The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday offered sympathy over the death of former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe, who the agency described as someone "greatly admired by many Filipinos."
"It is with profound sadness that we learn of the passing of former PM Abe Shinzo," it said in a statement Friday.
The department expressed its deepest condolences to the Japanese government and to the Japanese people "on his tragic death."
It also would like to send its "most heartfelt sympathy" to the late leader's spouse, Akie Abe, and his family.
"We pray for their comfort in this most difficult time," DFA said.
"We thank him for his key role in the strengthening of Philippines-Japan relations and for establishing a very deep bond of friendship with our country. Mr. Abe will be very much missed and always remembered," it added.
Abe died on Friday, July 8, after reportedly succumbing to injuries from a gunshot wound sustained during a campaign speech in Nara, Japan.