Freddie Aguilar dies at 72 after prolonged illness

Filipino folk songwriter and OPM icon Freddie Aguilar died on Tuesday, May 27, at the age of 72 after a prolonged illness at the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City.

Aguilar's last social media post was on May 20 with the caption 'Please keep praying for us,' and his ex-partner Josephine Quiepo confirmed his death on the May 27 episode of 'Fast Talk with Boy Abunda'.

Survived by his wife Jovie Albao and four children from a previous marriage, including singer Maegan Aguilar, Aguilar's contributions to Philippine music left a lasting legacy.

His most famous song 'Anak' became an international hit, released in over 51 languages and selling more than 33 million copies worldwide.

Last year, Aguilar received several awards including the Lifetime Achievement in Music Award at the Amerika Prestige Awards Hollywood and Outstanding International Legendary Singer and Performer at the Southeast Asian Achievement Award.

In a report by ABS-CBN, it was confirmed that Aguilar died due to multiple organ failure and has been laid to rest at the Manila Islamic South Cemetery.

Numerous artists and loved ones have expressed their grief and paid tribute to the enduring legacy of the music legend.