FORMER Misamis Oriental Board Member Michael Roa, 64, died at about 7:09 am Monday inside the infirmary of the Davao Prison Penal Colony (Dapecol) in Panabo City, Davao del Norte as confirmed by his younger sister former mayor Marrieta Roa-Abogado of Balingasag in a text message today.
However, Roa-Abogado said her brother did not die of Covid-19 as she received information from Dapecol authorities.
She said her brother died of severe dehydration due to gastroenteritis per the doctor’s certificate.
Roa served one term as a board member of the province from 1991 to 1994 during the time of the late Governor Vicente Y. Emano.
He was sentenced to life before the Regional Trial Court Branch 21 along with his brother Porferio Roa in connection with illegal drug charges in July 2019.
It can be recalled that Roa, his brother Porferio and three others were arrested by the agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-10 in a raid on November 10, 2016, at their ancestral home in Barangay 5, Balingasag.
Roa’s case has been on appeal before the Supreme Court praying that the decision will be reversed to his favor.
His body is due to arrive this evening and his remains will be at the Roa’s Ancestral House in Barangay 5. The internment is scheduled this coming Saturday, said Roa-Abogado
Former mayor Mike Paderanga of Gingoog City expressed condolences to the bereaved family saying, “Michael Roa is a personal friend of mine.”
