Albay mourns death of former governor

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – Albay Gov. Joey Salceda has ordered the National Flag be flown at half-mast on all buildings and places where it is displayed in the province to honor the passing of former governor and third district Rep. Romeo Rayala Salalima.

Salalima who passed away Sunday served the province as governor for seven years and as congressman of the third district for another three years. He was Albay governor starting in 1988 and he was defeated by Salceda during the 1998 elections for congressman in the third district.

Through an Executive Order as well as through Republic Act 8491, otherwise known as “The Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines,” Salceda ordered the national flag be flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning in the entire province effective immediately and until his burial.

The order also stipulates the forefront of the Albay capitol be draped in black for the same period.

Salceda has designated Provincial Administrator Eriberto Leroy Berces and representatives of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to coordinate with the family of the diseased for vigils and Masses at the provincial capitol.