LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- A requiem mass and necrological service were held at the Provincial Capitol for Board Member Apolinario Camsol, 70, who died last week.

Camsol served as a three-term Buguias mayor from 1992 to 1998 and 2001 to 2004, before serving as a provincial board member from 2004 to 2013 and 2016 to 2019.

During the May 2019 local and national elections, he was re-elected as provincial board member of the second district.

A public viewing was held last week with his burial set on Saturday, August 3, at their residence.

Vice Governor Johnny Waguis said the late board member has gained their respect.

"I respect him not only as board member, as a friend, as a father. He has that professionalism in terms of his work as board member. If you face him as a public official, he will treat you professionally. If you will treat him as a friend, treat him as a father, he is open. He did his work as a public servant," Waguis said.

The Provincial Board passed a resolution on Monday, July 29, expressing its members' deepest sympathy and sincerest condolences to the bereaved family of Camsol.

On the same day, the Philippine flag at the Benguet Capitol was put at half mast in honor of the late Benguet official.

Waguis said there was no detailed information yet as to the cause of Camsol's death, adding Camsol was confined in the hospital for one month. (Lauren Alimondo)