Former Vice President and TV Patrol anchor Noli de Castro reportedly underwent surgery Sunday morning for an undisclosed illness but is now “okay,” according to his daughter, Philippine Information Agency (PIA) director-general Kat de Castro.
In a now-deleted Facebook post, Kat asked for prayers for her father, also known as “Kabayan.” Hours later, she updated that he is doing fine and confirmed in the comments that he underwent a “surgery,” without providing further details.
The update reignited concerns about the health of the broadcast veteran, who has been the subject of previous death hoaxes. In 2021, Kat de Castro debunked posts claiming her father had slipped, become comatose, or died, even citing former TV Patrol anchor Ted Failon as a supposed source.
De Castro has faced health issues in the past, including complications from sciatica earlier this year and a long absence from TV Patrol during the pandemic quarantine.
De Castro, who turned 76 on July 6, served as the country’s 12th Vice President from 2004 to 2010 under President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and was a Senator from 2001 to 2004.