Young man's honesty doubted

Bern (11:20:02): Hi Mel. From Australia I successfully loaded Tina's Smart SIM with 900 pesos worth of load she can sell. Please advise your SIM retail info[rmation] so I can do it for you.

Bern (11:21:00) [to Tina]: COPY: Hi Mel. From Australia I . . . loaded Tina's Smart SIM with 900 pesos worth of load she can sell. Please advise your SIM retail info[rmation] so I can do it for you.

Bern (11:28:50): Hi Jester, how are you? I want to load Mel's SIM with about 900 pesos worth of load so he can sell it but I need Mel's retail SIM number. I'd appreciate your help.

Bern: Hi Jomar, how are you? I want to load Mel's SIM with about 900 pesos worth of load so he can sell it but I need Mel's retail SIM number. I'd appreciate your help.

Bern (11:36:03): Hi Tina. Thanks for your texts and e-mail. I've just texted Mel requesting retail SIM details, then also Jester and Jomar, seeking help to get them.

Tina (11:39:38): Bern, according to Nanay Josie Mel have a old cellphone, which he [is] now using, dat why all of your text was receiving by Mel, just for two of us, according to Nanay Josie.

Bern (11:48:14): I'm just waiting and hoping for responses from Mel, Jomar and Jester, so I can get a better idea of what's happening. I'm not optimistic, however.

Tina (16:44:16): Mel using his old cp number +6392 . . . 321, Jomar using his own, according to Nanay Josie, Mel want I redeem d cel from Jomar and buy a brand new TV set, I'm so sorry about it.

Bern (11:46:50): Tina, if I understand correctly, then, Mel has his old cellphone and Jomar has his new one (which I paid for, about August 2007) and they are both working.

Bern (16:48:14): Hello, +6392 . . . 321 is the number Mel got in August. He was using it until he pawned the phone to Jomar. For a month, at least, Mel has wanted a new TV.

Bern (16:51:11): Evidently Mel was using that phone last Sunday, around 4:40 p.m., while walking to San Isidro to help Jomar campaign. None of them replied to me today.

Tina (16:51:42): According to Nanay Josie yesterday dat number using Mel in old cell, right now, Mel was now in bad mood dat why he [doesn't] want to reply, d celphone with camera was d cell pawn[ed] to Jomar.

Tina (16:57:35): When Nanay Josie was her getting groceries, she text Mel if he has still d SIM to retail Smart, sad to say he did not reply, I ask what Mel using? She told me dat number, maybe Mel just to tell you dat his cell with his SIM pawn to Jomar to force you to help him to redeem d cell right away. I'm so sorry about it.

Micro-businesses greatly handicapped by lack of capital

E-mail from Tina sent at 13:56 GMT+8

Dear Bern,

This is the reply e-mail from Joe, which I mention to you, to invest in my store. As I expected, he give his negative opinion.

What I can I do Bern, the canteen manage[d] by Sol will be close till Oct 25. Tell you the truth, she did not buy any more stock right now, coz she just want to collect for the payment on Oct 25.

The stock I buy last Saturday was almost gone, coz all security guard goes to our store. Bern I don't want to get additional capital from 5/6* just to support the needs of guard, coz I don't want to happen to my store [what] happen to the canteen manage by Sol.

I hope you understand, if you have a chance please help me to explain to Joe the situation.

Tina

-----

*5/6: a short-term monelender who charges high interest.

Mel distressed after waiting for information and assistance

Mel (18:42:41): Bern what the new's about your help, I'm very sorry for question[ing] you about that! Love.

Bern (18:45:25): On Friday I succeeded in sending money via PesoEpadala.com to Tina to be picked up through Tambunting Pawnshop in Paete. It's a Globe G-Cash outlet.

Bern (18:46:58): I also succeeded in sending Tina 900 pesos worth of Smart load. Tina says there is great demand for her to sell on credit to security guards' families.

Bern (18:47:33): I was very much hoping Tina and Jovs would be able to help you but until now this has not happened.

Mel (18:47:49): Ah! I see but Bern there's a problem of my account you cannot send money to my SIM card like Tina bcoz we're different SIM card and its available only for Smart load.

Bern (18:49:03): I succeeded in sending 900 pesos worth of Smart load to Tina. I tried to send 900 pesos worth of Globe load to her also but she hasn't received it.

