Village chief returns P2 M found in canal

By Victor Martin

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya – A barangay chairman returned a bag containing at least P2 million in cash that he found in Alicia, Isabela on Monday.

Eldie Mariano of Barangay Bantug Petines was hailed by his friends, neighbors and netizens after he turned over the cash owned by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA).

Mariano was on his way to his farm when he found the bag near the irrigation canal at around 3 p.m. 

He said he learned the money was intended for the salaries of NIA employees based on the payroll found in the bag.

Mariano immediately turned over the item to the NIA officials, who thanked and commended him for his honesty. 

“Mariano epitomizes what a true public servant is. We really need more people like him in the public service,” Alicia Vice Mayor Joel Alejandro said.

The municipal government said it would present Mariano with a certificate of recognition.