Philippine Muslim Today

THE DIMENSIONS OF PEACE EDUCATION

By Atty. Mehol K. Sadain Vol. II, No. 03 | July 2-8, 2021 (Dhu’l Qidah 21-27, 1442)

12 Pages | P20

Duterte leaves BTA issue to Congres

(See Page A4)

nsion e

By ALI G. MACABALANG

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resident Rodrigo R. Duterte decided to stay neutral on the issue of Bangsamoro parliament election postponement and transition extension, indicating the need for Congress to take the cudgel of resolving the debate, Malacañang said.

(FULL STORY ON PAGE A2)

A3 BARMM

Bangsamoro Press Corps sets induction rites on July 3

The Bangsamoro Press Corps (BPC) has set the oath-taking event of its elected officers, Board of Directors, and pioneers members on Saturday, July 3, with the head of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) to administer the induction rites.

A6 The Nation

A7 Across PH

A8 World Round-Up

More counter-terrorism collaboration vital for PH, Saudi Arabia

BARMM pushes creation of Ranao Development Authority

G20 foreign ministers worried over food security in world

Recognizing the necessity of sharing best practices in countering the threat posed by violent extremism, the Philippines and Saudi Arabia underscored the need for greater cooperation on the global important issue of terrorism as the two countries continue to find ways to intensify tie-ups.

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) governance, through its interim parliament, is pushing for the creation of a Ranao Development Authority (RDA) to steer efforts meant to fix the critical state of Lake Lanao and preserve its essence to sociocultural heritage and meaningful autonomy.

The foreign ministers of G20 countries voiced deep concern over food insecurity in the world, according to a declaration released after a meeting on Tuesday.

“We express deep concern for the state of food insecurity across the world,” they said in the G20 declaration after a meeting in Matera, Italy.

Ranao Star

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BARMM mourns Aquino’s demise, cites role in peace process

By ALI G. MACABALANG

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OTABATO CITY: The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) governance mourns the demise of former President Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III, citing his regime’s role in the peace process that led to dawning of brighter prospects for stable security and equitable growth in southern Philippines.

Shortly after the breakout of news about the death of the former 61-year old former President, BARMM Chief Minister Ahod “Hadji Murad” Ebrahim ordered the hoisting of official flags at half-mast in public offices in the region to include the so-called “Malacañang of the Bangsamoro” – the regional executive building here.

The 80-member Parliament of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), the BARMM’s interim ruling body, passed a Thursday expressing “profound sympathy and sincere condolences” to the bereaved kin, friends and supporters of the country’s 15th President.

Three resolutions were actually introduced by members of the Parliament, but these were harmonized into one that is reflective of the BARMM’s recognition of the Aquino regime’s sealing two major peace accords in 2013 and 2014 with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the office of Speaker Pangalian Balindong said.

The two accords – the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) – have been legally translated into R. A. 11054, which the 18th Congress passed and was signed into law in July 2018 by succeeding President Rodrigo Duterte.

R.A. 11054, also known as Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), created BARMM with more autonomy and resources in replacement of the 29year old Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). President Duterte inaugurated the new autonomous government on March 29, 2019, formally installing 80 appointed personalities led by Ebrahim to administer the interim parliament and its bureaucracy.

Mr. Aquino, known as “Noynoy,” expired in the early morning of Thursday, June 24, at the Capitol Medical Center in Quezon City where he was rushed on the same day for treatment of a lingering ailment initially attributed to habitual smoking.

Apart from the BTA resolution, key BTA Parliament members like Nabil Tan, Zia Alonto-Adiong and Paisalin Tago conveyed separate words of sympathy in published reports over the demise of the former President.

Lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, BARMM spokesman and Local Government minister, echoed in a separate message the regional leadership’s mourning of Mr. Aquino’s demise.

“We remember with a deep sense of gratitude his contribution in establishing the self-governing political entity now called the BARMM. He was bold and brave enough (in meeting with) the then rebel and Chairman of the MILF in a third country, a first in the history of the Moro struggle. This meeting hastened the pace of the negotiations and led into the signing of the FAB and the CAB,” said Sinarimbo, a former executive secretary of ARMM. President Duterte, whose administration is now fleshing out the mandates of the CAB and the BOL, has also issued an official statement of sympathy over his predecessor’s demise.

Other Mindanao leaders from political, military, police and civil society groups have since taken turns in conveying condolences, and thanking the country’s 15th President for all his efforts in helping bring peace in the south.

Governors Bombit Alonto-Adiong of Lanao del Sur and Nancy Catamco of North Cotabato, and Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno have ordered the hoisting of flags at half-mast in their respective turfs in support of their words of sympathy. (AGM)

The Bangsamoro

Vol. II, No. 03 | July 2-8, 2021 (Dhu’l Qidah 21-27, 1442)

Duterte leaves BTA extension issue to Congress to decide

By Ali G. Macabalang

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OTABATO CITY: Malacañang announced today that President Duterte had decided to stand neutral on the issue of Bangsamoro parliament election post-

ponement and transition extension, indicating the need for Congress to take the cudgel of resolving the debate.

Screenshot photos of Palace spokesman Harry Roques with BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim (above) and Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan (below) in today’s press briefing via zoom.

Palace spokesman Harry Roque said the President on Thursday, June 24 met for the second time the leaders of two camps – one calling extension and another resenting – led

by Bangsamoro government interim Chief Minister Ahod “Hadji Murad” Ebrahim and Sulu Governor Sakur Tan, respectively. The President listened again to arguments of the camps, and reiterated later his option to stay neutral by tossing the issue to Congress to decide, he said.

The first meeting was held on June 16, during which the President sounded off neutrality after listening to narratives of the two camps, asked them instead to form a council of leaders to make a consensus, and return on June 24 to the Palace possibly to reach a compromise, Senator Juan Miguel Zuburi earlier said.

On June 23, Bangsamoro officials led by Ebrahim met in the

morning, with political leaders like Gov. Tan meeting in the afternoon as a council, and “reached a consensus” to be conveyed to the President the next day, Bangsamoro spokesman Naguib Sinarimbo said in a Facebook post.

In both Presidential meetings, Gov. Tan invoked the need for the holding of the parliament election as set in 2022 for the people of the region to exercise the right of suffrage in choosing their leader. Tan’s stance was corroborated in the June 16 meeting by Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi.

On the contrary, the regional officials backed by the governors of Lanao del Sur, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi insisted for a poll postponement and transition extension because the interim government could not deliver its mandates under the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB) and R.A. 11054

or Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) in the current period ending 2022.

In the June 16 meeting, Senator Francis Tolentino, author of the Senate bill deferring the regional polls to 2025 and extending Bangsamoro transition period, pointed out again his opinion that the 2022 polls could not likely proceed in the absence of regional electoral code defining the parliament districts in the region, Zubiri said.

At the live press briefing today, Sec. Roque revealed that the President asked the opinions of the Presidential Chief Legal Counsel (Salvado Panelo) and Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra as to whether or not postponing the 2022 election would require a plebiscite. Panelo believed there was going to be a need for a plebiscite, while Guevarra mentioned the contrary, he said.

“This could be another factor why the President decided to be neutral,” Roque said, referring to the contrasting legal opinions of the duo.

By neutrality, Roque said, the issue on poll postponement and transition extension will be “up to Congress to decide.”

Sec. Roque’s press briefing via zoom was joined by Chief Minister Ebrahim and Gov. Tan, who both reiterated their camps’ arguments.

Ebrahim and Tan were supposed to receive from the Malacañang Press Corps questions related to the issue, but the queries touched something else.

Roque’s announced Presidential neutrality has in effect drowned popular calls for Mr. Duterte to certify as urgent the enabling bills in the Senate and the House of Representatives.

DUTERTE | A12

Across Bangsamoro

Vol. II, No. 03 | July 2-8, 2021 (Dhu’l Qidah 21-27, 1442)

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Abaton eyes zero backlog of motorcycle plates in Zambo Peninsula by December

Bangsamoro Press Corps sets induction rites on July 3

By PMT News Team

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OTABATO CITY – The Bangsamoro Press Corps (BPC) has set the oath-taking event of its elected officers, Board of Directors, and pioneers members on Saturday, July 3, inviting

the head of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) to administer the induction rites.

