Publication upon

winning an election and be listed also as Member of our Website, and most of all has an access to open and read Online Weekly every issue of the Digital Edition of our e-paper in ISSUU Format. This is for a meager amount of 1K that is good for 1 whole year subscription.. On top of that they will be issued a One Time Password (OTP) which is nontransferrable. The Subscriber has to submit his Personal Information containing his email-address and will be given the OTP and has to be confirmed by the subscriber who will give also his first name and last name. NON-transferrable: The Subscriber cannot transfer his subscription to other person since his email-address and cell phone number should go along to the transferee. In other words, the subscription

is deemed transferred only if you will give including the cell phone as a subscriber that is programmed by the Philippine Muslim Today Subscription Department for his Exclusive Use Only. POST SCRIPT FOR TUBOH PANABUAN: The Batanes To Tawi-Tawi Column would like to greet Assalamu Alaykum to all the officers and members of Tuboh Panabuan organization where this Columnist Dr. Hadji Julmunir I. Jannaral is concur rently the Vice President for External Affairs. Based on Genealogy or Tarsila, he is a descendant of Datu Putoh, one of the kids of Datu Sahid, the cousin and “Lieutenant” of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Alam II. Datu Sahid was one of the martyrs of Bud Daho massacred by the American Colonial Forces in 1906. But for this Post

Script, I would like to make a Special Mention to our former elementary school teacher at Panglima Indanan Central Elementary School in the 60s that we simply call him Sir Ahing. He is our Birthday Celebrator now a Septuagenarian, and a Royal Descendant in his own right as having a Royal Blood or Blue Blooded (Dugug Bughaw). At this juncture, I would like to greet Eid Milad or Happy 72nd Birthday to Datu Hadji Ahiyal Ameer Sappayani, a Retired Army Colonel in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). In high school, he went to Hadji Butu School of Arts and Trades (HBSAT). Then he took up his collegiate studies at the Notre Dame of Jolo College (NDJC). Both secondary and collegiate schools are situated in the Capital town of Jolo. JANNARAL| A15

Opinion

Punchline

n medical parlance, patients theoretically know best the particular painful parts of their bodies that physicians ought to examine and diagnose with corresponding types of therapies. This theory befits application to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). For purposes of discussion, let us simulate BARMM and its residents as the patients, the journalists as the conveyors of pains and ills in the region, and the administrators in regional and national levels as the physicians. To narrow down the simulative spectrum, let us classify the journalists in two types – those residing in or closely covering the region; and the external counterparts in national and

foreign networks. We shall categorize authorities in two levels – those managing local government units within and regional officials; and the higher or national judicial, legislative and executive branches of governance. Because of prescribed independence from the three government branches, the media is called the “fourth estate” of the broad society. In journalism, we have a general belief that the closer access of reporters to sources, the higher degree of reliability on their news articles. I used the term “general” because we also entertain the belief that in an instance of exposing anomalies in localities, outside reporters sometimes present news more accurately in terms of nam-

Media role in narrowing gap between ideals and realities

ing erring public figures. Reason: Resident reporters usually “fear” proximate intimidations by misbehaving officials. The BARMM is now in infant stage, born out of years of peace talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) that led to the forging of the Framework of Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) in 2013 and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) in 2014. The FAB and the CAB served as man basis in the enactment in July 2018 of R.A. 11054 (Bangsamoro Organic Law or BOL), which set up the BARMM in early 2019 in place of the 29-year old Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

GULF NEWS GAMSON JR MAWALLIL QUIJANO

he sounds of banging, cracking and grating coconuts in the early hours of the night during Ramadhān are invigorating and are one of my best childhood memories. This coconut is used for “sabaw maimu’” or sweetened soup, which is common for the old folks, especially for predawn meals during Ramadhān. As our neighbors prepared their food as well, the same sounds resonated with them. It makes me nostalgic to remember the time when, as we ate our predawn-meal, we could hear the call of our neighbouring masājid resounding throughout our place. “Bati’ na kamu! Bati’ na kamu! Sahur! Sahur! (Wake up! Wake up! It’s time for pre-dawn

meal). This practice is common during the whole month of Ramadhān to awaken and remind people to prepare and take their pre-dawn meal so that they cannot be reached by the Fajar time. While I cannot fast yet because I am still a child then, my elders would let me join them to eat. “I know you can’t fast for now, but come eat with us. I’ll let you have lunch by noon. At least you’ll become used to fasting. When you get older, you get accustomed to it,” explains my late maternal grandmother. At our early age, our precious elders planted in our hearts the value of fasting in the month of Ramadhān. They taught us that as Muslims, we are obliged to

Vol. I, No. 42 | April 2 — 8, 2021 (Shaban 20 — 26, 1442)

ARMM was created in 1990 by virtue of R.A. 6734 in pursuit of the 1976 accord in Tripoli, Libya between Malacañang and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), replacing the Western and Central Mindanao autonomous regions established by the Marcos government in 1978. The ARMM charter was amended by R.A. 9054 after MNLF Chair Nur Misuari inked a final peace accord (FPA) with the Ramos government in1996 that installed him governor in 1997. Shortly after signing the FPA and placing Misuari in the ARMM leadership, the Ramos government also launched in 1997 peace talks with the MILF in cordial processes oftstalled by disagreements by negotiating panels. The peace talks fizzled out then the succeeding administration

of President Joseph government declared “all-out war” and let the military “capture” the MILF main enclave called Camp Abubakar in Maguindanao. Then Vice President Gloria MacapagalArroyo replaced Estrada as result of the “EDSA Revolution II” and allegedly instigated the creation of the socalled “MNLF Council of 15” to overrule the leadership of Misduari, who was decrying alleged failed by the state to fulfill the provisions of the1996 FPA, and installed Dr. Parouk Hussin as ARMM chief. The Arroyo government continued peace talks with the MILF, which remained opposed to the ARMM as a solution to the Mindanao conflicts. It forged with the MILF the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MoA-AD) in Malaysia

in 2008. But the Supreme Court nullified the MoA-AD, prompting the MILF field forces of Abdullah “Bravo” Macapaar and Ustaz Ameril Umbra Kato to attack civilian communities in Lanao del Norte and in Maguindanao and North Cotabato, respectively. The Arroyo regime responded with another “all-out war” that led to the military capture of the new MILF main base in the Buliok complex spanning parts of Maguindanao and North Cotabato. Having established strong political tied with Maguindanao Governor Andal Ampatuan Sr., the Arroyo backed the election of Zaldy, the governor’s son, as ARMM governor in succession to Dr. Hussin, who and his “MNLF Council of 15” also decried nonfulfillment of the FPA. MACABALANG | A14

RAMADHĀN 1442H IS IMPENDING!

fast in this month when we reach the age of puberty because this is one of the pillars of Islam as our comprehensive way of life. Likewise, we must be as obedient as possible to the “authentic” teachings of Islam. This is how my elders raised me when I was young. Few days from now Ramadhan 1442H is about to commence. This is the second Ramadah to be observed by Muslims elsewhere as the world continues to face the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, certainly, not this health crisis that still engulfed the world would stop Muslims around the world to fast during the blessed month of Ramadhān. In fact, we are all exhilarated for the arrival of this noble guest which

is expected to commence on the second week of April. Ramadhān is the ninth month of lunarbased Islamic calendar. During this month, every able-Muslim who have reached the age of puberty is obliged to abstain from food and drink from dawn to dusk. Yes, we are not allowed even to sip a small amount of water for at least more-than 10 hours every day. Fasting during this month has one major objective. It is in order for the believer to be fearful to their Rubb. Allāh said: “O you who believe! fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed upon those before you in order that you may attain taqwaa.” — Qur’an, chapter 2, verse 183. On this blessed month, the Qur’an, as the fundamental source

of Islamic Law and a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion was revealed. Allāh says: “The month of Ramadhān in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong).” — Qur’an, chapter 2, verse 185. Fasting is not just about abstaining from eating and drinking. It’s more than that. The one who is fasting is prohibited to slander, to spread gossip and to do any other bad behaviors. Every righteous deed that is allowed by the Sharia on this month is of immense virtue and earn a greatly multiplied rewards in the hereafter. To mention a few, feeding the one who is fast, helping the needy by any good means, promoting peace and har-

mony, especially during this time of health crisis. The Messenger of Allāh, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Whoever observes fasts during the month of Ramadhān out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards, his previous sins will be forgiven. Whoever stands in prayer during the Night of Decree out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards, his previous sins will be forgiven.” Source: Ṣaḥīḥ alBukhārī 1802, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 760 Ramadhān is not a month of punishment for us because we couldn’t eat and drink for a certain period. But rather it is a month of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual rejuvenation which is crucial for one’s health and wellbeing. Many health exQUIJANO| A14

The Community

Vol. I, No. 42 | April 2 — 8, 2021 (Shaban 20 — 26, 1442)

Marawi mayor tests positive for Coronavirus By Ali G. Macabalang

OTABATO CITY — Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra has revealed being tested positive for Covid-19, even as he urged people he had mingled with to undergo checkups and possibly quarantine. In his signed statement posted in the Facebook “Amanah Tapatan Forum” on Sunday, Mayor Gandamra expressed concern that got afflicted with the virus “despite careful and religious observance of minimum health protocols.” “While our guards are lowered down after altering to our community quarantine guidelines to (allow) the movement of our local economy, this (infection happened as) a reminder to all residents of this city that this battle against the virus is far from over,” he said. The mayor urged people he got close contacts with earlier to get tested and undergo self-quarantine. Last Friday, March

26, Gandamra was involved in activities with the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM), including the groundbreaking of the site for a halal slaughterhouse. The event was joined by TFBM Chair Secretary Eduardo del Rosario, alongside Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Undersecretary Zyril Carlos and TFBM Field Office Manager Asst. Sec. Felix Castro Jr. Relatives said the mayor showed “no serious” symptoms. But Gandamra said his plight should be a wake -up call to the public to continue vigilance by observing health protocols, avoiding nonessential travels and

Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra. (File photo)

crowded gatherings. “This is also a call to (Muslim constituents) not be afraid to get vaccinated, as this is by far the most impactful move that our government is doing to protect ourselves from the disease,” he said.

Earlier, Sheikh Mohammad “Abu Hurayra” Udasan, grand mufti in the Bangsamoro autonomous region, had declared that governmentrecognized vaccines are halal (permissible) for Muslims to take in. AGM

DOTC devolves more assets, functions to MoTC on CAB signing anniversary COTABATO CITY — The Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC) has further devolved assets and function of its attached agencies to the autonomous government’s Transportation and Communications Ministry on the 7th year anniversary signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), DoTC Secretary Arthur Tugade signed the enabling Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) in Metro Manila, with Minister Dickson Hermoso of Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MoTC) countersigning it simultaneously in rites at the vicinity of the executive building here of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on March 27. The event marked the signing on March 27, 2014 of the CAB, the second major peace forged by the government with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) that served as main basis of R.A.

