Obituaries 2023

Rep. Edward Hagedorn (Palawan, 3rd District), former mayor of Puerto Princesa, passes away at 76.

— Cristina Chi

Veteran Broadcaster Mike Enriquez passed away on Tuesday, August 29, GMA Network confirms in a live telecast of "24 Oras". He was 71.

Enriquez was known for his long-running role as anchor for GMA's "24 Oras."

In December 2021, Enriquez took a medical leave to undergo a kidney transplant. He returned to his posts in "24 Oras," "Imbestigator," and "Super Radyo DZBB" in March 2022.

He also underwent a bypass surgery in 2018.

The Department of Migrant Workers announces the sudden passing of Secretary Susan "Toots" Ople.

"It is with great sadness that the Department of Migrant Workers announces the passing of our dearest Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople," it said in a statement. 

"Secretary Toots peacefully joined our Creator at around 1PM today, August 22, 2023 surrounded by her family and loved ones," it added.

DMW says it would release more details soon.

"For the meantime, we ask for prayers for the eternal repose of the soul of our dear Sec. Toots. We ask as well for prayers for the Ople family," it says.

Danilo Lacuna, a former vice mayor of Manila, has passed away. He was 85.

The death was announced by his daughter, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna, in a statement on Sunday.

A family member of Mario Dumaual announces that the veteran showbiz reporter has passed away.

"We are devastated to announce the passing of Mario Dumaual — Papa to his wife Cherie and children Luigi, Miguel, Maxine, William, and Thessa; Wowo to his grandchildren Sky, Alonzoe, and Tali; and Yayo to his siblings," one Mario's family members posted on his Facebook account. 

Dumaual suffered a heart attack last month and was hospitalized. He was 64 years old. 

Actress and acting coach Beverly Vergel expresses sympathy over the death of '90s actor Patrick Guzman.

"Our deepest condolences to your wife Liezle, son and the loved ones you left behind," Vergel says on Instagram.

Rodolfo Biazon, former Armed Forces of the Philippines chief-of-staff and veteran lawmaker, has died at 88 after a bout of pneumonia, his son, Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon announces.

BREAKING: Rodolfo Biazon, former Armed Forces of the Philippines chief-of-staff and veteran lawmaker, has died at 88 after a bout of pneumonia, his son, Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon announces @PhilstarNews pic.twitter.com/DLYMu3Am8W

— Xave Gregorio ???? (@XaveGregorio) June 12, 2023

Veteran actor John Regala has passed away on Saturday. He was 58.

In an interview with ABS-CBN, Regala's wife confirmed that the actor died due to liver and kindey complications after cardiac arrest.

Management agency Fantagio confirms the passing of ASTRO member Moonbin. He was 25.

"On April 19, ASTRO member Moonbin suddenly left us and has now become a star in the sky," Fantagio says in a statement.

"Although it cannot compare to the grief of the bereaved family that had to part with their beloved son and brother, his fellow artists and the staff here at Fantagio, who have been together with him for a long time, are also deeply mourning the departed amidst tremendous shock and sorrow," it adds.

Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines president and chief executive officer, and longtime sports broadcaster Edgar “Ed” Picson passed away Wednesday due to complications from a long battle with liver cancer.

He was 69.

Irish pop rock brand The Script announces that its guitarist and co-founder, Mark Sheehan, died at the age of 46 after suffering an undisclosed brief illness.

"Much loved husband, father, brother, band mate and friend Mark Sheehan passed away today in hospital after a brief illness," the band says on Twitter.

"The family and group ask fans to respect their privacy at this tragic time," it adds.

Paul Cattermole, member of '90s pop group S Club 7, passed away in his home in Dorset, England on April 7. He was 46.

"We are truly devastated by the passing of our brother Paul. There are no words to describe the deep sadness and loss we all feel. We were so lucky to have had him in our lives and are thankful for the amazing memories we have," says the group on its Twitter page.

"He will be so deeply missed by each and every one of us. We ask that you respect the privacy of his family and of the band at this time," the group adds.

Intel says Gordon Moore, a pioneer in the microprocessor industry and a cofounder of Intel, which at one time was the world's largest semiconductor maker, died on Friday at the age of 94.

Moore was a giant in the technological transformation of the modern age, helping companies bring evermore powerful chips to smaller and smaller computers.

An engineer by training, he cofounded Intel in July 1968, eventually serving as president, chief executive and chairman of the board. — AFP

Lance Reddick's publicist says the actor, who appeared in the "John Wick" series of films opposite Keanu Reeves, was found dead at his home in the Studio City area of Los Angeles.

He was 60.

Altermidya confirms that its founding chairperson and journalist Luis V. Teodoro passed away on Tuesday. He was 81.

"A pillar of Philippine journalism, Dean Luis was the force behind the formation of Altermidya Network, which will carry on his work and principles," Altermidya announces on Facebook.

"He is credited with advancing the ideals of pro-people journalism both as a respected member of the academe and through the alternative media that he helped organize in the Philippines," it adds.

Bud Grant, who won NFL and NBA titles and coached the Minnesota Vikings into four Super Bowls, died Saturday, the club announces. He was 95.

"We are absolutely devastated to announce legendary Minnesota Vikings head coach and Hall of Famer Bud Grant has passed away," the Vikings statement says.

"We, like all Vikings and NFL fans, are shocked and saddened by this terrible news."

Grant was a reserve for the 1950 NBA champion Minneapolis Lakers who ended his basketball career in 1951 to join the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles, playing as a defensive end and wide receiver. — AFP

French sociologist Daniel Defert, who was a leading figure in the country's fight against AIDS, died Tuesday at the age of 85, according to an organisation he founded.

"It is with deep sadness that we learn this evening of the death of Daniel Defert," Aides, a French anti-AIDS organisation, tweeted on Tuesday.

"He leaves behind him the indelible memory of a life of activism and the principles of action that the 2,200 activists are perpetuating on a daily basis," it said. — AFP

Billionaire Roberto "Bobby" Ongpin died Saturday night on exclusive Balesin Island off the coast of Polillo, Quezon, according to reports quoting his family.

Ongpin was chair of high-end property developer Alphaland, which runs Balesin Island Club and other properties.

A Certified Public Accountant, Ongpin joined Procter & Gamble before working at  Sycip Gorres Velayo & Company from 1964 to 1979.

He was minister of commerce and industry from 1979 to 1986 before concentrating on his businesses after the ouster of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. during the People Power Revolution. 

He had a net worth of around $1 billion in 2022, according to Forbes.

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Photo: The STAR/Edd Gumban