Editorial

Class reunions and the tales

The month of December is often set for class reunions other than gatherings of family circles. Sociology graduate batches 1991 to 1995 from Notre Dame University in Cotabato City had their first reunion last December 1, coinciding with this chief editor’s birthday. Thanks for the blowout my dear Sociology graduate students. They have pursued their respective careers and now their sibs are set to have their starting families, one of the Cycles of Family Life. We proceed with the gift of life.

Reunions are indeed reminiscing the togetherness of once class or batch, especially when it was 20 or so years ago. In reunions, we renew our acquaintances and exchange life careers and see some economic prospects with our fellows. Some gatherings initiate projects for the school --- scholarship for poor students or improvement of school facilities or what have we. These are laudable moves as track of legacies. It’s loving the alma mater where we have grown in maturity and prepare for our career trips.

And now, seeing each other in reunions give us a retrospect of things and see how well we have managed in life as we share cordialities with our collegiate or school peers. Surely, we don’t share the same stature in today’s life. But how we face challenges and overcome difficulties and improve our lots are worth the living. Not necessarily we adopt the paradigms we learned from our academic years but some of these models can help as guides in our behaviors and pursuit of careers… or not consciously, some could have adapted these paradigms in situations such as the “child in me, the adult in me, and the parent in me.”The paradigm of structural-functionalism or conflict-functionalism could explain actual events confronting people today. Theories give us a perspective why social events happen and these can serve as guides in planning courses of actions. Academics make us intelligible.

Reunions are social, cultural, and economic in nature. These aspects interplay with each other. These gatherings can be of relevance to us following sharing of life experiences. We make the best out of it because it’s once in a lifetime. It’s rekindling of acquaintance and sharing of perspectives. So folks, let us meet our batch and see who we are today.

The past is also seeing the present… historically wise. Enjoy the reunions, folks. It’s a gift of life.

Brgy. chiefs support war on terror, drugs

COMMITMENT --- Barangay LGUs from Lumba-Bayabao town in Lanao del Sur Bacolod I Chairman Tagoranao C. Disomimba (left) and Turugan Chairman Sultan Nassib M. Padate have expressed their commitment in the fight against terrorism and illegal drugs. (GILMHAR A. LAO WITH PHOTO BY ANNE ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

DAVAO CITY --- Barangays chiefs from Lumba-Bayabao town in Lanaodel Sur have expressed their support to the ongoing war illegal drugs and terrorism of the national government.

Following the conclusion of the “1^stLigang mga Barangay ARMM Cluster Summit: Anti-Illegal Drugs and Terrorism” last November 24-26 held at the Ritz Hotel at Garden Oases in Davao City, Bacolod I Barangay Chairman Tagoranao C. Disomimba and Turugan Barangay Chairman Sultan Nassib M. Padate have expressed their commitment in safeguarding their populace away from terrorism and proliferation of illegal drugs.

Disomimba explained how important it is that residents of the barangay would be properly informed with proper education so they will not be influenced by the extremist groups and other criminality.

“The same thing with our fight against illegal drugs.This is not only a fight of the local government and the barangay officials, but we also need the cooperation of our populace so we can fully counter the proliferation of illegal drugs,” Disomimba said.

Padate said they have always been supportive to the campaign of the national leadership. As a matter of fact, he said, they have strengthened the commitment of their barangay officials and partners in sustaining a harmonious and peaceful community.

“We are able to do all of these because of the full backing up and support of our local government, headed by Mayor Sultan GambaiRasumanDagalangit,” Padate said.

