THE oldest Filipino bishop passed away at the age of 93 on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City.

In a statement, Catarman Bishop Emmanuel Trance announced that Catarman Bishop Emeritus Angel Tec-i Hobayan died around 2:30 a.m.

"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.

The prelate asked all parishes in the diocese to offer Masses for the late bishop.

"We enjoin our parishes and mission centers to celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for his eternal repose," said Trance.

Born in Taft, Eastern Samar, Hobayan was ordained priest for the Diocese of Borongan on March 25, 1955.

He also served as the Diocese's vicar general, and the first rector of its Seminario de Jesus Nazareno located in the city of Borongan.

In 1974, Pope Paul VI appointed Hobayan as bishop of the Catarman Diocese.

He was ordained bishop on March 5, 1975, while his installation took place on March 11, 1975.

Hobayan retired from the episcopal ministry back in March 10, 2005 after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 75.

The interment details will be announced later, said the Diocese of Catarman. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)