Philippine Muslim Today by Philippine Muslim Today

Ijtihad MEHOL K. SADAIN

The Muslim National Digital Newspaper | Bearer of Glad Tidings. 12 Pages | P20

Vol. I, No. 52 | June 11-17, 2021 (Shawwal 30 - Dhu’l Qidah 6, 1442)

SADAIN | A4

Establishment of Muslim cemeteries across

By ALI G. MACABALANG

where, ready to strike when people start to socialize and drop their guard, still terrifies the collective mind. Uncertainty rankles in our deep unconscious because what we thought as our old, unshakeable comfort zones were yanked from right under our feet, and our world turned upside down. Suddenly, we were not as free, nor as invincible, as we thought we were.

(FULL STORY ON PAGE A7)

INVESTIGATIVE REPORT:

Sultan Muedzul-Lail Tan By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL Kiram accuses T Mudarasulail A. Kiram as “Fake Sultan”

he 35th Sultan in the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo (Sabah) has issued stern warning to the Filipino people as well as to the residents of Sabah including those residing in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to disregard a man claiming to be a Sultan of Sulu and introducing himself as “Sultan Mudarasulail A. Kiram.” (FULL STORY ON PAGE A10)

A8 MINDANAO

MinDA, BARMM oppose Agus-Pulangi power plants’ sale

COTABATO CITY — The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) leadership have aired opposition to a planned sale of the state owned Agus-Pulangi hydropower complex, even as the latter announced willingness to buy out the facilities.

A7 NATIONAL

A6 ABROAD

Manila opens Islamic cemetery, cultural hall

Trauma haunts Gaza children after Israeli war

COTABATO CITY – The Manila City Government has opened the Islamic cemetery and cultural hall within the South Cemetery in San Andres district, less than a year after construction began to cater to the city’s Muslim community.

GAZA CITY, Palestine — Mohammad Alaf can’t forget the moment when a missile struck near his home in Gaza City during Israel’s bombardment of the Palestinian territory last month. The father of five recalls that the sound of explosions has left his 6-year old daughter’s in total panic.

A11 TOURISM/CULTURE

Lessons Learned Amid the Pandemic

BONGAO — The Tawi-Tawi settings or situation with regard to response in dealing with the Covid19 pandemic conforms with the national or regional advisories from the Department of Health through its local health implementers.

Editorial

Vol. I, No. 52 | June 11-17, 2021 (Shawwal 30-Dhu’l Qidah 6, 1442)

Philippine Muslim Today Inc. Co. Reg. No. 2021030008913-02 DATU YUSOPH B. MAMA Chairman, Board of Directors MASIDING NOOR YAHYA President/CEO JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL Vice President for Internal Affairs ALI G. MACABALANG Vice President for External Affairs

ROCAYA SUMNDAD OTICAL Treasurer

Message From the Chairman of the Board of Directors of PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY on the occasion of its First Anniversary

MACOD D. RASCAL Secretary CASAN C. CANA Auditor AMANODING ESMAIL Chairman, Special Committee on Administration & Finance

PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY MASIDING NOOR YAHYA Editor-In-Chief and Publisher JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL Managing Editor Bureau Chief for NCR & CALABARZON Regions ALI G. MACABALANG News Editor Bureau Chief for Bangsamoro & Central Mindanao Regions ROCAYA SUMNDAD OTICAL Bureau Chief for Northern Mindanao & CARAGA Regions JOHNNY R. LEE Bureau Chief for Western Mindanao Region FATIMA ORTIL-JANNARAL Advertising Sales Director for NCR NUR-ALI A. MACABALANG Correspondent AMIR HUSSEIN ABBAS Correspondent COLUMNISTS | WRITERS: ATTY. HOMOBONO A. ADAZA IMADODIN BASAR DIMAO ATTY. JUAN PONCE ENRILE JOHNNY R. LEE, Ph.D ATTY. MEHOL K. SADAIN MA. FHEBIE ORTIL DISCLAIMER: Opinion of the writer expressed herein is not necessarily the opinion of Philippine Muslim Today nor of its management. TEMPORARY BUSINESS OFFICE:

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Front page of PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY previous issue.

‫السالم عليكم ورحمة هللا وبركاته‬ Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu. The quest for genuine self-determination of a people finds no better or ready manifestation in the modern world than its capacity to truthfully and sincerely express the aspirations and the factual situation of the indigenous natives of the land through mass media. We believe, in the Philippine Muslim Today, that this is but one of the many binding missions that has brought together like-minded professionals and patrons in the news industry which has begun this noble endeavor of ours in service to the greater Muslim Mindanao region and the Filipino nation. The Philippine Muslim Today's 1st year anniversary is all the more timely and momentous given that this Special Anniversary Issue also coincides with the celebration of Philippine Independence Day (June 12) which serves as a reminder to all of us to value the sacrifices and selfless efforts, including the early propaganda initiatives, of our own patriots and national heroes in their dreams of breaking the shackles of unnecessary foreign colonial rule that intended to unduly shape and dominate our own narrative for centuries. This truth should inspire us further in realizing that a great responsibility rests on the shoulders of the purveyors and advocates of the journalistic Datu Yusoph Buyog Mama craft, since we are championing the best interests of our countrymen through truthful reportage without fear or favor. It is in the spirit of the above that I wish to send my warmest congratulations to the men and women behind the Philippine Muslim Today, our friends in the Bangsamoro and various national sectors who continue to patronize our platform and especially to our brilliant and indefatigable veteran news editors, for reaching this important milestone as the country's first Philippine Muslim digital news journal. May the Philippine Muslim Today continue to thrive and innovate, in spite of the challenges of the times, and may we prove to be trustworthy allies in nation-building especially in promoting and defending the fourth estate of modern human society following the internationally recognized core principles of ethical journalism: reporting the truth, ensuring transparency, and serving the community. May the Almighty Allah (SWT) bless our sincere leaders, the Bangsamoro people, and the Filipino nation. Mabuhay!

DATU YUSOPH B. MAMA Masirikampo sa Marawi (Traditional Royal Ruler of Marawi) And Chairman of the Board, Philippine Muslim Today

Opinion

Diliman Way

nfortunately for us in the Philippines, we have had a number of Presidents who are perfect examples of the statement of Kissinger – Corazon Aquino, Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Benigno Simeon Aquino III and Rodrigo Roa Duterte. Something is definitely wrong with millions of Americas – racism, recurrent shooting of people almost everywhere from California to New York, revival of antiSemitism, insane fanaticism so prevalent in the Republican Party and anti-democratic forces almost everywhere. Yes, sir, millions of Americas seem lost. They refuse to think. They refuse to be rational. They frown at its beginnings. They are captives of Trump whose ideas are unquestionably insane, if not irrational – anti-democratic, neo -Nazi and catering to weird thoughts about life and the human condition. Origin: America is a country built by immi-

grants – Puritan to Huguenot, Chinaman to Mexican. Filipino to Cuban, Polish to Saudi, Libyan to South African, French to Briton, Yugoslav to Swedish, Vietnamese to Korean and many other nationalities. America has become a refuge for the prosecuted and dreamers. But that was the America of Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Woodrow Wilson, Franklin Delano Roosevelt and John Fitzgerald Kennedy. America does not belong to the white Americans. They stole the land from the original owners of the land – the Red Americans. The white conquerors had to tap slave labor from Africa to develop the country. Without the help of colored immigrants, America will not be what it is today. The whites should realize that. Rationality, Trump and democracy: Many front liners in America are colored Americans or hired colored nurses, doctors and many

other colored migrants or hired hands. So white Americans should not treat colored people like trash. Whites are no better than colored human beings. Barack Obama is a thousand times better than the lunatic Donald Trump. Obama’s election as President of the United States is an affirmation of the rationality and sanity of the majority of American voters. Only a few years from Obama, American voters suddenly became irrational by electing Donald J. Trump as President of the United States – irrational, disturbed and insanely going for more wealth, more power, more influence and more sex. In a genuine democracy, the election of Trump as President of the country is an aberration. The way things are happening in America, however, Trumpism is beginning to disturb the whole country and many countries which are interested in the preservation of democracy as a system of

Southern Frontier

The one term provision for President of the Republic in the Cory Aquino commissioned constitution is an antithesis for sustainable development. To a certain extent, it is a vindictive constitution, notwithstanding the negative implications it carry with it. Even the most hardworking President like President Rody R. Duterte, fondly called as “Digong” by friends and supporters, can only do so much within 6 years. Fortunately for him, the Filipinos has everything

to thank him, for he has outpaced all his predecessors as far as performance and accomplishments, especially in infrastructures, pursuant to its “BUILD, BUILD, BUILD” Flagship Program. If we look around our immediate neighbors in Southeast Asia and Asia generally, like Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, China, as well as in the Middle East Arab region, they prosper so much compared to other countries because of their long

WHERE IS AMERICA GOING?

“What the Hell is wrong with us.” -Governor Gavin Newsom. California, USA

Vol. I, No. 52 | June 11-17, 2021 (Shawwal 30-Dhu’l Qidah 6, 1442)

government and a way of life. Why? Trump is not only weird, he is visibly irrational and a bad imitation of Adolf Hitler and Joseph Goebbels. Trump believes that lie is an effective weapon for the capture of political power and the promotion of his beliefs. Concrete example of this is his telling America even months before 2020 elections that if he would lose, it is only due to massive cheating. When he lost, he continued with this lie up to this day. The base and the Republican Party: There is no dispute that Trump has a base – not a Republican Party base. That is why in his isolation from Miami, Florida he has terrified Republicans of the probability of his running again for President in 2024 or going back any time before the presidential election in 2024 through a coup d’etat as hinted by Trump’s National Security Adviser, General Michael Flynt. No wonder even Republican Senate leader McConnell did everything to block the creation of a Commission to investigate the January 6, 2021 storming of the Capitol which, if it had

succeeded, would have prevented the proclamation of duly elected President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris and instead proclaimed the losers – Trump and Mike Pence. It was former President Trump who told the crowd to march to the Capitol to force Congress to stop the Biden-Harris proclamation. He even said he would join them – but the coward that he is, he did not join - contrary to his public pronouncement before the crowd. It was a frustrated coup to destroy American democracy and install the defeated candidates – Trump and Spence. If that is not derangement, I don’t know what is. January 6, 2021 rebellion and developing events: There was overwhelming majority in America which condemned the Trump insurrection. The incident was a direct attack at the American Constitution and her democratic institutions. Top leaders of the Republican Party in both Houses of Congress blamed Trump for the insurrection. But it did not take long for these men to reverse gear after knowing that Trump has taken hold of millions of Americans.

