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Radio man who interviewed hostage-taker live during 2010 Manila crisis passes away

Article (news)

Dennis Datu

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA — Radio broadcaster Michael Rogas, known for interviewing the hostage-taker during the Manila hostage crisis 14 years ago, has died.</p><p>According to Arjean Gonzaga, Rogas’ domestic partner, the radio reporter passed away early Thursday morning, May 22, at the East Avenue Medical Center in Quezon City.</p><p>Rogas, 44, was a reporter and anchor for state-run Radyo Pilipinas, which remembered him as the &quot;Pambansang Ninong&quot; (Everyone&#x27;s Godfather) and said his dedication to reporting and to public service is an inspiration.</p><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fradyopilipinas1%2Fposts%2Fpfbid05uJ8n7rwYd7odPprurd7Ed6x2z3j6j8LfhCZanQqCwFT3zE6a4SLTBmgZfPTXjxCl&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="716" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br/></div><p>Rogas was a candidate for municipal councilor of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro in the last elections and collapsed at a campaign rally on May 8.</p><p>Rogas was rushed to a hospital in Calapan City and later transferred to EAMC.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>2010 HOSTAGE CRISIS</strong></div><p>Rogas was with radio station RMN DZXL when a dismissed police officer took a bus of Hong Kong tourists hostage at the Quirino Grandstand in August 2010.</p><p>He conducted a live phone interview with hostage-taker Rolando Mendoza, which became controversial because it kept police negotiators from reaching the disgruntled former cop.</p><p>The hostage-taking led to the deaths of nine people — including Mendoza — and left seven other seriously injured.</p><p>It also spurred a Senate investigation and prompted newsrooms to review protocols on coverage of ongoing police operations.  </p><p>Rogas’ remains are currently at St. Peter Chapels in Antipolo City.</p><p>They will be brought to San Jose, Occidental Mindoro on Monday before Rogas is laid to rest in Calintaan town.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Cb2Arc6GSUY?si=MitZWCMofmppU3cH" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

<p>Radio broadcaster Michael Rogas, known for interviewing the hostage-taker during the Manila hostage crisis 14 years ago, has died.</p>

Radio broadcaster Michael Rogas, known for interviewing the hostage-taker during the Manila hostage crisis 14 years ago, has died.

Veteran radio broadcast Michael Rogas passes away

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Veteran radio broadcast Michael Rogas passes away

Dennis Datu,

ABS-CBN News

Published May 25, 2025 02:14 PM PHT

|

Updated May 25, 2025 03:40 PM PHT

Read More:

Michael Rogas

Radio reporter

Manila hostage crisis

Hongkong tourist

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