Bern (18:50:26): Mel I will send load to your Smart phone if I can be sure that you will receive it. The PesoEpadala office in Sydney is not open until tomorrow, however.

Mel (18:52:09): But how can I use that, I'm not handed my phone, I pawned it.

Bern (18:54:12): Yes, Mel, I understand that, so the situation is more difficult. If I succeeded in buying load, perhaps Jomar or Jester could get the benefit.

Mel (18:56:33): No, Bern, stop trying if it's hard or difficult for you. I will stop hoping that you can help me Bern. You always take care: this is my last text for now. I love you!

Bern (19:00:10): Thank you for your love, Mel. But please don't ask me to stop trying. I'm so sorry it's your last text for now. I will find some way to contact you again soon. Love.

Mel (19:01:35): No, don't worry about me, I will be OK! Goodbye!

Ministore proprietor's request for financial help coldly rejected

October 19, 17:56 GMT+8: E-mail from Tina to Joe

Dear Joe,

I have a good news, I have a collection worth 5,337 from the other guard[s], here in NPC [National Power Corporation], it was deducted from their salary, last pay day it's only 3,000, now it's increase[d] depend[ing] on how I can have a stock from the store, like rice, can goods, household needs, cigarettes and groceries.

Joe I scan to you the list the name and my collection to prove that the store you provide for us has improvement.

Joe, Jovs now was with us, he continue his work, and serve as a messenger of order.

Joe, our problem now: it's of them ask[ing us] to provide then 25 kls of rice, and other lots of groceries:

25 kls of rice x 30 persons (8 sacks x 1,200) . . . . . . . 9,600

Cigarettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,000

Load to sale from Globe and Smart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,000

Groceries, soft drink etc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,400

Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25,000

Joe, can you help us to have this additional capital for the store. It's a big help for us. I hope this is the only way Jovs make busy to help me in managing the store, and he realize to stay with us.

There is no problem in collection, if I can have this capital I can earn 500 to 1,000 pesos cash daily from the store.

I hope you understand.

Tina

October 21, 20:31 GMT+10: E-mail from Joe to Tina

If you do not make enough from the shop to buy new stock and have some profit left-over, you should not have the shop.

You can NOT rely on me to keep paying for stocking up.

Joe

Impoverished young man Mel helps comrade campaign for election

Life goes on despite hunger

Mel (18:27:37): Gud p.m., Bern, it's me, Mel. I'm with Jomar now. I'm with him campaigning in their barangay. Hope you're OK. I'm worried bcoz you're not texting. Love, Mel.
 

Bern (18:29:06): Hi Mel, I'm so glad you replied. I've been worried about you. May I ask: who is the candidate for whom you are campaigning?
 

Mel (18:30:16): Jomar Yaneza for councilor!

Bern (18:32:57): Oh, so Jomar is a candidate! My best wishes to him! Unfortunately I can't vote for him also!

Mel (18:35:07): He said thank you so much, yes, me too, I can't vote for him bcoz we're different barangay: he's from Barangay Uno, San Isidro, and I'm from Magdapio.

Bern (18:37:16): So Jomar lives across the river, somewhere near the cemetery, I think! I wonder how you cross the river to see him - by boat, or via the hanging bridge?

Mel (18:38:47): Of corz by hanging bridge! And I'm just walking to get here in his place.

Bern (18:40:01): No doubt it's cheaper that way. But it's several kilometres to walk! At least the exercise will keep you fit, if you're well enough for it.

Mel (18:42:41): Yes, I don't have to use tricycle, eh! . . .

Mother and son sad and peniless, brother says

Bern (17:07:46): Hello Tina. May I ask: what is current situation of you and your family, and of Jov and his brother? I'm concerned, especially about Mel.

Jovs (17:11:15): Bern, it's me, Jov: dis morning I been in Magdapio. I visit dem and Mel ask me money but I only got 20 pesos in my pocket so I didn't give any money to Mel.

Bern (17:13:02): Jov, thank you so much for your concern and for visiting Mel. How is he managing, may I ask? What's his condition? Is there anyone with him who can help?

Jovs (17:16:45): You know, Bern, he looks sad but I can't help him dis time, my mother was der but she also asking money for me to buy food so its sad to say dat noone der who can help Mel.

Bern (17:18:59): I'm so sorry to hear that Jovs. Mel pawned his phone to Jomar so I can't contact him direct. Months ago Mel was borrowing Jester's - is Jester around?

