Philippine Muslim Today

BARMM gives 5 more patrol cars to police regional office

By ALI G. MACABALANG

COTABATO CITY The governance of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) donated recently five more patrol cars to the police regional office (PRO) in furtherance of law enforcement, notably in combating criminality and stabilizing peace in the region.

BARMM’S Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) turned over the five additional patrol cars to officials ofPRO BARMM led by Police Regional Director Brig. Gen. John G. Guyguyon at a symbolic ceremony in front of the regional executive building here.

BARMM Senior Minister Abdulraof “Sammy Almansoor” Macacua assisted by

Israel violence escalates

2 Palestinians dead

Two Palestinian youths are dead as Israeli forces continue a violent crackdown on Palestinians in refugee camps across the occupied West Bank and al Quds.

A 20 year old Palestinian, Mateen Dabaya, was shot dead by Israeli forces on Friday during a raid on Jenin city and camp, WAFA news agency reported.

PLGU Lanao Sur presents proposed Marawi compensation law IRR

By APIPAP. BAGUMBARAN In his opening remarks, Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. thanked stakeholders and its partners who attended the said consultation and for being one with them in recommending an IRR that is responsive to the needs of the people affected by the siege.

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur

The provincial government of Lanao del Sur presented in a stakeholders' consultation Tuesday, Oct. 11, a proposed implementing rules and regulations (IRR) that they drafted with the hope of helping fast track the implementation of the Marawi Compensation Law and assist internally displaced persons (IDPs) fully benefit from the law.

He emphasized that before the proposed IRR was drafted, the provincial government conducted focused group discussions

(FGDs) which navigates the challenges in the implementation of thelaw.

A writeshop followed the FGDs to draft the proposed IRR. It was participated by volunteer lawyers not just from the provincial and city governments but also from Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission, Mindanao State University College of Law, and some non government organizations.

PHILIPPINESA6

BARMM’s Project TuGoN aids ex rebels in Lanao Sur

The Ministry of the Interior and Local Government in partnership with the 103rd Infantry Brigade and Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education Technical Education and Skills Development enforced once again...

PBBM to attend Asean Summit in Cambodia: DFA

The governor also clarified that they initiated the drafting of a proposal IRR not because they want to recommend someindividuals to the Marawi Compensation Board. He stressed that what they are after is the proper implementation of the law.

The Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act of 2022 provides tax free monetary compensation displaced by the 2017

Marawi siege. Claimants may be IDPs whose properties were destroyed; those who lost their loved ones during the five month war between government forces and the Islamic State inspired Maute Group; and those whose properties were demolished during the implementation of the Marawi Recovery, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program.

FOREIGNA8

Putin points to new centers of power emerging in Asia

Marcos Jr. will attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summits and related meetings in Phnom Penh in

President Ferdinand “Bongbong

Asia where new centers of power are growing stronger plays a big role in the transition to a multipolar world, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA)...

Gov. Mamintal “Bombit” Alonto Adiong Jr.

gives 5 more patrol cars to regional office

MILG Minister Naguib Sinarimbo and Deputy Minister Abunawas “Von Al Haq” Maslamama handed the key of the patrol cars showcased as well in thesymbolic event.

The turnover preceded the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between Minister Sinarimbo and Gen. Guyguyon, with Senior Minister Macacua, other regional and city officials witnessing

The MOA assigns the brand new patrol cars to the PRO headquarters (three units), the 1404th Regional Mobile Force Company (one unit), and the Cotabato CityPolice Office(oneunit).

In a brief message, Sinarimbo said the additional donation manifested the strong desire of the BARMM government led by Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim for "stable peace and security (towards) a more sustainable development."

The cost of all or each patrol car was not immediately known. In a meeting of the regional advisory board of the PRO command as week ago, Board Chairman Sinarimbo said the MILG alone as of that moment had already contributed at least P53 million for the whole PRO area, through the construction of municipal police stations, and the purchase ofbrand newpatrol cars.

The amount ostensibly did not include an earlier budget announced by the BARMM government for the construction of a new regional police building at Camp S.K. Pendatun in Parang, Maguindanao.

BARMM’s Project TuGoN aids ex-rebels in Lanao

By CLAIRE R. GIGJE

MARAWI CITY Aiming to fully transition and bring the former combatants back to the mainstream, the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) in partnership with the 103rd Infantry Brigade and Ministry of Basic, Higher and

Such a project is an undertaking that seeks to deliver proper interventions to insurgents within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) who have surrendered and returned to the fold of law.

The MILG shared that this is to ensure that they will be reintegrated into society and will not revert back to unlawful activities, noting that their socio economic issues are already resolved alongside their achievement of a stable and satisfactory status of life.

grams to former rebels in the area.

Technical Education Technical Education and Skills Development (MBHTE TESD) enforced once again the Bangsamoro government’s Project Tulong ng Gobyernong Nagmamalasakit (TuGoN) to give more assistance tothe rightful beneficiaries.

Today’s ceremony was also attended by Dir. Marvin Mokamad of the MILG’s Interior Affairs Services, Butch Malang, SGA Administrator; and lawyer Aelan Arumpac, Cotabato City Administrator representing Mayor Matabalao.

ALI G. MACABALANG

Sur presents proposed Marawi compensation law IRR

Meanwhile, Marawi Mayor Majul Gandamra lauded the provincial government for initiating the drafting of the IRR with inputs from the people on the ground. He underscored that such a move is important because it is they, the people of Marawi, who were directly affected by the siege and their stand regarding theimplementation of the law should beheard.

BARMM deputy chief minister Aleem Ali Solaiman also expressed the support of the Bangsamoro governmentin the draft IRR forthe Marawi Compensation Law.

Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission chairperson Atty. Abdul Rashid Kalim likewise conveyed his support to the consultation noting this as a step ahead toward achieving reparation and hopefully toward bringing back the former glory of Marawi. (APB)

103rd Infantry Brigade Civil Military Operations (CMO) Officer Col. Palawan Miondas detailed that the recent event on Wednesday, October 12, was the fourth time they pushed for the aforementioned initiative.

He reiterated that through this project, they exert effort at their level by tapping partner line agencies to extend their pro-

“Ang trabaho namin is to facilitate atilapit kayo sa mga agency na mayroong programa [para sa inyo],” said Miondas.

[Our job is to facilitate and bridge you to agencies that have programs [for you].]

With the pursued session of Project TuGoN, at least 41 former rebels from the municipalities of Butig

and Piagapo both in the province of Lanao del Sur received P5,000 cash grant in addition to the assured Agriculture Crops Production Training, 50 kilo sacks of rice, and some food items.

Meanwhile, the MILG bared that as of September this year, 256 surrenderees in the BARMM were already profiled and have benefitted from particular assistance offered.

Accordingly, 56 of these were former members of Dawlah Islamiya Maute coming from Lanao del Sur province.

Moreover, 84 former combatants are scheduled to be profiled and assisted soon.

Miondas reiterated that they aim to sustain the delivery of aid to these targetbeneficiaries.

