Heart attack kills Quiño's brother

CEBU, Philippines - Compostela Mayor Joel Quiño, Vice Mayor Antonette Dangoy and members of the municipal council formally assumed office yesterday morning after an oath taking ceremony in front of the municipal hall, but it may not have been an entirely happy affair for the Quiños after Joel’s elder brother, Engr. Concordio Quiño, died of a heart attack Monday afternoon, an hour before the mayor was proclaimed as elected mayor in Manila.

Concordio was in Cebu at that time but he was in close contact with his brother about the developments in Manila.

The town officials took their oath before Cebu Fifth District Rep. Ramon “Red” Durano VI in front of the more than 300 supporters.

Also present during the ceremony were Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, Fifth District Provincial Board Member Jude Durano Sybico, the barangay captains and department heads.

Based on the proclamation of the Special Municipal Board of Canvassers of Compostela headed by Consuelo Diola, Quiño officially got 12,076 votes against 9,071 for former mayor Ritchie Wagas.

Magpale said it is now time for the people of Compostela to help Quiño’s administration address the problems of the town.

The vice governor said while they celebrate the victory of Quiño and his group, two important persons also died because of the said battle.

Concordio, a contractor, provided the financial support to his brother and the group during the election and also for their legal battle before the Comelec because of the protest filed by Wagas.

Magpale also remembered former municipal councilor and campaign manager of the group Joselito Reynes who was ambushed and killed on his way to Cebu City, a week before the May 10, 2010 elections.

“Duha gayud ka kinabuhi ang nakalas gumikan sa atong pakigbugno sa hustisya alang sa katawhan sa lungsod sa Compostela, mao nga dili nato sila hikalimtan,” Magpale said.

In his speech, a teary-eyed Quiño said this victory is not for him and his group but for the people of Compostela.

“Sulod sa hataas nga panahon nga kita nag-antos, apan sa kadugayan ato gayud nga nakab-ot ang hustisya ug kini hustisya sa katawhan sa lungsod sa Compostela,” he said.

Quiño appealed to the people of Compostela to forget the previous conflicts and unite for the good of the town.

Governor Gwendolyn Garcia congratulated Quiño and his officials.

“I assured him of our continued support. Gitabangan na man nato ang mga barangays, karon, ang lungsod na sad ang atong tabangan,” she told reporters yesterday.

She also commended Quiño’s statement to forget the past and start working.

“That’s the way to go. Kinahanglan gyud na magtinabangay unya magkahiusa aron mas mulambo ang usa ka dapit,” Garcia said.

Garcia also offered her condolences and sympathy to Quiño and his family for the death of his brother. –(FREEMAN)