ILOILO City – Carmelo “Mel” Carreon, the perennial Ilonggo political candidate who became a familiar and colorful fixture in Iloilo City elections for more than three decades, passed away on Wednesday noon, May 13. He was 84.
Known for his relentless pursuit of public office despite repeated defeats, Carreon earned recognition across Iloilo City for his unconventional campaign style, often roaming around wearing a sash or body placard during election periods while personally introducing himself to voters.
Carreon sought various elective positions throughout his political career, running for senator, president, city councilor, vice mayor, mayor of Iloilo City, and most recently for congressman during the May 2025 midterm elections.
Despite never winning an electoral race, Carreon remained persistent and optimistic in his political aspirations, becoming one of the city’s most recognizable independent political personalities.
In the 2022 elections, when he ran for city councilor, Carreon managed to place within the Top 20 among 28 candidates, receiving more than 27,000 votes — one of his strongest electoral performances.
As of press time, no official cause of death had been disclosed. Initial information from his family indicated that Carreon had been suffering from poor health for several months.
He was reportedly living alone in Mandurriao district, with occasional visits from his children.
Over the years, Carreon drew public attention not only for the frequency of his candidacies but also for his unwavering determination to remain part of the democratic process despite long odds and repeated setbacks.
His passing marked the end of an unusual and enduring chapter in Iloilo City’s political history, with many local political observers remembering him as a symbol of persistence and political resilience.
The family has yet to announce funeral arrangements./PN