Philippine Muslim Today by Philippine Muslim Today

Listening to the Message of the Qur’an BY MEHOL K. SADAIN 12 Pages | P20

Vol. II, No. 02 | June 25-July 1, 2021 (Dhu’l Qidah 14-20, 1442)

SADAIN | A4

Former president Benigno Aquino III By PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY

ANILA: Former Philippine President Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III died at age 61 on Tuesday, relatives and officials said. He is survived by his four sisters. Though details of his death were not immediately made public, Noynoy, as he is nicknamed, was undergoing dialysis and preparing for a kidney transplant, according to his former Cabinet official Rogelio Singson. Noynoy Aquino is the son of prodemocracy icons, former President Corazon Aquino and former Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. who helped topple dictator Ferdinand Marcos. (FULL STORY ON PAGE A2)

Former President Benigno Aquino III.

27 mayors, vice mayors including Moros slain in 5 years FULL STORY ON PAGE A3

he Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on Saturday joined the country in its 123rd Independence Day celebration. In a statement, BARMM Chief Minister Ahod

A2 BARMM

Coalition appeals to Duterte to certify BTA extension bill as urgent

The Bangsamoro People’s Coalition on Wednesday launched a motor caravan around Metro Manila to drum up support for the extension of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) by holding the election in the year 2025 instead of 2022.

“Murad’ Ebrahim said as a people who struggled for selfdetermination, the Bangsamoro understands the historic implications of the celebration.

A6 The Nation

PH jabs breach 8-million mark at 1M per week – Galvez

The Philippine government’s National Vaccination Program has breached the eight-million mark in the number of anti-COVID jabs administered at an average of one million per week, the lead implementing official announced on Sunday.

SLAIN POLITICIANS IN MAGUINDANAO:

A7 Across PH

A8 World Round-Up

Lakas-CMD renews alliance with Sara Duterte's HNP

North Korea turns down US offer for official meeting

The Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) has renewed its alliance agreement with the regional party Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte ahead of next year's elections, House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez said on Wednesday.

North Korea has turned down a US offer for an official meeting and stated that it has no intentions to contact Washington. Ri Son Gwon said in a statement that the Foreign Ministry welcomes the clear-cut press statement issued by the vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, which brushed off hasty judgment, conjecture, and expectation of the US.

The Bangsamoro

Bangsamoro overseas workers’ woes gain BTA attention By ALI G. MACABALANG

Vol. II, No. 02 | June 25-July 1, 2021 (Dhu’l Qidah 14-20, 1442)

Coalition appeals to Duterte to certify BTA extension bill urgent By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

ANILA: The Bangsamoro People’s Coalition on Wednesday launched a motor caravan around Metro Manila to drum up

BARMM Labor Minister Romeo Sema. (File)

OTABATO CITY: Sad plights of Bangsamoro overseas workers, both known and untold, have gained the attention of the regional autonomous government, particularly its interim parliament. The parliament of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), the momentary ruling body of the autonomous region, passed on June 17 on second reading its bill institutionalizing policies for Bangsamoro overseas employment, and establishing standards of protection and promotion the welfare of overseas Bangsamoro workers and their families. Parliament Bill No. 36 was unanimously approved sans resenting or abstaining votes from members in attendance, physically and virtually, according to regional Labor Minister Romeo Sema. “This is a significant achievement that shall be part of history of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,” Minister Sema, the bill principal author, said in reference to the measure’s passage. “This is a clear manifestation that the Bangsamoro government, thru the Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLE), is strongly committed to protect our overseas workers against abuses, maltreatment, trafficking, imprisonment, or illegal migration, and provide comprehensive intervention and support to advance their welfare and those of families,” Sema added. Article IV, Section 24 of the bill provides that the regional government shall allow the deployment of OBWs only in countries where the rights of overseas Bangsamoro workers are protected, and that the MOLE in coordinated with concerned national agencies will establish a help desk for OBWs in every Philippine Overseas Labor and Office (POLO) of the country where a worker has been deployed. The help desk will assist, monitor, make, and submit inventory of all OBWs in respective countries, their employment status and condition to MOLE, the bill stipulates. The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) covers the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, the cities of Marawi, Lamitan and Cotabato and 63 autonomy-opting villages in North Cotabato. Previous reports from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and International Organization for Migrants (IOM) had indicated that Maguindanao has been among four provinces in the country noted for having high rates of illegal human trafficking. Other reports said that the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi used to serve as the exit and entry points of illegally-trafficked people travelling to or through Malaysia. BANGSAMORO | A11

Dr. Jolly Lais, spokesman of the Bangsamoro People’s Coalition (BPC) said, “we urge our beloved President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to certify the bill extending the BTA transition period to 2025 as urgent.” According to Dr. Lais, the transition period of extension will not only be beneficial to the Bangsamoro Government but largely to the national government. He said when it is extended, the national government will be able to implement its commitments as reflected in the peace agreement it signed with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) specifically those commitments under the normalization track of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB). In fact, records would show a very minimal output in the implementation of these commitments due to many uncontrollable situations just like the COVID-19 pandemic, the BPC spokesman said. Dr. Lais also said “this is alarming since the first three years of transition period is about to end in less than a year now. The desperation of some on the realization of these commitments especially to those benefitting from the gains of peace are looking forward that the national government’s actions would be a signal towards changing their lives as they expected positive results.” He emphasized that it is very little time left for the national government to implement its mammoth commitments.

support for the extension of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) by holding the election in the year 2025 instead of 2022.

BANGSAMORO COALITION: Members of the Bangsamoro People’s Coalition holds a caravan in Metro Manila (above and below) where several hundreds of vehicles join that ended at the Batasang Pambansa urging members of Congress to pass the bill for the postponement of BTA elections from the year 2022 to 2025. (Contributed Photos)

“No amount of catch -up plan can be initiated in less than a year’s time now due to other equally pressing issues such as the pandemic and the upcoming 2022 general elections,” he also stressed. He said the only logical and proper way for the national government to salvage the peace process and put things in proper perspective is to extend the transition period which would end up in a win-win situation both for the Philippine government and the MILF. “Therefore, we urge President Duterte to heed the clamor of the basic sectors and the most vulnerable, not the voices of those politicians who are perpet-

ually playing politics at the expense of the grassroot communities,” Dr. Lais said. He also urged Congress to just set the date of the elections instead in 2022, the first regular BARMM elections should be in 2025. Finally, the BPC spokesperson also

emphasized that to avoid legal scrutiny, the composition of the Members of the Parliament should be compliant with the provisions of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL). “We must stick to the truest intent and content of the BOL,” Dr. Lais further said. (JIJ)

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Across Mindanao

Vol. II, No. 02 | June 25-July 1, 2021 (Dhu’l Qidah 14-20, 1442)

27 mayors, vice mayors including Moros slain in 5 years

MP Ramos, MAFAR turn over P8.4M worth of 7 Mini Rice Mills to Cooperatives in BARMM By JULIUS CRISTOBAL DISAMBURUN

By ALI G. MACABALANG

OTABATO CITY – There are 27 mayors and vice mayors, including Moro politicos, have been killed in different areas and in mostly still unresolved circumstances since 2016, particularly under the Duterte administration. He was arrested in Batangas on June 16 and was shot dead by his police escorts when he allegedly grabbed the gun from one of them while transporting him to Camp Crame the next day, according to the PNP and CIDG leaderships. He was elected mayor in 2010 and vice mayor in 2010. He assumed as mayor when his brother elected Mayor Allan Sabal was shot dead by an unidentified gunman in a hotel in Manila on Feb. 10, 2020. He later resigned and went into hiding early this year allegedly to elude criminal charges. Like his slain brother Allan, Montasir was suspected for involvement in a bombing in Davao City, supplying firearms to the BIFF, and list in President Duterte’s list of “narco-politicians.” The two Sabals had denied the charges. Allan Sabal’s slay brought to 26 then the number of slain vice mayors and mayors in the country. A published media tally of the 25 other fatalities showed the following: 1. Calbayog City (in Samar) Mayor Ronaldo Aquino Mayor Aquino was killed on March 8 in an incident surrounded by conflicting reports on whether it was an ambush by or shootout with police elements along a bridge in own his turf – Calbayog City. The National Bureau of Investigation has recommended the filing of charges against nine police officers and several John Does for the killing of Aquino and his driver, security aide and a civilian who was caught in the crossfire. 2. Vice Mayor Aaron Sampaga of Pamplona town, Cagayan Sampaga was shot by unidentified gunmen in his province on Aug. 5, 2016. He was rushed

According to data culled from published reports, the tally of the 27 politico fatalities is as follows: Montasir Sabal, who was elected mayor and vice mayor of Talitay, Maguindanao, was the 27th and latest fatality.

