Bongbong Marcos mourns ‘honorable diplomat’ Del Rosario

President Ferdinand Marcos. (File photo from the Facebook page of the Presidential Communications Office)

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. joined other officials in mourning the death of former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, whom he described as an “honorable diplomat and an esteemed public servant.”

In his message, Marcos conveyed his condolences to the family and loved ones of Del Rosario, adding that the former Foreign Affairs chief was “known for his patriotism and integrity.”

“I join the entire nation in mourning the passing of former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, an honorable diplomat and an esteemed public servant,” he said.

“I extend my deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of Secretary del Rosario, who was known for his patriotism and integrity,” Marcos added.

“We thank his deep commitment to our national interest and his unwavering devotion to our shared values,” the President continued.

Del Rosario, 83, died on Tuesday as announced by his family.

Del Rosario was the Philippine Ambassador to the United States from 2001 to 2006 before serving as the country’s chief diplomat.

Del Rosario served at the helm of the DFA from 2011 to 2016 under the administration of the late and former President Benigno Aquino III.

Under his watch, the Philippines first elevated to an international court its complaint against China for violating the country’s rights over the disputed West Philippine Sea.

This led to the historic 2016 arbitral ruling favoring the Philippines, which junked China’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea.

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JPV/abc