Odiongan, Romblon mayor Firmalo dies; 66

SAN PEDRO CITY, Philippines – The mayor of Odiongan, Romblon, Baltazar “Boy” Firmalo, passed away early Wednesday. He was 66.

Baltazar was on his third and last term as mayor of Odiongan. He was also the cousin of incumbent Romblon Governor Eduardo Firmalo and son of former Odiongan mayor Alfonso Firmalo.

In a text message to the Inquirer, the governor’s daughter and chief of staff Trina Firmalo said Baltazar was rushed Tuesday evening to the provincial hospital due to high blood pressure. The mayor passed away around 2:35 a.m. Wednesday.

Baltazar was survived by his wife, Fe, and their four children. The family has yet to give details of the mayor’s wake and interment. Maricar Cinco, Inquirer Southern Luzon