Bangsamoro parliament member Basit “Jannati” Mimbantas” Abbas. (PIA Photo) RICE MILLS: Some 7 Mini Rice Mills with De-Stoner are distributed to the 7 cooperatives by the office of MP Diamla Disimban-Ramos and MAFAR in BARMM to spark productivity, increase income, and generate employment. (Contributed Photo)

SLAIN POLITICIANS IN MAGUINDANAO: Three elected politicians in Maguindanao were slain under different circumstances – Mayors Samsudin Dimaukom of Datu Saudi Ampatuan (left) and Allan Sabal (enter), and Vice Mayor Montasir Sabal, both of Talitay. Their deaths brought to 27 the number of vice mayors and mayors slain since 2016. (File photos) to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival. 3. Mayor Samsudin Dimaukom of Datu Saudi Ampatuan town, Maguindanao Mayor Dimaukom was gunned down along with 9 of his men following an alleged shootout with policemen on Oct. 28, 2016. Two vehicles carrying Dimaukom and his companions were flagged down by police elements at Barangay Bulatukan in Makilala, North Cotabato based on information that they would transport illegal drugs from Davao City to Cotabato and Maguindanao areas. No illegal drugs were recovered from the vehicles, even as relatives claimed that cash amounting to several millions purportedly for personnel salaries and office operations in Datu Saudi Ampatuan local government unit went missing. The mayor and his wife were on Duterte’s list of incumbent and retired government officials allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade. The couple had denied the allegations. 4. Mayor Rolando Espinosa of Albuera town, Leyte Mayor Espinosa was shot dead inside his cell at the Baybay City Provincial Jail on Nov. 5, 2016. He was arrested the previous month for illegal drug possession and was among the politicians Duterte govern-

ment linked to the illegal drug trade. 5. Vice Mayor Anwar Sindatuk of Datu Saudi-Ampatuan town, Maguindanao Sindatuk was shot dead by unidentified gunmen inside his house in Barangay Madia on Nov. 27, 2016. Police said they were looking into “rido” or family feud as the motive behind the killing. He was also tagged by the administration as a narco-politician. 6. Mayor Mohammad Limbona of Pantar town, Lanao del Norte Mayor Limbona was killed after unidentified gunmen attacked his vehicle in Iligan City on Dec. 30, 2016. Limbona’s killing may have been politically motivated as the mayoral seat was hotly contested in the May 2016 polls, police said. 7. Mayor Arsenio Agustin of Marcos town, Ilocos Norte Agustin was at a construction site in Barangay Mabut, Marcos town when he was shot by an unidentified assailant on June 3, 2017. 8. Mayor Joven Hidalgo of Balete town, Batangas Mayor Hidalgo was gunned down while watching a basketball game at a court beside a police station in Barangay Poblacion, Balete on June 10, 2017. He was rushed to the Metro Lipa Hospital but was declared dead on arrival. 9. Mayor Reynaldo

Parojinog of Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental Parojinog and 15 others, including his wife, brother and nephew, were killed in a series of raids in San Roque Lawis, Ozamiz City on July 30, 2017. Police said they met violent resistance when they served 6 search warrants for firearms in the properties of Parojinog and his family. Parojinog was among local officials on Duterte’s narco-list. The mayor denied involvement in the illegal drug trade. His daughter Vice Mayor Nova Princess Parojinog, who was arrested in the operation, was allegedly in a relationship with high-profile Bilibid inmate Herbert Colanggo. Nova Parojinog remains detained at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center, while her brother is detained at the Quezon City Jail. 10. Vice Mayor Jackson Dy of Roxas town, Oriental Mindoro Dy was shot dead while having his car washed on Sept. 23, 2017. Police identified the gunman as Benjamin Buruanga, who was released from jail on a charge of murder 10 days prior the vice mayor’s shooting. 11. Vice Mayor Jonah John Ungab of Ronda town, Cebu MAYOR | A11

ARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur: Some seven cooperatives from Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao and Pikit, Cotabato received on Friday, 7 Units of Mini Rice Mill with De-Stoner and 10-KVA Generator Sets at the Ministry of Public Works (MPW) office here in this city. The said project including its recipients was proposed by MP Diamila Disimban-Ramos and implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR-BARMM) led by Minister Mohammad S. Yacob under 2020 Transitional Development Impact Fund (TDIF). “This program is in response to several consultations that our office has conducted in aid of legislation and in implementing meaningful interventions in order to uplift the living conditions of our farmers in the Bangsamoro Region” said MP Ramos in her welcome message. MP Ramos also put emphasis on the importance of adopting to modern machinery and advanced technology as it sparks productivity, increase income, and generate employment. She added that this will help not only the members of cooperatives but the members of community as well which in turn will help spur the country’s economic growth and development which she said proves that cooperatives have strong multipliers’ effect. MAFAR Deputy Minister, Ammal B. Solaiman pointed out that Bangsamoro farmers are not mere beneficiaries but rather considered as active partners of the government because of their shared responsibility. On his part, Deputy Chief Minister (DCM) Ali Solaiman reiterated that the turn-over ceremony is not the end but rather the beginning of more meaningful interventions as there are plenty of plans, projects and activities geared to be implemented within the framework of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority. DCM Solaiman also reiterated the strong commitment of the Bangsamoro Government led by Chief Minister Ahod “Alhaj Murad” Ebrahim to support the agricultural sector, particularly the farmers for their significant contributions in the economy of the region. Also present on the said event were MP Marjanie Macasalong; Representatives of MP Abdullah Macapaar and MP Maisara Latiph; Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) National Asec. Pendatun Disimban; Lumba-Bayabao Mayor Mahar Dagalangit; Sulhen & TJJ Representative Jefferson Chong; officials from MAFAR Central office and 7 cooperative recipients namely: 102nd Camp Saliwato BDE Farmers Producers Cooperative RAMOS | A14

Editorial/Opinion

LISTENING TO THE MESSAGE OF THE QUR’AN

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 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 DR. BENJ BANGAHAN 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.

Vol. II, No. 02 | June 25-July 1, 2021 (Dhu’l Qidah 14-20, 1442)

he first verses revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) were “Iqra’ Bismi Rabbikalladhii khalaq”, followed by “Khalaqa insaana min ‘alaq!” In English, “Read, in the Name of thy Lord, who created; Created man from a clot of blood!” [Surah 96, Verses 1-2] From the beginning, ALLAH advances several important points: First, this revelation is meant to be read. Second, ALLAH, as the Creator, is the Source of this revelation. Third, this revelation contains messages that can only come from an All-Knowing God, as can be seen from its reference to a clot of blood as the beginning of a fetus — something that is not known to the people of those days. The first point indicates that if the Qur’an is meant to be read, and is considered as a “Reading”, then man as recipient of its message, must LISTEN to it. “Listening”, after all, is a consequence of “reading”. The Noble Qur’an confirms this by saying: “When the Qur’an is read, LISTEN to it with attention, so that you may receive mercy.” [Surah 7, Verse 204] The verse, therefore, makes it imperative for one who hears a Qur’an recitation, to “listen” and pay attention to the reading, because this is a way of receiving Mercy from ALLAH. It is said that even if one does not understand Arabic, listening to the recitation of the Qur’an is beneficial to a person. Ibn Taymiyyah said, “By means of this listening, ALLAH guides His slaves and sets straight their affairs in this world and the Hereafter.” The Qur’an also informs us of a group of Jinns (anglicized as Genie) who listened to a Qur’an recitation: “Behold, We turned towards thee a company of Jinns listening to the Qur’an. When they stood in the presence thereof, they said, ‘LISTEN in silence’. When the reading was finished, they returned to their people to warn them. They said, ‘O our people, we have heard a Book revealed after Moses, confirming what came before it. It guides to the Truth and to the Straight Path. O our people, hearken to the one who invites you to ALLAH, and believe in Him. He will forgive your faults and deliver you from a grievous

