Police, media corps mourn veteran reporter’s passing

Philippine National Police chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. expressed his condolences Thursday following the death of veteran journalist Edwin Balasa, an Abante reporter and officer of the PNP Press Corps.

In a statement, Nartatez remembered Balasa as a valued member of the police media community who contributed significantly to public information coverage.

Before starting a press briefing at national police headquarters on Thursday, PNP spokesperson Col. Allen Rae Co led reporters in observing a moment of silence and extended the agency’s deepest sympathies to Balasa’s family and colleagues.

Balasa, who reported for Abante Radio and served as auditor of the PNP Press Corps at National Headquarters, was widely recognized by peers as a mentor to young reporters covering the law enforcement beat.

Former PNP spokesperson and current Western Visayas Police Regional Director Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño praised Balasa’s dedication, noting his vital role in informing the public on police operations and community safety.

Undersecretary Benjamin Acorda Jr., executive director of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission and former PNP chief, recalled his working relationship with Balasa, describing him as a dedicated journalist committed to balanced reporting.