Ilocos Norte vice gov aspirant dies

The Ilocos Norte provincial government has confirmed the death of board member Mariano Marcos II who is running for vice governor in the May 2019 elections.

Through a post in its official Facebook page, the provincial government of Ilocos Norte thanked Mariano “Nonong” Marcos II for his “years of service, compassion and guidance” to the Ilocano people. “May you rest in peace, Sir,” the post added.

Reports said Marcos was supposed to board a Manila-bound aircraft at the Laoag International Airport but was found lying on the comfort room floor.

He was rushed to the Laoag City General Hospital’s emergency room but was declared dead at 9:42 p.m. Another report said Marcos’ office has announced he died of cardiac arrest.

He was 62. A businessman and three-term board member from 2004-2013, Mariano II is the son of Pacifico Marcos, the younger brother of former President Ferdinand Marcos.

He is survived by his wife Cecilia Araneta and their three children.