We are deeply saddened and regret to announce that Secretary Blas F. Ople passed away today of natural causes.

 The Secretary was on a flight to the Kingdom of Bahrain for the State Visit of the H.E. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo coming from the recently concluded ASEAN-Japan Summit in Tokyo, Japan, when the Secretary experienced difficulty in breathing, and subsequently lost consciousness. The Captain of the flight declared a medical emergency and diverted to Taiwan.

 Efforts by medical personnel to revive him, on the flight and in hospital proved unsuccessful.

 The Secretary died in the service of his country.

 Our family members, led by Mrs. Susana V. Ople, are in Taiwan to arrange the return of the remains of the Secretary to the Philippines.

 We would like to express our profound appreciation to the crew of the flight of the Secretary, the officials of Taiwan, the airport and airline officials in Taiwan, the medical staff of the Min-Sheng General Hospital in Taiwan and most especially the officers and staff of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) led by Chairman Antonio Basilio in Manila and MECO Representative Espinosa in Taipei, for their efforts on behalf of the Secretary.

 We would also like to express our deep appreciation for the prayers and kind thoughts for the Secretary and our family at this most difficult time.

 Details on further arrangements will be announced shortly.