Town mayor dies of cardiac arrest

CEBU, Philippines - Alcantara Mayor Alfredo Cañete died of a cardiac arrest early yesterday morning while being confined at South General Hospital in the City of Naga. He was 69.

Cañete left behind his wife, retired teacher Concita, and their four children.

Sangguniang Bayan Secretary Ettie Marcellana said that municipal employees are saddened by the demise of Cañete, whom she described as a good mayor.

"Guol gyud kaayo mi diri kay buotan man na si mayor," said Marcellana.

Marcellana said that town hall workers visited the mayor the other day at the hospital where he was admitted since Saturday because of heart problem.

His condition became complicated and has affected his kidney and other vital organs.

Marcellana said that Cañete's remains will be brought either to his house along B. Rodriguez Street in Cebu City or at St. Peter-Imus for the next two to three days.

The wake will be transferred to Alcantara. No details, as of press time, as to where the late mayor will be interred.

Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Beatriz Caburnay will succeed Cañete.

Cañete, who served as a municipal councilor for three consecutive terms, defeated the then incumbent mayor Prudencio Barino Jr. in last year's elections.—  (FREEMAN)