The Mindanao Cross | January 7, 2023

LEADERS SEE PEACE, PROGRESS IN 2023

LOCAL and military officials in Region 12 and the Bangsamoro Region are certain of more gains in Malacañang’s Mindanao peace process in 2023.

Three members of the Bangsamoro parliament, Physician Kadil Sinolinding, Jr., the lawyers Suharto Ambolodto and Paisalin Tago, separately told Mindanao Cross last weekend that they are optimistic of more improvements in peace and order in the autonomous region in 2023.

They separately expressed willingness to cooperate in formulating regional laws that can protect the gains of Malacañang’s Mindanao peace process.

“No one else can best help President Marcos. Jr. address the peace and security and economic woes in our communities but us, Moro

P3

SK farmers get organic fertilizers

AT least six agrarian reform beneficiaries’ organizations (ARBOs) in Sultan Kudarat province have been given 300 bags of vermicompost and 130 gallons of organic foliar fertilizer by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).

Rushdi Mindalano, provincial agrarian reform program officer, said the assistance aims to boost the ARBOs' agricultural production and promote a healthy way of producing food without harming the environment.

"It has always been our aim to ease the problems of the farmers by helping them achieve higher farming productivity and profitability through the provision of support services,” Mindalano said in a statement Wednesday.

Amounting to PHP247,350, he said the farm inputs were provided to the ARBOs in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III to help improve the lives of the farmers.

The ARBOs which each received 22 gallons of foliar fertilizer and 50 sacks of vermicompost were the Agrarian Reform Farmers Association in Tacurong City; the Silang Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association in Bagumbayan; the Palimbang Entrepreneurs Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries’ Organization in Palimbang town; and the Sitio Lagon Farmers’ Multi-Purpose Cooperative in President Quirino town.

Likewise, the Kangkong Farmers Association and Tagumpay Vegetable Growers Association, both located in Esperanza town, each received 21 gallons of foliar and 50 sacks of organic fertilizers.

Hernane Fermo, president of the Agrarian Reform Farmers Association, said the assistance "will surely help us to produce better products that we can sell competitively in the market."

The agricultural inputs were delivered under DAR’s Sustainable and Resilient Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs) program, which aims to promote vegetable production to combat the effect of climate change. PNA

100

SOME 100 cooperatives from across the region were granted by the Bangsamoro Government with financial assistance amounting to P150,000 through its Cooperative and Social Enterprise Authority's (CSEA) Special Assistance for Viable Enterprise or SAVE grant program.

Seventy-four of the coops are from the mainland

coops

get cash aid from BARMM

provinces of Maguindanao Del Sur, Maguindanao Del Norte, and Lanao Del Sur, as well as cities of Cotabato and Marawi, while 26 are from the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.

The first set of 56 coops from the mainland areas received their checks, while the remaining beneficiaries are scheduled to receive their assistance this month.

"The selected cooperatives underwent a strict process of application including the submission of their respective project proposal, verification of their residencies from

DID YOU KNOW? The name January

conflict-affected areas. They were severely affected by the pandemic, and heeding sustainable intervention," Dipatuan said.

Meanwhile, CSEA Executive Director Samcia Ibrahim emphasized the importance of the cooperatives' compliance to ensure that the beneficiaries were really functional and operational.

Tired, weary NPA yields to PNP in Sarangani

A 45-year-old communist rebel voluntarily surrendered to police in Sarangani province and told authorities more are coming out soon.

Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg, police regional director for the Soccsksargen region, said the surrenderee –Marito Manang alias “Fon” has denounced the lawlessness of the New Peoples’ Army in its area of operation in Kiamba, Sarangani province.

“Many are willing to come down, I decided to go ahead by escaping from the group for I am already tired fighting for a meaningless struggle,” Manang, speaking in the vernacular, told police investigators who placed him under debriefing after his surrender Wednesday.

Manang, carrying a rifle grenade, medical kit, flashlight, subversive documents and propaganda tarpaulin, showed up to police personnel in Sito Tabutong, Barangay Nalus, Kiamba, Sarangani.

The surrenderer is now under the custody of 1204th compny of Regional Mobile Force

Battalion 12 undergoing custodial debriefing and will soon be availing the programs offered by the government to help them integrate back to society.

Macaraeg has appealed to other rebels to start building a better future free from the control of antigovernment leaders teaching false ideologies.

“As law enforcers, one of our priorities is to provide a community where everyone is free to live, work, and do business which can only be achieved once we are able to end terrorism and insurgency in the region,” Maj. Gen. Macaraeg said.

Almost 150 NPAs have surrendered to police last year as the government intensified its reconciliation and unification program.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. EOF

Gunmen shot dead man with IED components

POLICE in Tupi, South Cotabato were hunting down two men riding tandem on motorbike who shot dead a 21-year-old man and injured his brother Wednesday.

One of them was carrying components for bomb making, police said.

Police Master Sgt. Rhea Gatinao, speaking for Tupi municipal police station, identified the fatality as 21-year-old Eman Kalamongi while his brother, Jayve, 24, was injured.

Both were waiting for a ride at the waiting shed in front of Barangay Hall of Barangay Palian, Tupi, South Cotabato when two men on board a motorbike arrived at 2 p.m.

Without provocation, the gunmen opened fire, killing Eman instantly while his brother ran a few meters and sought help from residents nearby.

Sgt. Gatinao said the injured Jayve was rushed to hospital by responding police personnel while investigators found empty shells for .45 caliber pistol.

The injured is now undergoing medication at the South Cotabato provincial hospital in Koronadal City.

Gatinao also said that Eman has standing warrant of arrest for robbery and homicide charges issued by a local court in Koronadal.

Maj. Rafael Banggay Jr, Tupi town police chief, said investigators are digging deeper into the case to determine the group’s affiliation.

Gatinao said police probers are determining if the two belonged to a local group responsible in manufacturing improvised explosive devices. EOF

"This financial assistance will serve as a start-up capital of your cooperatives in the implementation of your submitted feasible and viable business proposal to increase your earnings and eventually, your coop will boost its functionality and

could even lead to enhance the living conditions of your members," Ibrahim said.

"Since this is a grant, you will expect that we will closely monitor the implementation of this program," she added. KUJ/ BIO

More NPAs send surrender feelers to Army

THE military is expecting the surrender this year of no fewer than 200 members of the New People’s Army in central Mindanao.

Major Gen. Roy Galido, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said Wednesday surrender feelers from NPAs in North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani provinces mounted in the past two weeks and units of 6th ID are now trying to connect to them via local executives.

More than a hundred NPAs yielded to different units of 6th ID from January to December last year.

Galido said it could be for the efficient cooperation among local government units, different line agencies and the 6th ID in reintroducing former NPAs into the local communities that enticed

others to return to the fold of law.

“Backchannel dialogues are now being initiated. LGUs are contributing a lot to our efforts of securing the surrender of those still out there,” Galido told reporters Wednesday.

Sources from the multi-sector Sarangani provincial peace and order council said Wednesday 53 NPAs in the province, among them six commanders, have signified willingness to yield through municipal officials and leaders of the indigenous communities.

A group of 36 NPAs from Sarangani’s Maasim, Maitum and Kiamba towns surrendered last December to the 6th ID through the intercession of LGU officials and Gov. Ruel Pacquiao.

The 6th ID’s 603rd Infantry Brigade and its two component-

units, the 7th and 37th Infantry Battalions, each received an Armed Forces Campaign Streamer last month for having dismantled the NPA’s self-styled West and East Daguma Sub-Regional Commands in Sultan Kudarat province via a series of operations from between January to November 2022.

The two NPA fronts were known for brutality on farmers and owners of business establishments and public conveyances who refuse to shell out “protection money” on a monthly basis.

Both also enforced a ruthless justice system, in total disregard of barangay governments in remote towns in Sultan Kudarat.

