ANTIQUE – Mayor Elmer C. Untaran of San Jose de Buenavista town in this province passed away at around 4 p.m. on Tuesday, July 2. He was 65
He died at Makati Medical Center in Metro Manila, leaving behind his wife and their two children.
The cause of his death was not disclosed.
Untaran, who was on his last term as mayor, had earlier designated Vice Mayor Delfin Justin Encarnacion as acting mayor.
Condolences have poured following the death of Mayor Untaran
Gov. Rhodora Cadiao extended her condolences to the family of the mayor.
She recalled it was May 1 this year when she last saw Mayor Untaran during the Tiringbanay Festival of San Jose de Buenavista.
“Indi niya akalain na sumakit lang daw ‘yong likod niya, so ginpa-check niya. Akala niya nagsala lang ang positioning sa pagtulog niya and then he had check-up and he found out that he has pneumonia,” Cadiao said.
The mayor, she said, recovered from pneumonia. She later received information that the mayor’s illness recurred, and she had no more updates regarding his health status thereafter.
The governor added that the mayor was smoking or vaping at times but clarified that he was not a chain smoker.
Cong. Antonio Agapito “AA” Legarda also mourned the passing of Mayor Untaran, whom he described as a visionary leader who left an indelible mark on our community.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of a dedicated colleague, mentor, and friend, and we can only begin to imagine the depth of grief that those closest to him must be feeling. May our collective prayers bring comfort and solace to those affected by his departure,” read part of Legarda’s statement.
He extended his heartfelt sympathies to the mayor’s family as they navigate this challenging period.
“We take comfort in knowing that his legacy will continue to inspire and guide us all, and we pray that his memory will bring solace and strength to everyone who knew him. His selfless dedication to public service will never be forgotten, and his impact will continue to resonate throughout our community,” he added.
For his part, Hamtic’s Mayor Julius “Junjun” Pacificador, Jr. said: “Ginakasubo namon ang pagtaliwan kang sangka mayad nga lider nga may taguipusoon para sa tanan ilabi na gid sa mga kubos kag mga nagakinahanglan. Nagdugang ang progreso kang aton capital town tungod sa mayad nga pagdumara kag mga programa ni Mayor Elmer.”
Mayor Mary Jean “Bebot” Nicopior-Te of Libertad was saddened by the sudden demise of his brother-in-law.
Mayor Untaran’s wife is his elder sister.
“Bilang isa ka lider, isa si Mayor Elmer sa aton gina-idolo bangod sa ana kinamayad, pag-on nga liderato, pagiging hands on, marapit sa mga tawo, kag sa ana nga limpyo, tampad, kag epektibo nga pang-gobyerno,” said Nicopior-Te.
He added that under Mayor Untaran’s leadership, the capital town’s economy grew faster.
Meanwhile, employees and officials of the San Jose de Buenavista municipal government led by acting Mayor Encarnacion and acting Vice Mayor Joanne Amor Dolor, held candle lighting in front of the municipal hall and offered prayers, yesterday morning.
The Philippine flag in front of the municipal hall was also flown at half-mast to honor, mourn, and pay respect to the late mayor./PN
