PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY

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Vol. II, No. 25 | Dec. 3-9, 2021 (Rabiul Akhir 28 - Jumadil Awwal 4, 1443) | www.philmuslim.today

12 Pages / P20

Recurring violent threats

COVID-19 vaccination mandatory

A Changing Political Landscape

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Mindanao Peace Week

NCMF stages ‘kalilang for peace’ in Mindanao Peace Week ILIGAN CITY – Vice presidential candidate and Davao City mayor Sara Z. Duterte on Wednesday said she tested negative for illegal drugs use.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) has staged a “kalilang for peace” presentation here in celebration of the Mindanao Peace Week (MPW) institutionalized by the national government from the last Thursday of November to first Wednesday of December.

NCMF | A2

BARMM in Focus ‘Vaccination Day’ comes with relief goods in BARMM. VACCINATION | Page A2

Minister Iqbal pushes for Bangsamoro Regional Academy.

MINISTER | Page A3

KALILANG FOR PEACE. Photo shows coeds performing the “kapmalong-malong” in the array of Maranao ethnic dances at the “Kalilang for Peace” held in Cagayan de Oro City for the Mindanao Week of Peace observed annually from the last Thursday of November to the first Wednesday of December. NCMF-supplied photo

MILG inaugurates 2-storey barangay hall in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

MILG | Page A3

BARMM chief minister urges public to join nat’l vax days: Vaccines are safe, effective, and free

By MASIDING NOOR YAHYA

C

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.

Bangsamoro Interim Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim ap-

SPDA fishpond in Vitali adds more to food production even during pandemic

SPDA chief Gerry Salapuddin visits their fishpond in Vitali, Zamboanga City.

Full Story on Page A6

pealed to the constituents of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to join in the nationwide anti-coronavirus 2019 vaccination that started Monday and will run through Wednesday.

“These vaccines are safe, effective, and free to every Bangsamoro. This is our only weapon to fight the pandem- Chief Minister Ahod “Murad” Ebrahim. ic, this is our protection from

the deadly virus,” Ebrahim said in a statement on Monday, the first day of the “Bayanihan, Bakunahan 2021 national Covid-19 vaccination days from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1.

He said all government servants in the BARMM’s various offic-

World closes doors to African countries due to Omicron JOHANNESBURG/ISTANBUL – A number of countries have imposed travel bans on African nations amid fears over the new coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) variant Omicron.

Travel restrictions have been imposed on eight southern African countries after the potentially more contagious variant was first detected earlier this month in South Africa and Botswana.

The bans apply to South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho.

The UK immediately added South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Botswana, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe to its red list of countries deemed

high risk after Omicron was detected.

The European Union announced on Nov. 26 that it will block flights from these countries.

The US, Canada, Germany, France, Japan, Israel, India, Australia, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Italy, Malta, Pakistan, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Oman have also imposed similar travel restrictions.

Turkey also announced that it will restrict travel from South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, and Zimbabwe from November 26.

WORLD | A7

es are actively participating in the region to vaccinate about a million Bangsamoro people.

“We hope to reach our target of 1 million Bangsamoro receiving the vaccine during the three-day event,” he said.

BARMM | A2

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NCMF stages ‘kalilang for peace’ in Mindanao Peace Week… from page A1 The NCMF-Region 10 partnered with the management of the SM Downtown Premier in this city in hosting the event, which drew huge spectators to watch ethnic Muslim cultural presentation ranging from rhythmic traditional dances to melodious instrumental music.

“The musical extravaganza aimed to showcase Maranao culture through dance and music, an objective of which is to develop appreciation for Maranao culture and hopefully ignite interest in younger generations,” NCMF spokesman Dr. Jun Alonto-Datu Ramos said.

NCMF-Region 10 Director Abdulnasser P. Masorong Jr., a physician, tapped the Dariday Cultural Dance Troupe to perform Kulintang Exibition, Sadoratan, Kapmalo-malong, Singkil and Sagayan, all segments of Maranao cultural renditions characterizing a “kalilang,” which literally means celebration.

The MWP is annually celebrated throughout Mindanao from last Thursday of November until the first Wednesday of December for the past nine years as a sort of reprieve from pressures of social, economic and political challenges in southern Philippines, it was learned.

Datu Ramos said the “kalilang for peace” was graced by several partners and representatives from other agencies.

NCMF Secretary Saidamen Pangarungan was represented by his staff to interface at the event with personalities from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, the Mindanao State University system, universities and colleges in this city, various youth and community leaders, and ulama, he said.

Other partners from non-government organizations, civil society organizations and the media joined the event, with Cagayan De Oro City Mayor City Mayor Oscar Moreno witnessing the afternoon segment as guest of honor, Datu Ramos said.

The event also included a video presentation about the Bangsamoro Organic Law that was made while guests munched on Maranao delicacies, he said.

He said the event fleshed out one of the mandates of the NCMF in preserving, promoting and developing the culture and tradition of Muslim Filipinos.

“Secretary Saidamen B. Pangarungan and the rest of the (NCMF) central office would like to congratulate Regional Director Masorong and the rest of NCMF-Region 10 for being exemplary employees of the Commission,” Datu Ramos said.

“We are truly proud of what you have accomplished for the Mindanao Week of Peace in your area. Kudos to your office, and continue making us proud to be Muslim Filipinos,” Pangarungan was quoted as saying in a message for the host regional office. (AGM) ALI G. MACABALANG

BANNER STORY | from Page A1

BARMM chief minister urges public to join nat’l vax days...

“We can reach this if we join our hands, from front-liners to health care workers, barangay, town and municipal and city local government units, nongovernment organizations, private sector and civil society organizations, everyone,” the chief minister said.

Data from the BARMM’s Ministry of Health indicated that as of Nov. 26, a total of 676,574 individuals have been immunized out of its 2.9 million targets for vaccination across the region.

The BARMM covers the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi; the cities of Cotabato, Marawi and Lamitan; and the 63 barangays in six towns in North Cotabato.

(MNY)

News

Vol. II, No. 25 | Dec. 3-9, 2021 (Rabiul Akhir 28 - Jumadil Awwal 4, 1443)

International community renews intervention for BARMM growth

By Ali G. Macabalang COTABATO CITY – With the approval by Congress and Malacañang of an additional three-year transition period for the interim Bangsamoro governance, concerned entities from the international community have renewed assistance to help bring the new autonomous region to greater heights.

Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) spokesman Naguib Sinarimbo said United Nations’ (UN’s) member-agencies have geared up to “increase presence” in the region in what he described as vital in setting up a robust system of governance in the area of autonomy.

Above are two photos showing the UN Country Team officials holding a meeting on Wednesday in Cotabato City while being addressed virtually by BARMM spokesman Naguib Sinarimbo; and the unveiling of launch symbol of the P1.5-billion Support to Bangsamoro Transition (SUBATRA) program in the same city on Nov. 15. (Photos contributed) BARMM is composed of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi provinces, the cities of Marawi, Lamitan and Cotabato and the 63 autonomy-opting barangays in North Cotabato.

On Wednesday, the UN Country Team led by the Resident Coordinator/ Humanitarian Coordinator Gustavo Gonzales held a first-ever team meeting here to map out specific intervening efforts for BARMM development.

Sinarimbo, who is BARMM’s Local Government minister, said he

was “honored” by the meeting organizer to deliver the opening message for the convergence.

“The UN is set to increase its presence in the (BARMM) which bodes well for the region as it renews its commitment to partner with international development agencies.

The global experiences of the different agencies of the UN will be a valuable input in shaping the development and humanitarian work of the Bangsamoro Government,” he said.

The UN team’s event

followed the formal launch here of a P1.5billion program for the BARMM governance by the European Union (EU) last Nov. 15.

EU Ambassador Luc Veron alongside BARMM Senior Minister Abdulraof Macacua and Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal led the kick-off ceremony for the program, dubbed as Support to Bangsamoro Transition (SUBATRA), at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Center here.

Interim BARMM Chief Minister Ahod “Hadji Mu-

rad” Ebrahim and Presidential Peace Adviser Sec. Carlos Galvez Jr. graced the event virtually, delivering messages in immense appreciation for the EU intervention.

The SUBATRA program has been designed to fortify capacity-building in BARMM’s legislative, executive and judicial operations to help the new autonomous governance make the difference in the evolution of autonomy for Bangsamoro, it was learned.

(AGM)

‘Vaccination Day’ comes with relief goods in BARMM COTABATO CITY – The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) governance has joined the nation -wide observance of the “Vaccination Day,” enticing residents to undergo inoculation to confidently face the prevailing health pandemic with distribution relief goods.

Workers of the Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (READi), a program of the BARMM’s Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG), staged the “Day 1” of the national event on Nov. 6, yielding 2,400 food packs to rural health units (RHUs) in 16 Maguindanao towns, according to MILG Minister Naguib Sinarimbo.

The 16 recipient towns included Datu Odin Sinsuat, Talayan, Guindulungan,Datu Saudi, Datu Unsay, Shariff Aguak, Am-

RELIEF GOODS ON VAX DAY: Maguindanao residents receive relief food packages while waiting for their turns to undergo vaccination on Nov. 29. BARMM-READi supplied photo patuan, Datu Abdullah Sangki, Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Datu Salibo, Datu Piang, Datu Hoffer, Shariff Saydona, Mamasapano, Rajah Buayan, and Sultan sa Barongis, Sinarimbo said.

