Philippine Muslim Today

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Vol. II, No. 24 | Nov. 26—Dec.2, 2021 (Rabiul Akhir 20-26, 1443) | www.philmuslim.today

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8 Pages / P20

Comelec and the Electoral Process

Vaxxed In or Dine-Out?

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2022 Elections

Mayor Sara Duterte tests negative for Illegal drugs ILIGAN CITY – Vice presidential candidate and Davao City mayor Sara Z. Duterte on Wednesday said she tested negative for illegal drugs use.

In a statement, Mayor Duterte said she voluntarily took a drug test upon the request of her Uniteam partner, Senator Bongbong Marcos, to support the call for transparency as aspiring public officials.

Marcos who is running for president with Duterte as his running mate took a drug test earlier and was found negative of any illegal drug.

He submitted to authorities the result of his drug test.

BARMM in Focus BARMM admin success hinges on rapport with LGUs – Murad.

BARMM | Page A2

Economic boom imminent in the Bangsamoro region — Sinarimbo.

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Duterte said Uniteam BBMSara’s stand against illegal drugs is united and unequivocal.

“This can be seen from both our negative tests as well as our com-

mon stance against the SARA | A2

BARMM legislators push for a medical school SOLON | Page A2

398 college students in Lanao Sur receive cash aid to cushion the pandemic

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

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OTABATO CITY — A total of 398 college students from different municipalities in Lanao del Sur received P10,000 cash assistance from the Office of Bangsamoro Parliament Member Said Shiek to cushion the impact of the pandemic.

MP Shiek said that it is part of their efforts to look after the wel-

PATAFA gears up for greater heights in athletics sports

DYBM POSES FOR POSTERITY: Photo shows Masiricampo sa Marawi Datu Yusoph “Boyog” Mama (left), one of the Board of Trustees of Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA); and Senior VP Sergey Bubka of Ukraine during the previous 2019 World Athletics Congress where DYBM was First Voting Delegate representing the Philippines.

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fare of the students who need help during the pandemic.

He funded the project through his Transitional Development Impact Fund (TDIF) in partnership with the Ministry of Social Services and Development.

“It will help us with

our educational expenses,” one of the recipients said, “since most of our classes are now done online.”

Other than providing assistance to students, MP Shiek also allocated budget for the MSSD’s Bangsamoro Sagip Kabuhayan (BSK), BSKWomen, and Kupkop

Untold stories revealed in Maguindanao massacre 12th year anniversary AMPATUAN, Maguindanao – Hundreds of people converged at Sitio Masalay, Barangay Salman here on Tuesday to reckon the massacre of 58 people at the same spot 12 years ago, with speakers led by Maguindanao Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu revealing stories untold in past commemorations.

The carnage was considered the bloodiest election-related violence in political exercises, and had placed the country in the global list of dangerous zones for journalists because 32 of the fatalities were media workers.

Some journalists and families of victims in the massacre gathered on Nov. 20, four days earlier, in Gen. Santos City, skipping the usual commemoration at the carnage site here in keeping with COVID-19 pandemic re-

strictions and due to “security concerns” at the regular venue, a published report said.

But more than 120 vehicles carrying some 800 people led by Rep. Mangudadatu, relatives and supporters drove to the hilly site from different directions in Maguindanao amid tight security preparations set up by combined military and police contingents.

Lt. Col. Ferdinand Dela Cruz, head of the 6th Mechanized Army Battalion, said his troops had cleared the site and its access routes days ahead to ensure a “smooth” commemoration of the massacre’s 12th year anniversary. He also led his contingents in full battle gears backed by armored personnel carriers to join Tuesday’s event here.

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Program (Assistance for Orphan Children and Youth).

He also led a series of groundbreaking ceremonies for the construction of a water system in Barangay Poblacion of the Municipality of Pantar and a covered court in Barangay Pacalundo, Municipality of Balo-i.

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Mayor Sara Duterte tests negative for Illegal drugs … from page A1 proliferation of illegal drugs and the need for effective measures of prevention, rehabilitation, and enforcement,” she said.

Apart from the war against illegal drugs, Duterte said other “compelling” issues continue to challenge the country’s ability to provide long-term safety and security.

In choosing for the country’s next leaders in the 2022 elections, Duterte said it was crucial to focus on the substantial qualifications of the aspirants for the two highest posts.

“Particularly, that we examine our Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates under the lens of competence and experience – an infallible ability to manage the crisis through policy and practice built up through years of executive, legislative, and administrative exposure; a proven track record of delivering security and development; and a clear and tested platform for job security and sustainable livelihood,” she said.

MASIDING NOOR YAHYA

Economic boom imminent in the Bangsamoro region — Sinarimbo MARAWI CITY — Bangsamoro officials are confident that economic boom in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is inevitably going to happen as new businesses are rising in the new roads constructed by the Ministry of Public Works (MPW) of the Bangsamoro Government.

Interior and local government minister Naguib Sinarimbo in a Facebook post said, “In a few years time, and at the rate roads are being constructed in the BARMM, an economic boom is imminent.”

Sinarimbo cited a gasoline station which is being built in a section of the road in Barangay Datu Binasing in the Pigkawayan cluster that connects the 63 barangays from North Cotabato to the BARMM via Sultan Kudarat Maguindanao.

ROCAYA SUMNDAD OTICAL/The Ranao Star

BARMM legislators push for a medical school COTABATO CITY — Bangsamoro legislators are pushing for the establishment of a Bangsamoro Medical School to provide accessible, affordable, and comprehensive medical education.

Member of Parliament (MP) Susana Anayatin, the principal author of the proposed Parliament Bill 150 on Wednesday said that it will serve “Bangsamoro young people from different territories in BARMM and may extend its services to other existing medical schools in Mindanao.”

According to the proposed measure, the medical school will be constructed under the “capacity and capability” required by the licensing standards and regulation of the Commission on Higher and Technical Education (CHED) of the Philippines and the Association of Philippine Medical Colleges.

It will be under the supervision of CHED and the Association of Philippine Medical Colleges, which will be in charge of determining and approving the organizational structure for the facility’s management and operations. The BARMM’s education ministry will promulgate the implementing rules and regulations of the bill.

The Bangsamoro government’s top priority, as stated in the Bangsamoro Organic Law, is to develop a complete and integrated system of quality education that will serve as a subsystem of the national education system.

The Bangsamoro government must also create an educational framework relevant and responsive to the needs, ideals, and aspirations of the Bangsamoro people.

JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

News

Vol. II, No. 24 | Nov. 26—Dec.2, 2021 (Rabiul Akhir 20-26, 1443)

BARMM admin success hinges on rapport with LGUs – Murad

By ALI G. MACABALANG COTABATO CITY – Revolutionary leader Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, more known as “Al Haj Murad,” has called anew for positive collaboration between the Bangsamoro autonomous governance and its constituent Local Government units (LGUs) to ensure the success of the new autonomy for the greater majority in all sectors.

In reiterating his plea through a recent statement, Ebrahim said he was speaking as chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and head of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), not as interim chief minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The UBJP, originally organized in 2015 as official political party of the MILF, has fielded full-slate candidates to face in next year’s elections Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia Guiani -Sayadi and Maguindanao Governor Mariam Sangkin -Mangudadatu refused to sign a covenant of cooperation forged for presentation to President Duterte early this year, according to Ebrahim.

Such covenant was reportedly inspired by the President to indicate a consensus among regional, city and provincial leaders within BARMM at the height of debates over the proposed extension in the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) lifespan to 2025 by way of postponement in the 2022 election of regular BTA members.

Despite open and covert opposition to the proposal by Mayor Sayadi, Gov. Mangudadatu backed by husband Sultan Kudarat Gov. Suharto “Teng” Mangudadatu, Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan and Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman, Congress passed and ratified an enabling bill signed last October 28 by the President as R.A. 11593.