The two barangay chairmen emphasized that the barangays officials have been continuously patrolling within their communities round the clock to ensure the safety of the populace. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA- MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Datu Piang observes its 81st Founding Day

FOUNDING DAY --- Mayor Genuine P. Kamaong (2^nd from left) is joined by First Lady BaiJienFarhanna U. Kamaong (1^st from left) and Maguindanao PPO Provincial Director Senior Superintendent Agustin J. Tello (4^th from left) together with other guests and officials during the culmination program of Datu Piang’s 81^st Foundation Anniversary last November 25 held at the municipal gymnasium. Maguindanao’s 2nd District Assemblywoman Pearl Joy L. Piang (5^th from right) was the guest of honor and speaker in the event. (GILMHAR A. LAO WITH PHOTO BY LISA Española - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

DATU PIANG, Maguindanao --- This municipality government gears for another year of competency as it observed last November 25its 81^stFoundation Anniversary with the theme, “LGU- Datu Piang: Naninindigan Laban sa mga Makabagong Hamon  sa Lokal na Pamahalaan.”

Mayor Genuine P. Kamaong said during an interview following the culmination program at the municipal gymnasium that the local government offered simple yet significant activities that the populace have enjoyed during the period of festivity.

“We had the Kulintang Festival as one of the highlights together with Mutya Nu Datu Piang 2017,” Mayor Kamaong said.

Guest of honor and speaker during the affair was Maguindanao’s 2^nd District Assemblywoman Pearl Joy Laud Piang of the 9^th Regional Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

In her message, Piang lauded the efforts of the municipal government in its fight to have a peaceful and productive community.

“We encourage the populace of Datu Piang to be united as one as we move for another fruitful year,” Piang said.

Other guests were 2nd Mechanical Infantry Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Alvin G. Iyog, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-ARMM Chief Police Senior Superintendent James Allan I. Logan, Maguindanao Police Provincial Office Director Senior Superintendent  Agustin J. Tello, and 601^st Brigade Commander Brig. Gen.Diosdado C. Carreon.

Datu Piang, well-known for peaceful co-existence amid diverse ethnicity, is politically subdivided into 16 barangays: Alonganan, Ambadao, Balanakan, Balong, Buayan (Rajahbuayan Mopakc), Dado, Damabalas, Duaminanga, Kalipapa (Mopak), Kanguan, Liong, Magaslong, Masigay, Montay, Poblacion (Dulawan), and Reina Regente.(GILMHAR A. LAO - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

‘Inclusive” southern peace talks

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte does his signature pose with (from left) Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza, Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) Chairman Ghadzali Jaafar, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Central Committe Chairman Yusoph Jikiri, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, and other guests who attended the Bangsamoro Assembly held at the Old Provincial Capital in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on November 27, 2017. (Photo by Albert Alcain/Presidential Photo- MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

SULTAN KUDARAT, Maguindanao ---President Rodrigo Duterte will “work very hard” to address historical injustices committed against the Moro people, adding further that the southern peace talks will be inclusive.

“I plead to all Filipinos listening now to understand the problem,” President Duterte said in reference to the centuries-old Bangsamoro struggle.

The President was in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat in Maguindanao last November 27 for the two-day Bangsamoro Assembly that started on Sunday (November 26).

The event, organized by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), was attended by more than a million people that include high-ranking officials from the government, non-governmental organizations, indigenous peoples (IPs), religious leaders, and representatives from other groups such as the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

The assembly was aimed at drumming up support for the Bangsamoro Basic Law’s (BBL) immediate enactment.

For his part, Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) said he is one with the Bangsamoro people.

“Pumunta ako dito hindi lamang upang magpakita ng simpatya at suporta sa inyo, kundi naniniwala po ako na kabilang ako at kasama niyo ako sa kampanyang ito,” ARMM Governor Hataman said. He reiterated his commitment to vacate his post when the BBL is enacted.

Several officials and sectoral leaders also delivered their messages of support for the BBL including 1st district of Maguindanao and Cotabato City Representative Bai Sandra Sema; Tawi-tawi Representative Ruby Sahali; Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu; MNLF chairman YusophJikiri; Cardinal Orlando Quevedo, OMI, DD; Bishop Noel Pantoja of the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches; BTC Commissioner Timuay Melanio Ulama for the IPs; Datu Midpantao Midtimbang; and Aleem Ali Solaiman.