As Goebbels said almost a century ago, a lie repeated many times becomes the truth. This is what former President Trump has been doing. He continues to threaten Republican leaders they better sing a chorus with him that he was cheated in the last 2020 elections otherwise if they don’t, they will all lose in the 2022 mid-term elections. From the reactions of the Trump base, the threat of Trump appears to have a grain of truth. Why? The majority of the American senators and representatives have joined the Trump line. In four major issues – the creation of a Commission to investigate the January 6, 2021 Capitol insurrection, the infrastructure bill, and the abolition of the Senate interminable, unlimited longwinded speeches to frustrate the passage of urgent measures and the voting rights bills in many states to limit accessing to voting – the Republicans have irrationally strengthened their forces, so there will be no investigation of the Capitol insurrection, the infrastructure bill will be whittled down, the voting rights of citizens will have so many restrictions as being done in many State controlled by ReADAZA | A12

What does a Duterte-Duterte tandem or a Daughter and Father Team means to us?

serving visionary leaders that catapulted their respective countries to their current economic tiger status and high standard of living. What we do not have in the Philippines is continuity and sustainability due to the constraint in the Cory commissioned Constitution that only provided for one term for the President of the Republic. Since no President wants to stand under the shadow of his/her predecessor, a one term President tries to

custom-fit all the programs of his administration in his image and in his name by discontinuing even the good and beneficial programs of his predecessors. As I observed, most if not all, of the successors of President Ferdinand E. Marcos were more focused in undoing what he did for the country, including the many good things the Marcoses put up like the creation of relevant government corporations so that the state will not be at the mercy of the unscrupulous and greedy oligarchs, in-

stead of strenthening the relevant state owned and controlled corporations, they sold and privatized it all, maybe because they reap huge profits from it. The next President must be able to reestablish the glory of government enterprises, address the nagging power shortage throughout the ciuntry, communist insurgency, poverty and the full development of Mindanao in all aspects. Noticeably, most of the mega infrastructures of the Duterte administration

are in Luzon and some in Visayas, leaving Mindanao wondering why it is left out? The much touted Mindanao Railway System had not still taken off at all! A Duterte-Duterte tandem and administration means stability, continuity, peace and prosperity and hopefully, a time for Mindanao to truly rise and shine as the Southern Frontier of the Philippines! The author, ABDULGHANI “Gerry” A. SALAPUDDIN is the Administrator/CEO of Southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA).

Opinion

Vol. I, No. 52 | June 11-17, 2021 (Shawwal 30-Dhu’l Qidah 6, 1442)

Ijtihad

his pandemic has been with us for more than a year now. It has taken a heavy toll on humanity; in different forms and different degrees. Some lament the loss of love ones and the things they used to enjoy; the company of friends, and places they frequent. They are uncertain when the disease will be controlled, and things will normalize. For now, even with the coming of the vaccines and the start of the mass inoculations, the apprehension that the virus is just lurking somewhere, ready to strike when people start to socialize and drop their guard, still terrifies the collective mind. Uncertainty rankles in our deep unconscious because what we thought as our old, unshakeable comfort zones were yanked from right under our feet, and our world turned upside down. Suddenly, we were not as free, nor as invincible, as we thought we were.

But if we look deeper, all these things we are now missing, are "externals": things, people, places; and the "limitations" we thought were suddenly imposed on us. When we think back into our past, many of these “limitations” and “restrictions”, used to be our "normal activities" before we adopted all these technological developments. In the past, we or our forefathers, were not fond of going to fancy restaurants. We did not have malls, and theaters in malls, and huge supermarkets with airconditioning to boot. We did not have jet planes and other means of fast mass transport. And yet our forefathers who are all dead by now (and we who have grown older), somehow made do with what they had, emerged happy and satisfied, and lived a full life. Why? If we can answer this question, and

MILESTONES

truly live the answer, then there will be no reason for us to be sad and lamenting. You see, all these things we have lost or are missing, are actually "externals" to us. They are what we made our world to be. They are not innate to us. What is innate to us are ourselves and what we are inside. And what we are inside is our God-given soul and spirit, the unseen but sentient parts of us. They are the “us” that ALLAH in the Noble Qur’an says will be “raised in degrees” among those who are believers and endowed with knowledge: “O you who believe! When it is said unto you, ‘make room for one another in the assemblies,’ then make room, and ALLAH will make room for you. And when it is said, ‘Rise’, then rise, and ALLAH will raise in degrees those among you who believe and those who have been given

knowledge.” [Surah 58: Verse 11] In this beautiful verse, “making room for one another” is the accommodation, tolerance and kindness people bestow on each other in life’s “assemblies” so that they can all listen to the message of ALLAH. And when this act is undertaken by the faithful, ALLAH Himself “makes room” for them, which is a figurative speech for expanding their understanding and increasing their blessings. Thus, are they able “to rise” when ALLAH tells them to rise, for they now fully deserve the exaltation or the “raising in degree” that ALLAH will confer on them. When we therefore, turn into ourselves in this time of the pandemic, we return to the righteousness of our inner selves, and set aside our “externals”. We emasculate our "externals", focusing on our inner selves: the ones that fall in line in the assemblies of believers so they may

hear the unchanging message of ALLAH. If we think this way, we realize that perhaps this pandemic is presenting us a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reconnect with our inner beings, instead of scattering our potentials chasing after our external realities. We do not have to be extremely religious about all this, although it helps if we already have faith in a Supreme Being. We just have to turn inside, and look at ourselves: how our body functions, how we think, how we age or have aged, and we will realize that we are alive, and we did not generate our lives by ourselves. Someone else did! It is a realization we get as we move inside ourselves, and it is a realization that is rooted and grounded in us, instead of outside us. It is a realization of the meaninglessness of the “externals” and the importance of the inner selves. This importance is rooted in the capacity of the inner self to connect

to a Higher Being, the One whom we realize created our complicated physical body and brain. We get the magical realization of Someone making things possible, with the magic coming from within us, and giving us that “connection” with God. It is a "connection" that has always been in us and with us, like an electrical outlet waiting for a plug. We cannot have this when we always look outside. But when we turn inside, we find it in us, as it has always been with us. We just did not look hard enough because we were busy looking somewhere else. So perhaps this pandemic is giving us ample time to look inside us, so we can see the outlet that has always been there, and we can turn our lives into plugs so each of us can plug in and behold the Light and the Power that we have missed all these times. This then will be the real milestone in our life. MKS

AN ESSAY

“FROM THE RIVER TO THE SEA”: THE PALESTINIAN ORDEAL by RONNIE LEE

alestinian nationalism rose as an anti-colonial movement from 1882 to 1948, and to this day, Palestine continues to fight and claw its way to independence. To the misinformed, the movement may seem to be violent acts of terrorism that are anti-Semitic in its roots. But that is a far cry from the truth. And the truth is this: the people of Palestine simply wish to be treated like humans. To have a homeland free from military rule. To never again worry about their safety, or hear the explosions of rockets. To roam free on the streets and live peacefully in their homes without worries of forced eviction. The continuing provocation by the state of Israel against the freedom-loving Palestinians will only increase the likelihood of future retaliation. The recent conflict brought to light once more the harrowing plight of the Palestinians. We are not only reminded of Palestine’s never-ending fight for freedom,

“Apartheid is a crime against humanity. Israel has deprived millions of Palestinians of their liberty and property. It has perpetuated a system of gross racial discrimination and inequality. It has systematically incarcerated and tortured thousands of Palestinians, contrary to the rules of international law. It has, in particular, waged a war against a civilian population, in particular children.” but also how the rest of the world has failed to help the oppressed people of Palestine. Instead of branding these people as terrorists, democratic nations must support and start to legitimize the Palestinian struggle. Marc Lamont Hill, a former CNN commentator, delivered a speech at the U.N. in support of the Palestinians’ self-determination. He put into words what nations should strive to bring to reality. He said, “We must advocate and promote

non-violence at every opportunity. But we cannot endorse a narrow politics of respectability that shames Palestinians for resisting, for refusing to do nothing in the face of state violence and ethnic cleansing. We have an opportunity to not just offer solidarity in words but to commit to political action, grass -roots action, local action, and international action that will give us what justice requires. And that is a free Palestine from the river to the sea.” The persistent march of the Palestinian people toward liberation from oppression and tyranny is not measured by the number of steps they make, but by the loudness of their steps towards freedom. But because they continue to be silenced by their oppressors, the rest of the world must march louder than ever before, in solidarity with and for Palestine. PMT

Opinion

Batanes to Tawi-Tawi

nmindful of the efficacy of vaccines in this COVID-19 pandemic era, where some calls it as true and effective vaccine while others do not call it as fake, but they say it is not effective and have many adverse effects. I myself is too confused at this time which one is true news or which one is fake. My friends are asking me if I am vaccinated already and I said not yet since I am still in the state of confusion. They said they are done with the 1st and 2nd doses. Is there anyone who can attest that the vaccines are really safe and have no adverse effects, then I might change my mind and to

have vaccination finally. By the way thanks to the Almighty Allah that my younger brother Hann was able to survive the menace of C0VID-19 in Jolo. He was just released last week from the Sulu Sanitarium Hospital, a COVID19 facility in downtown Jolo. In fact along with this 52nd Issue of the Philippine Muslim Today I have published his testimony, titled: “Testimony of a Survivor: I have survived COVID-19 in Jolo.” He attested that COVID-19 is really a real pandemic that should not be taken for granted. Hence, with my own brother’s testimony this might con-

IMADODIN BASAR DIMAO

igh hopes for the passage of bills deferring the 2022 election of members of the Bangsamoro Parliament have, I should say, died in the second regular sessions of the 18th Congress. Islamic Psychology, really?! Yes, you hear it right. In fact, there is no single aspect in life but Islam has already dealt with it. Before I start this write-up, I want to shed light on a misconception I believe it has to be addressed mindfully: That is to not accommodate the importance of emerging knowledge and discoveries through the years of studies that are mostly from the west for us being Muslim. Therefore, we have seen: we are already far left behind compared to others and still getting farther backward. But of course, we understand there should not be any room for innovation

or Bid’ah when it comes to religious practices or Iba’da’t and belief under any circumstances; it rather should be in accordance with how they were performed and applied by the prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him) and his companions, or the so-called in Shariah lexicon as Tawqifiyyah, meaning it has to be on prophetic way of practices – the nature of Iba’da’t – in which every Muslim is critically advised to learn and follow. However, pardon me to say that on the contrary, it’s not the case for life because we ought to innovate and discover new things and stuff toward betterment every single day emotionally, physically, and socially in which we should adapt what life brings to us to make sure we are on the track. Unfortunately, some are still or even fighting so hard

