The Department of the Interior and Local Government is mourning the death of Marilao Mayor Ricardo Silvestre who died in a crash along a road at the Clark Freeport Zone in Mabalacat, Pampanga on Sunday.

"We condole and pray for Mayor Silvestre's bereaved loved ones and the Marileños for the loss of a great leader who was a reflection of both wisdom and enthusiasm amid decades of public service. His legacy shall remain and will live on in the lives of the Marileños he touched with his brand of leadership,'' Abalos said.

Silvestre was with his driver/bodyguard identified as Police Staff Sgt. Gojo Alcantara and his secretary Karen Bonifacio when the accident happened.

Investigations revealed that the victims were onboard a white Toyota Land Cruiser driven by Alcantara when the accident occurred around 5:39 p.m. Police said that the SUV crashed into a lamp pole along Prince Balagtas Avenue and according to eyewitnesses, the vehicle was seen swerving before hitting the pole.

The 65-year-old mayor was rushed to the hospital before being pronounced dead at the Medical City in the Clark Freeport Zone, while Alcantara is in critical condition.

Bonifacio, on the other hand, rushed to the Angeles University Foundation Hospital and is now in stable condition.

The DILG chief expressed hope that the mayor's driver and his secretary will be able to immediately recover from their injuries and trauma they sustained in the accident.

"We commend the PNP-Mabalacat Police Station and the CDC Medics for their swift action and response at the scene of the accident as they immediately brought the victims to the nearest hospital,'' Abalos said.

"His legacy shall remain and will live on in the lives of the Marileños he touched with his brand of leadership," he added.

With Glen Jacob Jose