MANILA, Philippines—President Benigno Aquino III on Good Friday paid his last respects to television anchorman Angelo Castro Jr., who died on Thursday.
Castro, longtime anchor of the ABS-CBN newscast “The World Tonight” succumbed to lung cancer. He was 67.
“The President visited the wake of Angelo Castro Jr., late afternoon (on Good Friday) to personally pay his last respects,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said on Saturday.
Castro’s remains were cremated on Thursday afternoon and his ashes brought home to his residence in Quezon City, according to ABS-CBN. A necrological service will be held at the TV network this week.
Malacañang issued a statement paying tribute to the eloquent news anchor after he passed away at the St. Luke’s Medical Center, where he had been confined for pneumonia for the last three months. He was diagnosed with lung cancer five years ago.
“We mourn the passing of Angelo Castro Jr. For many years he was a calm and reassuring presence in the late evening news,” said Secretary Edwin Lacierda, President Aquino’s spokesperson, in a statement.
Closing of an era
“His passing marks the closing of an era of gentlemanly broadcasting, where erudition and dignity were the hallmarks of news and current affairs,” he added.
ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs Division chief Ging Reyes said Castro was “familiar to the public as the suave news anchor with a smooth delivery and calming presence in “The World Tonight.” But to those of us who knew him well, Angelo was an effective taskmaster, a creative thinker and an innovator.”
Reyes referred to Castro as the “creator” of the evening newscast “TV Patrol.” She added: “He was the show’s first producer and director when it was launched in 1987.”
“ABS-CBN is thankful for his contributions to media and many years of service as news anchor. We enjoin the public in praying for the eternal repose of his soul,” Bong Osorio said in a statement.
Castro is survived by his wife, June Keithley, their son Diego and other family members. With a report from Marinel R. Cruz