ANGELES CITY -- Veteran journalist Ram Mercado, 80, a columnist of this paper, died Wednesday night, November 21, due to a lingering illness.
Mercado was undergoing a dialysis for his internal organ failure.
Mercado has been writing for SunStar Pampanga for 18 years, initially offering his opinion pieces on politics and a wide variety of interesting subjects pro bono.
Mercado's colleagues in the journalism profession mourn his death and extended their sympathy and condolences to his family.
“I will offer prayers for the eternal repose of the soul of Ram, good and loyal friend and; a competent, crafty and honest Kapampangan journalist. To his bereaved family, my deepest sympathy and profound condolences. Rest in peace now, Ram. I'm sure you enjoyed your journey in more ways than one, although, you encountered several challenges along the way,” Casiano A. Navarro, also a veteran journalist and one of Mercado's good friends, said.
Upon his request, Mercado's body was cremated immediately after his death.
Pampanga Press Club PPC President Diosdado Pangilinan said “God bless Tang Ram. Dakal a salamat keka. We will miss you.”