The conduct of vaccination coupled with relief goods distribution continued on Nov. 30 in other parts of Maguindanao, Sinarimbo said.

Health officials in BARMM and Region 12

were impressed by the simultaneous conduct of vaccination drive and relief goods distribution, saying the two-pronged thrust would help increase the number of vaccinated citizens and provide foods in the tables of inoculated people during the event.

READi operations yield relief goods during special and emergency situations, boosting the efforts of the Ministry of

Social Services and Development (MSSD), which is the main relief and welfare agency in the autonomous region, according to MSSD Minister Raissa Jajurie.

Apart from relief operations, the READI management is conducting a series of trainings to capacitate community and sectors’ representatives on emergency rescue services.

For the MILG, READI’s mother unit, enhancing the operational capacities of local government units in BARMM is its focal thrust.

The MILG has recently started inaugurating municipal hall buildings, barangay hall edifices, and other LGU structures it has funded and implemented since early this year, it was learned.

ALI G. MACABALANG

News

Vol. II, No. 25 | Dec. 3-9, 2021 (Rabiul Akhir 28 - Jumadil Awwal 4, 1443)

Minister Iqbal pushes for Bangsamoro Regional Academy

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL COTABATO CITY: Bangsamoro Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal is pushing for the establishment of a Bangsamoro Regional Academy which will offer baccalaureate and postgraduate courses in Islamic and Arabic studies Iqbal, also a member of parliament of the BangIn his sponsorship speech, Iqbal asked his colleagues to help him in “addressing the gaps, lapses, and challenges facing one institution in the education sector in the BARMM, particularly the Madaris sector of Education.”

“Madaris education is what really makes the BARMM peculiar from the rest of the educational system in the country,” he said.

The Bangsamoro Organic Law specifies that the Parliament must enact legislation to develop and strengthen the Madarais educational

system in the region.

The Regional Madrasah Graduate Academy is a Higher Education Institution with Local Colleges and Universities (LCUs) located in Buluan, Maguindanao.

The Academy will also promote research, advanced studies, and progressive leadership in areas of specialization.

It will be under the supervision and regulatory powers of the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE).

The MBHTE must submit a transition plan to the BTA within 90 days

samoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), filed the bill for this purpose and, if passed into law, the Muslim Mindanao Act 164, also known as the Regional Madrasah Graduate Education Act of 2003, would be repealed.

BARMM education minister Mohagher Iqbal. File photo following the law’s ratification, including the proposed organizational plan for the reformed Regional

Madrasah Academy.

(JIJ)

Graduate

MILG inaugurates 2-storey barangay hall in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao COTABATO CITY — Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG) inaugurated Thursday, Nov. 25, the newly constructed 2-storey barangay hall building at Brgy. Banubo, Sultan Kudarat in Maguindanao.

The project was fund- tion; more infra-projects ed under Bangsamoro underway at Sinarimbo: Appropriations Act (BAA) MILG projects nearing 2020 amounting to completion; more infraPhp3,388,333.33, and projects underway Sinarimbo thanked the was built through the FM4 community of barangay Builders Contractor.

MILG minister Atty. Banubo under the leaderNaguib Sinarimbo led the ship of Brgy. Chairman inauguration of the project Mohalidin Abas and said and said that 250 baran- that the interim governgay halls are underway ment is pushing for more across BARMM. [Related projects dedicated to the story: Sinarimbo: MILG Bangsamoro people.

“This hopefully will not projects nearing comple-

only transform the landscape of our region but that of service delivery to our people,” Sinarimbo said.

“The barangay halls are intended to serve as the center of government service delivery in the lowest but most critical locus of interaction between the people and its government,” the Minister added.

In his message of acceptance, Abas said they felt overwhelmed, especially, their barangay hall is the pioneering project first completed by the

ministry and described it as “historic”.

“It is a testament that everything that has been agreed through good governance could benefit majority of our people,” Abas said.

Together with Sinarimbo, Municipal Councilor Mohamad Casim, MILG Director for Interior Services Atty. Marvin Mokamad, Ustzad Villal Kanda, and elementary school teachers graced the said event.

BANGSAMORO INFORMATION OFFICE

MOLE grants ₱20K cash aid to 400 overseas Bangsamoro workers COTABATO CITY: Some four hundred (400) overseas Bangsamoro workers (OBW) from the 37 barangays of Cotabato City each received P20,000.00 cash aid from the Ministry of Labor on Employment (MOLE) during their orientation Tuesday, Nov. 23, as beneficiaries of the ministry’s reintegration program dubbed “Hanapbuhay for Bangsamoro Balik Mangagawa”.

MOLE Minister Romeo Sema on Friday ensured the commitment of

BARMM to continuously provide and promote gainful, inclusive, and genuinely equal employment opportunities for every Bangsamoro.

“This reintegration program is a manifestation of moral governance and of our commitment to serve the people in the region.

Our ministry promotes opportunities within our homeland so that the Bangsamoro people would not have to go outside the country just to find jobs,” Sema said in Maguindanaon language.

More than 2,000 OBWs from across BARMM provinces are expected to receive similar aid from MOLE. “In Shaa Allah, you will wisely and efficiently utilize the P20K assistance.

After all, each of us is doing our best to improve not only our own lives but also the lives of our dear loved ones as well as the day-to-day needs and well -being of our families,” Sema said.

We all have obligations to contribute for the betterment of our govern-

ment. We are all obliged to contribute,” he added.

Also present at the event was MOLE Director General Engr.

Dong Anayatin who said: “Sana makatulong ang halagang natanggap para sa inyong pamilya. Maliit lamang ito pero kung magagamit ng maayos ay maaring mapalago.”

Apart from the orientation of the ministry’s reintegration program, MOLE also provided the beneficiaries with lectures and MOLE | A7

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4 more BIFF combatants yield in Central Mindanao

C

OTABATO CITY – Four (4) combatants of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) have yielded to Joint Task Force Central (JTFC) forces in Midsayap, North Cotabato, bringing to more than 100 members of the outlawed group received in batches by authorities in Central Mindanao.

The four surrendering rebels were presented in brief rites at the Midasayap town mayor’s office on Nov. 22 witnessed by authorities including Mayor Romeo Araña and military officials, said a press statement from the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) sent to the Philippine Muslim Today new.

Lt. Col. Edgardo Vilchez, commanding officer of 34th Infantry Battalion, said the surrendered BIFF combatants as Sanny Boy Satol Mamalumpong alias Takokan, Ato Menis Sandato alias Ado, Satol Gamblay Butuan, and Darang T. Katog, all belonging to BIFF Karialan Faction.

The surrendered rebels yielded at ceremony their high-powered firearms including one (1) M60 Barrett rifle, two (2) 7.62mm sniper rifles, and one (1) M14 rifle as shown in photos supplied by the 6ID. Colonel Jovencio Gonzales, head of the 602nd Infantry Brigade, 34th IB mother unit, said the surrender was realized with the help of community leaders and residents “longing for peace in Central Mindanao.”

Mayor Araña lauded the option of the former BIFF combatants to rejoin peaceful life and urged others to return to the folds of the law.

Major General Juvymax Uy, Commander of both the JTFC and 6th ID, expressed his gratitude to the community for helping the government forces in facilitating the surrender of the said personalities.

“What is happening right now is an indication that peace can be achieved in Central Mindanao. With strong partnership of the LGUs, communities, and the government forces, our campaign to totally defeat the BIFF and other Local Terrorist Groups can be achieved,” Gen. Uy said.

The four surrendered BIFF combatants will be enrolled with the DIWATA HAVEN Program of North Cotabato, which provides livelihood packages and equipment in order for them to live productive and peaceful life with their families, the 6ID statement said.

The Nov. 20 ceremony was the latest in a series of batches of surrendering BIFF combatants in North Cotabato and Maguindanao, bringing to some 150 fighters of the outlawed group received in rites this year alone, it was learned.

ALI G. MACABALANG

WestMinCom Chief visits troops in Sulu, briefed on the series of ASG surrender Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) Chief Maj. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr. visited the troops of Joint Task Force Sulu over the weekend.

On his arrival at the 11th Infantry Division/Joint Task Force Sulu headquarters in Busbus, Jolo, Sulu, he was welcomed by the Sulu troopers led by Maj. Gen. William Gonzales.

Major Andrew Linao, spokesman of WestMinCom on Monday said a briefing regarding the accomplishments and current campaigns of the unit was presented to the WestMinCom commander like the series of the return to the fold of the law of the members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) terrorists.

After which, Maj. Gen. Rosario, Jr. advised the soldiers to always practice the 5Ps. These 5Ps include Planning, Preparation, Performance, Play, and Prayers. After which he visited two of the three infantry brigades in the province of Sulu. He first visited the 1101st Infantry Brigade at Bud Bayug, Barangay Samak, Talipao, Sulu. Col. Eugenio Boquio, commander of the 1101Bde received the WestMinCom commander during his arrival.

He also took time to visit the 1103rd Infantry Brigade in Barangay Bonbon, Patikul, Sulu on the same day. He was accompanied by Maj. Gen. Gonzales, 1102nd Infantry Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Antonio Bautista, Col. Boquio, and the triad officers of WestMinCom. WESTMINCOM | A8

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opinion Philippine Muslim Today, Inc. Co. Reg. No. 2021030008913-02

Vol. II, No. 25 | Dec. 3-9, 2021 (Rabiul Akhir 28 - Jumadil Awwal 4, 1443)

Editorial

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EDITORIAL

The Halalan 2022 Game: Filipino Voters' Intelligence Must Not Be Insulted The latest episode in the candidacy telenovela, in the form of a presidential candidate backing out, has left the general voting public laughing their heads off at best, and flabbergasted at worst.

