LETTER TO SEC. DINKY SOLIMAN- DSWD

This is an excerpt of the Original letter sent to DSWD Secretary Corazon Soliman -Department of Social Welfare and Development:

Republic of the Philippines
Province of Northern Samar
Municipality Of Mondragon
DEC.10, 2010

Hon. Sec. CORAZON DINKY SOLIMAN
DSWD Secretary
National Project Director
KALAH-CIDSS Project, DSWD

CELESTE B. MADLOS
Regional Project Manager
KALAHI-CIDSS- KKB Projects

Madam:

This refers to KALAHI –PROJECTS, Drainage Canal (Php1.46 million), second cycle, constructed in our Barangay, Brgy. Eco within town or poblacion proper Barangay, Mondragon N. Samar. In view hereof, I would like to inform your good office about the severe problem and troublesome created to our Barangay in Brgy. Eco, Mondragon, led and headed by Area Coordinator Mr. Romeo Daz.

Firstly, the method of construction was incorrect; the elevation from upstream going to the river was incorrect. They just let the water flow directly to the river they did not consider the VOLUME of water and CAPACITY of Drainage Canal, pertaining to liters per second (discharged of water in Hydraulic term). Every time rains pour down even one half to one hour (1/2 to 1hr rain shower) the drainage canal will overflow and the water will go to the houses and streets, the drainage canal can’t catch the volume of rain water and/or storm water, at the upstream 27-inches depth, at the center of the canal is only 8-inches depth, and at the river bank or outlet of canal is 27-inches depth only, upstream and downstream depth are the same. The severe problem is that the canal is protruding above the streets about 8 to 10 inches. The survey that I had done and conducted, was not followed and used, instead they had used plastic hose, not considering the Area of COVERAGE or catchment area, wherein it’s equivalent to 5 hectares, 1.20 kilometer (1,200 m) canal; they had used PLASTIC HOSE level only (traditional method of leveling). There were houses that the flooring were elevated, they had backfilled their existing flooring and re-constructed their concrete flooring; they rose their flooring almost 15 inches depth from the original floor level. Barangay hall was also flooded; many houses were flooded. It’s okay for me because I’ve solved my problem. How about other affected houses those who can’t afford to remedy the problem? They don’t complain to the Barangay because they are afraid. My God! Ano bang KLASING CANAL ito? noong wala pa ang CANAL hindi BINABAHA ang barangay namin, ng MAGKAROON ng CANAL BINAHA ang mga bahay, ang KALSADA ay GINAWANG ILOG at IRRIGASYON ng rice field. Ang laking PERWISYO naman po ng CANAL na ito.

Secondly, I was the Civil Engineer who signed (signatory) in the side of LGU but they didn’t pay attention to my suggestion. Community Facilatators (CFs), Engineer and the Area Coordinator (AC) Mr. Romeo Daz of KALAHI didn’t listen to my opinion’s and suggestion? At the start of construction, I had insisted and volunteered to conduct survey, but the Area Coordinator said there was no fund for survey.  I had initiated and conducted survey using Theodolite survey instrument (Engineer's transit) for survey with the help of Geodetic Engineer Marcial Dato, but they refused to pay and use, and to follow, instead they had used plastic hose level as per advice of their foreman and their Engineer (KALAHI-CIDSS). You know Madam! the Area Coordinator said he graduated from UP Tacloban City (daw). He said he is excellent (Daw) excellent in house flooding and street flooding ("MAGALING MAGPABAHA ng mga BAHAY at KALSADA”). I knew fully well that he is not an engineer (ang pagkaka- alam ko po hindi siya Inhinyero). They said they should be followed because their funding is bigger than LGU (Sila daw ang dapat masunod kasi ang funding daw mas malaki ang KALAHI equal —70% compared to 30% from LGU). LGU civil engineer can’t interfere, or can’t make some corrections in plans and works (constructions), they wanted me to affix my signature immediately. This KALAHI program is a partnership between KALAHI and LGU isn’t madam?

