The municipal government of Saint Bernard, Southern Leyte, announced with deep sorrow the passing of its town mayor, Edito Mulig, on Thursday. He was 61 years old.
The Municipal Information Office of Saint Bernard confirmed Mayor Mulig’s passing.
‘With deep sorrow and great pain, the Municipal Government of Saint Bernard, Southern Leyte, announces the passing of our beloved Mayor, Hon. Edito L. Mulig – a leader filled with love, dedication, and compassion for his people and his town,’ the statement read.
‘Mayor Mulig was a true public servant – fair to all, never self-serving, and never driven by political favor. His service to the people was a reflection of genuine kindness and a sincere desire to help. His love for Saint Bernard was evident in the many projects he built and implemented: from roads and infrastructure, agricultural and livelihood programs, to initiatives that promoted progress and the well-being of every family,’ it added.
The cause of death was not immediately disclosed. Mulig will be succeeded by Vice Mayor Joselyn Lim Bungcaras, in accordance with the rules of succession for local officials.
Mulig’s death came weeks after the passing of former Tacloban City Mayor and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s uncle, Alfredo `Bejo’ Romualdez, last Oct.17.
Southern Leyte Gov. Damian Mercado extended his condolences to Mulig’s family and constituents, describing the late mayor as a ‘selfless and visionary leader.’
‘The late mayor’s legacy will withstand the test of time, and his brand of service will be passed on like a burning torch that will never falter,’ Mercado said in a social media post.
‘Our prayers and hearts are with the family of Mayor Mulig and the people of Saint Bernard as they have lost a father, brother, leader, and friend.’
Mayor Mulig was widely credited for steering Saint Bernard toward peace and stability, earning recognition for making the town free from insurgency and for prioritizing disaster resilience and community development.
Saint Bernard, a fourth-class municipality with a population of more than 28,000, is known for its recovery efforts following the 2006 Guinsaugon landslide, one of the country’s deadliest natural disasters that claimed over a thousand lives, including schoolchildren.
Under Mulig’s leadership, the town pursued programs on infrastructure, livelihood, and sustainable aquaculture, as well as partnerships with other local governments and academic institutions to boost local development.