By Ali G. Macabalang

DoTC TRANSFERS MORE POWERS TO MOTC: Minister Dickson Hermoso signs MoA for transfer of assets and powers from DoTC to MoTC. (Nur-Ali Macabalang) 11054 (Bangsamoro Organic Law or BOL) enacted in July 2018 to form BARMM in place of the 29-year old Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). In his message via zoom, Sec. Tugade said Saturday’s event was equally “historic” for him because it was the DoTC that began the BOL-prescribed devolution process by transferring the multi-million edifice of the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to the MoTC in September 2019. Tugade assured the BARMM officialdom that DoTC – a revenue generating department – will “remain united with you

in fostering a meaningful exercise of autonomous power for the betterment of the Bangsamoro region and its people.” BARMM Chief Minister Ahod “Hadji Murad” Ebrahim also addressed the event via zoom to respond Tugade’s words, saying his regime will reciprocate the gesture of trust by sustaining or enhancing the devolved BoTC entities works in the context of “moral governance” the MILF envisioned for its interim stewardship of the autonomous region. It may be recalled that DoTC was one of national agencies devolved to the ARMM,

but the devolution was oblique – unlike in the BARMM process – and caused legal dispute between the item-holder director and all appointed regional secretaries until the 39-year old region was abolished in 2019. The unresolved internal legal dispute vanished with the abolition of ARMM, according to Minister Hermosa, who now serves as sole authority in the over-all concerns and operations of the MoTC-BARMM. Smoother, clearer evolution process National agencies cited in the BOL to devolve assets and powers to the BARMM bureaucracy are expected to cause smoother and clearer turnovers through consultative deliberations of the Inter -Governmental Relations Body (IGRB), said Executive Director Abdulraof Macacua in a message made for him by Deputy Executive Secretary Dong Cusain. In the ARMM experience, under the 1996 DOTC | A16

Japanese envoy visits GenSan, cites MSU campus head COTABATO CITY — Mindanao’s highest Japanese envoy has visited General Santos City to enhance collaborative links with various host sectors, including mainly the Mindanao State University (MSU) autonomous campus and the local government unit (LGU) in the city, officials told the Philippine Muslim Today news. Davao City-based Consul General Miwa Yoshiaki came on March 18 and 19, spending the first day of his visit in a courtesy call with Gen. Santos City Mayor Ronnel C. Rivera and a tour on at least four bunkers built by his country’s soldiers during World War II, according to Dr. Anshari P. Ali, chancellor of the MSU-GSC autonomous campus. Chancellor Ali said he tasked Dr. Anderson Villa, head of the MSU-GSC campus’ Office of International Affairs (OIA), to guide the Japanese envoy to the fisheries industrial spots in the city that have been yielding huge tuna supplies exported mainly to Japan. Consul General Miwa was amazed by the wellpreserved concrete defense bunkers built by Japanese troops in WWII, which the city government’s tourism council is currently developing into tourist spots, Ali said, citing Villa’s report. The visiting envoy spent his second day of sojourn fully at the MSU-CSC campus, visited the fisheries laboratory of the academic institution and received a briefing from MSU-GSC officials on their undertakings on linking up with local and international communities including Japan, Asian and Arabian nations, and Europe. At the briefing-lecture forum, the Japanese envoy spoke about his country’s government thrust in helping conflict and poverty-affected communities like some parts of Mindanao, through institutional channels like the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), it was learned. The MSU-GSC officialdom hosted a dinner meeting with the visiting envoy and his party in the evening of March 19. On March 25, Consul General Miwa sent a letter to Dr. Ali to “express my gratitude to you for the warm welcome you accorded me during my visit… on March 18 and 19,” adding the “visit and discussion were all informative and productive.” He Japanese official also thanked Dr. Anderson Villa, an alumnus of the decades-old JapanPhilippine scholarship exchange program, for assisting him during my visit to the “Japanese bunkers and to the MSU Fisheries laboratory.” Mr. Miwa said he wished to meet again the MSU-CSC officials “in the future for more collaboration and projects.” Last March 3, Chancellor Ali and Consul General Miwa jointly hosted a webinar in commemoration to the 100th year anniversary of the establishment of the Japan Consular Office in Davao City. AGM

ABOVE: Japan Consul General Miwa Yoshiaki and MSU-GSC Chancellor Anshari Ali exchanging a Coronavirus pandemic-prescribed handshake in the presence of Dr. Anderson Villa; BELOW: Ocular visit of the envoy to a fishing post in General Santos City on March 18 and 19. (Photos supplied)

Across Mindanao

SPECIAL REPORT:

MSU System bares accomplishments in 2016-2020 (2)

MSU System President Dr. Habib W. Macaayong. (The Ranao STar File Photo)

acaayong had completed all the abovementioned projects. During his term since he assumed the university system leadership until the year 2020, Dr. Macaayong has started and completed the following projects: 1. 3-Storey, CSSH II Bldg. started on October 14,2018 with a cost of P27,366,617.34 and is funded by GAA 2013 which is 100 percent completed. 2. Repair of Hostel/Hotel started on January 15,2017 with a cost of P21,569,751.16 and is funded by GAA 2015 which is 99.65 percent completed. 3. Proposed Repair of Various Building off MSU-LNCAT (Cluster Project) started on January 6, 2017 with a cost of P3,679,964.57 and is funded by GAA 2015 which is 100 percent completed. 4. REPAIR ADMINISTRATION BUILDING started on May 23, 2017 with a cost of P9,814,856.34 and is funded by GAA 2015 which is 100 percent completed. 5. REPAIR OF INTERNATIONAL HOUSE (FOR FACULTY) started on October 24,2017 with a cost of P2,382,408.70 and is funded by GAA 2015 which is 100 percent completed. 6. MAJOR REPAIR OF A FARM SHOP OF COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE started on November 15, 2017 with a cost of P2,162,398.94 and is funded by GAA 2015 which is 100 percent completed. 7. REPAIR OF 2 BACHELOR’S QUARTERS (FOR FACULTY AND STAFF) started on October 16,2017 with a cost of P1,954,977.74 and is funded GAA 2015 which is 100 percent competed. 8. Repair of CNSM BIO-CHEM & PHYSICSMATH UILDING started on April 29,2017 with a cost of P2,964,905.64 and is funded by GAA 2015 which is 100 percent completed. 9. Repair of Engineering Technology started on June 27,2017 with a cost of P1,476,727.12 and is funded by GAA 2015 which is 100 percent completed. 10. Expansion of Building 2 & Conversion of 1 room into Accreditation room College of Business Administration & Accountancy started on November 23,2017 with a cost of P1,562,839.73 and is funded by GAA 2015 which is 100 percent completed. 11. Construction of Smoke House and Wet Laboratory, College of Fisheries started on March 14,2018 with a cost of P1,467,833.55 and is funded by GAA 2015 and 100 percent completed. SPECIAL REPORT | A16

Vol. I, No. 42 | April 2 — 8, 2021 (Shaban 20 — 26, 1442)

European Union lauds MinDA development programs By Manny F. Piñol, Ph.D.

AGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The European Union Delegation to the Philippines has lauded and pledged support for the Mindanao Development Authority’s programs on

Productivity, Poverty, Peace and Economic Recovery describing the interventions as “strategic and focused.”

MARAWI SANITARY LANDFILL CONTROVERSY: Attached photos show the interviews of this writer with Lanao del Sur Bombit Adiong (center) and Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra (left) on March 21. EU vows support for MinDA. Photo of the webinar between MinDA and EU officials on Monday. (Photo supplied) During a virtual conference on Monday, the new Ambassador of the EU Delegation to the Philippines, Luc Veron, described MinDA’s programs on PPPE as the Four Pillars of Mindanao’s development. He said the focus of MinDA’s interventions and programs is consistent with the thrust and direction of the EU Delegation’s development assistance to the country, especially in Mindanao. Ambassador Veron, who was joined during the virtual conference by Xavier Canton and Christoph Wagner, expressed keen interest in MinDA’s interventions in the Bangsamoro Region.

MinDA Undersecretary Janet Lopoz and Asst. Sec. Romeo Montenegro who joined the MinDA panel in the virtual meeting also briefed Ambassador Veron on the progress of the EU-funded projects in Mindanao, especially the Renewable Energy for Tawitawi Seaweeds production which is being implemented by UNIDO. Ambassador Veron also pledged to fastback the implementation of the MINPAD RISE Program which is being funded by the EU and will be implemented in coordination with MinDA. Among the projects proposed by MinDA to be included in the

MINPAD RISE Program are: 1. The Mindanao Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Program which aims to establish Fish Centers equipped with postharvest facilities like ice making machines in at least 26 fishing communities of Mindanao; 2. The Mindanao Corn Grains Silo Storage System which will be established in at least 6 major corn production areas of Mindanao to ensure sustainable grains supply to support the poultry and livestock industry; 3. The Strategic Area Development Approach which identifies key production areas which will be provided

with support like Bukidnon’s IMMATASULA vegetable production area; 4. The Cattle Industry Development Program which aims to boost cattle production in Mindanao, especially in the Bangsamoro Region to address poverty in the rural areas and boost the country’s food sufficiency program. Ambassador Veron said the EU Delegation will fastback the implementation of the MINPAD RISE Program to support MinDA’s PPPE initiatives. MFP Secretary Manny F. Piñol is the chairman of MIndanao Development Authority (MinDA)

USAID partners with 3 groups to train, employ 1,000 Filipino youth

ANILA — The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) signed a Php37million ($740,000) partnership with the Philippine Cable and Telecommunications Association Inc. (PCTA) and canned goods producer Permex train and employ more than 1,000 unemployed and out-of-school youth in the CALABARZON region and Zamboanga City. The partnership is part of YouthWorks PH, USAID’s private sectordriven youth employability initiative with PBEd. Through the project, USAID and PBEd are redoubling their efforts to reach youth by expanding the initiative to more rural areas and adding to the 7,500 current program beneficiaries.

In a virtual event on March 18, PCTA President Jose Luis Dabao pledged to provide cable television and internet service-related technical vocational training to 100 unemployed and out-of-school youth residing in the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon City. At the same event, Permex, Zamboanga’s leading producer and exporter of canned goods, represented by Human Resource Director Mabel Grace Bacolod, announced 1,000 new training opportunities in its food processing department. The six-month training will include remote mentoring and technicalvocational instruction under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority online program, as well as on-

the-job experience and access to Permex’s apprenticeship program. “We enjoin local governments, businesses, and training institutions to build on and leverage each other’s efforts so that we give Filipino youth opportunities to enter the workforce during these trying times. We are grateful to PCTA and Permex, big names in the industries of cable TV and food processing, respectively, for working with USAID and PBEd to provide youth with valuable training and work experiences that they can use to be gainfully employed,” said Dr. Thomas LeBlanc, Director of USAID Philippines Office of Education. “Continuous collaboration with the private sector is a critical component in achieving YouthWorks PH’s purpose. It has been a year

since we began grappling with the effects of the pandemic on our youth. Many lost their jobs, and schooling has stopped, but that does not mean that learning should. We are enthused to join forces with PCTA and Permex to champion our shared advocacy. By offering a venue for skills development, we hone the youth’s potential to be work and future ready,” added PBED Executive Director Love Basillote. Based on the January 2021 Labor Force Survey conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority, four million Filipinos aged 15 and above lost their jobs due to the pandemic – twice the number from 2020. PCTA and Permex join YouthWorks PH’s growing roster of dedicated partners, which include industry giants such as DMCI, McDonald’s, Aboitiz, Globe, Microsoft, and others. PR

Across Mindanao

Vol. I, No. 42 | April 2 — 8, 2021 (Shaban 20 — 26, 1442)

Passage of bill extending BTA term possible in May

OTABATO CITY — Congress is likely to pass in May a bill postponing the 2022 regional parliament polls to extend the term of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) to 2025 once they secure a Presidential “urgent” certification, and willing to hold special sessions if the need for legislation entail beyond the Congressional adjournment sine die on June 4

LAKE LANAO DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY PUSHED: An interview on March 21 in Cagayan de Oro City by the author with BARMM Chief Minister Ahod “Hadji Murad” Ebrahim and Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal “Bombit” Adiong Jr. on a proposal to create a Lake Lanao Development Authority. (Photo by PMT photo-journalist Nur-Ali Macabalang.)