Thirdly, Madam, Mr. Romeo Daz (Area Coordinator) should have given and relied the decision to his own engineer, he should have trusted the engineer, his (engineer) technical knowledge, consulted him, they should have studied the methods of construction. Even my opinion as signatory civil engineer was never heard by him, and he did not listen to my suggestion, despite of my insistence. Instead he paid attention to his foreman’s opinion and/or advice. My goodness! He listened and relied to foreman’s opinion rather than listening to an engineer’s opinion. Sobra naman, napaka- incompetent naman niya. Magaling lang magsalita, pero sa GAWA, PALPAK naman pala. Hindi niya kaya’ ipa - intindi at ipaliwanag sa Foreman na hindi siya dapat ang masunod. Foreman technically speaking has no knowledge about HYDRAULICS

HYDRAULICS – In civil engineering, concerns primarily, study of flow of water in drainage canal, irrigation, water supply, rivers, dam building; there are many formulas to be used to determine, e.g. rainfall intensity, slope, hydraulic depth, velocity formula and discharge of water formula (S, R, V, Q). Only Civil Engineer has the knowledge about these major subjects with many formulas, namely; Hydraulics, Surveying, Structural engineering and construction management in the field of civil engineering.

Madam, you know I was traumatized (upset) because of this drainage Canal project, because I was sneered, I was mocked by the people. I was the victim of flooding, and of this troublesome, maligned by this foreman Mr. Pedrito Rongcales, he said I am only pretending as engineer, nagpapaka-engineer lang daw ako (ang Foreman na ito naka sandal sa pader at poder O sa mga pulitiko). Mas marunong pa daw siya kumpara sa mga engineer (He knows more than engineers know) iba naman na tao patatanggalan daw ako ng Lisensiya (one of them was Milagros Parado an LGU employee). I sought refuge and help but nobody was in my side. The Community Facilitators (CFs), uttered annoying and mocking remarks, the Area Coordinator Mr. Daz said! and I quote

“It is just a little problem, and it is normal in construction! you better backfill your flooring.”

I was the signatory civil engineer on the part of LGU of almost Php30 million (for 3 cycles) KALAHI projects, and the fruit is humiliation for a Php 5,000.00 per month salary (as casual before). How painful on the part of my family? What a pity Civil Engineer and my family? I was blamed and my reputation as engineer was maligned and I have suffered morally for the consequences, for the mistakes of others, and for the mistake of Area Coordinator and KALAHI inexperienced engineer assigned to our town.

Madam, I and my family even as early as 1:00AM to 5:00 o'clock in the morning we stayed awake, yes! we stayed awake during rainy days "no typhoon," and flooding time just to dewater inside of our house, because we were flooded, and our house was submerged and full of water (ako, kami ng family ko, kahit madaling araw po, from 1:00AM to 5:00AM, gising po kami during rainy days, (no typhoon) and flooding time), my daughters climbed on top of tables and chairs.

I was blamed by my wife (an elementary school principal), she quarreled to others just to protect me from embarrassment, she said I was used as signatory only for KALAHI-CIDSS and for the LGU. Now, I had backfilled already our lot and flooring, almost 40 cubic meters I used for backfilling including inside flooring of our house, 14 inches depth I had backfilled. I had spent almost Php75,000.00 to remedy the flooding.

Madam, isn’t it the purpose of KALAHI is poverty alleviation? Not to give problems!!! What are the methods of Implementation of KALAHI? Is it correct that a Foreman should be the one to be followed and also pulitiko that has no technical knowledge about this kind of project? And/or is it the Engineer and the Area Coordinator of KALAHI only? How about LGU Engineer, is he for signature only? Who has the authority that should be followed is it the foreman or volunteer?

Madam, will you please, please, your good office improve the method of implementation? The signatory civil engineer can be charged for Malpractice and Incompetence. Engineer should be a part in construction supervision, not for signifying and/or signature for the purpose of releasing the money, not for display purposes only and will be discarded later on.

Residents of Brgy. Eco and people complained, but it was white-washed and there was cover -up together with the consultants and inspectors from Regional office; Why they were hastening to complete the construction without direct supervision of a civil engineer, but only the foreman who supervised the works, PALPAK naman. Residents here were quarreling because of this Drainage Canal. This Area Coordinator is too good to flatter the Mayor, he shrugged only the problems. He said you better backfill your flooring, elevate your house and your lot "tambakan at i- elevate ko na lang daw ang flooring ng bahay namin." They wanted to finish the projects but not in accordance with specs and good workmanship, "Ang gusto matapos lang ang proyekto na wala sa ayos." They want awards to be put on to them for early completion, "mabigyan at masabitan sila ng AWARDs".

