David Licauco thanks fans for prayers following sleep apnea surgery

David Licauco just had surgery for sleep apnea, a disorder that causes one to stop breathing while asleep—and it was a success.

In a post on X, Sparkle GMA Artist Center handler Isabel Bulatao announced that the actor was undergoing operation on Monday, May 6. "David Licauco is undergoing his RFA Sleep Apnea procedure today," she wrote. "Your prayers for his safety and the success of the operation are greatly appreciated."

David replied to the tweet a few hours later and revealed he's finally done with it. He also thanked everyone for their prayers and well wishes. "Tapos na! Salamat sa lahat ng nag dasal po. I appreciate you all," he said, adding heart and praying emojis.

The local star revealed he was scheduled for operation for the sleep disorder in April, saying he opted for a minimally invasive surgery done via radio frequency. In this procedure, the physician "directs small amounts of radiofrequency heat energy into the muscle at the back of the tongue, subsequently shrinking and tightening the tongue tissues and creating more space for breathing."

David first opened up about his sleep disorder in February last year.

Health website Mayo Clinic refers to sleep apnea as a "potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts."

According to the United Kingdom National Health Service (NHS), symptoms of sleep apnea include breathing stopping and starting, making gasping/snorting/choking noises, waking up a lot, and loud snoring.

"Sleep apnea needs to be treated because it can lead to more serious problems," the NHS wrote on its website listing the following as examples: high blood pressure, stroke, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, depression or mood changes, motor vehicle collisions, and work-related injuries.

Aside from surgery, treatments can also include lifestyle changes, a CPAP machine, and a mandibular advancement device.