It and other recent instances of political maneuvers should give Filipinos a stern warning that they are and have always been played and preyed upon by incumbents and aspirants alike.

Such tactics only mean a few things for the Filipino about to exercise the right to vote in the coming year: that the Philippine political landscape has deteriorated further, and that much of the long-suffering electorate, already rendered disadvantaged by decades of neglect and poverty, are still being treated as gullible beings by the players in the political game, accepting of what they are offered (and deprived).

The present so-called information age, with social media at the helm is of not much help. It is being harnessed by all sides to sway the unthinking ones to make grossly poor choices anew with their ballots come election day. The current wave of historical revisionism complicates this further by making people idolize who in fact actually were their oppressors.

Hopefully, the Filipino, and yes, the Bangsamoro voter will already be fed up with being considered as half-wits and will prove that claim wrong by finally using their better judgment to steer the better and deserving candidates to positions next year. The nation's voters certainly deserve better. PMT

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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Front page of PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY previous issue.

Recurring violent threats

T

he Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) in partnership with concerned entities held last Monday, Nov. 29 its 7th and final episode of serial webinar on safety measures in covering the prevailing COVID19 pandemic and next year’s synchronized national and local elections.

Dozens of journalists from southern Philippines including the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) joined the virtual convergence, and were lectured on safe media reportage of events in the pandemic and the May 9, 2022 elections by Dr. Freddie Gomez and veteran journalist Joe Torres, respectively.

Undersecretary Joel Sy Egco, PTFoMS executive director, opened the webinar with a briefing about the task force’s feats and thrusts, and presented statistics on reported cases of killing and violent threats among members of media in the country.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, Presidential Communications Operations Office Sec. Martin Andanar, Cabinet Secretary Carlo Nograles, and PIA Director General Ramon Cualoping III, among others, delivered messages citing the importance of learning basic steps for safe media practice amid the pandemic and in events related to the 2022 polls.

They hinted at improved government care for press freedom and safety under the Duterte administration.

On Nov. 25, PTFoMS Executive Assistant Juliet Solis called me up to invite me into the webinar. I assured her of my participation, even as I described the event’s timeliness in my desire to reveal to the public, notably for colleagues in the media, about recent incidents that indicated recurrence of violent threats in my media practice.

Later in the day, John Aquino, also of the PTFoMS, called up to say the task force had emailed to me a form to fill up concerning basic details indicating threats.

In both calls, I asked Ms. Solis and Mr. Aquino that I would take the opportunity first to briefly reveal my plight in an appropriate segment of the webinar, before I would submit the filled-up form alongside my narrative and other annexes.

In the webinar’s open forum, moderator Pia Morato allowed me to talk concisely about media threats and two recent signs of recurrence in my practice. I pointed out the need for cohesive actions in promoting the welfare of journalists and protecting them from induced threats or harassment vis-à-vis my case.

I corroborated the PTFoMS’ campaign for the passage in the Senate of a version of a

House bill enacting a national Media Welfare Act, which seeks to address the age-old insufficient income and lack of benefits among field media workers. I said that while they were motivated professionally to provide media coverage,

Punchline Ali G. Macabalang

the 32 journalists who died among 58 people killed in the so-called 2009 “Maguindanao massacre” were equally desirous to earn money.

In the BARMM, I said, the insufficiency of income and lack of protection for journalists, which ACY-CIS Partylist Rep. Rowena Nina Taduran wants addressed in the House Bill she authored, were twin factors behind the creation of the Bangsamoro Press Corps (BPC) on April 17, 2021 in Cotabato City.

I persisted in initiating the formation of the BPC because of my belief that after the infamous massacre and the birth of BARMM, the number of media workers in the autonomous region has increased more than 100 percent; that most of the neophytes seemed so aggressive in field coverage ostensibly to earn additional income but lack orientations on proper ethics in journalism.

I mentioned in the webinar about the BPC’s current efforts for the creation in BARMM of a regional version of the task force and for the possible enactment by the autonomous parliament of a regional Media Welfare law.

As a long-serving media worker for 44 uninterrupted years and a wounded survivor of an ambush in Cotabato City, I painstakingly pushed for the BPC formation, thinking anxiously about a possible repeat of election-related threats and deaths among new media workers in the autonomous region.

My premonition turned right. But the subject of threats is me. The corresponding narrative follows hereunder: Last October 4, I covered at Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao the formal forging of political alliance among the SIAP and Ompia parties of Lanao del Sur with the MILFled United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) and stayed overnight in a Cotabato City hotel.

The following morning, my driver-escort Joey Aballe and son Mohammad-Ali discovered that my car’s left window shield was broken. My car prominently bears media signs.

PUNCHLINE | A8

Opinion

Vol. II, No. 25 | Dec. 3-9, 2021 (Rabiul Akhir 28 - Jumadil Awwal 4, 1443)

Agreed with BBM not to make COVID-19 vaccination mandatory

INTERESTING GUESSING GAME “He whom the gods wish to destroy they first make mad.” From Antigone

N

ow the cat is out of the bag –a presidential candidate is an illegal drug user, says PR Duterte. It’s cocaine – the plaything of the rich and famous, here and abroad.

Many of the popular candidates are riding on the publicity by issuing disclaimers that they are not the ones referred to. This is the usual game of traditional politicians who believed in the saying of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt that, in politics, any news is good publicity.

Who ever is referred to

by PR D should have been prepared for this bombshell. If this is true and there is reason to believe that it is, the bloated survey reports for this candidate will burst like a balloon. Unless the Filipino voters will continue to be dense as they were in 2016 when they elected PR D President, the dream to be President of the country of the target of PR D will be kaput. PR D will be singing this line from a famous song – “Goodbye, I hate to see you go but have a good time” with cocaine and your hallucination.

The noisy supporters of this presidential candidate who PR D described as a cocaine user will end up singing – “Goodbye my teacher, goodbye. You will not come back again. You will not come back again.

Goodbye, my teacher, do not cry.”

PR D will be laughing and celebrating with the narcissistic thought that he pulled a fast one on the cocaine using presidential candidate and the people. – Did he?

Pot and kettle: But is this not a case of the pot calling the kettle black?

Why? PR Duterte is an admitted user of fentanyl and marijuana. In so far as fentanyl is concerned, PR D uses it under medical prescription and supervision, thus his use of the illegal drug is not a violation of the law. The use of cocaine of the presidential candidate is illegal – if PR D is to be believed. The use by PR D of marijuana is still possibly under medical prescription and supervision

so he does not run the danger of criminal prosecution.

But in the case of target of PR D, his use of cocaine is obviously illegal since there must be witnesses – fully documented as he underwent rehabilitation, according to PR D. Why didn’t PR D order the arrest of this cocaine using presidential candidate?

Is it because he was a friend? Is he afraid of the powerful family of this cocaine using presidential candidate? Is it due to the fact that this cocaine using presidential candidate is rich and famous not like the more than twenty thousand kids of poor families who were killed for using shabu as they could not afford the expensive cocaine? As a line of a song goes – “Why, oh why Delilah” To put in place – Why, oh why Duterte? Why, oh why PR D? Why, why, why? The questions are interminable. Up to this moment – we have no answers. Why? Speculation: Since PR D provides us no answers, we have to rely on the rational in the realm of speculation. PR D is boxed into a corner, so to say – ICC is reported posed to have him arrested, many of his ardent allies deserted him because of his own fault, he is desperately trying to hold onto power, his popular support is dwindling, the Opposition forces are massing and marching, here and abroad, and the cocaine using presidential candidate maybe one of the leading candidates, according to the surveys – manufactured or not – while the candidate of PR D is lagging very much behind.

These are threatening developments for PR D – enough to give him nightmares or triggering lucid intervals. PR D is no amateur in battle engagements being a veteran of political wars. He may be foolish many a time but the man is street smart like leaders of the Italian or American Mafia. No wonder he came out with a crippling blow against the cocaine using presidential candidate. It is a

master stroke!

But is it enough to elect Senator Bong Go President in the May 2022 election? Your guess is as good as mine. (Editor’s Note: Sen. Bong Go has reported his withdrawal

Diliman Way

HOMOBONO A. ADAZA from the Presidential race.)

Guessing game: At this point, though the referent of PR D’s target is obvious, almost all known presidential candidates are issuing denials – that they are not the ones referred to by PR D. If none of them is the referent of the Duterte revelation – is PR D talking of a candidate who was declared by the COMELEC a nuisance or are they suggesting that PR D is hallucinating?

Both suggestions by way questions are wrong.

PR D is talking about one of the leading candidates for President – very much alive, good looking, speaks good English reminding us of a leader of not so long ago, rich and famous, a spoiled child, and a weak leader. Anyone who does not know the well described presidential candidate by PR D must either be a fool, stupid, a moron or a simpleton. Which one are you?

Or is PR D afraid confirming journalist Waldy Carbonnel’s observation that PR D is the bravest man in town with the longest tail down between his two legs.

