SAD NEWS: Former BBC broadcaster d!es aged 56; family pays an emotional tribute.
Veteran radio personality DJ Martin D has died at the age of 56, with his devastated family confirming the news in an emotional statement.
The broadcaster, whose real name was Martin Dipasupil, had been a familiar voice to generations of listeners after beginning his radio career in 1996.
His family announced his death on Facebook alongside a memorial image, saying they were still attempting to process the loss.
“With deep sadness, we announce that our Papa, Mr. DJ Martin D, passed away this morning,” they wrote.
Family Says Loss Is Still ‘Painful’
Martin’s relatives thanked those who had already reached out with messages, prayers and condolences.
“We want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has reached out, offered prayers, and extended their sympathy,” the family said.
“Your kindness means the world to us during this incredibly difficult time.”
Funeral arrangements are still being finalised, with further details expected to be announced later.
The family did not reveal a cause of death.
Martin had, however, previously spoken publicly about health problems. He suffered a stroke in July 2018 and revealed in November 2023 that he had been diagnosed with pleural effusion, a build-up of fluid around the lungs.
He said the diagnosis had encouraged him to pay closer attention to what he ate.
There is no information in the family’s statement linking either of those previous conditions to his death.
Career Spanned Three Decades
Martin became one of the best-known longtime voices on 101.9 FM after entering the radio industry in 1996.
His work earned industry recognition in 2011 when he received the Best Music Radio Jock award at the 20th KBP Golden Dove Awards.
Longtime friend and fellow broadcaster Laila Chikadora remembered him as someone whose voice became part of everyday life for Filipinos.
Whether listeners were travelling, working, studying or completing chores at home, Martin’s programmes provided a familiar soundtrack.
“The Philippine radio industry mourns the loss of a legend,” Laila said, remembering him as a “Pilot of the Airwaves”.
Listeners Remember Voice of Their Childhood
Tributes quickly flooded social media as longtime listeners shared memories of growing up with Martin’s radio shows.
One fan wrote: “Rest in paradise, Martin D — one of my favorite radio DJs. I’ll miss hearing your voice on the radio.”
Another recalled hearing him while travelling to school in a service van and becoming a devoted listener of 101.9 WRR.
The fan remembered programmes including Request Express and the Saturday Top 20 Countdown, describing Martin as the “GOAT of WRR 101.9”.
“I’ll miss his voice and, of course, his sense of humor,” they added.
Another listener remembered tuning in every midday before going to school during their elementary years, when listeners could still call the station to make song requests.
“Rest well, Sir Martin D. You will be missed,” they wrote.
‘A Part of My Teenage Years’
For many fans, news of Martin’s death prompted memories of an era when radio played a much larger part in everyday entertainment.
One tribute came from a listener who grew up during the 1990s, before social media became dominant.
They said Martin was one of the familiar voices they remembered most clearly from those years.
Another said he had been the first DJ they truly loved listening to and remained a fixture throughout their school and college years.
“A legend among DJs,” the fan wrote. “He was a part of my teenage years.”
Martin’s family has yet to announce details of his funeral, but the reaction to his death makes clear the lasting impact his decades behind the microphone had on listeners.
For those who grew up hearing him on the radio, Martin D was far more than a broadcaster — he was a familiar voice woven into their daily lives.