(CRG/PIA 10/Lanao del Sur)

BARMM Gov’t enhances efforts to battle climate change

COTABATO CITY

The Bangsamoro Government is stepping up its efforts in mitigating the risks of climate change in the region.

In September, the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy through its Environment Management Services (MENRE EMS) started its discussion on the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission inventory which shall be implemented in the regional offices of the Bangsamoro Government.

Chief EMS Engr. Amier Ashan Aplal said, “kailangan po muna nating malaman kung gaano karami ang na re release na greenhouse gas (GHG) ng bawat ministry para magkaroon tayo ng program to address the issue."

"Gradually, sisimulan muna natin sa loob ng mga opisina ng BARMM to calculate the greenhouse gas before tayo pumunta sa next level,” he added.

Experts says that vari-

ous human activities such as fossil fuel based power generation are among the sources of GHG emission that continuously accumulating in the atmosphere and traps the heat which causes rise of global temperature and change in climate.

Aplal pointed out that the Environment Ministry is already implementing various programs toreduce the impacts of climate change, including large scale tree planting efforts, capturing carbon emissions, and tougher fuel efficiency standards for vehicles

For instance, we are introducing a flood control program, and also monitoring the infrastructure for us to cope up with the impact of climate change,” Aplal added.

Meanwhile, MENRE EMS Director Jalani Pamlian said, there are limited data on climate change in BARMM kaya napag usapan namin na magkakaroon ng series of meetings and capacity building for the betterment of the

region in terms of climate change.

In terms of air pollutants, Pamlian said that BARMM environmentalists have established air monitoring sites in this city to monitor the particulate matter (particle pollution), carbon dioxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, volatile organic compound, and lead.

This also includes the regular industrial monitoring of large and medium sized companies to check if they comply with National Emission Standards for Source Specific Air Pollutants (NESSAP) and National Ambient Air Quality Guidelines Standards (NAAQGS). They must also secure permits to operate prior to operation.

Last week, the Ministry, together with the regional employees of BARMM and other volunteers, spearheaded the massive clean up drive in the coastal area of of Timako Hill, Kalangalan II in this city to celebrate the National Environment Awareness Month.

MENRE Director General Atty. Badr Salendab stressed the need to have collective efforts and collaboration of all sectors in the society in taking care of the environment for the welfare of future generations by initiating measures that could prevent the harmful effects of man made environmental disasters.

In BARMM, around 11.5 million tree seedlings have been planted on 10,401 hectares of land across the Bangsamoro region to fight flood and climate change.

[See related story: https:// bangsamoro.gov.ph/news/ latest news/menre/]

Our intention here is to instill consciousness in the hearts and minds of our Bangsamoro people, especially our children, our environmental responsibility being the vicegerent (Khalifa) of Almighty God (Allah SWT) on our obligation to care and protect our environment at all times,” Salendab said. (Kasan Usop, Jr./Johaira Sahidala /BIO)

The Bangsamoro Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) together with the 103rd Infantry Brigade and the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education Technical Education and Skills Development (MBHTE TESD) kicks off the Project Tulong ng Gobyernong Nagmamalasakit (TuGoN), delivering assistance to 41 former rebels from Piagapo and Butig town all in Lanao del Sur province. (JasonCasas/PIA 10/Lanao del Sur)

400 MILF combatants seek amnesty, pardon from national government

By MAJID NUL

COTABATO CITY

Action for Advancement and Development of Mindanao (AFADMin) turned over a list of more than 400 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants who may avail amnesty and pardon to Member of Paliament (MP) Mohagher Iqbal on Tuesday, Oct.4, in this city.

AFADMin is a Non Government Organization tasked to scout MILF commanders and members who are charged of crimes and having warrant of arrest, as provided in the Presidential Proclamation No. 1090 of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte which grants amnesty and pardon.

AFADMin Consultant Atty. Badrodin Maguindra said they have collected the list of 400 MILF commanders and members from different areas of BARMM, including those who are detained in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig and Bilibid in Muntinlupa, who applied for amnesty and pardon.

“There were some challenges as the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the National Amnesty Commission (NAC) were not available to guide the application process and that there were no

clear guidelines from both MILF and Government panels,” Maguindra said.

He said the Proclamation 1090 is quite challenging compared to former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada's General Amnesty, wherein a certificate must be presented to prove that one is an MILF member.

“In Proclamation 1090, it is done individually. You to have to go to amnesty commission and prove to the commissioners that you’ve done such in furtherance of political ideologies of the MILF [and] it will be expired by January 2023," he said.

With this, Iqbal, who also chairs the MILF Peace Implementing Panel, said, “it is my hope and sincere recognition that the process of granting amnesty should be fast tracked basically by the government. In the part of MILF Panel, this is a very important aspect of normalization process.”

“If it is [being] analyzed through ideological considerations, MILF has not done wrong but it is part of the global conflict resolutions, methodologies, and on the basis of the advice of our ulamah (Muslim scholars) for the sake of peace and best practices

POPCOM: Gov’t needs to set programs for

all over the world,” he added.

Iqbal was hopeful that President Ferdinand Marcos,Jr. would quicken the amnesty and pardon process.

In support of this request, Congressman Ziaur Rahman “Zia” Alonto Adiong filed House Resolution No. 193 last Aug.8, urging Pres. Marcos Jr. to immediately appoint NAC members to speed up the MILF and also the Moro National Liberation Front's (MNLF) amnesty and pardon process and engagement.

(BIO)

BARMM women commission completes formulation of GAD agenda

COTABATO CITY The Bangsamoro Women Commission (BWC) has completed the formulation of the region's Gender and Development (GAD) Agenda.

BWC Chairperson Bainon Karon emphasized that the GAD Agenda will "act as a concrete foundation for gender mainstreaming, establishing gender equity, and improving the lives of women."

"And further, it will support women's empowerment and guarantee that their full involvement is a necessity for society,” Karon said during the three day workshop on Oct.9 11 held to finalize the agenda.

According to BWC, the agenda will guide all of BARMM's ministries and offices in adhering to the GAD plans and budgets, as well as how legislators, local government units, and civil society organizations will support GAD initiatives in the region.

Under the Bangsamoro Administrative Code, at least five percent(5%) of the total budget appropriation of each ministry, office, and constituent local government unit of the BARMM shall be set aside for gender responsive programs, in accordance with a gender and development plan.

The crafted GAD Agenda will be submitted to the Bangsamoro Gender and Development Special Committee (BGADSC), which ensures the integration of gender perspective in regional development plans, investment programs, and policies.

BGADSC is s special committee under the Bangsamoro Economic and Development Council (BEDC).

United Kingdom Government and the Sweden Embassy in Manila funded the 3 day workshop, through the support of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). (Myrna Tepadan/BIO)

Peace and Environmental Camp 2022

By IGAGADONG SA RANAW

by

he Philippines should have solid programs in place to care for a graying society and the government has less than a decade to prepare for it.

T

In a recent radio interview, Dr. Juan Antonio Perez III, former executive director of the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM), noted that while their number is steadily increasing, Filipinos 60 years of age and older are currently beset with health and social issues, as their quality of living is taking a downturn.