Vol. I, No. 52 | June 11-17, 2021 (Shawwal 30-Dhu’l Qidah 6, 1442)

True vs Fake News are really confusing

vince my mind to finally accept the 1st and 2nd jabs of the vaccines and be inoculated too. In other words, barring aside the confusion I should think twice that vaccines are a must for all of us. But can a health expert explain to me too that those published at Facebook are really fake news that one should not believe since those are fake news after all do not merit serious attention. Well so much with true and fake news about vaccines, there is now a controversy going on about the legitimate and fake Sultan of Sulu. His Majesty Sultan Muedzu-Lail Tan Kiram of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo

(Sabah) felt aggrieved of the denial or infringement of his legal rights that someone is in town and parading himself as the only legitimate Sultan of Sulu in the Philippines. In fact anyone who would like to get a comprehensive narrative about this controversy may also read the banner headline of the Vol. 1, No. 52 Issue authored by this Columnist. At this point, may I introduce to our readers the guy named Paijal Alastam bin Naim who is introducing himself as the legitimate Sultan of Sulu with the name of Mudarasulail Alastam Kiram from Sabah. He claimed to be one of the sons of the late Sultan Mahakuttah Abdulla Ki-

ram. Therefore, he is a brother of the legitimate Sultan Muedzu-Lail Tan Kiram, which the latter vehemently denied. But instead labeled Mudarasulail A. Kiram as a fake Sultan and is not even of Royal Blood. Then this Columnist learned that this fake Sultan has tentacles everywhere already. Just imagine even big news outfits like the CNN and PIA (Philippine Information Agency) have started to believe the lies and deceptions that he peddled in town who believed in him hook line and sinker of his legitimacy as Sultan of Sulu. To cut the story short, Sultan MuedzuLail has called upon NBI Director Eric B. Distor to organize an NBI arresting team in

order to conduct a full dressed investigation on the suspect; coordinate with the National Statistician and Head of Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Lisa Grace S. Bersales to declare the Birth Certificate of Paijal Alastam Naim whose late birth registration was entered as Mudarasulail Alastam Naim to declare it void ab initio; and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. to cancel the Passport issued to the fake Sultan under the name of Mudarasulail Alastam Kiram because it was secured by virtue of the spurious supporting documents. Hence, it is also void ab initio. For your Comments/ Suggestions, please send an email to: julmunir1845@gmail.com

Towards happy marriage (3):

The roles of Islamic Psychology and Counseling in preventing divorce for the principles and perceptions in the name of religion that were produced decades ago, and they are obviously no longer relevant in our time though they were from scholars of the specific eras, because our world is quite far from theirs then. It’s therefore necessary for us to understand that to foresee the consequences of the matter we are going to commit is considered an effective remedy itself rather than to have remorse that will be internally part of our life – it might awaken us in the middle of the night out of conscience simply because it was taken for granted or messed up. That said, I would like to share some negative effects of Divorce once it’s finalized categorically. By the way, we have to keep in mind that the main purpose of learning and education is to either discern whatever

is beneficial to us or to avoid those that may affect our well-being. To society We know that the strength of the foundation of every society depends on the resilience of every family wherein the future is expected to come out – the young generation. A healthy family that revolves around Islamic teachings and principles understands its proportional contribution to the building of a great nation in general, so does the rest of every family. Imagine a small stone in the middle of rocks sounded and formed a mineral spring – providing refreshing water to the people – thought it needed not be there concerning its small size, so decided to find a way and left, and thus a small piece of leakage existed that destroyed the whole spring at the end. If that was the case, how far the pressing situation of countless divorces can tear us

apart and degrade the progress of our dying society of so many other issues. Is it because of our growing numbers or side-by-side mosques and mada’ris?! I don’t think so as Islam promotes peace and unity. To brotherhood or kinship We Bangsamoro are one of the richest people in preserving our identity wherein our ancestors have historically sacrificed their lives to protect it, and some believed that it is the meaning and soul of Moro in us – no regret, no surrender. Although I’m not in favor of excessive tarps by any means, I still believe that it is out of pride – a pride that connotes positive outlooks, not the one Satanic way to us – whenever one of our bloodlines has reached a milestone in life. Unfortunately, here comes the divorce that will disband all of these piece by piece. To the spouse Yes, it’s logically

accepted that some couples might end in separation as the last recourse for the benefit of both when the wisdom of marriage is no longer attainable and after having exhausted all possible means for reconciliation. However, its negative effects for both parties are beyond our imagination. It’s a twofold outcome that they might lose to appreciate the affection of every successful marriage for the rest of life: the moment that there is someone that openly accepts us while everyone else closes the door for us. Or they might get nearer to the flames of malicious gossip in the eyes of Shariah that are usually prevented by the strength and power of our faith and fear of Allah or the Taqwa. In fact, there is no protection in temptations, and no one is immune from it without the presence of our Deen that encourages capable men to get married. DIMAO | A13

World News

Vol. I, No. 52 | June 11-17, 2021 (Shawwal 30-Dhu’l Qidah 6, 1442)

Pakistani court overturns death row Christian couple's blasphemy conviction

AHORE, Pakistan (CNN) - A Pakistani court on Thursday overturned the death sentence of a Christian couple in a blasphemy A lower court had sentenced Shafqat Emmanuel, a watchman at a factory, and his wife, Shagufta Kausar, to death in 2014 for allegedly sending derogatory remarks about the Muslim prophet Mohammed in a text message to another man, Khalid Maqsood. The couple's lawyer, Saif-ul-Malook, told Reuters the Lahore High Court had acquitted the couple in the case in the central town of Toba Tek Singh. A detailed order from the court was expected in the next two days, he said. Prosecution lawyer Ghulam Mustafa Chaudhry told Reuters the prosecution would employ all available remedies against the decision. Insulting the prophet carries a mandatory death penalty in the pre-

case, acquitting them for lack of evidence after they had spent seven years on death row, lawyers said.

PAKISTAN COURT: A Lahore High Court in Pakistan overturns the death sentence on Christian couple convicted of blasphemy. (Contributed Photo) dominantly Muslim country. Pakistan's blasphemy laws have long been criticized by global rights groups.

"Today's decision puts an end to the seven-year long ordeal of a couple who should not have been convicted nor

faced a death sentence in the first place," Amnesty International's South Asia Deputy Director Dinushika Dissanayake said in a statement, calling on authorities to provide security to the couple and their lawyer. The acquitted couple was named in a European Union Parliament resolution passed in April that called for stripping the trade exemptions given by the bloc to Pakistan's exports, saying the country had failed to stem rising blasphemy accusations. Pakistan is often hit by vigilante violence against people accused of blasphemy. Last month, a mob broke into a police station on the outskirts of the capital, Islamabad, in a bid to lynch two men accused of desecrating a mosque. CNN

Trauma haunts Gaza children after Israeli war EXPERTS SAY ISRAELI ATTACKS DAMAGE MENTAL HEALTH OF PALESTINIAN CHILDREN GAZA CITY, Palestine — Mohammad Alaf can’t forget the moment when a missile struck near his home in Gaza City during Israel’s bombardment of the Palestinian territory last month. The father of five recalls that the sound of explosions has left his 6 -year old daughter’s in total panic. “I felt her heart will stop. She was living real horror,” Alaf told Anadolu Agency. The following day, his daughter has become completely speechless and withdrawn. “She was living a trauma and was unable to sleep for more than 24 hours,” her father said. “Is this what Israel was seeking to achieve?” At least 260 Palestinians were killed and thousands injured in 11 days of Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip on May 11. Sixty-six children and 39 women

Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi faces new corruption charge

By SALAM ABU SHARAR

Aung San Suu Kyi (Anadolu photo) JAKARTA, Indonesia – Myanmar’s deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been hit with fresh corruption charges by the military junta, according to state-run media on Thursday. The Anti-Corruption Commission found that Suu Kyi illegally accepted USD600,000 and gold from the former chief minister of Yangon, the Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper reported. The paper said she also misused her authority in renting 1.86 acres of land and building in Bahan Township to open Daw Khin Kyi Foundation headquarters, where she served as chairwoman. It said Suu Kyi was charged under AntiCorruption Law section 55, which provides for up to 15 years in prison for those found guilty, adding that her next trial is scheduled for June 14. Suu Kyi and other leaders of her government were taken into custody on Feb.1 as the army seized power. She is also defending herself against other alleged offenses said to be politically motivated including the possession of unlicensed walkietalkies, violating coronavirus restrictions, and breaching the Official Secrets Act. The takeover has led to months of demonstrations and a mass civil disobedience movement, which has been met with brutal force. As many as 858 people have been killed in the crackdown, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, a local monitoring group. ANADOLU

WHO approves China's Sinovac Covid-19 vaccine for emergency use

were among those killed in the onslaught. Thirteen Israelis were also killed by Palestinian rocket fire from the Gaza Strip. The fighting, the fiercest in years, erupted against the backdrop of an Israeli court ruling to evict eight Palestinian families from their homes in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in occupied East Jerusalem in favor of settlement groups. The violence came to a halt under an Egyptian-

brokered truce that came into effect on May 21. Trauma Alaf, whose children are aged between 3 and 15, said his kids have lived long days of anticipation and kept asking about what will happen to their relatives and friends nearby in case of Israeli attacks in the area. “They were asking me what will happen to children who live in these buildings, or if the warplanes will bomb

our home,” he said. “Their questions showed how much they were afraid of being killed under the rubble of their home. Unfortunately, I did not have an answer about their questions.” To ease their panic, Alaf engaged his children in activities like drawing, singing, storytelling and games in an attempt to reassure them amid the Israeli onslaught. TRAUMA | A12

(CNN) - The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved a Covid-19 vaccine made by Chinese pharmaceutical company Sinovac for emergency use. The decision will allow CoronaVac to be used in WHO's vaccine-sharing program, COVAX, which seeks to provide equitable global access to immunizations. It is the second Chinese vaccine given WHO approval after Sinopharm was approved in early May. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at a news briefing Tuesday that CoronaVac was "found to be safe, effective, and quality-assured following two doses of the inactivated vaccine." WHO's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) has recommended the vaccine for people over 18. Two doses should be spaced between two and four weeks. Unlike some other vaccines, CoronaVac doesn't need to be kept at super-cold temperatures. "The easy storage requirements of CoronaVac make it very suitable for low-resource settings," Tedros said. "It's now crucial to get these lifesaving tools to the people that need them quickly." HELEN REAGAN AND VIRGINIA LANGMAID

Across PH

Manila opens Islamic cemetery, cultural hall COTABATO CITY – The Manila City Government has opened the Islamic cemetery and cultural hall within the South Cemetery in San Andres district, less than a year after construction began to cater to the city’s Muslim community.