The three 6th ID units received the Campaign Streamers during last month’s 87th anniversary celebration of the Armed Forces. JFU

10 quotes from Pope Benedict XVI on the beauty of love and suffering...from P4

and in the end, the only light — that can always illuminate a world grown dim and give us the courage needed to keep living and working. Love is possible, and we are able to practice it because we are created in the image of God.” — Deus Caritas Est

5. “Love grows through love.” — Deus Caritas Est

6. “The love-story between God and man consists in the very fact that this communion of will increases in a communion of thought and sentiment, and thus our will and God’s will increasingly coincide: God’s will is no longer for me an alien will, something imposed on me from without by the

commandments, but it is now my own will, based on the realization that God is in fact more deeply present to me than I am to myself.” — Deus Caritas Est

7. “If you follow the will of God, you know that in spite of all the terrible things that happen to you, you will never lose a final refuge. You know that the foundation of the world is love, so that even when no human being can or will help you, you may go on, trusting in the One that loves you.” — “Jesus of Nazareth”

8. Jesus’ “death on the Cross is the culmination of that turning of God against himself in which he gives himself in order to raise

man up and save him. This is love in its most radical form.” — Deus Caritas Est 9. “Anyone who really wanted to get rid of suffering would have to get rid of love before anything else, because there can be no love without suffering, because it always demands an element of self-sacrifice, because, given temperamental differences and the drama of situations, it will always bring with it renunciation and pain.”

“When we know that the way of love — this exodus, this going out of oneself — is the true way by which man becomes human, then we also understand that suffering

is the process through which we mature.” — “God and the World: A Conversation with Peter Seewald”

10. “Mary is a woman who loves. How could it be otherwise? As a believer who in faith thinks with God’s thoughts and wills with God’s will, she cannot fail to be a woman who loves. We sense this in her quiet gestures, as recounted by the infancy narratives in the Gospel. We see it in the delicacy with which she recognizes the need of the spouses at Cana and makes it known to Jesus. We see it in the humility with which she recedes into the background during Jesus’

Republic of the Philippines

public life, knowing that the Son must establish a new family and that the Mother’s hour will come only with the Cross, which will be Jesus’ true hour.” — Deus Caritas

BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO BANGSAMORO BOARD OF INVESTMENTS

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

leaders,” Tago, who is also BARMM’s transportation and communications minister, said.

Sinolinding, now most known as “doctor sa parliamento ng Bangsamoro,” said one of his main concerns now is to help maintain law and order in the 63 barangays in North Cotabato province together grouped as the Special Geographic Area of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong, Jr. said there were considerable improvements in peace and order in his province from January to December this year, for him a tacit indication that they are in for peaceful days in 2023.

The Lanao del Sur provincial peace and order council, units of the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade and the Lanao del Sur Provincial Police Office together worked out the surrender of 53 members of the Dawlah Islamiya in the past 11 months.

Bangsamoro Labor Minister Muslimin Sema, also MNLF, said Saturday their front’s central committee shall keep supporting the president’s peace efforts for Moro communities.

“We have done that in 2022 and years before. We shall do it with vigor in 2023,” Sema said.

Sema said he is very

sure that the cooperation of the MNLF and the MILF in furthering the peace and development agenda of the Bangsamoro government will bear more “dividends” in 2023.

Officials of the 6th Infantry Division told Mindanao Cross said it was in 2002 that a precedent in the surrender of more than a hundred NPAs to different Army units under 6th ID.

Major Gen. Roy Galido, 6th Infantry Division chief, said Saturday he will see to it that his successor shall continue 6th ID's peace efforts that have resulted in the surrender of more than a hundred members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, the Dawlah Islamiya and the NPA in recent months.

“Credit for the surrender of these enemies of state goes to the provincial governors, the mayors, the vice mayors, the traditional leaders and peace advocacy groups in areas inside 6th ID’s area of responsibility,” said Galido who was also named chief of Western Mindanao Command (Wetmincom) based in Zamboanga City.

North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Mendoza said she and her constituentmayors are pleased seeing President Marcos sustain Mindanao peace programs started by his predecessors.

Cotabato

City NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the application of EIGHT Z’S PROPERTIES BUILDING RENTAL with the activity of tourism-related facilities and attractions (beach resort) located at Barangay Kusiong, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte for registration with the Bangsamoro Board of Investments-BARMM under Book I of the Omnibus Investment Code of 1987, otherwise known as Executive Order No. 226 as amended by R.A. 11534 or CREATE Act, has been officially accepted on December 28, 2022 and is currently being processed.

Ay person with valid objections to or pertinent comments on the above-mentioned application may file his/her objection, in writing and under oath, with the Bangsamoro Board of Invesrments-BARMM within one (1) week from the date of application.

MC: Jan. 7, 2022

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the application of KS Agricultural Products Trading with the activity of Halal Poultry Production and Processing (Broiler/Free Range Poultry Farm, Dressing Plant, Feedmill) located at Barangay Kamasi, Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur, BARMM for registration with the Bangsamoro Board of Investments-BARMM under Book I of the Omnibus Investment Code of 1987, otherwise known as Executive Order No. 226 as amended by R.A. 11534 or CREATE Act, has been officially accepted on December 28, 2022 and is currently being processed.

Ay person with valid objections to or pertinent comments on the above-mentioned application may file his/her objection, in writing and under oath, with the Bangsamoro Board of Invesrments-BARMM within one (1) week from the date of application

MC: Jan. 7, 2022

Republic of the Philippines

BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO BANGSAMORO

BOARD OF INVESTMENTS

Cotabato City

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the application of SHAHADA MEDICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC CLINIC with the activity of Medical Clinic and Diagnostic Center located at Barangay Sousa Cor. Lumibao Street, Rosary Heights I, Cotabato City for registration with the Bangsamoro Board of Investments-BARMM under Book I of the Omnibus Investment Code of 1987, otherwise known as Executive Order No. 226 as amended by R.A. 11534 or CREATE Act, has been officially accepted on December 28, 2022 and is currently being processed.

Ay person with valid objections to or pertinent comments on the above-mentioned application may file his/her objection, in writing and under oath, with the Bangsamoro Board of Invesrments-BARMM within one (1) week from the date of application.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late IRENEO LAMOSAO, who died intestate on January 23, 1998 at Kiwanan, Midsayap, Cotabato, parcels of land Lot No. 6092, PSD-124709-019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89378, area of 1,323 sq. mts.; Lot No. 609-4, PSD-124709019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89380, area of 483 sq. mts.; Lot No. 609-6, PSD124709-019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89382, area of 440 sq. mts.; Lot No. 609-7, PSD-124709-019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89383, area of 906 sq. mts.; Lot No. 609-9, PSD-124709-019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89385, area of 214 sq. mts.; Lot No. 60913, PSD-124709-019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89389, area of 336 sq. mts.; Lot No. 609-16, PSD-124709019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89392, area of 414 sq. mts.; Lot No. 609-17, PSD124709-019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89393, area of 274 sq. mts.; Lot No. 609-18, PSD-124709-019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89394, area of 633 sq. mts.; Lot No. 60929, PSD-124709-019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89405, area of 1,471 sq. mts.; Lot No. 609-19, PSD-124709019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89395, area of 317 sq. mts.; Lot No. 609-20, PSD124709-019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89396, area of 402 sq. mts.; Lot No. 609-25, PSD-124709-019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89401, area of 1,025 sq. mts.; Lot No. 60922, PSD-124709-019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89398, area of 464 sq. mts.; m Lot No. 609-26, PSD-124709019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89402, area of 298 sq. mts.; Lot No. 609-28, PSD124709-019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89404, area of 616 sq. mts.; Lot No. 609-31, PSD124709-019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89407, area of 598 sq. mts.; Lot No. 609-34, PSD-124709-019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89410, area of 2,444 sq. mts.; Lot No. 60933, PSD-124709-019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89409, area of 1,159 sq. mts.; Lot No. 609-32, PSD-124709019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89408, area of 2,225 sq. mts.; Lot No. 609-35, PSD124709-019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89411, area of 1,243 sq. mts.; Lot No. 609-3, PSD-124709-019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89379, area of 1,348 sq. mts.; Lot No. 60930, PSD-124709-019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89406, area of 1,983 sq. mts.; Lot No. 609-24, PSD-124709019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89400, area of 1,476 sq. mts.; and Lot No. 609-27, PSD-124709-019487 (AR), TCT No. T-89403, area of 1,584 sq. mts. more or less, all located at Bo. Sadaan (now Kiwanan), Midsayap, Cotabato are subject of deed of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous deeds of sale before Notary Public Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 239; Page No. 48; Book No. CCCXIX; Series of 2022.