Bangsamoro parliament member Basit “Jannati” Mimbantas” Abbas. (PIA Photo)

Atty. Aminola “Alex” Abaton. (FB photo)

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Bangsamoro Press Corps pioneer officers and members. (File)

The BPC after a series of meetings opted for Undersecretary Joel Sy Egco, PTFoMS executive director, to induct to office the pioneer officers and members, and update them in a message on the thrusts and programs of the Duterte administration through the task force in ensuring the security as a basic element of professional media practice.

Usec. Egco is also expected to guide the pioneer BPC officers and members in their desire to affiliate their group with the National Press Club (NPC). Director Egco is a past NPC president.

Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod “Al-Haj Murad” Ebrahim has been invited as honored guest to grace the ceremony, which will start at 2p.m. on July 3 at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex inside the autonomous government’s compound in this city.

Parliament Speaker Pangalian Balindong, Executive Secretary and Minister Abdulraof “Sammy Gambar” Macacua, and Regional Spokesman cum Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo are also expected to deliver messages in line with their concerns for unity and professionalism among journalists cover-

Undersecretary Joel Sy Egco, Executive Director of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security, and Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod “Al-Haj Murad” Ebrahim. (File photos) ing the autonomous region.

Maguindanao 2nd District Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu, known for his protective concern for journalists, has also been invited to deliver an inspirational message, alongside Army Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, 6th Infantry Division chief, and PBrig.

Gen. Eden Ugale, police director for the Bangsamoro region.

Event organizers also invited Bangsamoro Information Office Acting Director Andrew Alonto to deliver a message of support for the strengthening of private and government partnership in the autonomous region.

The Bangsamoro Press Corps (BPC) was formally organized here on April 19, 2021 following long-drawn efforts by elderly journalists covering activities and events related to the evolution of regional

autonomy since the Marcos era.

The organizational meeting was attended by 67 media workers based here and in the Bangsamoro region, including those in North Cotabato, South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat who provide coverage to autonomyrelated concerns.

Pioneer members elected via viva voce their first set of officers and Board of Directors, and drew up plans to flesh out their dream for a group that will professionalize their ranks, hone their skills and address age-old concerns about inadequacies in the physical, physiological and psychological aspects of media practice.

On top of their strides for individual and collective betterment, the pioneers BPC officers and members recognized as well the need to complement the efforts of the regional government, notably

its Bangsamoro Information Office in an intensified campaign for positive and comprehensive projection of the new autonomy.

The BPC envisions to help intensify reportage of the dealings between the national and regional governments, and seeks to drum beat the need for full implementation of laws and peace accords concerning Bangsamoro autonomy, according to Ali G. Macabalang, pioneer corps president and news editor of the Philippine Muslim Today news.

Other elected BPC offices are four vice presidents – John Unson (print); Erwin Cabilbigan (radio); Benny Queman (TV); Edwin Fernandez (online/ multimedia); and Ferdinandh Cabrera (PhotoJournalism); Ella Dayawan, treasurer; Dennis Arco, auditor; Sam Sali and Nhur BANGSAMORO | A11

LIGAN CITY: While there are at least 600,000 motorcycle plate backlogs in Zamboanga Peninsula in January, the Land Transportation Office in the region (LTO-9) aimed to attain zero backlog by December this year.

Lawyer Aminola “Alex” Abaton, LTO-9 director, said the backlog started in 2016 when the agency stopped the issuance of number plates due to the temporary restraining order issued by the Supreme Court and notice of disallowance by the Commission on Audit (COA).

Abaton said the distribution of plates was further delayed as the LTO waited for the plates’ final enhanced design in compliance with the requirements of the Republic Act 11235, otherwise known as the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act of 2019.

He said the enhanced design has safety features such as the radio-frequency identification sticker, quick-response (QR) code, and reflectorized sheeting.

Of the total backlog as of late January, Abaton said at least 350,000 were from Zamboanga City while the remaining 250,000 were from different parts of the region, including Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, although these areas are already part of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Abaton said he instructed all heads of the LTO district and extension offices in the region to address the problem and attain zero backlogs by December this year.

“After the purchase of a vehicle, our aim is for the papers and registration plate to be issued together,” he said. (PMT)

Bayaning Tsuper holds Palugaw, Libreng Gupit Program Bayaning Tsuper, in cooperation with Geronimo Santiago Elementary School Batch85 Alumni and Brgy Council of Brgy. 646 held a successful "Palugaw and Libreng Gupit" yesterday, June 27 from 9AM-11AM at Padilla St, San Miguel, Manila as part of GSES85's Annual Community Outreach Program.

The event was also an opportunity to LTO9RD and GSES85 class convenor Atty. Alex Abaton to discuss the updates of BTs on its aggressive campaign to promote and reinforce Road Safety Awareness especially as it progressively adopts to the "new normal" way of living of the community.

Thank you to Brgy.Chairman Raymundo Floro and his councilors, fellow GSES85 alumni Kagawad Tomas Tecson, teachers and batchmates who helped make the event successful and fulfilling.

Truly there is nothing more satisfying to the soul than returning back to its roots and giving back where it truly matters.

Cheers to Bayaning Tsuper and GSES85 to a lifelong partnership of committed service to the public.

(PMT)

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Opinion/News THE DIMENSIONS OF PEACE EDUCATION

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n a land sporadically visited by discontent and violence, peace as they say, is a rare commodity, and has to be treasured. The best way of treasuring it is by inculcating its concept and application in the minds of the people, especially those who are willing to learn.

Among us Muslims living in the PhilipIjtihad pines, I can think of three dimensions for learning peace: The first one, and the closest to our hearts, is the dimension of the Qur’an, the Recitation that contains guidance from ALLAH. The second is the dimension of Philippine laws, beginning with the Constitution. And the third is the dimension of our local and native experiences, or the realities on the ground.

Peace education for the Muslims should MEHOL K. SADAIN be anchored on these three dimensions: The Noble Qur’an as the Supreme Guidance; the secular laws to serve as enforceable limits and direction; and our individual field and social realities to keep us grounded in the implementation of peace initiatives. When all three converge, we are assured of a complete approach to peace education. Through this approach, both teacher and students get a sense of peace as a common aspiration, and a holistic condition for the propagation of development and progress in society.

The Dimension of the Noble Qur’an “And if they incline to peace, incline thou also to it, and trust in ALLAH. Surely, He is the Hearer, the Knower.” [8:61] The Qur’an expresses peace as a universal yearning. There are many verses (5:16; 6:127; 25:63; 36:58; 56:25-26; 97:5) in the Qur’an where it talks of peace as a universal concept, and uses it as an ideal, as well as a divine, form of greeting.

The word “salaam” comes from “aslama” which is to submit or surrender one’s self to ALLAH by obeying and trusting Him. One who submits is called a Muslim and his religion is Islam. One of the Beautiful Attributes of ALLAH is “As-Salaam” or “The Peace”.

Functionally, “peace” or “salaam” means not just being free from violence or war or any form of physical turmoil or severity. It also means being able to enjoy the blessings of social justice, good governance, economic prosperity, educational access and emotional contentment, the confluence of which is summarized by the word “Sakinah” or “Tranquility”, which we shall see in the Experiential Dimension.

The Dimension of Philippine Laws The Philippines renounces war as an instrument of national policy… and adheres to the policy of peace, equality, justice, freedom, cooperation and amity with all nations. [Art. II, Sec. 2, The 1987 Constitution] The 1987 Constitution renounces war, and advocates “peace” as a policy of the State. It adheres to the maintenance of peace and order, and the protection of life, liberty and property, and the promotion of the general welfare and social justice for the enjoyment by all people of the blessings of democracy [Art. II, Sec. 5, Constitution]. The stress on peace likewise aims at recognizing the rights of national indigenous communities within the framework of national unity and development.

The Code of Muslim Personal Law enumerates parental duty to the children in Art. 73, part of which provides:

Vol. II, No. 03 | July 2-8, 2021 (Dhu’l Qidah 21-27, 1442)

MENRE now officially oversees Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

TURTLE HATCHLINGS: MENRE and DENR-IX personnel released some 100 turtle hatchlings to Baguan Island shore in Tawi-Tawi . According to the island warden, 80-100 adult sea turtles swim to Baguan Island every night and lay eggs. (Contributed Photo)

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OTABATO CITY: The Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary (TIWS), a protected area in Tawi-Tawi province, is now officially under the protection and conservation of the Bangsamoro Government’s Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE).

This was after Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 9 (DENR-IX) Regional Executive Director Crisanta Marlene P. Rodriguez turned over the sanctuary to the MENRE Forest Management Services Director AbdulJalil S. Umngan last week.

