(UPDATED)
Singer-actor Sonny Parsons passed away Sunday, May 10. He was 61.
The news was confirmed by his family on Facebook yesterday.
His daughter, Nicole Villarama Sta. Maria, wrote: “We are deeply saddened to announce the death of our beloved, Datu Parsons Agliam Nabiula, Jr., also known as Sonny Parsons. In this difficult time and grief, we would like to request [everyone] to allow us to mourn his passing in private.
“We will share updates once details are finalized.
“Thank you for understanding.”
“Rest in peace, Papa. Ride free. We love you,” Sta. Maria also wrote on Facebook.
Another daughter, Prima Miro Villarama also wrote on Facebook on Sunday: “Until we meet again, Dad. Rest easy now. Ride free.”
His family said Parsons succumbed to cardiac arrest after cruising on his motorcycle in Batangas. He was buried in Islam rites.
On May 11, his family posted the following statement on social media:
“Our apologies for the limited information shared about Papa in the last couple of hours.
“It is true that he had a heart attack on May 10, 2020 in Tayabas, Quezon, a little after arriving from a bike ride. The family knows that one of Papa’s wishes is to have Muslim burial rites for him, if ever he passes on, and that’s what we did today — we honored Papa. Such rites dictate that a person be cleansed, prepared, and laid to his final resting place within 24 hours. Our hands are full making and finalizing arrangements, and coordinating for his transport, and this ECQ season has made it extra challenging for us, but by God’s grace we will make it on time.
“We understand that many of you would like to pay their last respects to him, but we have decided as a family to schedule necrological services to celebrate his life once the ECQ is lifted. Rest assured that we will keep you posted.
“For now, we covet your prayers for the family. Thank you for standing by us in this time of loss and grief. God bless you.”
Parsons was the leader of the ‘70s all-male band Hagibis, which popularized the songs “Katawan,” “Legs,” “Babae,” among others. He also starred in several movies, including “Legs Katawan Babae,” “Mga Lihim ng Kalapati,” “The Fastest Gun Alive of WPD,” and “Target Sparrow Unit.”
In 2002, Parsons shot dead two of the six robbers who entered his home in Marikina. According to reports, the Parsons residence was again burglarized in 2003 and 2016.
Parsons was born on June 13, 1958 in Marikina.
