Bayawan City mayor dies; Martinez sworn into office

CEBU, Philippines – Bayawan City Mayor German Sarana Jr. died Saturday morning at the St. Lukes Medical Center in Quezon City due to heart failure, confirmed outgoing city administrator Victoriano Alabastro, resulting in a new leadership in the city government.

Sworn in yesterday as the new city mayor was Vice Mayor Ismael Martinez, and the new vice mayor was number one Councilor Mark Fidencio Aurelia.

The two took their oaths of office before Regional Trial Court Judge Ananson Jayme, in the presence of City DILG officer Jesus Robel Sastrillo, and City Hall department heads and employees.

At the same time, the former mayor, lawyer Rene Gaudiel, who lost to Sarana in the 2013 election for mayor, was appointed as the new city administrator, effective October 1.

Meanwhile, Sarana's remains arrived at 3 p.m. on a PAL flight from Manila and was met at the airport by friends, supporters, and members of the family.