Umngan, who represented Bangsamoro Senior Minister and MENRE Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua, said the ministry is mandated to “formulate policies and guidelines, and will implement programs, activities and projects for the protection and preservation of biological diversity and the endangered flora and fauna in the Bangsamoro region.”

“Rest assured that our mission now includes the protection and conservation of the Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary, its biodiversity, flora and fauna, and the habitat that’s inseparable from the survival of the species relying on the beauty of the islands,” he added.

“We have cherished our role in Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary (TIWS), proving time and time again that although distance has always been a challenge, it was never regarded as a hindrance to our efforts in environmental protection and biodiversity conservation,” said Rodriguez.

The TIWS is the 11th major nesting area in the world. It is recognized as primary nesting for two endangered marine turtles namely the Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) and the Hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata). The sanctuary is composed of the group of islands of Boan, Lihiman, Langaan, Great Bakkungan, Taganak, and Baguan.

“Day of the Sea Turtle” festival The turnover ceremony was held on the same day Tawi-Tawi was celebrating the 3rd ‘Adlaw sin Payukan’ or the Day of the Sea Turtle festival in Taganak Island.

The MENRE delegation led by Umngan joined the 12,000 locals of the Turtle Islands in the festivity.

On behalf of MENRE Minister Macacua, Tawi-Tawi Provincial ENRE Officer Jonel Moh. Monel said the ministry is “committed to continue the protection and conservation efforts for the Turtle Islands and to work towards its sustainable development.”

Presidential Proclamation No. 171 on August 26, 1999 declared Turtle Islands as a protected area and identified it as Extremely High (EH) for biodiversity conservation, and has since been safeguarded by the DENR.

Adlaw sin Payukan was launched on May 23, 2017, coinciding with the World Turtle Day, to highlight the significance of marine turtles, its protection and conservation, and the celebration of their abundance in the province of Tawi-Tawi. JIJ

SADAIN | A12

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he Philippine Muslim Today is published every Friday by Philippine Muslim Today Inc. with main offices at Mercury and Pluto Streets, Rabago Subdivision, Villa Verde, Iligan City 9200 PH. Phone: +63 63 2290965 (PLDT); +63 9152184388 (Mobile) Email: muslimtoday2020@gmail.com Portal: Https://philmuslim.today/

NCR SATELLITE OFFICE: ADDRESS: 9052 Viscarra Compound, Molino 3, Bacoor City 4102 Cavite Province PHONE: +639778430218 | +639353138549 Email: julmunir1845@gmail.com | managingeditor@philmuslim.today Opinion of the writer expressed herein is not necessarily the opinion of Philippine Muslim Today nor of its management.

Opinion

Vol. II, No. 03 | July 2-8, 2021 (Dhu’l Qidah 21-27, 1442)

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

Bangsamoro Press Corps is the NPC’s counterpart

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f that is a fault, why did President Duterte not request the US to ask Communist China to honor the agreement since the Chinese vessels are still there? So whose fault is that? It is no longer PNOY’s since he is no longer President – it is President Duterte’s fault since he is the current President.

Still, since Duterte claims that corona virus Xi Jinping is his friend – why does not Duterte ask Xi Jinping to withdraw those vessels?

Help, help: President Duterte is in desperate need of big names to agree with him. The only one he could find was former Secretary of National Defense Juan Ponce Enrile. He was no help because he kept on yakitty-yakking about former Senator Trillanes back channeling with China. Enrile was obsessed in knowing – who was the contact of

Trillanes in China why he was chosen by PNOY. Enrile should know better. Who and why Trillanes was chosen by PNOY is of no moment now. In the sacramental words of the best trial lawyers – it is irrelevant, impertinent and immaterial. With the many positions Enrile has held in government – he should know a few simple facts: PNOY was an incompetent President and it is just natural that he would chose someone as incompetent as he is, Trillanes.

So Duterte has become helpless. Enrile was of no help except that Enrile agrees with the treasonous posturing of President Duterte on the issue of the West Philippine Sea. No Cabinet secretary is of any help to Duterte except for SFA Teddy Boy Locsin who has shown a kind of intelligence on the issue.

Diliman Way

HOMOBONO A. ADAZA Solution: There are only two possible solutions to the President Duterte problem – his resignation from the presidency or his impeachment by the Lower House and conviction by the Senate.

But none of these can happen – Duterte will never resign from the presidency and he will never be impeached by the House and convicted by the Senate.

Why no impeachment and conviction? To borrow the words of a poet – the House and Senate majority members are no better than dumb ADAZA | A11

inally, we have our own Bangsamoro Press Corps (BPC) which is now the counterpart of the National Press Club (NPC) of the Philippines based in Manila of which I became a Regular Member way back in 1986 after I was admitted as Correspondent of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. Modesty aside I became the 1st Bangsamoro or Muslim Correspondent of (PDI) and after me many followed.

To be an NPC member in those days one had to go a long process after satisfying the NPC rigid requirements where one cannot be an automatic Regular Member. The Member has to pass the strict scrutiny of the Membership Committee after passing the requirements like your published three (3) byline news stories. Then you must be highly recommended by your Editor

Is ‘moral governance’ possible nowadays?

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y answer to the question is a big

YES. And the Bangsamoro people should be glad that the Moro Islamic Liberation Frontled new autonomous region has set “moral governance” as its goal – something I consider a parameter with which we can use in gauging the regional government’s success or failure.

Interim Chief Minister Ahod “Hadji Murad” Ebrahim should be lauded for setting the goal. Past administrators of past regional autonomy had not done the same. All I can remember since the evolution of autonomy from the Marcos era was the past administrators’ desires to impress the sitting Presidents, for political patronage often reeking with whims and caprices.

Critics have painted the present autonomous leadership’s drive for “moral governance” with a prospect for realiza-

tion if not next to impossible. But they should remember that skepticism or pessimism is an affront to the Persian adage: “He who does not hope to win has already lost.”

Scholars define “moral governance” as a form of an organizational management exhibiting systematic features and functions founded on ethical standards prescribed by universal religions (or by the Holy Qur’an and Hadiths for the largely Muslim autonomous region in specific).

Moral leadership is not a far-fetched dream because the late Hadji Mastor Ibrahim, who served as regional director for over a decade of the graft-laden Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), had successfully lived by and exemplified it. Here are some facts surrounding Director Ibrahim’s iconic story: Fact 1: In the advent of the Marcos Martial

Punchline

ALI G. MACABALANG Law regime, a Moro politician known for unprecedented influence to the deposed “dictator,” went to the office of then DPWH (MPWH) Secretary (Minister) Jesus Hipolito and asked for the replacement of Ibrahim by another Moro engineer allied with him.

Hipolito refused and told the politico that “Ibrahim is the most honest regional director we have.” The politician, not used to rejection of his requests, smashed the minister’s glass table with a clenched fist.

He went to Marcos and narrated his experience MACABALANG | A11

and at the same endorsed by one Regular Member of the NPC. After which the applicant’s status of membership will remain as Member in Probationary Status for six (6) months.

When I was admitted as Regular Member of the NPC in 1986, the President was Art Borjal with his famous newspaper column, the Jaywalker. On the other hand, the NPC Secretary was Jessica Soho of GMA-7 Television Station.

I am glad that I got the mandate of the Bangsamoro Press Corps in absentia when some of the BPC Officers agreed for me to occupy the Sulu representation as a Member of the Board of Directors. It was through the initiative of Press Corps President Ali Macabalang.

Actually he invited me to attend the Or-

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Batanes to Tawi-Tawi

JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL ganizational Meeting that was done I think sometime in April 17, 2021 in Cotabato City.

But unluckily his invitation was sent to my inactive Facebook account that I rarely used.

I just opened this Facebook account after I failed to open my previous account.

Be that as it may, here we are the three of us from the Philippine Muslim Today are now with the Board of Directors of the Bangsamoro Press Corps. Hence, this PMT-19 Columnist as a Tausug from Sulu, and at the same JANNARAL | A11

POLITICS OF THE DEAD

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he death of former President Benigno Simeon Aquino III last June 24, 2021 was supposedly a solemn and sacred day for his family and relatives and those that once worked with him as a Congressman, Senator and later, President of the Republic.

The following morning, the news in all the tri-media units were all about the sudden death of Noynoy, his nickname by which he was popularly called by family members, friends and supporters.

I was watching the news very intently on my seat as I take my morning breakfast.

