Mary Ann Benitez

Former Philippine consul general in Hong Kong, Raly Lofamia Tejada, died yesterday afternoon in Manila, aged just 53 - shocking most Filipinos who had known and interacted with the likeable diplomat who would reply to journalists' questions via Facebook Messenger however late it was in the day.

Tejada left behind a wife - a former journalist whom he met in Hong Kong while he was Philippine vice consul 20 years ago.

After his four-year stint as ConGen in Hong Kong, he was named as an assistant secretary (legal divisor) in the Office of Treaties and Legal Affairs at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila.

In a Facebook posting on the Philippine consulate page, a simple photo announcement read: "In Memoriam, Raly L Tejada, assistant secretary Department of Foreign Affairs, former Philippine consul general to Hong Kong 2019-2023."

A Philippine consulate general statement told The Standard: "We cannot confirm at this time the circumstances surrounding Tejada's death because we have not yet received official notification regarding his death."

Tejada was succeeded by Germinia V Aguilar-Usudan as consul general in January this year.

Tejada's death was first reported by HKPinoyTVNews, a citizen online website, mid-yesterday afternoon. "He was found at his apartmentand was rushed to San Juan De Dios Hospital, but doctors were unable to revive him," said the website.

Tributes from Filipinos on social media said his death was "so sad and so shocking."

Tejada, who was born on February 1, 1970, earned his juris doctor in 1998 at the San Sebastian College of Law in Manila, and also earned a Master's in Public Management at the University of Science and Technology this year. Seven months ago, he shared on LinkedIn: "I've completed my Master of Public Management as a HKUST Public Policy Fellow!"

maryann.benitez@singtaonewscorp.com

Raly Lofamia Tejada

Former Philippine consul general dies at 53