"To have once been a criminal is no disgrace. To remain a criminal is the disgrace." -- Malcolm X
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- I first heard the name Melvin "Boyet" Odicta in the early 90's when I edited the stories of our police beat reporters, Ruby Silubrico and Ednalyn Belonio-Diamante, in Sun Star, a daily newspaper in Western Visayas in the Philippines.
If Odicta was not arrested in a buy-bust operation and raids conducted by elements of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) then headed by Supt. Vicente Neptuno in his residence in Brgy. Tanza-Esperanza, City Proper, he was nabbed for, believe it or not, snatching!
Since Odicta was never convicted of snatching, either complainants refused to pursue the case for fear of reprisal or lack of interest, or he was a victim of a mistaken identity as he had insisted, according to police.
In other words, the man who raked in millions of pesos allegedly in trafficking of illegal drugs in year 2000 up and became the most-feared character in the underworld, started as small fry.
Odicta had always insisted he was a legitimate businessman. They operated a taxi company and a restaurant.
'DRUG LORD'
The man tagged by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and by no less than Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Director Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa as "the drug lord", reportedly began as a mere street hooligan.
His sudden transformation from alleged small-time trafficker and "snatcher" to big-time "drug lord" was meteoric, to say the least.
It was when Odicta began to "collaborate" with Merriam Regalado-Porras, who became Mrs. Meriam Odicta, that his name became a byword and his empire ballooned.
Meriam was widow of the notorious gangster Tikboy Porras of Pototan, Iloilo. Porras was murdered reportedly by his former cohorts in a beach resort in Iloilo City in early 80s.
Porras, who also reportedly dabbled as hired killer, was one of the fast-rising illegal drug traffickers in Iloilo province when he was killed, police said.
Police said it was possible that Meriam "inherited" her dead husband's connections and sources in the illicit deals.
CONVICT
When Odicta was sentenced to life imprisonment for violation of Republic Act 6425 or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972, he met some of the jailed criminal bigwigs in the New Bilibid Prison, believed to be the source of first-grade metamphetamine chloride or shabu.
Authorities viewed his alleged connections in the New Bilibid Prison mafia plus Meriam's "well-entrenched" tentacles as "formidable" combinations.
When he was released under a controversial circumstance in the 90's, Odicta made a name in the underworld as "Dragon", his nom de guerre in the New Bilibid Prison probably inspired by the huge dragon tattoo on his body.
Dragon was reportedly both feared by his rivals and admired by his cohorts. His connections were so wide and powerful that he became untouchable for a long time, police said.
The Odicta couple were gunned down by unidentified assailants as they arrived via ro-ro in Caticlan, Aklan on August 29.
They came from a meeting with Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ismael "Mike" Sueno in Metro Manila where they reportedly submitted a list containing the "illegal drug trade matrix", a report denied by the couple's lawyers.
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Sunday, August 28, 2016
Dragon stares at death but couldn't spit fire
"He who does not prevent a crime when he can, encourages it."
--Lucius Annaeus Seneca
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- In the hands of his executioners, suspected drug lord Melvin "Boyet" Odicta Sr, popularly known as "Dragon", saw imminent death.
Based on manner of his execution, there was no way Dragon could escape and survive.
A gunman shot Dragon and wife Merriam as they alighted from a roll-on roll-off vessel at around 1:30 a.m. in Caticlan, Aklan August 28, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Superintendent Dionardo Carlos confirmed.
"Please get me out of here," Dragon, limping with a bullet wound on the right foot, pleaded to his lawyer Gualberto Cataluna over mobile phone.
The most feared underworld personality could not even spit a fire as he struggled to avoid being finished off after surviving the first volley of shots.
TRAP
But he was trapped. And Dragon probably knew he was finished.
Dragon was supposed to be brought to a Malay hospital but witnesses, including Cataluna, claimed policemen handcuffed him.
Minutes later, the man considered as "the most powerful and well-connected drug lord" in Western Visayas, was dead.
He had bullet wounds in the body and head, it was reported.
Before he died, Dragon witnessed how his wife, Merriam, was peppered with bullets in the back.
The Odictas were declared dead on arrival in the hospital.
The couple were on their way to Iloilo from Manila where they were reported earlier to have "surrendered" to Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ismael Sueno.
Cataluna insisted they sought Sueno's help because of threats they were getting in Iloilo and did not surrender.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Director Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa earlier tagged Dragon as "the drug lord." He had vowed to wipe out all the drug lords in six months.
EVIDENCE
There was no evidence that the hard-hitting PNP chief had ordered Dragon's killing. He asserted that he does not tolerate summary executions but vowed to "get hard" on criminals, especially the drug lords.
For a while, Dragon seemed untouchable.
He repeatedly denied envolvement in trafficking of illegal drugs insisting he was a legitimate taxi operator. The couple managed the Melvin taxi company, among other businesses in Iloilo City.
For so many years now, a mere mention of Dragon's name evoked fears among local law enforcers, business rivals, politicians, and crusading mediamen.
He had "friends" in almost all sectors and organizations. He was also reportedly a "benevolent" election campaign contributor.
Residents in places where Dragon had businesses and houses wouldn't comment about the nature of his other "businesses" and sources of income, we were informed. He also reportedly provided sacks of rice, cash for tuition and hospital bills, among other financial assistance, to poor neighbors.