Photo shows BTA Parliament Member cum Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal in a huddle with news editor of the Philippine Muslim Today news in Cotabato City on March 27, 2021. (Photo by Nur-Ali Macabalang) has already exceeded by 200,000 the target one million signatures, and that such campaign result coupled with a clear manifesto has ready been transmitted to Congress and President Duterte. The drive was particularly meant for the President to certify a harmonized version of the six bills as “urgent” for Congress to hasten the legislative grill. Prior to the submission of the manifesto with 1.2 million signatures, Iqbal said, the President convened top BARMM officials led by Chief Minister Ahod “Hadji Murad” Ebrahim alongside Senate President Tito Sotto and House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco to discuss the snowballing clamor for BTA term extension. At the meeting, Iqbal said, Sotto and Velasco have corroborated the essence of a Presidential priority push, and assured to expedite the legislation of the pollsdelaying bill once the Chief Executive certifies the measure “urgent.” Congress has only less than a dozen of regular session days before in adjournment sine die on June 4, but Iqbal said Senate President Sotto and Speaker Velasco also committed to hold special sessions for the passage of the

bill. Asked for his optimistic forecast on a possible Congressional timetable for the bill passage, Iqbal said the stakeholders’ awaited moment “will likely happen in May” this year. The CAB, signed on March 27, 2014, and BOL prescribe a threeyear lifespan for the BTA – the interim ruling body of the BARMM – ending upon election of the 80 regular regional parliament members in the 2022 synchronized local, regional and national polls. On instigation by peace stakeholders from civil society groups (CSOs), the BTA passed a resolution last November calling for postponement of the 2022 regional polls and seeking a term extension due to perceived lack of time for it to enact all fundamental codes of the BARMM bureaucracy. The extension will also enable national authorities to fully decommission the MILF’s 40,000 combatants and transform them to productive civilian life, the resolution stated. Lawmakers heeded the resolution with the filing of four bills in the House and two in the Senate that similarly seek to postpone the 2022 regional polls as a

MILG, MPW to build 2 barangay halls, inaugurate Covid-19 isolation facility in Jolo

By Ali G. Macabalang

BTA Parliament Member and Regional Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal bared the “good news” in a huddle with the Philippine Muslim Today news at the sideline of the ceremonial transfer of more assets and functions of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC) to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MoTC) here on Saturday, March 27. Iqbal joined the turnover over rite to give it more meaning being commemorative of the signing on March 27, 2014 of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the government. He signed the CAB as chief peace panelist of the MILF. The CAB served as principal basis of R.A. 11054, which created the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in 2019. In his speech, Iqbal described the DoTCMoTC turnover rite as a “milestone” in the devolution of concerned national agencies’ powers and assets to BARMM governance in a comprehensive process facilitated by the InterGovernmental Relations Body (IGRB). He and Finance Secretary Sonny Dominguez co-chair the IGRB. Iqbal said the IGRB has so far achieved “50 percent or halfway” in the devolution process, something he described as equally imperative for completion side-by-side with the BTA strides for enactment of basic laws or codes for robust regional autonomous governance. In the huddle with the Philippine Muslim Today news, Iqbal said the gathering of online support for extension

prerequisite to extend the BTA term up to 2025. The bills of Senators Dick Gordon and Koko Pimentel have reportedly been referred to concerned committee, while the earlier filed bills of Maguindanao Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu, Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, Majority Floor Leader Martin Romualdez and Deputy Speaker Isidro Ungab have already started undergoing joincommittee hearings in the lower chamber. In the same huddle, meanwhile, Iqbal said Maguindanao Gov. Mariam SangkiMangudadatu has aired categorical support for the call for BTA term extension, during a recent meeting with top officials concerned. The lady governor broke her silence in past meetings in Mindanao and Manila during which her husband, Sultan Kudarat Gov. Suharto “Teng” Mangudadatu had aired once in the presence of President Duterte about his objection to postponement of the 2022 regional polls. Iqbal earlier said the silence of Mangudadatu in the presence of her husband’s expressed dissent was perceived to be a conjugal decision. AGM

OTABATO CITY — Bangsamoro regional officials were set to travel today (Monday) to Sulu for official undertakings including groundbreaking for construction of two modern barangay halls and a turnover of the completed Coronavirus patients isolation facility in Jolo town. The two barangay halls, allocated with P3.6million budget each, will be constructed in the villages ravaged by a big fire on Feb. 3, 2020 that prompted Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahdo “Hadji Murad” Ebrahim to dispatch on Feb. 4 a relief and medical mission led by Interior and Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo. Sinarimbo and workers of the Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (READI) team brought 3,000 packages relief goods and foods that would last for two-week consumption among 1,500 fire-displaced families, a past report from READI media relations head Myrna Jo Henry said. The fire gutted hundreds of houses made of light materials and other structures at Barangays Chinese Pier, Takut-Takut and Tulay in Jolo. Two of the barangays will host the proposed barangays halls set for construction kick-off today, Sinarimbo told the Philippine Muslim Today news over the phone Sunday night. Sinarimbo said he and Public Works Minister Eduard Guerra would be leading the Bangsamoro delegation today to inaugurate and turn over also the 100-bed capacity COVID-19 isolation facility that underwent construction last year by a local firm contracted by the Ministry of Public Works. He said Minister Guerra was also set to lead inaugural ceremonies for similar COVID-19 isolation facilities in Taw-Tawi and Basilan of the same bed capacity. Earlier reports said the local government units of the three island provinces, all components of the Bangasamoro autonomous region, faced difficulty in accommodation in public hospitals and makeshift facilities for local stranded persons and deported Filipino migrants from Malaysia recorded at 15,184 individuals as of July 2020. Sources from the offices of Sulu Governor Sakur Tan and Jolo Mayor Jayson Kerkhar Tan welcomed the proposed two barangay halls as well as the completed construction of the 100-capacity isolation center. Sinarimbo said they wished to find a chance for a personal meeting with Governor Tan and his allied leaders about the snowballing clamor for an extension in the term of the Bagnsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), the interim governing body of the new autonomous region. AGM

Minister Naguib Sinarimbo in a huddle with a Bureau of Fire Protection official at one of shelter camps set up for victims in the Feb. 3, 2020 conflagration in three Jolo barangays. (File photo)

Across Philippines

Vol. I, No. 42 | April 2 — 8, 2021 (Shaban 20 — 26, 1442)

Gov’t drive vs terrorism in Central Mindanao fortifies

Cotabato City to impose stricter measures for inbound air passengers

By Julmunir I. Jannaral

By Amir Hussein Abbas

AMP NAVARRO, Calarian, Zamboanga City — Pursuit operations launched by government forces to thwart the terror plots of threat groups continue in central Mindanao as the military has discovered an abandoned lair of the Daulah Islamiyah-Hassan Group in Maguindanao. “While conducting clearing operations, personnel of the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion (1SRB) discovered the abandoned lair of the Daulah Islamiyah in Barangay Saniag, Ampatuan, Maguindanao in the morning of March 26, 2021,” said Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command. “It was 100 meters away from the previous encounter site and was probably abandoned during the bomb run conducted by the troops of the Joint Task Force Central on March 25,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. added. According to 1SRB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Raymond Rapi, the said hideout has eight makeshift huts and a half-sized basketball court. While scouring the area, operating troops seized three improvised explosive device (IED) charge (1-1/8kg and 21/4 kg), eight blasting caps, seven 9V battery, one 12V battery, twelve IED switch (pressurized type), multiple electric wire, three solar panels (1-100wts, 1-150wts, and 1-25wts), one power supply inverter, three Baofeng commercial radio (unserviceable), one analog cellular phone, two smart cellular phones, one optic red dot (unserviceable), one binocular (damaged), forty kilos of rice, one dextrose, three upper uniforms (black and white), one lower uniform (black and white), one upper MILF uniform, one motorcycle (severely damaged), three hammock, assorted enemy belongings, and assorted foodstuff. ‘Our troops continue to scour the area and pursue the enemies,” said Brig. Gen. Roy Galido, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade. Meanwhile, combined elements of the

1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion and 32nd Explosive Ordnance Division conducted a focused military operation in Barangay Salman of the same municipality which resulted in the recovery of one pull tension tripwire type IED with the following components: one blasting cap, one 9 volts battery, one empty bottle used as the container of the main charge, and pull tension tripwire type switch. “The IED was placed under the custody of the explosive ordnance division (EOD) team for proper disposition,” said Lt. Col. Cresencio Sanchez, Jr., Commanding Officer of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion. The Joint Task Force Central continued to bolster its offensives by deploying supplemental troops to

conduct focused military operations in the different municipalities of Maguindanao. According to 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade Commander Col. Pedro Balisi, the troops of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion conducted a focused military operation in Sitio Bagorot Tuayan, Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao. This resulted in the recovery of two IEDs in the area. “We immediately coordinated with the 33rd and 32nd EOD teams for the proper handling of the IEDs,” said Col. Omar Orozco, commanding officer of the 2Mech Bn. Each IED was composed of one cartridge, 81mm high explosive; one Improvised Blasting Cap; one 9 volts battery; one Battery Clip; one Emylo as Fre-

quency Receiver Expenditure; two-time fuses; and one Bowl Disruptor. The EOD teams immediately disrupted the recovered IEDs for everyone’s safety. Also, combined elements of the 1st Mechanized and 33rd Infantry Battalions conducted a separate operation in Barangay Salman, Ampatuan at around 10 a.m., the same day which resulted in the recovery of another IED. Operating troops immediately cordoned the area and secured the IED. While troops continue to scour the area, they recovered one grenade launcher on the morning of March 28. Clearing and pursuit operations are continuously being conducted. Since the start of the intensified operations on March 25, the troops of the Joint Task Force Central were able to overrun two enemy strongholds and recover nine IEDs and several IED components. “We are exhausting all available assets to neutralize the terrorists who are responsible for the conduct of atrocities in central Mindanao,” said Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the Joint Task Force Central. With all these accomplishments, Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. extended his appreciation to the peace-loving people of Maguindanao who continue to provide vital information to the armed forces. “The involvement of the civilians is very important in our security efforts. Rest assured, your soldiers will remain steadfast in keeping every community safe and in thwarting the hostile plans of the terrorists,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. added. JIJ