Ebrahim said the covenant was signed by Governors Mamintal AlontoAdiong Jr. of Lanao del Sur, Jim HatamanSalliman of Basilan, Ysmael Sali of Tawi-Tawi-

Tawi, and other BARMM constituent elected leaders.

In a recent virtual interview with the Bangsamoro Press Corps (BPC), Sulu Gov. Tan admitted being advised by the President to tone down his dissent against the BARMM governance and its call for extended transition period after his refusal to sign the covenant.

Gov. Tan gladly disclosed having no rival candidates in next year’s polls for his reelection bid and those of his sitting children.

Mayor Sayadi and Gov. SangkiMangudadatu in separate online statements complained about the possibility of BARMM government resources’ use in the campaign for the UBJP candidates in this city and Maguindanao.

In another exclusive interview with the Philippine Muslim Today news, Chief Minister Ebrahim and Senior Minister Abdulraof “Sammy Gambar” Macacua had assured that no “single cent” from the BARMM government coffer will be spent for the UBJP candidates in this city and Maguindanao.

The UBJP has fielded a full city slate here led by councilor Mohammad-Ali “Bruce” Matabalao as mayoral candidate and a provincial slate in Maguindanao led by Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu as gubernatorial bet.

Macacua, MILFBangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) chief of staff and UBJP secretary-general, said their party will mobilize resources for a “fair” support to the city and provincial slates. But he pointed out that in the case of Rep. Mangudadatu, he needed no fiscal support because he has his own money.

BARMM Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo, speaking as UBJP deputy secretarygeneral, had explained that their political party was “returning favor” for Rep. Mangudadatu for his active support to the BARMM transition exten-

Ahod “Hadji Murad” Ebrahim, MILF and UBJP chairperson and concurrent BARMM interim chief minister. File photo sion campaign capped by his sponsorship of the House enabling bill.

In his online statement as MILF and UBJP chieftain, Ebrahim called on their grass-root members and supporters to rally the candidacies of Matabalao and Rep. Mangudadatu as a requisite for positive rapport between the BARMM governance and the LGUs in this city and

Maguindanao.

“I appeal to you…as Chairman of MILF and President of UBJP na tulungan ninyo kami (sa 2022 eleksyon),” he told their members and supporters in Maguindanao and this city.

“Kailangan maganda yung coordination natin sa mga local government, kailangan kasundo natin sila,” Ebrahim said as he pointed that his administration’s policy of cordiality.

Ebrahim said the intentions for peace and progress provided for in the 2014 MILF peace accord with the Philippine government cannot be realized without the presence of cooperation between the regional administration and the LGUs under its jurisdiction. (AGM)

Trade ministry holds coffee industry forum in Sulu JOLO, Sulu — The Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism’s Bureau of Trade and Industry (MTIT-BTI) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) conducted on Wednesday, Nov. 10, a coffee industry cluster forum in this capital town of Sulu. ttended by several cooperative members of Sulu Coffee Industry Federation (SCIF) and other stakeholders, the forum aimed to discuss the issues and challenges of coffee industry in the province.

It also sought to present MTIT’s Growth Enhancement Approach towards Regional Economic Development (GEARED) program.

MTIT-Sulu Senior Trade Industry Development Specialist Rail A. Kamlon on Saturday said that the country is presently in high demand for coffee.

“Many of us have realized and started venturing business with coffee, from coffee production, coffee related products, to even coffee shops,” he said.

“The more business that comes with coffee, then the more coffee production becomes in demand,” Kamlon added.

On the other hand, BTI Chief Amina S. KaronMendez emphasized that BARMM has high potential in terms of coffee production.

“Hindi tayo mahirap, we are top three (3) in terms of coffee production… Through coffee farming, we can help improve the lives of Bangsamoro people.

Ito ang pinaka-goal ng BARMM, uplifting the lives of the Bangsamoro,” Mendez said.

Several issues and challenges were identified during the forum which included land fencing, quality seedlings, efficient facilities, and training funds.

Six (6) municipalities of Sulu province are currently engaged into coffee farming and are also members of SCIF, such as Talipao, Omar, Patikul, Indanan, Parang, and Maimbung.

JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

News

Vol. II, No. 24 | Nov. 26—Dec.2, 2021 (Rabiul Akhir 20-26, 1443)

Untold stories revealed in Maguindanao massacre 12th year anniversary

By ALI G. MACABALANG The latest reckoning was briefer compared to past episodes. It lasted less than three hours for speakers to deliver messages after the usual lighting of candles and laying of flowers on the death markers of 58 fatalities.

Rep. Mangudadatu led another prayer at the death markers’ site, seeking Divine guidance among political camps in Maguindanao to play politics in its ideal concept of fair and faithful facet as a vehicle for peoples’ free choice of their elective leaders sans harmful words and acts.

The first-term lawmaker is aspiring for the gubernatorial post he once held for three terms (2010 -2019) in the May 9, 2022 elections against sitting Governor Mariam SangkiMangudadatu, wife of his second cousin Sultan Kudarat Gov. Suharto “Teng” Mangudadatu. Former Board Member Yasser “Datu Puti” Ampatuan is a third wannabe.

The ghastly carnage marred Rep. Mangudadatu’s first gubernatorial attempt 12 years ago while he was vice mayor of now Buluan capital town.

Due to perceived threats from the then reigning clan of Maguindanao Governor Andal Ampatuan Sr., mostly female kin of Mangudadatu led by his wife, two sisters and lady lawyers reportedly prevailed upon him to take the cudgel in filing his gubernatorial certificate of candidacy on the fateful day of Nov. 23, 2009 for the 2010 elections.

The slain relatives, with the company of 32 media workers, thought that protagonists in politics would spare female representatives in whatever degree of pre-election tense activity as Islam mandates respect for children, women and helpless elder persons. They were wrong, according to victims’ relatives, because over 100 armed men stopped the victims’ convoy at the highway, herded them to Sitio Masalay, and executed them.

The armed men were reportedly led by Andal AmpatuanJr., mayor then of Datu Unsay town, who wanted to run for governor unopposed like the way

Rep. Toto Mangudadatu and sibling Bangsamoro Parliament Member Khadaffe lighting candles at the death markers of their slain family members in the 2009 Maguindanao Massacre. his father-governor did in two past elections, sources said.

The grieving Mangudadatu was able to file his gubernatorial bid documents later at the provincial elections office in Shariff Aguak, hometown of the Ampatuans, with the company of some national cabinet members alongside top military and police brasses. Public sympathy ostensibly helped lead to Mangudadatu’s gubernatorial victory in 2010.

Over 100 suspects including police elements and Ampatuan family members had been charged in court. Andal Sr. and some of his children – Andal Jr., exRegional Governor Zaldy, OIC-Gov. Sajid, and sonin-law Akmad Ampatuan, among others, were detained while on trial. Sajid was released on bail.

Before Quezon City Regional Trial Court Judge Jocelyn SolisReyes laid down a guilty verdict in December 2019 on some of the principal suspects, Andal Sr. died of lingering ailment while in detention.

Judge Reyes ordered Andal Jr., his brother Zaldy and Anwar, and 25 other principals, to pay the heirs of 58 victims P155.5 million as civil indemnity, and for moral, exemplary, temperate, and actual damages, and for loss of earning capacity.

But in the advanced 12th reckoning in Gen. Santos City of the carnage, some journalists and kin of victims ex-

pressed vow to “continue the fight for justice,” noting that the guilty verdict has been pending appeal.

Thus, the indemnity has yet to be carried out.

At the gathering here on Tuesday, Rep. Mangudadatu and his younger siblings, former Rep. Zajid and incumbent Bangsamoro Parliament Member Khadaffeh took turns in delivering messages to “call for final justice,” even as they lamented alleged insinuations from their estranged relatives in rival political camps for them to refrain from talking about the 2009 massacre.