Suddenly, in the segment of the morning news in one of the TV Channels, a professor from UP, was interviewed and was asked what is the implication of PNoy’s death? His quick reply was it will resurrect and strengthen the Liberal Party and the opposition groups.

Other noted Aquino

supporters who were asked the same question also made the same claim.

As I watched the interview, I told myself: “The politics of the dead must stop.” The death of someone, be it by natural cause or otherwise, no matter what his former stature in life was during his/ her lifetime, must never be politicized, so his/ her spirit can rest in peace. But in this country, politicizing death is nothing new and has caused great divide among our people. Any action will always generate a reaction from the sector concerned.

Likewise, any statement, especially a statement with political implications will always attract varying reactions, for or against it.

After the assassination of former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, his death generated groundswell of support to the Enrile-Ramos Revolt against President Marcos. The role

Southern Frontier

GERRY SALAPUDDIN of the Catholic Church led by Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin was very crucial, that called on Radio Veritas to surround Camps Aguinaldo and Crame, where Secretary of Defense Juan Ponce Enrile and LtGen. Fidel V. Ramos were holed up, mobilized different walks of life in Metro Manila, that led to the peaceful EDSA People Power Revolution that ousted Pres. Marcos from power. Behind the scene, the last straw that broke the camel’s back, was the prodding of the Reagan administration to President SALAPUDDING | A11

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Across PH

POPCOM hails Duterte to address teen pregnancies

More counter-terrorism collaboration vital for PH, Saudi Arabia

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ANILA: The Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) praised President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for enacting Executive Order (EO) 141, which prioritizes the implementation of measures addressing adolescent pregnancies in the country and mobilizes government agencies for the said purpose.

The Chief Executive signed EO 141 on June 25 and was published on June 29 in the Official Gazette, making it effective after two weeks, or on July 10. The action of the President effectively focuses the attention of the government on the issue of pregnancies among adolescents in the Philippines, which is currently labeled as an “urgent national priority” by POPCOM’s Board of Commissioners, headed by Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua.

The order adopts as a national policy the implementation of measures to tackle the root causes of the rising number of young Filipinos giving birth. As such, “the State shall mobilize existing coordinative and legal mechanisms related to the prevention of adolescent pregnancies. It also includes interventions for the prevention of adolescent pregnancies such as comprehensive sexuality education, education and employment opportunities for the young, as well as health promotion through media and communication platforms.”

It also calls for youth and community mobilization, as Sanggunian Kabataan units are also enjoined “to develop interventions and prevent all known causes of adolescent pregnancies” while supporting adolescent mothers.

The EO invokes the National Youth Council to “establish a forum for continuing dialogue between the government and the youth sector on… proper planning and evaluation of policies, programs and projects affecting the youth.”

POPCOM as implementer. For its part, POPCOM is directed by EO 141 “to continue to educate leaders, parents and other community members about evidence-based strategies to reduce, if not eliminate, adolescent pregnancy, and improve adolescent reproductive health” “POPCOM shall consolidate into a Comprehensive Action Plan Towards the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancies the different initiatives of all government agencies and institutions,” the EO stipulated. As such, POPCOM may call upon any department, bureau, office, agency or instrumentality of the government for assistance, and shall submit such a plan to the HDPR (Human Development and Poverty Reduction) Cabinet Cluster as the President directed.

Undersecretary for Population and Development Juan Antonio Perez III, MD, MPH said that the signing of EO 141 manifests the national government’s deep concern for the most vulnerable during this pandemic. They include minors who had unplanned or unintended pregnancies, which lead to the most vulnerable single-parent families during the pandemic.

“Complementing the action of President Duterte, his signing of EO 141 will hopefully draw a positive response from Congress and the Senate to address gaps in family planning and reproductive health services among minors who have become parents, or are pregnant,” explained POPCOM’s executive director.

Other provisions. Within the EO, President Duterte also orders the Department of Budget and Management to “ensure that the annual National Expenditure Program shall include initiatives for the prevention of adolescent pregnancies in the (yearly) Budget Priorities Framework and its corresponding budget guidelines,” as well as support the Program Convergence Budgeting for the said initiatives.

Aiming to ensure a “whole-of-government” approach in the country’s attainment of the demographic dividend, the EO stipulates that “the HDPR Cabinet Cluster will provide coordination POPCOM | A12

Vol. II, No. 03 | July 2-8, 2021 (Dhu’l Qidah 21-27, 1442)

By PMT News Team

M

ANILA: The Philippines and Saudi Arabia underscored the need for greater cooperation to fight violent extremism as the two

countries continue to find ways to intensify tieups.

GREATER COLLABORATION. Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs and Special Envoy to Saudi Arabia Robert E. A. Borje (3rd from right) poses with Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology (Etidal) Secretary General Mansour Al Shammari (4th from right) and other officials after their meeting in Riyadh on June 30, 2021.

The Philippines and Saudi Arabia underscored the need for greater cooperation to fight violent extremism. (Contributed photo) During their meeting in Riyadh on June 23, Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs and Special Envoy to Saudi Arabia Robert E. A. Borje and Mansour Al Shammari, the secretary general of the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology (Etidal), recognized the necessity of sharing best practices in countering the threat posed by violent extremism.

Among the concerns they discussed include the use of cyber space and social

media platforms to advance violence and violent ideologies.

Borje visited Etidal in Riyadh as part of the Duterte administration’s thrust of working with other countries and organizations to fight terrorism and violent extremism.

He received a briefing on the center’s approach to analyzing social media and digital activity to detect extremism ideology generation and to promote tolerance and moderation.

During the meeting with Etidal’s secretary general, Borje noted President Rodrigo Duterte’s deep resolve to combat extremist ideology given the Philippines’ experience in Marawi City in 2017.

He said the Philippines understands very clearly that terrorism is not a problem of religion, race or culture, emphasizing the need to continue to promote dialogue, understanding and cooperation among religions, cultures and civilizations to

achieve peace and stability between the two countries and the world.

Borje also noted the possibility of triangular cooperation between the Philippines, Saudi Arabia and multilateral organizations such as the United Nations (UN) as well as the academe and research organizations.

The Special Envoy’s tour at Saudi Arabia’s facility was part of a string of activities during his official visit to the Kingdom from June 19 to 24. (PND)

Smartmatic-TIM ordered to proceed with refurbishment of 97K VCMs

By Ferdinand Patinio MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has directed the Smartmatic-Total Information Management 2016 Inc. (SMMTTIM 2016 Inc.) to proceed with the refurbishment of 97,145 vote counting machines (VCMs) for 2022 national and local elections.

In a Notice to Proceed posted on Comelec's website on June 25, the poll body gave the international company to start the restoration of the VCMs. The Comelec has approved over PHP637.4 million for the “refurbishment with consumables.”

The refurbishment contract, signed

PNA photo

by Comelec Chairman Sheriff Abas, also includes 109,745 pieces of secure digital (SD) cards, 109,745 pieces of worm SD cards (Back-up), and 250,000 pieces of cleaning sheets.

The same VCMs were used in the midterm elections in 2019.

Last week, SMMTTIM 2016 Inc. was declared as the sole bidder for the lease contract for the supply and delivery of VCMs exter-

nal batteries.

It submitted a proposal for the PHP162.13 million supply contract during the opening of bids by the Special Bids and Awards Committee of the Comelec. (PNA)

News

Vol. II, No. 03 | July 2-8, 2021 (Dhu’l Qidah 21-27, 1442)

BARMM pushes creation of Ranao Development Authority

A7

Tawi-Tawi joint task force cited for rescue of 4 Indonesian kidnap victims

BY ALI G. MACABALANG

By FILANE MIKEE CERVANTES

C

OTABATO CITY: The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) governance, through its interim parliament, is pushing for the creation of a Ranao Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament member Maisara DandamunLatiph delivered a privilege speech on June 24, and asked her colleagues to provide priority attention to BTA Bill No. 32, which she said has remained pending since November 2019.

In a chat with the Philippine Muslim Today (PMT) news last Sunday, Latiph said she took the plenary stand since “we are pushing for it (bill) to be included in the Chief Minister's Priority Agenda.”

There was no official response yet from Chief Minister Ahod “Hadji Murad” Ebrahim, a parliament member himself.

But in a brief interview with the PMT in Cagayan de Oro City last March 21, he mentioned the need to foster a focal preservation, development and management of Lake Lake, the nation’s second largest fresh water body located in Lanao del Sur – a BARMM component province.

