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Romeo Gacad, multi-awarded Filipino photojournalist, passes away


Romeo Gacad, a multi-awarded Filipino photojournalist, has passed away. He was 62.

The news was confirmed to GMA News Online on Sunday by his daughter Sabrina, who said that Romeo succumbed to liver complications related to gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), a type of cancer.

According to the statement from Sabrina, her beloved father has been battling the disease since 2013, but he was "fearless and full of life" in facing the hardships.

"His commitment to his full health and healing came with creative flair, he held presence and gratitude for the many wonders of everyday life," it read.

Sabrina and the rest of the family also took the time to share a message to those who have been sending them support.

"We appreciate the space and privacy that you are granting our family as we navigate joy, love and grief, across time zones, online and offline," she said.

"Please continue sharing the tributes, anecdotes and memories that you may have of our dad, it gives us much comfort."

Gacad was one of Agence France-Presse's veteran photographers and editors for Southeast Asia. He was also a three-time nominee for the Pulitzer Prize.

His notable coverages include the Hang Kong's handover from the United Kingdom to China in 1997, America's war on Afghanistan in 2002, and the Iraq War in 2003.

Colleagues and friends who have sent their condolences to the veteran include Jamela Alindogan, Rio Almario, Gang Badoy Capati, and Joe Galvez. They spoke of how he delivered world-class journalism and served as inspiration for aspiring photojournalists worldwide.

GMA News pillar Howie Severino also penned a tribute to the late photojournalist, sharing a pair of photos from a shoot in Bataan back in 2009.

He wrote about a coverage they did in Basilan back in 2001 and how Romeo looked after his colleagues during a crossfire between the Abu Sayyaf and the military.

"Even then, he was considered the éminence grise of whatever group of journos in the field he was with. Maybe it was his goatee or his gentle, soft-spoken demeanor, but he had an air of wisdom about him, so when he said it was time to retreat to safety, that’s what we did," he said.

Rest in peace, Romeo Gacad.

—MGP, GMA News

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