CORRUPT
Some corrupt cops, politicians, thugs, and media personalities were reportedly under his payroll.
Some of the unsolved gruesome murders involving policemen, media personalities, underworld characters and even ordinary employees had been reportedly linked to Dragon and his associates.
No charges have been filed against them, however, in relation to these gangland-style killings.
Aksyon Radyo, a local radio station in Iloilo City, became Dragon's fiercest critic and continued to expose his alleged illegal activities amid threats of reprisal and harassment.
Dragon and his cohorts had been charged with trying to invade the radio station two years ago. They were caught on CCTV seizing some gadget owned by the radio station during the raid.
Dragon's death reportedly left a vaccum in the leadership of illegal drugs in the city and province of Iloilo.
TENTACLES
"At least his tentacles will now start to be decimated now that the main head has been cut off," a namesake, Boyet, who now lives in California, said. "He was probably killed by his protectors for fear he might squeal on their partnership."
Boyet said some of Dragon's protectors "are so powerful and prominent. Ilonggos will be shocked if they will know who they are."
Boyet, a former underworld character, said Dragon's protectors had been "looking for the right opportunity" to strike starting when they learned that Dragon's name was included in the list of suspected drug lords in the country secured by President Rodrigo Duterte.
"They have finally caught him up in Caticlan," Boyet averred. "Happy days (for the Ilonggos) will come again (after Dragon's demise)."
--Lucius Annaeus Seneca
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- In the hands of his executioners, suspected drug lord Melvin "Boyet" Odicta Sr, popularly known as "Dragon", saw imminent death.
Based on manner of his execution, there was no way Dragon could escape and survive.
A gunman shot Dragon and wife Merriam as they alighted from a roll-on roll-off vessel at around 1:30 a.m. in Caticlan, Aklan August 28, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Superintendent Dionardo Carlos confirmed.
"Please get me out of here," Dragon, limping with a bullet wound on the right foot, pleaded to his lawyer Gualberto Cataluna over mobile phone.
The most feared underworld personality could not even spit a fire as he struggled to avoid being finished off after surviving the first volley of shots.
TRAP
But he was trapped. And Dragon probably knew he was finished.
Dragon was supposed to be brought to a Malay hospital but witnesses, including Cataluna, claimed policemen handcuffed him.
Minutes later, the man considered as "the most powerful and well-connected drug lord" in Western Visayas, was dead.
He had bullet wounds in the body and head, it was reported.
Before he died, Dragon witnessed how his wife, Merriam, was peppered with bullets in the back.
The Odictas were declared dead on arrival in the hospital.
The couple were on their way to Iloilo from Manila where they were reported earlier to have "surrendered" to Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ismael Sueno.
Cataluna insisted they sought Sueno's help because of threats they were getting in Iloilo and did not surrender.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Director Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa earlier tagged Dragon as "the drug lord." He had vowed to wipe out all the drug lords in six months.
EVIDENCE
There was no evidence that the hard-hitting PNP chief had ordered Dragon's killing. He asserted that he does not tolerate summary executions but vowed to "get hard" on criminals, especially the drug lords.
For a while, Dragon seemed untouchable.
He repeatedly denied envolvement in trafficking of illegal drugs insisting he was a legitimate taxi operator. The couple managed the Melvin taxi company, among other businesses in Iloilo City.
For so many years now, a mere mention of Dragon's name evoked fears among local law enforcers, business rivals, politicians, and crusading mediamen.
He had "friends" in almost all sectors and organizations. He was also reportedly a "benevolent" election campaign contributor.
Residents in places where Dragon had businesses and houses wouldn't comment about the nature of his other "businesses" and sources of income, we were informed. He also reportedly provided sacks of rice, cash for tuition and hospital bills, among other financial assistance, to poor neighbors.
CORRUPT
Some corrupt cops, politicians, thugs, and media personalities were reportedly under his payroll.
Some of the unsolved gruesome murders involving policemen, media personalities, underworld characters and even ordinary employees had been reportedly linked to Dragon and his associates.
No charges have been filed against them, however, in relation to these gangland-style killings.
Aksyon Radyo, a local radio station in Iloilo City, became Dragon's fiercest critic and continued to expose his alleged illegal activities amid threats of reprisal and harassment.
Dragon and his cohorts had been charged with trying to invade the radio station two years ago. They were caught on CCTV seizing some gadget owned by the radio station during the raid.
Dragon's death reportedly left a vaccum in the leadership of illegal drugs in the city and province of Iloilo.
TENTACLES
"At least his tentacles will now start to be decimated now that the main head has been cut off," a namesake, Boyet, who now lives in California, said. "He was probably killed by his protectors for fear he might squeal on their partnership."
Boyet said some of Dragon's protectors "are so powerful and prominent. Ilonggos will be shocked if they will know who they are."
Boyet, a former underworld character, said Dragon's protectors had been "looking for the right opportunity" to strike starting when they learned that Dragon's name was included in the list of suspected drug lords in the country secured by President Rodrigo Duterte.
"They have finally caught him up in Caticlan," Boyet averred. "Happy days (for the Ilonggos) will come again (after Dragon's demise)."
L'affaire Odictas: 'Dragon' outsmarts 'Bato'
"Let me be clear-no one is above the law. Not a politician, not a priest, not a criminal, not a police officer. We are all accountable for our actions." Antonio Villaraigosa
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- They can't put a "bad" man down?
