Former Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Albert Del Rosario has passed away, the DFA confirmed on Tuesday, April 18. (Photo courtesy of People's Television)

QUEZON CITY, (PIA) -- Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario passed away on Wednesday at the age of 83.

This was confirmed by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo.

"I extend my deepest condolences to the loved ones of Secretary Albert F. Del Rosario," according to Manalo.

Del Rosario served as foreign affairs secretary in the administration of former president Benigno Aquino III.

Before serving as DFA secretary, he was the Philippine Ambassador to the United States during the term of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Del Rosario also led the successful arbitration case that resulted in the Philippines' victory in 2016 in the South China Sea issue. (PIA-NCR)