LIST: Filipino celebrity deaths this 2023

MANILA, Philippines — Apart from a year full of break-ups, the Philippines saw in 2023 some beloved individuals depart from this life, many of which touched the hearts of Filipinos in some capacity.

Throughout the year Filipinos mourned the deaths of several local celebrities, here are a few of them who passed away this 2023.

The Women’s rights activist and novelist passed away last February 11, confirmed by one of her grandchildren in a social media post. Bautista was 77 years old. 

"With her ideals and advocacies all beyond reproach always with the intent of advancing the social consciousness especially about women's rights and toppling the macho-feudal society we collectively live in," Xyril Salazar wrote.

Bautista — an activist known for writing on stories of abuse and life under dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr.'s Martial Law and after his fall in 1986 — penned "Dekada 70", "Desaparesidos", "'GAPÔ," and "Bata, Bata...Pa'no Ka Ginawa?" 

The seasoned character actor who starred in a number of '90s films died last June. 

His wife Victoria Scherrer said he died of cardiac arrest due to liver and kidney complications at the New Era General Hospital.

She added that Regala had been "under critical care for three weeks until he expired."

In the 1990s, he became known mostly as the antagonist of action films with film credits that include "Alyas Baby Face," "Primitivo Ebok Ala: Kalaban Mortal ni Baby Ama," "The Vizconde Massacre: God, Help Us!," and "Batas Ko ay Bala."

The veteran ABS-CBN showbiz reporter passed away last July several days shy of his 65th birthday.

"We are devastated to announce the passing of Mario Dumaual — Papa to his wife Cherie and children Luigi, Miguel, Maxine, William, and Thessa; Wowo to his grandchildren Sky, Alonzoe, and Tali; and Yayo to his siblings," one of Dumaual's family members posted on his Facebook account at the time. 

Dumaual had been battling a severe fungal infection, a complication during his recovery from a heart attack. Before his passing he was confined for a month at the Philippine Heart Center.

The actor and comedian also passed away last July, as confirmed by his sister Beverly Salvador-Quintela. He was 51 years old.

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