Several days before Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Director General Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa, visited Iloilo City in the Philippines on August 26, suspected drug lord, Melvin "Boyet" Odicta Sr., popularly known as "Dragon" in Western Visayas, grabbed headlines when he and wife Merriam "surrendered" to Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ismael Sueno in Manila.
Lawyers Gualberto Cataluna and Sigred Fortun clarified later that their clients, fearing for their lives, "only sought the help" of the DILG. The lawyers refused to use the word "surrender" since no warrant of arrest has been issued against the couple.
The Odictas denied they were involved in trafficking of illegal drugs. They operate a taxi company and a restaurant, among other businesses in Iloilo City tagged as "the most shabulized" city in the country by President Rodrigo Duterte.
Smart move for the lawyers.
Not-so-good publicity for Sueno and DILG.
HOSPITALITY
In the first place, why would Sueno accord the Odicta couple the kind of "hospitality" reserved for local government officials and cops?
The Odictas are not elected public officials. They are not even members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and PNP.
Can any businessman tagged as having connections with the underworld seek asylum in the DILG if heat has become unbearable in the kitchen?
Can any drug lord or suspected drug lord hide behind the curtains of a government agency like DILG if police authorities are hot after their heels?
Where will the Odictas' visit fit in the DILG's objective "to enhance LGU capacities to improve their performance and enable them to effectively and efficiently deliver services to their constituents"?
The timing of Odicta couple's visit to the DILG was suspect. The lawyers--or the Odictas themselves--probably knew Dela Rosa was set to arrive in Iloilo City for a series of speaking engagements and inspections last August 26, thus they beat the PNP chief to the draw when they hobnobbed with the DILG.
Sueno has a lot of explaining to do for "L'affaire Odictas". Did he only accommodate friend Cataluna, a former inmate in South Cotabato where Sueno served as officer-in-charge (OIC) during the term of the late former President Corazon Aquino?
REFUSE
On the other hand, Dela Rosa refused to buy the claims of the Odictas that they are not engaged in selling of shabu in Western Visayas.
"Tell it to the marines," Dela Rosa was quoted by Philippines newspapers as saying in response to the Odictas' denial.
Dela Rosa, who was mobbed by Ilonggo fans, can always get a lot of pogi points each time he issued tirades against the drug lords. But it can't be denied that Dragon was able to outsmart Bato in the most recent episode of the nationwide campaign by the Duterte administration against illegal drugs.
After the smoke has been cleared, Dela Rosa was back in Metro Manila. The Odictas were back in Iloilo.
It was like a mouse and cat game. Now that the cat is away, it's time for the mouse to once again play.
WIPE OUT
In six months, Dela Rosa has vowed to wipe out criminals in the country and resign if he can't deliver. The clock is ticking on that project. This allusion to a stopwatch is often used as an admonition to speed something up.
"Humanda na kayo. Sasagasaan namin kayo. Mag imbak na kayo ng armas (Be prepared. We will run you over. Start stockpiling your arms now)" was Dela Rosa's famous battlecry several weeks before he assumed office as PNP chief.
But Dragon, with his battery of cracked lawyers and the DILG leading the potpourri of charades, appears to have the last laugh.
Meanwhile, more than 1,000 lives have lost in "summary executions" related to campaign against illegal drugs nationwide as of press time, and the United Nations isn't pleased with the death statistics.
Most of them were suspected assets allegedly "silenced" so they couldn't rat against rogue cops.
Most of them were small fries. Not drug lords.
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- They can't put a "bad" man down?
Several days before Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Director General Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa, visited Iloilo City in the Philippines on August 26, suspected drug lord, Melvin "Boyet" Odicta Sr., popularly known as "Dragon" in Western Visayas, grabbed headlines when he and wife Merriam "surrendered" to Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ismael Sueno in Manila.
Lawyers Gualberto Cataluna and Sigred Fortun clarified later that their clients, fearing for their lives, "only sought the help" of the DILG. The lawyers refused to use the word "surrender" since no warrant of arrest has been issued against the couple.
The Odictas denied they were involved in trafficking of illegal drugs. They operate a taxi company and a restaurant, among other businesses in Iloilo City tagged as "the most shabulized" city in the country by President Rodrigo Duterte.
Smart move for the lawyers.
Not-so-good publicity for Sueno and DILG.
HOSPITALITY
In the first place, why would Sueno accord the Odicta couple the kind of "hospitality" reserved for local government officials and cops?
The Odictas are not elected public officials. They are not even members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and PNP.
Can any businessman tagged as having connections with the underworld seek asylum in the DILG if heat has become unbearable in the kitchen?
Can any drug lord or suspected drug lord hide behind the curtains of a government agency like DILG if police authorities are hot after their heels?
Where will the Odictas' visit fit in the DILG's objective "to enhance LGU capacities to improve their performance and enable them to effectively and efficiently deliver services to their constituents"?
The timing of Odicta couple's visit to the DILG was suspect. The lawyers--or the Odictas themselves--probably knew Dela Rosa was set to arrive in Iloilo City for a series of speaking engagements and inspections last August 26, thus they beat the PNP chief to the draw when they hobnobbed with the DILG.
Sueno has a lot of explaining to do for "L'affaire Odictas". Did he only accommodate friend Cataluna, a former inmate in South Cotabato where Sueno served as officer-in-charge (OIC) during the term of the late former President Corazon Aquino?
