Mico Palanca, a Filipino television actor, has died aged 41, it has been announced. Erika Hocson, Palanca's sister, confirmed the news via a statement on her Instagram account. She wrote: "We are extremely saddened by the sudden passing of our beloved brother ... The whole family is grateful for the incredible outpour of love and support that has been coming in today. "As of now, we would like to respectfully request for privacy as we go through this very difficult time. Again, we appreciate all the love and support – thank you so much." The Film Academy of the Philippines published a condolence message on its Facebook page on Monday, December 9, saying it "extends our sincerest sympathies to the family of Miko Palanca for his untimely passing". Palanca is the younger brother of actor Bernard Palanca, who has starred in recent shows such as <em>Parasite Island </em>and <em>The General's Daughter</em>. Both brothers have had recurring roles in Filipino TV series <em>Maalaala mo kaya</em>. His maternal grandfather, Armando Goyena, was also an actor during the 1950s. There is no official confirmation of cause of death as yet, and investigations are still ongoing, although according to local reports his body was found in a residential area in San Juan. There has been an outpouring of support across social media from Palanca's fans.
