January

Bishop Ronald Lunas, 57, the first “homegrown” bishop of the 44-year-old diocese of Digos, Pagadian, on January 2, after undergoing a heart bypass surgery on December 28 after suffering a heart attack in November, in Davao City, Philippines.

Bishop Ronald Lunas *(Source: Davao Catholic Herald)*

Archbishop Emeritus Fernando Capalla, 89, one of the first to condemn Davao Death Squad (DDS) killings under then mayor Rodrigo Duterte, on January 6, in Davao City, Philippines. .

Archbishop Emeritus Fernando Capalla (Source: CBCP News)

Fr. Romeo Empestan, writer and archivist, pioneer of the basic Christian Communities (BCC) and coordinator of the diocese’s Pastoral Center, who ministered to landless farmers in the isolated hamlets of Negros Occidental, on January 7, in Bacolod City, Philippines.

Fr. Romeo Empestan (Source: Digicast Negros)

Monsignor Felix Pasquin, Vicar General and social communications head of the diocese and rector of the San Sebastian Cathedral, on January 7, in Bacolod City, Philippines.

Monsignor Felix Pasquin *(Source: Digicast Negros)*

Mario Bautista, 77, veteran entertainment journalist, columnist, TV producer and film critic, on January 13, in his sleep after suffering a fall in December, in Manila.

Mario Bautista *(Source: Daily Tribune)*

Romeo Vitug, 86, cinematographer for more than four decades, on January 18, due to cancer of the blood, in Manila. He was honored with a Cinemanila International Filmfest Lifetime Achievement Award in 2000, the Natatanging Gawad Urian in 2016 and the Metro Manila Film Festival Hall of Fame Award in 2019.

Cydrick Garin, 23, Filipino Israeli Sergeant First Class soldier from Isabela and General Santos, on January 22, after a rocket attack while operating in central Gaza, Palestine.

Josephine “Jojo” Kierulf Zabarte, 81, former model, school director of the Sacred Heart Academy of Novaliches, on January 31, in Manila.

Josephine “Jojo” Kierulf Zabarte (Source: Facebook)

February

Roldeo “Deo” Endrinal, 60, head of Dreamscape Entertainment, ABS-CBN’s content production unit, on February 3, in Manila.

Augusto “Jake” Almeda Lopez, 95, former vice chairman of ABS-CBN Corp., veteran of WWII, political activist and detainee during the Marcos dictatorship and chief planner for the daring escape of Geny Lopez and Serge Osmena from Fort Bonifacio that was made into a movie, Eskapo; considered the “soul of ABS-CBN,” on February 3, cause of death unknown, in Manila.

Zenaida “Nedy” Tantoco, 77, matriarch of the Tantoco family and CEO of the Rustan Commercial Corporation, Rustan Marketing Corporation and Stores Specialists Incorporated, on February 8, a few days after undergoing heart surgery, in Manila.

Zenaida “Nedy” Tantoco *(Source: Tatler Asia)*

Emme Tomimbang, 73, veteran broadcast journalist in Hawaii, while undergoing emergency open heart surgery, on February 19, in Honolulu, Hawaii. In her later years, Tomimbang worked to expand opportunities in medicine and journalism for students, particularly in the Filipino and Native Hawaiian communities.

Emme Tomimbang with her husband James Burns: Hawaii.edu)

Amable “Tikoy” Aguiluz, 72, veteran filmmaker multiple Gawad Urian awardee, on February 19, in Manila, of undisclosed causes. He also co-founded the UP Film Center and founded the Cinemanila International Film Festival.

Amable “Tikoy” Aguiluz *(Source: ABS-Cbn)*

Dingdong Eduque, 63, vocalist, composer and arranger, and dancer, of a massive heart attack, in Manila, on February 23.

Santiago “Santi” Villafania, 53, multi-awarded poet, 2010 Asna (Salt) Awardee for Literature, and champion of Pangasinan heritage, on February 26, in Dagupan City, Philippines.

Santiago “Santi” Villafania (Source: Rappler)

Ricardo Manzano Taylor, 94, former broadcast media consultant and contractor, and former Southeast Asia Regional Sales Manager for TIME magazine, husband of Conchita Lopez Taylor and longtime resident of the San Francisco Bay Area, on February 23, in Manila, due to complications from a stroke.