MANILA ISLAMIC CEMETERY INAUGURATED: Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Damaguso and Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna poised to cut the inaugural ribbon for the P49.3-million Islamic Cemetery and Cultural Hall in San Andres on Monday. (Supplied photos) , the mayor joining invited Muslim officials in a solemn prayer inside the facility performed by Ali Fatani Abdul Malik, the Mayor and NCMF Secretary Saidamen Pangarungan in a huddle at the launch of construction works in July 2020, and Maguindanao Rep. Esmael Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Damagoso led the grand opening ceremony of the 2,400-square meter facility, which entailed the city government at least P49.3-million allocation. Stakeholders were all praises for the completion of the facility, which started constructing in July 2020 in formal rites led by Mayor Isko and National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Secretary Saidamen Pangarungan. It may be recalled that NCMF officials had earlier met with the mayor and inspired him to permit the formation of a Muslim consultative council in the premiere city, and possibly set aside an Islamic cemetery to end perennial odds confronting Muslim residents. Mayor Isko instantly approved both quests, as the city legislature presided by Vice Mayor Dr. Maria Sheilah Lacuna-Pangan, concurred the approval and allocated P49.4 million for the project budget after the Muslim consultative body had been organized. In his speech on Monday’s event, Moreno acknowledged that the lack of sufficient burial grounds has long been the predicament of Muslim settlers in the city, coupled with the Islamic belief that the body of their deceased should be buried within 24-hours after death. “Iyong mga kababayan nating Muslim, kapag sumasakabilang buhay, natataranta, saan ba nila ililibing ang mahal nila sa buhay sa Maynila… Minsan kailangan pang dalhin sa Mindanao. Paano kung pobre, paano kung squatter? Wala namang pera, but they have to do it,” Moreno said during a speech in the inauguration of the facility. (Our Muslim residents are always in quandary as to where they will bury the remains of their loved ones in Manila… Sometimes they even need to bring the body to Mindanao. What if they’re poor, what if they are from the slums? They have no money, but they have to do it.) The mayor likewise apologized to the Muslim settlers for what he said was an oversight of the city government in past concerns involving them. “This is yours, this is our offering and acceptance of our shortcomings as a city government,” he said amid applauses by Muslim residents led by invited prominent officials from the Islamic faith from different parts of the country. Among the invited dignitaries was Maguindanao 2nd District Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu, who helped dramatize Monday’s ceremony asking Mayor Isko to join Muslim stakeholders in solemn prayer inside the cultural hall. MANILA | A11

Vol. I, No. 52 | June 11-17, 2021 (Shawwal 30-Dhu’l Qidah 6, 1442)

Establishment of Muslim cemeteries across PH pushed By ALI G. MACABALANG

aguindanao Congressman Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu is pushing for the mandatory opening of Islamic cemeteries in all communities in the country with sizeable Rep. Mangudadatu, representing the second district of Maguindanao, has filed on Monday a bill “requiring all local government units (LGUs) in the Philippines to allocate suitable land spaces for establishment of public cemeteries for Muslim Filipinos, providing some guidelines and for other purposes.” He filed the enabling bill shortly after he attended the symbolic inaugural opening the P49.3-milliion Islamic Cemetery and Cultural Hall in San Andres District by Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Damagoso and Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna alongside prominent Muslim dignitaries in the premiere city and across the country. (Read a separate story on the Islamic cemetery inauguration.) Beverly Ballitoc,

Muslim population to squarely address age-old controversies arising from lack of facilities for swift burial of their departed members.

MUSLIM CEMETERIES ACROSS PH PUSHED: Maguindanao 2nd District Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu is pushing for the establishement of Islamic cemeteries across the country. (File photo.) Mangudadatu’s legislative staff, said has long been crafted by her boss following consultations with legal luminaries and Islamic clerics alongside the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF). The bill crafting took a cue from Cotabatobased journalists, who visited him in early 2020

and inspired him to look into possible replication to a national scope of a regional law requiring LGUs in the defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao). The local law was authored by the lawmaker’s younger sibling, former ARMM Assemblyman and now Bangsamoro Parliament Member

Khadafeh “Toy” Mangudadatu. In his bill’s explanatory note, Rep. Mangudadatu underscored the need for LGUs in the country with sizeable Muslim residents to provide areas for the establishment of Islamic graveyards to end perennial tussles arising between LGUs and their Muslim residents in incidents of burying cadavers in accordance with Islamic faith and mandates. Citing NCMF data, he said there are 12,699,550 Filipino Muslims across the country scattered at 206,644 in Region I; 183,068 in Region II; 240,121 in Region III; 39,503 in CAR; 566,648 in NCR; 726,103 in Region IV; 309,331 in Region V; 225,099 in Region VI; 487,438 in Region VII; 324,504 MUSLIM | A12

Leaving No One Behind

DSWD, POPCOM join forces to uplift lives of teen moms, kids

ANILA – The Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Commission on Population and Development will combine efforts and resources to combat the adverse effects of adolescent pregnancies in the country, as both agencies are set to institute a social protection program for teenage mothers and their children, or SPPTMC. This, as the national government has directed DSWD and POPCOM to undertake the social protection mechanism as a means to alleviate the resultant financial burdens of unintended pregnancies of mothers who are 10 to 19 years old, as well as those of their families. In January, the Senate of the Philippines tasked DSWD and POPCOM to oversee such a program. According to a special provision of the 2021 General Appropriations Act,

Social Welfare Secretary Rolando Joselito D. Bautista (left) and Undersecretary Juan Antonio Perez III ink the partnership between DSWD and POPCOM for the rollout of the social protection for teenage mothers and their children. (POPCOM Supplied Photo) (MOA)-signing DSWD “shall develop a ment between Social Welfare social protection proSecretary Rolando D. gram specifically for Bautista and Undersecteenage mothers who retary for Population are minors and their children,” while POP- and Development Juan COM “shall develop Antonio Perez III, MD, MPH on June 10. recommendations for a The MOA covers the social protection program for teen-aged development of an information system to mothers and their chilidentify teen moms and dren. This shall be submitted to DSWD for their children nationwide, the health serintegration in their existing social-protection vices they can access and avail, nutrition supprogram.” port, mental-health, The collaboration ability to return to between DSWD and school, and a social POPCOM was formalamelioration program to ized through a virtual support those belonging memorandum of agreeto the lowest socioeco-

nomic bracket until they are able to find gainful work or livelihood, among others. No one left behind— including young mothers Providing context to the initiative, Perez said, “It has been established that adolescent mothers are at a gross disadvantage in terms of potential earnings in their lifetime, making them more economically vulnerable in life— compared to their peers who have finished secondary education and have yet to bear children.” The POPCOM chief noted that the lifetime earnings foregone of teenage moms is “at least four times less than what they are supposed to receive. Likewise, their condition will bear heavily on a families’ savings by about one-third of every unplanned pregnancy. Thus, we see this social protection initiative as a means to ease DSWD | A14

Across Mindanao

Vol. I, No. 52 | June 11-17, 2021 (Shawwal 30-Dhu’l Qidah 6, 1442)

MinDA, BARMM oppose Agus-Pulangi power plants’ sale By ALI G. MACABALANG

OTABATO CITY — The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) leadership have aired op-

position to a planned sale of the state owned Agus-Pulangi hydropower complex, even as the latter announced willingness to buy out the facilities.

MinDA Chair Manny Pinol and MILG Minister Naguib Sinarimbo MinDA Chair Manny Piñol and BARMM spokesman cum Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo have aired on separate occasions their resentment against the privatizing the hydropower plants as envisioned lately by national officials, notably those from the Department of Energy (DoE). Secretary Piñol batted for the government to retain ownership and control of the AgusPulangi Hydropower Complex (APHC), recommending though for an enhancement in the management and operations of the facilities. “MinDA’s position is against the privatization (of APHC), which is deemed best left in the hands of the government but defining its role in an era of market competition. We need these assets to not just tame future supply volatilities but also continue fulfilling its obligation to serve especially the marginalized areas,” Piñol wrote in a Facebook post last Sunday. In an interview with the Philippine Muslim Today news, Minister Sinarimbo, a lawyer, has conveyed a bolder stance in opposing the planned APHC privatization, saying the BARMM government would be “ready and willing to buy out” the

facilities. “The people of BARMM are major stakeholders in the APHC operations, and we should have the priority to buy the facilities in case the government will pursue the planned sale,” Sinarimbo said. The APHC covers two facilities: The Agus Power Plant Complex comprising six power plants along Agus River, the main outlet of Lake Lanao in Lanao del Sur; and the Pulangi IV Hydroelectric Power Plant located on the Pulangi River near Maramag in Bukidnon. Lanao del Sur is a component province of BARMM, even as Lake Lanao is the main inland water in the autonomous region. Pulangi River is one of two major rivers crossing Maguindanao, also a BARMM component, and is deemed with great significance to the Sultanate of the province. The Agus power plants, capable of generating a combined 900 megawatts, are operating at 60 percent of maximum capacities. On the other hand, the Pulangi Dam is capable of generating 255 megawatts. In December last year, the DoE reportedly formed a technical working group (TWG) to study the APHC situa-

tions and recommend remedies on improving operations amid deficiency and losses. The TWG has reportedly raised two options: A sale or privatization of the APHC; and a comprehensive facilities’ rehabilitation. Organized power consumers claimed that the TWG was more inclined towards selling or privatizing the APHC due to alleged instigation by oligarchs in the energy industry. Privatization appeared as a preferential option due to an alleged inability of the National Power Corporation (Napocor) and the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) to provide the APHC a rehabilitation fund pegged in 2011 at no less than P3-billion. Talks about the preference for APHC privatization came to fore when David Tauli, a fellow alumnus of the Mindanao State University-Marawi main campus, asked the Philippine Muslim Today news to link him up with the MinDA and BARMM leaderships in his group’s bid for popular support in opposing government control of the Agus-Pulangi dams to the private sector. Tauli, vice president

for Northern Mindanao of the Lanao Power Consumers Federation (LAPOCOF), sent the PMT a portion of his group’s draft resolution rejecting the planned APHC sale. He called on the MinDA, the BARMM and other concerned groups in Mindanao to come up with similar resolutions that should be taken up directly with President Duterte to prevent a sinister consequence. Presently, Tasui said, the Pulangi Dam has the cheapest electric rate in the country, and putting it under oligarchs-driven management will be very adverse for consumers. The LAPOCOF resolution cited the privatization of the Mt. Apo geothermal power plant in 2015, in which the rates of the MAGPP were “unilaterally increased by the PSALM from 2.85 pesos per kWh to 5.18 pesos per kWh.” Power rate nowadays in North Cotabato (main base of Mt. Apo) is ranging from P10 per KWH. Last January, the MinDA hosted in Davao City the “Mindanao Speaks Up” forum, in which a DoE official announced the possible sale of the APHC as one of two state options. Sec. Piñol presidMINDA | A10

