Manila Bulletin editor-in-chief Jun Icban dies at 85

Manila Bulletin editor-in-chief and publisher Crispulo Julio “Jun” Icban Jr died on Monday, April 5, at the age of 85.

The Manila Bulletin announced Icban’s death on Monday but did not disclose the his cause of death.

Icban served as press secretary under then-president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in 2010.

In a statement on Tuesday, April 6, Arroyo said that when Icban was her press secretary, “he showed his outstanding mettle not just in media affairs but in people management.”

Icban “was well-loved and respected by reporters and his peers,” Arroyo said.

“Jun was the embodiment of old school journalism, objective with an eye for detail and accuracy. He pursued truth and exacted and personified professionalism. The media industry has lost a bright star in the passing of Jun. He will be missed,” she added.

Icban was the Bulletin’s editor-in-chief for the past 18 years, and in 2020 was concurrently named its publisher. The Bulletin said he served the newspaper for 47 years.

“He will be missed. We have always looked up to him for his guidance in these times of transformation. The men and women of Manila Bulletin mourn the loss of a pillar in Philippine journalism,” said Manila Bulletin president and vice chairman, Dr Emilio Yap III.

Government officials, journalists, and friends paid tribute to Icban on social media, and expressed their sympathies to his family.

“He was a journalist for all seasons. His death is a very irreparable loss to the industry. He was soft spoken and totally respected for his kindness and took his job very professionally,” Senator Richard Gordon, Icban’s friend, said on Twitter.

Philippine Star reporter Paolo Romero, who was president of the Malacañang Press Corps when Icban was press secretary, said in a tweet: “He was humble despite his stature. Witty, self-effacing, with a good sense of humor.” – Rappler.com