Pumanaw na ang premyado at beteranong film director na si Amable “Tikoy” Aguiluz VI. He was 72.

Kinumpirma ng kanyang pamilya ang malungkot na balita ngayong Lunes, Pebrero 19.

“With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Amable ‘Tikoy’ Aguiluz VI or Direk Tikoy to most of us. While we grieve this loss deeply, we kindly ask for your understanding as we choose to mourn in private for the time being.

“We assure you that once we are ready, we will share details about a public service where all who knew and loved Direk Tikoy can join us in paying tribute and saying our final goodbyes.”

“Your patience, understanding, and support mean the world to us as we navigate through this period of grief. We thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and expressions of sympathy during this time,” ang kabuuan ng statement ng pamilya.

Naglabas din ng announcement ang Directors’ Guild of the Philippines, Inc (DGPI) sa pagpanaw ng kasamahan sa kanilang Facebook page.

“Our hearts are deeply saddened to learn about the passing of our esteemed peer, Direk Tikoy, founder of the Cinemanila International Film Festival and director of ‘Boatman,’ ‘Manila Kingpin,’ and ‘Segurista’.”

“Direk Tikoy is a visionary, a maverick, and a true champion of Philippine Cinema. Our prayers and thoughts are with his family and friends. May he rest in peace,” ang pahayag ng DGPI.

Nagpaabot din ng pakikiramay ang Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) sa pagpanaw ng acclaimed director at kinilala ang kontribusyon nito sa industriya ng pelikulang Pilipino.

“The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) mourns the passing of Amable “Tikoy” Aguiluz VI.

“Aguiluz was one of the leading figures of Philippine alternative cinema. His award-winning film “Segurista” was the Philippine’s official entry to the Academy Awards in 1996, and his historical film “Rizal sa Dapitan” won the Grand Jury Prize at Brussels International Film Festival and was shown in prestigious film festivals around the world.

“He was conferred the Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) by the French government for his invaluable contribution to Philippine cinema.

“The FDCP extends its deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of Mr. Aguiluz,” ang pahayag ng FDCP.