Tina (17:22:25): I think Jester is not around, but I think you can contact it to Nanay Josie cell number if you want? Tina.

Bern (17:24:23): Yes, please. I haven't been in touch with Josie for years. I sometimes wonder why she has forgotten about me.

Bern (17:27:43): Tina and Jovs, I'm sorry, I must go immediately, Alice is very impatiently calling me to eat!

Jovs (17:28:19): Dis is my mother's #: +6392 . . . .

Tina (17:29:19): Ok, take care, Tina.

Poor parents cannot afford school uniforms so uncle pawns cellphone

October 16

Mel (20:16:24): Bern my sister Anagel need help too for her son Gilbert and Angelica for their uniform in school 1500 jogging pants and t-shirt it cost 750 each.

October 17

Bern (08:59:02): Hello Mel. Are you saying that jogging pants cost 1500 each and T-shirts cost 750 each? What is the TOTAL cost for the two children, Gilbert and Angelica?

Mel (10:48:42): Yes Bern, bcoz it's not like ordinary jogging pants and t-shirt, it needed print name and print of the name of they school, that's why it's expensive: 1500 for dey both.

Mel (10:53:36): I mean to say Bern that jogging pants and t-shirt cost 750, plus Gilbert too, that's why the total is 1500 for the two children; sorry for misunderstood my texts.

Bern: (18:38:54): Mel, the Peso Epadala business has an office in Sydney. Their website indicates that I may be able to buy Smart loads for you. But exactly what kind is best?

Jomar (18:52:10) [using Mel's number]: Mel said if you text just let him know. I will told him you text, but now I'm the owner of this phone. He pawned me this bcoz he need money. I'm Jomar, Mels friend.

Bern (18:59:27): Hello Jomar. Thank you for your text. I'm extremely disappointed that Mel pawned his cellphone. May I ask when you'll see Mel again?

Bern (20:02:11): Jomar, may I ask: if Mel wants to get back the cellphone from you, how much will he need to repay you?

Jomar (20:29:45): Bernie I don't know, I text you again if he is here. He said will go here again to asked if you text. Sorry I cant text you more. I don't have more load now.

Bern (20:32:12): OK Jomar, thank you very much for that. You'd better save your load and I hope you'll be able to get more soon. I worry about Mel. Best wishes to both of you.

Jomar (20:36:00): One more thing! Mel decided to pawned this bcoz he said his sister Anagel need money for her son and daughter. That's all I knew. That's why I accept this.

Bern (20:38:58): Mel texted me this morning that they needed jogging pants and T-shirts at a total cost of 1500 for 2 children. I don't understand why so much rush suddenly.

College girl's skin lesion healed following surgery: father seeks help again

Fernando (10:38:13): Hi, how are you now? Hope you're OK. About Rhea-Fe: she is good condition and also operation is perfect. We are here in my house. I am a candidate as a councilor in our Brgy. 2 at Kalye Pogi. Thanks a lot to your help my family.

Bern (10:45:28): Fernando! It's so good to hear from you at last, and especially good to hear that Rhea-Fe is in good condition and the operation perfect!

Fernando (10:51:12): Thanks very much Bern. [I] was running a candidate as a councilor this coming Oct 29 barangay election.

Bern (10:55:40): Yes, congratulations! You have wide experience of life so I'm sure you'd make a good councilor. I hope you win and also receive a good regular salary for it.

Fernando (11:06:50): Thanks and hope you have a good health and 19 of Oct starting of campaigning so I need your help in a meantime; it's me, Poe*.

Bern (11:09:34): So it's a 10-day election campaign? I worry when you say you need my help because I suffer from great financial stresses now.

Fernando (11:16:56): It's OK, I [am] just asking to you if you give me help a good for us. I am going to Comelec** now to file my candidacy. Thanks Bern.

Bern (11:18:23): My best wishes go with you. Fernando, Jov's wife Tina from Kalayaan is begging help today. She has fever and no antibiotics.

Bern (11:19:37): Jov's younger brother Mel is also begging urgently for help from Magdapio. He has no work and no money but wants to buy cellphone loads to sell again.

Bern (11:20:50): I just spent AU$600 to pay for an elderly lady to fly to her daughter's funeral and I must spend another $700 or more to register my car immediately.