BARMM renovates Halal lab

OTABATO CITY — The Bangsamoro Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) has started the renovation of Halal Verification Laboratory (HVL) under the Bangsamoro Standards and Halal Testing Laboratories (BSHTL) to accommodate the high-end equipment and state-of-the-art technology recently procured by the Ministry worth P47 million. The renovation started earlier this year and is expected to be finished by July 2021. It is located at the old MOST premises inside Bangsamoro Government Center here. The laboratory consists of the following equipment: Gas Chromatography Mass SpectrometryFID (GC/MS/FID), Gas Chromatography Triple Quadruple Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS/MS), Liquid Chromatography Triple Quadruple Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS), Graphite Furnace-Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (GF-AAS), and RT-PCR. These equipment are capable of ethanol analysis, gelatin analysis, pesticides residue analysis, minerals in food, heavy metals in food and water, meat authenticity, and porcine DNA detection in meat-based products The HVL of the ministry is one of the four Halal laboratories in the Philippines. The other labs are located in Laguna (DOST-CALABARZON), Koronadal City (DOST-12), and Davao City (DOST-11). These four laboratories are members of the DOST/MOST Halal Verification Laboratories Network. Minister Aida Silongan said this project fulfills one of the MOST’s mandates to strengthen the development of Halal industry through testing, analysis, and capacity building. Republic Act No. 10817, also known as the “Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Act of 2016,” mandates the inclusion of the Halal program in the agency plans and programs of different government agencies that have jurisdiction and can contribute to the growth of export of Halal products, processes and services. JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL (With report from BIO)

BHRC probes alleged human rights violation in Maguindanao

OTABATO CITY — The Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission (BHRC) conducted last Tuesday, an initial investigation of Criminal Investigation and Detection Group’s (CIDG) operation in Datu Montawal, Maguindanao which resulted to the death of a Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) member. Last Friday, the composite team of CIDG-12 and CIDG-BAR were in search for unlicensed firearms at Barangay Bulit in the town of Datu Montawal. According to Abdillah B. Alik, head of BHRC investigation, "we have seen there are elements of human rights violation, considering the fact that according to the victim and witnesses that the perpetrator were the security sector." After analyzing the incident, Alik said, "the regional office and Maguindanao investigation division team up to gather basic information and engage with LGU Datu Montawal and the institution of PNP, respectively.” “We have a substantial information coming from the two institutions of the local government and the police station of Datu Montawal," he added. JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

THE RANAO STAR ACCEPTS PUBLICATION OF COURT ORDERS, LEGAL NOTICES, OBITUARIES AND OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS. CONTACT ROXETTE YAHYA AT 063 2290965 | 09481514695.

Across Mindanao 5 Basilan towns back peace drive thru surrender of loose firearms CAMP NAVARRO, Calarian, Zamboanga City — An additional two municipalities of Basilan Province thus making it 5 municipalities in all to have expressed their support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on its Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) program of controlling the proliferation of loose firearms just to have a stable peace and order situation in the entire province. Col. Alaric Avelino delos Santos, spokesman of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) told the Philippine Muslim Today that the local chief executives of the municipalities of Akbar and Tuburan vowed to support the SALW Program of the government as a means to stop unauthorized civilians to own firearms since this will disturb more the stability of peace and order of Basilan. Col. Santos said this is in addition to the three municipalities wherein their respective mayors already signed earlier a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the AFP pertaining to the arms reduction as implemented under the SALW program. Of which the WestMimCom spokesman was referring to the local government officials of the municipalities of Hadji Mohammad Ajul; TabuanLasa; and Lantawan that signed the SALW MoU last month. According to WestMinCom Chief Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., an MoU was signed by Akbar Mayor Alih Sali and Tuburan Mayor Durie Kalahal at the Headquarters of 68th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Campo Uno, Lamitan City, Basilan last June 3. Lt. Gen Vinluan said said the signing of the MoU was also witnessed by Basilan Governor Jim Hataman-Salliman and Joint Task Force Basilan Commander Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway. Brig. Gen. Gobway stressed the importance of the SALW program in achieving lasting peace and continuous development in the province of Basilan. “This bold move is a great help in our effort to sustain peace for the peace-loving Basileños,” Brig. Gen. Gobway expressed. Gov. Salliman, in his message, emphasized that the SALW Program is not a program of the province but an initiative of the national government through the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) and Joint Normalization Committee (JNC). “We should not politicize this SALW program. We should support this in order to lessen the number of crimes that are related to the proliferation of loose firearms,” the Governor stated. During the activity, Mayor Sali handed over seven cal. 30 M1 Garand rifles, one M203 Grenade Launcher, and one M79 Grenade Launcher. Meanwhile, Mayor Kalahal handed over seven loose firearms to 68IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Freddie Calosing at the unit headquarters at about 1 p.m. Friday, June 4. Said activity was witnessed by 2nd Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro and Brig. Gen. Gobway. Maj. Gen. Bacarro expressed his admiration for the unwavering support of the local government officials of Basilan to the military. “I am astounded by the sincerity of the Basileños to support the call of President Rodrigo Duterte to end terrorism and insurgency here in Mindanao,” said Maj. Gen. Bacarro. Turned over firearms include two cal. 5.56 rifles with M203 Grenade Launchers attached, two cal. 30 Garand rifles, one cal. 30 M2 Carbine with magazine and four live ammunition, one M203 Grenade Launcher, and one M79 Grenade Launcher. Joint Task Force Basilan received a total of 68 loose firearms since January 2021. Of the 68, 60 are highpowered and eight are low-powered firearms. “This is a brilliant action that others should emulate to ease and hasten our campaign against terrorism and criminalities,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. uttered. “The armed forces fully support this program and through this, we expect an enhanced cooperation between and among peace advocates,” the WestMimCom commander added. JIJ

Vol. I, No. 52 | June 11-17, 2021 (Shawwal 30-Dhu’l Qidah 6, 1442)

2 ‘mayors’ emerge in Maguindanao town amid tussle pitting Guv, MILG-BARMM By ALI G. MACABALANG

OTABATO CITY – Confusion runs high in the municipality of Talitay, Maguindanao amid the rule of two “caretakermayors,’ one appointed by the provincial govThe controversy has naturally evolved into a head-on collision between Maguindanao lady Governor Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu and MILG Minister Naguib Sinarimbo. Gov. Mangudadatu installed Talitay town councilor Fahad Midtimbang “caretaker-mayor” on May 17 after a number of incidents leading to vacancies in the mayoral post. Midtimbang is an ex-officio member of the Talitay Sangguniang Bayan (SB) in his being the president of the Association of Barangay Chairpersons (ABC) in the town. The governor ostensibly defied an earlier decision by the MILG recognizing the succession of Moner Sabal, the town SB’s Number One elected member, to the vice mayor post and later to the mayoral slot. In the chain of vacu-

ernor and another recognized by the Bangsamoro government’s Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG) under the law on succession.

Photo shows Maguindanao Governor Mariam Mangudadatu’s installation of Talitay town caretaker. (File photo) um-creating incidents, Councilor Moner Sabal assumed the vice mayor post when occupant Vice Mayor Montasir Sabal assumed the mayoral position after his brother Mayor Allan Sabal was assassinated in a hotel in Manila last year. But still unknown reasons, succeeding Mayor Montasir Sabal resigned early this year, creating the mayoral vacancy legally fitting First Councilor Moner

Sabal as sitting vice mayor to fill-in the vacuum pursuant to order of succession under the Local Government Code (LGC). The lady governor held a video-recorded press conference after installing ABC president Midtimbang as “caretaker-mayor.” In the video, which some supporters posted in Facebook pages, she manifested defiance of the MILG stance to the extent of calling Minis-

ter Sinarimbo, a lawyer, as “abugago.” In a press conference on Wednesday, June 9 here, Minister Sinarimbo answered politely when asked about his take in the action and lamentation of the lady governor. Supporters said Sinarimbo is a “refined Bangsamoro professional” adhering to Muslim culture and tradition in avoiding irritant clash with female critics. Sinarimbo pointed out that he or his ministry has no personal bias among politicians in Talitay, and was just carrying out what the LGC and other pertinent laws prescribe in cases of succession. Designations outside the mandate of the LGC and pertinent laws are deemed illegal, Sinarimbo said, refer2 MAYORS | A13

A Testimony of Survivor (1)

I Survived COVID-19 in Jolo! A Litany of a COVID-19 Survivor after the Storm. Amidst my most trying times By ABDULHAN NASSAIE JANNARAL only the chosen few remained and stood at my side despite the risk that will be caused by a threatening deadly Coronavirus that they might possibly bump into while bringing my needs in the hospital. Magsukur Kaniyu Katan! (Thank you to all of you!) How a nightmare (as I call it) started? Uummph, 'twas just actually an ordinary cöld which I perhaps got from a tedious routine back home. The ordinary cold that I thought would heal and vanished after taking some medicines at home got worsen instead. After six days resting in bed Abdulhan Nassaie Jannaral, a COVID-19 and leaving me NO GUARANTEE survivor at his hospital bed while under of complete good health condition treatment at Sulu Sanitarium Hospital (SSH), a COVID-19 facility of the governI decided to visit my doctor's clinic ment in Jolo, Sulu. (Contributed Photo) so as to ease my doubt. Minutes after I was examined by my good ray & a Bronchial Asthma (which I doctor, Doc Hassan was a bit actually have it already for deccautioned of my O2Sat (Oxygen ades) that undoubtedly held me Saturation Level) which alarming- difficulty in grasping my breath. After the consultation I just ly dropped from its normal level of humbly asked Doc Hassan to preat least 99% to 88%. Not only that, he also spotted scribe me some medicines of a prospering Pneumonia in my X- which I was accustomed to for

years to be taken at home with the hope in mind that everything would be okay. However, when I reached home that day, Doc Hassan (for the first time) txted, pleading me for an immediate confinement at the hospital because of my alarming condition. He even added, "Sir Hann please, baba bukun pa malala in Pneumonia mo." (Sir Hann, please while your Pneumonia has not worsened yet.) Having said that by my doctor I wasted no time, because truth to tell deep inside me I've felt something very unusual in my health condition. My heart was racing with fear about the possibility that could possibly happen in a day or two. Prior to my admission to the hospital we've already coordinated with one of the resident doctors of Sulu Sanitarium Hospital (SSH), the COVID-19 facility, Dr. Wadoud Abubakar (my former SURVIVOR | A14

