Interior Usec. Martin Diño during the Kapihan sa Manila Hotel forum. Noy Morcoso/Inquirer.net
MANILA, Philippines — Martin Diño, a former Interior Undersecretary and father of former Film Development Council of the Philippines chairperson Liza Diño-Seguerra, died at the age of 66 on Tuesday after a battle with stage 4 cancer.
Diño-Seguerra said her father died early in the morning while surrounded by loved ones.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Martin Diño, Former Undersecretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). ‘Bobot’ as he is fondly called, peacefully died at 2:15 am on August 8, 2023, surrounded by his family,” she wrote in a Facebook post.
According to Diño-Seguerra, her father suffered from acute respiratory failure after his battle with cancer.
Diño-Seguerra said her father was a dedicated public servant committed to his responsibilities.
“Former Undersecretary Martin Diño’s legacy extends beyond his distinguished role in government. As the former Chairman of the ‘Violence Against Crime and Corruption’ organization, he epitomized the spirit of advocacy, using his voice to champion the rights of the oppressed and fight against injustice,” said Diño-Seguerra.
Diño-Seguerra said her family’s heart was heavy, but they remain comforted by their loved ones.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have offered their prayers. His legacy of resilience, compassion, and a deep sense of duty will forever guide us. We shall share details about his funeral arrangements soon,” she said.
Enduring love
Days before her father succumbed to Stage 4 cancer, Diño-Seguerra shared to her followers her last moments with him, recounting their past conversations and expression of their love for one another.
“Enduring love” came her caption of one photo where her dad’s hand was being held by her mom’s, as Diño-Seguerra encouraged her dad to fight his sickness.
“A poignant moment where my mom’s hand holds not just my dad’s, but also years of hurt and healing. Despite his critical condition, her firm grip and resilience whispers strength…and forgiveness,” she said in her post.
In another post on Monday, also on Instagram, Diño-Seguerra recalled another moment with her dad in December last year where she was seen holding a red envelop which she said was a rare holiday gift from her ailing dad.
“Visited my papa for Christmas. I rarely receive gifts from him because giving gifts is not his love language. But for the first time, I received an angpao (lucky envelop) from him. I was so happy because I know he was trying and expressing in his own way that he loves me. When time is scarce, savor the small joys,” she said.