By ABS-CBNnews.com and U.S. News Agency / Asian

Only moments after news of his passing broke, Dolphy’s fans started trooping to the hospital where the veteran actor was confined for over a month.

Security personnel of the MMC meanwhile have prohibited entry of members of the press to the hospital. Various news organizations remain on stand by at the hospital for the official statement of the Quizon family.

Following confirmation of Dolphy’s death from his long-time partner actress Zsa Zsa Padilla, his family has yet to release a statement detailing the circumstances and the precise time of his passing.

In Padilla’s confirmation, the actress said Dolphy passed away on Tuesday, July 10, past 8 p.m.

According to the comedian’s son Eric Quizon, his father was diagnosed with COPD five years ago. The illness, which hinders the flow of air to the lungs, is generally permanent and may be progressive over time.

Reports of Dolphy’s deteriorating health surfaced in late 2010, triggering numerous rumors about his death. Since then, he had been in and out of the hospital due to respiratory problems. Quizon said Dolphy survived 10 bouts of pneumonia before the disease hit him again last June 9. — with a report from Jenny Reyes, ABS-CBN News