Postscript: I cannot help feeling like Winston Churchill when he won the Nobel Prize for Literature. Why? I got that feeling when Facebook took down my recent post entitled, PR D and BB M, in my three Facebook accounts. Again, why? It justifies the late Speaker Pepito Laurel’s statement on me that I have utak sa bayag at bayag sa utak (brains in your balls and balls in your brains).

All of us – including

A5

M

OST Muslim Filipinos in Mindanao especially in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) are divided whether to vote or not to vote former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” BBM Marcos, Jr. for President in the coming May 9, 2021 National and Local Elections.

Those who will not vote has this important question lingering in their minds, what has BBM helped the Bangsamoro people when he was Senator of the Republic of the Philippines?

But BBM’s declaration stands favorable to me where in my case not a single dose was vaccinated to me for the reason I have my CoMorbidity and I still need Medical Clearance from my Doctor at the Manila Doctors’ Hospital.

Hence, in my case the declaration of BBM not to make COVID-19 vaccination as mandatory is very timely. With his declaration I will no longer think twice that when I go to the polling place on May 9, 2022 I should write or blacken the circle (o) in my ballot before the name Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. for President.

Basically, BBM has thumbed down the proposal to make COVID-19 vaccination as mandatory.

It is no less than President Rodrigo R. Duterte who even wanted that there should be a law passed by Congress to make this vaccination a must requirement throughout the country.

BBM instead said the government should focus in informing the public that vaccines are safe and effective against severe respiratory illness.

He even said people have the right to refuse to

get vaccinated. BBM even cited the law that allows patients to decline medical treatment from hospitals.

“Sa palagay ko hindi na natin puwedeng puwersahin kahit sino na ang magpabakuna. Alam ninyo, may batas na kapag ikaw na kahit na nasa hospital ka sinasabi ng doktor na kailangan mong maiwan sa hospital, kung aawayin ng pasyente, sasabihin ‘hindi ayoko na, gusto ko nang umuwi, ay hindi sila mapipigilan,’ sabi ni BBM sa isang interview ng Media.

BBM also emphasized “I think we cannot force people to get vaccinated.

There’s a law where patients can refuse medical treatment even when they are already in hospital and being advised by doctors to get treated.”

“The same goes for vaccination. We cannot force them,” he added.

Former Senator Marcos said the public especially those who refuse to get vaccinated, should instead be informed of the benefits and safety of the vaccines.

In my case, since I am not vaccinated I can no longer go to a restaurant to dine-in. But there is a solution to it that I can still buy a take out foods and just merely eat it at the comfort of my home.

Be that as it may, we should understand that we don’t get vaccinated just for ourselves. This is also to protect our family, our colleagues, and our friends. If you are vaccinated, you won’t be bringing the virus to anyone.

Now this is especially so that the Philippines is now on 24/7 Red Alert against the entry of Omicron, the new variant that was first detected in

South Africa.

PostScript: The Batanes To Tawi-Tawi would like to greet a Very Happy Birthday to Rodante “Koji” Santos, 2nd aka Mohammad Saleh Rodante II. Koji or Rod is an Adminis-

Facebook, PR D, and presidential candidates – come and go like the waters of the river. What is important in life in a democracy is to let a “hundred flowers bloom let a thousand schools contend” and allow the voicing of thought that we hate as Justice Oliver

Wendell Holmes would have it.

None of us, humans, can be God except Jesus Christ Superstar. We are all vulnerable by time and circumstance as in the well-remembered words of Ecclesiastes – “for everything there is a season.

And surely the seasons

are not all yours –you who feel you are God. PR D intones, time and time again, to his enemies – “there is always a time for reckoning” PR D is absolutely right, one of those few occasions, and Facebook, presidential candidates and PR D are no exceptions. (HAA)

Batanes to Tawi-Tawi

JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL trative Officer of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) in Malacañang Palace, Manila. PTFoMS is headed

by Usec Joel Sy Egco aka Hadji Yusoph as the Executive Director. John Aquino who is one of the closest colleagues of Koji would like to greet him also a Happy Birthday that the celebrator had his simple celebration on December 1, 2021.

Likewise, the members of his immediate family have rejoiced on his natal day. First and foremost his loving Mother Ludy aka Sharifa Ainee; Wife Cathy Eugenio Santos presently a Caregiver in Israel; eldest daughter Shaneley Casey Eugenio Santos, a work from home Call Center Agent and part time Actress/Singer; 2nd daughter Shakira Yoshivel, a Call Center Agent in Makati City: and youngest son John Michael (JM) Eugenio Santos, a Motorcycle Enthusiast.

For your Comments/ Suggestions, please send an email to: julmunir1845@gmail.c om Cellphone: +639778430218. He is presently residing at NCRPlus.

Read PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY

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Across PH

A Changing Political Landscape For decades, the flow of traffic in the political terrain in General Santos City had been under the baton of such political big wigs as the Acharons, the Antoninos punctuated only by the unexpected entry of Mayor Lita Nunez and of late by the resurgence of the Rivera-Banas tactical and practical alliance marked by the election of Ronel C. Rivera as City Mayor holding the position for three consecutive terms and Shirlyn Banas as Congresswoman of the first district of South Cotabato.

The Outside View Judge Panambulan M. Mimbisa (ret) In this coming 2022 elections Mayor Rivera will be challenged for the congressional for General Santos City by incumbent City Vice Mayor Atty. Loreto Acharon who is the younger brother of former congressman Pedro Acharon, Jr. and the late City Mayor Antonio Acharon.

In this coming elections, new and unfamiliar faces will be on the spotlight. For the mayoralty race, drug mugol and father of brigadahan, a community based social amelioration movement, Elmer Catulpos has thrown his hat into the prey.

In the run for membership in the City council, in addition to the incumbents like Pastor Blando, Attorneys Yumang and Lagare and civic leader Udjok Adcharon, we have comebacking Kagawads,7 lawyers Monching Mellisa and Jong Gonzales. Notable among the new faces who exudes brilliant insights on improving the economy are businessman Anas, lawyer Bembot Calonzo, Dr. Dinopol, and broadcaster Atty. Kan Balleque.

In the battle for the vice mayorship of the city, leading the race is former city mayor Lita Nunez.

The political landscape as it is now is customized for the traditional politicos given the culture and tradition among the people and electorates of blind loyalty. But this is now being threatened by new breed of political players. How far they can go can only be answered by time.

SPDA fishpond in Vitali adds more to food production even during pandemic Abdulghani “Gerry” Ajul Salapuddin, administrator/CEO of the Southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA) based in Davao City visits the SPDA fishpond in Vitali, Zamboanga City.

Admin/CEO Salapuddin said the SPDA Fishpond at Vitali is so far, so good, ready to be harvested in 3 weeks time according to Nasil Tawasil, the Fishpond Officer Incharge and Technician.

The fishpond could add additional inputs to food production in time of this Pandemic. It is stocked with big species of bangus or milkfish (Chanos chanos Forskal); King Crabs; and Asian Tiger Shrimps (Panaeus monodon).

The flavor of it varies depending on the type and size of the crabs harvested. In general, however, most people describe its taste as a mix between shrimp and lobster with just a hint of saltiness to add some extra zing. … Crabmeat is white meat, not quite as soft and salty as chicken or steak, with no strong fish taste.

Why is king crab dilicious? The body of the crab often offers little meat, however, the legs are packed full of vitamins and minerals, and rich in Omega 3 fats. … King Crabs are unique not only because of how large they are and how delicious their meat tastes, but also because they only have six legs!

JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

Vol. II, No. 25 | Dec. 3-9, 2021 (Rabiul Akhir 28 - Jumadil Awwal 4, 1443)

IATF releases new protocols amid Omicron threat

By MARY ROSE DELOS SANTOS QUEZON CITY -- Acting Presidential Spokesperson and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexei Nograles presented on Monday the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) resolutions on restrictions for international travelers following the threat of the Omicron variant.

“Hindi pinapayagang makapasok ng Pilipinas ang lahat ng mga pasaherong galing sa red list sa loob ng nakaraang labing-apat na araw anuman ang kanilang vaccination status,” Nograles said.

Nograles added that only Filipinos through government-initiated or non-government-initiated repatriations are allowed to enter the country.

“At isasailalim pa rin sila sa umiiral na protocols sa entry, testing at quarantine para sa red list countries, jurisdictions or territories,” Nograles added.

Nograles cited that

IATF suspended the testing and quarantine protocols for countries classified as part of ‘green’ countries effective immediately until December 15, 2021.

“Maliban sa mga bansang classified as ‘red’, ang testing at quarantine protocols para sa lahat ng

IATF has approved the resolution to include South Africa, Botswana, Nambia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, Austria,Czech Republic, Hungary, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium and Italy under ‘red’ countries, effective from November 28 to December 15, 2021.

inbound international travelers in all ports of entry ay kailangang sumunod sa testing at quarantine protocols ng ‘yellow’ list countries,” he said.

Meanwhile, passengers from ‘green’ countries who arrived before November 28 will still be

subject to the quarantine protocols enforced based on their country of origin upon the date of their arrival.

“Inaprubahan din kahapon ang pansamantalang suspensyon ng IATF Resolution # 150-A Series of 2021 providing for the entry of fully vaccinated nationals of nonvisa required countries,” Nograles stated.

With the threat of the Omicron variant, the national government is intensifying the local response for COVID-19 and urging the local government units to heighten their alert for any cases.

