ISABELA/PULUPANDAN -- About 6,000 people paid their last respects to the late Isabela Mayor Enrique Montilla III who was laid to rest Tuesday, April 18, at the mausoleum in Montilla cemetery in Barangay Ubay, Pulupandan, Negros Occidental.
The mayor died of pneumonia leading to cardiac arrest on April 13 at the age of 57.
Several local government officials, including Negros Occidental Vice Governor Eugenio Lacson, Isabela Vice Mayor Henry Foscablo, Kabankalan City Mayor Isidro Zayco, Sipalay City Mayor Oscar Montilla, Bacolod City Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran and former Bacolod councilor Roberto Rojas attended the funeral rites, where the mayor was honored with a 21-gun salute.
The mass held at San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish in Isabela town was attended by many of Montilla’s supporters who were wearing white.
The vice governor, in his eulogy, asked the Montilla and Malabor families to start a reconciliation for the good of the people of Isabela.
Both families had a good relationship before they entered politics, he said.
Vice Mayor Francis Malabor took over Montilla’s post. Malabor’s brother, Renato Sr., the mayor who preceded Montilla, was gunned down on June 2015 while was board member of the Fifth District.
Lacson got emotional when he remembered Montilla as a very good friend, who defended him when he was bullied in grade school.
Roberto Lacson Gabaldon and Councilor Patrick Miguel Montilla, cousin and brother of the late mayor, respectively, said Montilla was a man who always valued public service and love for his family. His brother vowed to continue his programs for the people of Isabela.
Montilla’s wife, Irene, thanked her husband’s supporters, friends, and relatives.
He (Quito) made everyone feel special with his generosity, kindness, and love, she said.
She said her husband has succeeded in living a legacy of service despite his illness.
Irene ended her eulogy with Montilla’s battle cry, “Vamos Isabela, Vamos Isabela, Vamos Isabela.” Vamos means “let’s go” or “come on.”
After the mass, Montilla’s remains were brought to Pulupandan town where he was buried.
About 40 vehicles, including four Ceres Liner buses, trucks, and private cars, joined the convoy from Isabela to Pulupandan.
Some residents of Isabela and Hinigaran towns went out of their houses to pay their last respects.
Banners were placed in cars, and posted outside some houses that read, “We love you Mayor Quito Montilla and we will miss you.”
Montilla’s sons, Alberto, Juan Miguel, and Enrique IV, expressed their sincerest gratitude to those who grieved with their family over the death of their father, whom they considered as a role model.
Montilla was laid to rest around 12:10 p.m.