There were AWARDEES people, because I was the signatory Civil Engineer, but in return, I was blamed, humiliated and maligned in public due to flooding. People who supposed to be in my side and trusted me as co-worker, they abandoned me instead, and put on to me all blames, and humiliation.

As of this writing (to date), there is no major repair and maintenance initiated by KALAHI- CIDSS and LGU.  I have information that LGU of Mondragon would like to avail the KALAHI Part 2. I’m not against the KALAHI program, but I don’t agree with the method of implementation, authorizing foreman and volunteers to lead the works without the direct supervision of a license civil engineer. I am hoping that next time you will send an Area Coordinator who is smart and efficient in making decisions and in working infrastructure project not only for public speaking (sana po! sa susunod magpadala kayo ng Area Coordinator (AC) na MAGALING sa GAWA hindi sa salita). If not for Mayor they would be thrown to the flood water (kung hindi kay MAYOR baka pina-anod na sa BAHA ang Area Coordinator at Engineer na na –assigned dito sa Mondragon).

Attached herewith are the VIDEO CD-ROM and PICTURES during flooding in the streets along Consolacion and Nalazon streets for verification/investigation of your infrastructure engineer. Attached herewith also was my letter (photo copy) to Mr. ROMEO DAZ the Area Coordinator.

I’m attaching the proof (photo copy) that I am not a bogus or fake engineer as they had alleged, while they had used and benefited from it.

Your utmost consideration and immediate actions in this matter is fervently hoped and prayed.

Respectfully yours,

Member: American Concrete Institute (ACI)
Life Member: Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE)
Member: American Society of Civil Engineer (ASCE)

Copy furnished:

Usec. Luwalhati F. Pablo
Asst. Project Director - KALAHI-CIDSS
DSWD Secretary - DSWD Central Office

This Letter was acted upon by Secretary Dinky Soliman on May 23, 2011, when she visited our town of Mondragon and inspected the KALAHI-CIDSS PROJECTS and validated my complaint. Hence, she terminated Mr. Romeo Daz the Area Coordinator and Mr. Joel Traquena the Community Facilitator, the Kalahi Engineer Isisdro Bere, a certain woman community facilitator, book keeper/cashier Thelma Tan, and suspended the KALAHI-CIDSS for the Town of Mondragon.

KALAHI - CIDSS PROJECTS -DSWD

The stories and information of KALAHI-CIDSS projects, the success and failures.

Based on the evidences and records which I have at hand:

At the time when KALAHI-CIDSS had started, it had occurred on May 9, 2007 when kalahi engineer Steve Abrogar transmitted a letter to LGU engineer Mrs. Nora Cananua informing her that the only lacking in the documents was her signatures for the request for fund release (RFR) and submission to the Department of Social Wefare and Development (DSWD) Regional and National offices and from the World Bank, and then on June 5, 2007 (date verified), the Mayor issued a Memorandum to the LGU engineer Nora Cananua, the excerpt is "You are hereby directed to facilitate the approval of work plans and specifications, program of works of the 14 priority KALAHI-CIDSS project of this municipality on or before June 7, 2007" the signing of voluminous documents, but Nora Cananua was unwilling to cooperate she asked many requirements, documents as per her letter to the deputy area coordinator dated May 10 and May 22, 2007 (date verified).

As theirs best recourse and solution of the problem, the Mayor and Vice Mayor resorted to use me.

Here is the story of the success and failures:

On June 8, 2007 (date verified), the day of the feast of San Antonio the Padua, almost a month after the Local election in May 10, 2007, an event in my father’s house (our house) when the kalahi-cidss Area coordinator Mr. Noel Pesquera and the kalahi engineer Mr. Steve Abrogar went there and we met, by surprise he handed-over his mobile phone to me and then he said to me and I quote! “Mayor Bugna is on the line”, promptly I held his mobile phone and answered, “hello! Mayor good morning!” the Mayor told me, and I quote! “You help them in the process of the documents for the KALAHI-CIDSS projects and you sign the plans, documents.” By these order I was amazed by these RISKY NEW TASKS because I was not aware and well informed of these projects, when in fact and the truth they have their own municipal engineer that has a function and authority to handle those projects. By surprise I answered hastily, “YES! MAYOR” It was because in my senses (my mind) and my feeling (heart) I was then waiting for the HELP of the MAYOR that someday (for the time being on his goodwill) he would open his mind and his generosity to me, as a return for my obedience to him. Consequently, I told the two (2) men of kalahi-cidss that we should meet at my private office at our house, and so, they brought to my office house the voluminous documents for the first (1) CYCLE, which consists of 14 projects (Php 10 Million) for 14 barangays of the municipality of Mondragon. These projects consisted the following;

• 4 units- School Buildings (Dona Lucia-3rooms, Makiwalo-2rooms, Bugko-2rooms, San Antonio-2rooms)
• 2- Footbridges (La Trinidad, Talolora)
• 6 units- Water supply system (Santa Catalina, San Isidro, Cablangan, Nenita, Demaria, San Jose)
• 1unit- Drainage system (Roxas)
• 1 unit- Solar Dryer (Mirador)

Unfortunately, I was not aware that there was these kind of projects about the process and implementations of the said projects, because during barangay assembly meetings I was not invited even a single meeting, I was not informed by the Mayor, by the DSWD-KALAHI-CIDSS personnel for the preparation of those projects, it’s because of their consideration to their LGU municipal engineer (wiseacre engineer, an obstinate, whose purpose was to delay and get five(5%) percent from these projects for her assistance to the engineer, an appointee of the late Mayor Dapulag) favored by her political party, who was then not cooperating to the administration of Mayor Bugna Jr. Consequently, I’ve tried to be compliant to my boss, “Were it not for the Mayor (out of consideration for him).” I sat down and gazed (look long and steadily) these voluminous documents, while the kalahi-cidss engineer one by one scanned the documents, and then he pointed to me the place and space where should be the space I should sign. It was a risky decision (choice, judgment) in my life as a registered professional civil engineer to sign documents which I did not read and peruse the papers and documents I was signing. In my belief that my boss will ultimately open his heart to give me reward and/or should I say” HELP” for a person in need of help.

Accordingly, I closed my two (2) eyes (Pikit MATA ako in local dialect) then I signed the 13 projects for thirteen Barangays and retained one (1) project which I have to review and check plan and estimates for the proposed footbridge for Barangay Talolora, because in my judgement and/or findings it was not planned, drawn as per standard engineering practice, it was drawn by a certain Jeffrey Mangada a draftsman as per request of Kalahi engineer. This draftsman is also professing that he is an Engineer and Architect although he graduated only Bachelor in Technology, major in architectural drafting (No KNOWLEDGE about Reinforced Concrete Design, Structural Timber Design, Structural Steel Design, Engineering Mechanics, Theory of Structures, Strength of Materials (or Mechanics of Materials), Hydraulics and application of these subjects to Structural Analysis and Design), at the University of Eastern Philippines with certificate of passing the TESDA  exam, when he passed after 5 times of TESDA exams and converted this to Sub-Professional eligibility.

Subsequently, after one week they came back to me to follow up the plan, estimates, program of works for my review and signature, so I told them to revise the plans, because it appears, it  does not conforms to the standard engineering practice, the design strength is less than the required strength, I had required them to submit the Structural Analysis (Computations) and Design Calculations, so that, I should have the basis for checking the plans for the design strength of the 11 meters span and 66 meters long concrete footbridge. Hence, they brought back with them the plans and program of work for their revision, because at that time my TASK was just to review and sign the voluminous documents.

Three(3) weeks had passed; on July 8, 2007, they came back again with computer printed structural analysis (Calculations) for my review, it appeared they borrowed from provincial engineering office intended for 5 meters span footbridge, so I checked it and noted my findings and made corrections, I told them the calculations for 5 meters span footbridge is not the same or it would not match with the intended plans for 11 meters span footbridge, bring to me a correct calculations and immediately I will sign it period.”

