Veteran radio star DJ Martin D, real name Martin Dipasupil, has died at the age of 56. His family paid tribute as they announced the news in a Facebook post, sharing a memorial image of the star.
In the post, they wrote: "With deep sadness, we announce that our Papa, Mr. DJ Martin D, passed away this morning. 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 family confirmed they are finalising his funeral arrangements and said they would announce details in due course. They did not confirm a cause of death.
Health struggles in recent years
The legendary radio icon had suffered health issues in recent years. He revealed he suffered a stroke in July 2018 and was diagnosed with pleural effusion, or fluid build-up around the lungs, in November 2023. He said this had led him to become more mindful of his food intake.
The star was a well-known and longtime voice on 101.9FM, having begun his radio career in 1996. He was recognised as the Best Music Radio Jock award at the 20th KBP Golden Dove Awards in 2011.
Tributes from colleagues and fans
His fellow DJ and longtime friend Laila Chikadora paid tribute, saying how his voice became part of the daily lives of Filipinos while they were driving, working, studying or doing household chores. "The Philippine radio industry mourns the loss of a legend," she said, describing him as a "Pilot of the Airwaves."
Tributes also flooded in from heartbroken fans and listeners who reflected on what he had meant to them. One wrote on Facebook: "Rest in paradise, Martin D—one of my favorite radio DJs. I’ll miss hearing your voice on the radio. My condolences to his family. RIP."
Another added: "I remember back in high school, our school service van used to play 101.9 WRR while Martin D was on air; from then on, I was hooked... It was a privilege to listen to Martin D on the radio—from *Request Express* to the *Saturday Top 20 Countdown*. To me, he is the GOAT of WRR 101.9... I’ll miss his voice and, of course, his sense of humor..."
Fans remember a childhood voice
A third chimed in: "This is what I used to listen to every midday before heading to school—WRR 101.9 for life, back in my elementary days, when you could even make requests via telephone... Rest well, Sir Martin D. You will be missed..."
A fourth shared: "I was saddened when I read the news today about the passing of radio DJ Martin D. It brought back a lot of memories from my younger years. As a kid growing up in the 90s, I was one of those who really enjoyed listening to the radio. This was before social media became part of everyday life. And one of the familiar voices I remember hearing through the radio was DJ Martin D RIP."
A fifth reflected: "He was the first DJ I loved listening to on MOR. I listened to him often starting when I was young, and I remained a loyal listener of his program all the way through college. A legend among DJs. He was a part of my teenage years. I used to listen to him on the radio. Rest in eternal peace."
