Veteran director Celso Ad Castillo dies at 69

Veteran film director Celso Ad Castillo who directed classic films "Ang Pinakamagandang Hayop sa Balat ng Lupa" and "Burlesk Queen" has died.

According to an ABS-CBNnews.com report, Castillo’s brother, John, said "the director had been battling a disease for some time now."  His remains will be brought to their family home in Siniloan town in Laguna, the report  said.

"The director also helped establish the careers of several actors and actresses including Fernando Poe Jr. and Vilma Santos-Recto," the report said. He was 69.

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