Untold stories Rep. Mangudadatu revealed for the first time that the inclusion in court charge sheets of some female suspects like Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi and Sahara Ampatuan, among others, was allegedly instigated by his second cousinturned-tough political foe Sultan Kudarat Gov. Mangudadatu.

He said Mayor GuianiSayadi was shocked to learn about a revelation

similarly made by Rep. Mangudadatu in the presence of President Duterte in Malacañang last Oct. 26.

The lawmaker said his estranged cousin allegedly wanted to legally cripple all key players among the Ampatuan clan’s members and supporters to pave the way for the reign of the Mangudadatus in Maguindanao.

The couple governors, Mariam and Suharto, who were reportedly present at the Palace meeting have yet to give their reaction to the lawmaker’s claim.

The Philippine Muslim Today news could not reach any of the couple before and at press time for comment.

Rep. Mangudadatu also disclosed how his family has been facing alleged persecutions from his cousin’s camp in a fashion similarly done by the Ampatuan clan.

He also announced his personal forgiveness to the late Andal Sr. after his demise, saying the latter would be up for Divine Judgment in the other life. (AGM)

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Bangsamoro Public Order Ministry assists ASG returnees in Sulu with cash

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UUK, Sulu — 53 former members of the dreaded Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) terrorists in Sulu individually received P10,000.00 financial assistance from the Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on Thursday, Nov. 18, in Brgy. Bual, Luuk Municipality.

On the same day, MPOS also broke grounds for the construction of a bunkhouse with workshop facility which aims to provide the ASG returnees with sustainable livelihood opportunities, through the conduct of livelihood skills trainings.

The 4th Marine Brigade volunteered to construct the said facility, while the ministry’s partner, Gagandilan Mindanao Women, Inc., will conduct a hollow block making livelihood program for the former insurgents.

Peace Program Officer Sittie Janine Gamao emphasized that MPOS, along with the other BARMM ministries, will always be willing to deliver the best of what they can offer to uplift the lives of the ASG returnees.

“Kung maaalala ninyo sa Tanduh Bato, may ibang ministry po tayong kasama at ang iba sa mga gusto niyo na hindi mandato ng MPOS ay ni-lilink namin sa kanila. Kung kaya, ang kaya lang namin na maibigay sa ngayon na kasama sa aming mandato ay ang groundbreaking natin kanina [bunkhouse] at itong P10,000 assistance, baka sakaling makatulong sa inyo bilang puhunan,” Gamao said.

ASG RETURNEES IN SULU: 53 former Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) terrorists who have returned to the fold of the law in Barangay Bual, Luuk Municipality in Sulu have received P10,000 financial assistance each from the Ministry of Public Order and Safety of BARMM. BANGSAAMORO INFORMATION OFFICE. “Kami rin sa MPOS, hinihiling naming maging isa kayo sa mga bantay kapayapaan sa loob ng komyunidad,” she added. (We in the MPOS would like you to be the guardian of peace in your community.)

The ASG returnees, on the other hand, said they are grateful to the Bangsamoro government for helping them start a new life and providing the assistance they need.

Meanwhile, lawyer Al-Rashid Balt, MPOS Director General expressed his gratitude to the BARMM leadership for giving the ministry the opportunity to serve the people.

“Ang MPOS ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa ating mahal na Chief Minister Ahod “Al Hajj Murad” Ebrahim dahil kahit bago at maliit lang ang opisina ay pinagkatiwalaan niya ng mandato na maging responsive sa need ng mga tao,” Balt said.

MPOS also visited Brgy. Tukay in Parang, Sulu on Saturday, Nov. 20, to distribute similar financial assistance to 20 more ASG returnees.

JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

Justice-seeking relatives and supporters of victims of the 2009 Maguindanao Massacre in congregation prayer on its 12th anniversary. PMT photo

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EDITORIAL

PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY MASIDING NOOR YAHYA Editor-In-Chief JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL Managing Editor ALI G. MACABALANG News Editor JAHARA A. SOLAIMAN Contributing Editor FATIMA ORTIL-JANNARAL Bureau Chief for NCR-Plus JOHNNY R. LEE Bureau Chief for Western Mindanao Region & BaSulTa ROCAYA SUMNDAD OTICAL Bureau Chief for Northern Mindanao & CARAGA Regions PANAMBULAN MIMBISA Bureau Chief for Central Mindanao Region SALIC G. MACABALANG Bureau Representative for Bangsamoro Regon MARIA FHEBIE ORTIL Head of Accounts Executives for NCR Plus

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ower is the most priceless, the most cherished and the most guarded possession ever known to mankind. People are willing to lose life and limbos just to take a glimpse of it and nations, as history tells us are ready to engage in war to establish or gain dominance over other nations. The exploration for gold, diamond and other minerals of the earth are just means to an end, because wealth is equated to power. It is more than magic because it holds people mesmerized and awed by the way it can change color of everything from black to white to red and so on and so forth and how it spell bound the human consciousness into believing, even if it were not true, that rivers can flow upstream and spring can rise above its source.

We all very know that this is not magic and no matter how incredibly brilliant the trick maybe, it can never be done. And yet power can make it happen precisely because people are forced or paid to believe so. This is why dictators from many parts of the world cling to it like leech. From history past to present to history in the future, this commodity will continue to preoccupy their thinking and imagination. It has beclouded all their senses of spiritualism, their adoration of humanity and their penchant, if at all to public service. No one can belabor the fact that a great number of politicians have thrown their hats into political arena in the hope that victory will give them the power that they desire. Power that will give them the audacity to hold sway over public employments, development projects and business opportunities and place of importance or pre-eminence in social and cultural gatherings. These are but a few of the manifestations of the power for there are many others which are more pronounced and intricate. These are also measured into a large degree in the member of flashy cars one owns, and the gold and diamonds that adorn their wives or paramours, the oftenness of their travels abroad end how

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frequent they dine in five-star hotels and restaurants.

This is power for you. As for the rest of us, we can only watch at far distance or sweat it out in the heat of the sun or struggle against nature during calamities because we have chosen to bargain our choice, over freedom and liberties, which are as priceless as power, to a few coins

The Outside View Judge Panambulan M. Mimbisa (ret) of silver. There are times that this writer had hoped that we go back to our historical tradition of the Sultanate so that we do not have to go through the rigors of being humiliated every election or having to beg favors from the power that be or be divided to the point of hatred or be like commodities up for bidding in auction sale.

Power is not all that bad or evil. It can also be an instrument for good and beauty, if only the welders of power will see that in power there is a concomitant responsibility. It is the essence of power that it is exercised for the common good and not only for those who have catapulted you to power. It is also its essence to unify and bond the people for a common purpose. With all due respect, the Latin maxim, Vox populi es vox dei may have its sense of validity in a democracy but may run counter to some Islamic principles because the laws of man being imperfect, as they are does not represent the perfect admonition of the voice or commandment of God almighty. The voice of the people are temporal in nature and character.

It is for this reason that man should never flirt with power because it is like playing with fire. It is dangerous and one can never tell how deep a pit you will fall. PMM

Six Criteria for Choosing Candidates to Support in the May 2022 Elections

BUREAUX NCR PLUS SATELLITE OFFICE:

Vol. II, No. 24 | Nov. 26—Dec.2, 2021 (Rabiul Akhir 20-26, 1443)

MACAPADO A. MUSLIM, Ph.D. University Professor (Ret,) & Former President Mindanao State University

Front page of PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY previous issue.

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n the upcoming May 2022 elections, I will choose candidates with significant strengths in the following six criteria of effective political leadership: 1.0 CHARACTER 1.1 Integrity or incorruptibility (based largely on faith, aside from rule of law); 1.2 Moral stature; 1.3 Credibility; and 1.4 Capacity to inspire, influence and transform.

