A non-profit archive of Cebu media history · Since 2004

Cebu’s first press freedom martyr

In brief

Antonio Abad Tormis (1916-1961), editor and columnist of The Republic News, is Cebu’s first press freedom martyr. He was gunned down in 1961 for what he wrote, and his killers were arrested and convicted. A statue and a Cebu City street now honor him.

What many of us didn’t know about the 1961 murder of Antonio Abad Tormis.

Pachico A. Seares

Tormis Statue

Marit S. Cabugon

Gunned down for what he wrote, his killers arrested, convicted


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Frequently asked questions
Who was Antonio Abad Tormis?

Antonio Abad Tormis (1916-1961) was the editor and a columnist of The Republic News in Cebu. He is remembered as Cebu’s first press freedom martyr.

Why was Tormis killed?

He was gunned down in 1961 for what he wrote as a journalist.

Were his killers punished?

Yes. The men behind his killing were arrested and convicted.

How is Tormis honored today?

A Cebu City street was named after him in 1966, and a Tormis statue was unveiled in Cebu City in 2022.