Tikoy Aguiluz, renowned filmmaker, passes away 

Amable “Tikoy” Aguiluz VI has passed away. He was 72. 

This was confirmed by the Directors Guild of the Philippines Incorporated (DGPI) in a statement posted on Facebook Monday.

“Our hearts are deeply saddened to learn about the passing of our esteemed peer, Direk Tikoy,” the statement read. 

They went on to describe the award-winning Filipino director as a “visionary,” a “maverick,” and a “true champion of the Philippine cinema. 

“Our prayers and thoughts are with his family and friends. May he rest in peace,” they added. 

Aguiluz’s family has confirmed his passing with a statement, which Pep.ph ran.

"With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Amable ‘Tikoy’ Aguiluz VI or Direk Tikoy to most of us. While we grieve this loss deeply, we kindly ask for your understanding as we choose to mourn in private for the time being," the family said.

Details on a public tribute for the film director will be shared when they are “ready," the Aguiluz family promised.

“We assure you that once we are ready, we will share details about a public service where all who knew and loved Direk Tikoy can join us in paying tribute and saying our final goodbyes," they said.

“Your patience, understanding, and support mean the world to us as we navigate through this period of grief. We thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and expressions of sympathy during this time,” they added. 

Aguiluz was the co-founder of the University of the Philippines Film Center the now UP Film Institute where he also earned his degrees in comparative literature and fine arts.

He was also the founder of the Cinemanila International Film Festival and director of "Boatman," "Manila Kingpin," and "Segurista."

The acclaimed filmmaker won the Gawad Urian Best Director award in 1996 for “Segurista.” 

In 2011, he won the Metro Manila Film Festival Best Director award for “Manila Kingpin.” 

— Jade Veronique Yap/LA, GMA Integrated News