Former UP head coach Ricky Dandan in UAAP Season 82. UAAP Media/FileMANILA -- Ricky Dandan, who had head coaching stints with the University of the Philippines in the UAAP and Columbian Dyip in the PBA, passed away on Wednesday afternoon after a battle with renal cancer.

He was 61 years old.

Coach Bo Perasol confirmed the sad development to ABS-CBN News. 

Dandan is survived by his wife Annielou, two children, and two grandchildren.

Dandan served as head coach of UP from 2011 to 2013, and was with Columbian Dyip from 2017 to 2018. He resigned from his post with the PBA team in June 2018, instead opting to focus on his role with the Fighting Maroons as an assistant to Perasol.

Perasol was among those who paid tribute to Dandan on Wednesday, saying on Facebook: "Rest in peace, tol -- a true and loyal friend, Coach Ricky Dandan."

On its social media accounts, the UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development also expressed their sadness at Dandan's passing.

"Salamat sa #LabanUP, Coach Ricky Dandan," they said. "We will continue to #UPFight to the finish, just like you always taught us." -- from a report by Gretchen Fullido, ABS-CBN News