MANILA - Brian Velasco, drummer of iconic Filipino rock band Razorback, has died in an apparent suicide.

His death this Wednesday morning was confirmed by his group on Facebook with a message that read: "Today we lost our brother and our hearts are broken. We love you and we will always miss you Bri."

Velasco joined Razorback in 1996, replacing original drummer Miguel Ortigas, and helped the band become a household name after the release of their second album, "Beggar's Moon."

Tributes were quick to arrive from fellow musicians and his fans on social media following the news.

Hey Brian, I hope you have your peace now. Will remember all the fun and funny times, and your forceful drumming 🙏 Still having difficulty processing what happened #Razorback #RIPBrianVelasco

— Francis Brew Reyes (@francisbrew) January 16, 2019

Brian...

— Ebe Dancel (@ebedancel) January 16, 2019

RIP sir Brian Velasco of Razorback. The music scene will really miss you. pic.twitter.com/rZmHI1CU6B

— Johnny Cupcakes ☁ (@JohnnyGabcakes) January 16, 2019

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Rest In Peace Sir Brian Velasco.#FightDepression

— SOAPDISH (@soapdishph) January 16, 2019

We grew up listening to legends like Brian Velasco. May he finally rest in peace. :(

— We Are Imaginary (@WAImaginary) January 16, 2019

Again, how many people should leave us before we realize that depression is no joke? Rest in peace, Sir Brian Velasco of Razorback.

Always check on your loved ones, we are all facing battles - some are seen, some are not.

— Mars Escario 🏳️‍🌈 (@Marselogy) January 16, 2019

Rest in peace, Brian Velasco 🙏🏻

— MYX Philippines (@MYXphilippines) January 16, 2019

RIP Brian Velasco of Razorback.
tumigil yung mundo nun napanood ko yung livestream video. will always be a fan of your drumming skills.

— gdg film (@gdgfilm) January 16, 2019

My heart goes out to the loved ones and family of Brian Velasco from Razorback. Today is a sad day for the music scene. And I just want everyone to know that if you need someone to talk to, I’m here to listen.

— sabrina manansala (@sabmanansala) January 16, 2019

R.I.P Brian C. Velasco, Razorback will never be the same without you. 😭😭😭

— Kathryn Baudelaire (@dgreatkatz) January 16, 2019

Razorback's last album, "Acoustic ng Ina Mo," a compilation of acoustic versions of their hits, was released in 2015.

Last year marked their 28th anniversary as a group and saw them drop a new single, "Stargazer," featuring Wolfgang's Basti Atardi.

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Velasco's death came more than a week after Razorback headlined a benefit gig for OPM legend Wally Gonzalez, a founding member of the influential rock act Juan Dela Cruz Band.

Editor's note:

A group in the Philippines is dedicated to addressing those who have suicidal tendencies.

The crisis hotlines of the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation aim to make these individuals feel that someone is ready to listen to them.

These are their hotline numbers:

(02) 804-HOPE (4673)
0917 558 HOPE (4673)
2919 (toll-free number for all GLOBE and TM subscribers)