Former Defense Secretary Fortunato Abat

MANILA - Former Defense Secretary and retired Army General Fortunato Abat has passed away on Wednesday night.

The Department of National Defense said Abat died 7 p.m. at the Veteran's Memorial Medical Center.

One of Abat's granddaughters confirmed the news on her social media account, saying her lolo died at age 92.

Abat was an Army General during the time of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

He also served as Ambassador to China before his appointment to the Defense department.

Abat served as Secretary of Defense during the time of former President Fidel V. Ramos.