Ricardo Taylor (right) and his son, Derrick Reyes

Jose Caramihan, age unknown, farmer in Negros Occidental, killed by the military on suspicion of being a member of the New People’s Army (NPA), on February 27. His daughter, Charlene, denied her father’s involvement with the NPA.

Edgar Talusan Fernandez, 69, one of the Philippines’ most distinguished and multi-awarded social realist painters and political activist, on February 27, of undisclosed causes, in Manila.

Edgar Talusan Fernandez *(Source: NCCA Vera Files)*

March

Mary Jane Guck aka Jaclyn Jose, 59, first Filipino and Southeast Asian to win best actress at the Cannes Film Festival for her leading role as a matriarch and meth dealer in Brillante Mendoza’s Ma Rosa, on March 2, due to myocardial infraction, in Manila.

Jose Concepcion, 92, industrialist and activist, on March 6, in Manila. He served as President of RFM Corporation, was elected as a delegate to the 1971 Constitutional Convention, arrested by President Marcos during martial law but upon release continued his fight for democracy as the founder of the National Citizens Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL). He later served as Secretary of Trade and Industry during President Corazon Aquino’s tenure.

Ruth Lilian Cobb Hill, 92, author and therapist/counselor who specialized in cross-cultural psychotherapy, on March 7 in Union City, California, due to complications from COVID and cancer. She became the first teacher of Tagalog at UC Berkeley, pioneered a mental health program for Filipino and Latin children, and translated Spanish documents and signs into Tagalog for the Filipino Farm Workers in Delano.

Cris Vertido, 78, stage and screen actor, screenwriter most distinguished for the award-winning film Panaghoy sa Suba, which won the Best Screenplay award at the Metro Manila Film Festival in 2004, on March 18, in Manila. He was also chair of the UP College of Mass Communications’ Department of Film and Audio-Visual Communications.

Fe Hidalgo, 87, former Department of Education officer during President Arroyo’s term, on March 19, of unknown causes, in Manila.

Gia Sison, 53, physician and mental health advocate, consultant for the World health Organization Western Pacific Regional Office on Health Lifestyle in the Workplace and national advisor for the Youth for Mental Health Coalition, on March 21, due to pulmonary embolism and heart failure, in Manila.

Zenaida Seva, age unknown, renowned astrologer and mainstay on ABS-CBN’s morning show, Umagang kay Ganda, on March 21, of undisclosed causes.

Abu Halil, age unknown, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF)-Karialan faction leader, on March 22, during a fierce encounter in Maguindanao del Sur with government troops.

Abu Halil nabbed in the hospital *(Source: Philstar)*

Zelanda “Daisy” Purugganan Tucay, 82, nurse and civic action leader, was co-chair of US Medicare PH, which advocated for Medicare portability, on March 28, of cerebral aneurysm, in Fairfax, Virginia.

Hubert Dominic Guevara, lawyer, Securities and Exchange Commissioner and former senior deputy executive secretary, on March 29, in Manila, cause unknown.

Dr. Romulo Gonzales, 99, pediatrician and child psychiatrist and first Filipino practitioner in the County’s Behavioral Health Department, on March 29, of old age, in Stockton, California.

Dr. ROmulo Gonzalez *(Source: Stockton Record)*

April

Victor Corpus, 79, Philippine Army general who famously defected to the New People’s Army after he raided the armory of his alma mater, the Philippine Military Academy in 1970. He belonged to PMA Class ’67. He was jailed during President Marcos’ term and released and granted clemency by President Cory Aquino and reinstated in the AFP. He became chief of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines during President Arroyo’s administration, on April 4, in Manila, from various ailments.

Renato “RC” Constantino, Jr., 79, anti-martial law activist and author, on April 4, in Manila, of undisclosed causes. He served as vice-chair of former President Joseph Estrada’s campaign team in the latter’s failed presidential bid in the 2010 elections.

Renato “RC” Constantino, Jr. (Source: Rappler)

Perry Diaz, 79, businessman, community leader, political activist and columnist, appointed to the Department of Rehabilitation by Governor George Deukmejian as deputy director and to the U.S. Architecture and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board by President George W. Bush in 1995, on April 4, in Elk Grove, California, due to undisclosed causes.

Kathleen Okubo, 71, a stalwart of community journalism and a survivor of martial law, on April 7, after a long battle with several illnesses, on April 7, in Baguio City, Philippines. She was a founding member of the Cordillera News Agency.