2.0 COMPETENCE 2.1 Educational attainment and leadership experience; 2.2 Capacity to grasp the domestic and International intricacies of public governance in the contemporary world; 2.3 Analytical ability and practical wisdom; and 2.4 Capacity or potential to provide democratic, technocratic, long-term-oriented, synergistic and strategic leadership.

3.0 CAPACITY TO PROVIDE HEALING, UNIFYING, ALL-INCLUSIVE, AND CARING LEADERSHIP 3.1 Capacity to provide good governance for all sectors, groups and communities; 3.2 Concern for the poor and marginalized sectors; 3.3 Emphasis on peaceful approaches to conflicts and crucial national issues; 3.4 Capacity to engage constructively the business and civil society sectors as

partners; and 3.5 Capacity to provide centripetal leadership to rein in and transform extremist elements.

4.0 POLITICAL DECISIVENESS 4.1 Capacity for autonomous or independent decision-making vis-a-vis particularistic interest groups; 4.2 Capacity to assert general welfare Imperatives vis-a-vis the Interests of prebendalist political allies and supporters; 4.3 Capacity for leadership in times of crisis and emergency; 4.4 Capacity to confront, manage and transform conflicts and challenges; and 4.5 Capacity to enforce discipline and compliance, ensure rule of law (not rule by law) and democratic accountability, and protect human rights.

5.0 REFORMIST ORIENTATION 5.1 Involvement in reform advocacy, planning and implementation; 5.2 Affiliation with genuinely progressive reform or cause-oriented groups, organizations or political parties; 5.3 Capacity to grasp the systemic and multidimensional nature of public governance and its ecosystem; and 5.4 Support for urgently needed political structural or institutional reforms to correct some fundamental foundational flaws of the Philippine political system, particularly the need to shift from presidential to 6 CRITERIA | A8

Opinion COMELEC AND THE ELECTORAL PROCESS “Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” – Lord Acton “Do not blame Caesar, blame the people of Rome who have so enthusiastically acclaimed and adored him and rejoiced in their loss of freedom and danced in his path and gave him triumphal processions.” – Cicero

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n times of election, there are two institutions in this country that appear to have power in determining the course of the election and the fate of the candidates, especially those running for President – the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the presidency. This is more real and visible, if the President acts like a de facto dictator, as it is today.

Flashback and precedents: In the past few decades, the Comelec never enjoyed a good reputation for conducting fair and honest elections. When Leonardo “Leonie” Perez was Chairman of that body, Ramon “Monching “ Mitra, who later became Member of the regular Batasang Pambansa (Parliament) and Speaker of the Cory Aquino House of Representatives called it as a body that did not know how to count.

Mitra was absolutely correct. When I ran as Member in the interim Parliament, I placed second in the election in our region.

I won the election but I lost the proclamation upon order of President Marcos. I filed an election protest at the behest of my client and friend, Secretary of Public Works and Highways Antonio “Tony” Raquiza. . Because of the bad reputation of the Comelec and knowing Chairman Perez who was also Editor-in-Chief of the Philippine Collegian, the official student publication of the University of the Philippines, during his time, I requested an audience with him to insure that I will get fair and just treatment.

Since it was about lunch time, he invited me to have lunch with him in his office. I accepted the invitation. When we were in his office, this is how the conversation went.

“What can I do for you?”

He asked.

“I am not here to ask you for a favor. I just want fair and just treatment in my election protest,” I replied.

“What is your party – KBL?” He asked me again.

“No. My party is the Mindanao Alliance,” I an-

swered.

“Sorry Pañero but I can’t help you. Let’s have lunch and while waiting, I’ll sing for you,” he said with finality.

He got his ukele and sang Pamulinawen, the song made famous by the UP radio station during the Diliman Commune when it broadcast that song which President Ferdinand Marcos sang to one of his lovebirds, the Hollywood actress Dovie Beams when FM was having a tryst with her.

That’s how partisan COMELEC has been except probably during the time of Chairman Jaime Ferrer with an Associate Commissioner like Lino Patajo.

More precedents: During the snap elections in 1986, COMELEC facilitated massive cheating just so Marcos could win the election – padding of votes in Laoag, Isabela, Tawi-Tawi, Misamis Oriental and in almost every province and city in the country. Marcos lost the election but won the proclamation As a sidelight in that election, I confronted MP Juan P. Enrile, Minister of Defense, about the cheating in Isabela province, he replied, “I have nothing to do with that. It’s Tino Dy.” Dy was governor of Isabela.

After Cory Aquino was installed President, people in this country had high hopes the country would be a thousand times better, especially during elections. But it turned to be false hopes as in the first election for members of Congress in 1987, Cory instructed his people in the COMELEC. This is how Cory ordered the Commissioners of the COMELEC before the congressional elections in 1987 as reported to us by Vice-President Doy Laurel “I want a majority in the Senate and see to it that Adaza and Espina do not get elected,” said Cory.

Espina was former provincial governor of Cebu and senator while Adaza, this writer, was former provincial governor of Misamis Oriental and Member of Parliament. As

a result of the Cory order, twenty-to senators of candidates of Cory were elected and only Erap Estrada and Juan P. Enrile were grudgingly proclaimed.

The truth though, according to the reports

Diliman Way

HOMOBONO A. ADAZA gathered by the boys of Juan P in the COMELEC, the true results were – twelve (12) candidates of the GRAND ALLIANCE FOR DEMOCRACY (GAD), TEN (10) candidates of Cory won and two (2) seats remained a toss-up between GAD and THE Cory party. It was in that eledtion the term dagdag bawas (add and subtract) became a household word. For the first time in the history of our country, fake and computerized senators of Cory participated in making laws. As punishment for Cory, the same fake and computerized senators terminated the USRP BASES AGREEMENT in defiance of a Cory led demonstration with her dumb followers marching in heavy rain to the Senate. As PR Duterte keeps on saying, there’s always a time for reckoning and it came early for Cory.

When Fidel V. Ramos and Miriam D. Santiago ran for President in 1992, Santiago and her propaganda machine charged COMELEC of cheating for Ramos. There were reasons to believe that the charges of Santiago had basis. Santiago, many concluded, Santiago won the election but Ramos run away with the proclamation.

In 2004, Gloria M. Arroyo (GMA) and Fernando Poe, Jr, (FPJ) ran for President. Many people in this country still remember the infamous Hello Garci Tape which revealed massive electoral cheating in Mindanao to make Arroyo win. She lost the election to FPJ but was proclaimed as the elected President, thanks to Associate Commissioner Garcillano and the COMELEC. Why do I have first hand

Vol. II, No. 24 | Nov. 26—Dec.2, 2021 (Rabiul Akhir 20-26, 1443)

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Vaxxed In or Dine-Out? IF YOU ARE IN METRO MANILA, and you want to dine-in and you are vaxxed out meaning you are not vaccinated like this Columnist, there is no chance at all for you can have a dine-in in any restaurant in Metro Manila.

The restaurant management will shoo you away for being unvaccinated.

As I look at the Merriam-Webster dictionary, shoo away is term used especially in driving away an unwanted animal.

OMG just like having a CoMorbidity I don’t have even a single dose.

Hence, that would be my prize that I will end up being shooed away.

That is whether it is in a Carenderia, Eatery, Fastfood, or in a Fine Dining Restaurant the waitress or food server will not serve you with food and they would politely say since you are not vaccinated with any of the COVID-19 vaccines then you are Off Limit to their restaurants.

No less than President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has already entered into the picture by saying, ‘HUWAG MO SILA PAKAININ.’ That is the tall order of the President to people who have not been vaccinated against COVID19, particularly those who refuse to do so, should be barred from restaurants and resorts, President Duterte said.

Everyone should really get vaccinated. Those who refuse, they should not be allowed inside public restaurants or resorts because they are a threat to public health and the safety of the general public,” Duterte emphasized.

