by FFE PH News staff

Africa’s symbol of struggle against racial oppression Nelson Mandela has died in his Johannesburg home today at age 95.

The South African’s first black president had been battling pneumonia and other lung ailments the past six months and had been in and out of the hospital.

His passing is mourned by people around the world who were inspired by his peaceful negotiations to end racial segregation in his country. In the Philippines, local personalities took it to twitter to express their sadness over the Nobel Peace Prize winner’s death.

“Nelson Mandela embodied the unconquerable spirit and the healing power of forgiveness. His life inspires us to strive for a world where freedom, equality, tolerance and understanding reign. #RIPNelsonMandela,” Vice President Jejomar Binay said.

TV personality Bianca Gonzalez meanwhile tweeted a quote from the African leader.

 

“There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” #RIPMandela

— Bianca Gonzalez (@iamsuperbianca) December 6, 2013

Former senator Francis Pangilinan called Madiba as awe inspiring and remarkable.

Astonishing. Remarkable. Amazing. Awe inspiring. Uplifting. Incredible. Unbelievable. Mandela. Thank u for having walked this earth, Madiba. — Kiko Pangilinan (@kikopangilinan) December 6, 2013

Tweets from other Filipino personalities:

RIP Nelson Mandela. 1 of the great ones — Sonny Angara (@sonnyangara) December 6, 2013

If they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love. For love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite. #RIPNelsonMandela — Lauren Young (@loyoung) December 6, 2013

RIP Nelson Mandela… Truly you have helped change the world. — JV Ejercito (@jvejercito) December 6, 2013

May you rest in peace, dear Sir Mandela. http://t.co/6Y4qbhqDSN — Aiza Seguerra (@aizaseguerra) December 6, 2013

Thank you, Nelson Mandela. Well done. Well done. — carlosceldran (@carlosceldran) December 6, 2013

Rest In Peace Mr. Mandela. Your legacy will live on. #iconwhoinspiredtheworld http://t.co/qfLgOO7dDD — isko moreno (@iskomoreno) December 5, 2013

Meanwhile Filipino netizens also shared their thoughts in the passing of the admired statesman:

He may have died in the flesh but his acts of heroism will live in people’s hearts forever #RIPNelsonMandela — Ady Castueras (@AdyCastEX) December 6, 2013

My highest salute to Nelson Mandela. You truly are an inspiration. Your legend will live in our generation. — Nurse Alvin Dakis (@alvindakis) December 5, 2013

RIP Nelson Mandela. Another good man gone. Another angel in heaven.

— Donna Faye Alconera (@dfaalconera) December 5, 2013