Francisca Susano, considered the oldest living Filipino, dies at 124

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 22) — Francisca Susano, who was believed to be the oldest living person in the Philippines and probably in the world, died on Monday at 124 years old, according to the local government of her hometown.

The city government of Kabankalan in Negros Occidental said Lola Iska, as she was affectionately called, died at around 6:45 p.m.

City public information officer Jake Carlyne Gonzales told CNN Philippines that the local health office has yet to determine the cause of death.

She said Susano will be tested for COVID-19 on Tuesday morning, although she added that the supercentenarian reportedly did not exhibit any symptoms of the viral illness before her passing.

Susano was born on Sept. 11, 1897, which was before the country became independent from Spanish rule.

As of September this year, Guinness World Records was still verifying the documents needed for her to be officially declared as the world's oldest living person.

In the same month, Senior Citizens Party-list Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes filed a resolution urging the House of Representatives to grant Susano a ₱1-million cash gift in recognition of her "monumental achievement" and to assist her and her family especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Details posted on the House website show the resolution remains pending with the committee on senior citizens.