Former Marikina City Mayor and Congressman Bayani "BF" Fernando died on Friday afternoon, Sept. 22.
Multiple sources have said that Fernando was rushed to a hospital in Quezon City after accidentally falling from the roof of his house.
"It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my husband, Bayani "BF" Fernando today, Sept. 22, 2023. He was 77 years old. BF was a man of vision, political will, and action [who] left his own brand of leadership and governance," read the statement of Marides Fernando, the wife of the former congressman and who was herself a former mayor of Marikina City.
The statement was delivered to the press by her representatives.
"As a family man, he will be greatly missed and remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. We ask for your prayers during this time in our life," it said.
The local government of Marikina, under Mayor Marcelino "Marcy" Teodoro, has offered its condolences to the family, relatives, and friends of Fernando.
"Nakikidalamhati ang Marikina City Government sa pagpanaw ni Former Mayor Bayani Fernando (The Marikina City government condoles with the passing of Former Mayor Bayani Fernando)," according to the statement released by the Public Information Office (PIO).
Some government officials have paid their tributes to the former legislator.
Incumbent Marikina City District 2 Representative Stella Quimbo extended her heartfelt condolences to Fernando's family and the city of Marikina.
"Mananatili ang inyong legasiya sa Marikina nating mahal. Salamat BF, ang AMA ng Modernong Marikina, sa iyong paglilingkod (Your legacy in our beloved Marikina will remain. Thank you BF, the father of Modern Marikina, for your service)," said Quimbo on her social media page.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) released a statement saying it is "deeply saddened and shocked" by the death of Fernando, who served as chairman of the agency from 2016 to 2022.
"Under his helm, he put the MMDA in the spotlight. He was the person behind rapid bus lanes and the "Metro Gwapo" campaign transforming the region into a livable metropolis," the MMDA said in a Facebook post.
"Thank you very much for your contributions. Rest now, sir, for you already got the job done," it added.
Netizens and supporters have also expressed their sympathies and gratitude to Fernando.
The funeral services for Fernando will be held at the Queen of Angels Chapel, Riverbanks in Marikina City.
Fernando served as mayor of Marikina from 1992 to 2001, and later on became a Representative for the first district of the city from 2016 to 2022.
He ran again for the mayoral position in Marikina City during the 2022 national elections, but lost to current Mayor Teodoro.