MY LITTLE VIEWPOINT

chastisement.’” [Surah 46, Verses 2931] The words of Ibn Taymiyyan and the abovequoted verses tell us that the Mercy we receive from listening to HOMOBONO A. ADAZA the Qur’an is that of forgiveness and guidance. The Straight Way we ask to be shown in Surah 1, Verse 6: “Ihdina s-Siraatal Mustaqiim,” is given to us by the Qur’an, if we only listen to it. Thus, the Qur’an says in Surah 2, Verse 2: “This is the Book. In it is Guidance sure to those who reverence ALLAH.” The Qur’an in Surah 73, Verse 4, also provides the method for effective listening, by emphasizing how it should be read, thus: “… (A)nd recite the Qur’an in slow, measured rhythmic tone,” which in Arabic is “wa rattili lQur’ana tartiilaa.” The Qur’an is usually chanted when it is recited, and the recitation of the words are measured in accordance with marks that indicate where to prolong the recitation. All these point to the highest regard Muslims accord the Noble Qur’an as the Words of ALLAH, and therefore, entitled to utmost respect and reverence. It is in this context that Muslims get offended or angry when the Qur’an is disrespected or desecrated. A believer’s bond with ALLAH is characterized by his holding on to His Words as revealed in the Qur’an, and by respecting the Qur’an which is the repository of these words on earth. Along this line, many Muslims go to the extent of memorizing the Qur’an, word for word, to keep it in themselves. They are called Huffaz from the singular Hafiz, and they take their name from the words in the Qur’an which says: “Innaa lahuu la-Hafizuun,” which means “And we will assuredly guard it,” [Surah 15, Verse 9]. Being a hafiz, therefore, is comparable to taking part in guarding the Qur’an, because truly, the best way to guard a message is by preserving it in one’s memory. (MKS)

Ijtihad

with Ding Yahya

panish colonizers used the term “Moro” as a derogatory term for Muslims and portrayed them in negative terms mainly because of their resistance to Spanish colonial rule and Christianity. The succeeding American administrators perpetuated the negative Muslim image through their description of Muslims in their reports and in cartoons published in the American print media. Both colonizers viewed Filipinos primarily in terms of their religious identification, and through their campaigns against the Moros, have influenced the thinking and attitudes of Christian Filipinos towards Muslim Filipinos. In recent times, ethnic Filipino Muslims have appropriated the term Moro to symbolize instead their determination to chart their destiny as a nation and their rich political and cultural heritage. This recasting of the Moro image is reflected in contemporary Muslim writings in both print and electronic media. The remaking of the Moro image may have challenged colonial misrepresentations, constituted a redefinition of ethnic Muslim identity, and appealed to the sense of unity of Muslims. But the irony is that it did not free the Muslim Filipinos from discrimination. MNY (Adopted)

Opinion Duterte, Locsin, Enrile, Pacquiao, Carpio, and Del Rosario on te West Pilippine Sea Part I

Diliman Way

“It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll. I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.” – From INVICTUS by William Ernest Henley

was quite surprised by the continuing hawkish stand of SFA Teddy Boy Locsin on the issue of the West Philippine Sea. It runs counter to the meek, if not subservient, position of President Duterte. Knowing Teddy Boy since the Cory Aquino years, his intransigence is astounding? Has he finally become a man standing firmly on his feet? I wonder, Knowing Teddy Boy, then and now, I have serious doubts he is capable of taking a different position from President D on any issue, much less on this sensitive matter as the West Philippine Sea. Of my knowledge, there are only two members of the President

Duterte’s Cabinet who have contradicted the President openly – Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana on issues of national defense and security and Secretary of Finance Sonny Dominguez on economic issues. The rest of the Cabinet – in the famous lines of William Wordsworth, is a pack of dumb driven cattle. So how can Teddy Boy contradict President D without offending him? It is unthinkable. The only possible explanations are the LocsinDuterte exercise is mere Moro-Moro to placate rising public disgust over the Duterte position on the West Philippine Sea or President D is losing grip of

HOMOBONO A. ADAZA his Cabinet and allied forces due to advancing age and rising tide of anti-Duterte forces. Examples: Recently, President Duterte upbraided Senator Manny Pacquiao for blaming him on the current problems at the West Philippine Sea. Humbly, Pacquiao answered Duterte that he was only trying to voice the concern of many of our people on Duterte’s abandonment to Communist China our own Philippine territory and sovereignty. Enraged by the Pacquiao reply, Duterte told Pacquiao ADAZA | A11

Vol. II, No. 02 | June 25-July 1, 2021 (Dhu’l Qidah 14-20, 1442)

Political intervention, not merit is a great factor for teachers promotion in Tawi-Tawi Batanes to

his Column is named as Batanes To Tawi-Tawi for the simple reason we have to expose the good, the bad, and the ugly from the northernmost part of the country to the southernmost part of the Philippines. Hence, geographically Tawi-Tawi is the southernmost part. Now let us start discussing the farthest municipality which is Sitangkai as far as the educational system is concerned. Considering that Tawi-Tawi is one of the provinces under the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the public schools here in Tawi-Tawi is by operation of law are under the administrative jurisdiction of the Ministry of Basic, Higher, Technical Education (MBHTE) under the leadership of Minister Mohagher Iqbal based in Cotabato City. My informant who

Right of suffrage exercise in BARMM is imperative

otabato City Mayor Cynthia GuianiSayadi and Sulu Governor Sakur Tan alongside other unnamed Moro politicos have invoked the need for their respective constituencies to exercise their right of suffrage in selecting their leaders in the upcoming 2022 synchronized local, regional and national elections, in various forums including a meeting with the President on June 16, according to Senator Migz Zubiri. At the same meeting, Bangsamoro government officials led by Chief Minister Ahod “Hadji Murad” Ebrahim reiterated having not delivered yet their mandates due to the late appointment of the Bangsamoro Transitional Authority (BTA) and other circumstances aggravated by the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, Zubiri said. He said the local governments of Lanao del Sur, Basilan and

Tawi-Tawi backed the passage of the bill postponing the 2022 parliament election and extending the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) lifespan to 2025. The latest stance of the Maguindanao LGU was not mentioned by Zubiri, despite publicized reports that the lady governor and her league of mayors had earlier signed manifestos endorsing the bill passage. He said the June 16 meeting did not reach a “consensus” among the stakeholder-leaders. The President appeared “largely neutral” after listening to the arguments of the supportive and dissenting camps, and asked officials present including Senate President Tito Sotto and House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco (and their key members) to return to the Palace on June 24 for another brainstorming. Zubiri was hopeful that the June 24 meeting will be able to reach

Punchline

ALI G. MACABALANG a compromise, even as he echoed the assurances of the Senate and House leaderships to hold special sessions (amid their current adjournment sine die ending July 24) pass a bill harmonizing the substitute version of Senator Francis Tolentino and the four similar bills in the House. The Senate bill was due for approval on second reading before the Congressional recess, but the senators opted to do so after learning the House version was “stunted” at the committee level. There are four pollMACABALANG | A11

begged not to be identified is one of the teachers of Sitangkai municipality. She agreed to talk to this columnist on condition that we will not divulge her name. Hence, a clue she is a woman and has been a teacher for more than 10 years already. She is an LPT or Licensed Professional Teacher having passed already the LET or Licensure Examination for Teachers administered by the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC). Her first confidential whisper is that political intervention plays an important role and not based on merit that is a great factor for promotion in Tawi-Tawi. I am optimistic that as a teacher the confidential whispers she is telling me are true and based on facts. Hence, if there is a political patronage a teacher who needs to be promoted should

Tawi-Tawi

JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL secure an endorsement or recommendation from the Congressman, Governor, Vice Governor, Board Member, Mayor, Vice Mayor. What she missed to tell me if a recommendation from a Barangay Chairman is still needed. No wonder she sent to my Facebook Messenger a screenshot of endorsement or recommendation from the Deputy Speaker of Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) as well as from a Member of Parliament (MP) addressed to the head of the school. She identified the JANNARAL | A13

The ICC Move to Investigate President Duterte

he move and timing of the Netherlands-based International Criminal Court or ICC to open up again the investigation of alleged human rights violation and possibly crime against humanity versus President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is loaded with suspicion. The initiative was taken by outgoing ICC Prosecutor Mrs. Fatou Bensouda, a Gambian human rights lawyer, on her last few days at the ICC as her term expired yesterday, June 16, 2021. She is replaced today, June 17, 2021, by Karim Assad Ahmad Khan, a Muslim British human rights lawyer. I suspect the invisible hands of the yellow opposition in the Philippines in tandem with their American and European partners and supporters are behind this new move against President Duterte, purposely to destroy his good image and outstanding performance as President in order to

negatively impact on the candidate for President he’ll anoint and support in 2022. The biggest problem of the opposition groups even with two Aquinos i.e. Cory and Noynoy Aquino both as President of the Republic, there is not much of any significant accomplishments they can claim aside from hating President Ferdinand E. Marcos and his family. For the truth is, even the ouster of Marcos was Enrileled, supported by the then LtGen. Fidel V. Ramos, Gen. Eduardo R. Ermita and the RAM Boys led by the then Col. turned Senator and currently DICT Secretary Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan. Cory Aquino was so lucky enough to reap the prize of the EDSA People Power Revolution to become the de facto President without being elected to office. On October 1-6, 2021 will be the slated filing of candidacy set by the COMELEC for

