DJ Martin D of MOR 101.9 has passed away. He was 56.
His family announced the sad news on Facebook, saying that the veteran radio personality died on the morning of September 27.
"With deep sadness, we announce that our Papa, Mr. DJ Martin D, passed away this morning."
In their announcement, the family asked for understanding as they process the loss while expressing gratitude to those who have offered their condolences and prayers.
"We are still trying to process this painful loss, but we want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has reached out, offered prayers, and extended their sympathy. Your kindness means the world to us during this incredibly difficult time," the announcement added.
DJ Martin D's family has yet to announce details regarding his wake and funeral arrangements.
The cause of his passing was also not immediately disclosed.
In the years leading up to his death, some netizens had noticed DJ Martin D's weight loss. In a Facebook comment last year, he addressed the changes and shared that he had experienced health challenges over the years.
DJ Martin D said that he suffered a stroke in July 2018. He later experienced pleural effusion in November 2023, a condition involving a buildup of excess fluid around the lungs.
Despite these health challenges, the veteran radio DJ previously assured a netizen that he was doing better while explaining that he had become more mindful of his food intake.
"Kaya mula 2018 hanggang ngayon, in moderation na lang ang mga pagkain ko. Pero OK na ako. Ngayon,, Alam mo na 'yan! 🤣,” DJ Martin wrote in a Facebook comment last year.
Following news of his passing, fellow DJ and longtime friend DJ Laila Chikadora paid tribute to DJ Martin D, remembering the important place his voice had in the daily lives of many Filipinos.
"Napakalaking bahagi ka ng araw-araw na buhay ng karamihan. Sa bawat biyahe habang natatraffic, sa trabaho, sa pag-aaral, sa mga gawaing bahay, at maging sa pag-aalaga ng mga anak—ang boses mong dumadagubdong ang naging kasama namin, pampagaan ng loob, pampalipas oras at pampaligaya ng sambayanan."
She continued: "Hindi ka lang naging DJ sa radyo; naging kaibigan ka sa bawat tahanan at sasakyan na naabot ng boses mo. Isa kang tunay na haligi sa industriya, at isang karangalan na naging katrabaho ka."
DJ Laila also mourned DJ Martin D's loss as one that would be felt throughout the local radio industry, while looking back on the memories they shared as colleagues.
"The Philippine radio industry mourns the loss of a legend. Maraming, maraming salalalamat sa tawanan, sa tugtugan, at sa lahat ng magagandang alaala, Cho Mart."
“Magpahinga ka na sa mga ulap, Pilot of the Airwaves. Malungkot ang ere kung wala ka, pero mananatiling buhay ang boses mo sa aming mga puso, FOR LIFE! ❤️💚💙,” she added.
DJ Martin D was known as one of the pioneers of MOR 101.9. He joined the radio station in 1996, when it was still known as WRR 101.9 For Life. The Kapamilya radio station was his home for two decades.