Panelo's son passes away at 27

The son of Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Secretary Salvador Panelo has passed away at the age of 27.

Panelo made the announcement in a text message to reporters on Friday.

"Our beloved son Salvador Carlo Panelo III has joined our Maker. He was 27 years old. Please pray for the repose of his soul. Thank you so much for your prayers for my very special child," he said.

Panelo said Carlo, who had Down Syndrome, died of heart complications.

Malacañang immediately extended its condolences to the presidential lawyer.

"The Palace extends its heartfelt condolences to Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo on the death of his son Carlo. ??Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Secretary Panelo at this difficult time," Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said in a separate tatement.

Carlo's remains lie at the Cosmopolitan Memorial Chapels and Crematory at The Ascension in Quezon City. —Trisha Macas/KBK, GMA News