MC: Jan. 7, 2022

The last words spoken by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

THE last words of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI as he lay on his deathbed were “Lord, I love you!” according to the late pope’s longtime personal secretary Archbishop Georg Gänswein, Vatican News reported.

At about 3 a.m. on Dec. 31, a few hours before he died, Benedict was alone with a nurse who did not speak German, Vatican News reported. At that time Gänswein and others who were taking turns staying with the pope emeritus had left the room for a moment.

Gänswein recounted that Benedict XVI “in a soft but clearly distinguishable voice said in Italian, ‘Lord, I love you!'”

Gänswein said: “I was not there at the time, but

the nurse told me shortly afterwards. Those were his last comprehensible words because after that he was no longer able to express himself.”

The pope emeritus’ death was announced in Rome on Dec. 31. His solemn funeral Mass will be on Thursday, Jan. 5, at 9:30 a.m. Rome time in St. Peter’s Square, with Pope Francis presiding. Benedict XVI will be buried in the Vatican crypt following the funeral.

“In accordance with the wish of the pope emeritus, the funeral will be carried out under the sign of simplicity,” the Vatican press office director, Matteo Bruni, said. Bruni told journalists in a news briefing Dec. 31 that Benedict received the sacrament of anointing of the sick on Dec. 28.

Benedict XVI’s body will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica beginning on Monday, Jan. 2. Zelda Caldwell, Courtney Mares/ Catholic News Agency

Follow Benedict XVI’s Christian life example, Manila archbishop tells faithful

A top Philippine churchman paid tribute to the late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, honoring him “for courageously witnessing to the Gospel in our modern world marred by fractures and skepticism”.

Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila said the retired pontiff “prophetically warned us against the ‘dictatorship of relativism’, from which our post-truth world is now suffering”.

“He proclaimed the truth of the Gospel through the gift of his eloquence, but also more poignantly, through his humility and silence,” Advincula said.

The cardinal, whom Benedict XVI appointed as archbishop of Capiz in 2011, asked Catholics to learn and follow the teachings and the life of Benedict XVI.

“Let us honor the memory of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI by learning from his preaching and following his example of Christian life,” Advincula said.

“Let us pray for him that God may welcome him into his Kingdom,” he added.

Benedict XVI died at 95 years old on Dec. 31 in a small former monastery where he had lived after stepping down from the Petrine ministry in 2013.

Pope Francis remembered his

predecessor at the New Year’s Day Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica and asked the people to pray for Benedict XVI’s soul.

According to Vatican News, the pope was the first to visit Benedict XVI after his death.

In the pictures released by the Vatican on Sunday, the body of the pope emeritus was seen vested in red liturgical vestments with a miter in the chapel of the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery next to a large crucifix, a nativity scene, and a Christmas tree.

Beginning Monday and for three days until the funeral on Jan. 5, his remains will lay in state in St. Peter’s Basilica for veneration of the faithful.

The pope emeritus was first laud out in the chapel of the Mater Ecclesiae monastery in the Vatican on New Year’s Day, before his body was brought to St. Peter’s Basilica in a private ceremony early Monday morning.

The Vatican said Benedict XVI’s remains will lie in state in the Basilica for veneration of the faithful until his funeral on January 5.

He will be interred in the Vatican crypt in the same spot where Pope John Paul II was buried before his beatification. CBCP News

10 quotes from Pope Benedict XVI on the beauty of love and suffering

WHEN Pope Benedict XVI published his first encyclical, he chose an everlasting topic: love.

“God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him,” he began the 2005 document Deus Caritas Est (God Is Love) by citing 1 John 4:16. It was not the first — nor

the last — time he would teach on the subject.

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI died on Dec. 31, 2022, at the age of 95. A prolific author and scholar of theology, he served as head of the Catholic Church for nearly eight years, from 2005 until his resignation in 2013.

Todaywe celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, otherwise known as the Feast of the Three Kings. According to the gospel of Matthew which we read today, magi (wise men) from the East traveled from far away places to pay homage to the new born king (Mat. 2:1-12). These wise men are traditionally said to be three because of the three costly gifts that they brought: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They are also called as “kings” coming from different kingdoms. Their visit troubled the cruel King Herod who was very jealous of his power and he made plans to kill the infant which led to the massacre of the children.

Here are 10 quotes about love from the late pope.

1. “My dear young friends, I want to invite you to ‘dare to love.’ Do not desire anything less for your life than a love that is strong and beautiful and that is capable of making the whole of your existence a joyful

The Seekers

Reflections

This is called the Feast of the Epiphany because it is the peak of God’s “manifestation” or showing of Himself. We may discover God by meditating on creation and seeing there the Creator. This is referred to as God’s “diaphany” or God appearing through the things He created. God also revealed Himself as a saving God to Abraham, Moses, and the prophets. This is God’s “theophany” in the history of the chosen people. Ultimately God revealed Himself in Jesus as the “word made flesh” . This is the peak of God’s revelation or the Epiphany. God made Himself known in and through Jesus.

The Wise Men represented people who were Gentiles. They were outsiders but they were also in search for the truth about God. They were truth-seekers and they travelled long distances to find Jesus. They searched for signs in the heavens and researched the prophecies about the coming of the new king until they discovered the Star to guide them. That’s what the Bible tells us.

One author by the name of Henry van Dyke extended the story of the Three Wise Men. He wrote a short story

undertaking of giving yourselves as a gift to God and your brothers and sisters, in imitation of the One who vanquished hatred and death forever through love.” — World Youth Day, 2007

2. “Each of us is the result of a thought of God. Each of us is willed, each of us is loved, each

called “The Other Wise Man” or the Fourth King. Here is the story:

There was a “fourth” man among the wise magi, a magus named Artaban, from Persia. Like the other Magi, he discovered signs in the heavens proclaiming that a King has been born among the Jews and he undertook the journey to see the newborn ruler. Like the other three he carried treasures to give as gifts to the child - a sapphire, a ruby, and a “pearl of great price”. On his way he stopped to help a dying man, which made him late to join the caravan of the other three wise men. Since he missed the group he was forced to sell one of his treasures in order to buy the camels and supplies necessary for the trip across the desert. He then proceeded with his journey but arrived in Bethlehem too late to see the child, whose parents have fled to Egypt. He was in time to save the life of an infant during the massacre ordered by Herod at the price of another of his treasures.

He then proceeded to Egypt and to many other countries, searching for Jesus for many years all the while performing acts of charity along the way. After 33 years, Artaban still a pilgrim, arrived in Jerusalem just in time for the crucifixion of Jesus, thinking he could save Jesus with the “pearl of great price” but then he spent his last treasure, to ransom a young woman from being sold into slavery. An old man by this time, he lay dying not having found Jesus. But then with his last breath, he heard Jesus saying, “Thank you for your gifts. I received them all for whatsoever you do to the least of my brother and sisters you do unto me.” At last the Fourth King found Jesus.

This story challenges us. Are we seekers of the truth? Where do we find Jesus?

of us is necessary.” — Homily, St. Peter’s Square, April 24, 2005

3. “If we allow the love of Christ to change our heart, then we can change the world. This is the secret of authentic happiness.” — Guanajuato, Mexico, Mach 24, 2012

4. “Love is the light — P3

Daily Scripture Readings

Epiphany of the Lord

Isaiah 60.1-6; Ephesians 3.2-3a, 5-6; Matthew 2.1-12

Mon

Readings: Lect. S&S, no. 21, p. 95;BG, p. 50

1st Reading: Isaiah 42.1-4, 6-7 or Acts 10.34-38

Gospel: Matthew 3.13-17

Readings: no. 306, p. 108

1st Reading: Hebrews 2.5-12 Gospel: Mark 1.21-28

Readings: no. 307, p. 110

1st Reading: Hebrews 2.14-18 Gospel: Mark 1.29-39

Readings: no. 308, p. 112 or no. 511A, p. 622

1st Reading: Hebrews 3.7-14 Gospel: Mark 1.40-45

Readings: no. 309, p. 114

1st Reading: Hebrews 4.1-5, 11 Gospel: Mark 2.1-12

Readings: no. 310, p. 116

1st Reading: Hebrews 4.12-16 Gospel: Mark 2.13-17

EDITORIAL

Everyone is thankful that the year 2022 has finally come to an end. It is supposed to mark the end of a string of sad news that Filipinos were confronted with during the past three years. But the strong will that many Filipinos are made of helped in riding off the wave of many misfortunes that came its way. If the end of 2022 really changed the fortunes of many, this has yet to be tested in the year 2023.

First of all, the COVID Pandemic which many rejoiced as finally over, still came back with a vengeance in other countries. There were news of COVID victims which many suspect may just be wrongly diagnosed, but who are we to verify if this is true? The problem is that there are always suspicions of over purchase of vaccines, the supply of which should be used up by persuading people to avail of the vaccination. If the supply is still in question, the vaccines will go the way of commodities like rice, sugar, and now onions, which is currently debatable. Why can’t we do away with suspicions of hoarding and corruption?

The coming of natural calamities like earthquakes and typhoons is something that cannot be controlled. We just have to prepare for that inevitable fury of nature.

But government must be aware that it plays a very important role in lessening the inconveniences that calamities bring to the people it serves. We complain a lot of the terrible traffic in many parts of the region, but tracing the cause of these will point at the inefficiency of our government agencies. Are agencies quick to anticipate the problems brought about by the old and dilapidated infrastructures which causes traffic when undergoing repairs? Are all roads and bridges in good shape and do not cause danger to the users? Are there enough controls in the granting of permits to motorcycle drivers so that illegal driving can be avoided? In 2022, the number of accidents involving motorcycles have increased because of granting of permits to drivers who are not fit to drive especially in busy roads and highways.

Hopefully, we get better service from government agencies in 2023. After the ravages of a storm, were the victims given enough assistance and provided with adequate facilities? Are traffic enforcers trained enough to control traffic problems? Are there enough development projects to be implemented without relying on foreign assistance?

As a word of advice, may we ask BARMM and the national government to monitor closely the activities of its agencies in this region. The year 2023 is a test year, to see if the performance of those who are hired by government are competent and capable. We are now moving towards a civil service that will not disappointment Filipinos, who paid taxes that are used to pay them. MC

is upon us and Filipinos greeted it with gusto after two years of subdued welcome due to the coronavirus pandemic. Fireworks displays were put up by different local government units for their constituents even as individuals and families had the traditional merrymaking with firecrackers, a practice that highlights the centuries-old cultural influence of China in this land of ours. The same holds true for what has become must-have fifteen round fruits on the “media noche” table.

As the 2022 was ending, Social Weather Stations reported a remarkably high percentage of optimism about 2023. “The pollster found that 95% of 1,200 respondents are welcoming the New Year with hope rather than fear, a slight increase from the 93% recorded in 2021, and almost similar to the 96% recorded in 2019, before the pandemic brought the world to a standstill,” an online report said.

The Filipinos have always been considered a very optimistic and hopeful people, which perhaps explains the survey result. The national situation of course paints a not-so-bright picture as gleaned from latest reports.

Inflation was reported to have increased to a 14-year high of 8 percent in November 2022 from the 7.7 percent recorded in October 2022. The December level is expected to be even higher and economic analysts believe it would remain at elevated levels in the first few months of 2023.

The Bureau of Treasury meanwhile said early this week that the country’s outstanding debt stood at P13.64 trillion as of the end of November 2022.

Fr. Shay Cullen, SSC, who established the Preda Foundation in Olongapo City to promote human rights and the rights of children, especially victims of sex abuse, cites in an article a 2022 poverty survey conducted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development which shows that there were over 5.6 million Filipino families living in dire poverty. This is estimated to be at least 33 million Filipinos living in perennial poverty, or almost 30 percent of the 111 million total Philippine Population, according to Cullen. What hope do they have for a “brighter, better 2023” given that the long-standing socio-political and economic situation of the country has remained unchanged? “Little,” Cullen believes.

The year started on a bleak note in several provinces

again, even as the previous year ended on a sad one for others, as rains brought by a low-pressure area wreaked havoc with flash foods. The Philippines remains hardup in coping with the impact of climate change and highly vulnerable to the climate-crisis. With the country located in the Pacific Typhoon Belt as well as the Pacific’s earthquake and volcano ring of Fire, sixty percent of the land area of the Philippines and seventy-four percent of its population are exposed to numerous hazards which include floods, cyclones, droughts, and earthquakes. The country is visited by about twenty typhoons each year, with almost all making landfall. This reality has remained constant year in and year out and will remain the same this 2023.

Our environmental reality meanwhile remains dire: our current forest cover is only twenty-three percent of land area, below the fifty-four percent needed to sustain the country’s ecosystem; land and soil quality is severely degraded, 5.2 million hectares of agricultural lands have been eroded, and water stress level ratio is at twenty-nine percent way above the thirteen percent global standard.

Given these realities, would 2023 really be a better year for the Filipinos as many of them believe? Cullen says “There is always hope for the future. The Filipino is never without it, no matter how unrealistic.” But this hope, he says, “must be hope based on social education, public awareness about one’s rights to good governance and action to achieve it by peaceful means.”

Definitely, firecrackers and fireworks are not enough to ward off the bad, and neither are 15 different kinds of round fruits enough to bring us a better life.

HAVING

been to both the U.S. and China in the past years, one sees the Philippines now economically situated too far from the post-war fair taste of chocolate bars, the movie settings on the pre-Liberation heroism and Filipino patriotism, and our preference for everything that was labelled “Made in U.S.A.”

China now either leads or hosts the production of almost everything one can think of—from needle to battleship—and its domain of importing-country clientele or economic ties extends to the far-west, to the U.S. and Europe.

In economic context, Filipinos can neither be objectively (or subjectively) in absolute terms situated as an old democratic-ally to the U.S., nor with China along sea lanes of trading relations sustained in centuries.

The turning-point of that Filipino shift from a sentimental-value preference for U.S. products was capped by President Ferdinand E. Marcos Letter of Instructions (LOI) to the Department of Trade and Industry then to initiate measures of setting standards for a National Measurement System, a shift to the metric system of measurement from the English units that we were used to in the old good past. And so, this created an economic vacuum in the Philippines-U.S. trade relations. For, this forever set aside the old U.S. Detroit engines, the Graymarine diesel engine, and the Eisenhower and McArthur GMC brands that Filipinos had utilized in many booming post-war industries.

Not only those equipment and tools rendered beyond use by the directive of the first Marcos administration; it also created a business tycoon that struck the proverbial iron hot in perfect timing. Instead of returning the merchandises to Japan or Taiwan in exchange of bolts, pipes, round, deformed bars with the metric (mm) units of measurement from the English-U.S. inch and foot units, some enterprising government representatives talked to the lucky metal junk trader to convince his fellow Chinese businessmen to comply with the Presidential directive the easier way through. It was to sell to him the hardware merchandise measured in English-U.S. System, and all he did (on tutelage of government men) was re-label the bars, pipes and bolts from the English ½”, ¼”, ¾”, ⅜”, ⅝”, ⅞” inches to the nearest mm equivalents by the conventional conversion factor of 25.4 mm per inch--and sold them again through cooperating retail outlets. The rest is history.

This trend is not easily reversible as are our biases against items that are labelled “Made in China.” Looking

P enlight

into the roots of such a problem, the same Department of Trade and Industry would find electronics items (normally, only during Christmas Season), hardware tools or appliances Made-in-China fail the QCS (Quality Control Standards) of both the country of origin and the importing country.

