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Ramadhan is giving and sharing

CONCEPT OF LEADERSHIP IN ISLAM

Muslim Filipino Women during Ramadhan 1443H /2022G

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Vol. II, No. 43 | April 8-14, 2022 (Ramadan 6-12, 1443)

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COUPLE GOVERNORS: Online-generated image of couple Governors Teng Mangudadatu of Sultan Kudarat and Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu of Maguindanao in a recent event. (AGM)

Maranaos hold people’s rally for VP Leni As she revisits OVP’s Angat Buhay Village in war-torn Marawi City By ROCAYA SUMNDAD OTICAL

ARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur — Maranaos are set to hold a people’s rally in Lanao del Sur for presidential candidate Vice President Leni Robredo, as she revisits her office’s partner communities and the Angat Buhay Village built for families displaced by the siege in Marawi City. Robredo is scheduled to return to Marawi City on Friday, April 1, as she barnstorms Northern Mindanao provinces, fresh from a hectic campaign in Samar and

A3 BANGSAMORO REGION

Leyte this week. Along with her running-mate Sen. Kiko Pangilinan and some of the senatorial candidates under the LeniKiko ticket, Robredo will speak before the people’s rally Maranaos organized for her in Barangay Sagonsongan, Marawi City. It is in the same barangay where Robredo’s office and its partners built the Angat Buhay Village, where 72 housing units were put up to provide homes for more than 100 families displaced by the war in Marawi City in 2017. Before the rally, VP Leni will have a kumustahan with the residents and leaders of the Angat Buhay Vil-

A5 NATIONAL

lage. The city’s mayor, Majul Gandamra, is set to join Robredo at the kumustahan. Robredo would also hold a dialogue with Bamboo Landers Multi-Sectoral Rural Workers Association, one of her office’s partner communities which received a livelihood subsidy under the OVP’s Sustainable Livelihood and Training (SLT) Program for their organization’s garments production. After her visit to Marawi City, Robredo will end her day in the province of Bohol, where a people’s rally will also be held for her and the rest of the Leni-Kiko team at the Old Tagbilaran City Airport in Tagbilaran City. [PMT]

A6 FOREIGN NEWS

DOH raises alarm on possible Covid-19 surge in BARMM

Gov’t has concrete plans for economic recovery: Palace

Qatari emir condemns int’l community neglect Israeli occupation

Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said both the World Health Organization (WHO) and Department of Health (DOH) have raised alarm over the possible surge of Covid-19 cases in BARMM amid the start of the monthlong observation of Ramadhan.

Recent survey of the Social Weather Stations (SWS) revealed that 51 percent of adult Filipinos were confident the Philippine economy will improve in the next 12 months, some 30 percent believed it will remain the same, while seven percent believed it will worsen.

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has strongly denounced the Israeli regime’s occupation of Palestinian territories, stating that much of the international community has been neglecting the issue for decades.

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DOH raises alarm on possible Covid-19 surge in BARMM

ANILA – The government is keen to address the low daily vaccination output nationwide, particularly in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). During the prerecorded Talk to the People of President Rodrigo Duterte aired late Tuesday night, National Task Force (NTF) against Covid-19 implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. cited that BARMM has the lowest vaccination output among 17 regions in the country, with only 25 percent of its target population fully vaccinated. Galvez said both the World Health Organization (WHO) and Department of Health (DOH) have raised alarm over the possible surge of Covid-19 cases in BARMM amid the start of the month-long observation of Ramadhan. “So ang nakikita po namin talaga nagkakaroon po tayo ng demand issue at saka po ‘yung mga vaccine preference (We see that there is an emerging demand issue and vaccine preferences) in the area,” he said. Galvez cited some Muslims refusing to get vaccinated over concerns that the Covid-19 vaccines are not permissible in their religious and cultural beliefs. ”Sabi kasi po ng iba na hindi po halal ‘yung ibang mga vaccine na ginagamit po natin. Iyon po ang ano po nila paniniwala po nila (Some are saying that the vaccines that we are using are not halal. That’s what they believed),” he said. The geographical locations are also affecting the vaccination phase in BARMM, he said. For instance, it would take six to seven hours of travel each time the vaccination team will go to the remote areas of Tawi-Tawi and Basilan for the inoculation of residents in the concerned areas. Galvez said the government is pushing a “strategic focus towards vaccinating the majority of BARMM residents.” To date, there are 66,230,305 Filipinos who have already received two primary series of Covid-19 vaccines, with 12,208,931 eligible vaccinees having their booster shots or additional protection against the dreaded disease. Lade Jean Kabagani/PNA

Anti-communist groups hold peace rallies in Zamboanga Peninsula simultaneously ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY: The members of the National Freedom for Peace Movement (NAFPEM), SAMBAYANAN in Zamboanga del Sur, and the National Alliance for Democracy (NAD) in Zamboanga Sibugay Province conducted a simultaneous Peace Rally on Friday afternoon, March 25. NAFPEM members together with the 4th Area Cadre Team initiated a Peace Rally/Motorcade in Molave, Zamboanga del Sur to counter and dishonor the 53rd Founding Anniversary of the New People’s Army (NPA). Also, the NAD chaired by Jommy Montealto conducted a Condemnation Rally/Motorcade in Buug, Zamboanga Sibugay Province at the same time and day. The activity started with a short program followed by the burning of NPA flags and placards to show the participants’ displeasure to the communist terrorist group. More or less 200 members including personnel from the Buug Bureau of Fire, Buug Municipal Police Station, and Buug Sure FM participated in the activity. Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, commander of Joint Task Force ZamPeLan said the eagerness of the different sectors to join in the peace rally exemplifies their unity for peace. “We gather to denounce the treacherous acts of violence of the communist terrorist group in our area of operation,” Maj. Gen. Ponio further stated. Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., commander of Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) said the military supports the call for peace by sustaining its combat and non-combat operations. “We assure that our anti-insurgency campaign is bolstered to prevent the communist terrorists from settling in our lands and poisoning the minds of the vulnerable groups of society,” the WestMinCom Commander stressed. JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

Bangsamoro News

Vol. II, No. 43 | April 8-14, 2022 (Ramadan 6-12, 1443)

PEACE ADVOCACY:

WestMinCom strengthens alliance with peace advocates in Mindanao By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

AVAO CITY: The Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) has strengthened its strong alliance with the peace advocates in Minda-

nao particularly the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chaired by Founding Chairman Nur Misuari.

