Negros Oriental Governor Agustin Perdices died late Wednesday in a private hospital in Metro Manila after a battle with stomach cancer.

Picture of Agustin Perdices

Perdices, 76, died around 5 p.m. Wednesday at the St. Luke’s Global City, state-run Philippines News Agency reported.

The PNA report also said President Benigno Aquino III was already informed about Perdices’ death.

Perdices was elected as Vice Governor of Negros Oriental in May 2010 after having served as mayor of Dumaguete City, for 19 years, the PNA said. http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=0&nid=2&rid=322098

He became governor of Negros Oriental after re-elected Gov. Emilio Macias II succumbed to cancer on June 13 last year, shortly before he could assume office.

Perdices had undergone chemotherapy sessions to battle the cancer. He left for Manila last Dec. 29.

He ran for vice governor under the Pundok Kasaligan, which was allied with Aquino's Liberal Party.

Aquino appointed him as chairman of the Regional Development Council of Region 7, which includes Negros Oriental, Cebu, Bohol and Siquijor.
The PNA report said Perdices was surrounded by his family and trusted aide Harrison Gonzales when he died.

Acting Governor Roel Degamo said they will take the cue from the family of Perdices as to funeral arrangements.

Perdices’ remains are expected to arrive in Dumaguete on Friday afternoon on a commercial Philippine Airlines flight.

He will be buried at noon on January 11, the PNA said.

Degamo has asked Provincial Administrator Paul Honculada to call for an emergency meeting with the department heads of the provincial government on Thursday morning.

Degamo was expected to take his oath as governor of Negros Oriental at 8 a.m. Thursday.

He assured constituents that the province is in good hands and there shall be no vacuum in provincial government positions.

Also, he asked the public to pray for the soul of Perdices.

The flag at the Capitol and the Dumaguete City Hall shall be flown at half-staff. — LBG, GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story....-cancer