Recently, the Philippine National Police (PNP) gave the CMM a Special Award during the PNP 16^th Chaplaincy Services Anniversary.  The award reads, “in grateful recognition and profound gratitude for their wholehearted support to the PNP particularly to the Chaplain Service Muslim Ministry which undoubtedly contributed in the attainment of its mission and functions.”  The uniquely-designed plaque was signed by Avelino Razon, Sr., Director General of the PNP. 

For the information of our dear readers, the CMM has been very active in the recruitment of Muslim PNP personnel, including Muslim Chaplains (Imams) since 1998.  Up to this point in time, we are involved by the PNP/NAPOLCOM as a Member of the Selection and Recruitment Committee for Police Officer 1 (PO1) applicants in all sectors/units of the PNP.  And we have helped many Muslims enter the PNP, to show that we are also qualified to become Peacemakers, not warmongers. 

Due to our objectivity in screening the applicants, coupled with the camaraderie established with the top officials of the PNP and NAPOLCOM, we also got involved in interviewing the PNP officials groomed for promotion to Senior Superintendent (Colonel) and Chief Superintendent (General).  This cordial relationship becomes instrumental in raising effectively the concerns/welfare of the Muslims before the top hierarchy of the PNP. 

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In the case of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) we got involved in many Interfaith activities and forums it has been organizing nationwide.  The interaction between us and the AFP hierarchy, as well as the Interfaith leaders, result to their enlightenment about the teachings of Islam and their realization of the contribution of the Muslims towards the achievement of the objectives of nation-building and national unity.  It is not, therefore, surprising that the AFP is now officially recognizing the CMM as the ENDORSER for the applicants for Muslim Chaplaincy in the AFP.  At least, we are now assured that the Imams (Chaplains) they appoint, through our endorsement, are competent and well-trained to perform their jobs. 

Although our services are ‘gratis,’ what is important to us is the acceptance of our recommendations and opinions whenever Muslim issues are discussed in our presence.  There is no substitute for the happiness we feel whenever the welfare of our Muslim brothers and sisters are considered favorably by the AFP hierarchy through our modest intercession.  We are told by the Muslim officers, like Col. Sumpingan, that the AFP is now considering the construction of more mosques inside the military camps to cater to the spiritual needs of the Muslim personnel in the AFP. 

 
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Another letter that made us very happy came from a very good friend, Comm. Rene Sarmiento of the Commission on Elections.  For him to tell us that he enjoys reading the Universal Message, despite the very hectic schedule that the very popular and amiable Commissioner has in the COMELEC, gives us the encouragement to continually improve our newsletter.

 
Even during the stint of Comm. Sarmiento as Head of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), he had always shown his unique ways of making people feel at home with him, notwithstanding his high stature in government.  His humble ways always stood out among his peers in the Cabinet.  In fact, I noticed in our travels together that he would avoid using the VIP Lounge in the airports to show that he wanted to be treated like anybody else.

 
Now, in his letter, Comm. Sarmiento is asking about his subscription bill.  How can we bill a “beloved friend”?  The Universal Message is distributed FREE, right now, and even if we go commercial (in the distant future), the copy for Comm. Sarmiento will always be charged to my account!  Keep up the good work at the COMELEC, Sir!

 
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