Major Andrew Linao, spokesman of the WestMinCom on Sunday said Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., commander of WestMinCom met with MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari in Davao City on March 25, at Misuari’s residence located in the aforementioned city. During their conversation, Chairman Misuari vowed to continuously collaborate and support the peace efforts of the military and the national government as a whole. “We are here to support your campaigns that would yield to the attainment of lasting peace in Mindanao, particularly in the Bangsamoro region,” Chairman Misuari emphasized. The MNLF Chairman stressed that the AFP and the MNLF have established a good working relationship that is anchored on the 1996 GRPMNLF Final Peace Agreement. Chairman Misuari also acknowledged the implementation of the government’s programs in the Bangsamoro which include the formulation of the MNLF Transformation Roadmap spearheaded by Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr., Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU). Currently, the OPAPP, in partnership with the JTF Sulu and partner agencies, is finalizing the implementing rules and regulations for the MNLF Transformation Roadmap. The Roadmap includes all the government’s initiatives, projects, and other developmental activities such as socio-economic, community healing and reconciliation, and security and confidence-building measures that would be implemented in the identified MNLF communities. Chairman Misuari also

support the government’s campaign towards safe, accurate, free, and fair National and Local Elections this coming May 9, 2022. The momentous event was organized by the Commission on Elections and participated by top AFP officers headed by the Chief of Staff of the AFP Gen. Andres Centino and PNP officials headed by Police Gen. Dionardo Carlos who was represented by Police Lt. Gen. Chiquito Malayo, the Director for Integrated Police Operations-Western Mindanao. Also in attendance were Department of National Defense Under Secretary Reynaldo B Mapagu; COMELEC Chairperson Saidamen Balt Pangarungan; Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, Commander of Joint Task Force ZamPeLan; Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, Commander of Joint Task Force Sulu; Brig. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, Commander of 103rd Brigade; Atty. Ray Sumalipao, Regional Election Director for BARMM; Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo, BARMM Min-

WESTMINCOM COMMANDER-MNLF CHAIRMAN MEETING: Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (at extreme right) discusses the strengthening of peace alliance between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chaired by Founding Chairman Nur Misuari (sitting at the center) and accompanied by his Head Executive Assistant Radzhata Misuari, one of his wives. Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. is accompanied by Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, commander of Joint Task Force Sulu (sitting 2nd from left). The exclusive meeting was held at the Davao City residence of Chairman Misuari last March 25, 2022. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO expressed his gratitude to the WestMinCom Commander for taking the time to visit and exchange ideas with him. Likewise, Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. expressed his appreciation to the MNLF Chairman for the unwavering support to the command’s thrusts including the campaign against terrorism in Sulu. “Let us continue to work together for our common goal of winning the genuine peace for the Bangsamoro people to be achieved,” the WestMinCom Commander stated. During his visit to the MNLF Chairman, Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. was accompanied by Joint Task Force Sulu Commander Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio and his staff, WestMinCom’s Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff for Civil-Military Operations Col. Wendell Basat, and other staff officers of the command. Also, the WestMinCom Commander graced the peace covenant signing held at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City on Saturday, March 26. The BARMM Peace Covenant was created to

ister of the Interior and Local Government; and Police Col Christopher Panapan, Provincial Director of PNP in Lanao del Sur. Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. said a strong alliance must be established among local chief executives, religious and traditional leaders, and Islamic organizations in Mindanao, particularly the provinces of Basilan, Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, North Cotabato, TawiTawi, Sulu, and Lanao, to ensure peace and order on the election day and thereafter. “Rest assured the Western Mindanao Command continues to intensify its security operations to ensure that operational goals are attained and the stability in the communities is sustained,” Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. further said. (JIJ)

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Bangsamoro News

Vol. II, No. 43 | April 8-14, 2022 (Ramadan 6-12, 1443)

RAMADAN 1443 (2022)

BARMM, MSU implement flexible work hours during Ramadan

2 Former Violent Extremists Denounce Terror Group Deception in Sulu

BY APIPA BAGUMBARAN

ARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur –The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is implementing modified working hours during the holy month of Ramadan

to give ample time for Muslim workers in the region to prepare food for the daily breaking of the fast.

ASG DENOUNCES TERRORISM IN SULU: An Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) identified only as AL, member of the terrorist group in Luuk turns over his M-16 Elisco Armalite rifle to an officer of 4th Marine Brigade in Barangay Tandu Bato, Luuk, Sulu. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

C In BARMM Memorandum Circular 0051 dated April 1, 2022, Chief Minister Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim said Muslim officials and employees may report for work at 7:30 a.m. and may go home at 3:30 p.m. “The flexible working hours from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for the month of Ramadan shall be al-

lowed to Muslim officials and employees who will observe fasting during the period,” the memorandum said. It also emphasized that there shall be no diminution in the 40-hour workweek required under the Civil Service Law and Rules under this modified working hours. “After the celebration

of Eid’l Fitr (end of fasting), the employee or official shall revert to their respective regular working hours,” the memorandum further stated. Meanwhile, the Mindanao State University is also observing the modified working hours for the duration of Ramadan. Its Muslim employees are also excused from work

from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Fridays for the Jumuʿah prayer. Ramadan is observed for 29 or 30 days before the Muslims celebrate Eid’l Fitr. For this year, Ramadan started on April 3 and will end on May 2. Fasting during Ramadan starts before the break of dawn and ends at sunset or with the call of Maghrib prayer. (PIA Lanao del Sur)

Special task groups formed to ensure May 9 polls in Maguindanao, Lanao Sur By Masiding Noor Yahya COTABATO CITY – Police authorities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have created two special operations task groups to help ensure peaceful and orderly national and local elections. Brig. Gen. Arthur R Cabalona, Police Regional Office (PRO)-BARMM director, said on Tuesday the task groups were created specifically for Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur provinces, where some places categorized by police as “areas of concern” have been identified. Cabalona, who will head the special task groups, said the Regional Special Operation Task Group (RSOTG) for Cotabato City and Maguindanao (COMAG) and the RSOTG-Lanao del Sur (RSOTG -LDS) will act as added security layer for the polls. Cabalona designated Brig. Gen. Pablo Labra, PRO-BARMM deputy director for administration, as RSOTGCOMAG commander while Colonel Jeffrey Fernandez, PRO-BARMM deputy director for operations, as head of RSOTG LDS. “The creation of the RSOTGs was due to the presence of high-risk factors in the area such as intense political rivalry, private armed groups, criminal

READY FOR DUTY. Women and men police officers of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao get ready to perform election duties for a safe and orderly May 9, 2022 polls in the region. Brig. Gen. Arthur Cabalona, the BARMM police director, says Tuesday (April 5, 2022) the police officers will form part of two special operation task groups that will be assigned to Cotabato City and Maguindanao, including Lanao del Sur. (Photo courtesy of PRO-BARMM) gangs, the proliferation of loose firearms, and threat groups,” Cabalona said. He said the RSOTGs are expected to help prevent and address election-related incidents that may occur in the region, particularly in Lanao Del Sur, Maguindanao, and Cotabato City.