In a press conference at the sidelight of the BARMM’s 2nd anniversary celebration here last January, key Parliament members led by Speaker Pangalian Balindong had taken turn in underscoring the essence of the lake to the sociocultural, economic and environmental thrusts of the autonomous governance, in general, and those of the Maranaos or Meranaos, in particular.

Speaker Balindong revealed a perceived dismal national government attention to the state of the lake, saying he had repeatedly filed in Congress a bill creating a Lake Lanao Development Authority (LLDA) during his past three terms in the House of Representatives. The bill never reached the plenary

Development Authority (RDA) to steer efforts meant to fix the critical state of Lake Lanao and preserve its essence to socio-cultural heritage and meaningful autonomy.

JTF TAWI-TAWI COMMENDED: Indonesian Consul General Dicky Fabrian (left) presents a citation certificate to Brig. Gen. Artuto Rojas, Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi head, in symbolic rites on June 26. (Supplied photo)

C MP Maisara Dandamun-Latiph. (File) deliberation, he recalled.

Lake Lanao, locally called Ranao, is directly associated with the life, culture, religious and economic well-being not only of the Meranaos (people around the lake) but the Bangsamoro people. Its preservation from critical state is of utmost concern to the tribe and in the struggle for more meaningful autonomy, said Latiph, who is Meranao like the speaker.

In her privilege speech, Latiph said the peace panelists in the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) negotiations with the government that led to the forging in 2014 of the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB) had fought hard for a direct autonomous management of “inland waters” in the region including Lake Lanao.

But state panelists embodied a provision in the CAB and R.A. 11054 (Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) that requires a BARMM bureaucracy’s comanagement power with the central government over the Lake, particularly in its being a major source hydroelectricity across Mindanao and parts of Visayas.

MP Latiph mentioned about the revival in the 18th Congress of a measure for the creation of a development authority for the preser-

vation and management of the lake.

She said the BARMM parliament should be able to create first the RDA possibly to serve as a reference to a national version. The autonomous governance may find difficulty in reconciling the regional perspectives with national views once Congress shall have enacted first its own prescriptions in an enabling law, she hinted.

Because of the contrasting stands in the regional and national prescriptions, Latiph said she immediately conducted a series of consultations with experts from the Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City and the decades-old Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA). The MSU has for decades studied the characteristics of Lake Lanao.

In the consultations, Latiph said, MSU experts had confirmed the critical state of the lake, while the LLDA executive director (unnamed in her speech) asserted that once the lake’s ecology deteriorates or is damaged - “it can neither be fixed nor restored to its original state.”

The alarming results of the consultations, Latiph said, prompted her to file BTA Bill No. 32 in November 2019, with a hope that the measure with be included in the regional gov-

ernment’s priority agenda.

Lake Lanao’s history Lake Lanao (Ranao or Ranaw) has a total surface area of 340 square kilometers (130 square miles) with a maximum depth of 22 meter (400 feet) and a mean depth of 60.3 meters (198 feet).

It is one of the 15 ancient lakes across the world. Scholars have reportedly succeeded in pushing for the lake's inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List in recent years, it was learned.

In 1965, Lake Lanao was renamed

by Republic Act No. 4260 to Lake Sultan Alonto then repealed

by Republic Act No. 6434 in 1972, according to Wikipedia.

It was proclaimed as a watershed reservation in 1992 by President Cory Aquino through Presidential Proclamation 971 to ensure protection of forest cover and water yield for hydropower, irrigation and domestic use.

Section 22 of Article XIII of R.A. 11054 or BOL excludes this lake into the jurisdiction of the BARMM government. Meranao people demand the inclusion of this lake into the BOL, but failed because of its being a BARMM | A12

OTABATO CITY: The Government of Indonesia through its Consul General has commended the officers and personnel of Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi (JTFT) for their successful rescue of four Indonesian nationals kidnapped earlier by suspected guerillas of the outlawed Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

In a statement sent to the Philippine Muslim Today news on Sunday, the Western Mindanao Command (WMC) said the Indonesian Consulate described the JTFT’s feat as a milestone in the strengthening of the bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and the Philippines.

Indonesian Consul General Dicky Fabrian personally awarded a commendation certificate to JTFT Commander Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas in symbolic rites on June 26 at the 2nd Marine Brigade headquarters in Sanga-Sanga, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, the WMC statement said.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you all. Let us continue to intensify our good relations for the common good,” Consul General Fabrian was quoted as telling the JTFT officers and men.

Earlier reports said four Indonesian nationals (unnamed in the WMC statement) were abducted last March 18 and 21 in undisclosed areas of Tawi-Tawi by armed men purportedly led by ASG sub-leader “Apo Mike.”

Pursuing combined Marine and police contingents of the JTFT engaged later the abductors, shot dead “Apo Mike,” and recovered the four Indonesia captives, the WMC said.

At the ceremony, Brig. Gen. Rojas thanked the Consul General for the commendation, assuring the latter that “we will continue our efforts to enhance our mutual cooperation and interoperability for the benefit of both the Indonesians and the Filipinos, and our neighboring countries.”

Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., WMC commander, has expressed similar appreciation of the Indonesian Consulate’s gesture.

“I hope that our successes will foster better understanding among us while we continue to address security concerns on our shared maritime waters,” Gen. Vinluan was quoted as saying.

During his visit to Tawi-Tawi, Consul General Fabrian was accompanied by Puguh Tedjobaskoro, Protocol and Consular Affairs Officer; Galih Priya Kartika Perdhana, Immigration Officer; Commander Bambang Widodo, Chief Indonesian Liaison Officer; and other staff, it was learned. (AGM)

A8 NCMF Commissioner Mando receives most outstanding public servant award

Around the Globe

Vol. II, No. 03 | July 2-8, 2021 (Dhu’l Qidah 21-27, 1442)

G20 foreign ministers worried over food security in world

By PMT FOREIGN NEWS DESK

M

ATERA, Italy: The foreign ministers of G20 countries voiced deep concern over food insecurity in the world, ac-

OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVANT: Commissioner Yusoph J. Mando of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) receives the plaque of commendation from DTI Assistant Secretary Ameenah Fajardo as one of the recipients of the Philippines’ Most Outstanding Men in Public Service Award. Looking on is Ms. Asia Pacific Cosmopolitan 2020 Xiamzzy Dy. (Contributed Photo) Commissioner Yusoph J. Mando of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) was one of the recipients of the Philippine’s Most Outstanding Men in Public Service Award sponsored by the Guardians Magistrate Advocator for Democracy International, Inc. (GMADII) and Luzviminda International Foundation in celebration of Father’s Day during the recognition and awards rites held on June 26 at the Great Eastern Aberdeen Court Hotel on Quezon Avenue in Quezon City.

Assistant Secretary Ameenah Fajardo of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Ms. Asia Pacific Cosmopolitan 2020 Xiamzzy Dy presented the awards to the recipients.

The Philippine’s Most Outstanding Men in Public Service Award is conferred to an individual for performance of an extraordinary act or public service and consistent demonstration of exemplary ethical behavior on the basis of his/her observance of the norms of behavior provided under the law.

Commissioner Mando was recognized for his laudable efforts which contribute significantly to the achievement of the Commission’s mandate to serve the Muslim Filipinos and even non-Muslims alike.

Other notable awardees who were awarded with the same awards were : DILG Undersecretary Epimaco Densing, Congressman Omar Albano Fajardo, Atty. Ariel Inton, Atty. Larry Gadon, Engr. Nhadzker Lakibul Junaid and other government officials and men in uniforms.

The awardees were chosen based on their exemplary behaviour or conduct displayed particularly on the norms namely: commitment to public interest; professionalism; justness and sincerity; political neutrality; responsiveness to public; nationalism and patriotism; commitment to democracy; and simple living.

Another criterion considered was the impact of their accomplishments based on the problems addressed, savings generated, people and office benefited and transactions facilitated.

Commissioner Mando has been appointed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte as Commissioner the NCMF on 17 August 2020 for a term of four years and prior to his appointment, he has been active in humanitarian missions, peace and conflict resolution and inter faith dialogue. Ever since service for the people has been his advocacy.

He has also initiated programs and projects which contributed to the welfare of the Filipinos in general and Muslims in particular. Among his major tangible accomplishments were hundreds of reliefs giving missions and community services which have already been completed while others are still on-going.