Jay-El Maligday, 21, education student leader at Grace Mission College who was red-tagged and slain by soldiers of the Army’s 4th Infantry Battallion, 203rd Infantry Brigade and 2nd Infantry division, on April 7, in Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. Maligday’s family has filed a complaint of extrajudicial killing against the army soldiers and officials with the Office of the Ombudsman.

Proculo “Proc” Maslog, 76, veteran journalist and pioneer of the Cagayan de Oro-based daily newspapers, on April 14, due to Parkinson’s disease, in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines.

Proculo “Proc” Maslog *(Source: Rappler)*

Roman Ildonzo Gabriel, Jr., 83, the first Filipino American pro football player “who complemented his rocket arm with an imposing physique over 16 seasons beginning in 1962”, on April 20, in Little River, South Carolina. After retirement in 1977, he became a pro football broadcaster, head coach of Cal Poly Pomona and in the United States Football League and the World League of American Football.

Rene Saguisag, 84, human rights lawyer, jailed opposition leader during martial law and former senator during President Cory Aquino’s term, on April 24, of undisclosed causes, in Manila. He provided free legal assistance to victims of human rights violations and victims of government abuses and prosecuted human rights violators.

Elpidio “Pidi” Barzaga, Jr., 74, Cavite’s 4th District Representative who served as president of the National Unity Party and headed the House Committee on Natural Resources, on April 27, during an open-heart surgery, in California.

Elpidio “Pidi” Barzaga, Jr. (Source: Wikipedia)

Floy Quintos, 63, playwright, director and winner of several Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards, on April 27, due to a heart attack, in Manila.

May

Elmer Yanga, 78, longtime Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) executive, on May 1, due to a lingering illness, in Manila.

Araceli “Cheloy” Limcaco Dans, 95, educator and artist celebrated for her exquisite calado paintings, intricate lace patterns rendered in watercolor and acrylic capturing the delicate beauty of the Filipino heritage, on May 18, of undisclosed causes, in Manila.

Araceli “Cheloy” Limcaco Dans (Source: Wikipedia)

Carlo J. Caparas, 80, writer, director and comic strip creator whose National Artist for Visual Arts and Film award was nullified by the Supreme Court on the ground of “preferential treatment” by former President Gloria Arroyo, on May 25, in Manila, of undisclosed causes.

Barbara “Tweetums” Gonzalez, 79, lifestyle columnist, author, and former advertising executive, on May 28, in Manila, from cancer.

Barbara “Tweetums” Gonzales *(Source: Philstar)*

Fr. Amado “Picx” Picardal, 69, Redemptorist priest and peace and human rights advocate who first documented the Davao Death Squad (DDS) killings, on May 29, in Cebu, of undisclosed causes. He biked and hiked all over the country to protest human rights injustices and to advocate for peace.

Amado Picardal *(Source: Human Rights Watch)*

June

Armando “Doy” Heredia, 79, retired Philippine Navy Captain who served as National Executive Director of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) from 2002-2008; on June 2, of cancer, in Portsmouth, Rhode Island.

Romeo Nicolas San Antonio, 82, veteran of the United States Navy, creator of the Fil-Am Veteran Memorial Garden at PCC and 2007 honoree of Twenty Outstanding Filipinos Abroad, on June 11, in Norfolk, Virginia, of unknown causes.

Romeo Nicolas San Antonio (Source: Norfolk Dignify Memorial)

CJ de Silva-Ong, 36, former “Promil Kid,” on June 18, in Manila, after suffering two strokes.

Rosalio “Yoyong” Martires, 77, public servant, actor, and basketball legend who played as a member of the Philippine team in the Olympics, on June 18, in Manila, of undisclosed causes.

Rosalio “Yoyong” Martires *(Source: Businessworld Online)*

Armando “Bing” Lao, 75, acclaimed screenwriter and filmmaker, on June 18, at the Philippine Heart Center in Manila. He also founded the Found Story School of Filmmaking where he mentored countless artists.

Armando “Bing” Lao *(Source: Inquirer.net)*

Rose Eileen Flores Tibayan, 64, former NBC reporter, author, and community activist, on June 20, in Chicago, Illinois, due to cancer.

Ruben Alabastro, 83, longtime reporter and desk editor of various foreign agencies (Reuters, Agence France-Presse), on June 20, in Manila.