Apparently, some of the I-ATF (Inter Agency Task Force) in some of the local government units (LGUs) from Batanes To Tawi-Tawi are getting bolder because they are confident that no less than the President of the Republic of the Philippines is within their side.

Hence, in a remote municipality like Talipao in Sulu, the Talipao Task Force COVID-19 has implemented effective Thursday, November 25, 2021 a very strict and harsh guidelines for people who are not vaccinated.

There are Tarpaulin Announcements posted in every strategic corners in the municipality of Talipao and in police and military check points announcing a BIG NO. That is No Vaccination Card, No Valid ID, and NO ENTRY at all. It is translated into Tausug dialect: “Dih makajari lumabay in wayruun Vaccination Card.” (Those without Vaccination Card are not allowed to pass through.)

If the people of Sulu especially those residing In Talipao municipality

are law abiding citizens but not the people of Iligan City whom they want to settle the Vaccine Card controversy in a court of law.

They brought the case to court where they alleged that the guidelines

knowledge? I was engaged as lead counsel of FPJ in the national canvassing of votes in Congress. I lost the legal engagement due to the insistence of four senators who were members of the National Cavassing Board – Edgardo Angara, Aquilino Pimentel, Jr., Teresita Aquino Oreta and Tito Sotto – and City Mayor Jojo Binay, that if I continue to be the lead counsel, they would all desert him.

The poor FPJ had to make what he thought was a practical decision.

So in a contrite tone at breakfast at his Greenhills residence, he said to me, “Attorney, you have so many enemies in the Senate. I have to agree to relieve you as my counsel. Please remain as my consultant.

“I was astounded because I thought I had no enemies but friends in the Senate, so I responded, “Who are

they?”

Diplomatically, FPJ referred me to Edmer Lim, the man who arranged my legal engagement who was around.

I never thought those senators and Jojo Binay were my enemies except Sottto, Ed Angara was my classmate in the UP College of Law and room mate in the UP Men’s South Dorm (now Narra Residence Hall).

Nene Pimentel was my boyhood friend and I made him run as my mayoral candidate in Cagayan de Oro City and won, thanks to my party – Mindanao Alliance. Tessie was the sister of Ninoy Aquino. Jojo Binay is a fellow alumni of UP and joined us in the Cory presidential campaign.

They were all afraid that if FPJ won, I’d likely end up as Executive Secretary or Secretary of Justice and if I did, they certainly would have

been in trouble on issues of graft and corruption, not to speak of illegal drugs and immorality.

Antecedent story: When Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro was running for President in 2010, I visited the late Manoling Morato at his residence at Morato Avenue, Quezon City. He told me this interesting story relating to the COMELEC and the electoral process.

Manoling started his story with the following statement, “Bono, I was visited here by four ranking officials of the COMELEC.” “What for?” I interjected.

“You know, they were requesting me to tell Gibo’s family that if the family pays them TWO BILLION PESOS, Gibo will become the next President of the country,” Manoling replied.

Batanes to Tawi-Tawi

JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL under implementation by the I-ATF under Iligan City Mayor Celso Regencia who wants the COVID-19 Vaxx Card on all aspects of the lives of the people of the City of Iligan.

The people of Iligan City did not accept the directive of the I-ATF just sitting down. They filed a petition seeking the validity and constitutionality of what they called as the “Gestapo” like LGU mandatory vaxx cards.

However, after the Court Battle the Regional Trial Court had ruled out that vaccination cards are not mandatory as what the Iligan City LGU wanted in its directive.

For your Comments/ Suggestions please send an email to: julmunir1845@gmail.com

ADAZA | A7

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News

Vol. II, No. 24 | Nov. 26—Dec.2, 2021 (Rabiul Akhir 20-26, 1443)

PATAFA gears up for greater heights in athletics sports MARAWI CITY — The Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA), the athletics sports’ governing body in the country, has recently given its 17-person board of trustees and officers a fresh mandate as the new Olympic cycle picks up and as the association gears up in implementing with more vigor its national sports programs for our elite athletes and the promotion of the sports among the youth sector and within the grassroots communities.

Following its Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) -sanctioned elections held this month, the roster of the PATAFA leadership names Dr. Philip Ella Juico at the helm of the association after being reelected as president. Dr. Juico was a former Secretary of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and a former chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), and he has been a member of the various governance and integrity commissions of the World Athletics, previously called International Association of the Athletics Federations (IAAF).

House Deputy Speaker Rufus Rodriguez, congressman for the 2nd district of Cagayan de Oro, was reelected association Chairman while the Hon. Senator Bong Go, the Senate Committee on Sports chairman, also remains the Honorary Chairman of the PATAFA. Other PATAFA officers include: Rommel Sytin, secretary-general; Agapito Capistrano, executive vice president; Atty. Melinda Diaz-Salcedo, corporate secretary; Engr. Noel Silva, treasurer; and Elmer Ngo, auditor.

The board of trustees include: Ilagan City Mayor Josemarie Diaz; former Oriental Mindoro governor Dr. Benjamin Espiritu; sportsman Rafaelito Villavicencio; businessman Felix O. Tiukinhoy Jr; Datu Yusoph Mama (chairman of the board, Philippine Muslim Today); Atty. Roberto Uy; Joseph Anton Bengzon; Jaime Villegas; Dr. Guillermo Torres Jr, and former PATAFA president Go Teng Kok. The entry of new officers and the reorganization of some roles in the PATAFA board under the continuing strong and ex-

APMC in Marawi to require vax card for hospital watchers

MARAWI CITY, Lanao ence and Orientation on del Sur — Watchers of Bayanihan Bakunahan on

BY JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL patients and visitors to Tuesday, November 23. inpatient areas in the She said this requireAmai Pakpak Medical ment aligns with the order Center (APMC) will be of the Health Department required to present their to protect patients and is vaccination cards before in support of the national they are allowed to enter vaccination guidelines the hospital early next that everybody should be month. vaccinated.

The management of Dr. Rakiin said they Amai Pakpak Medical are going to advocate this Center (APMC) is eyeing so that people should to implement this new start being vaccinated requirement for hospital because you never know visitors and watchers ef- when your family will get PATAFA Roster of Leaders in an old File Photo: Sitting in front (3rd from left) is Dr. Philip Ella fective December 2, sick. For the patients, Juico, President of the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA). Datu 2021. they can be admitted beYusoph B. Mama (extreme left) and member of the Board of Trustees; House Deputy SpeakAPMC hospital chief cause before they can er Rufus Rodriguez, Congressman for the 2nd District of Cagayan de Oro and PATAFA ChairDr. Shalimar Rakiin said enter, they are swabbed man; and Atty. Melinda Diaz-Salcedo, corporate secretary (extreme right). CONTRIBUTED they would not allow to test if they are negative PHOTO cellent leadership of Dr. curbing down, it is also tion and be partners in watchers and visitors to or positive.

Philip Juico, the associa- crafting specific programs our grassroots and youth transact and get inside To bolster efforts for tion president, is a strate- tailored to the Filipinos for sports development clin- the premises of APMC if the Bayanihan Bakunagic move to revitalize the optimal results. ics and activities. It is they could not show their han, Rakiin said APMC “The Philippines is timely for everyone and vaccination card. national programs and to will be one of the vaccinaimprove further the perfor- respected more in the beneficial for our health athletics and collective well-being. mance of the national ath- international letes for upcoming inter- sports community today. Besides, the PATAFA’s national competitions ac- I’ve personally observed programs also promote a this during my represen- good sense of competicordingly.

“A handful of our elite tation in the previous tion, camaraderie and athletes are currently es- World Athletics congress, sportsmanship,” he emtablished ‘star players’ in and you can feel the sin- phasized.