Gracing the awarding ceremonies was Hon. Estela G. Bulacan, President, GMADII; and Hon. Maria Liza F. Lorenzo of Luzviminda International Foundation who challenged the recipients to live by the expectations of the public and to continue to foster public service. JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

“We express deep concern for the state of food insecurity across the world,” they said in the G20 declaration after a meeting between foreign affairs and development ministers, UN agencies, and other partners in Italy’s southern town of Matera.

The parties adopted the declaration on food security, nutrition and food systems, along with a call to action amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid19) pandemic, saying they convened “to contribute to strengthening international efforts to contain the effects of the pandemic on lives and livelihoods and to build forward better.”

It highlighted that the number of people affected by hunger globally has been increasing since 2014 and that the world was

not on track to end malnutrition, which is among the 2030 aims of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

“With current trends, the number of people affected by hunger would exceed 840 million by 2030,” the statement read.

It noted that poverty alleviation, food security, and sustainable food systems are key to ending hunger, as well as encouraging social cohesion and community development.

They are also essential to reduce socioeconomic inequalities both between and within countries, to develop human capital, to advance gender equality and empower young people, and to promote overall inclusive economic growth and sustainable development, it added.

Among its advice to

cording to a declaration released after a meeting in Italy on Tuesday.

countries, the declaration urged effective action to empower women and young people in both rural and urban settings, while also enhancing social protection measures and programs.

It called on countries to boost catalytic investments for food security, nutrition, sustainable food systems, and territorial development.

“Accelerating the adaptation of agriculture and food systems to climate change” and “promoting a sciencebased holistic One

Health approach” were also advised in the document.

“We commit to strengthen our collective efforts to implement this call to a global mobilization,” the declaration added.

The G20 is an international forum that brings together the world’s major economies. Its members account for more than 80 percent of the world’s gross domestic product, 75 percent of global trade, and 60 percent of the world’s population. (Anadolu)

Killer-cop of George Floyd gets 22.5 years PMT Foreign News Desk/ MINNESOTA: Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was sentenced on Friday to 22.5 years for the murder of George Floyd, a death that touched off international outrage.

Chauvin showed no reaction as the verdict was announced by Judge Peter Cahill.

Reaction outside the courthouse, where about a hundred people gathered was muted at first, then turned a little more hostile.

Chauvin could have been sentenced to as many as 40 years in prison and the prosecution had requested 30 years.

“I thought it was going to be 40,” said Ashley Dorelus between sobs. “I thought they were going to give us a little bit of hope.”

Dorelus said she flew from her home in

California for a month to watch the trial, even though no spectators were allowed.

The sentencing was, she said, “white privilege at its finest.”

Floyd family attorney, Benjamin Crump, said the sentence was “historic”, the longest prison sentence ever for a Minnesota police officer, and that it would bring the nation “one step closer to healing by delivering closure and accountability.”

The sentencing was emotional at times.

Floyd’s seven-yearold daughter, in a vide-

otaped interview, spoke of missing her father and the games they played together.

Floyd’s brother, Philonise, spoke tearfully in court of having nightmares while watching endless replays of the infamous cellphone video that showed Floyd pleading for air under Chauvin’s neck.

Another Floyd brother, Terrence, sighed and looked directly at Chauvin.

“Why did you do it?

Why did you stay there on his neck?” he demanded.

The answer did not come.

Chauvin, not wanting to influence federal civil rights charges he was facing, only spoke briefly during the sentencing to offer his condolences to the Floyd family.

“I do want to give my condolences to the Floyd family,” said Chauvin.

He also said there would be other information eventually coming out that would be of interest to the Floyd family.

In a surprise, Chauvin’s mother Carolyn Pawlenty testified to her son’s character, calling him a “good man with a big heart”.

Outside the courthouse, her testimony, played on a loudspeaker, was greeted with groans and cat-calls.

(TASS)

Tourism & Culture

Vol. II, No. 03 | July 2-8, 2021 (Dhu’l Qidah 21-27, 1442)

The Tawi-Tawi Seaweeds Industry: Revisited By JOHNNY R. LEE Ph.D.

A9

Clams with Curry Sauce BANGSAMORO HALAL DISH With Maria Fhebie Ortil

“

Two years ago, before the pandemic era, the Province of Tawi-Tawi had already gained considerable benefits along its tourism programs and development. ”

Juicy and flavorful curry clams with savory curry sauce. This clam recipe is a food favorite, and can be made at home.

I

t will be recalled, in one of my earliest write-ups in this paper, how the seaweeds industry has impacted the life of 30,000 local seaweed farmers in the province of Tawi -Tawi.

This above number adds up if we count the ‘supply chain’ which includes on-site seaweed buyers , middlemen, and capitalist/ warehouse owners. Not to mention the labor sector and local sarisari store owners whose goods and merchandise are cashingon on the ‘seaweed money’ circulating after their harvest had been sold out to the buyers.

And even the toddlers can earn a good sum of money by just picking left-overs or ‘breakages’ from the mother plants if only to emphasize that indeed seaweeds, which has been dubbed as the ‘green gold’, are likened to a ‘manna’ from heaven to the struggling and poor sector of the province.

In the year 2010 alone, Tawi-Tawi has recorded 36 million metric tons of dried seaweeds estimated to be worth US$67 Million in the world market.

Translated into philippine peso it would be around P3 Billion! (By the way seaweeds and its derivatives, the carrageenan, is said to have 1,0001 uses for industrial, pharmaceuticals, food additives, health and wellness components, etc.) Although it has its ‘ups and down’ , the trend did continue until it caught up with the world pandemic – which is the era of Covid19.

The world market for dried seaweed and its vital derivatives the carrageenan has been

shut down and this goes down the line that affects the thousands of seaweed farmers and their dependents. Although there are a number of seaweed entrepreneurs in the locality who buy and stock it – in the hope that it will rebound in a few months

time – their forecast failed them because it’s almost two years running and the pandemic is still around.

The prospect of getting back to its former status in terms of production and bringing back the ‘manna’ is

SEAWEED FARMING: A BADJAO AQUA-VENTURE. (JRL)

uncertain in every measure nowadays.

The seaweed industry is on the brink of collapse.

‘But not totally’ according to one prominent seaweed farmer. He confided that this (pandemic) is just a ‘test’ to their faith in one God the Almighty who controls the universe. There will come a time that ‘it will just go away like a thief in the night’ and we shall be back to the field farming this precious gift from heaven’.

(JRL)

CURRY CLAMS Clam is one of my favorite seafoods. Imagine fresh, succulent and briny clams cooked with curry powder and seasonings, and then grilled on a flat griddle.

CLAM RECIPES As I have said earlier, curry clam recipe can be easily replicated at home.

This clam recipe calls for simple ingredients:

•Manila clams or mussels (Tahong), cherry stone clams or any hard-shelled clams •Curry powder •Oyster sauce •Chili sauce You can use just about any clams like Manila clams, or mussels (Tahong).

The sweet and briny taste of clams or mussels and the aromatic curry powder deliver a wonderful taste and flavor.

Curry clams wrapped with banana leaves.

Curry-flavored clam is a popular food—delicious, spicy, and addictive. Easy curry clams recipe.

PREP TIME: 5 minutes; COOK TIME: 20 minutes. TOTAL TIME: 25 minutes INGREDIENTS

•1 1/2 lb. (0.6 kg) manila clams or mussels •2 tablespoons cooking oil •1 small onion, peeled and sliced 1 1/4 tablespoons curry powder

•1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder •1 tablespoon hot sauce or chili-garlic sauce 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, or to taste

•1/3 cup water •1 tablespoon chopped scallions INSTRUCTIONS 1.Rinse clams with cold water thoroughly, scrub the shells, drain the water, and set aside.

2.Heat up the pan on medium heat, add the cooking oil and stir fry the onion until slightly. Add the clams into the pan and start stirring. As soon as the clams start to open, add curry powder, turmeric powder, hot sauce/chili sauce, oyster sauce, water and stir well with the clams. Cover the pan with its lid and cook for a few minutes or until all clams are open.

Add scallions, stir to combine well. Dish out and serve immediately. (MFO)

A10

News

Vol. II, No. 03 | July 2-8, 2021 (Dhu’l Qidah 21-27, 1442)

A Senior Citizen in Isolation: How the Pandemic Changed My Routine

Lanao Sur police operations yield 26 arrests, 1 dead and various firearms

“A mask produces an itchy sensation and scratching it only makes the itching worse.”

