By Helen Castaño | 01:46 PM May 22, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY — Veteran Bohol journalist Ric Virador Obedencio passed away on Friday, May 22, at the age of 69, leaving the local media community in mourning.
His death was announced by his family and close friends through social media.
“On behalf of the Obedencio Family, it is with profound grief that I announce the passing of my father, Ric Obedencio this morning, May 22, 2026. Further details of his wake will be shared soon,” his daughter Hannah Obedencio-Anire said in a Facebook post.
According to colleagues, Obedencio was rushed to the hospital at around 4 a.m. and died about an hour later.
Obedencio was widely known in Bohol journalism circles for his decades of service as correspondent of The Freeman and The Philippine Star. He also served twice as president of the Bohol Tri-Media Association.
He was also editor of Bohol News Daily and columnist-reporter of Bohol Balita Daily News.
His passing sent shockwaves across the Bohol media community, with journalists, public officials, and friends paying tribute to his contributions to community journalism.
Gov. Aris Aumentado expressed his condolences to the bereaved family, recalling Obedencio’s dedication to delivering information to the public.
“Nakita nato ang iyang mga pagkugi nga mahatod sa katawhan ang mga balita nga angayan nilang mahibaw-an, mao nga kita nasagmuyo niining balita sa iyang kamatayon,” Aumentado said.
Alexie Besas-Tutor said she was shocked by the news, having met Obedencio during a town fiesta celebration last Wednesday.
“Rest in peace Ric. We know you’ve been through a lot. Gikan pa sauna nakong tamak sa politika, you are one of the few journalists I’ve met nga kamao gyud mo sulat ug balita,” she said.
ABS-CBN journalist Annie Perez-Gallardo described Obedencio as “a pillar” in Bohol journalism.
“Bohol lost a gem today. He was a pillar, a strong foundation, the most passionate in community journalism. Gone too soon Sir Ric Obedencio. Rest in power,” Perez-Gallardo said.
Leo Udtohan, correspondent of the Philippine Daily Inquirer and GMA News, shared that his recent meeting with Obedencio last Wednesday would now be remembered as their final encounter.
“We spent years sharing the same roads, stories, press conferences, and quiet coffee moments in between deadlines. Somehow, the work became friendship, and the ordinary days became memories,” Udtohan said.
“Looking back now, it is the simple things I remember most — the conversations, the laughter, the coffee, and the comfort of familiar company,” he added.
Dave Charles Responte of dyTR said Obedencio was a mentor to many young reporters.
“Ric taught us how to tell Bohol’s stories with truth and heart. While his voice will be deeply missed in the press room, the lessons he taught us and the standards he set will stay with us forever,” Responte said.
Veteran broadcaster Ted Ayeng said Obedencio’s passing would leave a lasting impact on local journalism.
“Ric belonged to the old school that believed in ethics and truth in journalism and reporting,” Ayeng said.
Obedencio was regarded by many colleagues as one of Bohol’s most respected community journalists whose work spanned decades of covering politics, governance, and grassroots stories in the province.