(PIA)

7 million Filipinos vaccinated in 3-day National Vax Drive CALOOCAN – The National Vaccination Operations Center (NVOC) reported at least 7,628,432 million Filipinos inoculated in the three-day National Vaccination Drive.

“For the three days, hindi pa kumpleto ang mga report. But we are very happy with the initial report kasi this is more than two times of the daily vaccination rate,” NVOC Chairperson Myrna Cabotaje said in Laging Handa Public Briefing on Thursday, Dec. 2.

The NVOC chief stated that the breakdown of

the total recorded vaccination for the first two days is 2,713,731 for Nov. 29 and 2,466,728 for Nov. 30.

Meanwhile, the initial data gathered on the last day of vaccination drive is 2,447,973 doses administered as of 6 A.M. Cabotaje said that the total first doses administered in the country reached around 55,415,753 individuals.

The NVOC cited that the three performing regions for this national vaccination drive were Region 4A, Region 3, and

Region 7.

Various local government units (LGUs) sought extension of this vaccination drive until Dec. 3.

“There is now a voluntary extension of vaccination days para masustain natin ang enthusiasm to get vaccinated,” Cabotaje said.

Cabotaje cited that we will not adjust the target and only get the final figures for this three-day vaccination. She added that the additional vaccination count during the extension can serve as a bonus to our initial target

of 9 million inoculated Filipinos.

The extension was signified by Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque III, National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 Chief Implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez, and NTF Deputy Chief Implementer Secretary Vince Dizon.

The NVOC chief also thanked all those who supported and who are part of the implementation of the three-day vaccination drive. PHILIPPINE INFORMATION AGENCY

2022 Elections

BPC mulls virtual dialog for Presidential bets’ supporters Various pages in social media channels have been brimming with posts from different quarters across the country, including the Bangsamoro region that espouse the qualities, prospects and potentials of their respective pets among leading Presidential candidates in next year’s elections.

With the recent withdrawal from the race of Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, the list of leading candidates for President has been trimmed down to five: Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Senator Emmaneul “Manny” Pacquiao, former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo, and Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso.

In notable social media posts, campaign supporters of Lacson and Pacquiao seem not aggressive as those of Leni, Isko and Bongbong, more popular as BBM. Supporters from the Bangsamoro autonomous re-

gion are immensely assertive in a fashion indicating notable disunity or overshadowing even the Islamic mandate for Muslim unity. To some extent, avid supporters of BBM, Leni and Isko sometimes traded emotion-packed arguments.

Veteran journalist Ali Macabalang, news editor of the Philippine Muslim Today newspaper and Bangsamoro Press Corps (BPC) president, has often drawn sharp reactions in moderating trades of words between and among the supporters of the three leading candidates.

In the Facebook’s Mindanao Tapatan Lane group he administers, Macabalang has invoked the question “what good has a presidential candidate done for the Bangsamoro” as a vital gauge for the regional electorate in the choice of a Philippine President from 2022 to 2028.

BPC | A8

Foreign News

Vol. II, No. 25 | Dec. 3-9, 2021 (Rabiul Akhir 28 - Jumadil Awwal 4, 1443)

MOLE | from Page A3

ADOPTED SPECIAL REPORT ON THE CLIMATE CRISIS

‘We will all die’: In Kenya, prolonged drought takes heavy toll

By Virginia Pietromarchi | Al Jazeera ISTANBUL – The pressing climate crisis has brought together global rivals China and the US in rare unity, with both pledging to use multilateral processes to avoid catastrophic impacts of the changing climate.

The agreement was announced by China’s special envoy on climate Xie Zhenhua and his US counterpart John Kerry on the sidelines of the UN climate conference in Scotland, which is set to wrap up Friday.

“The US and China are committed to pursuing such efforts, including by taking enhanced climate actions that raise ambition in the 2020s in the context of the Paris Agreement, with the aim of keeping the above temperature limit within reach and cooperating to identify and address related challenges and opportunities,” the US State Department said Wednesday night in a joint statement with Beijing.

It said the “US and China recall their firm commitment to work together and with other parties to strengthen implementation of the Paris Agreement.”

The world’s top two economies are the largest emitters of carbon dioxide.

It came as a surprise

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MOLE grants ₱20K cash aid... tips on matters involving starting up a small business, basic entrepreneurial skills, bookkeeping, and registration of workers association.

Monena Esmael Embong, 46, beneficiary from Brgy. Kalanganan I, expressed her thanks to the ministry for the cash assistance and said it would really benefit her mini-grocery store.

“Gagamiting ko itong pondo bilang pandagdag sa aking mga paninda. Sukran BARMM sa tulong na inyong ibinigay. Alhamdulillah,” Mrs. Embong said.

JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL WORLD | from Page A1

World closes doors to African countries due to Omicron

to many, but experts had suggested climate, besides Afghanistan and Iran, was one of the areas where the interests of the world’s top two economies converge.

Beijing and Washington have been at loggerheads over the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid -19), Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the Uyghur human rights issue in Xinjiang.

The climate deal appeared on Wednesday to be a rare example of unity.

Praising “significant efforts” being made around the world to address the climate crisis, the statement said: “There remains a significant gap between such

efforts, including their aggregate effect, and those that need to be taken to achieve the goals of the (2015) Paris Agreement.”

“The two sides stress the vital importance of closing that gap as soon as possible, particularly through stepped-up efforts. They declare their intention to work individually, jointly, and with other countries during this decisive decade, in accordance with different national circumstances, to strengthen and accelerate climate action and cooperation aimed at closing the gap, including accelerating the green and low-carbon transition and climate technology

innovation,” the statement said.

But some said the agreement had little in the way of details for how and when the actions would be taken.

At the Glasgow conference, Xie said: “Both sides will work jointly and with other parties to ensure a successful COP26 and to facilitate an outcome that is both ambitious and balanced.”

Kerry said the two countries “set out our support for a successful COP26, including certain elements which will promote ambition.”

“Every step matters right now, and we have a long journey ahead of us,” he added. (Anadolu)

23 countries report cases of Omicron variant: WHO GENEVA – At least 23 countries from five of six World Health Organization (WHO) regions have reported cases of the new Omicron variant of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), and the number is expected to grow, the WHO chief said Wednesday.

“The emergence of the Omicron variant has understandably captured global attention,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus at a press webinar on the Covid-19 pandemic.

“WHO takes this development extremely seriously, and so should every country. But it should not surprise us. This is what viruses do,” he said.

He said the Omicron virus announced on Friday will continue to develop if the world allows it to continue spreading.

“We are learning more all the time about Omicron, but there’s still more to learn about its effect on transmission, the severity of disease, and the effectiveness of tests, therapeutics, and vaccines,” Tedros noted.

He said the world must not forget that it is already dealing with a highly transmissible, dangerous variant - the Delta -- which currently accounts for almost all cases globally.

“We need to use the tools we already have to prevent transmission and save lives from Delta. And if we

do that, we will also prevent transmission and save lives from Omicron,” he added.

He warned that if countries and individuals do not do what they need to do to stop the transmission of the Delta strain, “they won’t stop Omicron either.”

Several WHO advisory groups had met to evaluate the emerging evidence and prioritize the studies needed to answer these questions over recent days.

The WHO chief again thanked Botswana and South Africa for detecting, sequencing, and reporting this variant rapidly.

“It is deeply concerning to me that those countries are now being penalized by others for doing the right thing,” he said, repeating an earlier message.

Tedros called on all countries to take rational, proportional risk-reduction measures in keeping with the International Health Regulations.

“This includes measures to delay or reduce the spread of the new variant, such as screening of passengers prior to traveling and upon arrival or the application of quarantine to international travelers.”

He explained that blanket travel bans would not prevent the international spread of Omicron, and they place a heavy burden on lives and livelihoods.

SOURCE: ANADOLU

The national flag carrier Turkish Airlines (THY) carried out evacuation flights from Cape Town and Johannesburg on Nov. 27 for Turkish citizens in South Africa, repatriating 71 citizens in all.

Turkey has also imposed a 14-day quarantine on passengers coming from South Africa regardless of whether they have been vaccinated or had the disease in the last 180 days.

African countries also closing their doors Angola has, meanwhile, decided to close its borders to seven African countries to prevent the spread of the Omicron variant.

Sudan has banned entry for travelers from South Africa, while Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, and Rwanda announced that direct flights to South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe have been temporarily suspended.

Morocco suspended passenger flights for two weeks to prevent the variant from entering the country.

What does WHO (World Health Organization) say?

The WHO said Sunday there is no evidence so far concerning the transmissibility or severity of the new Omicron strain.

The WHO's regional office for Africa urged countries to follow science and health regulations rather than imposing travel bans on African nations.

The African Union criticized the travel bans on African countries while South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said the restrictions were “scientifically unjustified.”

“We call upon all those countries that have imposed travel bans on our country and our southern African sister countries to immediately and urgently reverse their decisions,” he said.

John Nkengasong, director of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), said the coronavirus pandemic had indicated that travel bans served little purpose in managing the spread of the virus.

SOURCE: ANADOLU

A8 Navy vessel transports boxes of syringes, medical paraphernalia to Sulu, Tawi-Tawi COTABATO CITY: The Multipurpose Assault Craft (MPAC) of the Philippine Navy transported a total of 34 boxes of syringes and needles to Sulu and Tawi-Tawi last Sunday November 28 that were intended for the three-day National Vaccination Days from November 29 up to December 1.