By PMT NEWS TEAM

Let me paint you a A Spoonful of picture: as you make Halo-halo your way to the supermarket, a face mask around your nose and mouth and a face shield for added protection, you are greeted with long lines of people, and the blaring sound of RONNIE LEE a megaphone, reminding you to keep your distance from strangers. People fall in line by the entrance and stand on markers on the floor to ensure the 2-meter social distancing rule. You walk to the end of the line, past food stalls that have been permanently closed due to the pandemic and those that remain open looking somber and uninviting. People look nervous, and everything smells of disinfectant. What used to be a thirty-minute errand to the supermarket has become a risky, two-hour trip riddled with worry, uneasiness, and exposure to an enemy you cannot see.

Life has changed drastically ever since the pandemic started ravaging the world. I used to frequent the supermarket with my daughter every Saturday. From time to time, I would visit my friend in his home and enjoy a cup of coffee and some merienda while we exchanged stories.

And without fail, Peewee, the family dog, and I would go on afternoon walks around the neighborhood every day – two oldies getting a bit of exercise. But this routine changed when the nationwide lockdown was imposed during the first quarter of 2020. People found themselves stuck in cities far away from their homes. Everyone, including myself and my daughter, was plunged into sudden home isolation, with nowhere to go – not even around the neighborhood with Peewee. I felt like being marooned on an island in the middle of nowhere. I couldn’t even buy a stick of cigarette in the nearby sari-sari store any time I wanted to. My sleep pattern has changed in recent months, and it has entirely disrupted my biological clock. The sudden shift of schedule has turned my nights into days. This is my idea of hell. At my age, I am seeking ways to better meet the challenge of the “new normal”. I have been successful only to a degree that is directly proportional to the quarantine status of the city.

While the promise of vaccines has eased the minds of many and several countries like Greece and America have opened their borders once more, this pandemic is far from over, in the Philippines and elsewhere. Who knows how long before we can all go back to our pre-pandemic routines, to go about our day without a mask over our mouths and noses and face shields blurring our visions, to shake hands and hug people again?

How long before we can finally get the breath of fresh air that we so desperately crave and need?

Neither our governments, nor the vaccines, can say. It seems odd therefore, that after God, only the virus knows, and it does not even have a brain. (RL)

M

ARAWI CITY: Twenty-six suspects were arrested, and one was killed in a Simultaneous Anti-Criminality Law Enforcement Oper-

ations (SACLEO) conducted by Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office (LDSPPO) on Monday, June 28, 2021.

CARAVAN FOR PEACE: Members of the Bangsamoro People’s Coalition assemble in front of the Golden Mosque in Quiapo, Manila prior to their motorcade dubbed as Caravan for Peace and calling for the extension of Bangsamoro Transition Authority extension from the year 2022 to 2025. (Contributed Photo)

Derilo said, “The SACLEO concept is a one-day intel-driven police operations effected by the Provincial Police Offices and the lone City Police Office under PRO BAR. In the same concept, various units and municipal stations focused their efforts on operations against Illegal Drug Trade, Illegal Gambling Operations, Proliferation of Loose Firearms, Arrest of Wanted Persons.”

He said LDSPPO has a total of 20 SACLEOs, which yielded a total of 26 arrests and one dead after the suspect chose to fight it out with the authorities in Balabagan, Lanao del Sur. Derilo said, “15 firearms of various caliber were seized: five M16 rifles, one cal .30 Garand rifle, one M14 rifle, one M1 Carbine rifle, one UZ Machine Pistol, five caliber 45 pistols, one cal 38 revolver, six Rifle Grenades, two rounds 40 mm High Explosives, ammunitions of various caliber, and one IED.” He said the antidrugs operations resulted in the arrest of nine offenders, and the con-

fiscation of 205.632 grams of Methamphetamine Hydrochloride, otherwise known as “Shabu,” with a total street market value of over Php 1.7 Million.

On efforts against wanted persons, seven suspects with standing warrants for various crimes were arrested.

The success of the SACLEO in Lanao del Sur can be attributed to the cooperation of the Maranaos, who are now actively providing the police the muchneeded information related to criminality in their communities.

However, this PPO extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved family of the individual who died during the police operation. “I encourage the people to continue sup-

porting your police force and inciting more people to do the same,” added Derilo.

“Let us aim for a peaceful and progressive province by being

obedient to the laws.

Your PNP in tandem with your AFP will maintain its drive of relentlessly running after the local terrorist group, communist insurgents, and other forms of lawlessness.

We will continue to Intensify our AntiCriminality Law Enforcement Operation and be consistent in our similar efforts to maintain law and order in the province of Lanao del Sur,” Derilo said.

(PR)

Vol. II, No. 03 | July 2-8, 2021 (Dhu’l Qidah 21-27, 1442)

A11

ADAZA | from Page A5

Duterte, Locsin, Enrile, Pacquiao, Carpio, and Del Rosario on te West Pilippine Sea driven cattle.

Whatever Duterte says – goes! Or better still – they are dumb

driven goats.

Why goats?

Every time Duterte barks, the goats chorus – Mee

mee mee he he he! And what is worse – they all stink Unless there is Divine intervention, I am

all the torpedoes and elect a brilliant, courageous, visionary and revolutionary President

with integrity, character, and discipline committed to God, country and the people. HAA

(NPC) President and now Undersecretary Joel Sy Egco, the executive director of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) as the inducting officer who is set to proclaim the mandates of the officers, Board of Directors, as well as the Pioneer Members of the Bangsamoro Press Corps.

Special Mention goes also to the honored and invited guests like BARMM Chief Minister Ahod “Al Haj Mu-

rad” Ebrahim; Atty.

Naguib G. Sinarimbo, BARMM Spokesperson and MILG Minister; Atty.

Pangalian Balindong, BTA Speaker; Abdulraof “Sammy AlMansoor” Macacua, BARMM Executive Secretary; Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu, Congressman, 2nd District Maguindanao; Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Commander, 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division; PGen. Eden Ugale, Regional Director, PRO BAR; and Andrew

Alonto, Executive Director of Bangsamoro Information Office.

The other Officers of Bangsamoro Press Corps who were not mentioned, but just the same this Column would like to greet all of you Congratulations and hoping you can make BPC as really the counterpart or at par with NPC. For your Comments/ Suggestions please send an email to: julmunir1845@gmail .com

of three 50-peso bills and gave it to me, saying: “Orak (little brother), please accept this (P50) as ikhlas aid from available money earned honestly.”

But he advised me to drop by at the offices of his two assistant regional directors for possible help. I did as advised. And the two ARDs gave me P1,000 cash each.

Fact 4: A schooling son of Ibrahim was confronted by two classmates, who happened to be children of engineers under the honest director. The two classmates asked Ibrahim’s son: “How come you get to school without a car transporting you… when your daddy is the boss of our fathers?”

When the son got home, he conveyed the

question to his father, who said: “Your daddy is living by honesty ordained by Allah (God) for all mankind.”

In a nutshell, it is not true that “moral leadership” cannot happen nowadays. The real problem is many public officials do not live by the commandments of God. (AGM)

they sold most of the viable and moneymaking GOCCs created for the greater good of the Filipinos by President Marcos. Many of the GOCCs were sold to their cronies. Succeeding Presidents sold the remaining viable government corporations like Petron, Iligan Steel, Meralco, Water and other GOCCs, which were very vital to our economy and the basic needs of our people. In terms of infra-

structures, they have not accomplished so much that bear lasting positive economic growth to the country.

Hopefully, the death of PNoy will not be politicized by their followers and supporters so that his spirit can rest in peace. His physical body may have been cremated and turned into ashes, but his spirit or soul did not get burn.

Their followers and supporters must wake up that the ‘politics of the dead’ does not anymore

work wonder this time because the people are now awake and their eyes are opened wide now. It is now the ‘Duterte Magic’ that is shaping the mind of the people.

During this era of information technology, through the internet cyber highway and social networking age, everyone now has access to information. The people clearly see what is happening and are now aware of the truth.

(PMT)

duljaman Damahan (Basilan); Julmunir Jannaral (Sulu); and Johnny R. Lee (TawiTawi).

The Crops has designated a secretariat composed of Valerie Lambo, Reynan Doce and Crisbelle May Lo-

afraid we will all have to wait for the 2022 presidential election. By then, we should damn

JANNARAL | from Page A5

Bangsamoro Press Corps is the NPC’s counterpart time the Managing Editor and NCR News Bureau Chief occupies the Sulu Representation; PMT-19 Editor-in-Chief Masiding Noor Yahya occupies the Lanao del Sur Representation; and PMT-19 Tawi-Tawi News Bureau Chief Dr. Johnny R. Lee is with Tawi-Tawi Representation.

