Ex-mayor succumbs to second heart seizure

[Phil. News Agency]

CEBU CITY, Mar. 1 (PNA) -- Former Bantayan Mayor Jesus A. Escario,
61, died Saturday of massive heart failure.

Escario collapsed while attending a gathering of political leaders at
the house of former town councilor Angeles Paclibar in sitio Tangke,
Barangay Ticad past 3 p.m.

According to Ticad Barangay Captain Alex Paclibar, the mayor was
addressing the group when he stopped in mid sentence and kneeled over,
clutching his chest.

The former town mayor was rushed to the hospital but was declared
dead on arrival.

This is Escario's second heart seizure in four months.

In November last year, he was confined at the Cebu Doctor's Hospital
after a stroke.

His doctors recommended that he undergo a triple bypass operation.

Lakas stalwart Ribomapil Holganza Sr., his wife Rosie and provincial
Board Member Benhur Salimbangon, also attended the gathering to finalize
the local slate of the ruling party.

Salimbangon had chosen Escario as the party's mayoralty candidate
against incumbent Mayor Remedios Escario, the deceased's mother.

Escario, a chemical engineer, was elected in 1968 and went on to
serve for 18 years.

He was replaced only in 1986 after the Edsa revolt.

He was the eldest child of former Cebu governor Isidro Escario.

He is survived by his wife Erlyn and children Dale, Blanche, Claire,
Yves and Jude.

His death came just three days after younger brother Rex, also former
Bantayan mayor, returned home from prison. (PNA) DCT/EB/bh

PNA 03011651