Based on a recent release by the Philippine Statistics Authority, senior citizens now account for 8.5% of the population, or 9.2 million individuals.

Dr. Perez represented the country in a September 30 conference in Bangkok, Thailand for the International Day of Older Persons, where he cited figures from the University of the Philippines Population Institute (UPPI). There, he mentioned that the annual growth rate of Filipino seniors in the past 10 years has been at 3.5% almost double of the general Philippine population, which is at less than 2%.

“

Among our senior citizens, women outnumber

men 55% to 45%,” revealed the former POPCOM chief, who was also the undersecretary for population and development or POPDEV. “While older Filipinas outlive their male counterparts, the former contend with diseases and disabilities. More than half (57%) struggle with their daily living and have mobility issues. About 56% of them are already widowed, while 70% of males are either still married or have partners, and are very much physically active.”

He also shared Professor Grace Cruz of UPPI’s projection of the Philippines being an “aging society” by the start of the next decade, as there would be more senior citizens then by 10%. POPCOM projects that about 11% of the total population will be 60 and older by 2030, as they will outnumber children 0 to 4 years old effectively reversing a historical trend of the country having more children than older persons.

Almost half the number of older persons are still working and unable to make ends meet for their daily living; more so, for their health needs, according to Dr. Perez.

Because of their socioeconomic conditions, they are inactive or unhealthy, with

most postponing seeking medical consultation for financial reasons.

With poor health and pervasive poverty, many older Filipinos are also prone to mental disabilities such as depression especially for those living alone and widowed early, as well as Alzheimer’s disease that requires 24/7 caring. Dr. Perez described the latter as a “social problem” if it entails participation of older persons’ children who may have to be absent from work, or abandon such altogether, to attend to elderly parents.

“While more of our seniors are enjoying longer lives because of medical advances preventing premature death, the remaining still have to deal with a host of diseases, such as heart ailments, hypertension and stroke, diabetes, and other age related disabilities,” Dr. Perez explained. He observed the apparent lack of capacity and the dearth of health care workers for older persons in the last two years caused by the pandemic adversely affecting national and local health systems.

As colder months begin to set in, Dr. Perez recommended that seniors get proper nutrition and avoid

extremes in temperatures. They should also boost their immunity to prepare for “flu and pneumonia seasons” by taking supplements and obtaining necessary vaccinations. Household companions should also be ready to help extend care as needed, or daily if possible.

Programs for older ‘Pinoys:’ POPCOM Officer In Charge Executive Director Lolito Tacardon urged for the institutionalization of comprehensive programs on health for Filipino seniors, most particular for those who are living by themselves, as well as those requiring health monitoring and special support.

“Preventive programs to avoid diseases leading to disabilities should be in place,” Tacardon proposed. “Our local health system should likewise be more decentralized.”

POPCOM’s OIC ED said that while there are already government programs such as those by the Department of Social Welfare and Development for long term care for seniors in institutions or households, they need to be brought to the community level.

ILIGAN CITY In connection with the upcoming “Peace and Environmental Camp 2022,” the Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC) chaired by MP. Marjanie S.M. Macasalong,PhD., has just paid a courtesy visit on different agencies in Lanao del Sur such as the 103rd Infantry (Haribon) Brigade, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MENRE), Institute of Peace and Development in Mindanao (IPDM), Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG) Marawi City, Local Youth Development Office (LYDO) Marawi City, and Bangsamoro Scholars Association Lanao (BSA).

The upcoming BYC program will be held on October 21 22, 2022 at Lake Lanao College Incorporated, Convention Hall atBrgy. Basak Malutlut, Marawi City.

ADMINISTRATION

MASIDINGNOOR

Philippine

ROCAYA

BAYAN

AMANODINGD.ESMAIL

PROF.CASAN

DISCLAIMER:

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of the Philippine Muslim Today Inc., its management

any of its

HEADQUARTERS AND PRINTING PLANT:

‘Peace and Order’ stability in the Bangsamoro needs urgency (repost)

will not be able to meet its reform timetable.

Tourist spots and eco tourism in the Bangsamoro region if developed can be world class, and if managed properly can generate income the region has never seen. We know this as a fact. Even observers living outside the Bangsamoro, really know this as a fact.

editorial

But the only thing that hinders tourism growth is the absence of stable peace and order in the area. And yes, volatile peace does not only obstructs a boom of the tourism industry but also hinders almost practically all socio economic development.

How many millions of dollars have been poured into the region from both national and international agencies, governmental and non governmental, with corresponding training to educate for good governance and administration to help it alleviate from poverty? The answer is countless. Yet, it did not help Muslim Mindanao to take off from being poor or less developed.

In the BARMM, there is no significant tourism industry, no real investment, no manufacturing or production that could help propel our region to economic growth and eventually relieve the suffering of our people from poverty. No matter what we say how life is improved here, the truth remains we are one if not of the poorest regions in the country. All of these is due to the absence of stable peace and security.

The creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) was meant to herald an era of peace and much needed economic development in the Philippines’ troubled southern region. Yet, despite a huge budget, the transitional government installed in February 2019

In an exclusive press interview before the Bangsamoro Organic Law was approved and implemebted, the late Ghazali Jaafar, then Number 2 MILF man who prominently played a role in the negotiating table with the government, said in order to attain peace in Mindanao, the national government must agree with the demand of the Moro Islamic liberation Front (MILF) so that there will be peace and stability in the trouble region.

Now the deal was closed and the BARMM was created, but the promised peace is still subtle. As peace is elusive, and so is development. Without peace, there will be no outside investors in the real sense of the word, no tourism, and there will be no economic boom. There will be no total development. That is the reality. That is still the truth: Without peace and security, there is no development.

The Bangsamoro government should not only keep itself busy in promoting relief assistance extended to various sectors within and without the autonomous region, or enacting bills being enacted into law, or propagating other not so significant things flag shipped by its ’moral governance’ slogan. It should also prioritize something for the realization of the long dreamt peace to reign in this part of the world.

For, all dreams for development and prosperity depend upon the stability of peace and security. So that if investors are convinced that peace truly reigns in our region and it is safe for them to do their businesses here, or tourists to spend leisure, business times and money here, the Bangsamoro economy will boom and people can start to enjoy a peaceful life. PMT

ON MAULID AN-NABI

I believe it’s my inherent right to voice out my mind onthis subject.

Islam allows objective and productive discussion without which da’wah would be meaningless for to propagate Islam and the word of Allah must be conveyed in subtly persuasive discourse.

Here I don’t argue on the permissibility of the Maulod celebration. Though my forebears of old taught me the significance in Muslim’s life of Maulod and Ashura and Eid’l Fitr and Eid’l Adha and the rest important days in Islam, those are not obligatory, indeed, upon the Muslims.

Allah will reward you if you mark them or not if you do not.

So my take on the issue is why focus to insist at this most critical moment your opin-

ion on this minute issue whenthe Muslims all over are engulfed by misfortunes andsufferings?

This MUST be an important discussion among us. The debating and bickering on Maulod, Ashura, appearance of new moon and all the like have not helped us to strengthen our belief.