Cabalona reiterated that PRO BARMM, together with its counterpart in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, is determined “to provide a safe environment so the people of BARMM can safely exercise their rights to vote.” (With PNA)

OTABATO CITY – Two former Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members denounced the group’s deception as they handed over their firearms to the military in Sulu on Tuesday April 5. According to Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, commander of Joint Task Force Sulu, the surrender of the ASG members was an offshoot of the active collaboration between the military and the police. Maj. Gen. Patrimonio identified the surrendered personalities as a.k.a. Udar, 42 years old, a resident of Panamao, and a follower of Senior Leader Radullan Sahiron, and a.k.a. Al, 42 years old, a resident Luuk, and a follower of sub-leader Idang Susukan and the late sub-leader Alhabsy Misaya. “Despaired by the terrorist group’s deception, the two decided to end their armed struggle and return to the folds of the law,” Maj. Gen. Patrimonio said. The surrendered personalities handed over one Elisco M16A1 rifle, one US cal. 30 M1 Garand rifle, one Colt 1911 Cal. 45 pistol with magazine loaded with five live ammunition, three long and two short magazines of M16A1 rifle loaded with 41 rounds of 5.56mm live ammunition, five rounds of M203 live ammunition, and one black bandolier to the troops of the 4th Marine Brigade in Barangay Tandu Bato, Luuk, Sulu. The duo revealed that they are tired of evading the government forces and victimizing innocent civilians. They also fear being killed due to the ASG’S weakened capability and the intensified operations of the military in the province. Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., commander of Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) said that “the success of the AFP’s campaign against terrorism is attributable to the synergy among security forces (AFP , PNP, and the intelligence units) coupled with the unwavering support of the local government units, peace partners, the religious leaders and the locals.” He also urged the remaining ASG members to come out amid the gradual loss of mass support of the ASG propelled by the combat and non-combat operations of the armed forces. JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

Opinion

Ramadhan is giving and sharing

My Legal Point by Atty. Bayan G. Balt

he ninth month of the Islamic calendar is Ramadan. This is a holy time when a billion Muslims around the world fast and focus their attention on giving to charity, Why giving and sharing is necessity during Ramadhan. In Marawi City and Lanao del Sur acclaimed as the poorest of the poor province or LGU in the country, Ramadhan is an opportune time to give and share. LGU Marawi and the province of Lanao del Sur suffers a succession of tragedies and calamities started by the Coco scams, then landslides in the second district of the province, the Marawi war and lately the pandemic. “Out there are thousands living in tents, displaced by human and natural tragedies”. BARMM region, where Lanao del Sur is located, is the poorest region with at least 59% of its 3,781,387-population living below the poverty threshold. The poverty rate in the province, which has a population of 1.05 million, drastically rose in the past decade. From just 44% in 2006, 74.3% of residents in Lanao del Sur lived below the poverty threshold in 2015, making it the poorest among all provinces in the Philippines, according to data from the Family Income and Expenditures Survey, or FIES (PSA) Here is the list of the poorest of the poor LGUS: • Lanao del Sur – 68.9% • Apayao – 59.8% • Eastern Samar – 59.4% • Maguindanao – 57.8% • Zamboanga del Norte – 50.3% • Davao Oriental – 48% • Ifugao – 47.5% • Sarangani – 46.5% • Negros Oriental – 45.3% • Masbate – 44.2% (Philippines poorest, Updated: Apr 1, 2021) What brought this unfortunate event to the Maranaos? Political dynasty, corruption and clashes between state forces and rebels are the main sources of poverty. While much has been talks (pros and cons) about political dynasty in the recent second COMELEC sponsored presidential debate, only presidential aspirant Manny Pacquiao favors political dynasty. Recent study shows, political dynasties limit political competition, exacerbating corruption, poverty, and abuse of power. On the other hand, poverty invites corruption, while corruption deepens poverty, (Forbes). Corruption and bribery are not victimless crimes. They hit the poorest people hardest and undermines economic development. Corruption [is] among the greatest obstacles to economic and social development, (The World Bank Report) and corruption flourishes where the criminal justice system and governance are weak, where decision-making is unaccountable and access to decision-makers is dependent on restricted social networks, where pay is low and where management controls are weak, (World Bank, Anti-corruption; Corruption, Poverty and Inequality; Corruption, Growth and Investment). Violent conflict contributes to poverty in a number of ways, including causing: damage to infrastructure, institutions and production; the destruction of assets; the breakup of communities and social networks; forced displacement and increased unemployment and inflation. The Philippines has a fairly high poverty rate with more than 16% of the population living below the poverty line, (Combating poverty in the Philippines). What Allah (swt.) says about charity. Charitable giving keeps calamity away and ensures our needs will always be met: “Those who spend in charity will be richly rewarded” (Quran 57:10). Indeed, wealth does not decrease by giving in charity, but rather, grows and is purified, increasing also the individual’s barakah (blessings and spiritual strength) as says in the Hadith of the prophet (pbuh). ——————— For comment at: bayanbalt@yahoo.com Atty. Bayan G. Balt is the former Chapter President of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP Marawi City and Lanao del Sur, 20132015) Chairman of the Ranao Federal State Movement (RFSM) and President of the Alliance of Regional Coalitions Against People’s Poverty (ARCAPP).

