DJ Martin D of MOR passes away at 56

MANILA, Philippines – DJ Martin D., a veteran radio personality and one of the pioneering voices of MOR 101.9, has passed away at the age of 56.

Photo courtesy: Yey Carteciano

His family announced his passing on Facebook on Sunday morning, September 27.

“With deep sadness, we announce that our Papa, Mr. DJ Martin D., passed away this morning,” his daughter Yey Carteciano said in the family’s statement.

The family said they are still processing the painful loss while expressing gratitude to everyone who reached out, offered prayers and extended their condolences.

“We are still trying to process this painful loss, but we want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has reached out, offered prayers, and extended their sympathy,” the family said.

The family added that they are finalizing the arrangements and will share details of his wake once available.

The cause of his death was not immediately disclosed.

In a Facebook comment last year, DJ Martin D. had spoken about health challenges he experienced over the years, including a stroke in July 2018 and pleural effusion in November 2023.

He also said he had become more mindful of his food intake following those health concerns and assured a netizen that he was doing better.

Following news of his passing, fellow DJ and longtime friend Laila Chikadora paid tribute to Martin D., recalling how his voice became part of the daily lives of many Filipinos.

“Hindi ka lang naging DJ sa radyo; naging kaibigan ka sa bawat tahanan at sasakyan na naabot ng boses mo,” Laila wrote.

She also described Martin D. as a pillar of the Philippine radio industry and mourned the loss of their longtime colleague and friend.

DJ Martin D. joined the station in 1996, when it was still known as WRR 101.9 For Life, and became one of its pioneering voices.

The station, which later became MOR 101.9 For Life, was his radio home for two decades before the network’s terrestrial radio operations ended in 2020.

— The Summit Express