Fernando (11:28:01): Well thanks again and hope you're always in good health and condition course I knew you have given help here in Pagsanjan especially [to] Jov's family. Rubee-Fer asking when did you come back in Phil[ippines].

Bern (11:29:58): Oh, I wish I could return soon but I just don't see how it's possible for some time. My health is not bad, all things considered, but I suffer many stresses.

Fernando (11:32:44): Regards to you, Rubee-Fer say love you, ninong [godfather]. Take care of yourself. I know you're going older. Thanks, gud a.m.

Bern (11:34:37): Hey, don't remind me I'm growing older! Age is only a number (I wish!). I'm so glad that someone and especially Rubee-Fer loves me! My love to her also!

Fernando (11:39:40): Yes I know only a number getting older not in your body. Rubee getting taller and beauty. She is graduating now at her grade six elementary she wish you come back soon.

Bern (11:42:08): Well, children getting taller and more beautiful, that's a bit different! But please pardon me now, I'm being called urgently to merienda [snack] with a visitor!

---

*Poe: a nickname derived from the movie star Fernando Poe.
 

**Comelec: Comission on Elections.

Philippine president allegedly distributes huge bribes to members of congress

Image by gmaresign via Flickr

Bribe it was

By Antonio C. Abaya

IS there no end to our despair, our despondency, our humiliation over our politics and our politicians?

Some 190 congressmen were summoned to a breakfast meeting in Malacañang with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo last Thursday, Oct 11. At the end of the meeting, envelopes were allegedly given away to the attendees, each one supposedly containing P200,000 to P500,000 in cash, as “send-off gifts” or “a remembrance” or “help” (See the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Oct. 12.)

In addition, each attending congressman was allegedly promised pork barrel allocation of up to P70 million.

The cash envelopes were given away apparently without any vouchers to be signed by the recipients, without any indication from which department the (presumably public) money was coming from, without any instructions on how or for what purpose the money was to be used and without any indication that the amounts were to be accounted for or liquidated at a certain date.

In other words, each recipient was free to use the cash, partly or fully, for the coming barangay elections or other local community project, or for his or her own personal needs. Which would be a working definition of a bribe.

* * *

Excerpted from The Manila Standard online, October 16, 2007

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Ulyot's wife gives birth to a daughter by Caesarian section

October 06

Tina (22:52:08): Ulyot now just got married a month ago, he was working [as] a salesman in Centro department store in Sta. Cruz.

Bern (22:55:46): I see. A few days ago I was looking at photographs of Ulyot, taken when he was quite a small boy, early in April 1994, I think - more than 13 years ago.

Mel (23:10:23): Good evening. Ulyot texted me his wife born a baby girl this 5 p.m., the baby is OK but his wife is not bcoz sesarian [caesarean]. Sad to say they need big money I guess. LOVE. [Text received October 07 at 09:50 GMT+10.]

October 07

Bern (09:55:00): Good morning Mel. Congratulations to Ulyot and his wife. It's good to hear they have a healthy daughter but I hope life's not too difficult for the mother and father.

Six families of National Power Station security guards lack food to eat

Tina (10:03:57): Gud am Bern, I wake up early, to open d store. Sad to say I cannot raise money for Ken['s] allowance coz I don't have stock to sale, sorry to tell you Bern we don't have food to eat today, specially d kids.

Tina (10:15:14): You know Bern, 5 guard outgoing dis 7 a.m., complaining to me dat there is no rice and food to their house. They are rely[ing] on my store for their needs. [Above texts received online at 14:53 GMT+10]

Bern (15:55): Sent 10000 Western Union 3476808634. I rely on you to take great care. Please try to help Mel also. He should sell loads and also take great care.

Tina (16:07:18): Bern I received your text thank you very much, I will invest your money to d store, and I give 2,500 to Mel to sale load, I will try my best to take care of it.

Bern (16:18:32): Tina, thank you for your confirmation of my text sent 20 minutes ago. I worry that the money isn't enough though, for elec[tricity], stock, Mel's therapy, Jayson etc.

Unemployed young man needs to work and plan for the future

October 05

Bern (16:58:28): Tina Mel contacted me from the computer store. He's very distressed and crying and has just gone offline. Please try to comfort him right now.

Bern (17:16:51): Tina, just now I tried to ring Mel but I can't get through to him. Please try to contact him and comfort him. Also, please try to reply to me soon.

