CEBU CITY — The province of Bohol mourns the death of acting governor Dionisio Victor Balite, who passed away last night, July 17, at Ace Medical Center in Tagbilaran City.

He was 52.

Balite assumed the role of acting governor in May 2024 after the Ombudsman placed Gov. Aris Aumentado under preventive suspension, along with 68 other officials, following the Chocolate Hills resorts fiasco.

In an interview with a local radio station, Aumentado fondly remembered his deep friendship and political partnership with Balite.

"Victor voluntarily stepped up to support us in our political challenges when no one else would run as my vice governor," Aumentado said of Balite. Additionally, in a Facebook post, Aumentado said "I lost a good friend and a loyal political partner, which is heartbreaking, but we know that such is life in this world."

The cause of his death has not been released to the public, but a photo posted by Aumentado shows that Balite was hospitalized in December 2023. Funeral arrangements for Balite have not been announced as the province mourns his death.