Eulogio “Ted” Lapuz, 100, first president of the associated Filipino Organizations of San Joaquin County to help house displaced Filipinos and thus in 1972, the Filipino Center was completed and opened for occupancy, on June 25, in Stockton, California.

Cristina Sprague, 58, nurse and nurse practitioner of SoMA Health Center, on June 28, in San Francisco, California, cause unknown.

Anthony “Tonichi” Nocom, Jr., 64, RTW designer of SM responsible for the kaftan-dressing trend during the pandemic lockdowns, on June 29, in Manila. The day before he died, he was complaining of stomach aches.

Anthony “Tonichi” Nocom, Jr. (Source: The Diarist.ph)

Emmanuel “Bon” Alejandrino, 73, vice mayor of Arayat, Pampamga, of stomach aneurysm, on June 29, in Pampanga, Philippines.

Emmanuel “Bon” Alejandrino (Source: Rappler)

Sammy Santos, 63, longtime media relations head of the Senate and former newspaper reporter and editor, on June 29, due to complications from a recent heart bypass surgery, in Manila.

Manny Castañeda, 69, actor and director, who was part of films Aliw, Oro Plata , and Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas, and television series Makiling and Ang Probinsyano, in Manila, due to congenital heart disease, chronic kidney disease and hypertension, on June 30, in Manila.

July

Corazon De Guzman Dandan, 74, telephone operator working at the Marriott Hotel, pushed to death at the Powell Street Station in San Francisco, California, on July 1.

Corazon De Guzman Dandan *(Source: ABS-CBN News)*

Major General Ramon Montano, 87, former Philippine Constabulary-Integrated National Police chief, on July 2, in Manila, of undisclosed causes. He was instrumental in the capture of Army Colonel Gringo Honasan after his Reform the Armed Forces Movement’s (RAM) failed coup attempt against President Cory Aquino. He was arrested for inciting to sedition in 2006 when he urged the police and military to break away from President Gloria Arroyo’s administration for allegations of corruption.

Major General Ramon Montano (Source: Atenews)

Lamberto Antonio, 77, acclaimed poet, on July 6, of undisclosed causes, in Manila. He was dubbed “tungkong kalan” of Philippine poetry together with Virgilio Almario and Rogelio Mangahas by the UP Institute of Creative Writing.

Corporal Jed Michael Gregorio, 33, PNP-SAF member killed during a law enforcement operation targeting firearms and illegal drugs, on July 10, in Cotabato.

Corporal Jed Michael Gregorio *(Source: Philippine National Police Journal)*

Manolo “Chino” Trinidad, 56, veteran sports journalist and executive, on July 13, in Manila, due to a heart attack. He was recently named commissioner of the Sharks Billiards Association, the country’s first professional billiards league.

Ernesto Jude Rimando, Jr., 58, political prisoner and labor organizer, of Stage 4 liver cancer, on July 13, at the Philippine General Hospital while still in detention, in Manila.

Ernesto Jude Rimando, Jr. (Source: Rappler)

Dionisio Victor A. Balite, 52, Bohol Vice Governor, and former president of the League of Vice Governors of the Philippines in central Visayas, on July 17, of undisclosed causes, in Bohol, Philippines.

Dionisio Victor A. Balite *(Source: PIO)*

Sister Teresa Joseph Patrick of Jesus and Mary (aka JD Constantino), 104, essayist, literary critic, poet, and beloved professor of English literature at UP before she joined the Carmelite Order in 1979; on July 19 in Quezon City.

Sister Teresa Joseph Patrick of Jesus and Mary (aka JD Constantino) (Source: PressOne.ph)

Marne Kilates, 71, poet, translator, and awardee of the Most Outstanding Albayano for Literary Arts in 2014, on July 20, of undisclosed causes, in Manila.

Arsenio Benjamin "Arben" Santos, 76, businessman, advocate for maritime safety ad modernization and former star basketball and football player for the Blue Eagles, on July 20, due to lingering kidney issues, in Manila.

Sixto “Ting” Kalaw Roxas, 96, economist, investment banker, and development worker, on July 24, in Manila, of undisclosed causes. He was the chief economic planner during President Diosdado Macapagal’s term.

Sixto “Ting” Kalaw Roxas *(Source: Ateneo)*

James Pooten, 61, former mayor of Sagada, Mountain Province and his wife, Cymbeline Joan Piluden Pooten, 60, in a car crash in Calgary, Canada together with two relatives, on July 27. The couple flew to Canada to attend a meeting with the Igorot Global Organization.

