Ex-Calbayog mayor dies

CALBAYOG CITY, SAMAR, Philippines — Former mayor Diego Rivera of this city passed away on Monday, Nov. 18.

He was 78.

The cause of death was not disclosed by his family.

Calbayog City Mayor Raymund Uy, in a statement, expressed grief over the death of his predecessor.

“It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of former Calbayog City Mayor Diego P. Rivera,” Uy said.

He expressed deep respect for Rivera’s contributions to Calbayog and highlighted the late leader’s dedication and compassion for the city’s residents.

“His leadership and dedication to the people of Calbayog will be deeply missed,” Uy added, offering condolences to Rivera‘s family and loved ones.

Rivera served as Calbayog’s mayor from March 9, 2021 to June 30, 2022.

Rivera, who was then the vice mayor, assumed the position of mayor following the tragic assassination of then mayor Ronald Aquino.

During the 2022 elections, Rivera, however, was defeated by Mayor Uy.

Prior to his term as mayor, Rivera served as vice mayor from 2016 to 2021.

Vice Mayor Rex Daguman also paid tribute to Rivera, reflecting on the former mayor’s impact on the community.

“We bid farewell to a pillar of Calbayog City, former Calbayog City Mayor and Vice Mayor Diego P. Rivera,” Daguman stated.

“From his days as Vice Mayor to his tenure as Mayor, he embodied humility and commitment, tirelessly working for progress while ensuring no one was left behind,” he added.

“Rest in peace, Mayor Diego P. Rivera. Your legacy lives on in the heart of every Calbayognon,” Daguman added.