Former PH envoy to UN Lauro Baja Jr. passes away

MANILA - Former Ambassador Lauro Baja Jr. passed away February 8, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Monday.

 He was 86.

According to the Philippine News Agency, Baja’s nephew, Philippine Ambassador to Morocco Leslie Baja, confirmed that the former envoy to the United Nations died due to a heart attack. 

The older Baja served as the Philippines’ ambassador to various countries, including the United Nations from 2004 to 2006.

He was also a representative of the Philippines at various diplomatic conferences, including the Rome conference that established the International Criminal Court.

Baja was also part of the crafting of the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), and the Joint Declaration Against Terrorism of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The DFA on Monday said it will hold a necrological service for Baja on Tuesday, February 13, at the Bulwagang Apolinario Mabini at the DFA headquarters.

The Department of Foreign Affairs announces with profound sorrow the passing of an admired diplomat and devoted public servant, former Ambassador Lauro L. Baja, Jr. The Department pays tribute and offers prayers of strength to the bereaved family. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/f0Qr3qTTuV

— DFA Philippines 🇵🇭 (@DFAPHL) February 12, 2024