Vol. II, No. 43 | April 8-14, 2022 (Ramadan 6-12, 1443)

EDITORIAL

Vote-buying is still rampant in Lanao Sur

ote-buying has already reportedly started in Lanao del Sur. This practice is as old as when elections in democracy found its way in the Maranao locality. ‘Vote-buying-and-vote-selling’ remains an open secret. Residents in other neighboring localities braved the risk of registering in Lanao del Sur, We are told candidates in some municipalities of Lanao del Sur have already begun buying votes. Eversince this mal-practice found its way in the Maranao society, it is condemned by some sectors but still it becomes accepted by the society. What we condemn in “Vote-buying” is not the act of giving nor the act of receiving. What we condemn is the intention of getting the money that begets bad consequences. For whether we like it or not, candidates' money

given is aimed for the receivers' votes which he will reimburse from the public coffer at his disposal, like the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) and others. If a person can survive without receiving the money of a corrupt candidate in exchange for his vote, then that person better not get the candidate’s money. After all, once that candidate wins, he will be directly or indirectly part of the candidate’s sins or crime. By this context, what we mean by corrupt are not only those incumbents who have been tried and tested during their terms but have not made our locality improved, making Lanao del Sur as the poorest province in the country. But we also mean those candidates who have tainted personality either as a government official or a private individual making him disqualified to be voted for. PMT

Selected Notes and Reflections on the Concept of Leadership in Islam (First of a Series) PROLOGUE

“

O my son! You are a King now. From now on, getting angry with you is our share and your part is to be tolerant. When we are crossing with you, it is your duty to gain our hearts back; when we blame you, it is your part that you must be patient. When we are wrong and weak, it is your part to be helpful and tolerant of our mistakes. When we are in trouble and disagreement with each other, it is your duty to work and urge us to work hard!” The foregoing caveat capsulizes the concept of leadership in Islam. The Islamic model of leadership emphasizes the principle of servant and master relationship. The leader as servant and the followers as masters. “Everyone is a shepherd (carrier) and everyone is responsible for those under his care – a king for his subjects, a man for his family, a woman for her home and her husband, a servant for his master’s property, a child for his father’s property.” Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam, said “if a man is appointed as the chief of even ten persons, his hands will be tied together round his neck. He will be brought before Allah in such a state on the day of Judgment. He will either get salvation on account of his good and just deeds or be ruined on account of his sins. The beginning of leadership is censure its middle is the shame and its end is the insult and punishment on the day of Judgment (Ahmad). Leadership in Islam is a trust. Often, it takes the form of an explicit contract or pledge between a leader and his followers that he will try his best to guide them, to protect them and to treat them fairly and with justice. Leadership is an amanah (a trust) and at the same time a tremendous responsibility to the Almighty Allah, the supreme power as well as to

discharge of his duties towards the people (Mahluq) or his followers to the best of his abilities.

Notes and Reflections Dean Macacuna A. Moslem

“Trust is a virtue” – He who could not be trusted is not a Muslim. The Quranic injunction is explicit. “ O ye that believe! Betray not the trust of Allah and the Messenger….” “If Allah appoints a person in authority over the Muslims, and he fails to redress their grievances and remove their poverty, Allah will not fulfill his needs and not remove his poverty on the day of Judgment. (Abu Daud, Tirmidi) Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “your best leaders and rulers are those whom you love and who love you (in return), and for whom you pray and who pray for you and your worst leaders and rulers will be those whom you hate and who hate you, and whom you curse. Then Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was asked: “O Messenger of Allah shall we not disassociate from them? “No! So long as they establish the prayers among you. (Muslim). The followers are “bound to hear and obey the orders of the authority, in hardship and in ease; willingly or unwillingly, and even when you are treated unjustly” (Muslim). “It is obligatory upon a Muslim to listen and obey (the authority) whether he likes it or not; save when he is asked to do something sinful. If he is asked for a sinful act then there is no hearing and obedience.” (Bukhari, Muslim) (TO BE CONTINUED)

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Vol. II, No. 43 | April 8-14, 2022 (Ramadan 6-12, 1443)

Gov’t has concrete plans for economic recovery: Palace

Duterte not keen to endorse pres’l candidate

By RUTH ABBEY GITA-CARLOS

ANILA – The Duterte administration has laid out “concrete” measures to ensure the recovery of the Philippine economy amid the prevailing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, Malacañang said Thursday. This, after the Social Weather Stations (SWS), in its Dec. 12 to 16, 2021 survey, found that 51 percent of adult Filipinos were optimistic that the Philippine economy will improve in the next 12 months. Some 30 percent were convinced that the country’s economy will remain the same, while only seven percent believed it will worsen. The poll results yielded a net economic optimism of “excellent” +44, the “highest since the ‘excellent’ +44 in September 2016,” SWS noted. “The December 2021 Net Economic Optimism was a continuing recovery from the mediocre -9 in

July 2020, mediocre -5 in September 2020, and high +24 in November 2020,” the private polling firm said. Reacting to the results of SWS survey, acting Presidential Spokesperson and Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said this proves that the government’s policy on economic recovery is gaining ground. “This indeed demonstrates that government has concrete plans to sustain our economic rebound,” Andanar said in a press statement. The Palace, Andanar

said, viewed the latest net economic optimism as a “clear indication of how effective our calibrated strategy of shifting to Alert Level System to further reopen the economy.” Andanar said the adoption of the 10-point policy agenda for the country’s economic recovery would help spur economic growth. He added that President Rodrigo Duterte had likewise ordered the adoption of a whole-ofgovernment approach to align all economic recovery programs and

measures of the national government. “More businesses are operating and more Filipinos are able to go to work while ramping our Covid-19 vaccination drive,” he said. “Our people have more reasons to feel confident about the future.” On March 21, Duterte inked Executive Order (EO) 166 directing all government departments and offices to adopt the 10-point policy agenda to fast-track the recovery of the Philippine economy from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Under EO 166, all state departments, bureaus, offices, agencies, and instrumentalities, including governmentowned or -controlled corporations and state universities and colleges, are mandated to ensure that all related policies, measures, and programs are aligned with the adopted policy agenda. (PNA)

Pacquiao video on illegal drugs goes viral MANILA – A video of presidential bet Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao after the last Commission on Elections debate where he vowed to escalate the war on illegal drugs to focus on manufacturers and pushers continues to go viral online. "Ngayon 'pag ako ang nanalo, humanda kayo. Hindi ko papatayin 'yung mga users, kawawa naman 'yung mga mahihirap. Kayong mga manufacturers at kayong mga pushers diyan, kayo ang dahilan. Maniwala kayo sa akin (If I win, you better be ready I will not kill [drug] users, they are

poor and pitiful. You manufacturers and pushers, you are the problem)," Pacquiao said during the interview which has gained more than 6,300 shares and more than 147,000 engagements since it was posted by an SMNI journalist. During the debate,

Pacquiao said his administration will respect due process in continuing the drug war. The former international boxing champ urged voters to look at his campaign promises on his performance record. "Yan pong sinasabi ko pabahay, free education

hindi po yan pangako, ginagawa ko na yan bago ko pinangako kayo puro pangako pangako pangako tapos wala naman kayo ginagawa ilang eleksyon na lumipas. Bakit pangako kayo ng pangako lalo namang naghihirap ang bansa natin kasi nagnanakaw kayo sa ating bansa (When I speak of housing, free education, that is not a promise, I have undertaken it before I promise. Some [candidates] make promises that they did not fulfill, it only makes the country poorer)," he added. (PNA)

MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said he is not bent on endorsing any presidential candidate for the May 9, 2022 elections. During the joint meeting of the National Task Force (NTF) and Regional Task Force (RTF) to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) in Lapu-Lapu City, Duterte maintained that he remains “neutral” and has no plan to campaign for any presidential candidate. “Let me reiterate, nandito man ang media (since the media is here), I am not supporting any presidential candidate. Neutral ako,” Duterte said. Duterte issued the statement following his recent meeting with presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The meeting prompted Duterte’s ruling party, the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDPLaban), to endorse Marcos’ presidential bid. Duterte was also scheduled to attend the PDPLaban’s campaign rally in Lapu-Lapu City after the event organized by the NTF and RTF ELCAC. He clarified that he would not make any announcement of his preferred successor at the PDPLaban’s campaign sortie. “So, this is not a campaign because I am not campaigning for any particular candidate. So, stop with me kasi ano ito, hindi ito pulitika (because this is not about politics),” Duterte said. The PDP-Laban, in a resolution adopted on March 21, formally endorsed the candidacy of Marcos, saying he is the "candidate whose vision of governance is most aligned with [the party’s] 11-point agenda.” Duterte earlier said the country’s next leader should be “compassionate and decisive” and someone who is a “lawyer.” Of the 10 presidential aspirants, only Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo and Dr. Jose Montemayor are lawyers. Won’t follow poll body’s rules Meanwhile, Duterte slammed the Commission on Elections (Comelec) over its guidelines on election campaign activities. Duterte did not mention the particular Comelec election rules that he is opposed to but made a firm stance that he would “not follow” the poll body. “Kayong Comelec (To Comelec), do not… Huwag mong pakialaman itong trabaho ko (Do not interfere with my job),” he said. “Gawain lang ninyo ang trabaho ninyo. Gagawain ko ang trabaho namin (Just do your job and I will do mine). I do not cease to function effectively just because there is an election and there is a ban. Of course, that’s crazy. I will not follow you. Ako (Me), I do not believe in you.” Duterte added that the Comelec could not stop Filipino voters, including those who are working in government, to exercise their “basic right of freedom of expression.” “You know, whatever the Commission on Elections would really… Tayo abogado, marami dito abogado (we are lawyers, many of you are lawyers), you cannot prevent a Filipino the basic right of freedom of expression. Hindi mo talaga ma-ano iyan. Even yung magsabi na kami mga tagagobyerno (You cannot do that, even the government workers),” he said. The Comelec has relaxed its guidelines on inperson campaigning, following the easing of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) protocols. However, handshaking, as well as kissing and taking of selfies, are still prohibited during the campaign sorties. (PNA)

Foreign News

Qatari emir condemns international community for neglecting Israeli occupation for over seven decades Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Q atar’s has strongly denounced the Israeli regime’s occupation of Palestinian territories, stating that much of the international community has been neglecting the issue for decades. “Millions of Palestinians have been suffering from the Israeli occupation and international neglect for more than seven decades,” Sheikh Tamim said at the opening of the 20th edition of the Doha Forum international conference in the Qatari capital on Saturday. He stressed that “the international community has failed to render justice” to Palestinians and other peoples in the region. The emir also highlighted that criticism of the Tel Aviv regime’s policies does not amount to antiSemitism. “The accusation of anti-Semitism is now used wrongly against everyone who criticizes Israel’s policies,” he said. Sheikh Tamim added that such an approach “infringes on the struggle against racism and actual anti-Semitism.” Later in the day, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh met with the Qatari monarch on the sidelines of Doha Form, and lauded his statements in support of Palestinian rights “Israel is systematically destroying the possibility of establishing a Palestinian state by escalating settlement construction activities, seizing land and demolishing homes,” Shtayyeh said. He went on note that efforts, led by Algeria, are underway “to restore Palestinian unity in order to strengthen the Palestinian front in facing all challenges.” Shtayyeh then briefed the Qatari emir on the political and economic challenges facing the Palestinian nation. He stated that Israel’s illegal deductions from the tax revenues it collects on behalf of Palestinians, and decline in international aids have rendered the Palestinian Authority unable to fulfill its obligations.

Back on June 4 last year, Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said the kingdom will not normalize diplomatic relations with Israel unless the regime ends its occupation of Palestinian territories, and the decades-long IsraeliPalestinian conflict is resolved. The main reason Qatar doesn’t have relations with Israel “is the occupation of the Palestinian territories,” Al Thani told CNBC television news network at the time. “The reason is still there, still valid, and there is no … step or any hope toward peace yet. We didn’t see any light at the end of the tunnel,” the foreign minister added. The top Qatari diplomat pointed out that normalization of ties with the Tel Aviv regime won’t solve the longstanding problems between Israel and the Palestinians. PressTV

In a first, Muslims perform Taraweeh prayer at Times Square in US In an unprecedented event, hundreds of Muslims broke their fast and offered congregational Taraweeh prayers at New York City's Times Square in the US on the first day of the holy month of Ramzan. Taraaweeh is -- a part of the Holy Quran is recited each day during Ramzan until its completion. . On Saturday night, 1500 meals were provided to Muslims on the pavements of Times Square, the city's busiest artery, which was then followed up by hundreds of Muslims taking part in

the Taraweeh prayers. Times Square is a major commercial area and tourist destination in midtown Manhattan in New York City. It is one of the "most visited tourist attractions" which draws around 50 million visitors a year, as per media reports. "We actually are doing this so that we can become closer and more contentious of our creator, our lord, Allah," SQ, one of the organizers of the gathering said, according to CBS News. "We're here to explain our religion to all those that

don't know what Islam is all about," he said, adding that "Islam is a religion of peace." A person attending the Taraweeh said that there are a lot of misconceptions about Islam. "There are crazy people throughout all cultures, all religions, and those small groups of people do not represent the majority ... We're encouraged to pray, fast, do good deeds, give charity," the man said, according to CBS. Ramzan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which the followers of Islam fast

between dawn and sunset, pray for peace and guidance, give back to the community in the form of charity or zakaat or engage in humanitarian activities such as feeding the underprivileged and introspect to enlighten their souls. This annual observance of Ramzan is regarded as one of the five pillars of Islam. It lasts between one sighting of the crescent moon and the next. (ANI) (This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is autogenerated from a syndicated feed.)