REFUSE
On the other hand, Dela Rosa refused to buy the claims of the Odictas that they are not engaged in selling of shabu in Western Visayas.
"Tell it to the marines," Dela Rosa was quoted by Philippines newspapers as saying in response to the Odictas' denial.
Dela Rosa, who was mobbed by Ilonggo fans, can always get a lot of pogi points each time he issued tirades against the drug lords. But it can't be denied that Dragon was able to outsmart Bato in the most recent episode of the nationwide campaign by the Duterte administration against illegal drugs.
After the smoke has been cleared, Dela Rosa was back in Metro Manila. The Odictas were back in Iloilo.
It was like a mouse and cat game. Now that the cat is away, it's time for the mouse to once again play.
WIPE OUT
In six months, Dela Rosa has vowed to wipe out criminals in the country and resign if he can't deliver. The clock is ticking on that project. This allusion to a stopwatch is often used as an admonition to speed something up.
"Humanda na kayo. Sasagasaan namin kayo. Mag imbak na kayo ng armas (Be prepared. We will run you over. Start stockpiling your arms now)" was Dela Rosa's famous battlecry several weeks before he assumed office as PNP chief.
But Dragon, with his battery of cracked lawyers and the DILG leading the potpourri of charades, appears to have the last laugh.
Meanwhile, more than 1,000 lives have lost in "summary executions" related to campaign against illegal drugs nationwide as of press time, and the United Nations isn't pleased with the death statistics.
Most of them were suspected assets allegedly "silenced" so they couldn't rat against rogue cops.
Most of them were small fries. Not drug lords.
Thursday, August 25, 2016
'Nanay patawarin mo po ako'
"I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life." -- Abraham Lincoln
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- Mercidetas is in a hurry to book for a trip to Manila in November 2016 and the cheapest ticket she could get was $453 at China Eastern for a flight via Shianghai.
If she moves her flight to December, Mercidetas will have to shell out $1,439 at Philippine Airlines.
"I need to be home before December. My youngest daughter will deliver her baby before Christmas," chortles Mercidetas, 56, a mother of three.
Her daugther, Rachel, 17, lives in Carmona, a first class urban municipality in the province of Cavite, Philippines with a population of 97,557, according to the 2015 census.
Mother and daughter haven't seen each other in person since 2001 when Mercidetas left then two-year-old Rachel to the care of Rosario, Mercidetas' older sister who was single.
Mercidetas, clerk in the local registry of deeds, left for San Francisco, California on a tourist visa before the 9/11 attack.
She never returned to the Philippines.
CHILDREN
She left her two other children--Rhea, 7, and Dan Robert, 9--in the care of her estranged husband's parents.
Both Rhea and Dan Robert now have their own families. Rhea, cashier in a grocery store, lives in Norzagaray, Bulacan. Dan Robert, whose expertise in the kitchen was recently featured in a popular TV program in Manila, is cook in a Japanese restaurant in Makati City, Metro Manila.
Mercidetas works as babysitter in Long Island. She admits Rachel is her favorite child "because I nearly lost her when I was only six months pregnant."
Mercidetas had a violent altercation with Ramon's "girlfriend" who kicked her on the stomach during a scuffle.
Mercidetas says "Ramon was not happy" when he learned she was pregnant to Rachel.
"He became paranoid after coming home one night when he saw a carpenter inside our house during a power blackout," recalls Mercidetas. "He accused me of having an affair with the carpenter."
Mercidetas theorized Ramon, driver of a prominent politician in Imus, a neighboring municipality, only wanted to justify his infidelity by "falsely" accusing her of committing adulterous acts.
DRIVE-IN
She caught Ramon and his inamorata while coming out from a drive-in motel and attacked them.
Ramon's girlfriend, younger by about eight years, fought back and Mercidetas landed in the hospital after a violent fracas.
"I nearly lost my baby," she sobs, gnashing her teeth.
Ramon left them and lived with his girlfriend in Quezon province.
"Ate Rosario took care of Rachel when I decided to go to the United States," Mercidetas narrates. "My heart sank when Ate Rosario died in 2009. I could not fly home because of immigration issues. Rachel was only nine years old then."
Rosario was a victim of hit and run in the Carmona highway. The car that sideswiped her while on her way home from church sped off.
"When Rachel needed me most, I was not there on her side. I was going insane. I lost my appetite. I lost weight. I had sleepless nights worrying for my youngest daughter. My friends in the Woodside entertained me in the videoke bar and assured me everything was fine for Rachel, who was taken care of by our neighbors before being adopted by Ramon's sister in Caloocan (city, Metro Manila)," Mercidetas adds amid tears.
FUNDS
She needed to raise funds as babysitter; sometimes she dabbled in house cleaning for a part time job "because I left a big debt in the Philippines."
Aside from sending money to Rosario for Rachel's needs, Mercidetas also remitted some cash to Ramon's parents for her other children.
She also left "a pile of debts" several months before she obtained her visa.
"That's why I needed to work so I can also sustain the needs of my family even if I am a TNT (tago ng tago)," remarks Mercidetas, who left San Francisco to New York City after two moths in 2001 to hook up with a former classmate, Evangeline, a caregiver in Brooklyn.
Evangeline paid for Mercidetas' rent for three months in a small bedroom on 69th St. Roosevelt Avenue, Woodside. She transferred to a spacious room when she landed a job as babysitter.