God is my witness I am not a corrupt engineer, at that point in time I was just apprehensive with my profession, and my license might be put prejudicial. Until such time when they were unable to produce and submit analysis (computations) for the 11 meters span footbridge, and so, it had occurred to them to make a decision to make a deal with me that I will be the one to undertake the ANALYSIS (computations), I had agreed but with a condition that they would pay professional service fee of one and half percent (1.5%) of the project cost (this is a fair and just professional fee for a civil engineer) and this was for the services which I've rendered to them, because I was not the municipal engineer I was only given a meager salary as contractual employee, in fact I was only helping them being used as signatory for their accomplishment, it was their job and task. So therefore, I hurriedly done the analysis (computations) and sketches for the plans, because I was then hoping at that time that they were good people and that they would hold and be faithful to what we had agreed upon, and they promised to me. Unfortunately I was not aware that they were unwilling to pay me; instead they complained and urged the Mayor Bugna that I was asking for payment for my services.

Moreover, I went to Manila for the renewal of my PRC license, when I arrived on August 4, 2007, Mayor Bugna invited me to his residence there I got pressure from him, he asked me, "what happened what is the problem in the documents for the footbridge in Barangay Talolora? Why did you refuse to sign the documents and help the process?" I explained to him slowly with mildness of my voice the reasons why I did not sign the last project of the first cycle, It was because they did not submit the analysis(computations) and they asked me to make the analysis and  because they don’t know they procedure how to prepare, you know Mayor they lack in actual practice. Consequently, I was astonished to his reply the threatening words when he said to me and I quote “Pusilon ta ikaw!" this word he uttered was in local dialect (I'll SHOOT YOU! in english). From then on I was evading his presence because of fear to him. After 4 days on August 8, 2007, he invited me again at his office to sign the document, so I signed promptly telling them in front of the Mayor and kalahi engineer, “Had it not been for the Mayor (out of consideration for him) I will not sign these documents! My only witness is God he knew everything to what had occurred for the first cycle of KALAHI.

On November 20, 2007 after almost 4 months I was surprised again when Matias Cabalitan invited me, he also threatening me to leave them ("Ayaw sa am didi" in local waray waray dialect) if the KALAHI engineers won’t be able to implement the projects when in fact they were implementing at that time the 13 projects for 13 barangays, the construction of said projects were on-going, and I have signed already the plans and program of works for the footbridge in barangay Talolora the #14 project, and there was no need for the analysis (computations) because I signed it already "Ah! maybe they were making some alibis to blame me.

Again on May 2008, the second (2) cycles of kalahi-cidss amounting to Php9, 750473.00 had been submitted to me for my review and signature; the list of the projects are the following;

• 3 units - School buildings ( Imelda-2rooms, Roxas-2rooms, Bagasbas-3rooms),
• 1 unit - Flood control with stone masonry (Chitongcco)
• 1 unit - Drainage canal system (Eco)---this was the project that prompted me to leave my Boss the Mayor (please see the story entitled: Hydraulics, My father and Juan Dela Cruz)
• 2 units - Day care center (San Agustin-1room, Hinabangan-1room)
• 1- Farm to Market road (San Juan)
• 1- River control and landing (Cahicsan)
• 1 unit - Water supply system level 2 (Flormina)

Finally, the third (3) cycles of kalahi-cidss came on March 2009 and it was submitted to me for review in the amount of Php10, 000,000.00); the list of the projects are the following;

On July 23, 2008 (date verified), I had observed that the method of construction for drainage was incorrect, so I looked for the barangay Eco chairman Mr. Marlito Bugna a brother of the Mayor, and then I introduced some suggestions to him, I suggested that they should use engineer's transit or level instrument, but he insisted that, they are just using traditional method only! using plastic leveling hose because there was no funds included in the program of works, I will quote his exact words to me "we are going to use traditional method only! using plastic leveling hose okay na, isn't it?" so I  humbly argued with him, that it is not good to use leveling hose it might result to a problem, because the drainage canal might overflow, I humbly suggested to him that they should use survey instrument, like theodolite or engineer's transit, level instrument, but he said "there is no funding for the survey, the KALAHI would not allow it! Is it not before you are the municipal engineer, but now, you are not!" What a sarcastic remarks? my conjecture I felt insulted, I discerned that he was annoyed of my being persistent. The result was a failure because of shortcoming on his part and to their part.

