OPM legend Freddie Aguilar has just passed away at the age of 72 years old.
News of the beloved folk icon’s passing was shared by lawyer George Briones, the General Counsel of Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), to news outlets earlier today (May 27, 2025). According to Briones, Aguilar was admitted to the Philippine Heart Center this morning, where he reportedly died at around 1:30 AM. Other news outlets had also reported that preparations are underway for a burial within the next 24 hours following Muslim rites.
Over the years, Aguilar has been recognized as a towering figure in Filipino music. He began his musical journey as a street performer back in 1973, before finding breakthrough success five years later with the release of his folk-rock song “Anak,” which served as a poignant ballad about parental love and generational conflict. The song became the best-selling Filipino record of all time, with over 33 million copies sold worldwide, and was translated into 23 languages.
Beyond his musical success, Aguilar was a vocal advocate for social justice and nationalism. His rendition of “Bayan Ko” became an anthem for the opposition during the 1986 People Power Revolution. Throughout his career, he penned songs like “Magdalena,” “Katarungan,” and “Mindanao,” addressing issues such as poverty, injustice, and regional conflict.
In his later years, Agullar also served as the former National Executive Vice President of PFP, and was even appointed with the role of Presidential Adviser on Culture and the Arts by President Rodrigo Duterte. He also served as a member of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). Aguilar’s legacy endures through his contributions to OPM, inspiring generations with his soulful voice and commitment to the Filipino cause.
Aguilar is survived by his wife Jovie and his children Maegan and Jeriko.