James and Cymbeline Joan Pooten *(Source: Rappler)*

August

Dr. Jonathan Gen Magat, 38, professor of Asian American Studies at Northwestern University and Communications Studies at San Francisco State University, on August 4, after a long battle with brain cancer, in Daly City, California.

Dr. Jonathan Gen Magat (Source: GoFundMe)

Lily Yu Monteverde, 85, Philippine cinema icon and Regal Films founder known as Mother Lily, of undisclosed causes on August 4, days after her husband of over 60 years was laid to rest, in Manila.

Lily Yu Monteverde *(Source: EsquiremagPH)*

Carminda de Leon Regala, 85, classical pianist, on August 14, of undisclosed causes, in Manila, Philippines.

Howard Dee, 93, former ambassador to the Holy See, due to an aortic intramural hematoma, on August 21, in Manila.

Austin Machitar, 30, San Diego Police Officer, on August 27 in San Diego, California, after a fleeing vehicle crashed into his patrol car.

September

Annette Flores Balgan, 77, first female mayor of Macabebe on September 3, in Pampanga, Philippines.

Annette Flores Balgan *(Source: Instagram)*

Daniel “Bitay” Lacson, Jr., 77, former Negros Occidental governor, former anti-poverty czar during President Cory Aquino’s term, and former president of the Philippine National Bank (PNB), on September 6, due to Parkinson’s disease, in Bacolod, Philippines.

Victor Paz, 57, renowned archeologist and founding member of the Kapisanan ng mga Arkeologist ng Pilipinas, on September 7, of undisclosed causes, in Manila.

Victor Paz *(Source: School of Archeology)*

Apo Ramiro Estalilla, Jr., 94, famous martial artist, on September 7 in Vallejo, California.

Fr. Pompeyo de Mesa, O.P., former rector of Colegio de San Juan de Letran Manila and professor at the UST Faculty of Sacred Theology, on September 8, in Pampanga, Philippines.

Frank Irigon, 77, community leader, activist, former executive director of International District Community Health Center (ICHS), veteran, newspaper founder and political candidate, on September 12, in Seattle, Washington.

Brenda Fajardo, 84, art teacher, visual artist and printmaker who advocated for women’s rights through the arts and was Professor Emerita in UP; on September 14 in Manila.

Arthur “Pancho” Villaraza, age unknown, legal luminary who contributed to the downfall of President Joseph Estrada, former Chief Justices Renato Corona and Maria Lourdes Sereno, on September 14, in Manila, due to pneumonia.

Arthur “Pancho” Villaraza (Source: Manila Times)

Danilo “Dan” Luis Mariano, 71, veteran journalist and former editor-in-chief of news.abs-cbn.com, and later deputy ombudsman of the of ABS-CBN Corporation, on September 16, seven months after his wife, Tess, died; in Manila.

Danilo “Dan” Luis Mariano *(Source: Rappler)*

Dr. Temario “Temy” Rivera, 77, political scientist and reform advocate, due to pancreatic cancer, on September 18, in Manila. He was also the chairman of the think tank Center for People Empowerment in Governance.

Dr. Temario “Temy” Rivera *(Source: Wikipedia)*

Beatriz Zobel de Ayala, 88, matriarch of one of the country’s richest and most influential families, on September 23, of unknown causes, in Manila.

Lionel “Balondong” Bacaltos, 60, mayor of Sibonga in Cebu province, of a heart attack, on September 25, in Cebu.

Nick Carbo, 60, multi-awarded poet and pioneer of Filipino American poetry, on October 16, in his sleep, in Frederick, Maryland.

Nick Carbo *(Source: Poetry Society of America)*

Ambassador Rey Angeles Carandang, 75, former Philippine ambassador to Argentina, on September 27, of unknown causes, in Tanauan, Batangas.

Socorro “Coritha” Avelino, age unknown, music icon known for her protest anthem Oras Na on September 27, in Manila. She had been suffering from a series of strokes.

Coritha (Source: Quezon City Heritage/Facebook)

October

Carlos “Pinky” Brosas, age unknown, swimming coach and silver medalist at the 1970 Asian Games in Bangkok, on October 3, of unknown causes, in Manila, Philippines.

