Malacañang on Thursday, June 16, condoled with the passing of veteran newsman Alfredo "Fred" Lobo.

In a statement, Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said "the Palace extends its condolences to the family, friends and colleagues" of Lobo, a veteran journalist whose beat included the Malacañang Palace and served as President of the National Press Club from 1995 to 1998.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of Mr. Lobo in this period of mourning. May he rest in peace," Andanar added.

Lobo, a 66-year-old former Manila Bulletin reporter, was found dead inside his condominium unit in Malate, Manila on June 14.

The Manila Police District (MPD) said Lobo's body was discovered by the condominium's security guard inside the toilet and appeared to be "already in an advanced state of decomposition with a foul odor."

This came after the security guard received on June 12 a complaint that a foul odor was coming from one of the units on the building's seventh floor.