Edcel Lagman, fearless legislator, rights defender, 82

MANILA, Philippines —  Albay First District Rep. Edcel Lagman died yesterday at the age of 82.

Lagman’s passing was announced by his daughter, Tabaco Mayor Krisel Lagman who said that her father died at 5:01 p.m. due to cardiac arrest.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Albay First District Rep. and Liberal Party president Edcel C. Lagman,” she said.

“He left this world the way he lived his life – with integrity, compassion, and fearlessness. He fought until the end with the dogged determination, tenacity, and unshakable hopefulness that defined all that he stood for,” the mayor said.

Mayor Lagman said that the late congressman will be remembered and honored by his family, friends and colleagues as a remarkable and generous father.

“A true and loyal friend and an upright, principled, and unwavering advocate of human rights and the rule of law,” she said.

“He will live on in our hearts and we will continue to honor his memory by living our lives the way that would make him proud,” she added.

She said her father was surrounded by all his children, sisters and family members in his final peaceful moments.