The late former Marikina City mayor and congressman Bayani Fernando (Facebook)

Manila 6th district Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr.'s words read like that of a heartbroken man as he addressed the death of his friend , former Marikina City mayor and congressman Bayani Fernando.  

"I am deeply saddened by the tragic and untimely death of my friend, former Marikina mayor and representative Bayani Fernanado," Abante said in a statement Friday night, Sept. 22. 

"Bayani was my friend long before we became colleagues in the House of Representatives, where he served as one of the deputy minority leaders during my time as minority leader in the 18th Congress," he said of Fernando.  

The veteran solon from Manila said that, as a member of the House minority bloc, Fernando was "supportive, tireless, and outspoken––the very qualities that endeared him to his constituents in Marikina". 

"A conscientious public servant who dedicated his life to serving his beloved city of Marikina, he will be greatly missed," added Abante. 

"My deepest sympathies go out to his family and loved ones. My family and I will continue to pray for comfort and strength to his wife, Marides, and the rest of the family," said Abante, who is also a Pastor.

Fernando--sometimes referred to as simply "BF"--died following an accident in his Marikina abode. He was 77.