Former Philippine President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III died today according to Philippine national media reports, after being rushed to a Manila hospital. The cause of death was not immediately announced.

The 61-year old served from 2010 to 2016. He is the son of former President Corazon Aquino and democracy icon and namesake, former Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr.

A statement from the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs reads, "During his term as the 15th President of the Philippine Republic, President Aquino elevated the country’s conduct of foreign relations, steered foreign policy towards a principled direction that earned international respect and esteem, and invigorated the foreign service with a collective sense of patriotism, commitment to service, and professionalism. He has left a remarkable legacy on our country’s foreign policy and national history."

The Department offers its condolences to the former President’s family and friends and joins the Filipino people in grieving the loss of a great man, leader and nationalist

 

On Guam, Vice Speaker and regional affairs chairperson Vice Speaker Tina Barnes issued a statement expressing sympathies to the Aquino family.

She said during his term Aquino oversaw the country's fastest economic growth since the 1970s. She said, "Guam joins the Philippine people in honoring his life and memory."