Rachel took up an associate course in computer in Caloocan City where she met Mamerto, an instructor.
"Even if she had no idea how I looked in person except in the photos in our family album, Rachel and I talked over the phone regularly," adds Mercidetas. "When Skype came, it was heaven for both of us. We cried together because we could look at each other face to face even if it was only in the internet."
'MY BABY'
Mercidetas considers Rachel as "still my baby and (she'll) forever remain as my baby" even if Rachel was already teenager.
Rachel would not anymore resent their distance and flip-flopped in pressing her mom further on circumstances why a mother had to leave her children and could not come home during important family events.
Mercidetas assured her "we will someday be reunited and will no longer be separated in whatever circumstance."
In return, Rachel promised to be a "good girl" and to finish her studies.
"In the Skype and in the Facebook messenger, we always prayed together for God's guidance and blessing so that all our wishes would come true," discloses Mercidetas.
Rachel haven't heard from her father. Mercidetas says she had to employ "white lies" to divert Rachel's mind each time questions about her father's whereabouts tarried in their discussion.
"I just assured her that someday her father will show up and join us. It pains me a lot while saying those white lies because I know it's already impossible," Mercidetas laments.
Mercidetas admits her "most shocking" nightmare came in June this year when Rhea, now 22, informed her by long distance that Rachel was pregnant.
To add insult, Mamerto, the man who allegedly impregnated Rachel, is married with four children.
Mamerto resigned from the computer institute owned by the former presidential adviser of Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada after Rhea and their relatives confronted him and brought the matter to the attention of school authorities.
STOP
Rachel stopped going to school. "Nakakahiya (shameful)" was how Rhea described Rachel's predicament when Rhea reported the matter to Mercidetas.
Mercidetas admits she felt like her world has crumbled for being unable to assist her favorite daughter during "the most confusing moments" in her life.
"I blame myself. All her life I was not there to give her advice and guidance while she was growing up. What she lacked was parental guidance. We failed to provide it," Mercidetas exclaims, clinching her fists.
She cautioned Rhea from admonishing her sister severely and appealed to give Rachel all the moral support and understanding.
"Gusto ko man lang sana mayakap sia. Pati ba naman sa kalagayan nia ngayon wala ako sa piling nia (I wanted to at least embrace her. I should be there beside her now)," Mercidetas sighs.
CALLS
Rachel refused to answer Mercidetas' calls in the Facebook messenger, Skype and other means of communications. "Naintindihan ko sia. Naghalo ang kanyang hiya at takot. I wanted her to know that I am not mad at her. I wanted her to know that I am giving her my full support basta kausapin lang niya ako," she sobs further.
Mercidetas did not press the issue. She waited for the moment when Rachel could muster enough strength and courage to talk to her.
One afternoon in July while she was in the Junction Boulevard subway station in Corona, Queens, Mercidetas' Facebook messenger rang. It was Rachel.
"Nanay patawarin mo po ako (mother please forgive me). I failed you. I did not honor my promise. I am so ashamed."
Mercidetas replied: "Anak wala kang kasalanan. Mahal na mahal kita pati ang magiging anak mo at magiging apo ko. Hintayin mo ako. Magsasama na tayo muli. (You are not at fault, my child. I love you, your daughter; and also my grandchild. Wait for me. We will be together again.)"
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- Mercidetas is in a hurry to book for a trip to Manila in November 2016 and the cheapest ticket she could get was $453 at China Eastern for a flight via Shianghai.
If she moves her flight to December, Mercidetas will have to shell out $1,439 at Philippine Airlines.
"I need to be home before December. My youngest daughter will deliver her baby before Christmas," chortles Mercidetas, 56, a mother of three.
Her daugther, Rachel, 17, lives in Carmona, a first class urban municipality in the province of Cavite, Philippines with a population of 97,557, according to the 2015 census.
Mother and daughter haven't seen each other in person since 2001 when Mercidetas left then two-year-old Rachel to the care of Rosario, Mercidetas' older sister who was single.
Mercidetas, clerk in the local registry of deeds, left for San Francisco, California on a tourist visa before the 9/11 attack.
She never returned to the Philippines.
CHILDREN
She left her two other children--Rhea, 7, and Dan Robert, 9--in the care of her estranged husband's parents.
Both Rhea and Dan Robert now have their own families. Rhea, cashier in a grocery store, lives in Norzagaray, Bulacan. Dan Robert, whose expertise in the kitchen was recently featured in a popular TV program in Manila, is cook in a Japanese restaurant in Makati City, Metro Manila.
Mercidetas works as babysitter in Long Island. She admits Rachel is her favorite child "because I nearly lost her when I was only six months pregnant."
Mercidetas had a violent altercation with Ramon's "girlfriend" who kicked her on the stomach during a scuffle.
Mercidetas says "Ramon was not happy" when he learned she was pregnant to Rachel.
"He became paranoid after coming home one night when he saw a carpenter inside our house during a power blackout," recalls Mercidetas. "He accused me of having an affair with the carpenter."
Mercidetas theorized Ramon, driver of a prominent politician in Imus, a neighboring municipality, only wanted to justify his infidelity by "falsely" accusing her of committing adulterous acts.
DRIVE-IN
She caught Ramon and his inamorata while coming out from a drive-in motel and attacked them.
Ramon's girlfriend, younger by about eight years, fought back and Mercidetas landed in the hospital after a violent fracas.