A10

Across Mindanao

Vol. I, No. 52 | June 11-17, 2021 (Shawwal 30-Dhu’l Qidah 6, 1442)

INVESTIGATIVE REPORT

Sultan Muedzul-Lail Tan Kiram accuses Mudarasulail A. Kiram as “Fake Sultan”

Bangsamoro Cultural heritage commissioners installed By NOROLAIN M. GUNDUL

SEEKS FULL PROBE OF THE ‘IMPOSTOR SULTAN’ By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL FIRST OF TWO PARTS

ARUL JAMBANGAN, Maimbung, Lupah Sug: The legitimate 35th Sultan in the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo (Sabah) has issued stern warning to the Filipino people as well Incidentally the real name of the true or legitimate one is Sultan Muedzul-Lail Tan Kiram who is a real Tausug and the son of the late Sultan Mahakuttah Abdulla Kiram who reigned from 1974 to 1986 as the Sultan of Sulu. He is also the nephew of Sulu Gov. Abdusakur M. Tan since his mother Farida Tan Kiram is the cousin of the Sulu provincial governor. Historical background of the fake Sultan Whereas the other one by being fake according to confirmed sources is actually known by his real name as Paijal bin Naim of Sabah and whose father is a Badjao. Hence, in reality the one sporting the royal title “Sultan Mudarasulail A. Kiram” who recently visited the office of National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Commissioner Yusoph J. Mando is the fake one who usurped and pretended as Sultan of Sulu. Sultan Muedzul-Lail finally revealed that the fake one has completely usurped his legal personality and succeeded in having an identity theft that even his name was almost copied completely since his real name as Muedzul-Lail was adopted by the fake Sultan and called himself as Mudarasulail. In an interview with Sultan Muedzul-Lail Tan Kiram he narrated to the Philippine Muslim Today how this Paijal Naim succeeded as pretender or impostor by being “Sultan Mudarasulail A. Kiram.” Sultan Muedzul-Lail Tan Kiram narrated that “it was sometime in 2010 when I travelled to Kuala Lumpur on the request of some of my friends there. Then this Paijal

as to the residents of Sabah including those residing in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to disregard a man claiming to be a Sultan of Sulu and introducing himself as “Sultan Mudarasulail A. Kiram.”

ALLEGED IMPOSTOR: Fake Sultan of Sulu Mudarasulail A. Kiram a.k.a. Paijal Alastam bin Naim (Contributed Photo) Naim approached me and asked for a photograph with me. Since then, he began to show to everyone he knows in Malaysia that we are brothers. He is just a little younger than my late father Sultan Mahakuttah Kiram.” The scam begins here Then according to the legit Sulu Sultan his confirmed sources from Kuala Lumpur said the fake Sultan had started his shenanigans and was able to amass big sum of money from some Malaysians on his modus operandi of engaging in “fake royal title for sale.” That is for a big sum of Malaysian ringgit one can be conferred with the royal title of Datu or Datuk in Malaysia by declaring them as Datuk. Thus, the real Sulu Sultan added that in 2017 this fake Sultan was on the run hiding from Malaysian law enforcement authorities for deceiving some Malaysians of his fake royalty. He has string of cases of

estafa hurled against him in the Malaysian Court of Justice. He deceived several Malaysians both Indian and Chinese who were gullible enough to believe on his fake awarding of royal title for a fee. “The victims even came to me to report that they paid an amount of money to Paijal Naim as

payment for the royal title that had been bestowed by this culprit on them,” the real Sulu Sultan divulged. List of victims of scam and swindling Sultan Kiram also disclosed that among those who complained goes by the name of Dato Seri Das Sebastian a big time businessman and Charity president Dato Seri Ridwan Sulaiman who told him that they were both scammed or swindled by Paijal Naim thinking that he was a legitimate or authentic Sulu Sultan and not a fake one. Thus, they ended also in having bogus royal titles of Datuk which they call it in Malaysia. Fake birth certificate & passport Finally, the fake Sultan was able to elude arrest by escaping to the Philippines via Sabah. Then he was able to obtain a birth certificate by means of late registration from the Local Civil Registrar of the municipality of Tapul, Sulu. FAKE SULTAN | A13

Paijal Alastam bin Naim who claims as the only legitimate Sulu Sultan in the Philippines posts for posterity with NCMF Commissioner Yusoph J. Mando which he declared also with the fake title as Datu of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo (Sabah). (Contributed Photo)

The newly installed commissioners of the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (BCPCH) unveiled the new seal on Wednesday, May 26, 2021. (BIO)

ARAWI CITY — The Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (BCPCH) has installed commissioners for the provinces of the Bangsamoro autonomous region, according to the region’s information arm. The Bangsamoro Information Office (BIO) reported in the official website of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on Thursday that BCPCH officially presented on Wednesday, May 26, its newly installed commissioners for the BARMM provinces. The newly installed commissioners are BCPCH Chairperson Dr. Salem Y. Lingasa for Maguindanao, Robert Maulana Alonto for Lanao del Sur, Ardan D. Sali for Sulu, Elmasia L. Madjilon for Tawi-Tawi, and Guiamal B. Abdulrahman, representing Indigenous Peoples (as ex-officio), said the BIO. Representative for settler communities and the commissioner for the province of Basilan are yet to be identified, the BIO added. Also, on May 25 to 26, the BCPCH conducted its first en banc meeting to review its mandates, powers, and functions as newly created commission. “We found out that this mandate is quite huge […] the primary mandate is to write the Bangsamoro history, its preservation and promotion of culture,” BIO quoted Chairperson Salem as saying. With the enormous task the Commission will be undertaking, the BCPCH will be partnering with other agencies, particularly with the Development Academy of Bangsamoro (DAB) to conduct series of trainings. During the two-day meeting, presentation of budget proposal for this year and the new seal were also presented. BIO said the commissioners shall take their oath before the month of May ends. NMG

MinDA, BARMM oppose Agus-Pulangi… From Page A8 ed over the forum, with his subordinate technical people serving as secretariat. At the virtual Q & A segment of the forum, the Philippine Muslim Today news tried to ask for details from the DoE official. But the forum secretariat advised back that the DoE would later coordinate MinDA for a forum exclusive to DoE operations. Such an exclusive forum did not push through. In his Facebook post, Pinol said: “Mindanao’s energy is a crucial factor in the overall socioeconomic development of the island, (with MinDA) making sure that supply is reliable and stable to support economic recovery from the impact of the pandemic and an expected rise in demand when industries return to pre-COVID operational levels.” “While our power supply is considered to be stable, we continue to pursue measures and approaches to support expected rise in the demand for power while keeping energy rates cost-effective as the economy recovers from the pandemic, and industries reset operations to pre-Covid levels,” Piñol said. Citing DoE data, he added that demand in the Mindanao grid peaked at 1,928 megawatts while available capacity is at 2,780 MW. This leaves the region with a gross reserve or supply excess of 852 MW, a published report said. AGM

Tourism & Culture SWEET AND SOUR FISH BANGSAMORO HALAL DISH With Maria Fhebie Ortil

OMG! Alhamdulillah we are now on the 52nd Issue that is Vol. 1 No. 52 of the Philippine Muslim Today. Hence, we are now 1 year in existence as Digital Online Newspaper. Be that as it may, the Bangsamoro Halal Cuisine is still here and we continue to serve you by giving free service for you on the different Halal delicacies that you might try to prepare in your kitchen. I have presented to you several Halal foods and so for the 1st Anniversary Issue of PMT-19 since it was found on June 19, 2020 when the COVID-19 was just starting to create havoc on the normal lives of the Filipino people. And so for this issue the Bangsamoro Halal Cuisine will deal with the Sweet and Sour Fish. Sweet and Sour Fish - Simple and yet it left me satisfied. Find it hard to believe? Well, give the following sweet and sour fish recipe a try then! Most of my friends do not cook as they find that cooking is a chore rather than an activity they’d enjoy. They are always bewildered that I am willing to put in a lot of effort to cook, even when I’m dining alone at home. Contrary to what these friends may think, I usually do not spend long tedious hours in the kitchen. I do, occasionally, whip up some complicated dishes but that might not be something I’d like to do everyday. Just like the others, I do have those moments when I just don’t feel like doing anything at all. But no matter how unwilling I am to cook, I still need to eat, especially after eating similar dishes for several days. That’s when I turn to piles of cookbooks and look for the simple yet satisfying recipes to try out. The sweet and sour fish only took less than 45 minutes, from wok to tummy, including cleaning up the dishes and oh, that also included the several minutes of photo or selfie taking at leisurely pace. This sweet and sour fish dish is that simple and yet it left us gastronomically satisfied. Find it hard to believe? Well, give the following sweet and sour fish recipe a try then! INGREDIENTS 1 whole fish, about 400 g GRAVY: 1/2 onion, chopped 1 teaspoon preserved soy bean paste, tau cheo 100 ml water 4 tablespoons tomato sauce 1 red chilli, finely pounded 1 tablespoon light soy sauce sugar, to taste 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch, mix with 2 tablespoons of water GARNISHING: coriander aromatic leaves or kinchay INSTRUCTIONS Clean the fish, wash and drain. Steam the fish until cooked, about 8 minutes. Remove and set aside. ORTIL | A11

Vol. I, No. 52 | June 11-17, 2021 (Shawwal 30-Dhu’l Qidah 6, 1442)

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Lessons Learned Amid the Pandemic T By JOHNNY R. LEE, Ph.D.

he Tawi-Tawi settings or situation with regard to response in dealing with the Covid19 pandemic conforms with the national or regional advisories from the Department of Health through its local health implementers. Simple health protocols such as wearing of mask, face shields and social distancing have been vigorously implemented and followed, although just like any other communities in the country, positive cases of Covid19 infections did not spare the island province from the deadly virus. In my previous article, I mentioned that the entire province registered only .05% positive cases which is probably the lowest in the BARMM region which made it the safest place to live in and still the most favorable destination to visit. However the latter has not been encouraged but stifled in conformity with national directives to limit movements of people internally and those coming from outside of the province. Looking into major aspects like economy and environment, Tawi -Tawi has its pluses and minuses to say the least. The earlier segment of strict implementation of people’s movements from one community to

the other and from within has devastatingly impacted the overall economic aspect of the province. More and more people lose their financial savings, especially people who earn their income day-to-day. Additionally, employers or business owners have adopted difficult strategies during the pandemic, as they face losing their businesses. Many workers lost their jobs during the crisis, as their employers couldn’t pay their salaries. Industries such as airlines, tourism, and transportation, who have faced invincible outcomes, have sought for the government aid. Because Tawi-Tawi is the biggest exporter

of seaweed and large supplier of marine products, the crisis has also developed more force on organizations to balance the effectiveness and expense/gains of the international supply chain process facing the performance of the local supply chain. Converting to the local supply chain can lower the reliance on a broadly shattered international supply system. It could be said that the economic gains during the normal times have been downgraded by a very significant percentage in this time of crises. Lately, the overall economic impact has slowly regained its old glory by making adjustments and injecting innovative ideas in conducting their businesses. For instance in Bongao, the province’s center of trade and commerce, one can see the proliferation and long line of small food businesses and services - which has an advantageous multiplying effect that goes down to the lowest food supply chain like farmers and fishermen from all over. The activity has also rendered in-

comes to the labor sector and transport services responsible for the movements of products coming from the vicinity and far flung islands. But what is significant and truly amazing is the influence of the pandemic on ‘environmental sustainability’, which is reflected by the stunning environmental healing during this crisis. Several people from the island municipalities swore to the ‘changes’ that are happening around their villages, especially the surrounding seas and their traditional fishing grounds. Stocks of a variety of fishes and seafood animals are relatively in abundance and the coral reefs ecosystem are recovering from damages caused by man’s illegal activities like fish poisoning, dynamiting, and extraction for building roads and foot bridges. It has been anticipated that such a change in the global nature, in a short time, would not be possible without the pandemic and its consequences. JRL

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News

Vol. I, No. 52 | June 11-17, 2021 (Shawwal 30-Dhu’l Qidah 7, 1442)

ADAZA | from Page A3

WHERE IS AMERICA GOING?