GUN RUNNER IN THE AFP: Capt. Christopher Galvez Eslava, 41 years old, and a resident of Cabilao, Makilala, North Cotabato (extreme left) and Corporal Ryan Laure Larot, (2nd from left) 35 years old and a resident Pagadian City are arrested for alleged gunrunning from the AFP arsenal. (Contributed Photo)

Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi. (FB Photo) COTABATO CITY — Local authorities here will impose soon stricter measures for airline passengers entering the city through the Cotabato Airport also known as Awang Airport after the surge of COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila and the National Capital Region (NCR) and its neighboring provinces were placed under “NCR Plus Bubble,” the city government has announced on Friday. In a statement posted online, the city government headed by Mayor Cynthia G. Sayadi will require passengers arriving at Cotabato City via Awang Airport of the following: Requirement of Letter of Acceptance. A Negative RT-PCR result, taken 72hours up to 24hours prior to flight to Cotabato City. Mandatory 14-day quarantine for nonAPORs travelling to Cotabato City. These guidelines were agreed upon during the recently conducted first quarter meeting of the City Peace and Order Council to prevent the new strands/variants of the COVID-19 virus from entering the city and affecting its citizens. In a separate announcement, Mayor Cynthia reminded the public that the acts of tampering and faking of medical documents are punishable by law “Tulong tulong lang po sana tayo upang maiwasan na ang pagkalat ng COVID-19 at ang mga bagong strand/variant nito,” she added. Just recently, the country recorded the highest number of positive cases for only one day with more than 8,000 cases. AHA

For Reliable

Info, Read Philippine Muslim Today

Across Philippines Maguindanao clashes a preview of more violence – Alert Philippines

ecent clashes between military forces and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) serve as preview of more violence in Maguindanao as the region gears for the 2022 elections while continuing the transition to the Bangsamoro under the helm of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), warned International Alert Philippines, a peacebuilding nongovernment organization. The firefight that began on March 18 in Datu Saudi Ampatuan town was the latest episode involving the military and the BIFF, as monitored by Alert since January through its Critical Events Monitoring System that receives on-the-ground reports from local contacts. The military claimed it attacked BIFF forces under the command of Kagi Karialan when the BIFF tried to violently thwart the establishment of a Joint Peace and Security Team in Brgy Kitango, Datu Saudi Ampatuan. The BIFFKarialan faction has escalated its armed attacks in recent months, targeting indigenous groups including the Teduray in other municipalities such as South Upi. “This may be an effort to demonstrate the Karialan group’s superiority over other extremist groups in the area and hence gain more recruits and support, or it can be part of a ‘slow burn’ or a gradual yet deliberate escalation of violence that leads to a major political battle before or during the 2022 elections,” said Francisco Lara Jr., Senior Peace and Conflict Adviser of International Alert Philippines. The first Bangsamoro parliamentary election is slated for 2022 along with the election for local posts. A proposal seeks to desynchronize the parliamentary and local elections. Another wants to delay the parliamentary election by extending the life of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), the interim administrator of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) that is led by MILF members and their nominees, by three years. The violence from extremist groups such as the BIFF and the shadow economies in drugs and weapons will combine and feed into the violence surrounding these political contests, Alert said. The BIFF will continue to be a threat, despite the unceasing military campaign against it and reports of surrenders among its members, as it continues to receive funding from other armed groups, including ISIS. The group also receives protection money from local politicians, businessmen, and violent entrepreneurs involved in deadly shadow economies. Alert’s research has also borne out the robustness of the illegal drug and weapons trades despite the State’s crackdown as law enforcers focus on the more urgent issues of extremist violence and the COVID-19 crisis. “Reports from our early response network reveal how some local politicians are orchestrating violent incidents in Datu Saudi Ampatuan and nearby towns to depict the BTA as ineffective in improving the security in this conflict-ridden area and hence weaken the legitimacy and authority of the Bangsamoro transition government,” Lara said. “Many politicians are interested in seizing control of the BTA and the BARMM if elections are held as scheduled in 2022. Others are aware that the MILF is also planning to field candidates against them in their local bailiwicks,” Lara added. The military and the MILF will need to show greater resolve in neutralizing the BIFF and other extremist groups before the elections, Alert said. For the MILF, it will mean disregarding kinship ties in going after the BIFF, even if it leads to internal fissures. If the violence continues, the Bangsamoro may experience an attack on a political or cultural center, in a pattern similar to the chain of events that led to the capture of Butig and Marawi City, in 2016 and 2017 respectively, by the Maute Group in Lanao del Sur. PR

Vol. I, No. 41 | March 26 — April1, 2021 (Shaban 13 — 19, 1442)

PH ‘has lost’ its battle against COVID, says hospital association president By Ferdinand Patinio

ANILA – The country has lost its fight against the pandemic, the president of the Philippine Hospital Association said today, “What we fear has happened. Our hospitals are overrun and overwhelmed,” Dr. Jaime Almora said in English and Filipino in an interview with the news program Unang Balita. “We are not losing [against COVID]. We have lost already,” he added. Almora said this after reports emerged yesterday that singer Claire dela Fuente, who tested positive for COVID, died inside a tent while waiting to be admitted into a hospital. Another elderly patient, whose name was not disclosed, also died of COVID while he was outside an emergency room after several hospitals refused to admit him. Read: Oh No: ECQ should be at least two weeks, says Vergeire “When a hospital says that it is full they no longer have the capability, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t have the capacity. If you’re talking about beds, there are beds available. What is missing are people who will

as more hospitals refuse to take in COVID-19 patients.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque in a hospital visit. Photo: Department of Health take care of the patient,” Almora said. Almora explained that the country is facing a serious dearth of nurses due to the closure of some nursing schools that did not perform well in the country’s licensure exams. Another factor is the higher salary offered by government institutions, which attracted nurses to work for state-owned hospitals, the police, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the military. The implementation of the K to 12 curricula also meant that for a year, no one graduated from nursing schools. He added that some

nurses have also died of COVID-19, leading to the shortage. “All of these [factors] conspired for private hospitals to lose their nurses,” he said. He appealed to the government to allow private hospitals to borrow their nurses. “In a war, they’re in the firing line and they need reinforcement. We are asking the government’s various agencies who employed a lot of nurses who are doing non-nursing jobs to provide them to us as reinforcement,” he said. He requested COVID patients who are suffering from mild

cases to just stay at home and consult doctors over the phone. Read: Recalled AstraZeneca from Bicol due to faulty thermometer still usable, says gov’t At present, the Philippines has the highest number of active COVID cases in Southeast Asia at 124,680. At least 13,191 people have died from the disease. The dire situation has led some people to believe that the country will end up like Brazil, where at least 318,000 people have died. Almora supports the extension of the enhanced community quarantine, which has been imposed in the Greater Manila Area and is supposed to end on April 4, Easter. “There’s no question. That’s the solution if you don’t want this to continue,” he said. This article, PH ‘has lost’ its battle against COVID, says hospital association president, originally appeared on Coconuts, Asia’s leading alternative media company.

Guevarra: journos must report the truth without fear or favor By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL MALACANANG PALACE, Manila — Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra urged journalists to report the truth “without fear or favor” during the launching of the webinar series sponsored by the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) entitled “Safeguarding Press Freedom during the COVID-19 Pandemic and the 2022 Elections” held recently. Guevarra serves as chairman of PTFoMS. The event attended by Metro Manila-based journalists is the first in a series of webinars to roll out nationwide in

partnership with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Freedom Of Information (FOI) Project Management Program. CNN’s Dr. Freddie Gomez and veteran journalist Carmelo “Melo” Acuña served as resource speakers while Pia RocesMorato of the Philippine Star hosted the webinar. According to Guevarra, “a free and independent press that reports the truth without fear or favor is the greatest weapon

against public ignorance and our nation’s best hope in nurturing an informed and engaged electorate” as he recognized the indispensable role of media workers as frontliners. PTFoMS Co-Chair and PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar, for his part, acknowledged the vital role that technology plays to disseminate information and to communicate to several individuals simultaneously without physical presence, a must during the pandemic. Andanar lauded the Task Force, as the first and only one of its kind in the world, for going

beyond protecting media workers against physical threats of violence, and addressing head-on the perils posed by the pandemic in addition to the uncertainties of the national elections in 2022 through the use of new mediums of communication such as the webinar. PTFoMS Executive Director Usec. Joel Sy Egco, on the other hand, said that press freedom is a very important hallmark of Philippine democracy. “While much has been accomplished by the Task Force in improving the country’s GUEVARRA | A14

World Round-Up

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Vol. I, No. 42 | April 2 — 8, 2021 (Shaban 20 — 26, 1442)

UK strains increasing Qatar Covid-19 cases: Health Ministry

Marawi City honors The Ranao Star publisher, some 20 others By Muslimedia.PH

By Gamson Jr Mawallil Quijano Qatar Correspondent

OHA, Qatar — The State of Qatar like more than 70 countries around the world and in the region, is now seeing many cases of the new variant from the UK.

According to the Peninsula Online, a Qatar national daily, this new UK variant does not cause different symptoms in infected people, but it is much more highly transmissible and can therefore increase the rate of spread of the virus though the community, Ministry of Public Health said. Due to this highly transmissible element, the UK variant has contributed to the recent significant increase in cases in Qatar. “As we announced two weeks ago, despite the best efforts to prevent the introduction of new variants into the country. we, like many countries in the region and around the world, are now seeing many cases in Qatar of the new variant from the UK,” Dr Abdullatif Al Khal, Chairman of the National Pandemic Preparedness Committee, had said at press conference recently. Clinical evidence

Lord Sharkey slammed a “shameful” disregard for British Muslims, who are systematically deprived of university education because of a refusal to introduce a student loan system that Muslims can access he said. (Shutterstock/File Photo)

appears to now show that the UK variant can cause more severe illness, meaning that people infected with the UK variant are more likely to get very sick, require hospitalization and, sadly, have more chance of dying due to serious complications from the virus. “One of the characteristics of the strain coming from the United Kingdom is that patients experience more severe complications than be-

fore and stay for longer periods in the hospital,” Dr Ahmed al-Mohamed, Acting Chairman of HMC’s Intensive Care Units had said at the same press conference. The two COVID-19 vaccines being used in Qatar – Pfizer/ BioN Tech and Moderna – have both been shown to be effective at preventing severe symptoms due to the UK variant. The most effective way to protect yourself

and control the spread of the virus is to: 1-Take the COVID19 vaccine. 2-Adhere to all the COVID-19 precautionary and protective measures. “We are in the midst of the second wave of Coronavirus and the new strain is more severe and this requires cooperation, solidarity and commitment to precautionary measures,” Dr Al Mohamed added. PMT