But why do we still become literally the “dumping ground” for non-durable imported wares, merchandises from China? Blame it on greed-for-profit importers who prefer to buy goods at the cheapest price tags from underground sources through Chinese middle-persons of products that fail China’s QCS (but are still saleable to profiteers).

Otherwise, the good old U.S. Ford and Chevy are excellently produced in China.

Would I then wonder why Michigan motor manufacturers of Ford and Chevrolet cars and pickup trucks rather set up their biggest plants outside of Detroit, or the Motor City in Flint Michigan, NOT in the U.S.-ally Philippines, but in Chongqing, China and in Thailand’s Kamolchanok Prasertsom?

In recent years, Ford Thailand has had an annual production rate pegged at about 270,000, according to the Director of Communications of Kamolchanok Prasertsom for Thailand and ASEAN Markets.

To date, Changan Ford’s production base in Chongqing, China is the largest manufacturing location outside Detroit, Michigan for Ford. It has plants in Chongqing, Hangzhou and Harbin.

Changan Ford Plant I and Ford Plat II both in Chongqing, China are designated hub for automobile assembly. Another Ford Plant in Chongqing produces auto engines. The third Changan Ford production hub in Chongqing, China is a transmission plant.

Indeed, the Chevrolet Philippines has its manufacturing hub in China for the sedans that the Philippines import: The SAIC-General Motors partnership in Shanghai.

15 Tips for a Stress-Free Return to Work after a Holiday

The Haunting End in Why? h e A lth c o R ne R

WEmay have the journalism rudiment in news making intact as in What, Who, Where and When but the How will eventually lead us to - Why?

The question brings us to the passing away of two world renowned figures hounded by controversies shortly before the end of 2022. They are erstwhile Pope Benedict XVI and Jose Maria “Joma” Sison, the self-proclaimed founder of the Communist Party of the Philippines, the New People’s Army and the National Democratic Front.

Pope Benedict XVI, who resigned his post in 2013 has been described as “conservative and traditional minded” that alienated him from the progressive type. He died at 95 amid controversies that Catholics’ long queue to his wake at the Vatican this week resulted to injuries of thousands wanting to view the pontiff’s remains.

Pope Francis in his eulogy underscored the importance of forgiveness, especially among family members. He considered Benedict’s resignation as unusual and the first in the span of 600 years in the papacy.

In the case of Joma Sison’s death former cadres or colleagues in the communist movement who are now with the government have sounded-off the need to rectify history of lies and deception that misguided so many young activists to join the fray through lawless violence and terrorism. They themselves admitted to have been duped by slogans in “Makabayan” or patriotism.

Any move to topple government is of the devil. For God commanded citizens to be law-abiding by subjecting themselves to government for all authorities that exist are from above as inscribed in Romans 13; 1 Peter 2:13 and Titus 3).

Another controversy that welcomes the New Year is the chaotic air transport terminal of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport that stranded 65,000 passengers mostly OFWs due to cancellation of nearly

400 flights. Airport and communication authorities said it will take about a week to resolve, that prompted lawmakers in Congress to call for an inquiry as some entertain possible sabotage. When suddenly digital experts from the Civil Aeronautics Administration and other internet franchised holders blamed it to “digital communication glitch and power supply problem.”

This brings us back to the time when Metro Manila residents complained of water shortage from its Local Water Utilities Administration outlets that conducted “water rationing” despite daily rainfall. Then President Duterte who was in Davao vowed to be back in Manila soonest and warned to penalize concerned utilities run by oligarchs. And amazingly upon his arrival, MM water service was back to normal. Unfortunately, his 6-year term has ended.

WHAT’S BIBLICAL END ALL ABOUT?

LORD, make us to know our end. And what is the measure of our days? That we may know how frail we are (Psalm 39:4). LORD, teach us the way to Your statutes for us to keep it to the end. Give us understanding for us to keep Your law (Psalm 119:33). There’s a way that seems right to man, but its end is the way of death (Proverbs 14:12). Being ignorant of God’s righteousness by seeking to establish their own righteousness, they have not submitted to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law in righteousness to everyone who believes (Romans 10:3-4). The end of all things is at hand. Therefore, be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:7-8). Christ telling members of the Church of God to hold fast of what they have till He comes, saying “Whoever overcomes and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations” (Revelation 2:25-26). Christ finally said, “I am coming quickly and My reward is with Me to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last” (Revelation 22:12-13). MC

P. S. to 2022

Ihaveyet to talk to someone who will tell me that 2022 is better than ever. Everyone seems to wish 2022 did not happen. It seems that there are so many issues to lament over, and no matter how we keep feeling optimistic, it does not seem on target with our goals, or dreams or ambitions.

It is said that, the more one complains the same will manifest itself again and again. How can we not help but complain? The entire month of December brought rains every day. Even on Christmas and New Year’s day, Isn’t that a wonder? Floods continue to inundate towns and cities, even those who have yet to recover from their previous predicament.

Every day we hear of ambushes and killings; increase in number of Covid infections, and deaths; soaring prices of commodities, onions in particular; the weekly rise and fall of fuel. Disastrous of all, thousands stranded at the airport because the money intended for the development and up=grade of the air traffic system backup was diverted for face-lifting the NAIA. Moreover, the NAIA was voted as the “most stressful airport “ in Southeast Asia.

The national government debt recorded at P13.52 trillion as of endSeptember, 2022, estimated to be paid as far down to our great grandchildren; the nuclear plant has not been completely paid to this day.

Finally, we mourn the death of a favourite icon, Queen Elizabeth II; and that of German Pope Emeritus Benedict II, and Pele, the great Brazilian football player who gave us the most exciting games on the grass.

Usually, there is no succession for the office of pope, but for some reasons, health they said, Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger resigned on the 28th of February, 2013, ending his reign of 8 years. The last time such resignation took place for a pope was 600 years ago. He had served for decades at the Vatican as the church’s guardian of

doctrinal orthodoxy. Many controversies were directed at his pronouncements, such as: He exonerated Jews for the death of Jesus of Nazareth; In an essay, he blames the clergy sex abuse scandal on the sexual revolution of the 1960s and an absence of God. In January 2020, he contributed to a book reaffirming celibacy for priests at a time when Pope Francis was considering an exception, sparking calls for rules governing future popes emeritus.

For some light in the tunnel: The Ateneo de Manila University bested hundreds of institution in the world’s largest debate tournament held in Madrid, Spain from December 27 to January 4.

The Ateneo de Manila University team represented by BS Applied Mathematics students David Africa and Tobi Leung bested other teams from Bulgaria’s Sophia University, Israel’s Tel Aviv University and Princeton University in the United States during the grand finals.

The team debated on whether it’s preferable to have a “world where all persons have a strong belief in the philosophy of “Ubuntu” Ubuntu means “I am because we are “ is an African philosophy that places emphasis on being self through others.” This is the third consecutive tie an Ateneo team has made final appearance, and an enormous feat that no other Filipino team succeeded in its conception” said the Ateneo Debate Society in its Facebook post.

Everyone is advised to wear mask because the new COVID-Omicron XBB variant is different, deadly and not easily detected. Symptoms of the XBB virus are as follows: No cough, no fever, there will only be: headache, neck pain, upper back pain, Pneumonia, general loss of appetite. The XBB is 5 times more toxic than Delta variant and has a higher mortality rate. It takes shorter time for the condition to reach extreme severity and sometimes there are no obvious symptoms. This strain of virus is not found in the nasopharyngeal region, and it directly affects the lungs, the “windows” for relatively short period of time. Nasal swab tests are generally negative , and false negative case of nasopharyngeal test are increasing. XBB has become highly contagious, highly virulent and lethal.

Going back to work after a holiday can be stressful and demoralising. But these tips will make your return a smooth one!

The holidays are a relaxing and joyful time. The festive dinners, perhaps accompanied by alcohol, celebratory gatherings with friends and family, and days on end wearing nothing but stretchy pants, are enough to make us forget what it’s like to have a job at all.

