Isabela city councilor survives COVID-19, but dies after stroke

CITY OF ILAGAN—A councilor who survived COVID-19 has died after a cardiac arrest on Thursday (Jan. 21).

Vedasto Villanueva, 63, died at 4 p.m. while confined in the Cagayan Valley Medical Center (CVMC).

“He did not die of COVID-19 because he yielded negative results during subsequent COVID-19 tests,” said Dr. Glenn Mathew Baggao, CVMC chief.

Baggao, according to Villanueva, suffered a stroke.

The councilor also served as the town’s vice mayor for three terms.

Villanueva was a trader-farmer who began his political life as a barangay captain and a barangay league president.

Although diabetic, he was active in relief distribution in flooded villagers and families who lost livelihood during the pandemic.

Myrna Isidro, retired city council secretary, described Villanueva as “down to earth,” “generous,” and “friendly” to poor families.

TSB