Batanes Representative Ciriaco “Jun” Gato Jr., chairperson of the House Committee on Health, has died at the age of 66, his family and the provincial government confirmed on Monday, September 21.
The provincial government of Batanes described Gato’s passing as the loss of a public servant and a “son of the province” who devoted his life, profession and public service to the welfare of his fellow Ivatans.
“As our Congressman, he stood as a voice for our province and worked to ensure that the needs of our people were heard and given due attention at the national level,” the provincial government said in a Facebook post.
His daughter, Tricia Jade Gato Suzara, also confirmed his death.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our Papa, Ciriaco B. Gato Jr.,” Suzara said in a Facebook post, asking the public to remember her father and their family in their prayers.
No details have been released regarding the cause of his death.
Gato, a physician before entering politics, had served as Batanes’ lone district representative since 2019. He currently chaired the House Committee on Health and was the principal author of several health-related measures filed in the House of Representatives.
His wake and viewing will be held at Arlington Memorial Chapels Felicidad 1 & 2 from September 22 to 26, 2026.
The schedule for his viewing at the House of Representatives will be announced separately.
Interment is scheduled for September 27 at Everest Hills Memorial Park.
