Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 22) — The late former Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Albert del Rosario suffered a “massive heart attack” during a flight to San Francisco, his family confirmed Saturday as they released more details on his passing.
Del Rosario was en route to the US with his wife and son-in-law on Tuesday when he “breathed his last,” his family said in a statement.
“It was determined that the causes of death were cardiac insufficiency, congestive heart failure, and cardiomyopathy. He had suffered a massive heart attack. He died in the arms of his wife,” the family revealed. “While there were valiant attempts to resuscitate him by two doctors who were passengers on the same flight, these efforts were to no avail.”
THREAD: A PATRIOT HAS COME HOME
Ex-DFA Secretary Albert Del Rosario's kin issues a statement on the passing of the country’s former top diplomat.
The family said that the ambassador has suffered a massive heart attack while enroute to San Francisco. | @TristanNodalo pic.twitter.com/kBXxbnxL3E
— CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) April 22, 2023
The DFA earlier this week confirmed the death of Del Rosario, who served as top diplomat when Manila took Beijing to court over its claims in the West Philippine Sea.
His remains were brought home earlier in the day.
The wake will be open to the public on Sunday and Monday at the Chapels of the Santuario de San Antonio in Makati, according to his kin.
“We ask the Filipino people to pray for the peaceful repose of his soul and for consolation in our time of grief. We are grateful for the outpouring of support for the family,” they said.
