Veteran newsman Ruther D. Batuigas writes 30

MANILA, Philippines – Veteran newsman Ruther D. Batuigas has passed away at age 80 due to organ failure and diabetes, his nephew confirmed Thursday.

In a Facebook post, Bernardo Batuigas shared an emotional message for his uncle.

“Nonoy/uncle/Idol, Ruther D. Batuigas, Pulungyot nga Puting bulaklak ang gin palibot ko sa imo dahil pinalangga mo ako noon hanggang sa mapugto ang ginhawa mo. Mahal kita sampu ng aking pamilya alam mo ‘yan. Maraming-maraming Salamat sa lahat ng gabay mo sa akin,” Bernardo wrote.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=771378626544159&set=a.151626481852713&type=3&theater

Bernardo told INQUIRER.net his uncle died around 11 a.m. December 5 at Las Piñas Doctor’s Hospital. He said Ruther had been confined in the hospital since November 8.

An article from The Correspondent said Ruther served 24 years in several Manila newspapers and was a known columnist of widely circulated tabloid, Tempo.

Bernardo said his uncle’s wake is at Loyola Memorial Chapel in Parañaque City.

A mass for Ruther will be held on Saturday at 6 p.m. while his inurnment will be on Sunday at 1 p.m., he added.  /kga