Europe's oil crisis worsens amid Yemen's Saudi strikes In the aftermath of Yemen's blistering retaliatory strike on Saudi Arabia's Aramco oil facilities, crude oil prices shot up to over $120 a barrel. Yemen's military spokesperson revealed that the operation had been carried out in response to continued Saudi-led aggression. With the threat of future attacks looming, many fear that Saudi Arabia's seemingly endless war on Yemen could negatively contribute

to economic instability in Europe. As relations between the West and Russia continue to crumble, Riyadh hoped to use Europe's desperate need to replace Russian oil to its own advantage. However, Yemen's ability to hit Saudi oil infrastructure raises serious questions on how reliable Saudi Arabia actually is as an oil producer. PressTV

Vol. II, No. 43 | April 8-14, 2022 (Ramadan 6-12, 1443)

US believes Putin misled by key advisors on Ukraine war

ASHINGTON – The US said Wednesday it believes Russian President Vladimir Putin is being misinformed by his senior advisors about how his war against Ukraine is faring and the state of the Russian economy. The assessment is based on recently declassified US intelligence that indicates Putin is unaware of how poorly the Russian military is performing in Ukraine, as well as the significant strains being imposed on Russia's economy by western-led sanctions. The White House said it has information that "Putin felt misled by the Russian military," which it said resulted in "persistent tension" between Putin and his military brass. White House spokeswoman Kate Bedingfield told reporters that Russia's decision to invade Ukraine has "been a strategic error." "So it is increasingly clear that Putin's war has been a strategic blunder that has left Russia weaker over the long term, and increasingly isolated on the world stage," she added. The Pentagon further concurred with the intelligence findings, saying Putin "has not been fully informed by his ministry of defense at every turn over the last month." "It's his military. it's his war. He chose. And so the fact that he may not have all the context, that he may not fully understand the degree to which his forces are failing in Ukraine. That's a little discomforting," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said at a news conference. Russia's war on Ukraine, which began February 24, has drawn international outrage, with the EU, the US, and the UK, among others, implementing tough financial sanctions on Moscow. At least 1,189 civilians have been killed and 1,901 injured in Ukraine, with the true figure likely to be much higher, according to the UN. More than 4 million Ukrainians have also fled to other countries, with millions more internally displaced, according to the UN refugee agency. ANADOLU

No peace without lifting of blockade: Yemeni military spox Spokesman for Yemeni Armed Forces Yahya Saree said on Wednesday evening that there will be no peace between Yemen and Saudi coalition without lifting of the siege on the impoverished country. Sanaa government's three-day ceasifre and the cessation of attacks on aggressor Saudi-led coalition ended on Wednesday evening. This is while the Saudi coalition declared the cessation of its military operations in Yemen starting from 6 o'clock on Wednesday in an alleged bid to help the peace negotiations with Sanaa government to succeed. Yemeni officials announced on Sunday evening the start of a unilateral ceasefire with Saudi Arabia on all internal and external fronts, stressing that a permanent ceasefire would be declared if the Saudi coalition responded within three days to a proposal to end all attacks and siege against Yemen. The Yemeni Supreme Political Council issued a statement Wednesday evening stating that the Saudi coalition did not give a clear and unequivocal response to the serious and lasting peace plan. "This plan undoubtedly showed that Yemen wants the return of peace and good neighborliness," the statement read. Noting that it has full knowledge of the enemy's intentions, the Yemeni Supreme Political Council said that Yemen knows very well that the enemy is killing time and is seeking aggressiveness and arrogance and other ways to evade from the reality. The council further said that Yemen lets Saudi Arabia respond to the Yemeni peace plan under any pretext, although peace will not be create unless the siege is lifted. The Spokesman for the Yemeni Armed Forces Yahya Saree also announced on Wednesday evening that there will be no peace between Yemen and Saudi coalition without lifting of the blockade. Source: ABNA

Classified

CLASSIFIED ADS

Vol. II, No. 43 | April 8-14, 2022 (Ramadan 6-12, 1443)

DEED OF EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF THE LATE CALVIN D. SEVESES, JR.

Republic of the Philippines) City of Iligan ) S.S.

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

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. Call us. — Editors

This DEED made and executed by and between the HEIRS OF THE LATE CALVIN C. SEVESES, JR. namely: CALVIN C. SEVESES, SR. VICTORI D. SEVESES, DEBORAH D. SEVESES and MICHELLE D. SEVESES-PEREZ, all of legal ages, Filipino Citizens, and all residents of Iligan City, hereinafter called heirs/ claimants, hereby freely spontaneously;

WANTED

URGENT HIRING

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

FOR RENT

OLD LANCER INTACT BUT CONDEMNED FOR SEVERAL YEARS IN FRONT OF MAHOGANY HILLS, C3 ROAD, ILIGAN CITY. AS IS WHERE IS. PRICE P20K .

LOCATED AT CONSUNJI ST., POBLACION, ILIGAN CITY (front of Emcor Motors). CALL Tel.No. 0632290965. SERVICES

I do editing and layout of schools publication. Call 09477201555

WE ACCEPT RUSH PRINTING: “LAYOUT, EDITING AND PRINTING OF SCHOOL ORGANS, MAGAZINES AND TABLOID SIZE NEWSPAPERS.”

CALL/TEXT: 063 3035565, 063 2290965, 09477201555 OR VISIT US AT OUR PRINTING PLANT: CONSUNJI STREET, POBLACION, ILIGAN CITY (In front of Emcor Motors) Tel. 063 3035565 | 09477201555 —————————————WE ALSO ACCEPT PUBLICATION OF THE FOLLOWING: ExtraJudicial Settlements, Court Orders, Legal Notices, Obituaries, Articles for Promotion and other announcements.

AFFIDAVIT OF LOSS (Certificates of Shares) I, CARL KEVIN SIAO SY, of legal age, married, Filipino and a resident of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo Street, Iligan City, after having been sworn to law, hereby depose and state that; 1.

DECLARE AND MANIFEST; 1.

That the above-named parties are the sole heirs/ beneficiaries being the legitimate parents and sisters of the deceased CALVIN D. SEVESES, JR. who died intestate on May 4, 2021 at Adventist Medical Center, Tibanga, Iligan City which was his last place at the time of his death, a copy of his Death Certificate hereto attached as “Annex A”; That to the best of our knowledge and information of the parties hereto, the said deceased left no will and debts at the time of his death; At the time of his death, he left as his estate the following described property: A USD Saving Deposit Account with Philippine National Bank Pala-o Branch, Iligan City with business address at Pala-o, Iligan City under Savings Account No. 411460033633 with the balance in the amount of Nine Thousand One Hundred Thirsty Six/.05 USD ($9, 136.05); That it is the best interest of the parties hereto will full civil capacity to contrast hereby this presents, agree to adjudicate, as they hereby agree to adjudicate among themselves the above-mentioned undivided share intestate; That pursuant to Rule 74 of the Rule of Court, we the abov mentioned parties adjudicate and settle unto themselves the above-described property in accordance with the respective shares without judicial proceedings as prescribed in the aforementioned Rule of the Court.

