Benguet mourns Gov Rocky

THE PHILIPPINE flag was raised at half mast at the Benguet capitol to honor the former governor Raul "Rocky" Mencio Molintas who passed away last week.

Governor Crescencio Pacalso said "Last week we were informed of the sad news, it is very unfortunate because he was a good leader to the province of Benguet. He has initiated a lot of programs and improvements in the province which the people of Benguet will not forget."

In the morning of February 15 (Philippine time), the former governor passed away in San Francisco, California after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke due to acute leukemia and was unable to recover.

Pacalso said he is awaiting the arrival of the former governor to the country to give time for constituents and friends to visit.

“We condole with

the family of the governor and we share in the grief and we really hope especially the family and children are alright," added Pacalso.

The former governor served the province as board member from 1988 to-1992 then as three term governor of the province from 1995-2004.

Molintas was the labor lawyer of National Federation of Labor Unios-Kilusang Mayo Uno during the 80's and early 90's where he accommodated Tongtongan ti Umili integrating labor leaders and workers from the mining communities of Itogon.

The former governor was also instrumental in the return of Apo Anno known as the Mighty Hunter of Benguet in 1999 whose remains have been mummified and has been laid to rest in his original burial rock at Nabalicong, Natubleng in Buguias.

Molintas is from Sitio Daklan, Bokod and Central Atok and is survived by her wife Purificacion Suanding, his son Baron Ralph Molintas and Gavin Rocky Molintas and daughter Charmaine Molintas-Likigan married to Froilan Wayne Likigan.

Details of the wake of the former governor and internment will be announced by the family once all arrangements for his return have been made.