In the meantime, the Asia or even abroad, in cerity and genuineness of their own right, and they acknowledgment from the PATAFA announced that the have continued to bring leaders in the community national team is presently honor to the Philippines such as during the plena- training in Baguio city in preparation for the upcomand inspiration for their ry conferences and my ing Ayala Philippine Athletconversations ics Championship (aPaC) to fellow countrymen. Many ensuing of these strides have with Dahlan Al-Hamad be held on December 09 APMC hospital chief Dr. Shalimar Rakiin. CONTRIBUTED been achieved due to the (Asian Athletics Associa- and 10. The sports federaPHOTO tion president), Sergey integrity, competence, tion likewise shared that Bubka (World Athletics they have a masterplan to and judiciousness of the “This is our way of tion centers in the provvice-president), acclimatize our national athPATAFA leadership,” senior says Datu Mama, who is and even Lord Sebastian letes for the Hanoi Games protecting our patients,” ince for the three-day now on his third term as Coe (World Athletics and the next Asian Games Rakiin disclosed during national vaccination drive. which will both be held next the Command ConferROCAYA SUMNDAD member of the board of president). I believe this year in China. (JIJ) was strengthened and trustees.

“It’s effective team ef- made possible through 6 CRITERIA… from Page A4 fort, really, that has deliv- the effective working ered outstanding results chemistry of the PATAFA parliamentary and from unifor the country’s athletics board and Philippine Ath- tary to federal systems, and ILIGAN CITY — The Mindanao State University Main Camsports performance. We letics community punctu- the strengthening of our pus Varsity Legend has held its first reunion of its varsity and members and induction of its new set of officers. hope to translate these ated by the outstanding electoral political party systems.

Prominent local leaders have congratulated the Varsity accomplishments in set- leadership of our presi6.0 MULTICULTURALLegens on the occasion held on Nov. 6, 2021. Among those ting a good example for dent [Dr. Juico],” Datu IST LEADERSHIP who sent congratulatory messages include Marawi City the Philippine sports com- Mama asserts.

6.1 Recognition and re- Administrator Sultan Camid Gandamra, Deputy Speaker Zia As a technocrat and spect for cultural diversity; munity, especially among Adiong of the Bangsamoro parliament, Lasureco General the rising youth sector. It traditional ruler from Mus6.2 Capacity for effective Manager Dr. Nordjiana Ducol, Marantao municipal Mayor Mindanao, Datu interfaith is known that PATAFA as lim Akhira Alonto, and Marawi City Councilor Zalwaida Macaa national sports associa- Yusoph Mama also sees leadership; bangon.

6.3 Emphasis on consoSet of Officers tion is setting the bar high much potential for the Elected new officers are: President: Farouk “Dennis” in the anti-doping drive, in forthcoming plans of the ciational leadership; and Sharif; Vice President: Calicozaman “Coco” Macaraya promoting sportsmanship, PATAFA in the regional 6.4 Capacity to address health and fitness devel- and provincial levels, both the demands and require- (External) and Azis S.Palao (Internal); Treasurer: Saidali opment, and even work in their competitive and ments of both national unity “Toto” Maruhom and Bin Dawood H. Acmad Secretary: Asa -ad M. Pangcoga and Ansary Zaman; Auditor: Cairoden non-competitive (clinical) and cultural diversity. ethics,” he adds.

“Dino” Gauraki; P. I. O: Junaiden “Jun-Jun” Maranda and Datu Yusoph Mama, components.

Although designed pri- Alandoni “Don-Don” Pala For this purpose, he marily for the top positons of who represented the PhilThe group has also chosen their following consultants ippines as the first voting extends an invitation to President and Vice Presi- and advisers: Manuel “Nonoy” Roda, Joseph “Jojo” Jaylo, dent, this scheme is also Alex Tampi, Abolaine “Abet” Pangcoga, Ismael “Boy” delegate to the 2019 IAAF the local communities.

“We invite the various applicable to senatorial can- Pumbaya, Joseph “Coach Jo” Layao, Al Domingo, Dodong (now World Athletics) didates, and to top ledrrship Jaylo, and Amos C. Orellana. PR Congress, in behalf of the stakeholders in the Athpositions at the regional and PATAFA president Dr. letics sports community in local levels. Moreover, it can Philip Juico, noted that Mindanao, and the great- be used as a framework or while the vision of the fed- er Philippines, to join us guide for leadership capacity eration is in sync with the get involved in this very building and political career endeavor. path planning and enhanceWorld Athletics in rolling worthwhile out its athletics sports From the LGU’s (local ment for incumbent and asdevelopment programme, government units) to the piring national, regional and even as the global pan- local sports organiza- local leaders.

Comments may be sent demic problem is only tions, you can take a to: mcmuslim756@gmail.com recently showing signs of more pro-active participa-

MSU Main varsity legend holds 1st reunion, induction of officers

Legal Notices

OBITUARY MACACUNA RACMAN YUSOPH, 61 The immediate family of MACACUNA RACMAN YUSOPH of 0293 Bayaba-Damag, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, expresses their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to their relatives, friends and all those who condoled with them at the time of their bereavement and sorrow for the loss of their loved one MACACUNA RACMAN YUSOPH who passed away on September 23, 2021, at Amai Pakpak Medical Center, Brgy.

Datu Saber, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, at the age of 61.

The death certificate issued by the Local Civil Registrar of Marawi City, Lanao del Sur as furnished to the Philippine Muslim Today, revealed that the Immediate Cause of his death was Acute Respiratory Failure Type IV, the antecedent cause is Septic Shoch, and the Underlying Cause is Critical Pneumonia, Confirmed Covid 19.

As a Muslim practitioner whose religion is Islam, the decease’ remains was buried in accordance with Islamic Rites at a Muslim cemetery in Ganassi, Lanao del Sur.

PMT: Nov. 19-25, 2021; Nov. 26-Dec.2, 2021; Dec. 3-9, 2021.

COMELEC… from page A5 “Did you tell the family of Gibo? I asked.

“Of course, I did not. If I tell Ditas (the mother of Gibo) that, she surely will give me a tongue lashing,“ he replied.

“Then, what happened?” I continued asking Manoling.

“Curious on their effrontery, I asked them about the Hello Garci Tape and weren’t they worried about being found out, and then their leader said, Oh, you must be talking about Garcillano, he is only our errand boy. About being found out, that is the least of our worry as we have houses in Canada and we can fly out fast the moment there is any hint of a problem,” Manoling replied.

Manoling Morato testified before the Teddy Boy Locsin Committee which was mandated by the House of Representatives to look into the cheating in the 2010 elections but he refused to identify the COMELEC culprits for fear of reprisals.

As far as I know, COMELEC did not investigate the revelations of Manoling. For all we know, these sleazy characters may still be in the COMELEC today.

And now: These words have nothing to do with this line from a Frank Sinatra song -“And now, the end is near.” It has something to do with what the COMELEC is doing now. In an order disqualifying a presidential candidate because he is running independent, the COMELEC order states that – he is “putting in mockery and disrepute the electoral process.”

Based on the events from the Marcos years to the present, who has been placing the COMELEC and the electoral process “in mockery and disrepute”? Is it not the COMELECvitself? Look at recent developments with the COMELEC. PR Duterte filed his certificate of candidacy as Vice-President. Soon after, PR D withdrew his candidacy in favor of Senator Bong Go who filed for Vice-President. A little later, PR D filed his certificate of candidacy for senator.

The drama even gets to be more confusing – Senator Bong Go withdrew his candidacy for VicePresident and filed a COC for President. After all that drama, Mayor Sara Duterte of Davao City. Daughter of PR D withdrew her candidacy for Mayor and filed her certificate of candidacy for VicePresident. Earlier, Senator Bato de la Rosa who filed his certificate of candidacy for President which media treated as mockery and a joke by segments of mainstream media withdrew his certificate of candidacy.

What a joke! What a mockery! What a scandal!

Who are putting COMELEC and the electoral process in mockery and disrepute? Are they not the official and personal family of PR Duterte as well as the COMELEC itself? You be the judge but remember – these are rhetorical questions. Why? The things speak for themselves – res ipsa loquitor.

