The oldest Filipino bishop, Bishop Angel Tic-I Hobayan, passed away on Saturday, March 11. He was 93.

In a statement, Catarman Bishop Emmanuel Trance said that Hobayan, who was bishop emeritus of Catarman, died at 2:30 a.m. at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City.

“With the sadness of heart but with the consolation of our faith, in behalf of the Diocese of Catarman and the immediate family, we announce the passing of our beloved in Christ,” said Trance.

“We extend our sincerest condolences to the bereaved family and relatives and to all the faithful of the Diocese of Catarman,” he added.

Trance asked all parishes in the diocese to offer prayers for Hobayan.

“We enjoin our Parishes and Mission Centers to celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for his eternal repose,” said Trance.

Hobayan was born in Taft, Eastern Samar. He was ordained priest on March 25, 1955, the news arm of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCPNews) reported.

The prelate served as the diocese' vicar general and the first rector of the Seminario de Jesus Nazareno, the CBCPNews said.

In 1974, Pope Paul VI appointed Hobayan as head of the Diocese of Catarman, the CBCPNews said.

Hobayan was “ordained bishop on March 5, 1975. His installation took place on March 11, 1975,” it said.

“Hobayan retired from the episcopal ministry on March 10, 2005, after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 75,” it added.

The interment details will be announced later, said Trance.