ILOILO City – Journalist and former Iloilo Press Club (IPC) president Rommel Ynion died on Friday, two days after he posted on his social media account that he tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Ynion was the publisher of the defunct The News Today Iloilo. He wrote a column for Panay News, too.
Also a businessman, Ynion had two unsuccessful runs for public office – for mayor in 2013 and for city councilor in 2016.
He eventually ventured into farming in Batangas where he had a vast track of farmland.
Last year, Ynion reinvented himself as a music recording artist. One of his famous songs was “Sagwan” composed by renowned serial hit-maker Vehnee Saturno.
Friends and relatives mourned his sudden passing on social media. Businessman Joe Marie Agriam described Ynion as “a jolly man, highly intellectual, so generous and a sincere friend.”
Former city councilors Joshua Alim and Plaridel Nava expressed shock and sadness.
Journalist Limuel Celebria described Ynion as “a good friend, a generous human being.”
“It is sad to see you go, my friend. My heart bleeds for your children and loved ones in their time of grief. But go to your well-deserved rest in the arms of the Lord,” he added.
Marivic Mabilog, wife of former Iloilo City mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, also expressed her sadness.
“He wrote this song for his children, in collaboration with Vernee Saturno,” Marivic said, sharing a link of Ynion’s song “My Legacy”.
“This alone makes him a decent man. Rest in peace, Rommel. People outside our own circles may view us as adversaries, but both of us know that we share mutual respect for each other,” she said.
Marivic added: “You made a personal promise in 2013 and you kept it. I told you then that I was grateful. Reach for that light now, Rommel. God and His angels await you.”/PN