Bern (17:19:04): Hi Mel, it's distressing to me that you are so sad. I tried to ring you just now but, most unfortunately, I couldn't get through. I worry about you.

Tina (17:26:05): Ok I will, I will get d money first. We're on d way to Sta. Cruz now.

Tina (17:29:45): Don't worry too much Bern, I will talk to him, and I also give d money to him, so he can start to sale load again.

Tina (17:31:37): I will text you again after I talk to Mel, we're now near in Sta. Cruz.

Bern (17:36:22): Thank you for that. Mel is very distressed at receiving 2,500 while (as he sees it) you receive 7,500. I think he feels hopeless and neglected.

Tina (17:39:16): Bern, I will pay 3,500, for elec. bill, then 1,000 for Ken['s] tuition fee, I just buy 1 sack rice, 1,200, d rest I buy stock.

Bern (17:42:45): I see. Ken's tuition fees sound high. I wonder how long that is for. Maybe you can explain a little to Mel. I hope he'll be settled enough to discuss things.

Tina (17:45:45): Bern I will buy also 500 for load Smart, 500 for load Globe, I'm so sorry. I hope Mel will understand.

Bern (17:46:51): I certainly hope he will try to. I do care about Mel. If I had money I'd help him far more than I do.

Tina (17:48:24): Don't worry Bern if I have stock in d store and he needs it, I'm wiling to give.

Bern (17:49:02): Thank you very much for that.

Bern (17:50:08): Hi Jester! Sorry it's been so long. I hope you and your family are well. Jester, Mel is very sad. I'd be grateful if you could visit and comfort him very soon. Bern. "Jester will receive your messages on a mobile device."

Bern (20:02:35): Hi Tina. I'd appreciate a report about the family situation soon, and, if possible, news about Mel especially.

Tina (20:05:33): Bern were just on da way home, we buy stock in d store while were in Sta. Cruz, when we got arrived home, we will go to Magdapio to talk and give money to Mel.

Bern (20:06:55): I see. Thank you for that information. I'll be very interested to hear more later tonight.

Tina (21:31:22): Gud evening Bern, sorry if I'm not personally give money to Mel, coz when we got home little Bern was sleeping, and we don't have food to prepared to eat so Jov decide dat he will bring 2,500 alone, coz I'm d one who will take care [of] little Bern at home, I just text Mel dat Jovs was on da way now.

Bern (22:19:57): Tina thanks for your text advising that Jovs was taking money to Mel. I'd be grateful for information about Mel's condition when it becomes available.

Tina (22:37:16): Bern Jovs has been arrived 5 mins ago. He already gave 2,500 to Mel. Nanay Josie was also there. He did not stay long der coz he knows we eat dinner when he return.

Bern (22:39:14): Oh! I hope Josie will be of some comfort to Mel but I'm not confident of that. Also: I want MEL to benefit from that money, not someone else.

Tina (22:43:45): Don't worry Bern, Mel is da one manage his money, Nanay Josie is with Mel always, she is d one carrying water used [by] Mel while taking a bath, washing cloth of Mel, Mel is like a prince in d house, Nanay Josie was just his servant, cooker, cleaning d house etc. Tina.

Bern (22:46:06): Oh. It's curious that Mel never mentions his mother. Really the prince does need to work at any job, no matter how humble.

Tina (22:51:37): I don't know why he did not mention to you Nanay Josie. But I'm so sorry I'm just saying d truth, Mel is like a prince in his way of living, dat [is] my observation.

October 06

Tina (00:20:14): But Mel need to have determination how to earn money by his own [efforts]. Sorry to tell you dis, but he need to think dat you are not always be there to help him, he was 22 yrs old, he need to be responsible [so that] sooner or later he can have his own family and kids. Sorry for telling dis. It's only my opinion. Tina.

Bern (00:21:58): Hello, I'm still here! I meant to be in bed but an American has been contacting me. I can't see how Mel can ever afford a wife and family. Sad but true.

Tina (00:26:04): Yes Bern, I believed and observed it, but Mel need to think about dat in d future.

Bern (00:26:29): Years ago in Penang, Malaysia, I met a youth aged maybe 18 who said he was unable to marry. I thought he saw no way to get out of poverty.

Bern (00:27:03): Maybe Mel feels hopeless about his life changing.

Bern (00:29:11): People say the longest journey starts with a single step. I was hoping that selling loads would at least provide Mel with a little income.