Southern Frontier

GERRY SALAPUDDIN the synchronized national and local elections in 2022. The biggest problem of the opposition groups under the new political alliance 1SAMBAYAN is the overwhelming popularity of President Duterte at 91% trust rating polled by Pulse Asia (?) as he enters his last year in office. In the past, when the sitting President enters his last year in Office, he/she registered very low trust rating. Sometimes, the past President garnered negative trust rating in his last year in office. But here is a “Probinsiyano” PresiSALAPUDDING | A11

A6 Comelec seeks more voters 100 days before sign up deadline

The Nation

Vol. II, No. 02 | June 25-July 1, 2021 (Dhu’l Qidah 14-20, 1442)

PH jabs breach 8-million mark at 1M per week – Galvez By ALI G. MACABALANG

ANILA: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday reminded anew Filipinos to register as voters in next year's elections 100 days before the registration deadline on September 30. “Today is June 22, 2021, and it is 100 days before the last day of voter registration! #MagpaRehistroKa na!” the poll body said in a Facebook post. It added that applicants may file their registration forms at all Office of the Election Officer (OEC) in the city or municipality where they intend to vote from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays to Fridays. Applicants may also file their registration forms at any satellite registration sites in their areas. The schedule of satellite registration activities may be viewed on the Comelec website, www.comelec.gov.ph. Registrants must be at least 18 years of age on or before election day on May 9, 2022. He/she must be a resident in the Philippines for at least one year and in the place where the applicant intends to vote for at least six months on or before election day. Aside from applications for new registrants, local Comelec offices are also accepting applications for transfer and reactivation of voter records, and the change of name or correction of entries on record. They also accept requests to include a person's record in the book of voters and the reinstatement of a person's name on the voter's list. The Comelec is expecting to register some four million new voters for next year’s polls. ——————————— Meanwhile, the country now has almost 60 million registered voters with still 100 days left remaining for signup, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) reported on Tuesday. As of the June 18, 2021 Election Registration Board (ERB) hearing, the number of registered voters was at 58,231,612 while 1,226,412 applications were approved by ERB as of April 19. The application of 816,183 voters who will turn 18 on election day in May 2022 has also been approved. There were 2,704 who have been deactivated, 67,981 canceled by reason of death, and 66,069 who transferred. Data likewise recorded 17,108 double registration and 2,562 double entries. The nationwide voting registration period will run until Sept. 30, 2021. All Offices of Election Officer nationwide accept application for registration from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays to Fridays. Some branches, however, implement physical closures due to Covid-19 cases or quarantine restrictions. (PNA)

OTABATO CITY: The Philippine government’s National Vaccination Program has breached the eight-million mark in the number

of anti-COVID jabs administered at an average of one million per week, the lead implementing official announced on Sunday.

“There’s no letup in our vaccination campaign. All sectors of society are working together so that we can start to move on from this pandemic, bring back a greater sense to our lives, and further open up our economy,” Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., National Task Force Against COVID19 Chief Implementer and vaccine czar, said in a statement furnished with the Philippine Muslim Today news. Galvez added: “Local government units and the private sector are playing a key role in this effort, as they ramp up the inoculation of their citizens and employees, respectively. They are really doing an amazing job and we would like to laud them for their hard work.” Citing National Vaccination Operations Center (NVOC) data, he said the program as of June 18 has administered at least 8,050,711 doses nationwide, broken down at 5,953,810 first dose and 2,096,901 second dose. To date, 94.24% or 1,053,373 healthcare workers (A1) have been inoculated. Some 1,939,599 senior citizens (A2) have received their first dose, while 536,476 have been fully vaccinated, he said. For persons with comorbidities (A3), 2,005,206 have been given their first jab, while 498,925 have received both shots. For the economic front-liners (A4), 452,600 were administered their first dose, while 8,127 have been fully vaccinated. The vaccination of the A4 category began last June 7, but was limited to NCR plus 8 areas. At least 23,826 indigent residents were given their first dose, as a number of LGUs in the NCR started inoculating their A5 prior-

weeks and months,” Galvez emphasized. Vaccine supply As of June 19, the country has received a total of 14,205,870 doses purchased by the government and private sector, as well as those donated by foreign governments. These vaccine brands include Sinovac, Sputnik, Pfizer, and AstraZeneca. In the first three weeks of June, the country received a total of 5,876,820 doses, consisting of 3.5 million Sinovac doses, 2,276,820 Pfizer doses (from COVAX), and 100,000 Sputnik V doses. Galvez said that Sinovac has already confirmed the delivery of another 1.5 million on June 24. Some 250,000 Moderna doses, including those purchased by the private sector, have been confirmed to arrive on June 27. The COVAX facility will also be shipping 2,028,000 AstraZeneca doses in June, while 150,000 doses of Sputnik V (component 2) vaccines are scheduled to be delivered this month. “We also expect to receive the US donation of vaccines before the end of June,” Galvez bared. Galvez said the government expects to receive 11,670,000 doses in July, consisting of 4.5 million Sinovac shots,

Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., National Task Force Against COVID-19 Chief Implementer and Vaccine Czar. (Presidential photo by Joey Dalumpines) ity sector. Upward trend “We’re now seeing an upward trajectory in the vaccination throughput across all priority groups. This is a very good indication that vaccine hesitancy is being addressed and more Filipinos, especially our senior citizens, are now willing to get inoculated,” Galvez said. “We are happy that the public uptake for Sinovac has also increased significantly. The steady supply of doses particularly of this brand, will enable us to fast track the inoculation of the A4 priority group, as well as provide much-needed vaccines to emerging hotspots across the country,” he added. Galvez said the country recorded its highest daily vaccination rate of 322,929 jabs on June 15. For two consecutive weeks this month, the country maintained a weekly jabs rate of more than one million per week. For June 12 to 18, the country administered 1,252,234 doses. The country now has 3,991 vaccination sites. Since the rollout of the vaccination program in March, the NVOC has deployed 11,731,640 vaccine doses nationwide. “We will sustain our momentum, as we expect a steady supply of vaccines in the coming

and one million doses each of Moderna and Sputnik V vaccines. The initial shipment of 1.17 million AstraZeneca doses purchased by the private sector are also set to arrive in July. The COVAX facility is also scaling up its deliveries next month with four million doses of either AstraZeneca or Pfizer-BioNTech. According to Galvez, the initial release of USdonated vaccines to COVAX of about 80 million doses will provide a major boost to the facility’s efforts to provide nations around the world with muchneeded doses. Israeli experts to visit PH Galvez bared that three experts from Israel’s Ministry of Health will be in the Philippines from June 20 to 25 to share their country’s experiences on vaccine deployment. “Their arrival in the Philippines will help us fine-tune our vaccination roll-out. We want to learn from the best practices being implemented in Israel and hopefully, replicate and use them in crafting our country’s policies,” Galvez said. He said that among the topics to be discussed during the consultation meeting will be the efficient roll out and safe handling of vaccines and improve pubGALVEZ | A11

Across PH

Vol. II, No. 02 | June 25-July 1, 2021 (Dhu’l Qidah 14-20, 1442)

Lakas-CMD renews alliance with Sara Duterte's HNP

PH acquires $3.8M worth US-made weapons

By FILANE MIKEE CERVANTES

ANILA: The Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) has renewed its alliance agreement with the regional party Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) of Davao City Mayor Sara In a national executive meeting held on Wednesday afternoon, top officials of the Lakas -CMD adopted a resolution that authorizes Romualdez, who is party president, to sign the renewal of their alliance agreement with the HNP with the end in view of “building a multiparty coalition intent on pursuing the political and socio-economic reforms laid out by the Duterte administration”. Romualdez said the alliance agreement would bind the two parties to support whoever they decide to field as presidential candidates in next year’s polls. “If Mayor Sara Duterte decides to seek higher office for 2022, we are ready to work for her victory in the coming election,” Romualdez said. Romualdez also called on other political parties to join them to form a broad multiparty coalition that shares the “same vision of building a strong republic through sustainable growth and development of the regions”. In the adopted resolution, Lakas-CMD officials noted the importance of the party

Duterte ahead of next year's elections, House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez said on Wednesday.