Their survival, the survival of America and democracy in the world is at the stake in the 2022 elections. And their success should be sustained to the 2024 elections and all elections thereafter. President Biden should not handle these Neo-Nazi, deranged and anti-democratic forces with sift gloves like Qanon, Ku Klux Klan and the like, including the Republican senators and repre-

sentative who are following Trump - now campaigning throughout the country to continue promoting his Big Lie about having been cheated in the 2020 elections and other lies which he concocts interminably. Demolish Trump, all Neo-Nazi and antidemocratic forces in America. In so doing, dictatorships, totalitarianism and strongmanism will start being eradicated in this planet.

Democracy may not yet be a perfect system – it has its faults and infirmities. But it is still the best system of government and way of life ever invented by man for men and women. As such, as the Nobel Prize Winner for Literature William Faulkner would have it, “we will not only overcome, we will prevail.” In more specific terms – democracy will not only overcome, it will prevail. HAA

Establishment of Muslim cemeteries across PH pushed

dignity of its citizens and their free exercise of religious practices without discrimination or preference, the government underta kes to strengthen Presidential Decree No. 856, otherwise known as the Sanitation Code of the Philippines, through the establishment of public cemeteries that shall cater to the Muslim population of the country as all Filipinos have the right to worship and to bury their loved ones…” “This is a step to help all our brothers and sis-

ters here in the Philippines who want to be buried in accordance with the teachings of the Qur ‘an and as an active recognition of our government in the culture, belief, and contribution of the Filipino Muslims to strengthening our country,” Mangudadatu said of his bill. He urged stakeholders “help me to pray to Allah (swt) that this proposal of ours will be immediately approved and completely legalized, in shaaAllah.” AGM

friends for years. The latter, when he was Manila vice mayor, visited Maguindanao and drew a pompous reception hosted by Mangudadatu, who was then in the

final stage of his threeterm gubernatorial regime in Maguindanao. ALI G. MACABALANG

“The psychosocial adjustment system in these children has been damaged due to the war, leading to behavioral and cognitive problems,” Dua Abd Alhameed, a former clinical psychologist, told Anadolu Agency. “They will suffer for a long time from behavioral problems such as stress, extreme nervousness and severe responses. They may also suffer from panic attacks, nightmares and sleep disorders.” ANADOLU

isfied. Well, give the following sweet and sour fish recipe a try again if you would like the taste then! MFO

publicans to prevent Democrats and colored minorities from exercising their right to vote and maintain filibuster, the interminable unlimited lengthy speeches to prevent the passage of urgent measures on the pretext that such measures benefit only the Democrats but not the American people This is the surest way of destroying American democracy and

diminishing the growth and influence of democratic forces in the world. What should be done: Americans should wake up before it is too late. Americans who believe in American democracy and democratic governments and institutions should now fight the anti-democratic forces in America – demolish former President Donald J. Trump by

having him prosecuted and convicted by American courts; denounce the Republican Party leaders in Congress and the different States as the agents of racism and fascism to destroy America and democracy in the world. All colored Americans – black, brown and yellow should join forces to demolish the candidates of the Republican Party in the 2022 midterm elections in every State and nationally.

MUSLIM | from Page A7

in Region VIII; 1,652,819 in Region IX; 750,440 in Region X; 934,111 in Region XI; 294,026 in Region XII; 204,851 in CARAGA; and 5,554,845 in BARMM. “The Muslim communities in the country used to be concentrated in Mindanao and some areas in the Visayas and Palawan. However, due to various reasons, there came about a Muslim diaspora in the country

that has resulted in the rise of Filipino Muslim population and communities in almost all parts of the Philippines,” he said. “With this diaspora, the Muslim settlers brought with them not only their trade and skills, but also their culture and religious beliefs and practices, among them their strong adherence to the practice of burying their dead in less than twenty-four (24) hours

upon demise in a place that is dedicated to exclusively host the body of departed Muslims,” he added. Mangudadatu said his bill is pursuant to Section 11, Article II and Section 5, Article III of the 1987 Constitution, which prescribe for promotion of the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights regardless of their religious beliefs. “To reaffirm its com-

mitment to promote and protect the dignity and health of every Filipino, the national government continues to pursue and implement programs, projects and activities that promote the dignity of its citizens and are responsive to the health and sanitation needs of the people, especially those among the marginalized and vulnerable sectors,” Mangudadatu said. He added:” In preserving the health and

MANILA | from Page A6

Manila opens Islamic cemetery, cultural hall “It is a great honor that we were invited by Manila Mayor Isko Moreno to witness the official opening of Manila Islamic Cemetery and Cultural Center

located in Manila South Cemetery,” Mangudadatu said later in a Facebook post. Taking inspiration from Mayor Isko’s pace -setting initiative, Rep.

Mangudadatu filed later on Monday his longcrafted bill “requiring all local government units in the country to allocate suitable land spaces for the estab-

lishment of public cemeteries for Muslim Filipinos.” (Read separate story) Sources said Rep. Mangudadatu and Mayor Isko have been

TRAUMA | from Page A6

Trauma haunts Gaza children after Israeli war As the Israeli airstrikes came to a halt on May 21, the five children asked their father to go outside the home. “When we passed through Al-Wehda street where more than 40 Palestinians were killed by Israeli missiles, they saw what they imagined. They stood crying in front of the ruins,” Alaf recalled. Until today, his children are still suffering from nightmares and

get panicked by any loud sounds outdoors. Panic Ameera, 17, said her 7year old brother, Ahmed, gets panicked whenever he hears the sound of an Israeli warplane flying overhead. “He was very afraid and started to cry,” the Palestinian girl told Anadolu Agency. “He started to ask my father if we will remain alive to see our mother freed from prison or the Israeli airstrikes will kill us.”

Their mother, Nisreen Abu Kmail, was jailed by Israel in 2015 on accusations of spying for Palestinian resistance groups. She is expected to be released in October 2021 after serving her 6-year jail sentence. The family never visited the mother in prison since she was detained. Their only way of communication was through radio podcasting through which they used to tell her about their news.

But on May 15, an Israeli warplane struck the 12-storey Al-Jalaa tower, which housed the offices of the radio they used to call their mother. As a result, their connection interrupted. “The most horrible event wasn’t the bombing. It was our fears about our jailed mother. She did not know anything about us, which was very troubling,” Ameera said. Nightmares During Israel’s bombardment of Gaza, Ah-

med was unable to sleep in his bed. “I kept hugging and kissing him as I did not know whether we will wake up the next day or not,” Ameera recalled. “It was horrible days. I don’t know how we survived.” “After the war, Ahmad spends all the time outside playing. He is feeling that he was in a prison during the days of the war,” she said. Experts say the Israeli assaults damage the mental health of the Palestinian children and leave them in a trauma.

sauce, pounded chilli, light soy sauce and sugar. Bring to a slow boil. Add cornstarch solution and stir quickly for a

few more minutes. Pour the gravy over the steamed fish. Garnish with coriander leaves, serve.

Now you are ready to serve this sweet and sour fish dish. As I have stated earlier it is that simple and yet will left us gastronomically sat-

ORTIL | from Page A8

SWEET AND SOUR FISH To prepare the gravy, heat up 2 tablespoons of oil in a wok. Add onion and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, or until

soft. Add preserved soy bean paste and stir-fry until fragrant. Add water, tomato

News

Vol. I, No. 52 | June 11-17, 2021 (Shawwal 30-Dhu’l Qidah 6, 1442)

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2 MAYORS | from Page 9

2 ‘mayors’ emerge in Maguindanao town amid tussle pitting guv, MILG-BARMM ring to the governor’s installation of a nonelected member of the Talitay town legislature as “illegal” and cannot be recognized by the MILG or the Department of Interior of Local Government. The debate over the

emergence of the governor-designated “caretaker” and an MILG-recognized mayoral successor was the latest of irritating tussles pitting the office of the governor against other official entities in Maguindanao.

One of the earlier tussles stemmed from an alleged order by the office of the governor for elected board members to vacate their offices and give way to the occupancy by personnel of a provincial service department.

