MANILA — Aegis vocalist Mercy Sunot has passed away, the iconic band confirmed on Monday.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Mercy, one of the beloved vocalists of AEGIS Band. She bravely fought her battle with cancer but has now found peace and rest,” Aegis said on Facebook.
“Mercy’s voice wasn’t just a part of AEGIS—it was a voice that brought comfort, joy, and strength to so many. She has touched countless lives, inspiring fans and lifting spirits with every song she sang. Her passion, warmth, and unforgettable presence on stage will forever be cherished in our hearts,” it added.
Mercy was in California, US to undergo treatment for her Stage 4 breast cancer and lung cancer.
In her last Tiktok video, Mercy shared that she underwent lung operation and was in intensive care after she had difficulty in breathing.
“Tapos na yung surgery ko sa lungs. Pero biglang nahirapan akong huminga, so dinala ako sa ICU. May tubig, may inflammation sa lungs ko so ginagawan na nila ng paraan,” she said.
She revealed in the same Tiktok video that doctors gave her steroids to help her breathe.
“Ipag-pray nyo ko please para matapos na itong pagsubok na ito. Pag-pray niyo ako” Mercy said in tears while lying in her hospital bed.
Last November 8, Mercy attended veteran singer Eva Eugenio’s show in Hayward, California. Mercy was not part of the event but when the show ended, the audience requested that she sing a few songs as a special treat, after which she received gifts.
At that time, she told ABS-CBN News that she had been in the US for seven months and was responding well to her chemotherapy. She also mentioned that she was scheduled for a lung operation last November 12.
On November 16, Mercy said she requested to fly back to the Philippines, according to her California-based friend, but she was not given the green light because of her frail condition. The day after, she succumbed to multiple organ failure.
Aegis boasts a long list of hits that have become karaoke and videoke favorites, including “Halik,” “Basang-basa sa Ulan,” and “Luha.”
The band’s vocalists include Mercy and her sisters Juliet Sunot and Kris Sunot. (MJ Felipe, abs-cbn)