ABOVE: U.S. Air Force personnel unload weapons and equipment off a K-10 Extender at Clark Air Base. Below: U.S. Army Lt. Col. Mark Anthony Madumma, contract management for international logistics officer with 0|4, GHQ, AFP, a newly delivered tactical helmet at Clark Air Base. (Photo supplied)

House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez (PNA file photo) playing an active role in ravages wrought by the should she decide to building a “strong re- pandemic.” run for president in next public” amid the coronaIn a radio interview year's polls. virus disease (Covid- on Monday, Mayor Sara “Yes, there are a lot 19) pandemic. said that the presidency of them who expressed The Lakas-CMD is not intended for a their intent [to run for previously signed an ‘woman’ like her. VP as my running maalliance agreement with Duterte quoted her te], but I cannot answer HNP on Nov. 7, 2018, father, President Duterthem because there is which paved the way for te, who said the no final answer yet,” their partnership in the “presidency is not a she added. 2019 national and local woman’s job". Despite the cold feet elections. “President Duterte in running for the coun“The 2022 election said that the presidency try’s top post, the presiwill see both parties is not a woman’s job so dential daughter, howworking together once particularly [it’s] not for ever, thanked the conmore for the common me. So if he decided to tinuous support poured good but this time, run for vice-president unto her. hopefully, with more (VP), let’s not expect “To those who expolitical parties on that he will get me as pressed their support, I board,” Romualdez his running mate [since I thank you all for the said. “May this new co- am a woman],” she said. trust and confidence alition usher in a new She also confirmed you have given to me era of national unity, that there are individuals as a person and as a which we badly need to who signified interest to public official,” she furbounce back from the be her running mate ther added. (PNA)

SPDA chief says ICC’s plan to investigate President Duterte full of suspicion By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

AVAO CITY: Southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA) Administrator and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdulghani “Gerry” Salapuddin has defended President Duterte on the International Criminal Court (ICC’s) move to investigate President Rodrigo Duterte for alleged human rights violation and possibly crime against humanity. Salapuddin tried to rescue the President in his weekly column “Southern Frontier” published at the Philippine Muslim Today. He said

the move and timing of the ICC based in Netherland to open the said investigation is ill-timed and full of suspicion. The initiative to investigate President Duterte was taken by former ICC Prosecutor Mrs. Fatou Bensouda, a Gambian human rights lawyer. Bensouda was replaced by Karim Assad Ahmad Khan, a Muslim British human rights lawyer last June 17, 2021. Hence, Salapuddin suspected the Liberal Party the “mortal enemy” of the President

that has something to do with the ICC plan to investigate the Chief Executive. “I suspect the invisible hands of the Yellow opposition in the Philippines in tandem with their American and European partners and supporters are behind this new move against President Duterte, purposely to destroy his good image and outstanding performance as President in order to negatively impact on the candidate for President he’ll anoint and support in 2022,” Salapuddin emphasized.

As of this writing, Presidential daughter Inday Sara DuterteCarpio is perceived as the front runner as the candidate of the administration for President. As this developed, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has scheduled October 1-6, 2021 as the start of the filing of candidacy for the synchronized national and local elections in 2022. However, according to the SPDA administrator/CEO the biggest problem of the opposition groups under the new political alliance SPDA | A11

COTABATO CITY: The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has acquired Americanmade weapons worth $3.8 million (equivalent to 183 million pesos), the U.S. Embassy in Manila announced recently. In its statement furnished with the Philippine Muslim Today news on June 22, the embassy revealed that on June 21, officials from the Joint United States Military Assistance Group – Philippines (JUSMAG-P) delivered $3.8 million worth of weapons and equipment to the AFP at the Clark Air Base. It said the delivery, which involved funds from the Philippine government and the U.S. grant assistance, included nine M3P .50 caliber heavy machine guns, 10 mortar tubes and other equipment, and was intended to enhance the AFP’s counterterrorism and maritime security capabilities. “The United States will continue to support the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ capacity building efforts through joint training and key military equipment transfers,” the embassy quoted JUSMAG-Philippines Chief and Senior Defense Official to the Philippines Col. Stephen Ma as saying. “Our mutual security collaboration remains a cornerstone of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Col. Ma added. The Philippines, the embassy said, is the largest recipient of U.S. military assistance in the Indo-Pacific. Since 2015, the U.S. has provided more than Php48.6 billion ($1 billion) in security assistance to the Philippines. This year, the two allied nations are commemorating 70 years since the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty, the US embassy said, adding that the latest delivery would continue as part of “(our) longstanding commitment to our Filipino allies.” (AGM)

A8 ICRC, NCMF discuss engagement with Muslims in Mindanao amid pandemic By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

ICRC & NCMF: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) are planning a high level collaboration especially on the aspect of International Humanitarian Law (IHL). Commissioner Yusoph J. Mando (seated at the center) cordially receives the ICRC delegation headed by ICRC’s Advisor for Humanitarian Affairs Aminul Islam and ICRC political Advisor Rolando Modina. (Contributed Photo)

ILIMAN, Quezon City: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) had made an extensive discussion on their activities with the Muslim Filipinos in Mindanao being conducted during this ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The ICRC delegation was headed by ICRC’s Advisor for Humanitarian Affairs Aminul Islam and ICRC political Advisor Rolando Modina, where they made a courtesy visit to National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Commissioner Yusoph J. Mando. In the said meeting, they discussed the possibility of holding a high level collaboration of these two agencies, where Commissioner Mando explained to them the mandate of the NCMF as a government agency. Commissioner Mando said it is within the mandate of the NCMF that it is to preserve and develop the culture, tradition, institutions, and wellbeing of Muslim Filipinos, giving the Commission a crucial role in responding to the humanitarian needs of conflict-affected populations. During this pandemic, it contributed significantly to raising awareness among the Muslim Filipino communities on health protocols to help mitigate the spread of the disease. He added that the NCMF also provided relief assistance to those badly affected by the pandemic, and continues to do so through its Regional and Field Offices nationwide. On the other hand, the ICRC explained their potential role in the humanitarian campaign in support of the Philippine Red Cross. This includes the ICRC engagement within Muslim Filipino communities in Mindanao and in the Philippines as a whole. The International Committee of the Red Cross was founded In Geneva, Switzerland for Humanitarian Help for People Affected by Armed Conflict. Since 1863, their mission has been to protect and assist victims of armed conflict, and promote understanding and respect for International Humanitarian Law (IHL). Commissioner Mando was appreciative of the possibility of the ICRC’s high-level collaboration with the NCMF. He also gave his assurance for future collaborations with the ICRC and YES FOR PEACE Bayanihan ng Bayan, including capability building programs, visits to jail and prisons, seminar workshops on IHL, and other activities centered around social action, justice and peace, and interreligious dialogue. Moreover, they have also discussed possible mobilization of resources to provide humanitarian assistance to low-income families most affected by the pandemic. (JIJ)

Across the Globe

Vol. II, No. 02 | June 25-July 1, 2021 (Dhu’l Qidah 14-20, 1442)

UN confirms 26,425 grave violations against children in 2020

NITED NATIONS – An annual report of the UN secretary-general on children and armed conflict verified 26,425 grave violations against children in 2020.

Of the violations, 23,946 were committed in 2020, and 2,479 were committed earlier but verified only in 2020, according to the report released on Monday.

Violations affected 19,379 children, including 14,097 boys in 21 situations. The highest numbers of violations were the recruitment and use of 8,521 children, followed by the killing and maiming of 8,422 children and 4,156 incidents of denial of humanitarian access, the report said. Children were detained for actual or alleged association with armed groups, including those designated as terrorist groups by the United Nations. Escalation of conflict, armed clashes, and disregard for international humanitarian law and international human rights law had a severe impact on the protection of children. Cross-border spillover of conflicts and intercommunal violenceaffected children, in particular, in the Sahel and Lake Chad basin regions, said the report. The highest numbers of grave violations were verified in Afghanistan, the Democratic

perpetrated against girls. Sexual violence remained vastly underreported, owing to stigmatization, cultural norms, absence of services, and safety concerns, according to the report. The Covid-19 pandemic aggravated existing vulnerabilities of children, including hampering their access to education, health, and social services, limiting child protection activities, and shrinking safe spaces. The socioeconomic impact of the pandemic exposed these children

Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen. Verified cases of abduction and sexual violence against children increased alarmingly by 90 percent and 70 percent, respectively. Abduction is often combined with the recruitment and use of children and sexual violence said the report. Grave violations affect boys and girls differently. While 85 percent of children recruited and used were boys, 98 percent of sexual violence was

to grave violations, notably recruitment and use, abduction, and sexual violence. Attacks on schools and hospitals, and the military use thereof, exacerbated the plight of children, said the report. The protection of children affected by armed conflict is crucial to preventing conflict and sustaining peace, the report said, urging national and regional stakeholders to develop and expand initiatives to prevent grave violations. (Xinhua)

North Korea turns down US offer for official meeting ANKARA: North Korea has turned down a US offer for an official meeting and stated that it has no intentions to contact Washington, the country's foreign minister said late on Wednesday. Ri Son Gwon said in a statement that the Foreign Ministry welcomes the clear-cut press statement issued by the vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, which brushed off hasty judgment, conjecture, and expectation of the US. "We are not considering even the possibility of any contact with the US, let alone having it, which would get us nowhere, only taking up precious time," Gwon said.