Thus SulBaT now has a complete representations with Abduljaman Damahan as a Member of the Board of Directors represent-

ing Basilan.

Now the BPC is a microcosm of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) where Nash Maulana represents Maguindanao in the Board.

Chairman of the Board Bruce Matabalao represents Cotabato City.

Then since BARMM is not exclusive for Muslims but other residents like the Christians and Indigenous Peoples as well make up the autono-

mous region.

Thus in the BPC, we have Alimudin Kadatuan in the Muslim Sector; Charlie S. Senase for the Christian Sector; and Daisy Mangod for the Indigenous Peoples Sector.

The wide membership of BPC has also spread out to nearby provinces and cities.

Somehow, the Batanes To Tawi-Tawi Column would like to express the heartfelt thanks to the former National Press Club

MACABALANG | from Page A5

Is ‘moral governance’ possible nowadays? with Hipolito. The late President reportedly told his political ally: “Request something else.”

Hence, the late Ibrahim continued to serve as regional director until his retirement, without having a personal car. He left the worldly life with a simple family house built out of bank loans plus personal incomes.

Fact 2: One day Ibrahim left his sick wife at a hospital in Manila and went home to Mindanao to seek a loan to pay the bills of his spouse. When he returned to hospital, the billing section told him the bills were settled by somebody he later recognized as a contractor. He asked the contractor: “Retrieve your money if you want to

maintain a link with my office.” The contractor retrieved his “donation” and left in awe. Ibrahim paid the bills out of his fresh bank loan.

Fact 3: My late wife got sick and a doctor prescribed medicines worth P800 for her. I went to Director Ibrahim and confessed my incapacity to buy the medicine. He pulled out his wallet and picked one

SALAPUDDIN | from Page A5

POLITICS OF THE DEAD Marcos to cut and cut clean, never to use force, until finally he and the First Family were flown out of the country to Hawaii.

After President Marcos was flown out of Malacañan by the US Air Force, the beneficiary of the death of Ninoy and the EnrileRamos rebellion was Cory CojuangcoAquino. She was installed as a Revolutionary President for two years. During her two

year term as a Revolutionary President, she appointed an 80 member Constitutional Commission and commissioned them to write the 1987 Constitution, the current fundamental law of the land.

When one day later after some years Cory Aquino died, the stalwarts and partymates of the Aquinos prodded Noynoy to run for President. Exploiting the sympathy of the people on the death of his

mother, Noynoy, anchoring his campaign on ‘Daang Matuwid’ or ‘Straight Path’ and his anti-corruption slogan: “Kung walang korap, walang mahirap,’ won as President over his closest rival Senator Manuel B. Villar.

The presidency of the two Aquinos restored democracy and undid what President Marcos and President Gloria MacapagalArroyo created for the good of the country. But

BPC | from Page A3

Bangsamoro Press Corps sets induction rites on July 3 Gayak, business managers; and Michael Suan, P.R.O. Elected Board of Directors are: Bruce

Matabalao, chairman (Cotabato City); Nash Maulana (Maguindanao); Ding Yahya (Lanao del Sur);:

Bert Digamon Jr. (North Cotabato); Fidencio Yu Castro, Jr. (SOCCSKSARGEN); Dhen Kadatuan

(Muslim sector); Charlie Señase (Christian sector); Daisy Mangod (IP sector); Lacks Dama (BCOBAR); Ab-

A12

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

SADAIN | from Page A4

THE DIMENSIONS OF PEACE EDUCATION “Every parent and every person exercising parental authority shall see to it that the rights of the children are respected… and shall particularly, by precept and example, imbue them with religious and civic consciousness, love of country … and attachment to the ideal of permanent world peace.”

The Dimension of Individual and Com-

munal Experience O ye who believe! Enter into Islam (take the path of peace) wholeheartedly, and do not follow Satan for he is indeed your avowed enemy.” [2:208] This dimension is at the end only because the framework starts from the universal level and proceeds down to the more specific levels.

In truth, however, any attempt at peace always

begins at the level of the individual or his personal inclination to search for and achieve, peace or peaceful coexistence. If the individual is not so-inclined, peace-building cannot move on to the higher rungs of the negotiation ladder.

This is where personal “Sakiinah” and the indwelling of peace in each individual comes in, and in turn,

translates into communal, national and later, global peace.

In Surah Al-Fath (The Victory), ALLAH says: “It is He (ALLAH) who sent down Tranquility (Sakiinah or Inner Peace) into the hearts of the believers, that they may add faith to their faith.” [48:4] And in the same Surah, ALLAH continues, “He knew what was in their heart, and He sent

down Tranquility (Sakiinah) to them, and He rewarded them with a speedy victory”.

[48:18] Finally, there is the third mention of “Sakiinah” in the same Surah, as follows: “ALLAH sent down His Tranquility (Sakinah) to His Messenger and to the believers, and made them adhere to the commands of selfrestraint; and they were all entitled to it and worthy of it.” [48:26]

Notice how inner peace is endowed by ALLAH, and settles in the hearts of people who have faith, and how it is linked with practicing self-restraint and achieving victory.

Therefore, the “Peace” that we should learn should be one that is close to our hearts, strengthens our faith and renders us victorious in our quest for selftranquility.

(MKS)

DUTERTE | from Page A2

Duterte leaves BTA extension issue to Congress to decide The Senate was on the verge of passing on second reading the bill before it adjourned sine die on June 4, while the House version was re-

portedly still at the committee level.

Legal minds, mostly from the pro-extension camp, believe that in the absence of a Presi-

dential push, Congress still has ample time to act on the bill either through special sessions or in a “natural process” that will start

on resumption of regular sessions on July 24.

The “natural process” would cover July, August and September only since the filing of

certificates of candidacy for the 2022 elections is set on October 1 to 8.

Congress’ failure to act on the bill before the October 1-8 time frame

is expected to bring further confusion accruing to the absence of a regional electoral code in the autonomous region. (AGM)

decisions.

EO 141 also mentions preventing adolescent pregnancies as key for all regions to reach their demographic dividend, and “among the declared strategies and priority legislative agenda under the Philippine Development

Plan 2017-2022.” It also stated the strengthening of youth participation in responsible sexual and reproductive health by lowering the incidences of teenage pregnancies, among others, is covered by the Philippine Youth Development Plan 2017-2022. (PR)

POPCOM | from Page A6

POPCOM hails Duterte to address teen pregnancies among all government agencies and instrumentalities, monitor the implementation of the relevant interventions at all levels, and ensure that such strategies are informed and supported international best practices and evidence -based population data

and analyses.”

EO 141 also directs funding for its implementation, “...subject to the provisions of the Annual General Appropriations Act and (Republic Act 10354, or the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of

2012), the amount necessary…(to) be charged against the allocation for Gender and Development in the...budgets of concerned agencies, and as may be warranted, against sources to be identified by the DBM, as may be necessary.”

Among others, the EO cites provisions of RA 10354, where the State recognizes and guarantees sexual and reproductive health as a human right of all persons, as well as education and information on such matters, and of choosing and making

BARMM | from Page A7

BARMM pushes creation of Ranao Development Authority source of major hydroelectricity in Mindanao.

The lake is fed by four rivers. Its only outlet is the Agus River, which flows northwest into Iligan Bay via two channels, one over the Maria Cristina Falls and the other over

the Tinago Faalls. Hydropower dams installed on the Lanao and Agus River system generate 70% of the electricity in Mindanao.

The lake is a home of myths and legends of the Meranao tribe.

The name Meranaw was derived from the name of the lake and it means "the people living around the lake."

The lake is (or was) home to 17 endemic species of cyprinid fish in the genus Barnodes.

Experts said the en-

demic fish species accounted for 24 varieties but the number dwindled as the ecology of the lake gradually changed in the evolution of time aggravated by unabated logging in and erosion from surrounding forests co-

vers, unregulated acts by residents, and especially the creation of another lake exit mouth in Marawi City.

In October 2006, a study from the MSU system discovered massive algae contamination in Lake Lanao,

attributed to poor sewage and agricultural waste management.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources also blamed soil erosion from indiscriminate logging and extensive land use and farming as main causes of algae contamination. (AGM)

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