Senate approves DITO franchise MANILA — The Senate of the Philippines approved on Monday the franchises of DITO Telecommunity Corp. and other telecom company and four broadcast franchises. Sen. Grace Poe, Chairperson of the Committee on Public Services, steered the passage of the measures. 17 senators voted for the franchise of DITO Telecommunity Corp, while Senators Risa Hontiveros and Francis Pangilinan voted against it and Sen. Panfilo Lacson abstained. Previously, the telecommunications sector was being dominated by SMART/Philippine Long Distance Company and Globe Telecommunications. Sen. Poe said the entry of DITO Telecommunity as a new major player in the Philippine telecommunications market would spur the competition for more affordable and better internet and mobile services available to Filipinos. House Bill 7332 seeks to renew DITO’s franchise for another 25 years. DITO holds a congressional franchise via Mindanao Islamic Telephone Company, Inc., which is set to expire in 2023. DITO, which was launched commercially last March 8 in various areas in Visayas and Mindanao, was selected as the new major player in the Philippine telecommunications market. It was given a five -year network rollout to realize its commitment to provide at least 55 mbps of mobile data connectivity to at least 84 percent of the country’s population. Also approved on third and final reading was House Bill No. 7615, under Committee Report No. 207, which seeks to grant the franchise of Instant Data Inc. Also approved on third reading were four broad-

cast franchise applications, namely: • House Bill No. 7488, under Committee Report No. 212 which seeks to grant the franchise of Davao City Radio Broadcasting Station. In light of the priority agenda of the Davao City government on disaster risk reduction, they plan to set up a community radio for emergency response and preparedness. The broadcast station will also be used to disseminate advocacy campaigns, as well as the city’s programs and projects. • House Bill No. 7616, taking into consideration Senate Bill No. 1462, under Committee Report No. 214, seeks to renew the franchise of the University of the Philippines System. DZUP 1602 is the official radio station of the University of the Philippines which airs in Mega Manila, Central Luzon and Southern Tagalog. Its radio programs are the collaborative effort of the different colleges and units of the University. • House Bill No. 8553, under Committee Report No. 217, seeks to renew the franchise of Palawan Broadcasting Corp. At present, Palawan Broadcasting Corp. has radio stations in Taytay and Coron, Palawan, and in Catbalogan, Samar. In its early days, the company operates specifically for urgent personal messages known as ‘panawagan.’ After being shut down during martial law, it continued its broadcast services in 1986 and has been incorporating news, education and entertainment formats. • And House Bill No. 8860, taking into consideration Senate Bill No. 2059 under Committee Report No. 221, seeks to grant the franchise of Highland Broadcasting Network Corp. which will provide broadcast services in Northern Mindanao, in unserved and underserved areas specifically the agricultural towns. (With story from PTV 4)

ARAWI CITY — The local government of the Islamic City of Marawi has honored the publisher and general manager of the longest running community paper in the locality in a simple but formal ceremony held at the Bagumbayan Hall of the city hall complex here on Tuesday, Mar 30. Bai Rocaya Sumndad Otical Noor Yahya, publisher cum general manager of The Ranao Star, and some 20 other women were recognized by the local government as outstanding Juana and as exceptional members of the society, specifically in their respective chosen fields of expertise. Sultan Camid Gandamra, city administrator, read the message of Mayor Majul Gandamra who was supposed to lead the awarding ceremony but was not able to make it due to having been found positive of Covid-19 in the weekend. Sultan Gandamra, also father of the city mayor, instead presented the awards to the honorees. Founded in 2003 by veteran journalist Masiding Noor Yahya, The Ranao Star is the longest running community weekly newspaper published in the Islamic City of Marawi, Lanao del Sur. Acclaimed dean of Mranaw journalists, Yahya who is spouse of Bae Rocaya, has also founded Philippine Muslim Today, the country’s first digital newspaper and acts as its president and editor-in-chief. PMT

News Round Up

Vol. I, No. 42 | April 2 — 8, 2021 (Shaban 20 — 26, 1442)

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Sulu completes P50.4-M school buildings; ground-breaks P17-M classrooms By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

Education Workforce of Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) under Minister Mohagher Iqbal as represented by Asec Alfhadar Pajiji, the Assistant Secretary for Special Programs and Projects turned over some newly-built school buildings with 26 classrooms and broke ground 2-storey buildings on March 22-25 in the province of Sulu. (Contributed Photo)

OTABATO CITY — Bangsamoro Government’s Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) – Sulu Divisions Office completed the construction of 26 classrooms, amounting to P50.4 million for seven schools in different municipalities of Sulu province. Alfhadar Pajiji, MBHTE Assistant Secretary for Special Programs and Projects, conducted a turnover ceremony of the said school buildings together with Engr. Nurhasim Abdula, Assistant Head of School Building Program-Project Management Office (SBP-PMO), and Dr. Kiram Irilis, Al-Hadj, Schools Division Superintendent of Sulu. In his message read by Pajiji, Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal said that the school buildings turned over by the regional office to Sulu Divisions Office exemplifies the commitment of the Bangsamoro Government in improving the education system of the region. “The provision of quality school facilities to our students, and making our schools spaces for learning and growth are highlighted in the Ministry’s 12point priority agenda,” Iqbal stressed. Amidst the health crisis affecting the delivery of services, Iqbal urged the Bangsamoro education community to continue its support to the education ministry and the rest of the BARMM’s leadership. “I pray that you will support us as we set the strategic direction for realizing a balanced, accessible, and inclusive education structure […] as we move forward, I am confident we will make significant and positive changes to the BARMM education system,” he added. The construction of the said school building projects was subsidized under the Basic Education Facility Fund (BEFF) 2018. Additionally, the education ministry also conducted a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of two-storey buildings with 10 classrooms for Higher Education of Hadji Butu School of Arts and Trade (HBSAT) at barangay Asturias in Jolo, Sulu. The classroom project is set to be the Supervised Institution Building of HBSAT, which costs Php17, 625, 313.30. It was funded through the Bangsamoro Appropriations Acts (BAA) of 2020. On the other hand, members of the regional and division screening board of the MBHTE-Sulu have started their conduct of demonstration teaching and interview with some 1,800 licensed teachers, applying for jobs in the education ministry. JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

GREAT AND RESPECTED YAKAN LEADER: Abdulghani “Gerry” Ajul Salapuddin, the Administrator and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA) based in Davao City stands at the center wearing a coat while attending as an honored Guest in the Induction Ceremony of the Yakan Association of Zamboanga (YAZ). He is a great and respected leader of not only his own Yakan tribe of Basilan Province but also is well respected too by the other Muslim tribes of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). In this file photo, “Commander Gerry” as he is popularly known to his “Comrades in Arms” as a Mujahideen (Freedom Fighter) in the Revolutionary Movement of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) extends his full support to his people among the YAZ or his Yakan brothers in time of peace. He also became a Member of the Executive Council at Regional Autonomous Government of Region IX. Then he was elected as the Governor of the Province of Basilan, and then after ending his term in the local government unit (LGU), he was also elected as the Representative of the Lone Congressional District of Basilan & finally became the Deputy Speaker at House Representatives of the Philippines. He studied at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City, where he took up further studies. Of course he also studied at Basilan State College and Western Mindanao State University. He hails from Lamitan City in Basilan though he has his Mansion in Isabela Municipality also in Basilan. Administrator Gerry or Al-Ghanee Salapuddin has this motto in life saying: ‘Creative imagination with spiritual Allah consciousness and purpose-driven life.’ (Contributed Photo)

Muslim World in Brief

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN — The Brunei government has set maximum short-term prices on whole chicken and chicken eggs for 10 weeks, effective from April 1 to June 11, 2021. According to Brunei's Department of Economic Planning and Statistics (DEPS) at the Ministry of Finance and Economy on Saturday, in collaboration with the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism through the Department of

Brunei sets ceiling prices for chicken, eggs as Ramadan approaches Agriculture and Agrifood, DEPS has set the capped prices to mitigate increasing food prices. However, these maximum prices are not the endorsed retail price of the goods. Retailers are encouraged to remain competitive in their pricing below the capped price and observe ethical business conduct. Consumers are reminded to act responsibly by not engaging in panic buying or stocking up goods beyond their normal consumption level. Brunei is also getting prepared for the Islamic festival season. The Islamic fasting month is expected to begin on April 12 and the Islamic world will then celebrate the Eid (Hari Raya) celebrations a month later. Xinhua

DOTC | from Page A16

DOTC devolves more assets, functions to MoTC on CAB signing anniversary Management Agency to digitalize their revenue collection operations, Hermoso said. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) symbolically received in principle the 50 bancas with outboard engines, since the units

were to be delivered yet to the MoTC. Hermoso said the awarding of the units will be done by the MAFAR, though suggesting that priority distribution be given to subsistent fishing people living around the vast Liguasan Marsh. Four of the

25 negosyo carts were awarded to assigned recipients through the Ministry of Labor and Employment represented at Saturday’s event by Director General Dong Anayatin, who said the rest of the units will be awarded preferentially to subsistent

informal labor workers in Cotabato City. Anayatin said three of the rolling carts will be awarded to Maguindanao, Maranao and Tausog recipients for them to sell at the Cotabato airport the delicacies of their tribes. Other even guests

Saturday’s event was also graced virtually by DoTC Undersecretary Raul del Rosario and Labor Secretary Silvestre “Bebot” Bello III, who reportedly donated the 25 carts to MoTC on prodding by Minister Hermosa through Senator Bong

Go. Heads and personnel of MoTC and its attached agencies like LTO, LTFRB, Marina, the Civil Aviation Authority for the Bangsamoro, and RPMA were all in attendance with their uniforms bearing the logo/seals of the entities. AGM

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Vol. I, No. 42 | April 2 — 8, 2021 (Shaban 20 — 26, 1442)

Taraka LGU provides livelihood support to women amidst pandemic

ARAWI CITY— The municipal government of Taraka continues to assist women bearing the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic to livelihood and economic activities.

