Ex-Ilocos Norte Rep. Ablan dies, 85

Former Ilocos Norte Rep. Roque “Roquito” Ablan Jr. passed away Monday morning. He was 85 years old.

Ablan’s death was announced by his son, Communications Assistant Secretary Kris Ablan, through a Facebook post.

“My dad passed away peacefully this morning. Lucky to be at his bedside when he died,” said the younger Ablan in his post.

Executive Director Edith Cardenas of the House Interparliamentary Relations and Special Affairs Bureau also confirmed the death of the former congressman.

The Philippine flag at the House of Representatives has been flown at half-mast to mourn the passing away of its former member.

Ablan was a representative of the first district of Ilocos Norte from 1968 to 1998, and from 2001 to 2010.