SHOCKWAVES THROUGH OPM WORLD: Freddie Aguilar Dies at 72 — Ex-Wife Breaks Down in Tears, Confirms Multiple Organ Failure as Cause of Death — Controversies Resurface as Fans Mourn

The music industry is in mourning after the shocking news of the death of legendary Original Pilipino Music (OPM) icon Freddie Aguilar. Known for timeless anthems such as “Anak,” “Magdalena,” and “Ipaglalaban Ko,” Aguilar passed away at the age of 72 due to multiple organ failure.

In an emotional and exclusive revelation, Aguilar’s former wife, Josephine Quiepo, confirmed the heartbreaking news in an interview with Boy Abunda on his primetime show, Fast Talk with Boy Abunda. The news sent a wave of grief and reflection through millions of fans and fellow musicians.

“Pumanaw na po ang OPM icon na si Freddie Aguilar sa edad na 72… binawian ng buhay kagabi sa Philippine Heart Center dahil sa multiple organ failure,” Abunda shared tearfully.

According to Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) general counsel George Briones, Aguilar, also known in the Muslim community as Abdul Farid, died at around 1 a.m. at the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City. He had long battled a number of health issues but kept much of his condition private.

Final Moments and Family Grief

Josephine Quiepo, the mother of Aguilar’s children Maegan, Jonan, Isabella, and Jeriko, appeared visibly emotional as she spoke about the final hours of the OPM legend. She recalled that Aguilar had been in and out of the hospital in recent months, but his condition took a sudden turn for the worse in the past week.

“He fought hard. He always had a strong spirit. But his body couldn’t keep up anymore,” Quiepo said, holding back tears.

The family is now preparing for his burial within 24 hours, in accordance with Islamic tradition. Aguilar, who converted to Islam in 2013, embraced the faith as part of a controversial chapter in his life—one that is once again sparking conversation in the wake of his death.

The Rise of a Legend

Freddie Aguilar rose to fame in the 1970s with his hit song “Anak,” a deeply emotional ballad about regret and reconciliation between a parent and child. The song resonated not just in the Philippines, but across Asia and parts of Europe, and has been translated into over two dozen languages.

From there, Aguilar’s career skyrocketed, with hits such as “Estudyante Blues,” “Magdalena,” and “Pasko ang Damdamin,” all of which cemented his status as a cultural icon. Known for combining folk music with social commentary, his voice became synonymous with activism and the struggles of the Filipino people.

But Aguilar’s story was never without controversy.

The 2013 Scandal That Rocked the Nation

In 2013, Aguilar made headlines after revealing that he was in a relationship with a 16-year-old girl. The backlash was immediate and intense. In an effort to legally marry the girl, Aguilar converted to Islam, which drew even more criticism. Still, he remained defiant in the face of public outrage.

“Hindi sila ang may alam ng puso ko,” Aguilar had said at the time. “I did what I believed was right for me.”

The scandal nearly overshadowed his legacy. While some continued to view him as a champion of the working class and a brilliant songwriter, others could not look past the controversy.

A Complicated Legacy

As news of Aguilar’s death broke, tributes began pouring in from artists, politicians, and fans. President Bongbong Marcos Jr. issued a statement praising Aguilar’s contributions to Filipino culture.

“Freddie Aguilar was not just a musician—he was a voice of the people. His music will continue to inspire generations.”

Still, social media platforms buzzed with mixed emotions, as users shared both their admiration for his artistry and their unease about his personal choices.

Daughter Maegan Aguilar Speaks Out

Freddie’s daughter Maegan Aguilar, a musician herself, posted a cryptic message on Instagram that left fans guessing:

“Papa, your silence spoke volumes. Now the world is silent without you. I hope they see the real you one day.”

Maegan, who had a rocky relationship with her father in recent years, is reportedly flying in from the United States to attend the funeral rites.

Funeral Details

Sources close to the family revealed that Aguilar’s burial will take place in a Muslim cemetery in Taguig. The wake is expected to be private, though a public tribute concert is already being planned by several of his musician friends.

“He wouldn’t want anything grand,” said one long-time collaborator. “He would want a guitar, a few friends, and the music.”

The Music Lives On

Even in death, Aguilar’s music continues to strike a chord. On Spotify, streams of “Anak” surged by over 300% just hours after the news broke. Radio stations across the country are dedicating full hours to playing his hits.

His lyrics—both hopeful and haunting—are being quoted widely:

“Anak, bakit ka nagkaganyan…”

“Ipaglalaban ko ang aking karapatan…”

Freddie Aguilar may be gone, but his voice, his story, and his impact on Philippine culture remain indelible.

Final Words

As fans light candles and play his records in mourning, one thing becomes clear: Freddie Aguilar was not a simple man. He was a genius wrapped in contradiction—a beloved yet controversial figure who gave the world music that moved souls, even as his personal choices sparked outrage.

In the end, his legacy may not be spotless, but it is undeniably powerful. And as the nation says goodbye, the question remains:

Can the music outlive the man?

Only time—and the voices of those who continue to sing his songs—will tell.