Instead, it makes many Muslim stubborn to defy or belie or deny call it as you may. Badn tomiyopo.

While Muslim religious scholars in the Philippines are busy arguing with each other on whether Maulid An Nabi, the Prophet’s birthday, may Allah send His peace and blessings upon him and his progeny, is Bid’ah or not, many Muslim Filipinos on the other hand are busy celebrating their birthdays with the matching budgets in cool cozy places against the fatwah on the unacceptability of

birthdaycelebration.

It's very clear they no longer listen to the fatwah of the so called scholars who call such celebration as Bid’ah if not haram.

It’s obvious the Ulama does no longer hold strong influence upon the local Muslims and it’s due to bickering and bragging among the so called scholars that let loose the trust of their flock.

Many a radio listener, for example, I know turn off their transistor device upon hearing an Aleem doing sermon. May Allah forgive us.

Added to this irony, there are assuming people who appear to be knowledgeable in Islamic jurisprudence. They keep on insisting their opinion as the only truth and announce to the whole world through the social media that any-

one who goes against them is a wayward and goes to hell.

"Don’t say Maulod is permissible, else they’d curse youto hell."

Astighfirullah, they

By Ding Yahya

level themselves with Allah who is the only authority to determine if a person goes to Jahannam or Jahanah.

May Allah guide us to the Right path. Mas NY

“Don't fight whether Maulidan Nabi is bid'ah or not. But fight against oppression like when you're forced out of your land.”

Bypassing justice of the Maranao nation

R

Corollary, Islam teaches how Islamic justice is served, it requires its followers not to take other people’s rights. Betrayal of human rights, even to other religions is a sin and contrary to the teachings of Islam as in Allah’s commandment which means: O you who believe, stand out firmly for Allah and be just witnesses and let not enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice. Be just that is nearer to piety, and fear Allah. Verily, Allah is Well Acquainted with what you do.” (Al-Maidah: 8), Cited in “Unity Concept from Islamic Perspective and the Reality of Unity in Malaysia”, Sulaiman Md. Yassin and Dzuhailmi Dahalan.

Human oppression and suppression of economic and political rights among the Moro Muslims were prevalent in the past decades, they constitute the crying demands of organized Moro movements since the 60’s. A reading

country, it’s no surprise that there are already calls to bypass justice, there will be no unity, there will be no reckoning, until justice is served”.

My Legal Point

Bayan G. Balt

of the history of the Moro Muslims struggle will lead us to understand, that the Maranao of the Lanao provinces were among the most politically and economically oppressed nation in the country. Among the major documented abuses involving violation of its political and economic rights are repeatedly cited and mentioned in our previous column to wit, (1). Environmental hazard produced by the Agus HEPP resulting to the loss of livelihood of farmers and fisherfolks, flooding of

low lying areas, contamination of the lake waters, pollution and eutrophication caused by the construction of Dams obstructing the free flow of waters from the lake to the Agus River. Whilethe National Government (PSALM) collected annual P45B power revenues from the Agus HEPP, yet the Maranaos got peanut or none at all as compensation for environmental losses, (2). Loss of lives, homes and livelihood following the Marawi Siege in 2017. The tragic man made event produced thousands of Maranaos victims living in tents, scattered in various parts of the country begging for foods and livelihood, (3). Inequitable distribution of wealth, funds, infra. by the regional and national government and (4). Lack of representation or under representation of the Maranao in running the regional and national gov-

Active Local Chief Executive

Revival of Martial Law-buried law dividing Lanao del Sur imperative

T

The 7th Congress approved R.A. 6406 in October 1971, exactly 51 years ago now, to create Maranao and Lanao del Sur from the existing province, which at that time was composed of 22 towns. The law was archived or not implemented in the advent of the Martial Law declaration of the same year that abolished Congress.

The frozen law fixed the capital of Lanao del Sur in Malabang town and set Marawi City as the seat of the Maranaw province.

Rep. Adiong now represents the 1st Congressional District (comprising the supposed Maranao province), while Rep. Balindong, son of BARMM Parliament Speaker Ali Pangalian Balindong, works for the 2nd District (constituting the unrealized new Lanao del Sur).

Demands for the revival of the mothballed law have been rekindled by the successful split of Maguindanao into two provinces Maguindanao

APO, now hold the key for the revival of strides to divide Lanao del Sur into twoprovinces.

PUNCHLINE

Dividing a province is an essential approach to provide leaders with more focused attention to a smaller area, generate more positions or employment, and increase opportunities for voters to choose leaders, among other advantages.

Ali G. Macabalang

del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte under R.A.

Reps. Adiong and Balindong now hold the key for the revival of the Martial Law buried R.A. 6404. They should push in Congress the filing of an enabling bill as principal sponsors, just the way Maguindanao Reps.

Ronnie Sinsuat and Esmael Toto” Mangudadatu authored the bills turned R.A.11550.

11550 of 2021 ratified overwhelmingly in a referendum lastSeptember 17.

The undivided Maguindanao comprised 36 towns, while Lanao del Sur currently has 40 municipalities including the city of Marawi. This fact makes it imperative for the revival of the mothballed law.

I conclude this piece with a public question, notably among the people of Lanao del Sur and concerned sectors: ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF PURSUING THE DIVISION OF LANAO DEL SUR INTO TWO PROVINCES?

(Comments and reactions may be sent to alimac.bulletin@gmail.c om.)

samoro Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLE) for holding an awareness program on illegal recruitment in the city lately.

The MOLE through its Bureau on Employment Promotion and Welfare (BEPW), in Partnership with the Local Government Unit of Marawi City (LGU MARAWI) conducted an Advocacy Awareness on Campaign Against Illegal Recruitment, Trafficking in Persons and Illegal Migration (CAIRTIM) on Barangay Officials and Representatives of the city 96 Barangays, CSWD Interns and Staff, City Agriculture Personnel and Staff, CDRRM Personnel and Responders and PESO Staff.

Elements and Types of Trafficking in

cruitment were discussed thoroughly by the Resource Speakers from MOLE BEPW.

Present during said event are MOLE Director for BEPW Sara Jane Sinsuat, Chief Labor and Employment Officer Julaspin Giminsil, LEO Datu Jordan Saliao, MOLE Provincial Director Norolain Dimaluna, PESO Manager Cabsaran Ai A. Pacasum, Jr, City Social Welfare and Development Officer Rismirah Y. Adap, City Agriculture Officer Engr. Anifa Busara, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Managent Officer Sittie Rahma P. Maruhom, City Tourism Officer Princess Tarhata Lucman Pacasum Mangotara, Omar Mohamad of City Administrator Office and Barangay Officials and Representatives of 96 Barangays of Marawi City.

ev. Kaji Douša senior pastor of Manhattan’s Park Avenue Christian Church, (NYC) echoed the same words he said “In this divided

HESE TWO gentlemen lawmakers, Reps. Zia Alonto Adiong and Yasser Alonto Balindong, both my nephews and the latter my brother in

Mayor Nihara Macabando Panandigan of the municipality of Mulondo was awarded Panandigan received her award from the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical 1 Teacher's Day Celebration on

DAR aids NorthCot farmers with post-harvest facilities

PBBM to attend Asean Summit in Cambodia: DFA

CARMEN, North Cotabato

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) recently extended post harvest assistance to a farmer’s group in Carmen, North Cotabato.

