DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, May 31 (PIA) -- Negros Oriental Gov. Carlo Jorge Joan “Guido” Reyes has passed away today as confirmed by a top official of the Provincial Capitol.

Provincial Administrator Atty. Karen Lisette Molas announced the passing of the official in a video posted at the official Facebook page of the Provincial Government of Negros Oriental.

“The governor has passed away this morning. I do not have the exact time of death. I have not been authorized by the family to disclose any details as to the circumstances of this illness and his death,” Molas said.

Molas said the information about the governor’s death came from Guihulngan City Vice-Mayor Eunica Reyes who is the daughter of the late official.

A report from the Philippine News Agency cited that Reyes died in a hospital in Metro Manila due to a lingering illness.

The family of the late official has yet to announce the real cause of his death and internment details.

Reyes was sworn in as governor of the province on March 4 this year following the death of his predecessor, Roel Degamo, due to fatal gun shot wounds he sustained from an attack in his residence in Pamplona town.

Reyes physically reported to the Provincial Capitol on March 13 to formally start his duty as the highest chief executive of the province.

He was the running mate of Degamo in last year’s elections.

Before he got an elected post in the Provincial Government, he served as mayor of his hometown Guihulngan City from 2013 to 2022 and vice-mayor from 2010 to 2013.

His political career started in 1998 when he was elected as member of the city council.

Molas said he already informed Vice Gov. Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria about this and all list of proposed programs and projects of the late governor will be turned over to his successor. (RAL/PIA7-Negros Oriental)