TEMPO.CO, Manokwari - Manokwari Regent Demas Paulus Mandacan passed away at Manokwari Navy Hospital on Monday, April 20, at around 9:10 p.m. local time. He was rushed to the hospital after he was found falling in a bathroom.

“He was rushed to the hospital at nine but he did not survive. The death is initially suspected due to a heart attack,” said Manokwari District Health Agency Head, Alfred Bandaso, on Monday night at the hospital.

According to him, the regent was previously scheduled to undergo a cardiac screening before the accident.

“The medical workers who happened to be present at the residence immediately brought the Regent to the hospital,” Alfred added.

Until 10:00 p.m. local time, many state officials have arrived at the hospital upon hearing the sad news. Among them are the Manokwari Regional Secretary Aljabar Makatita, the Manokwari Police Chief and the Manokwari Military Commander.

West Papua Governor Dominggus Mandacan was also seen at the hospital’s emergency room at around 10:30 p.m. local time.

Since morning till afternoon today, the late Regent Demas Paulus Mandacan had seemed to be healthy and attended a meeting with West Papua Governor and Regents in Greater Manokwari (Arfak Mountains, Manokwari Selata, Bintuni Bay, and Wondama Bay) to discuss the preparations for the budget of COVID-19 handling.

HANS ARNOLD KAPISA (CONTRIBUTOR)