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Unang Hirit host Suzi Entrata-Abrera is mourning over the death of Danilo 'Totong' Federez, the man behind Arn-arn, the iconic sidekick puppet of her fellow host, Arnold Clavio.

On her Instagram account, Suzi paid tribute to the puppeteer whom she spent her mornings with for many years.

She applauded Danilo, whom she referred to as Kuya Tong, for having a high regard for puppetry.

"Very proud s'ya sa work nya and very respectful sa craft ng pagiging puppeteer. Bawal hawakan o loko lokohin si Arn Arn nun!"

Alongside the post is a photo of her and Unang Hirit resident lawyer Atty. Gaby Concepcion with their Kuya Tong shot in 2019 during the morning show's 20th anniversary.

It was also the last time they would see him in person. Arn-arn suddenly stopped appearing on Unang Hirit after having health problems in 2017.

Suzi also said, "Madami na s'yang naging sakit and has struggled through the years. 'Di na s'ya fit to work that's why 'di na nakabalik sa Unang Hirit."

In the same post, she took the opportunity to "send our love and condolences to his very devoted wife ate Marissa who cared and loved him for many years until the very end."

Suzi then expressed her farewell message to Tong who died last August 17 at the age of 62.

She said, "Rest well kuya Tong!!!! Thank you for the many years we've spent together. Wishing you a blessed journey home."

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A post shared by Suzi Entrata-Abrera (@mars_suzi)

According to an episode of Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho aired in December 2019, Tong had a stroke which affected his speech and walking, and was confined in a hospital for two months.

He was emotional when he remembered how his colleagues in Unang Hirit helped him out during the difficult time of his life.