Photo: Filepic
Freddie Aguilar (pic) died of multiple organ failure at the Philippine Heart Center, according to his ex-partner, Josephine Quiepo.
The cause of Aguilar’s death was announced on the May 27 episode of Fast Talk With Boy Abunda with the mainstay host citing Quiepo.
"According to Josie, Ka Freddie died of multiple organ failure at the Philippine Heart Center last night. On May 20, Ka Freddie asked for prayers on his Facebook page, but he didn’t detail his condition," said Abunda.
Aguilar’s death was earlier confirmed by lawyer George Briones of Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) on Tuesday. The singer, who died at 72 years old, previously served as the national executive vice president of the political party.
Aguilar’s final partner, Jovie Albao, penned a farewell message to the singer following his death.
She took to her Facebook account to share a photo of her and Aguilar engaged in an embrace as she promised to lead a good life so they can reunite in heaven.
“I will live a good life so I can meet you in Jannah (Heaven). Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (to Allah we belong and to Allah we shall return). This is not goodbye, just farewell for now. Mahal na mahal kita, hanggang sa muli bhabe (I love you so much. Until we meet again, babe). It was a good fight, because we are fighting together,” she wrote.
The remains of the singer were buried less than 24 hours after following the Islamic burial rites.
In 2013, when he was 60, Aguilar converted to Islam so he could marry Albao, who was then 16 years old. Their relationship drew criticism and concern especially from the youth sector.
Known for his songs Anak and Bayan Ko, Aguilar established his identity as a folk singer-songwriter by blending elements of Manila sound, folk, and rock in his music. He is also known for letting his long locks loose, which are often held in place by a fedora hat, as well as his clear sunglasses during performances. – Philippine Daily Inquirer/Asia News Network
