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Friday, September 08, 2006
Baby Sanchez dies in China road accident
By Albert B. Lacanlale
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Former mayor Virgilio "Baby" Sanchez of this city was killed in a vehicular accident in China, sketchy reports said Thursday.
Accordingly, Sanchez had just attended an exporters’ mission to promote local Philippine products in China when the accident occurred. He was supposed to be back in the country Friday.
The president of the Christmas Décor Producers and Exporters Association of the Philippines, he was the mind behind the exportation of Christmas lanterns made of capiz.
Third District Representative Rey B. Aquino, upon learning about the incident, immediately phoned the Philippine Embassy in China to confirm the report and assist in the repatriation of Sanchez’s remains.
Aquino said the Philippine Ambassador to China assigned consul Jim San Agustin to facilitate the return of Sanchez’s body home.
Sanchez was with several companions on a still unidentified vehicle when the incident happened in Jilin Province, China. Unconscious after the crash, he was brought to the Jilin Province University Hospital where he died.
Aquino said the embassy is now working on the completion of documentary requirements such as police and autopsy reports for the repatriation.
A former mayor of the city, Sanchez was among the pioneer officers of the Save San Fernando Movement during the days of lahar.
"I was shocked upon learning of the incident. Attorney Sanchez was one of the mayors of San Fernando whom I idolize," Aquino said
Sanchez’s death brought grief to Fernandinos, especially to those whom the lawyer had worked with during and after his stint as local chief executive.
"Kong Baby Sanchez will long be remembered, not only as a former mayor of San Fernando, but one who has served more after his public service being the chairman of the Save San Fernando Movement (SSFM) in fighting for the defense and survival of this city against the dreaded lahar menace in the Pinatubo eruption aftermath," said Levy P. Laus, who is among the founders of SSFM.
"As an exporter, he brought the capiz San Fernando lantern decors to the foreign market. We mourn the untimely demise of an ally, a friend and a brilliant son of San Fernando. We condole most sincerely with his family," said Laus, president of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc.
City Mayor Oscar S. Rodriguez said he was "deeply saddened" by Sanchez’s death. "My family and I extend our condolences to the bereaved. He is a great loss," Rodriguez said.
(September 8, 2006 issue)
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