3. 4. 5.

I am the legal representative and heir for the estate of CHU PIN SY and CHU AN SY, both my grandfathers, both deceased; Both CHU PIN SY and CHU AN SY are stock holders of GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB OF ILIGAN INC., each owning 1 share listed on Certificate No. 514 and Certificate No. 216 respectively of the said incorporation; Such Certificates of Shares above-mentioned were never seen again after the death of my grandfathers; Despite my diligent efforts, I could not find nor locate the same and I believe it is truly lost and beyond recovery; I am executing this affidavit as a testament to the veracity of the foregoing statements and for whatever legal purposes it may serve.

AFFIANT FURTHER SAYETH NAUGHT. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto affixed my name and signature this April 05 2022 in _________________. (SGD) CARL KEVIN SY Affiant SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO BEFORE ME this ______ day of April 5, 2022, in Iligan City. Affiant has exhibited to me his valid Identification Card with photo and signature appearing thereon. (SGD) ATTY. KAHLIL GIBRAN D. MARANDA NOTARY PUBLIC (UNTIL DECEMBER 31 2022) NOTARIAL COMMISION NO. 21-313-(01/21/2021) ROLL OF ATTORNEY NO.75998 IBP O.R. NO. 195599 (01/03/2022) PTR. O.R. MO. 0464547 B (01/03/2022) TIN NO. 762-114-954 ILIGAN CITY-LANAO DEL NORTE

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereunto affix our signature this ___th day of ___________ 2021 in Iligan City, Philippines. (SGD) CALVIN C. SEVESES, SR. Father (SGD) DEBORAH D. SEVESES Sister

(SGD) VICTORIA D. SEVESES Mother (SGD) MICHELLE D. SEVESES-PEREZ Sister

Signed in the Presence of: ______________________________ ACKNOWLEDGEMENT REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) PROVINCE OF LANAO DEL NORTE CITY OF ILIGAN ) S.c. X------------------------/

Doc No. 414 Page No: 83 Book No: IV Series of 2022 PMT: Apr.8-14, 2022; April 15-21, 2022; April 22-28, 2022.

AFFIDAVIT OF LOSS

Before me, Notary Public for the City of Iligan, Philippines on this ___th day of ________________ 2021 personally appeared: NAME CALVIN C. SEVESES, SR. VICTORIA D. SEVESES DEBORAH D. SEVESES MICHELLE D. SEVESES-PEREZ

IDENTIFICATION __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________

all known to me to be the same persons who executed the foregoing instrument and they acknowledged to me that the same is their free act and deed. WITNESS MY HAND AND SEAL. (SGD) JOANAH C. ALINOG-DISOCOR NOTARY PUBLIC FOR ILIGAN CITY AND LANAO DEL NORTE ROLL OF ATTORNEY NO. 55897 / MAY 2008 IBP OR NO. 136732/DECEMBER 23, 2020/PASIG CITY PTR NO. 9878799/JANUARY 4, 2021/ILIGAN CITY 3/F BUILDING. ROXAS AVE., MAHAYAHAY, ILIGAN CITY MOLE COMPLIANCE NO. VI – 0004377/APRIL 14, 2022 COMMISSION SERIAL NO. 20-270 COMMISSION ENDING ON DECEMBER 31, 2021

Doc. No. 426 Page No. 86 Book No. LVII Series of 2021. PMT: Mar. 25-31 , 2022; Apr. 1-7, 2022; Apr.8-14, 2022.

Notice is hereby published, I, Sophia Jan Marigail B. Dela Cruz a Filipino, of legal age, single and a resident of 2 Miguel Shaker Avenue, San Miguel, Iligan City after sworn in accordance with law, do hereby depose and say… 1. 2. 3. 4.

That I am holder of certificate of Capital Stock no. 678 issued by Golf and Country Club of Iligan, Inc. issued in favor of my grandfather, Nicholas B. Dela Cruz; That I certify and confirm that the above-mentioned shares of stocks covered by the said certificate were never mortgage, sold, conveyed, disposed, or encumbered; I further to certify and confirm further that the said document was neither confiscated nor relinquished in favor of, any government entity agency or authority; That I attest to the truth of the foregoing statements to the best of my own personal knowledge and based on authentic records or documents. I am executing this Affidavit of Loss for whatever legal intents and purposes it may serve.

Affiant further sayeth naught In Witness Whereof, I have set hereunto my hands this 1st day of April 2022, at Iligan City, 9200 Philippines (SGD) Sophia Jan Marigail Dela Cruz Affiant Subscribed and sworn to before to me this 1st of April of 2022 at Iligan City. Affiant exhibited her identification card issued by the Bureau of Internal Revenue with an id # of 705 491 909 as a proof of her identity. (SGD) ATTY. KAHLIL GIBRAN D. MARANDA NOTARY PUBLIC (UNTIL DECEMBER 31 2022) NOTARIAL COMMISION NO. 21-313-(01/21/2021) ROLL OF ATTORNEY NO.75998 IBP O.R. NO. 195599 (01/03/2022) PTR. O.R. MO. 0464547 B (01/03/2022) TIN NO. 762-114-954 ILIGAN CITY-LANAO DEL NORTE Doc. No. 405; Page No. 81; Book No. IV; Series of 2022.

DON’T POST FAKE NEWS IN SOCIAL MEDIA. BE SURE WHEN YOU POST SOMETHING, IT IS THE TRUTH. HELP FIGHT AGAINST FAKE NEWS.

