Duterte visits wake of Surigao del Sur Gov. Pimentel Jr.

Surigao del Sur Gov. Vicente Pimentel Jr. (Photo from the Facebook account of Surigao del Sur)

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte visited on Friday night the wake of the late Surigao del Sur Gov. Vicente Pimentel Jr.

The governor’s younger brother, Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel posted in his Facebook account photos of Duterte’s visit.

https://www.facebook.com/285767998463304/posts/744283202611779/

Pimentel Jr. died on the morning of Christmas Day at the age of 71.

READ: Surigao del Sur Gov. Vicente Pimentel Jr. dies at 71

Prior to becoming governor of the province, Pimentel Jr. served as mayor of Carrascal town.

Vice Governor Manuel Alameda Sr. will assume the governorship until a new governor is elected in May 2019 midterm elections.

Pimentel earlier filed for reelection, but later withdrew his candidacy due to health reasons.

His younger brother, Tandag City Mayor Alexander Pimentel, replaced him and will run for governor instead.

In a separate Facebook post, Rep. Pimentel said his brother’s wake will be at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque until Friday.

On Saturday, his remains will be sent home to Surigao del Sur, Rep. Pimentel added. /jpv