HAA

Vol. II, No. 24 | Nov. 26-Dec. 2, 2021 (Rabiul Akhir 20-26, 1443)

DEED OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS AND QUITCLAIM KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: This Extra-Judicial Settlement of Estate among heirs, made and entered into by and between: 1. JOHAINA Y. MANGORSI, of legal age, Filipina, widowed and a permanent resident of LANGCAF, Biaba Damag, Marawi City; and 2. JEHAN Y. YUSOPH, minor, being born in November 23, 2003 and also a permanent resident of LANGCAF, Biaba Damag, Marawi City, represented and assisted by her mother Johaina Y. Mangorsi WITNESSETH: THAT WHEREAS, the above-named parties are the only compulsory and legal heirs of the late MACACUNA RACMAN YUSOPH who died intestate on September 23, 2021 at APMC, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur being the widowed wife and orphan child of said decedent; WHEREAS, at the time of his death, decedent left certain sum of money representing his retirement pay which was contained in his GSIS UMID card bearing CRN 006-0000-9931-6, all in his account name, more particularly described as follows: MACACUNA RACMAN YUSOPH - Account No. 4162 9801 1155 8168 WHEREAS, there are no known debts or obligations due against the estate of decedent; and WHEREAS, it is to the best interest of parties thereto to divide, partition and adjudicate unto themselves the entire estate of the decedent extra-judicially, adjudicating, as they do hereby adjudicate the same to and among themselves extra-judicially in a manner hereinafter set forth: NOW THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the premises and, invoking the provisions of Rule 74, Section 1 of the Rules of Court, the parties hereto do, by the presents, agree to divide and partition the entire estate above -described, adjudicating as they do adjudicate the same to and between themselves in pro-indiviso EQUAL SHARES. WAIVER OF RIGHTS AND QUITCLAIM I, JEHAN Y. YUSOPH, with personal circumstances above-described, DO HEREBY CONVEY, WAIVE AND QUITCLAIM all my share, claim, interest and participation in the above-described sums of money in favor of my mother JOHAINA Y. MANGORSI, of legal age, Filipina, widowed and a resident of LANGCAF, Biaba Damag, Marawi City.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, parties have hereunto set their hand and affix their signatures this ___day of October 2021 in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, Philippines.

(Sgd) JEHAN Y. YUSOPH Affiant minor daughter Assisted/represented by (Sgd) JOHAINA Y. MANGORSI Mother ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Republic of the Philippines) Marawi City )s.s.

Province of Lanao del Sur ) x---------------------------------------/ BEFORE ME, a Notary Public this Oct 13, 2021 in the City of Marawi and Lanao del Sur, personally appeared the following persons, presenting to me competent evidence of their identity, the following: NAMES JOHAINA Y. MANGORSI JEHAN Y. YUSOPH

ID PRESENTED Valid until

Known to me and to me known to be the same persons who executed the foregoing instrument and they acknowledged to me that the same is there free and voluntary, act and deed.

This instrument consists of two (3) signed by the parties and their witnesses at the left-hand margins.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affix my notarial seal on the day, year and place and place first above-written.

(SGD) ATTY. CAIRODING P. MARUHOM Notary Public Until December 31, 2021 Roll No. 35712-1/27/89 PTR No. 7550308b; 11/19/19; Marawi City IBP No. 095377; 11/21/2019 MOLE Compliance No. VI-0028691 VALID UNTIL 4/14/2022 DOC. NO. 457; PAGE NO. 93; BOOK NO. XXIV; SERIES OF 2021.

PMT: Nov. 19-25, 2021; Nov. 26-Dec. 2, 2021; Dec. 3-9, 2021.

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DEED OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT AND PARTITION OF ESTATE OF THE LATE NORONISA SUMNDAD MACADATO KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: This instrument is made and entered among the exclusive compulsory heirs of the late Noronisa Sumndad Macadato, namely: H. NAIMA M. MACADATO, of legal age, Filipino, married and residing at Bangon Marawi City, Lanao del Sur; SORAIDAH M. BATOWAAN, of legal age, Filipino, married and residing at Bangon Marawi City, Lanao del Sur; NORMILA CAMAMA, of legal age, Filipino, married and residing at Bangon Marawi City, Lanao del Sur; ASNIAH M. MACADATO, of legal age, Filipino, married and residing at Bangon Marawi City, Lanao del Sur; NORHAYAH M. MACADATO ALI, of legal age, Filipino, married and residing at Bangon Marawi City, Lanao del Sur; ADAWIYAH M. MACADATO, of legal age, Filipino, married and residing at Bangon Marawi City, Lanao del Sur; WITNESSETH: WHEREAS, Noronisa Sumndad Macadato is a permanent government employee and a regular member of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), the PagIbig and the Philippine Public School Teachers Association (PPSTA); WHEREAS, Noronisa Sumndad Macadato has never been married neither has she begotten a child biologically or adopted of her own; WHEREAS, last December 10, 2020, Noronisa Sumndad Macadato died in Bangon, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur; WHEREAS, by virtue of her being a regular member of GSIS, the PPSTA and the Pag-ibig, Noronisa Sumndad Macadato is entitled to financial claims and other assistance possible from the GSIS, the PPSTA, and the Pag-ibig that her legitimate heirs stated above can claim; WHEREAS, the above-named immediate relatives are the exclusive and only compulsory heirs of the late Noronisa Sumndad Macadato and they hereby agreed to authorize for and in their behalf NORMILA CAMAMA to follow -up and receive any amount for the deceased or any assistance to be claimed from the GSIS, PPSTA and the Pag-ibig and other agencies.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto affixed our signatures this_______ at _____________________________________, Philippines.

(SGD)

(SGD)

H. NAIMA M. MACADATO Compulsory Heir ID No. 23-003608029-4 Valid Until ____________ Issued by PhilHealth

SORAIDAH M. BATOWAAN Compulsory Heir ID No ________________ Valid Until ____________ Issued by _______________

(SGD)

(SGD)

NORMILA CAMAMA Compulsory Heir ID No. 153617103-05 Valid Until ____________ Issued by DILG

ASNIAH M. MACADATO Compulsory Heir ID No. VIN:3617-0020A E0578AMM20000

Valid Until _____________ Issued by COMELEC

(SGD)

(SGD)

NORHAYAH M. MACADATO ALI ADAWIYAH M. MACADATO Compulsory Heir Compulsory Heir ID No. VIN: 3617-0020A-H0174NMM20000 ID No. 15-202792922-7 Valid Until ____________ Valid Until _____________ Issued by COMELEC Issued by PhilHealth Signed in the presence of the ff. witnesses: (SGD)

RAYHANA N. DIMA Witness

(SGD)

and

ACMAD S. DIMA Witness

Republic of the Philippines) Lanao del Norte) Ss. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT BEFORE ME, A NOTARY PUBLIC, this Nov. 15, 2021 in ___________________, Lanao del Norte, personally appeared the compulsory heirs with their respective Community Tax Certificates and/or Government Issued IDs, known to me and to me to be the same persons who executed the foregoing instrument. This document consists of three (3) pages including where this acknowledgement is written and signed by the parties and their instrumental witnesses on each and every page thereof after the contents hereof been interpreted and translated into their own vernacular and signified that they understood the same and the same are their free and voluntary acts and deeds.

WITNESS MY HAND AND SEAL. (SGD)

ATTY. SAMBITORE M. LUCMAN Notary Public Until Dec. 31, 2021 IBP No. 095603/Nov. 25, 2019 PTR No. 7550307 B. Nov. 19, 2019 Doc. No. 2351; Page No. 161; Book No. 06 Series of 2021.

PMT: Nov. 26-Dec. 2, 2021; Dec. 3-9, 2021; Dec. 10-16, 2021.

