MANILA -- (UPDATED) Merlie Pamintuan, the mother of actor Marlo Mortel, has passed away.

The actor shared the sad news in an Instagram post on Friday.

A post shared by Marlo Mortel (@marlomortelmusic) on Aug 23, 2018 at 7:59pm PDT

In the caption, Mortel wrote, unedited: "Mommy. I can’t believe this is happening. I’m in so much pain. I don’t want to, but I have to let you go. All you ever did was love me and take care of me. I’m sorry for all my shortcomings but thank you for fighting, until your last breath you waited for me. You were almost gone the other night but when I kept on talking to you, you responded and was able to stay with us for 2 more days. We were able to say our goodbyes. But this isn’t goodbye, I know you’re watching over us now. Kahit mahirap, kakayanin namin to ni daddy. Sobrang hirap ng pinagdaanan mo and you may rest now. My love for you is never ending. Si Jesus na ang bahala sayo at sa amin ni daddy. MAHAL NA MAHAL KITA."

In a statement sent to ABS-CBN News, Mortel said his cancer-stricken mother died at 8 a.m. on Friday due to complications.

"Namatay na mainly because of cancer but more on madami na masyadong complications. May pumutok na blood vessel sa may lungs nung Tuesday na nag-cause ng internal bleeding kaya dun na siya nagsimulang maging critical," he said.

"Nawala na siya pero kinausap ko siya ng kinausap kaya nagising pa siya after few hours. Ta's nag-stay pa siya ng 2 days hanggang sa 'di na kinaya. Sobrang naging manas siya ta's tumigil na heart nya."

Just this week, Mortel took to social media to ask his fans and supporters to pray for his mother.

Pamintuan was first diagnosed with cancer in 2014.