By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Former Diocese of Bacolod Bishop Camilo Gregorio, who also served as Batanes bishop emeritus, passed away late Monday evening, according to the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines.

Batanes prelature Vicar General, Fr. Deo Layug, said Gregorio died of cardiac arrest at the Cardinal Santos Hospital in San Juan City at the age of 78.
Layug said the bishop was initially hospitalized on May 9 after contracting pneumonia. He then suffered a mild stroke last week while undergoing dialysis.
Gregorio was the fourth prelate of Batanes and served for nearly 14 years before retiring last May.
In response to Gregorio’s death, Diocese of Bacolod Bishop Patricio Buzon extended his condolences to the people and diocese of Batanes.
Buzon said he last met Gregorio a few months ago and described the bishop as “happy” after retirement.
He added, the diocese will offer prayers and masses for Gregorio’s repose.
Our Lady of Candles parish priest, Fr. Felix Pasquin, also expressed sadness over Gregorio’s passing, saying the bishop was compassionate and very helpful to the poor during his time in Negros.
He also remembered the bishop as an “environmentalist” and “pro-life defender.”
Gregorio became bishop for the Diocese of Bacolod on May 20, 1989, replacing the late Bishop Antonio Fortich.
Gregorio stepped down as bishop in August 28, 2000 and he was replaced by now-Bishop Emeritus Vicente Navarra./DGB, WDJ