“We are assisting the Ministry of Health of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in their preparations for the vaccination campaign that began on Monday,” said Maj. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., commander of Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom).

Major Andrew Linao, spokesman of the WestMinCom on Wednesday said the navy vessel arrived at Jolo port around 1:48 in the afternoon of Sunday. The boxes of syringes were received by the representatives from the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) led by the Chief of Technical Division, Juli Ian Sangkula.

“While we continue to assist our partners and stakeholders, we always ensure that our workforce is protected while facilitating the safe movement of the COVID-19 vaccines and medical paraphernalia.

Troops are also deployed to keep all the people involved in this campaign safe and secured. Above all, the safety of the people is our foremost concern,” Maj. Gen. Rosario, Jr. added.

“We are one with the government in this vaccination campaign because this brings so much hope that soon enough we will be able to defeat our invisible enemy,” the WestMinCom commander concluded.

From Sulu, the MPAC proceeded to Bongao, Tawi -Tawi to deliver 57 boxes of syringes and needles.

The vessel is expected to arrive at its destination on the evening.

JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

News

Vol. II, No. 25 | Dec. 3-9, 2021 (Rabiul Akhir 28 - Jumadil Awwal 4, 1443)

Lanao del Sur mayoralty candidate arrested in Ozamis City for murder

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL COTABATO CITY: A mayoralty candidate of Malabang municipality in Lanao del Sur was arrested by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in far away Ozamis City based on warrant of arrest for murder last Wednesday, November 25.

CIDG Director General Albert Ignacius Ferro on Saturday identified the suspect as Alinader Balindong.

He is the son of the late Mayor Anwar Balindong of Malabang municipality and the nephew of Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament Speaker Pangalian Balindong.

The suspect was also the former vice mayor of Picong municipality of the same province.

According to Ferro, Alinader Balindong was arrested by the PNP in Ozamiz City for the murder case that happened in Malabang.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group recognized the suspect who is also known by his alias as Badar and they immediately arrested him.

He was captured by the joint forces of PNP-CIDG Lanao del Sur and Ozamis City PNP inside the Misamis University Medical Center in Barangay Bagakay, Ozamis City due to the validity of the warrant of arrest in the murder case issued by Judge Alberto Quinto of RTC-Branch 11 in Malabang.

The PNP-CIDG also said that Balindong is the primary suspect in the murder of the market administrator of Malabang.

However, the 67-year-old Balindong will remain under hospital arrest after his legal counsel issued an interim order with a granted motion for hospital arrest that Judge Quinto initiated last November 22.

HOSPITAL ARREST: A CIDG operative conducts a documentation on the arrested murder suspect and former Vice Mayor Alinader Balindong (seated) of Picong, Lanao del Sur. Although Balindong is being confined at the Mizamis University Medical Center, still the CIDG arrested him by serving the warrant of his arrest issued by the RTC judge of Malabang. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO) Ferro praised the staff of CIDG and PNP for the successful arrest of Balindong on without any resistance.

Furthermore, the CIDG director general emphasized the arrest of Balindong is still in line with the implementation of Oplan Pursuit of PNP-CIDG. (JIJ)

WESTMINCOM | from Page A3

WestMinCom Chief visits troops in Sulu, briefed on the series of ASG surrender Brig. Gen. Benjamin Batara, Jr., commander of the 1103Bde welcomed the distinguished visitors on their arrival. Also, the Brigade Commander presented a unit briefing to Maj. Gen. Rosario, Jr. In his visit to the military units in Sulu, Maj. Gen. Rosario, Jr. had his traditional talk to troops to boost the morale of the soldiers. During his talk to the sol-

diers of the abovementioned units, Maj. Gen. Rosario, Jr. commended them for all their remarkable accomplishments. “You have truly done well as soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” he said.

“I would also like to thank you for your sacrifices and your efforts. You all deserve a break and you can avail of it during the holiday season. Be sure to spend

it with your family and loved ones so that when you come back you are recharged,” the WestMinCom Commander further stated.

“Lastly, in all your endeavors, always practice the 5Ps to ensure success. These 5Ps include Planning, Preparation, Performance, Play, and Prayers.,” he concluded. JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

BPC | from Page A6

BPC mulls virtual dialog for Presidential bets’ supporters In one of his moderating posts, he said: “Ping has helped increase the annual budget of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos; Pacquiao sent P5million cash donation to Marawi siege IDPs; Leni built housing units for the same IDPs; and Isko built a P49.3-million Muslim cemetery complex in Manila.”

In his long stint the media, Macabalang said, could not remember any remarkable feat for the Bangsamoro, a notion prompting his repeated raising of the question: “What good has BBM done for the Bangsamoro?”

Avid Moro nitizens, instead of answering the question, dared the group administrator to announce his candidate, as others accused him of fomenting “hate” against BBM, he said.

Macabalang pointed out: “The current trend among

the Bangsamoro electorate is “kanya-kanya tayo” ng kandidato. There is no dispute about it. This is very democratic and ideal. But If you offer your pet candidate to rational thinking people like me for support or vote, then my basic requirement is a question: What good has your candidate done for the nation, particularly the Bangsamoro.”

“And I repeat, the same question applies to all candidates in national and local questions, not only to BBM. Voters, when asked to choose a candidate, must ask: What good has your nominee done for our community? I am promoting this inquisitive gauge to put an end to the perennial view of national politicians that Moro voters are ‘easy to divide and fool,’” he added.

In human preferences, one basic element is prox-

imity. This even exists in media editorial management.

In some cases, Manila-born editors usually give little space for news about Mindanao. The reason is they have less concern about ills and aspirations in Mindanao, including the Bangsamoro region.

For more space to explain and expound on the respective Presidential aspirants, the BPC offered its zoom account to host a live dialog among avid supporters.

The BPC holds weekly (every Saturday) its regular Tapatan forum, and a political forum version on Sundays, said the BPC president, who also assured to host the presidential candidate’s supporters any day of the week if needed.

PHILIPPINE NEWS TEAM

PUNCHLINE | from Page A4

had opposed openly and covertly the campaign for extended transitional period of the BARMM government and also protested against the intervention of the regional party in the forthcoming local elections.

At 4:30 in the morning last Nov. 12, a big man wearing black dress, jacket and helmet barged inside my bedroom in our residence in Kidapawan City. When confronted by our first year high school daughter, who was awake, the man allegedly claimed he was asking if our mini-store annexed outside (which is equipped with a buzzer for customers) was already open.

Amid our daughter’s protest and cursing against the un-

precedented intrusion and while trying to awake my sleeping wife, the man (believed armed as indicated in his protruded waistline) went out, hurriedly rode his parked motorcycle and fled. I was outside at the time of the incident, having a huddle with friends and relatives-in-law in a house nearby our concretely fenced residence.

My wife informed me upon returning home hours later that the man could be looking for me, thinking I was inside the room because my car was parked in our garage. She and our

Recurring violent threats I decided not to reveal to the public or report officially the incident to the police because I thought it was just a petty act by a drunken or nothing-to-do passerby. Nonetheless, I informed a few friends in civil authority, saying that the incident could be a warning by somebody staunchly opposed to the participation of the UBJP in the 2022 elections.

The UBJP has fielded full-slate candidates in Cotabato City and Maguindanao where incumbent elective executives

PUNCHLINE | A10

Tourism

Vol. II, No. 25 | Dec. 3-9, 2021 (Rabiul Akhir 28 - Jumadil Awwal 4, 1443)

MISO SOUP

DTI chief urges biz to tap ‘halal’ market

By KRIS CRISMUNDO MANILA – Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez has encouraged businesses, especially micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), to explore the “halal” market.

“The halal industry will add more exports, more to our export promotions because this is really a game-changer and a new segment for our export market,” he said.

As the country rebounds from the pandemic, the trade and industry chief said his department remains committed to implementing the Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Act of 2016 to guide businesses in the production and promotion of halal goods and get a share in the global halal market.

“The Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Program, through our Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC), committed to provide capability-building

programs for the food and non-food MSME exporters to equip them with the right information when it comes to halal requirements, standards, processes, and regulations,” Lopez said.

The program has developed 10 training modules that have benefitted and trained more than 400 MSMEs and exporters and more than 10 halal certifying bodies. “(The) DTI, for our part, has been pushing for a more inclusive approach to improving the halal industry. The official launch of the PH Halal App will boost our country’s readiness to supply halal-certified products and services and provide an easy access guide for halal establishments and

their home include the imperial pigeon, giant scope owl, parrots, hornbills, wild ducks and woodpeckers. The park is also home to mammals, such as wild pigs, the Philippine deer and the Philippine monkey, and fish species, including the common carp, dalag, catfish, goby, shrimps and the Mozambique tilapia.

The plants that grow in the lake include the filamentous alga and the hydrilla.

It was in 1965 that the lake and its vicinity was declared as a protected national park.

Tourism Being ecologically unique and rich in aquatic resources, the Lake Dapao and its national park is considered as one of the most popular ecotourism spots in the island

With Maria Fhebie Ortil

A

products,” he said, adding that the app will also help Muslim tourists visiting the Philippines to locate mosques and halalcertified restaurants.

Other programs of the DTI to strengthen the local halal industry are the inclusion of halal food in its FOOD Philippines branding and expanding the number of halal-

certified products.

