Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar has offered his sympathies following the death of Presidential Adviser for Southern Tagalog Jose Maria Nicomedes Hernandez.
Hernandez, former vice mayor of Tanauan, Batangas, passed away last weekend at the age of 72.
"We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Presidential Adviser for Southern Tagalog Secretary Jose Maria Nicomedes ‘Dennis’ Hernandez on his passing," Andanar said in a statement Monday.
"The sudden passing of Secretary Hernandez is truly a great loss to those who knew him and those he was able to serve both at the local and regional level. We pray for the eternal repose of his soul," he said.
Andanar paid tribute to Hernandez, citing his dedication to public service.
Hernandez was appointed by President Duterte as his adviser for Southern Tagalog in December 2016.
Andanar said Hernandez previously served as Vice Mayor of Tanauan, Batangas and later as provincial board member of his home province.
"His dedication and penchant for public service was further exemplified when he was appointed as an Assistant Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government under Alfredo Lim. He then moved on to serve as Special Assistant to President Fidel V. Ramos," he said.
His other posts were regional president of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) and chairperson of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) for Region 4A (CALABARZON) and 4B (MIMAROPA), according to Andanar.