Going back to work after this holiday bliss to productive work can be a jarring transition. Happily, with the holidays approaching, we’ve got you covered. Here are some tips — from the night before, to the end of your first day back — to help make your re-entry to work less painful and more productive.

1. Check emails the night before (maybe!)

There are two distinct schools of thought on this. Some people find it helpful to screen their emails the evening before — both to ease their eveningbefore peace of mind, and also improve their first-day-back productivity. Other people feel that the evening before their first day back is still part of their holiday time and decide against checking their inbox. Find the strategy that works best for you and stick to it with intention.

2. Plan ahead for a good morning

If you’ve been living in your PJs for a week or two, a morning rush to work can get your day off on entirely the wrong foot. Make your morning easier by putting together a go bag. Prepare your lunch and snacks, set out the clothes you’ll wear and gather up whatever work you may have brought home with you. All these things will make your morning run smoothly and will improve your performance on your first day back after Christmas.

3. Get a good night’s sleep

There’s an abundance of research showing that focus and performance drop dramatically with lost sleep, and that sleep deprivation can have disastrous

effects on your physical health as well. Turn off any screens in good time, use relaxation strategies that work for you, and go to bed early to ensure you’ll wake up feeling rested and ready.

4. Get organised

If you left your desk in a state of disarray (we won’t judge — most of us don’t have time to organise our desks on the last day before the holidays), set yourself up for success by tidying up before you start working on anything. Straighten up any unnecessary piles of paper and folders and set them aside for later. Clearing your clutter clears your mind, and in turn, means you’ll be able to manage your time without being distracted by the mess.

See also:

How to Be More Organised

5. Set goals and write them down

On your return to work after the holidays, it’s especially important to set goals and hold yourself accountable for reaching them. The number and type of goals you set will depend entirely on your work, but keep them achievable so you can reward yourself with a sense of accomplishment. Write the most important things down and cross them off as you get them finished. Stick with one goal until it’s finished — multitasking may seem more productive, but in fact, the reverse is true.

6. Check in with work social media feeds

During one of your breaks from work, check in with your work-related social media feeds (if you use them to stay current on news and developments in your line of work and industry). Doing this intentionally during a break will help you resist the temptation to check in mindlessly during the day — particularly in a moment when your mind is seeking a fun distraction from work.

7. After checking, turn all social media off

Keep your phone on silent with the screen down so you won’t be distracted by notifications and alerts throughout the day. Social media is the easiest and most tempting way to spend time doing anything other than work. Turn off the distractions so you won’t let yourself get pulled down that rabbit hole.

Making Public Service More Convenient….

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”—Mahatma Gandhi

“The first rule of any technology used in business is that automation applied to an efficient operation will magnify the efficiency. The second is that automation applied to an inefficient operation will magnify the inefficiency.”—Bill Gates

Earlier in December 2022, I wrote about the importance of being good in providing services for a country or a locality to be able to attract investors, tourists, and other people. Convenience, or “being able to proceed or do something with little effort or encountering very minimal difficulty/” is key to being competitive and attaining the status of “destination of choice.”

The context of the discussion in the previous article centered on private institutions and business firms.

For this week, let us tackle some services or functions being rendered by Philippine Government agencies and see their status and ways to render these more convenient to the public.

Undeniably, getting a copy of one’s birth certificate, marriage certificate, certificate of no marriage, or death certificate are some of the most common transactions with a government agency that a Filipino citizen does in his or her lifetime. The current system for securing these certificates starts with getting an appointment with a Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) office through the internet. Obtaining a date of appointment usually takes two weeks to a month.

Aside from missing out on the appointment date, the other usual problem that an applicant may face in applying with PSA is the occurrence of brownouts and absence of internet

connectivity during his/ her visit at the local PSA office (the database is at the PSA Central Office and can only be accessed online). These could be problematic for those that live far from the nearest PSA office as they would have to travel again and incur travel additional travel expenses.

How could this situation be remedied?

The PSA Central Office can provide their provincial or city offices with a read-only copy of the records of birth, marriage, deaths, among others. As such, more PSA or PSA-allowed offices can issue these certificates to applicants, not being affected by poor or absence of internet connection. An updated version of the records could be provided by the Central Office every two weeks or so.

Another certificate that Filipinos get from a government agency, especially when applying for a job or for the issuance of (or renewal) of a Philippine passport is the clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). An NBI clearance can be obtained by applying for an appointment and making payment online. The clearance can be obtained right a few minutes after the application form is submitted and the requirement for photo-taking and fingerprinting are done at the NBI office. However, on instances where there are derogatory records for someone with the same or similar name as the applicant (referred to as a “hit”), the issuance of the clearance may take a few days or weeks later. Unfortunately, once you experience such, this “hit” would occur again when a new clearance is sought from the NBI.

What can be done with this “hit” thing?

Once an applicant with such problem had been cleared, the agency could permanently remove the caution on the issuance of a clearance for the person so that the inconvenience to the applicant would not be repeated.

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late ROBERTO D. CORTEZ, died on March 31, 2021 in Davao City, parcels of land Lot 2431-C, Psd-22680 in Cotabato City, covered by TCT No. T-27081; Lot 131-D-2-E, Psd-47731, in Salimbao, Nuling, Cotabato, covered by TCT No. T-35150; with the total area of 3,858 sq. mts., more or less; Condominium Certificate of Title Nos. 1462013000442- Parking Unit Space No. 66, with an area of 12.60 sq. mts., and 1462013000442- Residential Type Condominium Unit 501,with an area of 51 sq. mts., more or less, both situated in Davao City, are subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Agnes De Castro-Jagunap as per Doc. No. 5969; Page No. 5969; Book No. XXVIII; Series of 2022.

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 12th Judicial Region BRANCH 14 Cotabato City

SPECIAL PROC. NO. 2022-1589 IN THE MATTER OF CORRECTION OF ENTRIES IN THE CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH OF TRISTAN JAY BADILLA PASANTING

TRISTAN JAY PASANTING, Petitioner, -versus-

CIVIL REGISTRY OF PARANG, MAGUINDANAO DEL NORTE AND ARMANDO PASANTING, Respondent. x—————————————x ORDER

A verified petition was file by petitioner, assisted by counsel, praying that after due proceedings, judgment be rendered in favor of the petitioner by ordering the Civil Registry of Parang, Maguindanao Del Norte to correct the entries in the Certificate of Live Birth of Tristan Jay Badilla with Civil Registry Number 98-1164 as follows:

a.correcting Entry Number 1, by changing his surname from Badilla to Pasanting; and entering his middle name as Badilla; and b.correcting Entry Number 13, by changing his father’s first name from Precioso to Armando.

Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, let this case be set for hearing on February 17, 2023 at 8:30 o’clock in the morning.

Let this Order be published in a newspaper edited and of general circulation in the City of Cotabato and Province of Maguindanao, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks prior to the date of hearing at the expense of the petitioner.

SO ORDERED.

Cotabato City, Philippines, this 13th day of December, 2022.

(Sgd.)

Republic of the Philippines Pigcawayan, Cotabato LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), notice is hereby served to the public that Joebhyk Zacaria Esplanada has filed with this office, a petition for change of sex from Male to Female in the certificate of live birth of Joebhyk Zacaria Esplanada at Pigcawayan, Cotabato and whose parents are Rey Legaspi Esplanada and Baikan Karon Zacaria .

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file written opposition with this office not later than January 23, 2023.

(Sgd.) EVELYN B. LAGDAMIN Municipal Civil Registrar

MC: Jan. 7 & 14, 2023

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that Erna Marie Abiera Ortega has filed with this office a petition for change of first name from Erna to Erna Marie in the birth certificate of Erna Abiera Ortega who was born on December 24, 1968 at Cotabato City and whose parents are Jose O. Ortega and Esperanza F. Abiera.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this office.

