Carlo Jorge Joan “Guido” Reyes (Photo courtesy of the Negros Oriental Public Information Office.)
MANILA, Philippines — Government officials on Wednesday mourned the death of Negros Oriental Governor Carlo Jorge “Guido” Reyes due to “lingering illness.”
Earlier Wednesday, Reyes’ death was announced by provincial administrator Karen Molas who received the news from Vice Mayor Eunica Reyes of Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.
Molas did not disclose the cause of the governor’s death, saying she was “not authorized by the family to disclose any other details as to the circumstances of his illness and his death.”
On hearing the news, Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo expressed her sadness for Reyes’ death, whom she described as a “great leader and respected figure” in the province.
“It is with a heavy heart and deep sorrow that I extend my heartfelt condolences to all of you on the passing of Governor Guido Reyes. His sudden departure has left us all in a state of shock and profound sadness. As we mourn the loss of a great leader, we are reminded of the fragility of life,” Degamo wrote.
Reyes was the second governor to die in office this year. He was previously the provincial vice governor who succeeded the mayor’s husband, Gov. Roel Degamo, following his assassination on March 4.
“In this time of mourning, let us come together as a community to honor the legacies of Governor Reyes and Governor Degamo. May their unwavering dedication to public service and their passion for creating a brighter future for our people serve as a guiding light for us all,” Mayor Degamo wrote.
Likewise, the Nacionalista Party, Reyes’ political group, offered condolences to the governor’s family.
“We remember Governor Guido as a kind, dedicated and passionate leader who has tirelessly advanced the welfare of his constituents. His wisdom and experience in public service have helped strengthen the party,” the Nacionalista Party spokesperson, Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar, said in a separate statement.
“We will forever honor his contributions as we continue to become the leaders and public servants that our country needs,” she added.
Meanwhile, Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves also extended his condolences to Reyes’ loved ones in a short video.
“I’d like to extend my condolences to the family of late governor Guido Reyes, especially to my very close friend Mikoy [Reyes] and to his father, sir Ernesto [Reyes]. Condolences po,” he said.
Teves has been accused of being the mastermind in the killing of Governor Degamo and nine others.
According to Molas, Negros Oriental Vice Governor Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria, an ally of Teves, will take over Reyes’ seat.