Ramadan Mubarak

NAAN BANGSAMORO HALAL CUISINE With Maria Fhebie Ortil

ssalamu Alaykum! For this week issue of the Philippine Muslim Today under Volume 2, No. 41 covering the date of March 25-30, 2022, I will discuss with you a type of bread known as Naan commonly served in Indian Restaurants. However, this is still a Halal food. Naan – is an easy naan bread recipe using a castiron skillet. Soft, puffy, with beautiful brown blisters just like in Indian restaurants. Traditionally they are baked inside a very hot clay tandoor oven, with charcoal or wood fire. INGREDIENTS • 1 teaspoon sugar • 1/2 cup warm water • 1/4 oz. (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour • •

1/2 cup plain yogurt 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon oil • some oil, for greasing the skillet • 3 tablespoons melted butter INSTRUCTIONS 1. In a small bowl, add the sugar, warm water, and yeast together. Stir to combine well. 2. The yeast should be activated when it becomes foamy, about 10 minutes. Transfer the flour to a flat surface and make a well in the middle. 3. Add the yeast mixture, yoghurt, salt and oil, knead the dough until the surface becomes smooth and shiny, about 10 minutes. 4. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place (for example: beside the stovetop or warm oven). The dough should double in size, about 1 hour. 5. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll the dough to a 8” circle using a rolling spin. 6. Heat up a skillet (cast-iron preferred) over high heat and lightly grease the surface with some oil to avoid the dough from sticking to the skillet. 7. Place the dough on the skillet. When it puffs up and bubbles and burnt spots appear, flip it over and cook the other side. 8. Repeat the same until all dough are done. 9. Brush the naan with the melted butter, serve warm. (MFO)

Naan

Vol. II, No. 43 | April 8-14, 2022 (Ramadan 6-12, 1443)

Special Feature

Muslim Filipino Women during Ramadhan 1443 H / 2022 G By EXAN SHARIEF (Founder/CEO of FL Inspire Change)

he Bangsamoro government, through the Grand Mufti Abu Huraira Udasan, officially announced that the observance of this year’s Ramadhan will start today, April 3, 2022. This pronouncement also aligned with the official anRAMADHAN is the time of year in which we engage in a month-long process of introspection, repentance, and selfrenewal. To commemorate the first revelation of the Holy Qu’ran to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) during this blessed month, Muslims around the world reflect on spiritual connection with the Almighty Allah (Subhana Wa Taala). This ninth month of the lunar or Hijrah calendar is when Muslim families would spend time and pray together in fulfilling one of the pillars of Islam. In Surat al-Baqarah Ayah 183, Almighty Allah (SWT) says: ‫علَ ْيكُ ُم يَا أ َ ُّيهَا الَّ ِذينَ آ َمنُوا كُت َِب‬ َ َ َ َّ ْ َ‫ين‬ َ ‫على ال ِذ مِن ق ْب ِلكُ ْم‬ َ ‫الصيَا ُم ك َما كُت َِب‬ ِ ‫تَتَّقُونَ لَعَلَّكُ ْم‬ “Oh you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed to those before you, so that you may attain Taqwa (Godconsciousness).” Consequently, Muslim women especially mothers and wives are among the busiest members of the family during this holy month. This social norm relates to the typical household roles expected from women even in the cases of working professionals. However, Islam's basic view of women and men postulates a complementarity of functions. In fact, the Qur’an dedicates numerous ayahs to Muslim women, their role, duties and rights in Surat An-Nisa (Women). Although the experiences of Muslim women or Muslimah vary widely between and within different societies, their adherence to Islam is a shared factor that affects their lives to a varying degree and gives them a common identity that may serve to bridge the wide cultural, social, and economic differences between them. Religious Life Ms. Sittie Aifat Ali of the Integrated Shari’ah

Bar of the Philippines (ISBP) humbly believes that her duties as a Muslimah during the month of Ramadhan is just the same as that of men except when in menstrual period. Spiritual equality between women and men is detailed in Sūrat al-Aḥzāb (33:35) which states that “Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women, the obedient men and obedient women, the truthful men and truthful women, the patient men and patient women, the humble men and humble women, the men and women who give Sadaqah (charity), the fasting men and fasting women, the men who guard their chastity and the women who do so, and the men and women who remember Allah SWT with their hearts and tongues – for them Allah SWT has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.” Surat An-Nisa (4:124) further provides that “those who do good, whether male or female, and have faith will enter Paradise and will never be wronged, even as much as the speck on a date stone.” Female religious scholars were relatively common from early Islamic history throughout the 16th century. A Sunni religious scholar Mohammad Akram Nadwi has listed around 8,000 female jurists while orientalist Ignaz Goldziher estimates about 15 percent of medieval Hadith scholars were women. During the early his-

nouncement of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos(NCMF), through its new Secretary Atty. Guiling Mamondiong regarding the start of Ramadhan in the Philippines.

tory of Islam, women primarily obtained their knowledge through community study groups, Ribaat retreats and during Hajj or pilgrimage. Reservations on women during Ramadhan A normal biological cycle such as menstruation or “haid” in women has traditionally faced quite a lot of stereotypes on impurity attached to it and is often becoming a subject of shaming during Ramadhan. According to a Hadith, Muslim women that are going through menstrual bleeding are exempt from fasting and prayers but they are not excused, they will have to make up from those days after their menstruation period. In Sahih AlBukhari 322, it was narrated by ‘Aisha that Fatima bint Abi Hubaish asked the Prophet, “I got persistent bleeding (in between the periods) and do not become clean. Shall I give up prayers?” He replied, “No, this is from a blood vessel. Give up the prayers only for the days on which you usually get the menses and then take a bath and offer your prayers.” Some scholars say that it is not permitted for menstruating women to read the Qur’an. Others say it is possible, in some circumstances. However, menstruating women are allowed to attend the `Eid prayer without participating in the prayer but just to witness it and join the celebration. Pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding are

also subjects of concern during this month but it is worthy to note that they are processes for which women are rewarded by God Almighty. A woman once questioned Prophet Muḥammad (SAW), “men go to war and have a great reward for that, so what do women have?” He answered, “when a woman is pregnant, she has the reward of someone who spends the whole night praying and the whole day fasting; when the contractions strike her, no one knows how much reward Allah SWT gives her for having to go through this, and when she delivers her child, then for every suck it draws from her, she receives the reward for keeping a soul alive.” In Surat Al-Baqarah 233, mothers are ordained to suckle their children for two whole years; (that is) for those who wish to complete the suckling. A mother should not be made to suffer because of her child, nor should he to whom the child is born (be made to suffer) because of his child. The Prophet Muḥammad (SAW) also stated that if a woman dies in childbirth, she is counted as a martyr; the reward for martyrdom is Paradise. Another equally important to emphasize is the dress code. Modesty or “Haya” is a religious prescription in Islam. The Holy Qur’an ordains both men and women to dress modestly and not display their bodies. As a matter of fact, the Prophet Muḥammad (SAW) asserted that modesty is a central character trait in Islam. In the specific context of women, Surat AnNur Ayah 31 speaks of women lowering their gaze and guarding their chastity so as not to reveal their adornments from strangers outside the family. (TO BE CONTINUED)