Edmund Aspero, 77, veteran radio broadcaster known as “The King” of Negros media, on October 6, of pneumonia that complicated his end-stage renal failure, in Bacolod City, Philippines.

Gilopez Kabayao, 94, virtuoso violinist with a career spanning seven decades, on October 12, after a brief illness, in Bacolod, Philippines.

Dante Simbulan, Sr., 94, former Philippine colonel who turned political activist, author, and educator; on October 12 in Fairfax County, Virginia.

Danny Ledesma Mandia, 70, Father of Modern Filipino Dubbing, on October 16, in Manila, Philippines, of unknown causes.

Lemuel Balagot, 73, celebrated restaurateur and owner of LA Rose Café, Hollywood’s long-running Filipino café, on October 17, of acute myeloid leukemia, in Los Angeles, California.

Lemuel Balagot *(Source: Asian Journal)*

Jose Noel “Butch” D. Olano, 61, former Section Director of Amnesty International, executive Director of the Philippine Agrarian Reform Fund, and Undersecretary of the DAR Central during President Fidel Ramos’ term, on October 20, of undisclosed causes, in Bukidnon, Philippines.

Bishop Arturo Bastes, 80, retired Sorsogon bishop and SVD missionary known for speaking out on sociopolitical issues, of unknown causes, on October 20, in Cainta, Philippines.

Vilma Rodriguez, 56, journalist at eMedia Productions Network, shot three times by motorcycle-riding gunmen, on October 22, in Zamboanga, Philippines.

Maria Christina Laskowski, 57, former chair of the San Mateo County Republican Party and a candidate for the San Mateo-Foster City School District, on October 23, in San Francisco, California, of an apparent heart attack while teaching an entrepreneurial class at the University of San Francisco.

Christina Laskowski (Source: Ballotopedia)

Fe-Ping Federis Schrottmann, age unknown, former Miss Bicolandia and top model in the ‘80s, on October 23, of unknown causes, in the Philippines.

Fe-Ping Federis Schrottmann *(Source Facebook)*

David Charlton, a native of England who moved to the Philippines in 1978, founder and CEO of popular beauty salon chain David’s Salon, on October 29, of unknown causes, in Manila, Philippines.

Rommel Rebolido, 67, veteran Mindanao-based journalist, on October 29, from cardiac arrest, in General Santos City, Philippines.

November

Robert Alejandro, 61, popular graphic artist and one of the founders of the Filipino stationery brand Papemelroti, of colon cancer, on November 5, in Manila.

Isabelita Custodio, 84, educator and longtime member of the century-old fraternal organization Legionarios del Trabajo (LDT), on November 9, in Stockton, California, of unknown causes.

Isabelita Custodio *(Source Legacy.com)*

Ismael Khan, 89, former spokesperson of the Supreme Court and first Public Information Office chief from 1999 to 2007, of a lingering illness, on November 10, in Manila.

Jenny Huang Go, 88, concert pianist and educator, the first lay woman principal of a Jesuit high school, first woman secretary of Education for a Jesuit Assistancy, and first woman appointed to the International Commission on the Apostolate of Jesuit Education, on November 11, due to a heart illness, in Burlingame, California.

Jenny Huang Go (Source: Xavier School/Facebook)

Ricky Dandan, 62, head coach of the UP Fighting Maroons from 2011 to 2013, of cancer, on November 13, in Manila.

Alejandro “Alex” Ramon Roces Prieto, 88, golfer, businessman, and philanthropist, on November 15, of cardiac arrest, in Manila.

Mercy Sunot, 48, lead singer of Filipino rock band Aegis, due to breast and lung cancer, on November 18, in California.

Cassius Casas, 57, Filipino golf great, of a heart attack, on November 18, in Davao, Philippines.

Monsignor Elmer Abacahin, 69, Catholic priest and the 39th president of the 73-year-old Cagayan de Oro Press club, who openly denounced attacks on journalists, including the red-tagging of media workers, on November 20, of cancer, in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines.

Monsignor Elmer Abacahin (Source: CBCP News)

Peter Jamero, 94, author, community leader, educator and founder of The Bridge Generation, on November 22, in his sleep, in Atwater, California.

Rolando Escalona, Jr., age unknown, Colonel in the Judge Advocate General Service, on November 22, found lifeless in Camp Aguinaldo, causes unknown, in Quezon City, Philippines.

