Gen. Eduardo Ermita: Distinguished soldier, statesman, and leader

Former executive secretary, congressman, and Armed Forces of the Philippines Vice Chief of Staff and peace advocate Gen. Eduardo R. Ermita (Ret.) has died, his daughter, Balayan Mayor Lisa Ermita Abad, announced.

- By ISABEL DE LEON and MARTIN SADONGDONG

"It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we, the Ermita family, announce the passing of our beloved father, General Eduardo Ramos Ermita, a dedicated public servant and our guiding light," Ermita-Abad said.

She added "he passed away peacefully today, Oct. 18, 2025, at 8 a.m., surrounded by his loving family."

Distinguished soldier, statesman, leader

Ermita-Abad said her father lived a full life in steadfast service to the Filipino people.

"As a soldier, he served with honor and dedication during some of the nation's most challenging times," she added.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) mourned Ermita's passing, describing him as a "distinguished soldier, statesman, and leader" who "dedicated his life to the service of the nation".

Ermita died at the age of 90.

Peacemaker

During his career in government, Ermita exemplified what it is to be a soldier, statesman, and peacemaker.

He was instrumental in laying and solidifying the foundations of peace in our country. Having witnessed the horrors of war as a soldier, he had developed a profound yearning for peace. This propelled him to carve out a unique niche within the military establishment as a peacemaker and make it the central focus of his service in the government and for the people.

In February 1984, he displayed extraordinary courage by venturing into the deep jungles of Basilan to get to one of the camps of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

His mission was to talk peace with one of the MNLF's fiercest warriors, Gerry Salappudin, who, at that time also served as the chair of the group's Basilan Revolutionary Committee.