Crispin Martinez, 84

VETERAN JOURNALIST Crispin Martinez, former Daily Tribune executive editor, passed away November 15. He was 84.

Martinez had been in the industry for more than 50 years and worked for the Philippines Free Press, Manila Times, Evening News, Manila Chronicle, Evening Post, We Forum, Philippine Star, Morning Free Press, Bagong Diyaryo Express and People’s Journal in various capacities.

In 1981, Martinez joined We Forum, the only opposition paper during martial law.

Former President Ferdinand Marcos ordered the closure of We Forum after it reported on his supposed fake medals from World War II. Martinez was arrested along with his publisher Jose Burgos, the late Iloilo congressman Raul Gonzales, Francisco  “Soc” Rodrigo, Dean Armando Malay of the University of the Philippines, Joaquin  “Chino” Roces, former National Library director Ernesto Rodriguez and other personnel of the newspaper. According to Martinez, being arrested under martial law was a badge of honor.

“A salute to the old guard of the newspaper business is in order. May his tribe increase,” the Tribune wrote about Martinez.

His interment was in Cavite on November 20.