“In the future, we look forward to crafting a Philippine Halal Development plan, which is guided by an overarching goal of creating a Philippine halal ecosystem that is organized, structured, and recognized in the global halal economy,” Lopez said.

(PNA)

The mystical Lake Dapao in Lanao Sur Located at Pualas in the province of Lanao del Sur, Philippines, the Lake Dapao National Park covers an area of approximately 1,500 hectares and is accessible via the Highway National Road from Marawi city to Malabang.

Lake Dapao is a deep water lake that is located southwest of Lake Lanao, having an estimated surface area of 1,011 hectares. In fact, it is one of the deepest lakes in the country that reaches 120 meters in depth. It is surrounded by plateaus with moderate steep slopes, and for its elevation, it is about 350 meters above sea level. The lake is facing the verdant hill of Mount Baya at the eastern side, and its western and southern perimeters are covered with forests, aside from the open cultivated areas that are planted with agricultural crops.

The lake’s outlet crosses the province’s national roads at Barangay Porug. It receives water from several small rivers and the local runoff. The many species of birds that are known to make the national park

BANGSAMORO HALAL DISH

During the 4th Philippine National Halal Conference on Thursday, Lopez said the halal industry could boost Philippine exports with the developments in the global halal economy.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez (file photo)

of Mindanao. The lake itself is very scenic, with waters that are very clean for water sports, sports fishing and swimming. In fact, the lake is considered as having the best quality of water for its natural clearness and coldness even during the rainy season. Aside from the lake, its surrounding areas are rich with other natural attractions that you can explore.

Rainfall, Temperature and Climate Lake Dapao and its surrounding regions can sometimes experience convective rainfall and cyclonic monsoon, with most number of days that see rain being during the months of June and July, which experience the heaviest rainfall, as well as August and September, with the recorded

mean annual rainfall is 114 millimeters. Generally, climate of Lake Dapao falls under 4th type of the Philippine Corona Climate System, which is characterized by an even distributed rainfall all year round. For months when the dry period occurs, they are February, March and April.

How to Get There From Manila, You can reach Marawi City, the capital of Lanao del Sur, by air by taking a flight to Cagayan De Oro, where you can take a passenger van going to the city that would cost you approximately 400 pesos for the fare.

By sea, you can reach Marawi by boarding a ship to the port of Iligan City.

From there, you can take a jeepney or tricycle if you want to go around different towns or take special air-conditioned vans if you want to go to nearby areas. From Marawi, it will be just a 50 minute-drive (about 49 kilometers) to Lake Dapao via the Lake Lanao Circumferential Road.

(Source: Trip The Islands)

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ssalamu Alaykum! Thanks God It’s Friday (TGIF) again. Hence, I would like to greet all of you with Jumaat Mubarak!

The Bangsamoro Halal Cuisine of the Philippine Muslim Today is now under Vol. 2, No. 25 Digital Online Edition; December 3-9, 2021 (Rabi Al-Thani 28- Jumada Al-Awwal 4, 1443).

Hence for this week I would like to discuss with my readers the Miso Soup although Japanese in origin but it is still a halal kind of food.

Miso Soup is a Japanese soup made with miso paste, tofu, seaweed and dashi broth. Easy and authentic homemade miso soup recipe that takes 10 mins to make.

INGREDIENTS 4 cups water 1 6-inch (15 cm) pieces Japanese kombu or dried kelp, rinsed 1 oz. (30 g) dried, shaved bonito flakes 1 oz. (30 g) dried seaweed, soaked in warm water and drained 4 oz. (115 g) silken tofu, cut into small pieces 2 1/2 - 3 tablespoons white miso paste 1 tablespoon chopped scallion INSTRUCTIONS 1. Bring the water and kombu to boil in a stock pot on medium heat.

2. Remove the kombu and add the bonito flakes, simmer on low heat for 5 minutes.

3. Remove the foams and scums on the surface using a ladle.

4. Strain the dashi through a fine sieve. Do not squeeze or press the bonito flakes. Discard the bonito flakes.

5. Bring the dashi to boil, then add the seaweed and tofu and cook for 3 minutes.

6. Turn off the heat and add the miso paste into the soup.

7. Stir the soup with a pair of chopsticks until the miso paste is completely dissolved.

8. Top with the scallion and serve immediately (MFO)

Miso Soup

A10

SciTech

Biodegradable plastic manufacturer gets P3-M loan from DOST MANILA – A biodegradable plastic manufacturer in Caraga has received a PHP3 -million loan from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Secretary Fortunato de la Peña said.

MJ Printing Services is the first local manufacturer of biodegradable plastics in the region, and the loan will be used to acquire advanced film and cutting machines, he said in a Viber message.

The fund was already released by the DOSTCaraga through the Provincial Science and Technology Center of Agusan del Norte.

The equipment will address the technological gaps, and eventually increase the overall productivity and capacity of the business operation.

Aside from equipment upgrading, MJ Printing Services will be enrolled in the Manufacturing Productivity Extension Program (MPEX) and other suitable science and technology services.

De la Peña said the firm is owned and managed by a former overseas Filipino worker who strongly advocates "reduce, reuse, recycle" and environmental responsibility.

"Since 2018, the firm has been providing durable and biodegradable plastic sando bags to its customers from the municipality of Magallanes, Cabadbaran City, Butuan City and other neighboring municipalities. It collects or buys plastic wastes from the households and neighboring communities at a minimum rate per kilo," he said.

These materials are then processed and turned into recycled sando bags.

Meanwhile, the loan was availed through the DOST's Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program, which aims to encourage and assist micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in adopting technological innovations to improve their products and operations The DOST helps improve the MSMEs' productivity and competitiveness by providing them with a loan that is payable in three years.

Ma. Cristina Arayata/PNA

Vol. II, No. 25 | Dec. 3-9, 2021 (Rabiul Akhir 28 - Jumadil Awwal 4, 1443)

2.9B people still offline, 4.9B use internet in 2021: UN GENEVA – An estimated 37 percent of the world's population, or 2.9 billion people, are still offline, while a record 4.9 billion people have used the internet in 2021, a new UN report said Tuesday.

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the UN agency for information and communication technologies, revealed strong global growth in internet use.

"The latest ITU data show that uptake of the internet has accelerated during the (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic," the annual ITU report said.

In 2019, the internet was used by 4.1 billion people, or 54 percent of the world's population.

Internet users surge Since then, the number of users has surged by 800 million to reach 4.9 billion people in 2021, or 63 percent of the global population.

Of the 2.9 billion people still being offline, an estimated 96 percent live in developing countries, the ITU said.

Among the 4.9 billion people counted as "internet users," many hundreds of millions may only have access to the internet on a limited basis, the report added.

Such online users often connect via shared

nected if we don't know who they are, where they live, and why they remain offline," said BogdanMartin at a UN press conference.

She said even though the vast majority of the world's population could access the internet through mobile broadband, less than two-thirds use it.

Bogdan-Martin said there is a generational divide, with 71 percent of the world's population aged 15 to 24 is using the

devices or using connectivity speeds that significantly restrict the use of their connection.

"While almost twothirds of the world's population is now online, there is a lot more to do to get everyone connected to the internet," ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao said.

While the access divide is close to being bridged, with 95 percent of the world's population now living within range of a mobile broadband network, important blind spots remain, said Doreen Bogdan-Martin, director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau.

Close to 30 percent of Africa's rural population still lacks mobile broadband coverage.

"We can't close the digital divide if we can't measure it, and we cannot connect the uncon-

PUNCHLINE | from Page A8

FPIC Davao to launch food innovation product MANILA – The Food Processing Innovation Center (FPIC)-Davao is set to launch on Nov. 24 a spraydried coconut powder called Bukolyte.

This innovative product is made from young coconut water and meat developed using spray-drying technology that converts liquid extracts into powder while preserving some of the important nutrients," Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato de la Peña said in a taped report aired on Friday.

De la Peña said Bukolyte can be a healthy alternative to other fruit juices available in the market because it has no artificial flavor and preservatives.

He added it is easy to prepare by just adding the powder with water and serving according to taste.

De la Peña said Bukolyte is one of the food innovation products of FPIC-Davao, which serves as a one-stop food research and development facility where local food processors, students, faculty, and researchers can innovate and develop value-added food products to local agricultural and fishery resources.

Its launching at the SM City Davao is part of the DOST's observance of the National Science and Technology (S&T) Week.

The National S&T Week is being observed annually, wherein forum and exhibits are among the activities. This year's celebration will be held online.

(PNA)

Read Philippine Muslim (See Page A11)

Today Digital News

Recurring violent threats daughter said the man did not take or tinker with any of the valuables, such as a laptop and cellular phones, scattered at our receiving room.

I went on a retreat from daily media works for a week to soul-search and evaluate the implications of the breaking of my service car’s window and the intrusion in our residence, and decided for my daughter and wife to make a blotter of the Nov. 12 incident at the Kidapawan City police station.

I have also opted to take both incidents seriously because these indicated similar signs that preceded my ambush on March 20, 1995 along Santos Street in Cotabato City. I was wounded in the nape from one of several bullets fired at me by a gunman while I was driving my car. Nash Maulana, a correspondent then of the Philippine Daily Inquirer was with me and wounded in his knee on which slumped when hit by a bullet.

