Paquito Diaz passes away

Friday, 04 March 2011 14:30 Ivy Jean Vibar

Actor Francis Bustillos Diaz, popularly known as Paquito Diaz, passed away Thursday night. He was 73 years old.

Diaz succumbed to pneumonia complications at his home in Daraga, Albay at 8:20 p.m., ABS-CBNnews.com said. His daughter Joanna Diaz-Gallent informed reporters of her father's death via text message.

According to SunStar.com.ph, the actor's body was brought to the Funeraria Nuestra Senora de Salvacion at 9:00 p.m.

Diaz is best remembered for his onscreen villain roles, many of which were as a foil for the late Fernando Poe, Jr.

False rumors

In late February, a false rumor went around that the veteran actor had died. The story was picked up by a local network, which promptly withdrew it and issued an apology, Yahoo News noted.

The rumor also made the rounds of social networking sites.

Family members denied the rumors, and said they were "saddened" by the stories. Diaz was then confined at the intensive care unit of the Estevez Memorial Hospital in Legazpi City.

Fans of Paquito Diaz have expressed their condolences online.