FORMER Santa Rita Mayor Francisco “Frank” Ocampo died of a lingering illness due to old age on November 15, Thursday. He was 79.

Ocampo served as municipal mayor of Santa Rita and is known to be one of the popular mayors of the town for its recent history. Ocampo figured in an electoral protest in 1998 against then rival and now current Second District Board Member Arthur Salalila.

After retiring from politics, Ocampo served as executive director of the privately run Central Luzon Drug Rehabilitation Center in Barangay Sto. Nino in Magalang town.

He oversaw the treatment for drug dependents like pushers, users and others who are now surrendering to the government in line with its strong campaign against illegal drugs.

Ocampo’s remains lie in state at the San Juan Macaba Chapel in Santa Rita town. His remains will be interred at the family crypt in Barangay San Jose this week.