MANILA (2nd UPDATE) — Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission Chair Dante Jimenez has passed away, his family confirmed Saturday. He was 68.

"With deep sorrow, the family announces the passing away of Dante La. Jimenez, PACC Chairman, due to Aortic Aneurysm at 9:43 p.m., Friday, January 29, 2021," the family said in a statement.

"We ask for your prayers for the eternal repose of a man who devoted his life in the crusade against crime and corruption and for good governance. We will miss him so dearly. May he rest in peace."

Jimenez, long-time chair of anti-crime group Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption, was appointed to the Duterte administration in January 2018 as head of the PACC.

He was later named co-chair of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD) after Vice President Leni Robredo was sacked from the post following a brief stint over political differences with the administration.

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In a statement, the VACC mourned the loss of "a tenacious crusader for justice."

"Dante Jimenez devoted his life to an advocacy against crime and corruption, and an espousal of good governance. He believed that justice is not for the privileged few but for all. Our country has lost a crusader of historic stature, the group said.

Malacañang also sent condolences to Jimenez's bereaved loved ones and noted how he shared President Rodrigo Duterte's campaign against drugs, crime and corruption.

"PACC Chair Jimenez spent most of his productive life advocating a just and peaceful society for Filipinos by fighting criminality and corruption," said Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.

Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo was also saddened by the PACC chief's passing.

In a statement, Panelo described him as a "crusader against criminality and corruption" in the country with a passion for public service.

"His strength and zeal will be missed as we continue our campaign against criminality and corruption, among others," he said.