Surigao del Sur Governor Pimentel passes away at 71

Surigao del Sur Governor Vicente Pimentel Jr. passed away on Tuesday at the age of 71.

His younger brother, Surigao del Sur Representative Johnny Pimentel, confirmed the death of Pimentel in a text message to GMA News Online.

"He passed away his morning during his sleep," Rep. Pimentel said.

Vice Governor Manuel Alameda Sr. will replace Pimentel for the post until the 2019 elections.

Pimentel first had the gubernatorial seat in 2001 and was re-elected for another two terms. He again sought the post and won during the 2016 polls.

Before serving as governor, Pimentel was elected as Carrascal mayor from 1992 to 2001. —Joseph Tristan Roxas/ LDF, GMA News