Taraka mayor Nashiba Sumagayan shared in Monday’s Network Briefing News with Communications Secretary Martin Andanar that the municipal government provided livelihood support to the women sector in their locality through the production of mamandiang, a traditional Maranao fabric decorated with beads and sequins. “We are providing the materials for them at sila ang gumagawa [the mamandiang] at binibenta natin yan…the cost of labor sa kanila plus meron silang percentage sa natatapos nila..,” she explained. [We are providing the materials for them and they make [the mamandiang] and we sell that … they get the cost of labor plus a per-

centage of what they finish..] Sumagayan said they also provided materials for the production of face masks which the

women can sell. “Sa kasagsagan ng pandemya, nagkaubusan din ng face mask kaya binigyan natin sila ng mga materyales para

gumawa ng customized face masks. So binenta din nila at nagkaroon sila ng source of income,” she added. [At the height of the pandemic, face masks also ran out so we gave them materials to make customized face masks. So they also sold [the face masks] and had a source of income.] Sumagayan meanwhile disclosed that as additional support to households this coming Ramadhan (month of fasting), the municipal government will be giving food packs and groceries. In consideration of health protocols, she said they will be bringing the relief packs right at the doorstep of her constituents. APB/PIA ICIC

PMT initiates formation of Bangsamoro Press Corps COTABATO CITY — The Philippine Muslim Today (PMT) news has taken the cudgel of initiating the formation of a press corps among local journalists to professionalize their ranks, promote their economy and security welfare, and at the same time harmonize their coverage of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). PMT News Editor Ali Macabalang in coordination with BARMM spokesman and Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo convened an initial meeting here on Tuesday, March 30 to present the rationale and concept for forming a media organization tentatively called Bangsamoro Press Corps (BPC). The meeting was held at the conference hall of the Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (READI), a unit of the BARMM government under the direct supervision of Minister Sinarimbo. Sinarimbo, in a huddle with early arriving media workers desiring for harmonized thrust,

By Nur-Ali A. Macabalang

AD HOC BANGSAMORO PRESS COMMITTEE: Photo shows Philippine Muslim Today news editor Ali G. Macabalang presiding over a meeting on Tuesday, March 30 in Cotabato City that led to the creation of an ad hoc body for the creation of a Press Corps to professionalize the ranks of local journalists and harmonize their coverage of the Bangsamoro autonomous region. Photo by Nur-Ali A. Macabalang) lauded the initiative, even as he tasked READI Administrator Evelyn Estorque to assist in the meeting and tasked her staff Valerie Lambo to serve momentarily the meeting secretariat requirements. There are estimated over 60 Central Mindanao-based media practitioners covering the BARMM activities, but only 16 of them were able to attend Tuesday’s conceptual meeting as majority colleagues covered on the same day other events, including a Department

of Agriculturesponsored occasion in Koronadal City. In his briefing remarks, Macabalang underscored the essence of professionalized media practice amid challenges in insufficiency of income alongside risks in exposing malfeasances in various endeavors of public interest. Macabalang, a journalist for more than four uninterrupted decades of work for local, national and international media entities, cited his own experiences and survival by attempts on

his life by quarters adversely affected by exposes of ills in civilian, police and military activities in Mindanao. Charlie Señase, a fellow journalist for over five decades, shared also experiences in media works, recalling the time when Cotabato region used to have only three journalists chronicling vital events via national networks such as the ABS-CBN, the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Malaya and Philippine Star amid lack of digital and internet links now enjoyed by the current generation of media workers. At Tuesday’s meeting, media workers in attendance decided to form an ad hoc committee of seven to work out next steps for the formation of the Bangsamoro Press Corps. Midsayap, North Cotabato-based journalist Benny Queman, GMA17 stringer and MindaNews reported Ferdinandh Cabrera and five others were named members of the ad hoc body. Queman chairs the committee. The committee set

PCID pays tribute to the 7th anniversary of the signing of Moro’s CAB U.P. DILIMAN, Quezon City — The Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy (PCID) has paid tribute to the 7th Anniversary of the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), we making it as historic agreement possible. In a statement sent to the Philippine Muslim Today, Amina Rasul, president of PCID said as we celebrate, we at the PCID are concerned the support for the effective implementation of the PCID President Amina CAB that has been Rasul sidelined by the pressing need to respond to COVID19 and other national priorities. “Yet while we battle the pandemic, we still have to grapple with the horrors of violent extremism. It becomes imperative for us – especially national government – to bolster the foundation of peace in the south,” Rasul said. “Those who seek to destroy the emerging peace do not rest even with COVID19 running rampant. As the country suffers from the pandemic, the Muslim South is further burdened with suicide bombings. People in conflict areas are going hungry, with promised jobs unrealized and income opportunities lost,” she added. Rasul also said under such dire circumstances, the fires of extremism are easily stoked. The nation and state can ill afford another conflagration in the south. Meanwhile, the PCID president also said that looking back, the success of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement between government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) unduly suffered from the unanticipated burdens of implementation, unequally shared by the regional and national government. Rasul lamented that the new Autonomous Region in Muslim MIndanao (ARMM) administration, led by former warriors with little background in administration of a bureaucracy, appeared to have been left to fend for themselves. She emphasized the clamor was for autonomytherefore let the region run itself, without interference. National policy makers seem to think this was the logical consequence of establishing an autonomous region. However, in hindsight, “we see the failures that resulted were as much a fault of the ARMM as it was of the national government,” Rasul also said. Rasul also emphasized one of the mistakes committed was setting a short transition period for the new leadership to acquire the necessary administrative and managerial skills. She pointed out that a barangay captain probably would have more skills in administration than combatants, whose expertise was blowing up buildings, certainly not building or maintaining structures. “Let us learn from the ARMM experience and avoid repeating the mistakes of the past. The consequences may be far more costly, living as we are in even more perilous times,” Rasul explained. JIJ the organizational meeting of the proposed press corps on April 17 at the same venue starting at 10a.m. Macabalang urged other Central Mindanao-based journalists to attend the organizational meeting, saying the event will “push through” as an acid test among the fragmented states of local journalists, something he described as an “handicap” in professionalizing media

works, promoting selfactualization and harmonizing reportage activities and concerns in the Bangsamoro region. In 1994, Macabalang serving as founding executive director of the defunct Bureau of Public Information of the 29-year old Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao organized the ARMM Press Corps, with then dsMS reporter Sanmmy Gogo as president. The press corps ceased to exist later. NAM

Tourism

Vol. I, No. 42 | April 2 — 8, 2021 (Shaban 20 — 26, 1442)

Chinese Entrepreneurs of Bongao Join Politics

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HALAL DISH CUISINE

By JOHNNY R. LEE, Ph.D

eing at the forefront of trade and commerce in the town of Bongao and as Filipino Chinese entrepreneurs became more financially prosperous, their clout extended beyond not merely on the business-side of the fast growing community but also to participate in the affairs and activities of the local natives. For several reasons, foremost which is to sustain a good business climate and secure their business interest in the community, they’ve got to unite and help each other and have to establish a warm relationship with the local governance and community leaders. They have to forgo their traditional traits of being clannish, mistrusting the nonChinese speaking mestizos and biases against the natives. By organizing themselves and immersing into the local customs and traditions have made it easier for them to conduct and run their businesses. The Chinese Entry into Politics Some early Chinese migrants, who took the natives as their wives, started to recognize the value of closer relationships towards their ‘native’ in-laws as it provided the much needed manpower (e.g. labor, runners, store/ warehouse keepers, home watchers and etc.) for their growing businesses. Other Chinese migrants went to the extent of importing their wives’s families and close relatives from other islands to live in Bongao, thus increasing not only the household population but also the people whom they could rely on for several purposes - and this includes politics. It was in the year 1959 when Bongao was

MAYOR JEMUEL QUE OF BONGAO MUNICIPALITY created as a regular municipality under the province of Sulu. According to Abduljim Hassan, a former Director of Sama Studies

named Ibrahim Hassan, who was appointed by then Sulu Governor Jolly Fernandez. His vice-mayor was the late Bing-Ing Ho, a Chi-

of MSU in Tawi-Tawi, the first mayor of Bongao happened to be his father, a native,

nese mestizo whose original place was from Siasi, Sulu. When the election

was held in 1961 Vice Mayor Ho ran as mayor against Hassan. Ho won and became the first elected mayor of Bongao. Ho was reelected several times until in 1986 when he was replaced by George Lee who was appointed as OICMayor by President Cory Aquino through the People Power Revolution. After Lee came another second generation Chinese mestizo named Sulay Halipa who was elected in 1988 and held the position for three terms. After Halipa, a new mayor named Sali Samsuya, also a Chinese mestizo, was elected. Samsuya died at the middle of his term and was succeeded by his

vice-mayor Sahaya Jumdail. With a few months left before the next election Jumdail died too in office and was succeeded by her vice-mayor named Albert Que. Albert Que, also a Chinese mestizo, held the rein as mayor of Bongao for three terms. His son, Jasper Que, followed his footsteps for one term and another son Jimuel Que was elected and is now the current mayor of Bongao. JRL

By Maria Fhebie Ortil

alal (/həˈlɑːl/; Arabic: ,‫حالل‬ḥalāl); is an Arabic word that translates to "permissible" in English. Most of the readers of Philippine Muslim Today are Muslims who know a lot about Islam and the laws and culture. But for our 42 nd Issue, I would like to discuss the topic on Halal especially cuisine for the benefit of our non-Muslim readers of this Digital Online News. In the Quran, the word halal is contrasted with haram (forbidden). This binary opposition was elaborated into a more complex classification known as "the five decisions": mandatory, recommended, neutral, reprehensible and forbidden. Islamic jurists disagree on whether the term halal covers the first two or the first four of these categories. In recent times, Islamic movements seeking to mobilize the masses and authors writing for a popular audience have emphasized the simpler distinction of halal and haram. The term halal is particularly associated with Islamic dietary laws and especially meat processed and prepared in accordance with those requirements. In the Qur’an: The words halal and haram are the usual terms used in the Quran to designate the categories of lawful or allowed and unlawful or forbidden. In the Quran, the root h-l-l denotes lawfulness and may also indicate exiting the ritual state of a pilgrim and entering a profane state. In both these senses, it has an opposite meaning to that conveyed by the root h-r-m (cf. haram and ihram). In a literal sense, the root h-l-l may refer to dissolution (e.g., breaking of an oath) or alighting (e.g., of God's wrath). Lawfulness is usually indicated in the Quran by means of the verb ahalla (to make lawful), with God as the stated or implied subject. Islamic Dietary Laws Several food companies offer halal processed foods and products, including halal spring rolls, chicken nuggets lasagna, pizza and baby food. Halal ready meals are a growing consumer market for Muslims in other countries and are offered by an increasing number of retailers. Vegetarian cuisine is halal if it does not contain alcohol. The most common example of haram (nonhalal) food is pork. While pork is the only meat that categorically may not be consumed by Muslims (the Quran forbids it. Surah 2:173 and 16:115) other foods not in a state of purity are also considered haram. The criteria for non-pork items include their source, the cause of the animal's death and how it was processed. The majority of Islamic scholars consider shellfish and other seafood halal. Muslims must also ensure that all foods (particularly processed foods), as well as non-food items like cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, are halal. Frequently, these products contain animal byproducts or other ingredients that are not permissible for Muslims to eat or use on their bodies. Foods which are not considered halal for Muslims to consume include blood and intoxicants such as alcoholic beverages. A Muslim who would otherwise starve to death is allowed to eat non-halal food if there is no halal food available. During airplane flights Muslims will usually are served with airline food (if halal food is not available) to assure their chosen dish will not have any pork ingredients. MFO

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Vol. I, No. 42 | April 2 — 8, 2021 (Shaban 20 — 26, 1442)