The Malapag ARB Farmers Association received P450,000 worth of post harvest facilities from DAR to enhance their corn and rice production.

The post harvest facilities consist of one unit combined 3 in 1 hammer mill and four units of collapsible dryers.

A package of capacity development training was also provided in connection with the directive of DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III to improve the livelihood of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs).

Leonilio Roman, a member ARB from the farmers’ association, said the combined 3 in 1 hammer mill will be an advantage for them because they can now produce and sell hammered corn, cracked corn, corn bran, milled rice, and rice bran as add ons to their agri supply store.

"We would like to thank the DAR for their continued support in strengthening our association by providing interventions like this project where we can address the needs of our members and generate additional income," he said.

Romano added that their organization would closely monitor and manage the facilities well to make them more beneficial to the farmers and to the community.

The post harvest facilities were provided under the Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Program (CRFPSP) Sustainable Livelihood Support.

Charish Paña, Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II, said the CRFPSP would help address food security amidst climate change by providing livelihood support through farm machines and equipment, farm inputs, and capacity development interventions.

“We help encourage the production of corn, rice, and other commodities and would continue to equip and capacitate them on financial matters because this project will become one of their businesses that would generate more income,” she said.

Paña also challenged the project recipient to increase the membership of their organization by encouraging other ARBs to join so that they could also benefit from the projects poured in by the government and other non government organizations. (PR)

Rice industry stakeholders drum up failures of Rice Liberalization Law, demand its repeal

With the theme “Ipagtanggol at palakasin ang industriya ng bigas sa bansa! Kamtin ang sariling kasapatan at matatag na seguridad sa pagkain!" around 150 rice industry stakeholders, including rice farmers from Central Luzon, Southern Tagalog, Cagayan Valley, Bicol, Ilocos, Western and Central Visayas, Surigao del Sur and Metro Manila, and food security advocates convened at the 4th National People's Rice Congress today, October 12 at the University of the Philippines Diliman.

Rice stakeholders and policymakers discussed the present rice crisis and the plight of rice farmers in the country including their urgent demand for a P15,000 production subsidy, repeal of RA 11203 Rice Liberalization Law, and the enactment of Rice Industry Development Act (RIDA) bill.

Cathy Estavillo, Secretary General of AMIHAN National Federation of Peasant Women and Spokesperson of Bantay Bigas shared the accomplishment report of Bantay Bigas throughout the years in championing rice farmers and consumers' rights. "Bantay Bigas has gathered at least 100,000 signatures to the petition to repeal the Rice Liberalization Law, which has been submitted to the House of Representatives and Philippine Senate. The petition also demanded for the enactment of RIDA," Cathy Estavillo, spokesperson of Bantay Bigas and Secretary General of Amihan said in a statement.

For his part, KMP Chairman Emeritus and co convenor of Bantay Bigas Rafael “Ka Paeng” Mariano discussed the current state and prospects of the rice industry under the Marcos Jr. administration. He also cited the trends of the global food crisis. "Ang hindi sinasabi o inaamin ng UN FAO at ng mga international financial institutions, ang globalisasyon ng produksyon ng pagkain ang dahilan ng krisis sa pagkain at malawak na kagutuman. Dahil papatindi ang krisis sa pagkain, ang dapat na mangibabaw at umiral sa ngayon ay ang patakaran ng food self sufficiency," Mariano said.

"May niluluto ang Department of Agriculture na bagong MASAGANA programs MASAGANA 150 at MASAGANA 200 na karugtong ng MASAGANA 99 ni Marcos Sr. Masaganang utang na naman ito para sa mga magsasaka. Sa MASAGANA 150 at 200, target itaas ang palay yield sa 150 cavans o 7 metric tons at 200 cavans o 10 metric tons. Ang target na gastos ay Php8 per kilo sa production cost ng palay. Hindi ito posible habang mataas ang farm inputs at walang substansyal na ayuda," Mariano explained.

Raul Montemayor, National Manager of the Federation of Free Farmers (FFF), discussed the impacts of import liberalization in the country, specifically the devastating impacts of the Rice Liberalization Law (RA 11203). Montemayor said that due to rice liberalization, rice farmers incurred more losses compared to gains by consumers. "Mula 2019, bumagsak ang kita at nalugi ang mga magsasaka ng P66 billion. Ang natipid ng consumers ay P16 billion lang."

By JOYCE ANN L. ROCAMORA

MANILA President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summits and re-

"These will be the first Asean Summits to be held in person since the onset of the pandemic, and the first to be attended by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. since he assumed the Presidency," the agency said in a release.

The agency said preparations are underway for the meetings, which are setfrom Nov.10 to13.

Last Oct. 5, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary and Philippine Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM) Leader

Ma.TheresaLazaro participated in the Asean Joint Consultative Meeting and Related Meetings in Cambodia, where meetings with Asean dialogue partners were alsodiscussed.

The senior officials exchanged views on cross sectoral and cross pillar issues of concern, Aseans post pandemic economic recovery initiatives, the application of Timor Leste to become a member of Asean, accession of countries to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in South-

lated meetings in Phnom Penh in Cambodia next month, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Thursday.

Southeast Asian states to strengthen Asean bodies to help maintain a peaceful and stable region.

east Asia, and various regional and international issues.

In a separate forum Thursday, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo reaffirmed Manila's commitment to working with

"As we prepare now for the Asean summit in November, the Philippines has recommitted to the formulation of an Asean community vision that strengthens our institutionsand mechanisms and enablesAseanmember states to craft regional policies and implement programs and activities with a certain degree of independence from external influences,"hesaid. (PNA)

PAO’s free legal service to Filipinos ‘commendable’: VP Sara

She noted the critical role of PAO to ensure basic services with “minimal risk for both parties.”

To achieve this, public attorneys were instructed to give their official work cell phone numbers to their clients PAO also authorized the conduct of home visits for clients with special needs and further expanded its reach through online legal counseling broadcasted live on social media,” she added.

Freelegal assistance

Duterte also thanked PAO chief Persida Rueda Acosta for her support as the Office of the Vice President (OVP) receives some requests for freelegal assistance.

“In my accession to the office, we have started receiving requests from fellow Filipinos currently facing incarceration for free legal assistance and support for expeditious hearings of their cases We have conducted initial talks with Chief Acosta for assistance in these requests. Thank you very much, ma’am for your support to the Office of the Vice President,” she said.

MANILA Vice President Sara Duterte commended on Thursday the Public Attorney's Office (PAO) lawyers for their unwavering service tomillions of Filipinos.

Duterte made her remarks during the 7th Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) Convention for Public Attorneys at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

In her speech, Duterte lauded the PAO’s efforts, especially during the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid 19) pandemic.

