Dili, June 23, 2026(Media Democracia) – Former President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and current President of FRETILIN Party, Francisco Guterres “Lú-Olo”, arrived at Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport, Komoro, Dili, on an Aero Dili flight on Tuesday (23/06) at 06:35 OTL.
According to Media Democracia’s observation, the deceased body salutations was received directly by the Government of Timor-Leste, family, and relevant entities with a military parade ceremony before being transferred to his late residence in Farol, Dili.
Former President Francisco Guterres “Lú-Olo” was accompanied by his wife, Dona Cidália Lopes Nobre Mouzinho Guterres, and his four children: Francisco Cidálio Nobre, Nobrezino Guterres, Sam, and Dália Luliana Nobre Guterres. Also present was FRETILIN Party Secretary-General, Mari Bin Amude Alkatiri, who accompanied the family during the journey from Malaysia to Timor-Leste.
During the process of lowering the body from the aircraft, Interim Prime Minister Mariano Assanami Sabino accompanied a ceremony where 10 soldiers carried the casket to the military parade area, and handed it over to 8 soldiers to continue the official ceremony before the body was placed in the F-FDTL funeral vehicle prepared by the Government.
At Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport, the late salutations was also received directly by extended family, representatives of the President of the Republic, Chief of the Civil House, former Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak, members of the Government, deputies, Lieutenant-General Falur Rate Laek, Lere Anan Timur, veterans, FRETILIN Party supporters, and the public.
The airport was filled with emotion and sadness. Many people with tears received salutations Francisco Guterres “Lú-Olo” as a national leader who dedicated his life to the liberation struggle and development of Timor-Leste.
Salutations passed away at Prince Court Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Sunday, 21 June 2026, at 23:15 Malaysia time, while undergoing intensive medical treatment.
During the transfer from the airport to the Farol residence, many community members, students, and public servants gathered along the road from Rotunda Presidente Nicolau Lobato to Farol to pay their final respects and condolences to this historic leader.
The people of Timor-Leste feel a great loss because salutations Francisco Guterres “Lú-Olo” was not only a political leader, but also someone who served the nation since the time of the struggle for independence, during the period of self-governance and full independence. Throughout his political career, he held important positions such as President of the Constituent Assembly, President of the National Parliament, and President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste.
When the body arrived at the Farol residence, family received it with traditional rituals and prayers led by his younger brother, Domingos Guterres, before placing the body in the prepared place.
According to the official program published by the Government, family, and FRETILIN Party, state institutions, religious leaders, Former Holders of Sovereign Organs, Members of Government, the Diplomatic Corps, and other guests will pay their final respects to salutations Francisco Guterres “Lú-Olo” during the wake period.
Reporting: Tomás dos Santos
Photo: Nelson Ferreira