• 5 units - School buildings (La Trinidad-2-rooms, Flormina-2-rooms, Cablangan-3-rooms, San Jose-2-rooms, Cagmanaba-1-room),
• 1 unit - Fish port building or Bagsakan of fish and agricultural products (Makiwalo),
• 1- Sea wall and river control (Eco),
• 1- Road re-gravelling with stone masonry (Chitongco),
• 1- River control (Roxas),
• 1- Drainage canal system (Hinabangan)

In my discernment and comprehension I have no option to choose but to deal with them and be humble myself, they submitted the 3rd cycles projects to me for review (a formality word "for review") but in reality no review at all because they do not want or allow me that their works be reviewed by me, so again I had closed my two (2) eyes then I signed all the program of works in front of the Mayor, eventhough there were no plans, drawings for seawall and river control, fish port and roads the only available are program of works for my signatures.

Summary of Projects implemented bearing my signatures:

• 12 units -School Buildings- 26 rooms
• 2 units -Day care center buildings- 2 rooms
• 1 unit - Fish port building or bagsakan
• 7 units -Water supply system level 2
• 2 units -Footbridges 80 linear meters
• 3 units -Drainage system 2 kilometers
• 1 - Farm to market road
• 1 - Seawall and river control
• 2 - River control and landing
• 1 - Road regravelling with stone masonry
• 1 - Flood control with stone masonry
• 1 - Solar dryer

Hence, this was the story behind of KALAHI-CIDSS projects which I had signed, for the information and reference of the people who are not well-informed and aware of these projects which I was the sole responsible, sole signatory civil engineer on the part of the local government unit - LGU of Mondragon, Northern Samar, Philippines. I can keep shouting aloud to the people of Mondragon and to the whole world that my education, and my profession was used by the politicians, my kababayan as a whole, because the LGU- municipal engineer who was then not cooperating with the Mayor, recalcitrant, stubborn person, who was then asking five (5%) percent of the project cost for her assistance to the engineer demands, and the Mayor, the Vice Mayor could not compel and coerce her to sign these kalahi-cidss projects (Php30,000,000.00).

Therefore, I challenge everyone Carpenters, Masons, Plumbers, Pastors, Priests, Teachers (Education, Elementary and secondary, Agriculture education graduate), Architectural DRAFTSMAN (BT), Business Administration (commerce graduate), Community Development (CD), AB Political Science graduates, Lawyers, Doctors, Mechanical, Agricultural, Architectural, Electrical, Chemical engineering graduates (ME, AE, EE, CheE), politicians not degree holder to enroll in the College of Civil Engineering at any University and/or college to learn about Civil Engineering.

References: The books below are on the shelves in my Personal Library for additional background information.

1. TREATISE ON HYDRAULICS by Mansfield and Thaddeus Merriman, 1st-1889, 3rd-1890, 4th-1891, 5th-1895, 6th-1898, 7th -1900, 8th edition-1910, 9th edition-1912;
2. A TREATISE ON HYDRAULICS by Henry T. Bovey, 1st edition -1895, 2nd edition-1901 and 1908;
3. A TREATISE ON HYDRAULICS by Hector G. Hughes and Arthur T. Safford -1911;
4. A TREATISE ON HYDRAULICS by William Cawthorne Unwin-1907;
5. HYDRAULICS by Venancio Besavilla -1987;
6. HYDRAULICS by Matias Arreola -1989;
7. HYDRAULICS by Horace W. King and Chester O. Wisler-1922;
8. HYDRAULICS by F. C. Lea -1907;
9. HYDRAULICS by R. L. Daugherty, 1st edition-1916, 2nd edition -1919;
10. Concrete-Steel Construction by Emil Morsch 1910;
11. Reinforced Concrete Construction -Fundamental Principles, volume 1, George A. Hool -1912;
12. Reinforced Concrete Construction -Buildings and Retaining Walls, volume 2, George A. Hool -1913;
13. Reinforced Concrete Construction -Bridges and Culverts, volume 3, by George A. Hool -1916;
14. Handbook of Building Construction volume 1 and 2 by George A. Hool and Nathan C. Johnson-1929;
15. Structural Analysis by Jack C. McCormac and J. K. Nelson, Jr. -1997.