On Tuesday, the North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s influential sister Kim Yo Jong dismissed any talks with Washington and said the US could face disappointment. "I heard the news that the US National Security Advisor had mentioned that he regards the position towards the US as an ‘interesting signal,’ which the Plenary Meeting of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea clarified this time," said in a statement published by state-run Korean Central News Agency. "The expectation, which they chose to harbor the wrong way, would plunge them into a greater disappointment," she added. Earlier on Monday,

US special envoy for North Korea Sung Kim offered to meet with North Korean officials "anywhere, anytime, without preconditions," and said he was hoping for a positive response from Pyongyang. "We continue to hope that the DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) will respond positively to our outreach and our offer to meet anywhere, anytime without preconditions," the Yonhap News agency quoted Kim as saying during trilateral talks with his South Korean and Japanese counterparts in Seoul. The US envoy's statement came after North Korean leader Kim on Friday said his country should prepare for both "dialogue and confrontation" with the

US administration led by President Joe Biden. Last month, Biden also said the US and South Korea are willing to engage diplomatically with North Korea. In March, North Korea had turned down an offer by the US for talks, saying dialogue would be possible only if both sides come to "equal footing." In a statement, the country’s First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Choe Son Hui said Washington had been trying to make contact through several channels since midFebruary. Former US President Donald Trump held three successive rounds of talks with North Korea, but was ultimately unable to agree on its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. (ANADOLU)

Tourism & Culture

Vol. II, No. 02 | June 25-July 1, 2021 (Dhu’l Qidah 14-20, 1442)

The Tourism Industry of Tawi-Tawi By JOHNNY R. LEE Ph.D.

BANGSAMORO HALAL DISH With Maria Fhebie Ortil

eef Rendang – the best and most authentic beef rendang recipe you will find online! Spicy, rich and creamy Beef Rendang originated as Malaysian/ Indonesian beef stew made with beef, spices and coconut milk.

wo years ago, before the pandemic era, the Province of Tawi-Tawi had already gained considerable benefits along its tourism programs and development. Thousands of inbound tourists, both national and international, came along the shores of the island province and its communities because it provides the basic components namely: a.) attraction b.) accessibility, c.) accomodation and d.) amenities. The first component consists of the physical assets that the province has that includes hundreds of white beaches scattered in 11 of its municipalities and some very important cultural heritages. The iconic Panampangan island beach, considered to have the longest sandbar in the country, is located in the municipality of Sapa-Sapa. The Sheik Makhdum Mosque of Bohé Indangan in Simunul and Balobok Cave are considered and recognized as international historical and cultural landmarks. Not to be outdone is the Bud Bongao Peak which is at the center of the province’s capital which is known for its ‘mystics’ and forest reservation. The latter is still the most visited landmark even in this time of pandemic. Bongao is accessible via a commercial ship line from Zamboanga City. There used to be flights daily from Zamboanga City, which is the take-off point from major cities like Manila, Cebu City and Davao City bringing tourists into the town. However, today only two flights daily per week, which conform with health protocols and ‘quarantine’ requirements imposed by IATF.

BEEF RENDANG

“

Looking into the current situation, especially when vaccination for Covid19 had been implemented and administered to the residents of the province, it will not take long for the tourism industry to regain its former status as one of the most visited places by tourists in the BARMM area.”

Accommodation is well provided in the area as there are five major hotels and resorts and inns in the town of Bongao. Homestays are available in some of the nearby island municipalities. Amenities such as cottages, transportation (both land and sea crafts) can be had and provided by tourism agencies and private

entities. Securities of visiting and domestic tourists are provided for by the government entities like military establishments upon request from the Provincial Tourism Office who supervises and monitors the movements of tourists going outside of the town of Bongao. Just like any places around the country, tourism drastically re-

duced in terms of the number of tourists coming into the province. But looking into the current situation, especially when vaccination for Covid19 had been implemented and administered to the residents of the province, it will not take long for the tourism industry to regain its former status as one of the most visited places by tourists in the BARMM area. (JRL)

WHAT IS RENDANG? Rendang is a rich and tender coconut beef stew which is explosively flavorful and beef rendang is the most popular rendang. Called “rendang daging” in Bahasa Malayu (Malay Language), it’s arguably the most famous beef recipe in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore. ORIGINS OF RENDANG Beef Rendang is of Indonesian origin, a delicious concoction from the Minangkabau ethnic group of Indonesia. It’s often served at ceremonial occasions and to honor guests. Accordingly the dish came to Malaysia when the Minangkabau settlers from Sumatra migrated to the southern part of the Malay peninsula during the era of the Melaka Sultanate. This dish is well loved by many Malaysians, especially the Malay community. Beef Rendang is now commonly served among the many Muslim restaurants in the Islamic center in Quiapo, Manila. While Beef Rendang is the poster recipe, there are variations such as chicken rendang and lamb rendang. They are all absolutely delicious and best with rice, or Malaysian coconut milk rice (nasi lemak). WHAT KIND OF BEEF FOR RENDANG? The best beef used for beef rendang is the boneless beef short ribs or stew beef. The cut of beef will ensure that you have soft and tender beef once it’s cooked. You have to cut the beef into small pieces to ensure that after the slow cooking, each chunk of beef is tender with the aromatic rendang curry paste. ORTIL | A10

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News

A bill for Veteran Mujahideen Affairs Office enters 2nd stage in the BTA

Duterte to push for BARMM poll-deferring bill passage?

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

OTABATO CITY: A bill creating the Bangsamoro Veteran Mujahideen/ Mujahidat Affairs Office has entered its second stage in the Bangsamoro Transition Authority plenary on Tuesday, June 22. Once established, the office will provide financial, medical, social and other assistance to the veterans of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) who are underprivileged and have no chance for employment because of old age, lack of required education, and other requirements for employment. BTA Bill No. 25, or the Bangsamoro Veteran Mujahideen Act, was principally authored by Member of Parliament (MP) Aida Silongan and co -authored by all other MPs who are members of the MILF and MNLF. The bill was also co-authored by MPs Susana Anayatin, Maisara Latiph, Zul-Qarneyn Abas, Sahie Udjah, Alzad Sattar, Don Loong, Diamila Ramos, Baintan Ampatuan, Laisa Alamia, Nabil Tan, Jose Lorena, Jamel Macaraya, Hamid Barra, Musa Diamla, Eddie Alih, and Abdullah Macapaar. Silongan said the office aims to give recognition to the contributions and sacrifices of veteran mujahideens which led to the establishment of the Bangsamoro Government. “Napapanahon at nararapat lamang na magkaroon ng isang mekanismo upang maibigay ang tamang ayuda sa mga beteranong mujahideen at mujahidat at ang kanilang mga benepisyaryo, sa pamamagitan ng pagpasa ng panukalang ito,” said Silongan. As defined in the bill, veteran mujahideen are MILF and MNLF combatants who actually took part in the “protracted wars for self-determination between the Bangsamoro people and the National Government,” and who are sixty (60) years old from the time of the bill’s effectivity. Section 12 of the bill provides that the veterans and other qualified beneficiaries shall be entitled to receive the following benefits and privileges: • Six thousand pesos (Php6,000) monthly cash allowance; • Free medical aid from the Ministry of Health; • 20% discount on the sale of goods and services from any establishments within BARMM; • Exemption from taxes, fees, and other chargers imposed by the Bangsamoro Government; • 10% discount from electric, water, and other similar utilities computed proportionally based on the numbers of their household occupants; • Exemption from fees for skills, socioeconomic, and education trainings or seminars conducted by any public or private institutions within BARMM; and • Other benefits and privileges as may thereafter be determined by law. These benefits and privileges, however, shall not be available to those veteran mujahideen who are already beneficiaries of the decommissioning process under the normalization track of the Bangsamoro peace process. With an initial funding of Php30-million, the Ministry of Public Order and Safety will supervise and control the office as one of its component divisions. BTA Bill No. 25 was referred Tuesday to the parliament’s committees on Finance, Budget and Management and on Social Services. (JIJ/With BIO)

Vol. II, No. 02 | June 25-July 1, 2021 (Dhu’l Qidah 14-20, 1442)

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

ANILA: The Bangsamoro People’s Coalition on Wednesday launched a motor caravan around Metro Manila to drum up sup-

port for the extension of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) by holding the election in the year 2025 instead of 2022.