Dennis G. Mesina, 70, Bay Area lawyer, past president of the Filipino Bar Association of Northern California and officer of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, California chapter, due to a heart disease and a fall, on November 23, in San Francisco, California.

Janero Allan Dionaldo Pandoy, an election assistant in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, on November 23 and Mark Orlando Vallecer II, acting election officer of Nunungan, Lanao del Norte on November 25; both shot by two gunmen riding in tandem on a motorcycle two days apart.

Mark Orlando Vallecer II (*Source: Philippine News Agency)*

Jose C. Laurel V, 80, former Batangas governor and Philippine ambassador to Japan from 2017-2022; on November 27, in Manila.

Santanina “Nina” Rasul, 94, the Philippines’ first female Muslim senator, who served from 1987 to 1995 and authored Republic Act No. 7192 which paved the way for the entry of women in the Philippine Military Academy and RA 6949 declaring March 8 as National Women’s Day, on November 28, of unknown causes, in Manila.

Santanina “Nina” Rasul *(Source: Manila Times)*

Ibarra “Nim” Gonzalez, 81, natural wellness advocate and ex-Jesuit priest, second director of Jesuit Communications (JESCOM), on November 29, in Manila.

Ibarra “Nim” Gonzalez *(Source: Rappler)*

December

Titus De Guzman Toledo, 57, Kapampangan poet/journalist/artist and activist, on December 1, in Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines.

Titus De Guzman Toledo *(Source: Elmer G. Cato /Facebook)*

Carlos Gamban, 84, former mayor of Silay City, Negros Occidental, on December 2, from an accidental firearm discharge, in Silay, Negros Occidental, Philippines.

Carlos Gamban *(Source: Digicat Negros)*

Alexander Noble, 76, former army colonel and leader of 1990 Northern Mindanao pocket rebellion against the administration of President Corazon Aquino, on December 5, of unknown causes, in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines.

Mark Stephen Aquino, 38, professor of Ethnic Studies and PR coordinator of SFSU's PACE, on December 7, in San Francisco, California, of unknown cause.

Mark Stephen Aquino *(Source: GoFundMe)*

Lina Sagaral-Reyes, 63, investigative journalist, poet, Palanca award winner and advocate of women’s rights and mental health, on December 14, of breathing issues and other unexpected ailments, in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines.

Hilarion “Larry” Henares, Jr., 100, well-known economist and columnist, former chairman of the National Museum of the Philippines, and author of 15 books; on December 14 in Manila.

Hilarion “Larry” Henares, Jr. (Source: Lakbay ng Lakan)

Jaime Y. Magcale, aka Jimmy Morato, 78, TV and movie actor, and radio broadcaster. He played the role of Tisoy in the first TV and movie adaptation of Nonoy Marcelo’s popular comic strip opposite Pilar Pilapil; in Manila, December 17, of unknown causes.

Bobby Garcia, 55, multi-awarded theater director and producer, founder of Atlantis Productions, produced and/or directed more than 50 plays in Canada and Asia, a Hall of Famer for the Aliw Awards; on December 18, in Vancouver, Canada.

Francisco “Dodong” Nemenzo, 89, the 18th President of the University of the Philippines, professor of political science, Marxist scholar and dedicated, fearless activist for social justice and reform, on December 19, from lingering ailments, in Manila. As UP President from 1999-2005, he modernized the university and spearheaded initiatives that fostered critical thought and academic excellence. He also played leadership roles in political organizations and social movements.

Francisco “Dodong” Nemenzo *(Source: GMA News)*

Umpeylia Balinton, more famously known as Sugar Pie De Santo, 89, trailblazing jazz/blues/R&B singer, dancer, performer and songwriter with more than 100 original compositions to her name, of COPD and congestive heart failure, in Oakland, California, on December 20. Described by critics as “electrifying,” her six-decade career reached its highest point in the 1950s and ‘60s.

Sr. Emelina Villegas, ICM, 88, Board President and founding member of the Center for Trade Unions and Human Rights (CTUHR) Philippines; on December 21 in Manila.

Sr. Emelina Villegas *(Source: Bulatlat)*

Hadja Bedjoriah Soraya Alonto-Adiong, 80, former governor of Lanao del Sur from 2016-2019, of undisclosed cause, on December 27 in Mindanao, Philippines. The wife of a former governor, she was succeeded in the post by her son, Mamintal “Bombit” Adiong Jr.

The Magazine

In Memoriam 2024