THE COLLEGE Editors Guild of the Philippines mourned the passing of veteran journalist and former National Union of Journalists of the Philippines president Jose Jaime ‘Nonoy’  Espina.

The Guild said Espina played a crucial role in fighting for genuine press freedom in the country.

“We will remember him as a determined journalist and a man of unbending principle: you never had any doubt about what he thought, what he believed, and what he stood for. He was substantial, consistent, and an impeccable man. And a good singer, too!” the group said.

The group admired Espina’s works which include coverages in communist insurgency and related issues of human rights, internal displacement and social justice.

The CEGP said it recognized the “insurmountable contributions” of Espina in professional journalism, unconditionally extending his responsibilities to serve and guide young campus journalists to fulfill the Guild’s dictum, “to write is already to choose.”

“CEGP extends its deepest sympathies and condolences to the families and friends of kuya Nonoy. We will always honor his legacy in ever wielding the might of an undaunted pen in defending our rights to the pursuit of truth and justice,” it said.

Espina was awarded the Gawad Marcelo H. Del Pilar, the highest citation given by CEGP to outstanding alumnus.