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MANILA, Philippines — Folk icon and OPM legend Freddie Aguilar was laid to rest Tuesday, the same day he died at 72, in accordance with Islamic tradition.
Folk icon and OPM legend Freddie Aguilar PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK/JOVI GATDULA ALBAO
The Muntinlupa City Muslim Affairs Office confirmed the burial of 'Brother Abdul Fareed (Freddie) Aguilar' in a Facebook post, noting that the late artist — who embraced Islam in 2013 — was buried immediately, as prescribed by Muslim customs.
His burial was overseen by Muntinlupa City Muslim Affairs Office Director Brother Johnny Guiling, with assistance from Delfen "Amla Omar" Gayatao Jr., national president of the Balik-Islam Consultative Assembly, Inc. Coordination with the Manila Islamic South Cemetery and Solemnizing Officer Imam Termizie Jawali.
According to the office, they ensured Aguilar received a "mahinahong at marangal na paglilibing (a peaceful and dignified burial)."
The Muntinlupa City Muslim Affairs Office confirmed in a Facebook post that Aguilar was buried immediately as prescribed by Muslim customs. PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK/MUNTINLUPA CITY MUSLIM AFFAIRS OFFICE
The post concluded with the Islamic phrase "Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un" which translates to "Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Allah we shall return" in English.
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Aguilar died of multiple organ failure early Tuesday at the Philippine Heart Center, confirmed by his former wife Josephine Queipo during an interview on "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda."
The Muntinlupa City Muslim Affairs Office confirmed in a Facebook post that Aguilar was buried immediately as prescribed by Muslim customs. PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK/MUNTINLUPA CITY MUSLIM AFFAIRS OFFICE
Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) general counsel George Briones earlier confirmed Aguilar passed around 1 a.m.
His widow, Jovie Gatdula Albao — whom he married in 2013 under Islamic rites — shared a heartfelt message on social media, "I will live a good life so I can meet you in Jannah. Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un... It was a good fight, because we are fighting together."
Tributes poured in from across the music and entertainment industry.
"Farewell Freddie. Thank you for the songs you left behind," wrote APO Hiking Society's Jim Paredes.
"Sadly another OPM icon has passed," tweeted theater veteran Audie Gemora.
"One of best if not the best singer/composer I have produced," said senator-elect Vicente "Tito" Sotto III. "He will now be performing for a far greater audience."
"Farewell to one of the pillars of OPM," wrote Cookie Chua. "Rest in peace... Condolences and prayers to the whole family."
"Peaceful journey, Ka Freddie! Thank you for your music," added Bayang Barrios.
Aguilar's 1978 hit "Anak" catapulted him to international fame, selling 33 million copies worldwide. It remains the best-selling Filipino record of all time and has been translated into 51 languages. His version of "Bayan Ko" became a powerful anthem during the 1986 People Power Revolution.
His other memorable songs include "Pulubi" (1978), "Magbago Ka" (1978), "Bulag, Pipi at Bingi" (1979), "Magdalena" (1983), "Katarungan" (1985), "Ipaglalaban Ko" (1989), "Minamahal Kita" (1993), and "Pasko ng Damdamin" (1994).
Aguilar had four children — Maegan, Jonan, Isabella, and Jeriko — with Queipo, whom he married in 1978.
He also held leadership roles in politics, serving as national executive vice president of the PFP and as Presidential Adviser on Culture and the Arts during the Duterte administration. He ran for senator in 2019 but was unsuccessful.
