Mountain Province mayor dies at 49

PARACELIS, Mountain Province — Sabangan Mayor Marcial Lawilao died on Saturday morning, June 6, due to heart failure and other complications, according to an announcement posted by the local government of Sabangan on Facebook.

Lawilao was 49 years old and would have turned 50 on Oct. 22.

His remains were brought on Saturday to the Benguet Memorial Services Chapel in Cruz, La Trinidad, Benguet. His body is scheduled to be transported to Capinitan, Sabangan, on Sunday, June 7, for a wake in his hometown before his burial.

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Following Lawilao’s death, Vice Mayor Henrico Boguilis will assume the mayoralty in accordance with the law on succession, the Department of the Interior and Local Government said.

First-ranked municipal councilor Fausto Ballakis will, in turn, take over as vice mayor.

In a tribute posted online, Sabangan municipal government employees remembered Lawilao for his compassion and dedication to the community.

“Jun will always be remembered for his love, kindness, and the memories shared with family, friends, and the community,” they said.

The local government of Bontoc also extended its condolences, describing Lawilao as “a dedicated leader, a collaborative colleague in public service, and a true servant of the people of Mountain Province.”

“We honor his legacy, his leadership, and his unwavering commitment to progress and unity,” Bontoc officials said.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the people of Sabangan during this time of profound grief. May his soul rest eternally in our Lord’s embrace,” they added.

The Paracelis local government likewise expressed sympathy to Lawilao’s family and constituents.

“He was a dedicated public servant, a respected colleague in governance, and a true champion of the people of Mountain Province. His leadership, humility, and unwavering commitment to progress and unity left a lasting mark on all who worked alongside him,” the municipality said in a statement.

“As one Mountain Province, we honor his legacy and the service he gave to Sabangan and the entire province.”

“Our heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to his family and to the people of Sabangan during this time of deep sorrow. May his soul rest in eternal peace in our Lord’s embrace,” it added. /das