Longtime jeepney driver and PISTON member Elmer Miralles Cordero, popularly known as “Tatay Elmer,” has died at the age of 78 on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, his family confirmed.
Cordero reportedly suffered a heart attack while participating in PISTON’s transport strike in Caloocan City last week. He was hospitalized on the first day of the strike.
In a Facebook post, his family said Cordero “touched so many lives with his kindness and love” and asked for prayers as they mourn his passing.
“Details for the memorial service will be shared soon,” the family said.
Cordero was also known as one of the “PISTON 6,” six jeepney drivers arrested for holding a demonstration during the COVID-19 pandemic in June 2020. The charges against the drivers were later dismissed.
His family said further details about his memorial service will be announced soon.