“I also want to take this opportunity to congratulate everyone for their accomplishments in 2021. You surpassed your target cases handled, including appealed cases that were favorably disposed of and served 9.7 million Filipinos. That is not an easy feat considering that we were still in the middle of the Covid 19 pandemic,” she said.

She also lauded the earlier collaboration between PAO and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), particularly in fortifying the Anti Violence Against Women and Children Act as some estranged fathers failed to support their children” monetarily.

“The partnership of two government offices provides additional protection to solo parents and their children,” she said.

Duterte said she joins PAO in its goal to further protect the democratic rights of the marginalized and vulnerable sector.

“

We do not and cannot afford to cease learning as legal professionals and guardians of justice. It is a noble opportunity to take as we help ensure the integrity of the law,” Duterte said.

NTC to release SIM registration rules within 60 days

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) will immediately issue the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the recently signed SIM Card Registration Law after its publication, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said on Thursday.

In a Laging Handa briefing, DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy said the NTC is already working on the IRR of Republic Act11934.

“[RA 11934] will require 15 days to be effective af-

ter its publication in the Official Gazette. So, once na mangyari po iyon, iyong IRR ay mailalabas po ng NTC within 60 days (Once that happens, the IRR will be released by the NTC within 60 days),” Uy said.

The main focus of the IRR, he said, is to clarify and expand the details of the law including penalties for violations.

Katulad ng violation ng mga data privacy ay may kaukulang penalty (For example, data privacy violations have corresponding

penalties), I think if I’m not mistaken, from PHP500,000 to PHP4 million,” he said.

Uy said the IRR will also detail the process of registration such as allowing online registrations or requiring the physical appearance of registrants, and which IDs will be accepted.

Following the release of the IRR, he said mobile users will have160 days to register their SIM cards with valid government issued IDs.

He said those who fail

to register their SIM card may result in termination of their mobile service.

“Wala pong multa. Puputulin lang ang linya nila (There won’t be a fine. But their service will be cut off),” hesaid.

With about 144 to 150 million prepaid SIM cards already issued by local telecommunications companies (telcos), he noted that online registration will be necessary to cope with the expected influx of registrants.

STEPHANIE SEVILLANO/PNA

Vice President Sara Duterte shakes her hand with PAO chief Persida Rueda Acosta (Photo courtesy: Office oftheVicePresident)

“Iyan po ang ideal situation ‘no online po lahat ng registration at submission ng mga verifiable documents katulad ng passport or driver’s license, SSS, GSIS or PhilHealth cards (That’s the ideal situation the registration and submission of verifiable documents such as a passport, driver’s license, SSS, GSIS, or PhilHealth card should be online),” he said.

Mobile users, he said, will be free to register as many SIM cards as they wish as long as they present their identity with valid documentary requirements.

“Ang importante po is iyong SIM card ay properly identified iyong owner. Kasi alam na po natin na hindi naman po sa lahat ng lugar ay may signal po ang bawat telco (What’s important is the proper identification of the SIM card owner. Because we know not all places have coverage with every telco),” he said.

For individuals with no valid IDs such as a driver’s license or passport, he suggested securing an ID from PhilHealth, SSS, or PhilPost for their ease and fast issuance.

“Aabutin po nang medyo matagal kung mag a apply sila ng national ID dahil medyo mabagal po ang produksiyon (It may take a while if they apply for a national ID becauseproduction is a bitslow),” he said.

He reminded telcos of their responsibility to secure the identity of their subscribers as the “primary repository” of data.

Makikita natin po na matagal naman silang may hawak ng information na iyan dahil sa mga postpaid accounts na hawak nila. So ang ginagawa lang po natin ay ini expand lang iyong coverage (We know that they have been storing such information for a while for postpaid users. So, what we’re doing is just expanding its coverage),” hesaid.

On Monday, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. signed RA 11934 and noted its importance in curbing the increasing number of text scams and spam messages in the country.

Raymond Carl Dela Cruz/PNA

To combat the foreign domination and imperialist plunder of food systems, Alfie Pulumbarit, National Coordinator of Magsasaka at Siyentipiko para sa Pag unlad ng Agrikultura (MASIPAG) said there is an urgent need for a strong farmer led food and agriculture systems.

Present at the activity as well is Rep. Arlene Brosas of the Gabriela Women’s Party. Rep. Brosas discussed the legislative agenda of rice farmers, stakeholders, advocates, and consumers: the repeal of RA 11203 Rice Liberalization Law and the enactment of the Rice Industry Development Act.

The activity was organized by the Bantay Bigas rice watch group, Amihan National Federation of Peasant Women, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), the Philippine Network of Food Security Programmes (PNFSP) and Anakpawis Party list. Present at the event as well are employees of the National Food Authority, Senate Employees' Union, All UP Academic Employees Union, and food security advocates.

Bypassing justice of the Maranao nation...

Republic of the Philippines SUPREME COURT

REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF LANAO DEL SUR

(12th) Judicial Region Branch 8, Marawi City

mail address: rtc1mrw008@judiciary.gov.ph

IN RE: PETITION FOR CANCELLATION OF REGISTRY NO. 2010 696; MACABAWI AMOL DIPATUA, CARDAWI MACASILANG, Petitioner, versus

THE MUNICIPAL REGISTRAR OF BACOLOD KALAWI, LANAO DEL SUR, AND ALL PERSONS/ENTITIES WHO/WHICH MAY BE AFFECTED THEREBY, Respondents, x x ORDER

Spl. Proceeding No. 2551 2022

of his passport under his Certificate of Live Birth at the DFA Regional Consular Office in Cagayan de Oro that Petitioner was informed that there appeared two records of birth relating to him. Petitioner was advised to cancel the second registration;

909

10. The delayed registration of Petitioner’s birth with the Office of Respondent under Registry No. 2010 696 had no basis in fact and in law since Petitioner was actually born at 046 Bo. Nabaro, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, and timely registration was in fact recorded at the Office of the Civil Registrar of Marawi City evidenced by a Certificate of Live Birth (Annex “A”);

11. Being the first registration, the first Certificate of Live Birth bearing Registry No. 2003 5700 takes precedence over the second Certificate of Live Birth bearing Registry No. 2010 696;

12. The possible errors, however, contained in the first Certificate of Live Birth may be corrected to reflect the correct information relating to the birth of Petitioner;

13. Furthermore, the existence of Petitioner’s second birth certificate at the records of public respondent may affect Petitioner’s birth record or subject the convenient use of the same with certain difficulties, considering Petitioner appears to have two (2) recorded birth certificates;

14. The cancellation of the second Certificate of Live Birth of Petitioner (Annex “B”) bearing registry No. 2010 696 from the records of public respondent would put in order Petitioner’s birth records and eventually facilitate and expedite Petitioner’s intention to correct erroneous entries in his Certificate of Live Birth;

Before this court is verified Petition for Cancellation of Registry No. 2010 696 bearing the name MACABAWI AMOL DIPATUAN, which reads in part:

