'Iskul Bukol' actor Anthony Roquel passes away

Actor and comedian Anthony Roquel, known as Tonette Macho in the '70s sitcom "Iskul Bukol," has passed away at the age of 68.

His niece, Nica Gomez-Lorena, announced his passing in a Facebook post on Friday, saying he had been called home to be with the Lord.

“With faith and love, we share that our dearest, Tito Anthony A. Roquel, has been called home to be with our Lord and Savior on October 16, 2026,” Gomez-Lorena wrote.

In a message sent to GMA News Online, Gomez-Lorena said Roquel died of cancer.

"A devoted warrior of Christ, a loving son, a dependable brother, a wonderful uncle, a best friend to most, a prayer partner to thousands, we take comfort in knowing he is now at rest in eternal peace and with no more pain," she said.

“We take comfort in knowing he is now at rest in eternal peace and with no more pain."

Gomez-Lorena also quoted 2 Timothy 4:7 in paying tribute to her maternal uncle: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

"All are welcome to gather as we honor his faith and legacy," she said.

A service of thanksgiving and remembrance for Roquel will begin on Saturday at the Loyola Memorial Chapels along Dr. A. Santos Avenue, Sucat Road, Parañaque. Further funeral details will be announced.

"All are welcome to gather as we honor his faith and legacy," Gomez-Lorena added.

Aside from "Iskul Bukol," Roquel starred in "Ang Panday" and was part of the 2008 reunion movie "Iskul Bukol: 20 Years after (The Ungasis and Escaleras Adventure)."

Our deepest condolences.

—Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA News