Ex-Abra governor Andres Bernos passes away

Former Abra Governor Andres Ma. Brillantes Bernos passed away on Friday night.

The news of the late governor's passing was relayed by his son, Abra Representative JB Bernos.

"It comes with deep sorrow and grief for me and the entire family to announce the passing of my beloved father, former Abra Governor Andres Ma. Brillantes-Bernos last night at 9:26 p.m.," Bernos said on his Facebook post on Saturday.

Bernos remembers his father as a "friend" to many and a "source of strength" to all who knew him.

"While we mourn his death, we also take comfort knowing that he now enters his true and eternal life," he said.

"We sincerely appreciate and thank all of you who sent well-wishes and fervently prayed for Papa Andit's well-being. We will all miss him," he added.

Andres served as governor of Abra from 1984 to 1986 as well as Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member of the province's second district from 1992 to 1998.

Public viewing for Andres' remains begins on Sunday and will be held until Monday evening at Sanctuarium in Araneta Avenue, Quezon City.

His remains will then be brought to his home province of Abra. —KG, GMA News