The ambush happened while I was writing for the Manila Bulletin and serving concurrently as first executive director of the now defunct Bureau of Public Information of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The mastermind in the ambush, as I suspected and corroborated by investigators, was a top local politician who felt slighted by some of my news stories in the Inquirer and later in Bulletin. The official was later convicted of graft and corruption and has been at large.

Sometime in 1988 while writing the Inquirer, a distant relative Maranao politician (who was benefiting from perks given by a an OIC-regional chairman of the defunct Lupong Tagapagpaganap ng Pook appointed by then President Cory Aquino on full-fledge status after I exposed his complaints of being just a “pawn” by his predecessor, assaulted me physically inside a popular restaurant in Cotabato City.

That assault started my stance to arm up. Since the crime was publicly exposed nationally, I filed a case in court.

On the verge of court preparations for arraignment, the relative-politico brought his clan elders and yielded P30,000cash indemnity for me to withdraw the case. On pleas by one of my siblings and mother accompanied by the father and aunt of the attacker, I settled for the out-of-court settlement and left all the “blood money” to the brokers. But I told them I would never withdraw the case with assurance I will let it be archived.

Foreign TV journalists from France and Germany as well as the UK-based Reuters, for which I was writing also, had

internet, compared to 57 percent of all other age groups.

"And gender remains a factor: globally, 62 percent of men use the internet compared with 57 percent of women. While that digital gender divide has been narrowing across all regions, women remain digitally marginalized in many of the world's poorest countries, where online access could potentially have its most powerful effect," she added. (Anadolu)

made news presentations about the physical assault and my ambush.

Before both attacks happened, I received threats via different means, including mailed envelopes containing words such as “your days are numbered” written in blood- like ink.

One envelope contained one live bullet with a note “you are dead.”

The threats prompted me to avail of official security escorts – a policeman and a soldier whose constant presence helped force threats to gradually fizzle out. I let go of the soldier-escort and retained the cop. But in my 1995 ambush, I believed that my movements were being monitored by the mastermind in cahoots with a traitor in my flock, that I was driving my car personally with only my unarmed civilian escorts sans the police officer. I was armed alone but could not fire back at the gunman because I was steering the wheel. I was on my way out of the BPI-ARMM office to shuttle Nash Maulana of PDI and take our arms for an event in the evening.

I did not file any case about the ambush after sensing that the NBI, military intelligence and police investigators learnt that the mastermind was a very influential political leader backed by a Moro revolutionary front, despite official orders by then President FVR, who knows me in person. I opted to seek justice in my own way, and partly succeeded.

I believed the recurring threats against me stemmed from my news stories and social media posts that publicized a lot of information ordinary (or playing-safe) journalists won’t reveal about open and covert efforts from political camps opposed to the birth of BARMM under the leadership of the MILF due to vested interests.

I am submitting this piece to the PTFoMS for record purpose, with a prayer for assistance in my quest for protection by way of detailing to me at least one cop and a soldier to freely exercise press freedom. Death may happen to me any time with the permission of Allah (SWT) with or without escorts, but I believe the presence of security troops will make attackers think twice.

I close this piece with a prayer for the Senate to pass the bill enacting a version of the House-approved bill ob Media Welfare Act. I also hope the BARMM parliament will look into passing a regional version pending the Senate action.

The creation of the PTFoMS is a legacy of the Duterte administration in the global drive for free press. The passage of laws for the welfare of journalists will be an added feather to such legacy.

May Allah (SWT) through proper authorities save free press and protect journalists. Ameen. (AGM)

11

A11

Classified & Legal Notices

DEED OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: This EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE is made, executed and entered into by the HEIRS OF NORHAYA PASAGI EPPIE, namely; SHAINOLLAH PASAGI EPPIE, of legal age, married, Filipino, and resident of Kapai, Lanao Del Sur; JOMAHALIH PASAGI EPPIE, of legal age, married Filipino, and a resident of Balindong, Lanao Del Sur, herein referred to as HEIR; SARAH SITTEN PASAGI EPPIE-RAMOS, of legal age, married, Filipino, and resident of Balindong, Lanao Del Sur, herein referred to as HEIR; BASHER PASAGI EPPIE JR., of legal age, married, Filipino and a resident of Piagapo, Lanao Del Sur, herein referred to as HEIR; MOHAMMAD YSMAEL PASAGI EPPIE, legal age, single, Filipino and a resident of Maria Cristina, Iligan City, herein referred to as HEIR; FATIMA LYKA PASAGI EPPIE, legal age, single, Filipino and a resident of Maria Cristina, Iligan City, herein referred to as HEIR; AMERLY FATTAH PASAGI EPPIE, of legal age, married, Filipino and a resident of Bagong Silang, Iligan City, herein referred to as HEIR; AMER HASSAN PASAGI EPPIE, of legal age, married, Filipino and a resident of balindong, Lanao Del Sur, herein referred to as HEIR; PRINCE ABDULLAH II PASAGI EPPIE, of legal age, single, Filipino and a resident of Maria Cristina, Iligan City, herein referred to as HEIR; WITNESSETH: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Whereas, the above-named HEIR are the legitimate children’s and surviving lawful heirs of the late NORHAYA PASAGI EPPIE, who died on April 23, 2021 at Wato Balindong, Lanao Del Sur, without last will or testament, and without outstanding debts or accounts; Whereas, the above-mentioned deceased is entitled for Retirement Benefit, Cash Surrender Value (CSV) and Funeral benefit (FB) at GSIS, formerly employed with DEPED ARMM, Balindong Dist; That pursuant to Section 1 of Rule 74 of the Revised Rules of Court of the Philippines, and all being with full capacity to contract, we do hereby adjudicate unto ourselves the above -mentioned property, in equal shares pro indiviso; That we hereby affirm that we have executed the foregoing instrument out of our own voluntary free will without force, intimidation or violence upon our person, that we have hereby received our just and proper share and have no claim or demand against each other;

(SGD) SHAINOLLAH PASAGI EPPIE Heir

(SGD) JOMAHALIH PASAGI EPPIE Heir

(SGD) (SGD) SARAH SITTEN PASAGI EPPIE-RAMOS BASHER PASAGI EPPI JR. Heir Heir (SGD) MOHAMMAD YSMAEL PASAGI EPPIE Heir

(SGD) FATIMA LYKA PASAGI EPPIE Heir

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) (SGD) AMERLY FATTAH PASAGI EPPIE AMER HASSAN PASAGI EPPIE Heir Heir (SGD) PRINCE ABDULLAH II PASAGI EPPIE Heir

(Sgd) JOHAINA Y. MANGORSI Mother ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

SIGNED IN THE PRESENCE OF: (SGD) NORALA M. MACARAMPAT Witness

(SGD) NORMIA D. AMPUAN Witness

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Republic of the Philippines) City of Iligan- - - - - - - - - -) S.S. BEFORE ME, a Notary Public, for and in the City of Iligan, this November day of 25 2021, personally appeared: Name

Identification Card

Issued On/At

SHAINOLLAH PASAGI EPPIE JOMAHALIH PASAGI EPPIE SARAH SITTEN PASAGI EPPIE-RAMOS BASHER PASAGI EPPIE JR. MOHAMMAD YSMAEL PASAGI EPPIE FATIMA LYKA PASAGI EPPIE AMERLY FATTAH PASAGI AMER HASSAN PASAGI EPPIE PRINCE ABDULLAH II PASAGI EPPIE All known to me to be the same persons who executed the foregoing instrument and hereby acknowledged to me that the same is their free and voluntary act and deed.

This instrument consisting of two (2) pages, including this page on which this acknowledgement is written refers to an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE and has been signed by the parties and their witnesses and sealed with my notarial seal.

WITNESS MY HAND AND NOTARIAL SEAL.

Doc. No. 173 Page No. 35 Book No. VII Series of 2021

(SGD) ATTY. SAIDALI C. GANDAMRA NOTARY PUBLIC UNTIL DEC. 31, 2021 COMMISSION NO. 20-263 PTR NO. 9867914 1/4/21 1.C. IBP LIFETIME NO. 05046 ROLL NO. 39814 MCLE COMPL. NO. VI-00002 95/ //154

PMT: Dec. 3-9, 2021; Dec. 10-16, 2021; Dec. 17-23, 2021.

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.

Vol. II, No. 25 | Dec. 3-9, 2021 (Rabiul Akhir 28 - Jumadil Awwal 4, 1443)

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.

12

Classified & Legal Notices ADVERTISE YOUR PRODUCT FOR SALE RENT FOR FREE You can advertise your product for sale or for rent such as house & lot, and real estate property, cars, anything in a certain space we provide here for free.—Editors WANTED

URGENT HIRING

I NEED ONE (1) NEWSPAPER EDITOR. SEND RESUME ASAP TO: chiefeditor@philmuslim.today FOR SALE

FOR RENT

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2ND FLOOR, CONSUNJI ST., POBLACION, ILIGAN CITY (front of Emcor Motors).

CALL Tel.No. 0632290965.

Vol. II, No. 25 | Dec. 3-9, 2021 (Rabiul Akhir 28 - Jumadil Awwal 4, 1443)

ADVERTISE WITH PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY. CALL 063 2290965 | 06 2283454 OR TEXT 09477201555 | 09152184388

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I do editing and layout of schools publication.

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ANNOUNCEMENT

Dear Colleagues.

The planned PMT F2F meeting is postponed indefinitely due to unavoidable circumstance.

We'll just meet online.

By: The President - PMT

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.

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