Board Member Jazzer Mangudadatu, a nephew of the governor, had complained of alleged “forceful” implementation of the order. The office of the governor has also drawn later a complaint from the municipal gov-

ernment of Buluan, Maguindanao’s present capitol seat, lamenting a purported gubernatorial order for the mass cutting of years-old trees along the national highway of the town. Buluan Mayor Babydats Mangudadatu, also

a nephew of the governor, and his Sangguniang Bayan have petitioned for sanction from the BARMM government and national authorities, including the DPWH, the DENR , the DILG and even the Office of the President. AGM

FAKE SULTAN | from Page A10

Sultan Muedzul-Lail Tan Kiram accuses Mudarasulail A. Kiram as “Fake Sultan” Consequently, he was able to secure Philippine passport by using the fake name of “Mudarasulail Alastam Kiram.” “Thus, anyone can notice his name Mudarasulail is almost the same with my name MuedzulLail. The date of birth is between me and my father. Wherein the birthday of my father Sultan Mahakuttah Abdulla Kiram was on August 1, and this fake Sultan he used August 8 as his birthday. Whereas my actual birthday is on August 28,” Sultan Muedzul -Lail narrated. “It appeared that he is older than me for 20 days but the fact he is almost 70 years old,” the Sulu Sultan added. Upon his arrival in the Philippines, he continued his illegal or criminal acts by deceiving more people. Fake Princess title given to a ranking government official in Duterte administration In fact, one of those victimized by Paijal Naim also like the Malaysians he successfully deceived is a respected government official from Mindanao under the Duterte administration. However Sultan Kiram said for only the sake of journalistic information of this writer he revealed the identity of the deceived Philippine government official on condition that the name or true identity will not be

published in this report. “I do not like to add more insults to injury to the suffering felt by this lady government official. I know she was really insulted and will bear the humiliation for a lifetime,” stressed Sultan Muedzul -Lail. As a clue to the readers but this writer agreed with what the Sulu Sultan has asked not to reveal the real identity of the victimized government official from Mindanao. The said official before she found out the true story that the “Royal Title” bestowed on her was a bogus one, she was happy and proud that she is now among the royalties or the socalled “Blue Royal Blood” of Sulu after her investiture as “DayangDayang” or Princess in the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo. In fact, according to Sultan Kiram, Paijal Alastam Naim pretending to be a legitimate Sultan of Sulu had even convinced the scammed or deceived government official from Mindanao to have her investiture ceremony at a posh 5-Star hotel at Shangri-La Hotel in Makati City so that it would appear very authentic and a memorable ceremony for a lifetime. As have been agreed upon the true identity or the name of the aggrieved government official will not be revealed in order to protect her privacy and not to un-

earth more of her failures as she was already humiliated so much with the foolishness done by Paijal Naim as a fake Sulu Sultan. But one thing we can reveal as a form of a clue she was formerly an elected Congresswoman from Mindanao in the House of Representatives. She is also a Doctor of Public Administration that she earned from the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City. Likewise she has another doctorate that is Doctor of Humanities. Then she also studied abroad particularly in the United States of America at the Harvard Kennedy School or the John F. Kennedy School of Government. It is actually the public policy school of Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Then back here in the Philippines this scammed Princess of the Sulu Sultanate took up her Masters in National Security Administration (MNSA) at the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City by being a member of the class that graduated in 1989. By being one of the NDCP alumni that would earn for a graduate to have an initial rank in the Reserve Military Force as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Now after so many years just like a regular military officer in the AFP, the military establishment kept on promoting her rank. Now she is a 1Star General in the AFP by being a Brigadier General in the Reserve Force of the Philippine Air Force (PAF). NCMF Commissioner was victimized too Be that as it may, pending disclosure of the scam or shenanigans of this Paijal Naim this fake Sultan continued his vices as what the language of the netizens says “Scam pa More.” His latest victim is the honorable, respectable and credible official of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) who considers himself as being appointed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to serve the Filipino people as a Public Servant by being one of the NCMF Commissioners. At this juncture, the Commissioner being referred to is NCMF Commissioner Yusoph J. Mando who was fooled by Paijal Naim who pretended to be the Sulu Sultan when the latter made a courtesy call at his office at the NCMF head office along Commonwealth Avenue in Diliman, Quezon City. Commissioner Mando was also deceived by Paijal Naim where he declared the Commissioner as Datu of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo (Sabah).

However, in fairness to the fake Sultan just like what he was doing in the past to all his prey, he did not ask for a fee from Commissioner Mando. However, Sultan Kiram said although the fake Sultan did not ask for payment of the conferment of a royal title as a Datu to the honorable NCMF Commissioner their picture together valued so much that it is even priceless. You know what it has given more credence to his authenticity that including a high official of a Muslim government agency believed in him too. As a matter of fact, Commissioner Mando who is a close friend of this writer gladly informed the latter that he is being visited by the Sultan of Sulu. Immediately the Philippine Muslim Today called up Sultan Muezul-Lail to say hello to him and asked him when did he arrive in Manila. However, the Sultan answered in the negative that due to this pandemic travel restrictions at the airport like this RT-PCR (Reverse TranscriptionPolymerase Chain Reaction) test, it is a hassle and for this reason he added, he avoided traveling that’s why while pandemic on COVID-19 is still going and for his health protection he has himself put on selfisolation in his Astanah or Sultan’s official residence in downtown Jolo.

Going back to the visit of Paijal Naim at the office of the NCMF commissioner, Commissioner Mando said as a public servant his office is not selective and would always welcome anybody whether Muslim or nonMuslims to visit him. He said although the mandates of NCMF was established as a government agency to cater to the welfare of the Muslim Filipinos but many nonMuslims have visited his office especially those who are asking for conversion to the Islamic faith or they would like to perform the Shahadah. Hence, for nonMuslims, this Shahadah is the first step to be done when a person who would like to revert or embrace the Islamic religion by reading the Shahadah as in “Assahadu Allah Ilaha Illawla Assahadu Anna Muhammadur Rasullah.“ I bear witness that I have no other God to worship except Allah and that Prophet Muhammad is the last Messenger of Allah.” In the meantime, Sultan Muezul-Lail Tan Kiram said he is hoping that the illegal activities of Paijal Naim of his pretensions will be put to an end so that there will be no more victims of scam as perpetrated by him as fake Sultan. (Next: Philippine government interference is asked) (TO BE CONTINUED)

DIMAO | from Page A5

The roles of Islamic Psychology and Counseling in preventing divorce And to the children Finally, one of the effective remedy for separation is get involved the affairs-would -be of the children in their post-divorce life, because they are the collateral of devious

consequences that may have negative impact on them, their academic performance compared to their classmates, and the wrong perceptions it might be insinuated in them that could lead them to mis-

understand the real purpose of life being so young and too weak to withstand the burden in partaking the hardest situations they are not supposed to experience and to live in the shadow of incompleteness.

We should always remember that when man and woman get married, the missing half of their life or religion is completed or even perfected, and when the children are created, the whole Ummah are

therefore given the chance to see the light out of darkness being propelled by relentless actions illegally committed for a longer period of time. I sincerely pray to the Almighty Allah that

this humble piece serves accordingly one of the purposes of our Deen or the religion which is counseling when the Prophet (PBUH) said: The religion is COUNSELING. IBD

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Anniversary Issue

Vol. I, No. 52 | June 11-17, 2021 (Shawwal 30-Dhu’l Qidah 6, 1442)

SURVIVOR | from Page A9

I Survived COVID-19 in Jolo! student in my advisory class in High School way back) regarding some hospital protocols. And yes, that same day around 4:00 o'clock p.m of May 22, 2021, I had my first ever saliva test at the office of Jolo Red Cross. I was almost refused by the Red Cross personnel who were manning the testing center

because we arrived at their cut-off time. But God is still kind to me, Alhamdulilla when the Red Cross people learned that I needed it for my immediate admission they gave me the due consideration. The clock reads 4:35 p.m. And before I left the house I looked at at my 2 kids, Cess and

Jhann and just simply told them that I would go to the hospital for confinement. If there was a consolation that moment, that was seing our two angels seated in their own room. As a father to them, I know what was running at the back of their young minds. From our residence I was fetched by my former student in college, now a faculty member

of Jolo National High School (JNHS) drove me and my wife in his luxury car to SSH for an admission. Exactly around 5:00 o'clock p.m I was already at the ER (Emergency Room) with dextrose already on. After few minutes checking my vital signs I was pushed in a wheelchair by the hospital's utility-man straight to the hospital's

Quarantine Facility for COVID-19 patients. Yes, at the COVID building where COVID19 patients are exclusively treated according to their condition. Honestly, I was already READY for whatever fate awaits me. After all I' ve realized that if I'm destined to die there, at least my two kids are already halfway in their studies and are old enough to stand at

their own feet. My 1st night at the facility (alone) was somehow okay. The facility itself in all fairness was really great. It was accordingly constructed based on World Health Organization (WHO) standards for COVID patients. Aircon na lang ang kulang, kasi hindi puwede, the warm atmosphere is just enough for the VIRUS NOT to thrive and multiply. (To be continued)

DSWD | from Page A7

DSWD, POPCOM join forces to uplift lives... their financial burdens.” In his message, Secretary Bautista said, “Addressing the issue of teenage pregnancy cannot be resolved solely by the DSWD and POPCOM, or a single agency, considering the multifaceted concerns, its urgency and the need for a whole-of-nation approach. As such, the partnership between (our two agencies) on the implementation of the SPPTMC is indeed crucial.” He added that, “Through this partnership, we can mutually

prevent teenage pregnancies and establish sufficient and accessible measures to protect the well-being of teenage mothers and their children, as envisioned in the Philippine Development Plan, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.” Numbers still up According to data from POPCOM, the Philippines ranks fourth in terms of early childbirth rates among Southeast Asian countries. From the Philippine Statistics Authority’s Civil Registration and Vital Statis-

tics (PSA-CRVS), there were about 171 live births born to minors every day in 2019. The agency also noted a general increase in the number of births from very young adolescents aged 10 to 14 in that same year, with about seven live births born to children every day, compared to three daily in 2011. The PSA-CRVS also revealed that in 2015, there were 5,297 repeat pregnancies, or second-time births, among 10- to 17-year-old girls, with only a slight decrease in 2018 at 4,633. PR

Greetings My best wishes and congratulations to the men and women behind the Philippine Muslim Today, the Philippines’ first and only Muslim digital newspaper, on the occasion of its First Anniversary. Long Live PMT. Greetings from:

Atty. Aminola “Alex” Abaton, DPA, CESO V

Southern Philippines Development Authority 4/F Karpentrade Bldg., Km. 2, Matina, Davao City Office of the Administrator/CEO

Message On the occasion of the 1st Anniversary of the Philippine Muslim Today (PMT), the first online Muslim newspaper founded by veteran Muslim Journalists Masiding Noor Yahya and Julmunir I. Jannaral, I wish to extend my Congratulations to both of them and all those who made it positive! Media is considered the 4th Estate. Without a free and vibrant media, we are ignorant of the development around us and GERRY SALAPUDDIN in the world. Fortunately, we have a free and thriving media in the Philippines. The internet is providing easy access to knowledge and information in today's interconnected world. The birth of the PMT Online Newspaper is a manifestation of a thriving media and information system. Again, I would like to Congratulate the Founders and staff of PMT for their pioneering initiative and focus on highlighting the development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

ABDULGHANI “GERRY” AJUL SALAPUDDIN Administrator & Chief Executive Officer

Greetings Our best wishes and congratulations to the men and women behind the Philippine Muslim Today, the Philippines’ first and only Muslim digital newspaper, on the occasion of its First Anniversary. Long Live PMT.

Consunji St. corner Lluch St., Poblacion, Poblacion, Iligan City 9200 PH. | Tel: 63 228-3454