The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) mourns as it announced the death of its former general secretary Atty. Edwin Gastanes Tuesday.

He was 66.

Gastanes served as the general secretary in the PFF from 2013 to 2023 and saw big moments in Philippine football, including the men's team's first-ever AFC Asian Cup stint in 2019 and the women's squad's first-ever FIFA Women's World Cup win in 2023.

"We are grateful for his efforts that made a lasting impact on Philippine football. His legacy will forever be remembered in the hearts of those who had the privilege of working alongside him," the PFF said in a statement.

 “Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and everyone whose lives he touched through his service to football. Rest in peace, Atty. Gastanes. Your contributions will never be forgotten."

Gastanes was also the secretary general for the Philippine Olympic Committee from 2019 to 2023 and witnessed Hidilyn Diaz's victory in the women's 55-kilogram category in weightlifting at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.