Chito Sta. Romana, Philippine envoy to China, passes away

Philippine Ambassador to China Jose Santiago "Chito" Sta. Romana has passed away, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Tuesday.

"It is with the inconsolable grief of the Secretary and the profoundest sadness that the Department of Foreign Affairs announces the demise of Philippine Ambassador to China, His Excellency Jose Santiago 'Chito' Sta. Romana," the DFA said in a statement.

The statement did not mention the cause of Sta. Romana's death.

Sta. Romana was appointed Philippine Ambassador to China on December 7, 2016 "in recognition of his deep knowledge of China's history and people," the DFA said.

It added that under Sta. Romana's tenure, relations between the Philippines and China "flourished despite differences."

"Indeed, they flowered all the more in maturity and were deeply strengthened," the DFA said.

Acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar also honored the contributions of Sta. Romana to strengthening ties between the Philippines and China. 

“Nagdadalamhati po kami sa pagyao ni Philippine Ambassador to China His Excellency Jose Santiago 'Chito' Sta. Romana. Nagbibigay-pugay kami kay Ambassador Sta. Romana sa kanyang mga nagawa para tumibay ang Philippine-China relations. Our thoughts and prayers to the Sta. Romana family,” Andanar said at the Palace briefing on Tuesday.

(We are mourning the death of the Philippine Ambassador to China, His Excellency Jose Santiago "Chito" Sta. Romana. We recognize his contributions to strengthening Philippine-China relations. Our thoughts and prayers to the Sta. Romana family.)

Coordination with Chinese authorities is ongoing regarding the immediate repatriation of Sta. Romana's remains, the DFA said. — with a report from Joviland Rita/KBK/VBL, GMA News