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The late mayor also served as chairman of the board of trustees of the Sibonga Community College in Cebu province in Central Visayas
CEBU, Philippines – Lionel “Balondong” Bacaltos, the mayor of the coastal town of Sibonga in Cebu province, passed away at age 60 on Wednesday, September 25.
Local officials confirmed on social media the mayor’s passing, expressing their grief and condolences to the Bacaltos family.
Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia, in a statement on Wednesday afternoon, shared her deep sorrow over the passing of Bacaltos.
“He worked tirelessly to bring infrastructure projects and programs from the Capitol to Sibonga. All for the welfare and upliftment of his beloved constituents,” Garcia said.
“Aside from being a close relative, he is also a political ally of Partido Alayon. Wishing him peace and comfort in his afterlife,” Cebu Provincial Board Member Raul Bacaltos said.
The Sibonga Community College also expressed its sentiments over Bacaltos’ sudden death. The mayor was also chairman of the Board of Trustees of the institution.
“His legacy will forever echo in the halls of Sibonga Community College and the lives he so deeply touched. Our thoughts and prayers are with his grieving family during this heartbreaking time,” the school said.
In 2022, Bacaltos ran under the Nacionalista Party and won the mayoral seat with 23,721 votes. His running mate, Mariano Dotis Laude, won with 23,726 votes.
Laude will be taking over the local government’s reins as acting mayor.
Rappler has reached out to Bacaltos’ family for more details on the cause of the mayor’s death, who reportedly had a heart attack. This article will be updated with the family’s statement. – Rappler.com
