Media company ABS-CBN expressed deep sadness over the untimely death of seasoned entertainment reporter Mario Dumaual, who passed away on Wednesday morning at the age of 64.
ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN News released a joint statement mourning the loss of one of their veteran journalists.
The statement highlighted Mario Dumaual’s significant contributions to entertainment news reporting and his role as a mentor to colleagues during his more than three decades with ABS-CBN News. He was described as an exceptional and passionate journalist, a loyal and dedicated friend, and a devoted family man who leaves behind a lasting legacy in the media industry.
“ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN News are deeply saddened with the passing of one our veteran reporters, Mario Dumaual. In the more than three decades that Mario was part of the ABS-CBN News team, he became a pillar of entertainment news reporting and an esteemed mentor to his colleagues,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, in the statement on Mario’s Facebook account, posted by his family, announced his passing and expressed their profound grief. It revealed that Mario, who would have celebrated his 65th birthday on July 31, succumbed to septic shock at 8:01 a.m. on July 5.
Mario had been battling a severe fungal infection, which complicated his recovery from a heart attack. Mario had been hospitalized at the Philippine Heart Center for a month. The family plans to provide further details about his wake in the coming days.
The family statement referred to Mario as “Papa” to his wife Cherie and children Luigi, Miguel, Maxine, William, and Thessa. He was also affectionately called “Wowo” by his grandchildren Sky, Alonzoe, and Tali, and “Yayo” by his siblings.