Arroyo attends necrological services for deceased Antipolo mayor

MANILA, Philippines - President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Thursday attended the necrological services for deceased Antipolo mayor Victor Sumulong at the Batasan Pambansa. A radio dzBB report said President Arroyo also talked to Sumulong's family, particularly to his three children. Sumulong, a member of President Arroyo's political party Kabalikat ng Mamamayang Pilipino (Kampi), served as congressman of Antipolo from 1998 to 2004, and as congressman of 2nd District of Antipolo City from 2004 to 2007. He was elected mayor in 2007, replacing Angelito Gatlabayan. Sumulong, 62, succumbed to multiple organ failure due to diabetes Tuesday. He was confined at the Makati Medical Center but was first brought to the National Kidney Institute in Quezon City last New Year's Eve. Following Sumulong's death, Antipolo City Vice Mayor Danilo Leyble was sworn in Thursday morning as the new mayor of the city, while Councilor Lorenzo Zapanta will take Leyble's former post. - Johanna Camille Sisante, GMANews.TV