Pimentel Pays Tribute to Former Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Jose V. Balajadia, Jr.; Extends his Sincere Condolences to the Family

Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III extends his deepest and sincere condolences to the family of Retired Major General Jose V. Balajadia, Jr., who served also as Senate Sergeant-at-Arms when he was Senate President.

"I am saddened by the demise of my dear friend, General Jose V. Balajadia Jr. During the time of my father, he was already the Sergeant-at-Arms of the Senate. He was a good man who served his country well. I understand that he was a former Philippine Air Force official before becoming Sergeant-at-Arms of the Philippine Senate. He will surely be missed by many especially here in the Senate. My sincere condolences to the family," said Pimentel.

Last Sunday, former Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Jose V. Balajadia Jr. succumbed to heart failure at Baguio General Hospital. The former Senate Sergeant-at-Arms and Philippine Air Force official was seventy-five (75) years old.

"Lubos akong nagpapasalamat kay General Balajadia dahil sa walang makakapantay na paglilingkod at pagmamahal niya sa Senado," Senator Pimentel said in a statement.

The Senate Sergeant-at-Arms is in charge of ensuring security and order in the Senate and is elected by a majority vote of all members of the Senate. It is also his duty to keep under his custody the Mace, the Senate's symbol of authority.

The former Senate Sergeant-at-Arms' wake will be held at the St. Peter Chapel in Baguio City until Wednesday, July 10, 2019.