MANILA, Philippines鈥擳he Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) is profoundly saddened by the loss of one of its long-time members, photojournalist Romeo Gacad of Agence France-Presse (AFP).
The consummate correspondent, Romy was a man of few words who let his images speak the truth. He always executed the perfect composition, whether in the battlefields or in life鈥檚 sprawling studio, earning him two Pulitzer Prize nominations along the way.
A mentor to many journalists, Romy taught invaluable lessons and offered a veteran鈥檚 insight, of slowing down and taking stock of the situation and reporting with care.
Always mindful that stories and pictures can change lives, Romy was exacting in his standards. He was humble, unassuming, and was the epitome of grace under pressure. While others chose to run, he carried on with measured and calculated steps.
We not only lost a great photojournalist in Romy. We also mourn a truly profound individual who offered sound advice to many younger comrades.
As we mourn his passing, let us remember his favorite greeting 鈥� 鈥淢abuhay ka!鈥� 鈥� and realize that there is much more to live for as we carry on chronicling the news.
In a statement, the Gacad family said Romy died on Oct. 30 at 6:14 p.m. due to complications from gastrointestinal cancer.
鈥淪ince 2013, he has been on a healing journey and managing a rare form of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) cancer,鈥� the family鈥檚 statement said.
鈥淚t metastasised to the liver in the past years,鈥� it said.
鈥淭he treatment has been a combination of medication, holistic approaches and the occasional embolisation to cut blood supply to the tumor,鈥� the statement said.
鈥淥ur dad enjoyed the care of incredible physicians and health and wellness professionals in Bangkok and Manila,鈥� it added.
The rest of the statement read:
鈥淢any know our dad for living a fearless and full life. He met the cancer challenge with the same inspiring energy鈥攈is commitment to his full health and healing came with creative flair, he held presence and gratitude for the many wonders of everyday life, and he shared meaningful relationships with friends and loved ones, all across Manila, Jakarta, Yangon, Bangkok.
On behalf of our family鈥攄ad鈥檚 siblings, the whole Gacad鈥擬aniquiz clan, and our mother, Nida鈥攚e thank you for celebrating our dad鈥檚 life with us. To our dad鈥檚 dear friends and colleagues in the press and across the world, we appreciate the space and privacy that you are granting our family as we navigate joy, love and grief, across timezones, online and offline. Please continue sharing the tributes, anecdotes and memories that you may have of our dad, it gives us much comfort.鈥