Filipino political film star dies

Fernando Poe Jr, “Da King” of Philippine cinema who rallied millions of fans in a daring bid for the presidency earlier this year, has died after suffering a stroke and slipping into a coma.

Poe, 65, had earlier complained of dizziness while dining with friends at his suburban Manila film studio.

The actor was a hero to millions of poor Filipinos who embraced the fast-punching, straight-shooting underdog hero he typically played in more than 200 action films.

He also portrayed true-to-life heroes, including decorated policemen, and appeared in several World War II movies as a soldier or guerrilla fighting Japanese invaders.