1. Petitioner is legal age, Filipino, married and a resident of Dipatuan Compound, 0837 Barangay Marawi Poblacion, Marawi City. Petitioner may be served with orders, summons and other court processes through the undersigned counsel with office address at Oro Legis Law Office, 2nd floor Gonzalo Chavez Bldg. Capistrano Corner Tirso Neri St., Cagayan de Oro City;

2. Respondent Municipal Civil Registrar, is a public office mandated to perform the civil registration function including cancellation/correction of entries in the Civil Registry of the Municipality of Bacolod Kalawi where the fact of birth of Petitioner was registered, whose office is located at the Municipal Hall of Bacolod Kalawi, Brgy. Bubong, Lanao del Sur, where summons and other legal processes may be served;

3. Petitioner was born on May 08, 1979; however, his record of birth

4. The first registration was through a Certificate of Live Birth with Registry No. 2003 5700 under the name of one CARDAWI MINDALANO MACASILANG registered at the Office of the Civil Registrar of Marawi City. A copy of the Certificate of Live Birth with registry NO. 2003 5700 is hereto attached and marked as Annex “A”;

5. The second registration was through a delayed registration of Certificate of Live Birth with Registry No. 2010 96 under the name of one MACABAWI AMOL DIPATUAN received at the Office of the Municipal Registrar of Bacolod Kalawi;

6. The first Certificate of Live Birth (Annex “A”) contains the following information:

CARDAWI MINDALANO MACASILANG born on May 8, 1979 at 046 Bo. Nabaro, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur

Father: HADJI RASUL MAROHUM MACASALING

Mother: BEDJORIE AMOL MINDALANO

7. The second Certificate of Live Birth (Annex “B”), which Petitioner was able to use only once, contains the following information:

MACABAWI AMOL DIPATUAN born on October 10, 1980 at Brgy. Dipatuan Bacolod Kalawi, Lanao del Sur

Father : RASUL MARUHON DIPATUAN

Mother: ZENAB MINDALANO AMOL

8. Petitioner had use the second Certificate of Live Birth (Annex “B”) only once and for him to perform hajj at Saudi Arabia, with his apprehension of using his original and first Certificate of Live Birth because of the possibility of being held by the Saudi Arabia Immigration because of his non completion of contract with his previous employer as an AutoCAD operator for the Saudi Bin Laddin Group, during the year 2006. (Attached is an ID issued by the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos under the name Macabawi Amol Dipatuan as Pilgrim as Annex “C”).

15. That Petitioner obtained an NBI Clearance under the name CARDAWI MINDALANO MACASILANG, under NBI ID NO. M224ECHI97 RXI209067 which had remarks that he has no records on file and contains his latest photo valid until July 08, 2023.

Finding the aforesaid Petition to be sufficient in form and substance, it is hereby ordered that the same be set for hearing before this Court on December 6, 2022 at 8:30 o’clock in the morning.

Let copy of this Order be PUBLISHED at the expense of the petitioner in a newspaper of general circulation in Lanao del Sur or Marawi City or Iligan City for three (3) consecutive weeks.

The Municipal Civil Registrar of Bacolod Kalawi, Lanao del Sur and the Civil Registrar General, or any person or party who has an interest in the petition, may file his/her opposition thereto within fifteen (15) days from notice of this Petition or from the last day of publication of this order.

Further, let this order be posted for fifteen (15) days prior to the date of hearing in the Bulletin Board of the Civil Registrar of Bacolod Kalawi, Lanao del Sur and the Bulletin Board of this Court, also at the expense of the petitioner.

The petitioner is directed to notify this Court of the publication of this order not later than three (3) days before December 6, 2022.

Furnish copies of tis order, together with the copies of the Petition to the Municipal Civil Registrar of Bacolod Kalawi, Lanao del Sur, the Hon. Solicitor General, Makati City, and the Hon. Civil Registrar General, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Santa Mesa, Manila.

SO ORDERED.

Marawi City, Philippines, August 30, 2022

(SGD)

SAMINA S. MACABANDO USMAN Presiding Judge /ssb

Copy Furnished: Atty. Mohammad Hussien B. Lucman LCR of Bacolod Kalawi 2F Gonzalo Chavez Bldg. Capistrano Bacolod, Lanao del Sur Corner Tirso Neri St., Cagayan De Oro City

PSA Cardawi M. Macasilang

NSO Building, East Avenue, Diaptuan Compound, 0837 Diliman, Quezon City Brgy. Marawi Poblacion, Marawi City

Office of the Solicitor General 134, Amorsolo St., Legazpi Village, Makati City

9. It was only in November 2015, when Petitioner applied for renewal

Unless, the government address these issues, no unity or solidarity maybe achieved, the same as it was in the previous administration, who kept blinded and deaf in our quest for justice. Otherwise stated, the call for unity and solidarity is ridiculous. Unlike in a Muslim State, thus during the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), Christians, Jews, and pagans were all treated equally. The Prophet (pbuh) abided by the verse [There is no compulsion where the religion is concerned] (Al Baqarah 2:256), explaining the true religion to everyone, but leaving them free to make up their own minds. An important example of justice is the Compact of Madinah, signed by the Muslim immigrants from Makkah, the indigenous Muslims and Jews of Madinah. As a result of this constitution, which established justice between communities

with differing beliefs and ensured the protection of their various interests, long years of enmity were brought to an end. One of the most outstanding features of the treaty is the freedom of belief it established.

PMT: Oct. 3 9, 2022; Oct. 10 16, 2022; Oct. 17 23, 2022 ernment affairs due to tribalism, factionalism and or patronage and greed of powers.

In Islam, unity is inseparable with justice, likened to a human being the Hadith says, “Verily, the believers are like a structure, each part strengthening the other” [al Bukhari]

How justice is served in Islam, the Qura’an says,

'Stand up firmly for justice, as a witness to God, even as against yourselves or your parents or yourkin, and whetherit be against rich or poor. Surah 4:135

For comment at:bayanbalt@yahoo.com

Atty. Bayan G. Balt is the formerChapterPresident ofthe IntegratedBarofthePhilippines (IBP Marawi City andLanao del Sur, 2013 2015) Chairman of the Ranao Federal State Movement (RFSM) and President of the Alliance of Regional Coalitions Against People’s Poverty (ARCAPP).

Teacher As Community Leader

Teachers are servant leaders of their own community.They are beacons of light,a contributor of the development of expertise, talent, knowledge, skills and educational philosophy and advocates values formation in the community. In several places, teachers are freedom fighters, organizing various members of the community tosustaindignityoflife.

Therole of the teacher in a positive school community relationship is extremely important since it is the teacher who is the backbone of the educational system. The community's perceptions of the teacher affect their perceptions of the school and subsequently student morale, school resources, and support for the schoolingeneral.

28 years and I lived in a resettlement area in which most of our neighbors are having low income and some do not have permanent job. I’ve observed, that the area don’t have watersupplyandnogymnasium for evacuation purposes( since the said area is near the river bank). I was challenged by my cousin to file a candidacy for AssociationPresident.Atfirst,Iam very hesitant for I knew teachers have lot of works to do. Weeks passed, I was

by: Estella D. Partol

convinced by our neighbors to file a candidacy. There , I waselectedasanAssociation President.