"I nearly lost my baby," she sobs, gnashing her teeth.
Ramon left them and lived with his girlfriend in Quezon province.
"Ate Rosario took care of Rachel when I decided to go to the United States," Mercidetas narrates. "My heart sank when Ate Rosario died in 2009. I could not fly home because of immigration issues. Rachel was only nine years old then."
Rosario was a victim of hit and run in the Carmona highway. The car that sideswiped her while on her way home from church sped off.
"When Rachel needed me most, I was not there on her side. I was going insane. I lost my appetite. I lost weight. I had sleepless nights worrying for my youngest daughter. My friends in the Woodside entertained me in the videoke bar and assured me everything was fine for Rachel, who was taken care of by our neighbors before being adopted by Ramon's sister in Caloocan (city, Metro Manila)," Mercidetas adds amid tears.
FUNDS
She needed to raise funds as babysitter; sometimes she dabbled in house cleaning for a part time job "because I left a big debt in the Philippines."
Aside from sending money to Rosario for Rachel's needs, Mercidetas also remitted some cash to Ramon's parents for her other children.
She also left "a pile of debts" several months before she obtained her visa.
"That's why I needed to work so I can also sustain the needs of my family even if I am a TNT (tago ng tago)," remarks Mercidetas, who left San Francisco to New York City after two moths in 2001 to hook up with a former classmate, Evangeline, a caregiver in Brooklyn.
Evangeline paid for Mercidetas' rent for three months in a small bedroom on 69th St. Roosevelt Avenue, Woodside. She transferred to a spacious room when she landed a job as babysitter.
Rachel took up an associate course in computer in Caloocan City where she met Mamerto, an instructor.
"Even if she had no idea how I looked in person except in the photos in our family album, Rachel and I talked over the phone regularly," adds Mercidetas. "When Skype came, it was heaven for both of us. We cried together because we could look at each other face to face even if it was only in the internet."
'MY BABY'
Mercidetas considers Rachel as "still my baby and (she'll) forever remain as my baby" even if Rachel was already teenager.
Rachel would not anymore resent their distance and flip-flopped in pressing her mom further on circumstances why a mother had to leave her children and could not come home during important family events.
Mercidetas assured her "we will someday be reunited and will no longer be separated in whatever circumstance."
In return, Rachel promised to be a "good girl" and to finish her studies.
"In the Skype and in the Facebook messenger, we always prayed together for God's guidance and blessing so that all our wishes would come true," discloses Mercidetas.
Rachel haven't heard from her father. Mercidetas says she had to employ "white lies" to divert Rachel's mind each time questions about her father's whereabouts tarried in their discussion.
"I just assured her that someday her father will show up and join us. It pains me a lot while saying those white lies because I know it's already impossible," Mercidetas laments.
Mercidetas admits her "most shocking" nightmare came in June this year when Rhea, now 22, informed her by long distance that Rachel was pregnant.
To add insult, Mamerto, the man who allegedly impregnated Rachel, is married with four children.
Mamerto resigned from the computer institute owned by the former presidential adviser of Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada after Rhea and their relatives confronted him and brought the matter to the attention of school authorities.
STOP
Rachel stopped going to school. "Nakakahiya (shameful)" was how Rhea described Rachel's predicament when Rhea reported the matter to Mercidetas.
Mercidetas admits she felt like her world has crumbled for being unable to assist her favorite daughter during "the most confusing moments" in her life.
"I blame myself. All her life I was not there to give her advice and guidance while she was growing up. What she lacked was parental guidance. We failed to provide it," Mercidetas exclaims, clinching her fists.
She cautioned Rhea from admonishing her sister severely and appealed to give Rachel all the moral support and understanding.
"Gusto ko man lang sana mayakap sia. Pati ba naman sa kalagayan nia ngayon wala ako sa piling nia (I wanted to at least embrace her. I should be there beside her now)," Mercidetas sighs.
CALLS
Rachel refused to answer Mercidetas' calls in the Facebook messenger, Skype and other means of communications. "Naintindihan ko sia. Naghalo ang kanyang hiya at takot. I wanted her to know that I am not mad at her. I wanted her to know that I am giving her my full support basta kausapin lang niya ako," she sobs further.
Mercidetas did not press the issue. She waited for the moment when Rachel could muster enough strength and courage to talk to her.
One afternoon in July while she was in the Junction Boulevard subway station in Corona, Queens, Mercidetas' Facebook messenger rang. It was Rachel.
"Nanay patawarin mo po ako (mother please forgive me). I failed you. I did not honor my promise. I am so ashamed."
Mercidetas replied: "Anak wala kang kasalanan. Mahal na mahal kita pati ang magiging anak mo at magiging apo ko. Hintayin mo ako. Magsasama na tayo muli. (You are not at fault, my child. I love you, your daughter; and also my grandchild. Wait for me. We will be together again.)"
Saturday, August 20, 2016
I'm not dead, says Pinoy chess champ
"The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated."
-- MARK TWAIN
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- The oldest Filipino to win a category title in the World Chess Open championship has surfaced after a long hiatus to belie reports he was dead.
"I came here to prove them wrong," Normando "Andy" Bragat Punzalan, 72, told this writer in an exclusive interview at the Elmhurst Park in Queens, August 15, referring to reports.