Top ten (10) News in 2010 in the Province of Northern Samar, Philippines

Here are the ten (10) news in 2010 of the Province of Northern Samar:

No. 1 Ambush in Brgy Imelda, Catarman

On the 23rd of August 2010 ambushed perpetrated by the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels operating in the province, eight (8) policemen were killed on the spot while on their way to Brgy. Imelda, Catarman five (5) kilometers away from Catarman proper to respond a complaint involving a barangay official who was allegedly killed by the NPA.

No. 2 Ambush in Sta. Fe, Las Navas

The No. 2 spot was the recent ambush made by the NPA that killed ten (10) Philippine Army soldiers belonging to the 63rd Infantry Battalion and a nine (9) year old boy who was also killed in the cross fires, and two were miraculously survived the ambush. Reports reaching the 803rd Brigade based in Camp Sumoroy, Catarman town revealed that around 3:00 pm on December 14, 2010 while the soldiers were on foot patrol along Brgy. Sta. Fe and Brgy. Perez, Las Navas, N. Samar area.

No. 3 SK and Barangay Elections marred with massive vote buying and “kidnapping”

Based on the reports gathered by the Catarman Weekly Tribune a local newspaper, the barangay and SK elections vote buying reaches as high as P5,000.00 per voter while parents of SK candidates spent around P100,000.00 to ensure their sons and daughters victory. In an interview, a SK voter who requested anonymity said she was offered as high as P10,000.00 and was instructed to stay in a beach resort here in Catarman for quite a number of days free food and accommodation.

The Two (2) million peso highway robbery landed the number 4 spot.

Domingo Dianito, municipal treasurer of Las Navas was on his way to Las Navas town on board of a passenger’s jeepney. With him was the P2 million pesos cash which he had withdrawn on that day intended for the salaries and wages of LGU officials and employees of the said town. Upon reaching Barangay Dona Lucia, Mondragon town near the St. Paul Seminary the two unidentified men that boarded the jeepney at Petron gas station in Brgy. Bangkerohan, Catarman stopped the jeeney. There, men who were on board of a car parked just few steps away where the jeepney had stopped and parked, alighted from the said car immediately boarded the passenger jeepney and announced that they were looking for a man who was in possession of a cocaine, suddenly, one of the men that boarded at Petron gas grabbed the bag that contain the P2 million cash from the municipal treasurer while the other man draw his pistol and pointed the gun on the head of the victim.

No. 5 Killings within Catarman

Fifth on the list was the series of killing within Catarman. In a span of 15 days four people were killed, of the four two of which were police officers, while the two were civilians. Two of these killings were executed in broad day light while the two were done around 6:00 to 7:00 pm.

No. 6 Series of motorcycle incidents that claim more than 10 lives

Sixth was the series of motorcycle accidents that claim more than 10 lives, the latest of which was a 75-year-old retired public school teacher from Mondragon who was on board on his Honda wave motorcycle at the Catarman proper. And the other one was a certain Nonoy Villadolid a resident from Mondragon who was also on board on his Honda XRM motorcycle accidentally hit by a Pajero owned by a priest, Father Infante at the newly constructed Catarman Bridge, according to my cousin the victim was heading to Mondragon.

No. 7 was the ambush in Brgy. Makagtas, Catarman, one (1) killed, three wounded

Seventh was the ambush of Tan’s family along Brgy. Makagtas, Catarman three days after the Brgy. Imelda ambushed on August 23, 2010. The lone fatality was identified as Kimberly Trongcoso Tan while three of her brothers were seriously injured.

No. 8 ambush of Atty. Don Avalon and Dr. Myrna Avalon

Atty. Don Avalon was a former Board Member of the second district and  former Mayor of San Roque, Northern Samar, Philippines.

No. 9 was the NPA raid in Brgy. Polangi, Catarman

No. 10 was the massive vote buying during the May 10, 2010 elections

And the tenth spot was the news about the massive vote buying during the May 10, 2010 national and local polls. Candidates buy votes as high as Php10, 000.00 per voter. In Catarman candidates bought the votes Php1, 500.00 per voter, in Mondragon candidates bought the votes for Php750.00 per voter.

Aside from that, the politicians also doled out cash to every graduating student in the University of Eastern Philippines, in Mondragon High School graduating students and from Catarman National High School.

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