(Sgd.) EDRES A. SAMAMA Asst. City Civil Registrar OIC-City Civil Registrar MC: Jan. 7 & 14, 2023

Republic of the Philippines City Government of Cotabato OFFICE OF THE CITY CIVIL REGISTRAR

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), notice is hereby served to the public that Hasmay-an Salibo Nul has filed with this office, a petition for correction in the date of birth from May 23, 2203 to May 23, 2003 in the certificate of live birth of Hasmay-an Salibo Nul who was born on May 23, 2003 at Cotabato City and whose parents are Hasim G. Nul and Myra M. Salibo .

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this office.

(Sgd.) EDRES A. SAMAMA

Asst. City Civil Registrar OIC-City Civil Registrar MC: Jan. 7 & 14, 2023

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late LAMBERTO DEVILA who died intestate on December 20, 1989 at Kiwanan, Misdayap, Cotabato, a parcel of land Lot 8 Psd-12050825, situated at Sadaan now Kiwanan, Midsayap, Cotabato, covered by TCT No. T-117654, containing an area of 6,677 sq. mts., more or less is subject of deed of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous deed of sale before Notary Public Roland D. Jungco as per Doc. No. 124; Page No. 26; Book No. 142; Series of 2022.

MC: Dec. 31, 2022, Jan. 7 & 14, 2023

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late ERNESTO C. CAPILITAN, who died on December 5, 2021 at Rangayen, Alamada, Cotabato, a parcel of land Lot 8, GSS-12000263-D, covered by OCT No. CO-11747, situated in Bo. Rangayen, Alamada, Cotabato, containing an area of 68,694 sq. mts., more or less is subject of extrajudicial partition with settlement of estate with deed of sale before Notary Public Noel A. Gretare, CPA as per Doc. No. 500; Page No. 101; Book No. XCII; Series of 2022.

MC: Dec. 24, 31, 2022 & Jan. 7, 2023

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

SPECIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

WE, TENG B. DALINDING, BEDIR TUMINDEG KADATUAN, ABDULKAHAR B. AMPILAN, IBRAHIM A. PUNDAG, ALLADIN R. MATAS, and FATIMA D. ABDULLAH, H. SALIK BACAR ESMAEL, all legal age, Filipinos and all residents of Cotabato City, Philippines, respectively all heirs/relatives of the late DATU WALIA USONG, married to KADIGUIA DAUD (deceased) who died intestate sometime in 1962 at Bario Kakar, Cotabato City, have made constituent and appoint I hereby name constitute, and appoint BEDIR TUMINDEG KADATUAN and TENG B. DALINDING, both heirs likewise of legal age, Filipinos, married and presently residing at Cotabato City, to be my true and lawful attorney-in-fact for me and in my name, place, and stead to do and perform the following acts and deeds, wit:

1. To transact, follow-up, verify and ask pertaining papers/documents of a parcel of land containing an area of 1,882,011 square meters, more or less, being a portion of Lot No. 232, new B-2-B situated in Kakar, Cotabato City;

2. To decide, sign and receive in our behalf any papers/documents and perform such other acts and thing and/or related works for the documentation or having any case against the respondent who may be liable in the occupation and cultivation of the above-described parcel of land;

3. To contract of hire lawyer counsel to personally represent us any court of justice and any court proceedings; and

4. We are the heirs of the late DATU WALIA USONG owners of the said real property and we divide equally our shares among the heirs.

MC: Dec. 24, 31, 2022 & Jan. 7, 2023

EXTRAJUDICIAL

SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late Spouses GERMAN DELA CRUZ, JR. and FLORENCIA VALDEVIZO-DELA CRUZ, who both died intestate on January 21, 1991 and September 12, 2002 at Lika, Mlang, Cotabato, parcels of land Lot 917 and Lot 2515, both under PLS-59, situated in Brgy. Lika, Mlang, Cotabato, covered by OCT No. V-8782, containing the total area of 37,511 sq. mts., more or less are subject of deed of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous deed of sale before Notary Public Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 415; Page No. 83; Book No. CCCXXIV; Series of 2022.

MC: Dec. 31, 2022, Jan. 7 & 14, 2023

Patalastas ng Subasta

Ang THE REGENT PAWNSHOP ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sangla magmula Enero 2021 hanggang Disyembre 2021. Ang subasta ay gaganapin sa Enero 18, 2023 sa nasabing lugar.

THE REGENT PAWNSHOP Quezon Avenue, Cotabato City MC: Jan 7 & 14, 2023

NOTICE OF LOSS

Notice is hereby given that LORBEN JAY MONTEJO, holder of Visayas Ram Cycles Inc Collection Receipt Echo Series No. 15451-15500, color white and green with Stub No. 110.

The said receipt was inadvertently fell unnoticed and nowhere to be found, despite of exerted effort to locate it, hence considered lost.

Any transaction entered into using the above receipt will not be honored by the Visayas Ram Cycles Inc.

MC: Jan. 7, 2023

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late PRAXEDES A. NADELA, who died intestate on January 14, 1985 at Central Katingawan, Midsayap, Cotabato, a parcel of land Lot No. 2446-A, Csd-12001353-D, covered by OCT No. P-48151, situated at Bo. of Lower Katingawan, Midsayap, Cotabato, containing an area of 40,000 sq. mts., more or less is subject of deed of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous sale before Notary Public Roland D. Jungco as per Doc. No. 22; Page No. 05; Book No. IX; Series of 2022.

MC: Dec. 24, 31, 2022 & Jan. 7, 2023

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late MILA ARELLANO-QUIMQUE, who died on December 20, 2018 at Rangayen, Alamada, Cotabato, a parcel of land Lot No. 3, GSS-12000263-D, covered by OCT No. CO-11745, situated in Bo. Rangayen, Alamada, Cotabato, containing an area of 61,177 sq. mts., more or less is subject of extrajudicial settlement with partition of estate before Notary Public Noel A. Gretare, CPA as per Doc. No. 499; Page No. 101; Book No. XCII; Series of 2022.

HEREBY GIVING AND GRANTING unto my said attorney full powers and authority to do perform all and every act requisite or necessary to carry into effect the foregoing authority as fully to all intents and purposes as I might or could lawfully do if personally present, and hereby, ratifying and confirming all that my said attorney shall lawfully do or cause to be done under the by virtue hereof was the subject of a SPECIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY by the Sole Heir and among the Heirs before Notary Public Atty. Mohammad Jameel A. Singh as per Doc No. 304; Page No. 61; Book No. 23; Series of 2023.

MC: Jan. 7, 14 & 21, 2023

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. 9048/10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that Marie Claire Christine R. Belvis has filed with this office a petition for change of first name/sex from Maria Claire Cristine/August 9, 1972 to Marie Claire Christine/ August 8, 1972 in the birth certificate of Maria Claire Cristine T. Belvis who was born on August 9, 1972 at Parang, Cotabato and whose parents are Teodorico B. Belvis, Jr. and Conception A. Teves.

Any person adversely affected by the said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than January 11. 2023.

(Sgd.) KARIM O. OMAR, MPA Municipal Civil Registrar MC: Dec. 31, 2022, Jan. 7, 2023

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that Ma. Leny Castro Sabdani has filed with this office a petition for change of First Name Leny to Ma. Leny in the certificate of Live Birth of Leny Begasin Castro who was born on January 28, 1966 at Midsayap, Cotabato and whose parents are Wenceslao Castro and Araceli Begasin.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this Office of Municipal Civil Registrar. Midsayap, Cotabato.

(Sgd.) NORAH B. CABUGWASON Municipal Civil Registrar MC: Dec. 31, 2022, Jan. 7, 2023

MC: Dec. 24, 31, 2022 & Jan. 7, 2023

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late IRENE MASECAMPO AMOR, who died intestate on September 22, 2022 in Cotabato City, Bank deposit accounts with Landbank of the Pilippines (LBP)-Cotabato Branch with Account No. 0371-2130-40 and Banco de Oro (BDO)- Cotabato Branch with Account No. 003340056700, both in Cotabato City are subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with waiver of real rights and interests before Notary Public Atty. Johari P. Casan as per Doc. No. 291; Page No. 58; Book No. XVIII; Series of 2022.

