MANILA, Philippines – Urban poor leader Ronald Lumbao died of a heart attack, his wife confirmed to Rappler on Saturday, June 16.

He was 52.

According to Liza Fulgencio, Lumbao died on June 8. It was supposed to be their 25th wedding anniversary.

“Maraming kuwento kay Ronald. Maraming struggle pero nakakalungkot sa atake siya namatay (There are a lot of stories about Ronald. There were a lot of struggles but it’s sad that he died of a heart attack),” Fulgencio told Rappler.

His body was laid to rest on Friday, June 15, in Santa Rosa, Laguna.

Lumbao had always been an activist. He took up political science at the University of the East and was an active student leader. (READ: Master Agitator: Ronald Lumbao)

Growing up in the slums of Metro Manila, Lumbao lived with the poor and dealt with politicians. He spent years organizing and working with the urban poor.

Lumbao campaigned for the presidential bid of then Vice President Joseph Estrada. Lumbao headed the Philippine Movement Against Poverty which supported Estrada’s pro-poor policies.

When Estrada was ousted in 2001, Lumbao led the failed siege on Malacañang to oust President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. (READ: Remembering the Iglesia-led EDSA 3)

Lumbao was charged with rebellion following the May 1, 2001 siege on Malacañang, but was granted bail in 2003.

Before his death, Lumbao served as the head of San Juan City’s Urban Poor Affairs Office.

In a Facebook post, Senator JV Ejercito expressed his condolences and hailed Lumbao for fighting for the poor.

“Paalam, Ka Ronald Lumbao! Maraming salamat sa iyong pakikipaglaban sa masa. Hindi malilimutan ang ilang taong nating pakikibaka para sa masang Pilipino!” Ejercito said 

(Good bye, Ka Ronald Lumbao! Thank you for fighting for the masses. We won’t forget the years we fought for the Filipino masses!)– Rappler.com