Negros Oriental Governor Carlo Jorge Juan “Guido” Reyes assured provincial government workers that there would be no transfer of assignments or reshuffling as he took over the province’s affairs after the recent death of Governor Roel Degamo.

An ailing Reyes reported for work physically for the first time late Monday afternoon, March 13, over a week after he was installed into office by Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, Jr. as the new governor of Negros Oriental by virtue of the rule of succession.

Reyes, who is undergoing treatment for a serious illness, arrived at the Capitol in good spirits, signing documents, officiating the oath of office of the new provincial administrator and the provincial legal officer, and greeting his constituents.

“To the workers of the province, do not be sad. I will not replace any of you, except for these two,” he said, referring to new appointees lawyers Karen Lisette Molas, provincial administrator; and Mary Grace Antique, provincial legal officer.

Speaking with the aid of a microphone and speaker, a teary-eyed Reyes said the death of Degamo has brought sadness to the province and its people “and yet this will also be the start of bringing peace to Negros Oriental.”

He burst into tears as he hugged a life-sized standee of Degamo inside the Office of the Governor.

Reyes, the running mate of Degamo in the May 2022 polls, was also elected into office as vice governor of Negros Oriental.

He took his oath before Abalos hours after Degamo was pronounced dead last March 4 in a brazen attack at his residential compound in Pamplona town, where eight others were killed and 17 more injured.

Degamo, whose body was brought to Barangay Bonawon in his hometown, Siaton, on Tuesday, March 14, will be laid to rest on Thursday, March 16. (PNA)