"In fact, I'm looking for the person or group of persons in this park who spread the rumor that I have died," fumed Punzalan, who holds a United States Chess Federation (USCF) National Elo 1769.
Rumors of Punzalan's death spread in Elmhurst Park July 2016, where he used to hone chess skills together with other fellow Filipino-American chess players.
He claimed credit in bringing super GM Wesley So in the park to play with local chess aficionados in exhibition matches.
RATED
Rated No. 2120 in the United States, Punzalan, who has lived here for more than 30 years since moving from Novaliches, Quezon City, blamed "envy" as the source of the false story.
Fellow Fil-Am chess player Melchor "Choy" Florescio alerted Punzalan about the rumors in a telephone call, but persuaded him from identifying the rumor mongers.
Chess aficionados in the park feared swindlers might once again use the opportunity to solicit donations for a "dead" compatriot.
"Ever since I won in Philadelphia (venue of the 7th Annual World Open Under1800), I have been hearing ugly rumors about me. Some people just can't accept that I could win a chess title in my senior years," narrated Punzalan, who was 70 when he ruled the category championship.
Punzalan claimed he also topped the tournament in the senior category in 2015.
VICTORY
When his victory became known in the community, Punzalan said envious characters also circulated a story that he was a TNT (Tago Ng Tago or illegal immigrant) in a bid to destroy him in the chess federation.
He chided those who cast doubts on his credentials to check the internet saying he did not want to argue with them.
"I had to show my ID to prove that I am an American citizen," sobbed Punzalan, who recently engaged an Indonesian known in the park as "Master Thomas" in a series of blitz games.
In an incident during a winter season years back, detractors ribbed Punzalan after a drunken elderly Fil-Am he accompanied home fell to the ground and suffered cuts on his head.
"My detractors claimed I intentionally pushed the elderly person. I was the one who offered to bring the person home, yet I ended up as the contrabida. My critics never stopped maligning me only because I won a chess title," he exclaimed.
CHESSERS
Punzalan said several Filipino chessers also won in various categories in the past, "but none of them won the title at age 70."
"I'm not bragging about my achievements (in chess), but I will prove to my critics that I can still play even if I am now 72," Punzalan said. "I am still active and not yet retiring."
He plans to participate in the Millionaire Chess Open in Atlantic City, New Jersey on October 6-10, 2016.
Punzalan also reportedly had exposure in the following tournaments: 41st Annual World Open (Ratedgames) Arlington, USA 2013.06.29; 41st Annual World Open (Under1800) Arlington, USA 2013.06.29; 6th NY International (Under1800) New York, USA 2013.06.19; 7th Annual Philadelphia Open (Under1800) Philadelphia, USA 2013.03.27; National Chess Congress (Under1800) Philadelphia, USA 2012.11.23; Boardwalk Open (Under 1800) Asbury Park, USA 2012.10.19; Continental Class (Class B) Arlington, USA 2012.10.04; 40th Annual World Open (Under1800) Philadelphia, USA 2012.07.01; Philadelphia Open (Under1600) Philadelphia, USA 2012.04.04; Eastern Team Championship! (Teamu) Stamford, USA 2011.11.04; 39th Annual World Open (Under1600) Philadelphia, USA 2011.06.28; 38th Annual World Open (Under1600).
-- MARK TWAIN
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- The oldest Filipino to win a category title in the World Chess Open championship has surfaced after a long hiatus to belie reports he was dead.
"I came here to prove them wrong," Normando "Andy" Bragat Punzalan, 72, told this writer in an exclusive interview at the Elmhurst Park in Queens, August 15, referring to reports.
 |
| PUNZALAN |
Rumors of Punzalan's death spread in Elmhurst Park July 2016, where he used to hone chess skills together with other fellow Filipino-American chess players.
He claimed credit in bringing super GM Wesley So in the park to play with local chess aficionados in exhibition matches.
RATED
Rated No. 2120 in the United States, Punzalan, who has lived here for more than 30 years since moving from Novaliches, Quezon City, blamed "envy" as the source of the false story.
Fellow Fil-Am chess player Melchor "Choy" Florescio alerted Punzalan about the rumors in a telephone call, but persuaded him from identifying the rumor mongers.
Chess aficionados in the park feared swindlers might once again use the opportunity to solicit donations for a "dead" compatriot.
"Ever since I won in Philadelphia (venue of the 7th Annual World Open Under1800), I have been hearing ugly rumors about me. Some people just can't accept that I could win a chess title in my senior years," narrated Punzalan, who was 70 when he ruled the category championship.
Punzalan claimed he also topped the tournament in the senior category in 2015.
VICTORY
When his victory became known in the community, Punzalan said envious characters also circulated a story that he was a TNT (Tago Ng Tago or illegal immigrant) in a bid to destroy him in the chess federation.
 |
| PUNZALAN PLAYING AGAINST INDONESIAN MASTER THOMAS. |
"I had to show my ID to prove that I am an American citizen," sobbed Punzalan, who recently engaged an Indonesian known in the park as "Master Thomas" in a series of blitz games.
In an incident during a winter season years back, detractors ribbed Punzalan after a drunken elderly Fil-Am he accompanied home fell to the ground and suffered cuts on his head.
"My detractors claimed I intentionally pushed the elderly person. I was the one who offered to bring the person home, yet I ended up as the contrabida. My critics never stopped maligning me only because I won a chess title," he exclaimed.
