Negros Oriental Governor Guido Reyes passes away months after succeeding Degamo

Negros Oriental Governor Carlo Jorge Joan “Guido” Reyes passed away on Wednesday morning, provincial administrator Karen Lisette Molas has announced.

In a video posted by the Provincial Government of Negros Oriental on Facebook, Molas said she received the information from Guihulngan City Vice Mayor Eunica Reyes.

“About two and a half hours ago, I received a call from Vice Mayor Eunica Reyes. She informed me that the governor passed away this morning. I don't have the exact time of death yet, but I do know that it happened today in the morning,” she said.

Molas said she had not been authorized by the family to disclose details regarding Reyes’ illness and death.

“I do hope his legacy in public service will live on and will inspire others to do the same,” she added.

Senators passed a resolution to express their condolences and pay tribute to Reyes. 

“Kapapaslang lang ni Governor Roel Degamo…and now, we have a public servant who devoted his life to his family and to the service of the people of Negros Oriental who just died a few hours ago,” said Senator Francis Tolentino, who sponsored Senate Resolution No. 650. 

(Governor Roel Degamo has just been killed…and now, we have a public servant who devoted his life to his family and to the service of the people of Negros Oriental who just died a few hours ago.)

“I think it is likewise timely that we honor a man who has served not just the province but also the small city of Guihulngan. I think his love for Negros Oriental cannot be measured,” he added.

On March 4, Reyes assumed the province’s highest post after Degamo was killed in an attack in Pamplona town on the same day.

New governor 

Meanwhile, Vice Governor Manuel "Chaco" Sagarbarria was sworn in as governor of Negros Oriental on Wednesday afternoon.
 
In a Facebook post, former board member Ikay Villanueva shared that Sagarbarria took his oath before Executive Judge Gerardo Paguio.
 
"I would like to give my deepest condolences to the family of my good friend Governor Guido. I have a lot of challenges, a lot of ideas for the province of Negros Oriental," Sagarbarria said.
 
He said that he was saddened by Reyes’ passing and that he had always hoped for his recovery.
 
"I take this heavily and wholeheartedly. I am already here, so I will do my best [as] governor and try to bring my time and ability to help my province, Negros Oriental," he added.  — with Sherylin Untalan and Sundy Locus/VBL, GMA Integrated News