President Rody Duterte with BARMM Interim Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim and Senator Bong Go. (File) COTABATO CITY Hopes for the passage of the bill postponing the 2022 Bangsamoro parliament polls and giving three more transitional years for the regional government remain bright, an official privy to the matter revealed. The official, who wanted to be unnamed yet, said President Duterte was inclined to call for special sessions by the 18th Congress purposely to pass the harmonized bill of the Senate and House versions. He was interviewed over the phone by the Philippine Muslim Today news on Tuesday night, the eve of announced conduct of a civil society groups’ follow-up motorcade or caravan around the highways linking Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat and North Cotabato to press anew for a Presidential certification of the bill. The official said he received an invitation for his attendance in another Palace meet-

ing with the President, adding the meeting would center on the debate over the call for 2022 regional parliament election and extension of the interim autonomous government. The PMT also received information early Tuesday that the five governors in the Bangsamoro region were called for a meeting in the Palace that day. The Tuesday meet, if it’s true, could be a prelude to the June 24, which Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri said, set by the President for the Senate and House leaderships, the Bangsamoro regional executives and the governors in the region. Senator Zubiri has expressed hope that the June 24 meeting may reach a “consensus” among the invited officials. In published report, he disclosed that the same invited officials met the President on June 16, during which those supporting and opposing the election post-

ponement presented again their respective positions and arguments on the issue. The regional officials led by Chief Minister Ebrahim reiterated having not delivered yet their mandates due to the late appointment of the Bangsamoro Transitional Authority (BTA) and other circumstances aggravated by the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic that restrained social movements even in public offices, Zubiri said. The local governments of Lanao Sur, Basilan and TawiTawi backed the postponement, while those of Sulu as well Cotabato City “kept insisting on the need to the right of suffrage in the region which was acknowledged as well by the President,” he added. At the June 16 meeting, he said, the President was “largely neutral” in the absence of consensus among the officials, and asked the same meeting attendees to come back on June 24.

Zubiri highlighted the argument of Senator Francis Tolentino, author of the Senate bill, who pointed out that holding the polls as scheduled “may be difficult as there has been no passage of an electoral code for the region defining the positions and new districts at stake in the parliamentary set up provided for by the Organic Act which I authored.” “It is the BTA (that) should pass this Electoral Code. So according to Sen. Tolentino, that would take time to pass and 100 days till the filing of candidacies in October would be too short a time to do so, hence the extension of the existing setup,” Zubiri explained. He agreed that the absence of a (Bangsamoro) election code would mean the Commission of Elections “would have no positions to elect for the region as the positions created by the ARMM have been abolished upon the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law.” (AGM)

Vol. II, No. 02 | June 25-July 1, 2021 (Dhu’l Qidah 14-20, 1442)

A11

ADAZA | from Page A5

Duterte, Locsin, Enrile, Pacquiao, Carpio, and Del Rosario on te West Pilippine Sea to read and study more before he open his mouth on the issue. President D should be grateful that the exchange did not take place inside a boxing ring. If it did, the Pacquiao counterpunch would have floored President D and sent him to sleep beyond the count of eight which signifies that the fight is over. Obviously, to any objective observer, the Pacquiao counterpunch is more presidential than the President D critique of Senator Pacquiao. Not content with a loss in exchange just following a previous failed challenge to a debate with Former Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio, President D sought refuge in the arms of former Senate President and Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile in a televised broadcast. President D asked Enrile to tell the audi-

ence he was not the one at fault on the current problem at the West Philippine Sea. President D said the problem started when the Philippine Navy vessels withdrew from the Scarborough Shoal after a confrontation with the Communist Chinese Naval Forces during the administration of PNOY Aquino. President D keep insisting for Enrile to say the PNOY government was at fault for withdrawing the Philippine vessels from the vicinity of the Scarborough Shoal. After a convoluted exchange between President D and Enrile, the latter finally told Duterte that the Philippines had to withdraw its vessels because of an agreement between Communist China and the Philippines brokered by the USA The Philippines adhered to the agreement and withdrew her vessels but Communist China

refused to honor the agreement, the rogue State that it is which does not believe in the rule of law. Who is to blame: Why does not Duterte blame his friend, corona virus Communist China President Xi Jinping? Xi was the one who dishonored and disobeyed the agreement in the same manner that communist corona virus Xi Jinping refused to honor and obey the decision of the UN Arbitral Tribunal on the issue of the West Philippine Sea. If there is anyone to blame, it is China and Xi Jinping for disobeying and dishonoring the agreement. The question thereafter is – why did not PNOY Aquino asked the US to press China to honor and obey the agreement. Why? That is the fault of PNOY. But what can you expect from an incompetent President like him who is nothing but a Siamese twin of President Duterte?

In a previous nationally televised interview, Duterte raged against Former Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio and Former Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert Del Rosario for taking a position different from his on the issue of the West Philippine Sea. Digong challenged Carpio to a debate on the issue. As usual he ran away from his challenge. But this is no surprise from Digong – as this is a matter of habit. When he was still Mayor of Davao City, Digong challenged journalist Waldy Carbonell, who was representing the National Press Club to conduct an inquiry on the death of Davao City journalist Jun Pala. Offended, Digong challenged Waldy to a gunfight. Waldy showed up at the time and place designated by Digong but not even the shadow of Digong showed up. As usual the brave man Mayor Digong ran away from his own challenge.

President Digong is a habitual delinquent in so far as honoring his own challenges. At the time he issues the challenges, he swaggers like a peacock but when he realizes he committed a mistake he has the pachydermous insensitivity to run away from it – just like the challenges he issued to Vice-President Leni Robredo on the drug issue and the one he issued to former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on revealing their bank accounts. Who knows what: Examining the statements of President Duterte on the West Philippine Sea, it is very clear that he does not know the Philippine Constitution and his constitutional duties. Why? In his exchanges with Carpio, Del Rosario and Pacquiao, he was made to look like an amateur who has a lot to read and learn – of how to be President. Like many members of his Cabinet, it has taken

him so long to undergo an On the Job Training (OJT) but not learning. But his unabashed excuse for it is – “That’s me!” In his obsession with the issue, he even said he would hang Former Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert Del Rosario for treason for allowing the withdrawal of Philippine naval vessels from the West Philippine Sea. President Duterte should know better. Del Rosario could not order the withdrawal of those vessels –only PNOY Aquino could do that. The withdrawal is not the fault of PNOY as it was consistent with an agreement with Communist China. If at all there is any fault, it came only after the agreement – PNOY Aquino should have asked the US which brokered the agreement to tell China to honor the agreement. If it did not, there lies the fault of PNOY Aquino. (TO BE CONTINUED)

BANGSAMORO | from Page A5

Political intervention, not merit, is a great factor for teachers promotion... name of Tawi-Tawi Schools Division Superintendent as Dr. Fatima Bensali Abubakar. She can attest that Dr. Abubakar is a good head of schools or superintendent of Tawi-Tawi. But what can affect the kind or good reputation of Dr. Abubakar are her “Angels” surrounding her for these are “Angels of Bad Influence or (ABI). Hence,

an unsolicited advice, Dr. Abubakar should insulate herself from the ABI and they should be transferred from the Office of TawiTawi Schools Superintendent and let the good ones be remained. Asked on what is the difference of DepEd under the defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao

(ARMM) as compared to the MBHTE under BARMM, she said the DepEd under ARMM especially during the tenure of the then DepEd Regional Secretary John A. Magno many ghost teachers and ghost schools were purged. On the other hand, she said the MBHTE under Minister Iqbal there is a great im-

provement since the license of the teachers are being checked upon as to its authenticity. The last confidential whisper that she told me there is no such thing as “faculty development” in MBHTE in Tawi-Tawi where teachers even out of their time and money are not allowed to go on further studies. At this juncture, Dr.

Abubakar should intervene for I know she does not allow this to happen in her turf. My informant said it is only during summer time where she can go back to school to continue her Doctoral Degree. However, when her school principal knew that she is going back to school the principal was so mad at her since apparently the

former does not want her subordinate to rise up and shine educationally. Thus she got the ire of the said principal. She concluded that their school head has still the crab mentality or what she calls as “Utak Talangka.” For your Comments/ Suggestions, please send an email to: julmunir1845@gmail .com

gional electoral code has already been crafted at the BTA parliament, a draft of which was reportedly submitted earlier to the Commission on Elections for comment. The Comelec has not acted on the draft yet. The drafted code reportedly seeks the grant of government funds to accredited regional political parties so that such parties will be the ones to field perceived brilliant, honest and deserving candi-

dates, and mend the flimsy preference for moneyed politicians. The quest to transform the personality and money-based right of suffrage in the Bangsamoro to a statesanctioned party system should take its due course. If such reform happens, we can expect an end in rampant corruption among the ranks of elected leaders and see an opportunity for the emergence of good governance. (AGM)

