Negros Oriental Gov. Reyes dies from terminal illness

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 31) — Just two months into office, Negros Oriental Gov. Guido Reyes has died due to a terminal illness, provincial administrator Karen Molas confirmed on Wednesday.

"I don't have the exact time of death yet but I do know that it happened today and in the morning," Molas said in a video posted on the province's official social media account.

Molas said she was informed by Reyes' daughter — Guihulngan City Vice Mayor Eunica Reyes — that the governor died this morning.

She added that the family did not disclose other details.

Meanwhile, Negros Oriental Vice Governor Manuel Sagarbarria took his oath as governor with executive Judge Gerardo Pagio at the provincial session hall at around 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

Sagarbarria said his first order of the day is for local government units and government offices in the proince to put all flags at half-staff to show sympathy to the Reyes family.

Reyes assumed the post in March after the assassination of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo.

He was elected as vice governor during the May 9, 2022 elections where he ran alongside Degamo.

Dumaguete-based journalist Roy Bustillo contributed to this report.

This story will be updated.