Negros Oriental guv dies, Sagarbarria assumes post

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – Negros Oriental Governor Carlo Jorge Joan Reyes passed away on Wednesday morning, May 31.

This was confirmed by provincial administrator Atty. Karen Lisette Molas through the Facebook account of the provincial government.

Molas said she was informed by Guihulngan City Vice Mayor Eunica Reyes through a phone call about the governor’s death.

“I do not have the exact time of death yet, but I do know that it happened today and in the morning,” she added.

However, Molas said that she has not been authorized by the family to disclose any other details as to the circumstances of his illness and his death.

Governor Reyes died two months after he assumed the gubernatorial post when then Governor Roel Degamo was assassinated at his residence in Pamplona town on March 4.

Reyes was elected vice governor in the May 9, 2022 elections alongside Degamo.

Molas said she has already informed Vice Governor Manuel Sagarbarria about the incident and turned over the programs and projects of Reyes.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who prayed and wished the late governor well. I hope his legacy will live on and inspire others to do the same,” Molas said.

Following this development, Sagarbarria took his oath as the next provincial governor before Negros Oriental Regional Trial Court Executive Judge Gerardo Paguio.

Sagarbarria assumed the vice-gubernatorial post when Reyes replaced Degamo in March this year.

In a statement, Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo, said that Governor Reyes was not only a respected figure in the province but also a dear friend and ally to slain Governor Degamo, who is her husband.

“It is with a heavy heart and deep sorrow that I extend my heartfelt condolences to all of you on the passing of Governor “Guido” Reyes,” the mayor said.

His sudden departure has left us all in a state of shock and profound sadness. As we mourn the loss of a great leader, we are reminded of the fragility of life, Mayor Degamo said.