Oton priest succumbs to heart attack
Shock and grief.
These best describe locals and the Catholic faithful in Oton, Iloilo following yesterday's tragic heart attack of Father Ramon Sequito. The outgoing parish priest of Oton's Immaculate Concepcion Parish, Fr. Sequito was set to transfer to his new pastoral assignment in Balasan, Iloilo.
Hundreds were present and ready in trucks, passenger jeepneys and private cars for a caravan that will bring Fr. Sequito to Northern Iloilo. Witnesses told The News Today (TNT) that Fr. Sequito suddenly stopped walking just towards the main vehicle of the caravan and fell. Those nearest him then carried Fr. Sequito to a waiting car and rushed to St. Paul's Hospital where emergency treatment failed to revive him.
In his 50s, Fr. Sequito served Oton for five years. Church insiders said he was looking forward to his new assignment and sent an advance party with his belongings to Balasan. He was slated to say a mass yesterday morning upon his arrival there.
Fr. Sequito is best remembered for his dedication to the Divine Mercy Prayer Group of Oton, Iloilo and the Dios Gugma Organization here. He was the group's spiritual director.
Monsignor Jose Gamboa, Immaculate Concepcion Parish Priest was present when the incident happened. He would have led the Catholic faithful of Oton in accompanying Fr. Sequito to his new home in Balasan.
Fr. Sequito also recently marked his 25th year of priesthood.