MACABALANG | from Page A4

Media role in narrowing gap between ideals and realities Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino, when elected President n May 2010, revived the peace process with the MILF leading to the forging of the FAB in 2013 and the CAB in 2014. While Congress was on the verge of passing the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), President Aquino allowed the Special Action Forces of the Philippine National Police to operate against Indonesia bomb-maker Zulkifli “Marwan” Bin Hir in clandestine operations on Jan. 25, 2015. The bungled police action left 44 police commandos, 16 MILF and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and five civilians killed. Despite MILF’s reasoning about “lack of coordination” by the commandos under its existing truce with government security establishments, Congress was swayed by public outrage over the “massacre of SAF 44” to archive the BBL. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, when elected President in May 2016, pursued his campaign vow to renew peace talks with the MILF, and the 18th Congress toed the line by passing R.A. 11054 or BOL in July 2018. The BOL drew overwhelming ratification in plebiscites in January and February 2019, redounding to the

creation of BARMM with 63 villages in North Cotabato and this city becoming part of the new autonomous region. On March 29, 2019, President Duterte formally installed the BARMM bureaucracy and the members of the 80-seat regional parliament he earlier appointed. He named MILF Chairman Ahod “Hadji Murad” Ebrahim as interim Chief Minister. While instituting internal arrangements, the BARMM cabinet and parliament began formal operations by gradually phasing out the personnel and bureaucratic structures of the defunct ARMM governance, and started legislating regional codes on civil service, administrative, education, electoral system, taxation, local government. And other measures required in full-blown autonomous governance. The phase-out of ARMM structures winded up in December 2019, and the BARMM parliament style government started recruiting personnel in different ministries and fixing operational grey areas it inherited from the abolished autonomous entity. Barely two months of take-off, when the global Coronavirus pandemic struck. Restrictive social movements and diver-

sion of much national resources by the central government to address the spread of the COVID-19 disease have reportedly affected the parliament grill for the regional ordinances and the implementation of the BOL’s two main thrusts – the normalization and political or government tracks. The normalization track was able to decommission some 12,000 of the MILF’s 40,000-combatant members, and started transforming those decommissioned to peaceful and productive civilian life. The parliament has passed only the administrative and civil service codes, and is still crafting and deliberating other codes required in building full autonomous governance. A “mid-term review” by the Mindanao People’s Caucus, an NGO assisting for years in the Mindanao peace process, brought to fore in November 2020 the issue of “lack of time” for the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), the 80- seat interim ruling body of the BARMM, to finish mandates before the election of regular parliament members in a scheduled 2022 local, regional and national polls. Chief Minister Ebhrahim and the BTA, taking into account the MPC’s review and rec-

ommendation for extension in the BTA interim term, adopted a resolution in mid-November 2020 urging the national government, particularly Congress to postpone the 2022 regional elections to 2025 to extend the interim administration’s lifespan. Members of the House of Representatives responded by filing four bills and two senators introduced two bills for the same purposes, after national executives led by President Duterte’s expressed concurrence about the shortness of the three-year mandated BTA interim operations. Various quarters of peace stake holders from Muslim. Christian and indigenous people’s (IP) sectors including even North Cotabato Governor Nancy Catamco and Cardinal Orlando Quevedo alongside four governors and lawmakers in BARMM rallied the extension, even as supporters reportedly mustered 1.2 million online signatures calling for the President to certify as “urgent” a harmonized bill. Senate President Tito Sotto and House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco have reportedly assured to swiftly deliberate the extension call upon receipt of a Presidential certification. They were quoted as assuring to hold special

sessions after Congress adjourns sine die by June 4. In the debate accruing from the extension call alone, local, national and international media entities are equally split on the pros and cons of the issue. But the crux of the matter does not lie only in the extension call. Even if the BTA is given an additional three-year term lifespan, I see more compelling challenges for the media sector to narrow down the disparity between the ideals of BARMM autonomy stipulated in the BOL or CAB and the realities happening in the areas of regional governance. With due respect to well-meaning members of the Manila-based national and international media entities, their ways of interviews and reportage about the BARMM usually portrayed generalities that are more often than not anchored on their networks’ popularity contest. For lack of direct knowledge on the true conditions of BARMM residents and ills in the regional agencies, they fail to draw national authorities’ accurate remedial measures. For me, the primordial role of the media is to narrow down the reality in BARMM and the provisions of law con-

cerning regional autonomy. It should be emphasized that the national government, particularly the Aquino government, had called the ARMM as a “failed” experiment for autonomy because the media failed to drumbeat the fulfilment of legal provisions enabling an ideal autonomous government. BARMM should not become another “failed” experiment. It has better mechanisms in addressing the ills confronted by the past autonomous administrations. One mechanism is the role of the InterGovernmental Relations Body (IGRB) that facilitates focal efforts in the devolution of national assets and power to BARMM and prevents recurrence of past lapses by the central government. If the BARMM government fails also – God forbids – in obtaining all assets and powers mandated by laws, the media can be partly blamed. In a nutshell, this column represents my stride in taking the cudgel to organize a cohesive Bangsamoro Press Corps as a potent vehicle to continuously persuade the national government into fulfilling all its mandates under the laws and existing peace agreements. AGM

During this pandemic, there are enumerable Muslim frontliners worldwide, who, despite being fasting continue to render invaluable humanitarian services to

the people regardless of faith, creed, race, color, or gender. Let’s include them in our fervent prayers to make things easy for them. May the advent of this blessed month of

Ramadhān 1442H mark the end of the agonies of everyone in the world as a result of this pandemic crisis. Allāhummā Ballighnā Ramadhān. Aameen Ya Rabb.

QUIJANO | from Page A4

RAMADHĀN 1442H IS IMPENDING! perts say that fasting has enormous medical benefits for an individual. Noteworthy to mention, during this month,

every house of Muslims is filled with unexplainable happiness. Even kids who still couldn’t fast are also elated. This is also a great op-

portunity to strengthen the ties between and amongst kinship. Indeed, Ramadhān is a month of love and mercy.

Guevarra | from Page A9

Guevarra: journos must report the truth without fear or favor human rights situation, particularly in protecting the freedoms of expression, opinion and of the press, there is still more work that needs to be done,” Egco explained during the webinar. Egco said that the webinar was initiated by the Task Force precisely to intensify the campaign of President Rodrigo

Duterte to safeguard press freedom during the pandemic and to protect journalists in the upcoming elections which historically see an increase in media violence. More than 60 journalists and media workers attended the seminar, representing various media outfits and

organizations, including representatives from the National Press Club, the Kapisanan ng Brodkaster ng Pilipinas, CAMANAVA Press Corps, Eastern Police District Press Corps, Manila Police District Press Corps, NCRPO Press Corps, Quezon City Police District Press Corps and the Southern Police

District Press Corps. The next leg of the PTFoMS webinar series will be held in April 2021 for media practitioners in the Bicol Region. Meanwhile, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles through a video message implored participating journalists “to provide accurate information to all so as to

bridge gaps of misinformation and eliminate misconceptions.” Nograles explained that “infodemic”, an overabundance of information which may be accurate or not, makes it hard to find trustworthy and reliable guidance resulting in a decline of trust. This is where media workers’

vital role is needed to put an end to the growing surge of misinformation. PIA Director General Ramon Cualoping III, along with Usec. Kris Ablan of PCOO-FOI, also sent messages of solidarity in support of the PTFoMS webinar. JIJ

Tourism

Vol. I, No. 42 | April 2 — 8, 2021 (Shaban 20 — 26, 1442)

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SADAIN | from Page A2

A BREAK OF SUNLIGHT AND GREEN This is Allah as both Al-Khaaliq (The Creator), and AlMu’iid (The Restorer or One who Renews), where creation is followed by the renewal of creation, a natural consequence of the nurturing and sustaining power of Allah, The Provider (Al-Razzaq), as seen in Surah 27, Verse 64 where Allah says: “Who is the One who initiates the creation, then repeats it? Who is the One who provides for you (yarzuqukum) from the heaven and the earth?” On the need to renew creation, Allah says in Surah 15, Verse 21: “And there is not a thing but its resources are (inexhaustible) with us; but We only send down thereof in due and as-

certainable measures.” The renewal of creation aims to ensure the availability of sustenance to man, as the above verse declares that Allah’s creation is inexhaustible, and hence, may be renewed, but Allah makes these provisions available to man in ascertained measures according to what is due man. Thus, creation is renewed with every seed that germinates, every flower that blooms, every leaf and fruit that spring from verdant branches, every animal that gives birth, and every creature that grows and matures. It is a miracle that God keeps repeating as He allows the sun to light up the night, and the fields to exult in light

and green. Nature emerges with the birds that alight on branches and sing songs for their mates. It wakes up in mornings of slight drizzles and hazy mists, and glows with the rising sun. It waves with stalks that are brown with grains, ready to waft with the wind and settle on the soft earth, like man returning to his creator, his body seeking the dark of soil. In like manner, nature experiences decay, but rises again and again to new morns. It does not die the death of times, but continues to grow as long as God wills it, thus: “And from the earth we have spread out and set mountains firm, and caused to grow therein

all kinds of things in due balance.” [15:19] “He causes to grow for you thereby crops, olives, palm trees, grapes and every kind of fruits. Verily, in this is a sign for those who reflect.” [16:11] The greenness of nature is a result of Allah’s power of creation; and its sustainability and freshness, a result of Allah’s power to change what needs changing, and renewing what entails renewal. This is the message whose timeliness and duration are measured by the way Allah’s Bounties are realized and maintained. It is why nature has to have a break so it can reinvigorate itself, again and again. But the time we are

in now is a study in contrast: a diametrically opposed symbiosis, a dialectical paradigm of light and dark, white and black, good and evil. On one hand we have nature recreating itself, nurturing and regrowing its beasts, birds and greens; on the other hand, we have a virus mutating as it transits from host to host. In both instances, nature and the virus undergo creation and renewal, as Allah has stressed in the Noble Qur’an, to avoid extinction. Their cycle is a life and death cycle, where the best and the fittest survive, where one must keep renewing itself to survive. Just as nature and the virus are doing now. So where does this

leave man? The noblest of all creatures, worthy and audacious enough to receive the trust of Allah? Man is right there where different kinds of knowledge converge, where the “Names” are taught, as Adam and numerous Prophets were taught these “Names”. Man is in the center of Allah’s revelations, and he must witness that this world is not just about light and green; it is also about darkness and decay. It does not really matter which prevails. It is a cycle of creation and renewal after all, and the cycle responds to One Creator who originates everything from nothing, and repeats the process according to His Unique and Solitary Will. This is

and in the past many years as President that he would eradicate graft and corruption, he has completely failed to make a dint on graft and corruption in government. President Duterte has admitted that graft and corruption is rampant in his government. He said he could not do anything about it because the people in his government are his enemies in so far as graft and corruption is concerned. If that is the case, why did he appoint many of these people in the first place? Why does he not get rid of the grafters and the corrupt – prosecute, convict them and make them rot in jail? But Duterte is not doing anything of these. Instead, he shifts them to other positions in government. So how can Duterte suc-

ceed in eradicating graft and corruption when he is coddling the grafters and the corrupt or tolerating them? The trouble is Duterte behaves like the old Spanish friars – follow what I say but do not follow what I do. This is the classic road to inutility. Remedies: What are the remedies to correct these violations of the Constitution? The immediate remedy is to impeach, convict and remove President Duterte from office under section 3, paragraph 2 of Article XI of the Constitution for “culpable violation of the Constitution, treason, bribery, graft and corruption, other high crimes or betrayal of public trust” as enumerated in section 2 of the same Article.

