THE Philippine flag was raised at half mast at the Benguet Capitol to honor former governor Raul Mencio Molintas, who passed away last week.
"Last week we were informed of the sad news, it is very unfortunate because he was a good leader to the province of Benguet. He has initiated a lot of programs and improvements in the province which the people of Benguet will not forget," said incumbent Governor Crescencio Pacalso.
Molintas died in San Francisco, California, on February 15 (Philippine time). He suffered a hemorrhagic stroke due to acute leukemia.
Pacalso said he is awaiting the arrival of the former governor to the country to give time for constituents and friends to visit.
"We condole with the family of the governor and we share in the grief and we really hope especially the family and children are alright," said Pacalso.
The former governor served the province as board member from 1988 to 1992, then as three-term governor of the province from 1995 to 2004.
Molintas was the labor lawyer of National Federation of Labor Unions-Kilusang Mayo Uno during the 80's and early 90's where he accommodated Tongtongan ti Umili integrating labor leaders and workers from the mining communities of Itogon.
He was also instrumental in the return of Apo Anno, known as the Mighty Hunter of Benguet in 1999 whose remains have been mummified and has been laid to rest in his original burial rock at Nabalicong, Natubleng in Buguias.
Molintas is from Sitio Daklan, Bokod and Central Atok. He was survived by her wife Purificacion Suanding, his sons Baron Ralph Molintas and Gavin Rocky Molintas and daughter Charmaine Molintas-Likigan.
Details of the governor's wake and internment will be announced by the family once all arrangements for his return have been made.