Journalist Roberto ‘Bobby’ Burgos; 79

INQUIRER.net STOCK IMAGE

MANILA, Philippines — Veteran journalist and police reporter Roberto “Bobby” Gacusana Burgos passed away on Sept. 10 at his home in Baguio City after a lingering illness. He had just turned 79 on Aug. 26.

Prior to his retirement in Baguio City, Burgos wrote for the Manila Standard, the Manila Bulletin, the defunct DYHP-Philippine Herald Group, as well as Ang Pahayagang Malaya and We Forum—the last two founded by his brother, the late Jose G. Burgos Jr.

Burgos was president of the Philippine National Police Press Corps in the early 1990s and an official of the Defense Press Corps during the series of coup attempts against then-President Corazon Aquino.

He was also Baguio City bureau chief for the Journal Group of Publications from 1998-2001 and a lifetime member of the National Press Club.

He is survived by his wife, retired University of Santo Tomas professor Zenaida Cruz-Burgos, and journalist children Maria Rowena, who wrote for Malaya and the Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI); Raymond, who wrote for PDI, Manila Times, and the now-defunct Philippine News and Features; and Jonathan, who is based in Singapore and currently writes for Forbes Magazine.

Burgos is also survived by daughters-in-law Millette and Djamila and grandchildren Carlo Luigi, Robbie Michael, Marcia Alexis, Gabriel Robert, Leo Joubert, Raphael Raimond, and Sabrina Mae.

He is also survived by his other children Joseph, Yayi, Barbara Angela, Rosette, and Roan.

Details of his wake and funeral in Baguio City will follow.