MACABALANG | from Page A5

Right of suffrage exercise in BARMM is imperative postponing bills in the House, authored by Maguindanao Rep. Esmael Mangudadatu, Deputy Speakers Loren Legarda and isidro Ungab and Majority Floor Leader Martin Romualdez. Another bill authored by Lanao Norte Rep. Khalid Dimaporo calls for the conduct of the 2022 polls as scheduled but offering a longer BARMM transition period. Deputy Speaker Mujiv Hataman of Basilan has a

pending resolution for a review of the BARMM’s two year operations before consideration of poll postponement and transitional lifespan. On one hand, I agree with the contention that exercising the Constitution-mandated right of suffrage should not be subordinate to any other events, especially undue. Such right is the only power the citizens have to decide on who should be their elected leaders. On the other hand, I

also believe arguments that most if not all elections held in the autonomous region including its component provinces and cities had never been reflective of the “true sentiments” of the electorates because money influenced the results, not to mention the usual grips of political dynasties. Legal minds, with the corroboration of Senator Tolentino, have contended about the impossibility of holding the 2022 regional par-

liament polls without the passage of an electoral code in the Bangsamoro region. The Omnibus Election Code of the country does not define parliament districts that candidates for parliament seats can represent in the 2022 polls. Congressional districts averaging at two per province in the region are different from parliament districts mulled to be four in each province. The proposed re-

A12

Vol. II, No. 02 | June 25-July 1, 2021 (Dhu’l Qidah 14-20, 1442)

BANGSAMORO | from Page A2

Bangsamoro overseas workers’ woes gain BTA attention province of field offices of the National Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the POEA to mitigate cases of illegal human trafficking by creating a “one-stop

shop” documentation of jobseekers. The plan has not been pursued after his three gubernatorial terms lapsed in 2019. (AGM)

Buquing and his wife, Vice Mayor Wendy Buquing, were on their way home when the assailants waylaid their vehicle in Barangay Cadapli in the town of Bangar on Oct. 1, 2018. The mayor succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds in different parts of his body while his wife was wounded. The mayor’s driver, Bonifacio Depdepen, and his bodyguard, Rolando Juan Be, were also killed. 19. Vice Mayor Alfred Concepcion of Balaoan town, La Union Concepcion and his daughter Mayor Aleli Concepcion were on their way to the town hall on Nov. 14, 2018 when suspects opened fire on their vehicle, killing the former. The elder Concepcion died from multiple gunshot wounds while the town mayor was wounded in the attack, police said. 20. Vice Mayor Sergio Popoy Francisco Emprese of San Andres town, Quezon Emprese was ambushed inside his home

in San Andres town, Quezon on August 21. He was rushed to the hospital but expired while being treated. 21. Vice Mayor Charlie Yuson III of Batuan town, Masbate Yuson and his two companions were having breakfast in Sampaloc, Manila when men aboard a silver gray van approached them on October 9, 2019 and opened fire. He was killed while his companions were wounded. 22. Mayor David Navarro of Clarin town, Misamis Occidental Navarro was shot by unknown gunmen on Oct. 25, 2019 while he was on a police vehicle en route to the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office. He was previously tagged in the President’s “narco-list.” 23. Mayor Caesar Perez of Los Baños town, Laguna Perez was shot by unidentified assailants inside the municipal hall compound on Dec. 3, 2020, after getting back from a spa in Brgy. Baybayin.

Last year, he was included in the Duterte administration’s list of politicians with alleged links to illegal drugs. The mayor had denied this. 24. Mayor Christopher Cuan of Libungan town, Cotabato Cuan and his driver were shot dead on the morning of Jan. 11, 2021 at a cockpit arena in the municipality, police said. The mayor and his driver Edwin Ihao, were tailed by 4 gunmen onboard a blue SUV and shot them “several times using unidentified long firearms,” according to initial investigation. Cuan was also supposedly included in Duterte’s illegal drug watchlist. 25. Vice Mayor Restituto Calonge of Mabuhay town, Zamboanga Sibugay Calonge was shot dead while two others were wounded in an attack last February 26. The gunman fired multiple shots using a .45 caliber pistol, killing Calonge on the spot, and fled on a motorcycle, police said. (AGM)

PH jabs breach 8-million mark at 1M per week – Galvez

pino people that the supply agreements with both vaccine manufacturers are due to be signed anytime this week by me and Secretary Duque,” Galvez said. “With the steady arrival of donated and pro-

cured vaccines in the country, we are confident that our target of having more than 184 million doses of antiCOVID 19 shots in our inventory before the year ends will be realized,” he added. (AGM)

governor and congressman of the Lone District of Basilan. Eventually he became also the House Deputy Speaker for Mindanao. Maybe because the Filipinos saw and felt his tangible accomplish-

ments. His BUILD, BUILD, BUILD infrastructure program had accomplished so much, overshadowing the combined accomplishments of his predecessors, Salapuddin further said. JIJ

Illegal human trafficking issues in Maguindanao peaked in 1990’s when Sarah Balabagan, then a minor from Sultan Kudarat town, was jailed in the United Ar-

ad Emirates (UAE) for killing her male employer after allegedly raping her. Balabagan was sentenced to death but strong representations from Philippine authorities gained a reprieve

for her. How Balabagan was able to work abroad with her age bloated in documents is a problem replicated in several cases involving other minors in Maguinda-

nao, POEA and IOM reports said. In 2018, the Maguindanao Governor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu, now a congressman, mulled the establishment in his

MAYORS | from Page A3

27 mayors, vice mayors including Moros slain in 5 years Vice Mayor Ungab was driving when two individuals approached his vehicle and shot him along Osmeña Street in Cebu City on Feb. 19, 2018. Ungab, who was legal counsel of selfconfessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa, had just come from a court promulgation relating to the case against his client when he was shot dead. 12. Mayor Ronald Tirol of Buenavista town, Bohol Tirol was shot dead by three men aboard two motorcycles near the town’s cockpit arena on May 27, 2018. The mayor sustained two gunshot wounds to his head. He was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his wounds. 13. Mayor Antonio Halili of Tanauan City, Batangas Mayor Halili, who was known for ordering suspected criminals to take “walks of shame,” was shot dead during a flag ceremony in his city on July 2, 2018 by an unidentified sniper. Hours after his death, the President slammed the slain

mayor, saying the latter pretended to be an anti -illegal drug crusader to cover up his supposed drug activities. Halili’s daughter, meanwhile, said Duterte was given “false information” about her father. 14. Mayor Ferdinand Bote of General Tinio town, Nueva Ecija Bote was shot dead on July 3, 2018, a day after Tanauan City Mayor Antonio Halili was gunned down in Batangas. The mayor was about to leave the National Irrigation Administration office in Cabanatuan City when an unidentified assailant approached his vehicle and shot him through the passenger’s side. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque was quoted as saying that Bote was a supporter of the President and had no drug links. 15. Vice Mayor Alex Lubigan of Trece Martires town, Cavite Vice Mayor Lubigan was killed aboard his vehicle outside the Korean-Philippines Hospital in Cavite on July 7,

2018. Unidentified gunmen aboard an SUV hit the vice mayor’s vehicle and opened fire. 16. Vice Mayor AlRashid Mohammad Ali of Sapa-Sapa town, Tawi-Tawi Vice Mayor Ali was on board his vehicle when he was shot by motorcycle-riding gunmen in Zamboanga City on July 11, 2018. At the time of his death, Ali was the seventh victim of a shooting incident in Zamboanga City. 17. Mayor Mariano Blanco III of Ronda town, Cebu Mayor Blanco was inside his office in Ronda when he shot by armed men on Sept. 5, 2018. He was pronounced dead on arrival at 2:25 a.m. after being rushed to a hospital in nearby Barili town. Blanco was among the three local chief executives who were not invited to a meeting with the President in Cebu in May that year. 18. Mayor Alexander Buquing of Sudipen town, La Union

GALVEZ | from Page A6

lic uptake. The Israeli delegation will meet with some of the Philippines’ top medical experts, as well as visit some of the country’s vaccination sites.

Procurement of Pfizer and J&J vaccines Meanwhile, Galvez said that following “productive discussions” during the Senate Committee of the

Whole’s hearing last week, the country’s vaccine negotiating team, together with representatives from Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson, are now in the final stages of sealing the

deal for the procurement of 40 million doses of Pfizer-BioNTech and six million doses of Janssen vaccines. “We are pleased to inform the members of the Senate and the Fili-

SPDA | from Page A6

SPDA chief says ICC’s plan to investigate Duterte... 1SAMBAYAN is the overwhelming popularity of President Duterte at 91% trust rating polled by Pulse Asia as he enters his last year in office. He stressed in the

past, when the sitting President enters his last year in office, he/ she registered very low trust rating. Sometimes, the past President garnered negative trust rating in his last year in

office, according to Salapuddin. But here is a “Probinsiyano” President from Mindanao, despite all the brick bats and attacks by the local and foreign media

and the opposition groups, his popularity is skyrocketing to an unprecedented high approval rating of 91%, according to the SPDA administrator/CEO who was also the former