Murad Ibrahim, MILF chairman, said his group must now transition into a social movement. “From fortification of camps with arms, we venture into the development of our communities with new sets of learned skills and prepare the leadership from a revolutionary mindset into transformative leaders and managers,” Chairman Ibrahim said.

He added that the MILF will continuously push for the enactment of the BBL “because we are convinced of the justness and legitimacy of the Bangsamoro cause.”

Ghadzali Jaafar, first vice-chairman of the MILF, read the Bangsamoro Assembly’s. manifesto.

“We strongly appeal to the President to expedite the passage of the BBL,” he said, adding that the BBL is the Bangsamoro’s articulation for self-determination. (BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION - ARMM- MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

MTDCPI, GSRNCW hold peace confab

ROYALTY --- The royal couple His Majesty DYMM Sultan Shariff Maharadjah Tabunaway Tuanku Abdullah Lihondo Esmail Adam and Her Royal Highness Permaisuri DYAM Sultanah Shariffah Maharhanee Tuanku Marieta Nor-Aisha Mindalano-Adam were recognized and appointed by the Malaysian government through HRH Dato Seri. Dr. Hj. Mujeebudeen Bin Tn HJ Abdul Samad (Tan Sri Dato Raden Pangeran Jayaningrat) who is the president of Kelab Kebajikan BN4U Malaysia – Umno Barisan National Party of Malaysia during the 2nd International Royalty, Nobility Interfaith Peace Conference with the blessing of Brunei and Johore.(MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

DAVAO CITY --- The Maharadjah Tabunaway Descendants Council of the Philippines, Inc. (MTDCPI), the official and sole organization in charge of implementing the programs and activities of the Royal (Kesultanan) of Shariff Maharadjah Tabunaway Empire (Johore) Mindanao Darussalam Philippines spearheaded the three-day activity 2nd International Royalty, Nobility Interfaith Peace Conference (Global Synergy of Royalty and Nobility Council World) last November 26-28 at the Ritz Hotel and Davao Convention Center, this city.

Her Royal Highness Permaisuri Sultanah Shariffah Maharhanee Tuanku Marieta Nor-Aisha Mindalano-Adam, president and chief executive officer of MTDCPI, acknowledged the foreign dignitaries, delegates, and other participants during the opening program.

There was declaration of the International Royalty and Nobility Interfaith Peace Conference by His Majesty Duli Yang Maha Mulia (DYMM) Sultan Shariff Maharadjah Tabunaway Tuanku Abdullah Lihondo Esmail Adam together with Paramount Sultan Ali Ampaso Umpa and Paramount Sultan Usman T. Sarangani. They were assisted by HRH Permaisuri Duli Yang Amat Mulia Sultanah Shariffah Tuanku Marieta Nor-Aisha Mindalano-Adam and HRH Rajah Mamalu Dato Mohammad Linas.

Engr. Marites K. Maguindra, executive director of the Bureau of Cultural Heritage – Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, introduced the interfaith dialogue. Keynote Speaker in the dialogue was Office of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Secretary Jesus “Jess” Dureza.

Peace builder and master of divinity Rev. Daniel Pantoja (Lakan Sumulong) discussed the Safe Space for all Faiths: Supporting Interfaith Expression and Experience in all settings.

Former parish priest Rev. Abdullah Andrade tackled on strengthening ties and deepening understanding of differences among tri-people in the Philippines while Bae Agnes Escudero (Indigenous People) shared about the imperative role of women in interfaith peace-building.

During the solidarity night, keynote speakers included NCCA chairman and national artist Virgilio Almario represented by Executive Director Rico S. Pableo, Jr.Messages were also delivered by HRH Princess (RA-TK) Fevrinah Sheraden of Silatnas Nusantara from Canada (Indonesia), HRH Dato Sri. Dr. T. Mujeebuddeen Bin Abdul Samad (Tan Sri Dato Raden Pangeran Jayaningrat) who is the president of Kelab Kebajikan BN4U Malaysia – Umno Barisan National Party of Malaysia, HRH Prince Daniel Clay of Virginia, USA, Managing Director of Pakistan’s Sendh Trust and Development HRH Dr. Khadim Dahot, HRH Raja Ahmad Benny Samu Samu, Secretary General of Silatnas, Indonesia, and YM Pengian Sitti Harna HJ. Ismail Hamad of the Sultanate of Bulungan.

