Malacañang saddened by death of Kobe Bryant

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has expressed condolences to the family and loved ones of basketball superstar Kobe Bryant and his teenage daughter, who both perished in a helicopter crash Monday (Manila Time).

In a statement, Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo noted of the frequent visits of Bryant in the Philippines.

“He was well-loved by his Filipino fans,” Panelo said.

The former Los Angeles Lakers guard first flew in Manila in 1998, just two years after he was drafted in the NBA. He last visited Manila in 2016, just months after he retired from the NBA.

The Palace official added that Bryant was really a “master of his craft” and that the sport of basketball has lost “one of its legendary greats.”

“On the hardcourt, he was a sight to behold with his dexterity and accuracy in sinking that ball in the ring. He was a master of his craft. The basketball world has lost one of its legendary greats,” Panelo said.

“The Palace extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, loved ones and fans around the globe who Kobe left behind. We share in their grief,” he further said