THE coronavirus disease (Covid-19) caused the death of Negros Occidental Provincial Interior and Local Government director, lawyer Ferdinand Panes, an official said.
Panes, 60, died on October 28 at St.Paul's Hospital in Iloilo after he suffered from a heart attack. He was comatose since October 24, Provincial Administrator lawyer Rayfrado Diaz said Thursday, October 29, 2020.
Diaz said Panes had not reported to the office since October 2 after he tested positive for the novel coronavirus. He got the report that he was intubated on October 13.
It was during the day when employees at the DILG Provincial Office underwent mass testing and that one casual employee also tested positive for coronavirus. The employee already recovered and was discharged from the Provincial Quarantine Facility at Mambukal Resort in Murcia Thursday.
"We were informed of Attorney Panes' death early in the morning," Diaz said.
Panes, who is from Iloilo, served for nine years as Iloilo City DILG director. In July 2019, he was assigned as DILG provincial director of Negros Occidental.
The flag at the Provincial Capitol has been hoisted at half-mast due to the death of Panes.
"We in the DILG Region 6 mourn the loss of a stern but kind boss, a brilliant mentor, and a true friend and family. Attorney Nanding may have gone before us, but he left behind a legacy that will live on through years," Panes' co-employees collectively said on their Facebook page.
"We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and all his loved ones. May our Lord provide you with strength and comfort in this sorrowful time. Attorney Panes was undoubtedly an asset to the Department and an immensely valuable public servant," they added.