ADAZA| from Page A3

SHOULD PRESIDENT DUTERTE BE IMPEACHED... This is in direct violation of our sovereign right as a country. It also violates section 7, Article II of the Constitution which provides that – “The State shall promote an independent foreign policy. In its relation with other states the paramount consideration shall be national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national interest, and the right to selfdetermination.” Where has this provision gone with the Duterte administration? It has gone to the waste basket of communist China’s Xi Jin Ping? Independent foreign policy as implemented by Duterte is like an action of a beggar in the streets of Metro Manila. Is that independent? National sovereignty has become a joke. Where is territorial integrity? It has become a

scandal. Is the interest of Xi Jin Ping’s China our national interest? Where is right to selfdetermination? Are we on our way to becoming a province of Communist China? We certainly will be – if President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has his way. I’m sure President Duterte has not forgotten he is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines under section 18 of Article VII of the Constitution. I’m even surer he remembers since he calls the AFP his military. So why did not his military do anything when the Communist Chinese invaded the West Philippine Sea, built islands and installed military installations, including possible nuclear weapons? In obedience to its master, the Armed Forces of

the Philippines did nothing. In the inimitable words of the late Mayor Arsenio Lacson – deaf, dumb, mute, napako sa silya, (nailed to the chair) The AFP forgot that under section 3, Article II of the Constitution its duty is well-defined – “The Armed Forces of the Philippines is the protector of the people and the State. Its goal is secure the sovereignty of the State and the integrity of the national territory.” Why did it not do anything? Is it due to high salaries its members are now receiving? Is it due to the appointments of colonels and generals to high civilian positions after retirement where they are doing their on the job training (OJT)? Have President Duterte and the members of the AFP organized a mutual

admiration club? Are the members of the military more loyal to the President Duterte than to the people and the country? Are their salaries paid by Dutertte? These questions need to be answered because of the total failure of Duterte and his military to follow their duties under the Constitution on the Chinese communist invasion and take over of the West Philippine Sea. Third, Section 27 of Article II of the Constitution provides that – “The State shall maintain honesty and integrity in the public service and take positive and affective measures against graft and corruption.” But no such positive and effective measures have been taken by the government of President Duterte. In contrast to his campaign promises

(TO BE CONTINUED)

JANNARAL | from Page A3

My iPhone 10 bades farewell for being disabled Finally, he pursued his further studies and took up his masters degree or graduate studies from the known universities like University of the East (UE) in Manila; Ateneo de Manila University; and University of the Philippines in

Los Banos (UPLB), where he was a Scholar of the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM). As a member of a Tausug Royalty, he is the descendant of Datu Hambuyong, one of the sons of Datu Sahid and

a younger brother of Datu Putoh. By means of a genealogy he is my uncle being the 2nd cousin of my late father Maharajah Jannaral Nassaie of Jatih Tunggal, a barangay belonging to Panabuan.

Aside from my own village of Jatih Tunggal, the members of Tuboh Panabuan are in different professions like members of diplomatic corps, medical doctors, dentists, lawyers, military and police, teachers, etc. They hail from

the following willages or barangays like Katian; Kan Iko; Kutah; Usao; Tugamot; Higad Bud; Lambayung; Langpas; Manggis; Sasak; and Karawan. For your Comments or Suggestions, please send your email to address-

es: munir1845media@ gmail.com, managinge ditor@philmuslim.toda y Mobile Phone: +639778430218. For your Comments/Suggestions please send an email to munir1845media@g mail.com, managingeditor@philmusli m.today

classified

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Vol. I, No. 42 | April 2 — 8, 2021 (Shaban 20 — 26, 1442)

SPECIAL REPORT | from Page A6

MSU System bares accomplishments in 2016-2020 (2) 12. Repair of CPAInstitute of Local Governance Building started on February 21, 2018 with a cost of P1,329,413.47 and is funded by GAA 2015 which is 100 percent completed. 13. Enhancement & Upgrading of Local Area Network started on November 21,2018 with a cost of P29,900,000.00 and is funded by GAA 2016 which is 100 percent completed. 14. Construction of MSU LAN Building started on November 21, 2018 with a cost of P5,100,000.00 and is funded by GAA 2016 which is 100 percent completed . 15. Repair of CSSH Old Academic Bldg. (OLD SSB) started on February 2,2019 with a cost of P24,100,000.00 and is funded by GAA 2017 which

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100 percent completed. Construction of Institute of Science Education Building started on March 12,2019 with a cost of P15,980,000.00 and is funded by GAA 2017 which is 100 percent completed. Construction of Graduate School Building started on March 12, 2019 with a cost of P10,200,000.00 and is funded by GAA 2017 which is 100 percent completed. Construction of Cultural Heritage Center Building started on November 21,2018 with a cost of P41,e350,000.0 0 and is funded by GAA 2018 which is 100 percent completed. Construction of Faculty Housing, Phase 1 started on November 21,2018

with a cost of P19,897,583.00 and is funded by GAA 2018 which is 100 percent completed. 20. Construction of the International Livelihood Center & Dormitory, Phase 1 started on January 18, 2020 with a cost of 24,250,000.00 and is funded by GAA 2019 which is 100 percent completed. Aside from the above, Dr. Macaayong is undertaking the following ongoing projects: 1. REPAIR OF DORMITORIES PLH NORTH &SOUTH, RIH NORTH AND SOUTH,RIH ADMIN BUILDING started on March 12, 2017 with a cost of P19,874,470.01 and is funded by GAA 2015 which is 98.95 percent completed. 2. Construction of MSU Main Campus, Perimeter Fence, Phase 1 started on October 6,2020 with a cost of P20,265,930.00

and is funded by GAA 2019 which is 72.55 percent completed. 3. Renovation and Improvement of the University Infirmary and Hospital started on July 13,2020 with a cost of P39,950,000.00 which is 50.25 percent completed. 4. International Livelihood Training & Dormitory Phase I started on January 4, 2019 and is funded by GAA 2019 which is 40 percent completed. He has also the following Projects for Implementation in 2021 and on Approved GAA 2021 List Of Program/ Infrastructure Projects: 1.1 MSU HOSPITAL & Learning Center with a total appropriation P75,000,000.00 1.2 Construction of Faculty Housing / Dormitory, Phase 2 with a total appropriation P20,000,000.00 1.3 SMART CAMPUS PROGRAM with a total appropriation of P2,000,000,000.00

1.4 PROCUREMENT OF DISTANCE LEARNING PLATFORM AND HOSTING OF MSU STUDENTS with a total appropriation of P500,000,000. 1.5 GENERAL MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISION with a total appropriation of P800,000.00 1.6 INTERNATIONAL LIVELIHOOD TRAINING CENTER AND DORMITORY PHASE II with a total appropriation P95,000,000.00 Other Projects 1.7MSU Cafeteria ( From Provincial Government of Lanao Del Sur) with a total appropriation of P8,500,000.00 1.8 200 Bed Faculty and Student Dormitory (From BARMM) with total appropriation of P40,000,000.00 1.9 400 Bed Student Dormitory (From People’s Republic of China) with a total appropriation of P55,000,000.00. The total appropriation of all these projects is P2,794,300,000.00 Meanwhile, just recently Macaayong led the kick-off ceremony of a P1 billion worth of Information and Com-

munications Technologies (ICT) modernization program. MSU official Zed Abantas said, “When this project is complete, MSU will be one of the most, if not the most, advanced in terms of ICT capability.” (RSOY) Abantas, a lawyer, said over the past five years, the Habib administration was able to achieve the following: 1. Complete one of the most numerous infrastructure projects in the university. 2. Recorded highest number of promoted faculty members. 3. Increased the amounts of allowances that scholars received. 4. For the first time in history, all the colleges in MSU Marawi received their own vehicles to ensure that they function at their best. Indeed, MSU is now more than ready to face the challenges of our new world. (RSOY)

DOTC | from Page A5

DOTC devolves more assets, functions to MoTC on CAB signing anniversary government peace accord with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), hitches in devolution processes were blamed to the agency-toagency power transfer scheme. Such odds as proven in the defunct DoTC-ARMM are avoided in the IGRB, being the single body to cause full devolution, Macacua said. Meaningful essence of events Mohagher Iqbal, MILF vice chair and BARMM education minister, attended Saturday’s event and called it a milestone in the evolution of autonomy, notably in the IGRB works. He co-chairs the IGRB for BARMM, with Finance Secretary Sonny Dominguez as counterpart from the national government. Iqbal said he was not in Saturday’s list of guest and host officials. But he said in his speech that he “volunteered” to bat in to

honor both the reckoning of the CAB signing and the devolution processes, in which he has been involved mainly. He signed as MILF peace panel chair in 2014 the CAB and the Framework of Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) in 2013. The FAB was the first major MILF-GPH peace deal that entailed “painstaking years” of talks. He admitted to the Philippine New Today news having “shed tears” during the signing of FAB. 50 percent devolution feat In his assessment of various national agencies that have devolved power and assets to BARMM so far, Iqbal said the trend indicated some 50 percent or “halfway” as he termed it. Among the agencies already devolved to BARMM, though some partially, are DoTC, the Departments of Educa-

tion, Interior and Local Government, Labor, Agriculture, Agrarian Reform, Environment and Natural Resources, Science and Technology, and Social Welfare and Development, among others, it was learned. The devolution process forms part of the political track provided in the CAB and BOL, meant to build the bureaucratic structures of the new autonomous region. Internally, it requires the passage by the parliament of enabling ordinances called education, administrative, local government, civil services, revenue and electoral codes, among others. The other CAB and BOL-stipulated thrust is called normalization track, which requires the decommissioning of MILF’s 40,000 combatant-members alongside their firearms and their transformation to peaceful and productive civilian life, with state-

mandated socioeconomic assistance packages. According to BARMM and national officials, the normalization track has so far seen only some 13,000 of the MILF’s total member-combatants, with the supposed continuing process being stunted by the advent of COVID19 pandemic that drew national focal attention and heavy resources. Need for BTA term extension The social movement restrictions, not to mention the national fund and focal attention shift, has equally stunted the operations of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), the interim governing body of BARMM, particularly in focus on in meeting the three-year timeline ending in 2022 for it to enact the fundamental ordinances, and cause acquisition of more national powers subject to devolution and the decommissioning process.

“These (natureinduced handicaps and hitches) constitute the very reason why we have asked for extension of BTA term (from 2022 to 2025) from the national government,” said Iqbal, who was confident Congress and the President will consider the clamor favorably. (Read a separate related story.) Once the BTA operation term is extended with the passages of fundamental codes and devolution process done, the Bangsamoro people will be “assured” of a robust autonomous government that will cater to their needs and concerns, Iqbal said. Turned over facilities, gadgets Saturday’s event here was highlighted by the dispersal by Minister Hermoso of vital facilities the MoTC produced and acquired under his watch, namely: A P8.5million speedboat with three engines at 25horsepower each; 50

desktops: 50 motorized boats (bancas) made of fiberglass; and 25 negosyo carts worth P25,000 each. The speedboat, also made of fiberglass with built-in comfort room, was manufactured in Sandakan, Malaysia and will assigned to theMaritime Transport-Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), an attached agency of MoTC, Hermoso said, adding two or three more units would be ordered for fabrication with two outboard engines each. The 50 desktops were donated to the MoTC by the Brown Font PR Agency led by Dr. Lucio Ceniza, past president of the Order of Eagles Fraternity, to which Hermoso belongs. The desktops will be proportionately awarded to attached MoTC agencies like the Land Transportation Office, LRFRB, Marina, and the Regional Port BACK TO EX-BIFF | A11