Tina (00:31:39): I observe Mel spend[s] his time with his barkada [comrades], and wait[s for] his allowance from you. I did see any effort or hear any idea to earn money.

Tina (00:33:43): I hope so, in 500 pesos he can start to sale load if he want to.

Tina (00:38:10): Bern I'm worried about you, it's been too late for you to slept, you must take a rest now.

Bern (00:48:57): Sorry, I was distracted by the American. You are right, I should be in bed. I was feeling regretful this morning after too many very late nights.

Tina (00:56:30): Take care of your health Bern, sweets dreams Bern.

Bern (00:57:11): Oh, thank you. And you'd better get some rest too. No doubt you'll be up early. Good night!

Mel feels neglected and greatly distressed

Mel (16:30:22): Bern good afternoon, hope you and Alice are OK, hope you can help me so I can start business and my therapy. LOVE Mel.

Bern (16:32:04): Hi Mel. I just sent Tina money and asked her to help you also. Her electricity was disconnected, the kids have no food and she has no rice to eat or sell.

Bern (16:34:16): Alice is OK. She's resting now. I'm very worried about you and Jayson's family and the families in Kalayaan.

Mel (16:38:07) [online]: Hello Bern!

Mel (16:38:41): I just came outside [the village store with Internet access] waiting for your text.

Bern (16:39:01): Hello Mel!

Mel (16:39:08): I'm glad you are online.

Bern (16:39:36): I am too, but I'm feeling tired and sleepy! Too many late nights!

Mel (16:39:59): Why?

Bern (16:40:23): I've gotten into a bad habit, the same as you, of not going to bed until after midnight.

Mel (16:41:08): I influence you!

Bern (16:41:42): Ha ha. If I can blame you for my bad habit, that's better than having to take the blame myself.

Mel (16:42:44): Ha ha ha! Bern hope would you mind if I asked you how much you sent Tina?

Mel (16:43:26): I'm worried how much she will gave me!

Bern (16:43:50): I sent her 10,000 pesos. She said she'll give you 2,500. I guess she'll have to pay for months of electricity to get it reconnected.

Bern (16:45:09): I don't know how much that will cost. She also said the kids have no food and Ken can't go to school. Also many security guards want to buy food on credit but she can't help them. She hasn't got the stock.

Mel (16:46:50): I don't know what to say, bcoz if I say something you might be angry w/ me. So I will not tell.

Bern (16:47:11): It's probably better if you do tell me.

Mel (16:47:32): OK!

Mel (16:50:12): Last time we text, you said that if you help me I must try to have the sell loads again, but now its impossible bcoz Bern you always helped Tina a lot [more] than me: honestly Bern that's not OK with me! I'm very very jealous. Sorry to say that Bern.

Bern (16:52:31): Mel, I'm only one human being finding it very hard to help many people. It's not just helping Tina. There are 5 small children in the Kalayaan house. Tina said they have no food today. She also said there are hungry families depending on her shop but she can't help them.

Bern (16:53:00): I want to help you Mel, truly, but life is getting very hard.

Mel (16:56:18): Well maybe it's better to not helped me now, I'm crying now, I will tell to Tina that she can use my 2500, I'm OK here! Would you mind, Bern, I will go off line and I will go home. Bye bye.

Bern (16:56:53): Mel please do not say that to Tina.

"Mel has signed out. (5/10/2007 16:57)"

Laguna vice mayor gunned down

Article posted at 08:41 a.m. GMT+8 by GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/63036/Laguna-vice-mayor-gunned-down#

Unidentified gunmen ambushed and shot dead a municipal vice mayor in Pagsanjan town in Laguna province early Thursday morning.

Radio dzRH reported that the ambush on Lumban Vice Mayor Zaldy Raga took place at about 8 a.m., just as his service vehicle reached the bridge in Pagsanjan town.

The victim, wearing a white T-shirt and denim shorts, was clutching his cal-.45 pistol when he fell dead to the ground, indicating he tried to fire back at his assailants.

Initial investigation showed Raga was going to Pagsanjan from Lumban when he was ambushed. Police are still trying to determine the motive for the ambush.

Radio dzMM reported that police recovered 43 empty slugs at the crime scene.

Lumban is a fourth-class town with a population of 25,936 people in 5,456 households. Pagsanjan is a second-class town with a population of 32,622 people in 7,274 households. - with a report from Mark Merueñas, GMANews.TV