CHESSERS
Punzalan said several Filipino chessers also won in various categories in the past, "but none of them won the title at age 70."
"I'm not bragging about my achievements (in chess), but I will prove to my critics that I can still play even if I am now 72," Punzalan said. "I am still active and not yet retiring."
He plans to participate in the Millionaire Chess Open in Atlantic City, New Jersey on October 6-10, 2016.
Punzalan also reportedly had exposure in the following tournaments: 41st Annual World Open (Ratedgames) Arlington, USA 2013.06.29; 41st Annual World Open (Under1800) Arlington, USA 2013.06.29; 6th NY International (Under1800) New York, USA 2013.06.19; 7th Annual Philadelphia Open (Under1800) Philadelphia, USA 2013.03.27; National Chess Congress (Under1800) Philadelphia, USA 2012.11.23; Boardwalk Open (Under 1800) Asbury Park, USA 2012.10.19; Continental Class (Class B) Arlington, USA 2012.10.04; 40th Annual World Open (Under1800) Philadelphia, USA 2012.07.01; Philadelphia Open (Under1600) Philadelphia, USA 2012.04.04; Eastern Team Championship! (Teamu) Stamford, USA 2011.11.04; 39th Annual World Open (Under1600) Philadelphia, USA 2011.06.28; 38th Annual World Open (Under1600).
Alex P. Vidal Quotes (Happiness)
Happiness will never come to those who fail to appreciate what they already have.
-- ANONYMOUS :
Contentment is already happiness in disguise. Sorrow can't build a flagpole in a fulfilled body. Sadness can't rear its ugly head in a satisfied mind. Happiness is for those who expect nothing but are hopeful and thankful for any thing.
-- ALEX P. VIDAL
-- ANONYMOUS :
Contentment is already happiness in disguise. Sorrow can't build a flagpole in a fulfilled body. Sadness can't rear its ugly head in a satisfied mind. Happiness is for those who expect nothing but are hopeful and thankful for any thing.
-- ALEX P. VIDAL
Alex P. Vidal Quotes (Mind)
A mind at peace, a mind centered and not focused on harming others, is stronger than any physical force in the universe.
--WAYNE DYER :
Wealth, fame and pleasure combined can’t surpass the magnificence of peace of mind. Wealth attracts fake friends; fame emboldens envious characters; pleasure eviscerates our moral fiber. A mind at peace buttresses our body and soul like a ton of bricks.
--ALEX P. VIDAL
--WAYNE DYER :
Wealth, fame and pleasure combined can’t surpass the magnificence of peace of mind. Wealth attracts fake friends; fame emboldens envious characters; pleasure eviscerates our moral fiber. A mind at peace buttresses our body and soul like a ton of bricks.
--ALEX P. VIDAL
Grandson of Iloilo village chief wins gold in US Jui-Jitsu tilt
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- Ray G. Rico, chief of Phhc 22 Mandurriao, Iloilo City in the Philippines admitted he was teary-eyed upon his recent release from hospital not because he was treated for kidney infection and diabetes during confinement.
"It was tears of joy," Rico sighed. "My ailment had nothing to do with my tears."
This was after Rico's nine-year-old grandson, Myles Joaquin "Wacky" Rico- Javelosa, won two gold medals in the recent 12th Annual North American Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Tournament held in Cerritos College Norwalk, California on Aug 6-7, 2016.
"I'm so mighty proud of Wacky. He was under my care since birth until he was four years old where he joined his mom and dad in California," Rico said. "I miss him so much and winning such gold medals makes my eyes teary. He trained hard and promised me that he would someday show me medals that I could be proud of."
Wacky has been promoted to Grey Belt level after the tournament, Rico disclosed.
He started competing in the tournament that features kids and adults in 2015 but lost two times. "Since then, Wacky would ask us to take him to two to three classes three times week because he was determined to win in the following year," Rico recalled.
Wacky won his first gold in the West Coast nationals in Downtown, Los Angeles.
His second gold came in the Azusa Pacific University Jiu jitsu World League.
Wacky collected his latest two gold medals in the Cerritos tournament.
Wacky is the son of MJ Adelantar Javelosa and Mary Rachel Javelosa, Rico's daughter.
The Javelosas live in West Covina, California.
NEW YORK CITY -- Ray G. Rico, chief of Phhc 22 Mandurriao, Iloilo City in the Philippines admitted he was teary-eyed upon his recent release from hospital not because he was treated for kidney infection and diabetes during confinement.
"It was tears of joy," Rico sighed. "My ailment had nothing to do with my tears."
 |
| WACKY AND GRANDPA RAY |
"I'm so mighty proud of Wacky. He was under my care since birth until he was four years old where he joined his mom and dad in California," Rico said. "I miss him so much and winning such gold medals makes my eyes teary. He trained hard and promised me that he would someday show me medals that I could be proud of."
Wacky has been promoted to Grey Belt level after the tournament, Rico disclosed.
Wacky won his first gold in the West Coast nationals in Downtown, Los Angeles.
His second gold came in the Azusa Pacific University Jiu jitsu World League.
Wacky collected his latest two gold medals in the Cerritos tournament.
 |
| WITH MAMA MARY RACHEL |
Wacky is the son of MJ Adelantar Javelosa and Mary Rachel Javelosa, Rico's daughter.
The Javelosas live in West Covina, California.
 |
| WITH THE BRAZILIAN COACH |
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