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Tourism News

Vol. II, No. 24 | Nov. 26—Dec. 2, 2021 (Rabiul Akhir 20-26, 1443)

JAPANESE CHEESE TART

Sceneries Veiled by Time MEMORABLE VISIT TO LUMBACA UNAYAN

By Frank E. Dosdos, Jr.* MARAWI CITY – Deep in a cool ravine in the outskirts of a peaceful sleepy town in Lanao del Sur lie one of what probably is the oldest concrete bridge still standing in Mindanao and two majestic and bewildering natural scenes.

This writer together with a professional photographer and the Publisher of Ranao Star, a weekly newspaper based in Marawi Lanao del Sur, were invited by Mayor Saripodin A. Guro to Lumbaca-Unayan, his town that was formerly a part of the old town of Lumbatan, about 40 kilometers across the lake from Marawi.

On board a Tamaraw FX that has probably survived quite many long summers, the group with five guides travelled last March 12, 2014 along the eastern length of the Lake

Lanao Circumferential Road from Marawi to the towns of Ditsaan Ramain, Buadi Puso Buntong, Mulondo, Taraka, Poona Bayabao, Masio, Tamparan, Lumbayanague and Lumbatan until they reached the vast plateau that is Lumbaca-Unayan.

They saw wide cornfields at various stages of maturity – some just weeks after planting, others just harvested while other strips of lands were left to fallow.

Young upland rice seemingly unharmed by the summer that has come to other parts of Mindanao was also growing on the deep sandy loam soil. The group was amazed by the richness of the soil and the potential it has for high-value vegetables and other crops.

After travelling for about 8 kilometers southward from the Poblacion, the vehicle began to head downward to a recently scraped portion of what looked like a provincial road that had wanted

The writer, Frank Dosdos, sitting on the rocks in Kabobolodtoa River in Lumbaca Unayan, Lanao del Sur. With him are representatives of LGU Lumbaca Unayan and Ranao Star editor-in-chief Ding Yahya. (MNY) clearing for years. The grade was getting stiffer and dark clouds began to spread overhead casting a worrying probability of rain. Fearing that the vehicle will never be able to make a return uphill climb if it rains, the driver decided to stop. At this point, the group had to walk through the rest of the way.

Spread on the far left of the road, across a ravine, was an amazing panoramic view of forests and clouded mountain ranges. The guides told the group that the higher plateau on the far distant left is the municipality of Butig, believed to be the seat of the ancient Kingdom of Ranao that existed long before the Arab Muslim missionaries came. Straight on the middle as far as the eyes can see were forests that led up to the tall mountain ranges in the east. It was learned that far down behind those mountains are plateaus facing Bukidnon and Maguindanao.

The road snaked down on curves and bends about five kilometers to the bottom of the ravine where the Bita River flows on the solid bed rock. It finally locked with the approach of an old concrete bridge crossing the river.

The guides said that the bridge was called the “Old Spanish Bridge” by the Maranaos. But the in-

scription on the concrete side railing read, “1910 LT HD SHULTZ 21st Inf.” It was said that perhaps, the bridge was started by the Spaniards and continued by the Americans. However, noting that the Spanish bridge construction technology when the Americans came used bricks, not concrete, the bridge as the inscriptions show was probably built by the U.S. Army. It was also learned that the bridge was never finished by its original builders due to persistent harassment by the Maranao defenders of the time. It was only recently, the guides told the group, that the bridge was completed by the national government as a priority project of Lanao del Sur 2nd District Representative Congressman Benasing O. Macarambon, Jr. Roughly fifteen meters downstream from the bridge, the river dropped about 40 feet below sending mists upward as the water bounce from the rocky floor. “Kabobolodto -a” is what the villagers call the waterfall, meaning rainbows. It was said that when the bright sun shines, one would see rainbows in the mist – a phenomenon unseen in that overcast afternoon.

But it was not the beauty of the falls but the potential it would give to the people of the adjoining areas that teases the imagination. It was gathered that there were plans to tap the waterfall for hydroelectric power generation.

Three hundred meters down the road ahead of the bridge, a small path to the right leads down to a shady lagoon about 50 feet down another gorge.

The water comes from a

BANGSAMORO HALAL DISH hole bigger than enough to let a person come inside swimming underwater at the bottom of a rock wall.

This shallow body of fresh water is said to be alkaline making the gravel and sand on the floor ever -clean. One can immerse in it and have a clean soap-less bath. Young children swam and frolic in the crystal-clear water where blades of light sift through the canopy of leaves in the thicket overhead.

Trekking the homeward uphill climb minutes later, the group had mixed feelings of wonder and exhaustion.

Although they were very tired and worn when they reach the Poblacion of LumbacaUnayan at dusk, they had a feeling they will never forget. They hope that someday four-wheeled vehicles will be able to transport people who want to see the fascinating scenes they had beheld.

It was learned later that the road ahead of the bridge leads to the town of Marugong and comes into the municipality of Malabang. It is the alternate route from Lake Lanao to the national highway from Cotabato City to Pagadian and Zamboanga City.

Someday when the provincial road from Lumbaca-Unayan to Marugong and Malabang will be improved or concreted the hidden beauties of nature in this midland river gorge will be seen by the rest of the outside world. Perhaps, the formal creation of the Bangsamoro will pave the way to bring civilization to this somewhat forgotten nook in the globe. *The late Frank Dosdos was the first bureau editor of The Ranao Star in Iligan City and Lanao del Norte.

Sometimes in 2014, a group of local journalists were invited by the local government unit of Lumbaca Unayan, a remote underdeveloped municipality in Lanao del Sur at the time.

Dosdos wrote this special story for The Ranao Star. May he rest in peace and God bless his soul. — Editors

With Maria Fhebie Ortil

G

ood Friday morning to all. The Bangsamoro Halal Cuisine which is now in Volume 2, Number 24 issue of the Philippine Muslim Today would like to deviate from our usual topics of food recipes as long as it is Halal in nature.

Hence for this week, I would like to discuss with you the Japanese Easy Cheese Tart recipe. It is with buttery tart shells and rich filling. These creamy Japanese cheese tarts are delicious and addictive, with flaky shells and a gooey cream cheese filling.

Listed below are the easy to find ingredients as well as the easy to follow instructions which anyone can easily make it at home.

INGREDIENTS TART SHELLS • 8 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour • 1/2 cup powdered (icing) sugar • 1 egg yolk CREAM CHEESE FILLING • 1 cup cream cheese • 3 tablespoons powdered (icing) sugar • 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream • 1 teaspoon corn starch INSTRUCTIONS TART SHELLS 1. Cut the butter into small cubes. Combine flour, sugar, and butter in the mixing bowl and beat them with an electric whisk until crumbs form.

2. Whisk the egg yolk into the mixture, and knead them into a dough with your hand. Keep kneading the dough until smooth.

3. Preheat the oven to 410°F (210°C).

4. Take a small portion of the dough and press it into a 2.6-inch tart mold evenly. Cut off the excess dough from the edge with a knife and prick the bottom with a fork. (Repeat the exact instructions for the rest of the eight shells.)

5. Bake the shells for 15 minutes.

6. Let the tart shells cool completely before removing them from the molds.

CREAM CHEESE FILLING 1. Soften the cream cheese at room temperature and mix well with sugar in a bowl. Mix and fold the ingredients constantly until smooth with a spatula. Add the heavy whipping cream to the mixture in 3 portions, keep stirring until well combined. Finally, add the corn starch and mix well.

2. Fill the piping bag with the mixture and pipe it into the shells. Freeze the cheese tarts for 4 hours until firm.

BAKE THE CHEESE TARTS 1. Preheat the oven to 410°F (210°C) 2. Brush the frozen cheese tarts with egg wash.

3. Bake the cheese tarts for 15 minutes.

(MFO)

Japanese Cheese Tart