MC: Dec. 24, 31, 2022 & Jan. 7, 2023

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late CONCORDIO A. NADELA, who died intestate on August 21, 2015 at Katingawan, Midsayap, Cotabato, a parcel of land Lot No. 2430B, Csd-124709-005538-D, covered by OCT No. P-58949, situated at Bo. Katingawan, Midsayap, Cotabato, containing an area of 18,762 sq. mts., more or less is subject of deed of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Roland D. Jungco as per Doc. No. 19; Page No. 04; Book No. IX; Series of 2022.

MC: Dec. 24, 31, 2022 & Jan. 7, 2023

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late ANDING MUSA, who died intestate on April 24, 2001 in Cotabato City, a parcel of land covered by TCT No. T-8515, situated at Bo. Lugay-Lugay, Cotabato City, containing an area of 3,910 sq. mts., more or less is subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous deed of sale of a portion of land before Notary Public Atty. Amira S. Pagayao, CPA as per Doc. No. 14; Page No. 3; Book No. XIII; Series of 2022.

MC: Dec. 24, 31, 2022 & Jan. 7, 2023

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late KALIPA PANDITA and GINO PANDITA, who both died in Kadingilan, Pikit, Cotabato on March 15, 2007 and February 12, 2016, respectively, a parcel of land Cadastral Lot 194, PLS- 134, covered by Tax Declaration of Registry of Deeds of North Cotabato, situated in Bo. Kadingilan, Pikit, Cotabato, containing an area of 12.00000 hectares, more or less is subject of extrajudicial settlement with deed of absolute sale before Notary Public Atty. Nasiff Brian O. Meditar as per Doc. No. 36; Page No. 08; Book No. XX; Series of 2022.

MC: Dec. 24, 31, 2022 & Jan. 7, 2023

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late Spouses AVELINO CARIÑO and EVELYN GALACGACCARIÑO, who died on August 6, 1994 and June 17, 2016, in Kidapawan City & Hawaii, USA, respectively, a parcel of land Lot 3253-G, Psd-12000354, covered by TCT No. T-63872, situated in Bo. Midpapan (now Midpapan 2), Pigcawayan, Cotabato, containing an area of 13,667 sq. mts., more or less is subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous deed of absolute sale before Notary Public Atty. Nasiff Brian O. Meditar as per Doc. No. 170; Page No. 34; Book No. X; Series of 2021.

MC: Dec. 24, 31, 2022 & Jan. 7, 2023

MOLE helps constituents find jobs

THE

The Ministry of Labor and Employment-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao facilitated early on, along with the local government unit of Cotabato City, a jobs fair in this city where organizers linked 111 jobseekers to potential employersprivate firms operating in BARMM.

Bai Sara Jane Sinsuat, director of MOLE-BARMM’s Bureau of Employment, Promotion and Welfare, said 71 young jobseekers benefited from their jobs fair in the town proper of Upi on December 28.

Sinsuat said they are grateful to officials of the Upi LGU for supporting the activity,

meant to connect jobseekers to prospective employers as part of MOLE-BARMM's labor sector empowerment efforts.

Regional Labor Minister Muslimin Sema said Wednesday they are to embark on more jobs fair this year in other areas in the Bangsamoro region. JFU

No clues yet on deadly Mlang

ambush

INVESTIGATORS

from North Cotabato Provincial Police and counterparts in Mlang PNP have no closure yet on the fatal ambush of a Moro father and his son on Tuesday night.

The local police said Wednesday efforts to determine the suspects in the ambush-slay of Tatuan Mangelen Buisan and his son, Benjie, are still underway.

In a statement Tuesday, the office of Brig. Gen. Jamil Macaraeg said the victims were riding a motorcycle together en route to somewhere when gunmen positioned along a road in Barangay Dunguan in Mlang flagged them down and shot them with pistols.

Buisan was an active

supporter of domestic peacebuilding activities meant to foster religious and cultural solidarity among Moro and nonMoro communities, according to relatives and traditional Moro elders.

Buisan died on the spot while his son succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds in a hospital.

Probers from the Mlang Municipal Police Station told reporters Tuesday barangay officials are helping identify their ambushers.

Macaraeg said Tuesday he has instructed the intelligence unit of the Cotabato Provincial Police Office to help identify the culprits for immediate prosecution.

JFU

Laborer dead, 6 hurts in 2 grenade blasts

A sugarcane plantation worker was killed while six others were hurt in separate accidental grenade blasts that rocked the provinces of North Cotabato sa Maguindanao del Sur in a span of just five days.

Three were badly hurt in an accidental grenade blast Sunday, January 1, in Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat, just five days after one perished and three others got injured in a similar incident in Matalam, Cotabato.

shrapnel wounds in different parts of their bodies.

Abellera said one of the victims found an unexploded 40 millimeter grenade projectile in a farm at the border of Lambayong ang Sultan sa Barongis that he accidentally dropped, causing an explosion.

killers all scot-free and still unidentified.

Relatives of Magno, a member of the Marine Corps of the Philippine Navy, took turns urging for justice in messages during interment rites before he was laid to rest at the

He was killed with pistols by still unidentified men while inside his car on December 18 at Dapdap area here.

Magno died from bullet wounds in the head and left shoulder.

Magno, his wife and children were together in their Toyota Vios

car, parked along Moreno Drive in Dapdap, when two men approached and shot him with .45 caliber pistols.

Witnesses told reporters Magno’s assailants escaped even before responding barangay tanods and policemen could reach the scene.

Magno was rushed to a hospital where attending physicians declared him dead on arrival. JFU

The incident was confirmed by the office of Brig. Gen. John Guyguyon of the Police Regional OfficeBangsamoro Autonomous Region, citing that while the incident happened in a barangay in Lambayong, at its border with Sultan sa Barongis in Maguindanao del Sur, the victims were rushed to a dispensary in the territory of the PRO-BAR.

Major Regie Abellera, spokesman of the Maguindanao Provincial Police, said the victims, Bryan Damada, Irap Kaslon and Tolig Duwa sustained

The incident was preceded by the death just last December 30 of sugarcane plantation worker Oto Biangan Lamalan, killed when a grenade he was playing with, along with three companions, in Barangay Kidama, Matalam, North Cotabato, exploded.

Three co-workers of Lamalan, Esmael Landing, Anggara Mangadta and Kentol Macaalay, were badly injured in the explosion.

Brig. Gen. Jamili Macaraeg, director of the Police Regional Office-12, told reporters via Viber Tuesday that probers are still clueless as to where the grenade that caused Lamalan’s death and hurt his three companions had come from. JFU

Father dead, wife, son hurt in ambush

GUNMEN killed a 42-year-old Moro father and wounded his wife and 11-month-old son in an ambush Wednesday in Datu Saudi Ampatuan town in Maguindanao del Sur.

Major Regie Abellera, spokesperson of the Maguindanao Provincial Police Office, said Thursday the fatality, initially identified only as Junior Sumlay, was driving their red multicab through a stretch of a highway in Barangay Salbu, Datu Saudi Ampatuan when gunmen along the route opened fire.

Sumlay died on

1 dead, another hurt in Aleosan motorcycle mishap

A 24-year-old man was killed while his brother was hurt in three motorcycle smash up in Aleosan, North Cotabato on Wednesday afternoon.

The incident transpired along the national highway in Barangay San Mateo, Aleosan, North Cotabato,

Amotan identified the fatality as Jofel Janoras, 24 and the injured as his brother John Paul, 21, both residents of Aleosan.

Other motorists involved in the

mishap, namely, Raymond Cambel, 41 and Herly Calawigan, 50 were reportedly unhurt.

Police took custody of the motorbikes involved while investigation was going on. Edrel Espinas

the spot while his spouse, Fatima, 42, their 11-month-old son, Johari, and a 28-year-old companion named Guiaria Alamada Mohamad sustained gunshot wounds in different parts of their bodies.

Abellera said the victims were from their hometown, Datu Anggal Midtimbang, also in Maguindanao del Sur, en route to somewhere when they got waylaid.

Abellera said personnel of the Datu Saudi Ampatuan Municipal Police Station are still trying to identify the culprits for prosecution. JFU