During the solidarity night, the royal couple was recognized and appointed with the Royal Title of Duli Yang Maha Mulia (DYMM) Sultan Shariff Maharadjah Tabunaway and Duli Yang Amat Mulia Sultanah Shariffah Maharhanee Tabunaway as the Sultanate of Mindanaue Darussalamby the Malaysian government with the blessing of Brunei and Johore.

The recognition and appointment was underlined based on the true history of HM Sultan Shariff Maharadjah Tabunaway identically found in the archive of Aceh, Johore and Brunei Darussalam.The enthronement is historical as it is the very first in history that the Malaysian government has appointed or recognized any royalty in Mindanao.

In addition, there was also a forum about federalism.

“We should deeply understand federalism and the royal houses can be of help in such endeavor,” Mindalano-Adam said.

In accordance to the forum, there was launching and oath taking of the MRRD NECC and Traditional and Tribal Group (TTG) MRR NECC represented by the national president Undersecretary Atty. John Castrisiones and the traditional leaders and tribal groups (TTG)represented by the Tribal Prime Minister HRH Sultan Ali Ampaso Umpa, HM DYMM Sultan Shariff Maharadjah Tabunaway Tuanku Abdullah Lihondo Esmail Adam, HRH Paramount Sultan Usman T. Sarangani, Sr., and HRH Rajah MamaluDato Mohammad Linas.

They were assisted by HRH Permaisuri DYAM Sultanah Shariffah Tuanku Marieta Nor-Aisha Mindalano-Adam with the traditional leaders and the four pillars of the traditional system of Mindanaue Darussalam.

Further, a royal march of royalties (foreign delegates and local royalties)took place together with the national executives, local government units, Armed Forces of the Philippines, tribal and other groups which included Royal Sultanate Empire of Kapatagan Valley, Royal House of Sultanate of Uyaan Madamba, Lanao del Sur, the four pillars of traditional leaders of Mindanao, Royal House of Mamalu Kinship, Kesultanan and Kerajaan Shariff Maharadjah Tabunaway Empire, representatives from Malaysian government, delegates from Indonesia, Royal Sultanante of Bulungan, Kingdom of Pakualaman, Royal Society Group of Japan, RSG Group of Indonesia, Sultanate of Aceh, Kingdom of Singapura, representative from Kendari, Sulawesi, ingo/ngo, traditional leaders, tribal leaders, and other sectors.

The MTDCPI is a non-governmental organization founded and incorporated in the office of Securities and Exchange Commission on the 6th of September 2011 with registration number CN201115711.

The MTDCPI is the official and sole organization in charge of implementing the programs and activities of the Royal Kesultanan of Shariff Maharadjah Tabunaway Empire Johore Mindanao Darussalam Philippines.

It is a mass-based community non-government organization hat promotes health care and humanitarian services which over the years extended coverage in the Mindanao area and the whole country in response to the current needs of the Bangsamoro and the tri-people in order to sustain, strengthen, and promote human rights, cultural heritage, peace and capacity building, good governance initiatives, and humanitarian crisis intervention to the marginalized and underprivileged Muslim Ummah of the Philippines. 

The MTDCPI is managed by independent and non-partisan Muslim leaders who are with expertise and are practically and technically-minded individuals, compassionate on various fields of capacity buildings, humanitarian services, and community development.

Its goal is to lead the powerless, reserved individuals, and the Indigenous people to achieve and realize their honor and dignity, rights and capability, justice, and freedom and to support and help one another.

They have been engaged in charity works for almost 10 years and because of their noble work and achievements, many of the local and international institutions, groups, and organizations have recognized their efforts and initiatives. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA- MINDANAO EXPOSE’)