First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos has paid tribute to Maj. Ma. Joshua Santiago, thanking the late soldier for the “courage, loyalty and dedication” with which he served by President Marcos’ side.

In an Instagram post late Saturday, Aug. 29, Araneta-Marcos extended her condolences to Santiago’s family, particularly his wife, Argel, and their children, Army and Navy.

“A heartfelt thank you to Major Joshua Santiago for the courage, loyalty and dedication with which he served by my husband’s side,” the First Lady said.

She said the family was in their thoughts and prayers, and assured them that Santiago was deeply valued by those who had the privilege of knowing and serving alongside him.

“May you find comfort in knowing how deeply Jam was valued, and how much his service, friendship and presence meant to all who had the privilege of knowing and serving alongside him,” she said.

Araneta-Marcos, who visited the wake at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on Aug. 28, also thanked Santiago for his dedication to duty, saying his service would always be remembered with “respect, gratitude and affection.”

Santiago served as Marcos’ aide-de-camp, a military officer assigned to assist a senior official by handling official engagements, coordinating activities, and providing close support in carrying out the official’s duties.

President Marcos earlier mourned Santiago in a Facebook post, describing him as “a soldier of courage, an officer I could depend on and, above all, a good man.”

The President also visited Santiago’s wake at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on Aug. 27, where he was seen expressing his condolences to the family, particularly to Argel.

The video of Marcos’ visit was muted, with only piano music playing, so his conversation with the family was inaudible.

Neither Marcos nor the First Lady mentioned the cause of Santiago’s death.