For the past 5 years I was the Association President of homeowners association named as LAPVIHAI ( LA PURISIMA VILLAGE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION ,INC.).in Tipanoy, Iligan City. Several problems and challenges were met during my time. But, with hope, courage and faith in GOD, I initiated millions worth of projects such as covered

court worth 3.88M and Patubig Project worth 2M pesos with the support of Local Government Unit and Congressional Funds. Aside from this, during my leadership, we also constructed mini park, 2 purok comfort rooms, concrete directory, chapel television, sound system, on going road concretingand titlingofindividuallots.

Teachers are truly considered as community leaders for they know how to communicate to large numbers of people, negotiate, and handle dicey situations. Though, leadershipskillsare built step by step. No matter what your skills are rightnow, youcan become a better leader if you work at it. You may find yourself doing things you never imaginedyouwould!

Two Palestinians dead amid escalation in Israeli violence

Two Palestinian youths are dead as Israeli forces continue a violent crackdown on Palestinians in refugee camps across the occupied West Bank and al Quds.

A 20 year old Palestinian, Mateen Dabaya, was shot dead by Israeli forces on Friday during a raid on Jenin city and camp, WAFAnews agency reported.

Special Israeli military units carried out the attack which sparked intense clashes with Palestinians. The report added that Israeli soldiers fired live bullets at Palestinians, killing Dabaya and wounding sixothers, including Abdullah Abu al Teen, a doctor working at the Khalil Suleiman hospital.

The Palestinian doctor was severely injured while he was trying to save one of the casualties shot by Israeli forces. Wissam Abu Bakr, director of Jenin Governmental Hospital, said theinjured doctor is in critical condition.

The raid follows the killing of an Israeli soldier on Saturday at a checkpoint near Shuafat Palestinian refugee camp, which was followed by a massive manhunt for the suspected attacker, who remains at large.

Thebrutal attacks in Jenin have also targeted medical aid workers. Mahmoud Sa’adi, the head of the Emergency Department of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) in Jenin, said on Friday that the occupation forces have directly shot and injured two aid workers who were trying to transfer one of the injured Palestinians to the hospital.

Ibin Sina Hospital in Jenin also said that one of the emergency workers have been injured by a shot in the neck and transferred to the hospital.

Meanwhile, a Palestinian prisoner succumbed to his injuries on Friday at a hospital in occupied territories. Mohammad al Saeed Ghawadra, 17, from the refugee camp of Jenin had been detained on September 4 in the Jordan Valley.

He was suffering from severe and deep burns covering 90% of his body. According to the Palestinian Prisoners’ Society (PPS), Ghawadra was the 232nd slain Palestinian prisoner since1967.

Flare ups have also been reported across the occupied West Bank as Palestinians confronted Israeli troops accompanied by settlers.

More than 150 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in the Israeli occupied territories since the start of the year, including 51 in the besieged Gaza Strip during Israel’s three day onslaughtin August.

Israeli forces continue their near daily raid and arrest operations in various parts of the West Bank, wounding or killing Palestinians. Such raids are carried out while Israeli settlers also conduct acts of violence against Palestinians and their property.

Settler violence is rampantin the occupied Palestinian territories. The acts of violence and vandalism, known as price tag attacks which are committed by Israeli settlers against Palestinians and their property, have risen in recent years.

However, Israeli authorities rarely prosecute Israeli settlers for their assaults on Palestinians and their property and the vast majority of the files are closed due to deliberate police failure to investigate properly.

Many Palestinians have also sustained injuries or lost their lives in incidents due to allegations that they attempted stabbing or car ramming attacks against Israeli settlers and forces.

As many as 74 Palestinians, including 37 children, have been killed so far this year, many as a result of the use of lethal force by the Israeli authorities in a manner described by the UN Human Rights Office in the Occupied Territories as a violation of international human rights law.

Putin points to new centers of power emerging in Asia

A

STANA Asia where new centers of power are growing stronger plays a big role in the transition to a multipolar world, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia

Putin said Asian countries are engines of world economic growth.

"Here such integration associations as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Eurasian Economic Union act dynamically and efficiently," he added.

Russia actively participates in all these processes,Putin said.

"We stand for Asia’s development and prosperity, for creating for these purposes a broad open space of mutually beneficial trade and investment cooperation, for broadening and deepening cooperation ties in various sectors of the economy," he assured.

It was Moscow that stood at the origin of estab-

lishing the CICA Business Council, which has held within its framework over the past years "a lot of successful conferences and workshops across the

(CICA) on Thursday.

"The world is becoming a truly multipolar system. Asia where new centers of power are growing stronger plays quite a noticeable if not a key role in that," he said.

entire economic agenda," Putin said.

"And, of course, together with other Asian states, we take all efforts to create a system of equal and indi-

visible security based on universal and recognized principles of international law and the UN Charter," the Russian leader added.

Source: TASS

Goal of ending extreme poverty by 2030 unlikely: World Bank

ANKARA The world is unlikely to meet the goal of ending extreme poverty by 2030, according to a new World Bank study.

The bank’s Poverty and Shared Prosperity report showed that global progress in reducing extreme poverty has come to a standstill.

"Covid 19 dealt the biggest setback to global poverty reduction efforts since 1990 and the war in Ukraine threatens to make matters worse," it said.

The global body estimated that the pandemic dragged nearly 70 million people into extreme poverty in 2020, the biggest one year hike since global poverty monitoring began in 1990.

"As aresult, an estimated 719 million people subsisted on less than USD2.15 a day by the end of 2020," it said.

The report indicates that about 600 million people, mostly in Sub Saharan Africa, will still be living on less than USD2.15 a day by2030.

Emphasizing that strong fiscal policy measures made a "notable difference" in reducing the impact of the pandemic on poverty, it said in the absence of a fiscal intervention, the average poverty rate in developing economies could be 2.4 points higher.

Commenting on the report, World Bank President David Malpass said, "Progress in reducing extreme poverty has essentially halted in tandem with subdued global economic growth."

"Adjustments of macroeconomic policies are needed to improve the allocation of global capital, foster currency stability, reduce inflation, and restart growth in median income. The alternative is the status quo slowing global growth, higher interest rates, greater risk aversion, and fragility in many developing countries," he added.

King Charles III's coronation set on May 6, 2023

LONDON Britain’s King Charles III’s coronation will be held on May 6, 2023, Buckingham palace announced on Tuesday.

The coronation will take place at theWestminster Abbey.

Theceremony will be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, according to thestatement from thepalace.

It said the Queen Consort Camilla will also be crowned alongsideCharles on theday of thecoronation.

“The Coronation will reflect the monarch’s role today

and look towards the future, while being rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry,” said thepalace.

The coronation of the new monarch “traditionally takes place some months after Accession to the throne, following a period of national and Royal mourning as well as allowing time for the preparation required to organise the Ceremony.”

The ceremony has taken place at Westminster Abbey for 900 years.

King Charles III ascended to the throne after the death of his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II who died on Sept. 8 after a reign of 70 years.